What is GRAS?

Many people are familiar with products that claim GRAS certification. What exactly does this acronym stand for, though, and how do manufacturers gain this certification?

What Does GRAS Stand For?

GRAS stands for “Generally Recognized as Safe.”

What does GRAS Apply To?

Food additives are the most common ingredients to receive GRAS certification. However, other ingredients meant for consumption, such as pharmaceutical compounds and cosmetic ingredients, can also attain approval as GRAS products. 

How to Get GRAS Approval

Ingredient manufacturers can acquire GRAS approval in one of two ways. 

Widely used Ingredients since 1958 with no reported ill effects are automatically designated GRAS. 

Attaining GRAS certification for new ingredients is a lengthier process. Scientists must first perform rigorous tests to ensure an ingredient’s safety. Then, a panel of third-party experts reviews the data to verify the results of the studies. Finally, manufacturers can report to the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to notify the organization that their ingredient complies with GRAS requirements. The FDA will review the evidence and, if everything is in order, will add the ingredient to its list of GRAS products. 

Can Cannabis Compounds be GRAS Certified?

Yes, cannabinoid compounds can attain GRAS certification. Quality assurance and certifications such as GRAS approval are essential in the cannabis industry, as these ingredients are not subject to external standards or a specific regulatory body. 

It can be slightly more challenging to attain GRAS certification for cannabinoid ingredients than other types of ingredients, as the legal landscape surrounding cannabis and cannabinoids can be murky. However, GRAS certification for cannabinoid ingredients is possible and should be a priority for any company that seeks to ensure the quality and safety of its cannabinoid ingredients. 

Synergy Life Science works hard to attain GRAS certification for all our products. All ingredients in our groundbreaking CannaSorb Actives and CannaSol Esters are GRAS-certified and manufactured in an FDA-audited facility. 

3 Benefits of GRAS Approval for Cannabis Ingredients

GRAS approval can benefit cannabinoid compound researchers in countless ways, but three primary advantages stand out. 

1. Ensure Cannabinoid Ingredient Safety with GRAS Approval

First and foremost, GRAS approval can ensure the safety and quality of novel cannabinoid ingredients. 

Because the cannabinoid industry is largely unregulated, manufacturers must assume responsibility for verifying the safety of the cannabis products they bring to market. Certifications and qualification processes, like GRAS, protect customers and ensure cannabinoid companies are producing the safest, highest-quality ingredients possible. 

2. GRAS Approval Inspires Consumer Trust

The lack of federal oversight can make it difficult for consumers to know which cannabinoid manufacturers and products they can trust. GRAS certification provides peace of mind and assurance to consumers, whether they seek highly bioavailable cannabis products or cosmetics containing cannabinoid ingredients. 

Using GRAS-certified cannabinoid products, like those manufactured by Synergy Life Science, is an excellent way to inspire trust in your customers and attract new consumers to your cosmetics or cannabinoid-infused food brand. 

3. Help Legitimize Cannabinoid Ingredient Research With GRAS Certification

Cannabis is a burgeoning industry, and there are relatively few cannabinoid ingredient companies performing cannabis research with the same level of care and rigor as Synergy Life Science. 

GRAS certification is an excellent way to legitimize the therapeutic potential of cannabinoid ingredients and demonstrate to consumers and clients alike that the industry is trustworthy and the ingredients are safe. At Synergy Life Science, we pursue certifications such as GRAS approval because we believe in the quality of our ingredients and want consumers to feel confident in the products our clients create. Partnering with cannabinoid research companies that make GRAS-certified products can boost your company’s profile and public perception, too. 

Where to Source GRAS Cannabinoid Compounds

Synergy Life Science is one of the leading suppliers of GRAS-certified cannabinoid ingredients and compounds. Our two signature lines of products, CannaSol and CannaSorb, are certified as GRAS and can be used in any consumable or topical cannabis formulation, from oil or water-based cannabinoid cosmetics to cannabis drinks. 

To learn more about our safe, tested, and GRAS-certified cannabinoid compounds, contact Synergy Life Science today. Our formulation specialists are standing by to answer your questions and help you begin formulating a safe, efficacious, and trusted cannabinoid product of your own.