CTA Code of Conduct

1. Purpose and Scope

1.1 This Code of Conduct sets out the standards of ethical, professional, and compliant behaviour expected of all CTA Members. 

1.2 This Code applies to all CTA Members, including businesses and organisations involved in the legal cannabis industry. 

1.3 Compliance with this Code is a condition of membership. Breaches may result in disciplinary action, including suspension or termination of membership. 

2. Professional Integrity

2.1 Members must conduct their business with honesty, integrity, and transparency. 

2.2 Misleading advertising, false claims, and deceptive practices are prohibited. 

2.3 Members must ensure all marketing and promotional materials comply with UK laws and regulations, in alignment with the laws of the country in which they operate. 

3. Compliance with Laws and Regulation

3.1 Members must comply with all relevant UK laws, regulations, and sector guidelines pertaining to the cannabis industry. 

3.2 Members must ensure all products meet applicable legal standards for safety, quality, and efficacy. 

4. Consumer Protection

4.1 Members must prioritise the health and safety of consumers. 

4.2 Members must provide clear, accurate, and comprehensive information to consumers about product usage, benefits, and potential risks. 

4.3 Members must handle consumer complaints and queries promptly and fairly. 

5. Product Quality and Safety

5.1 Members must implement rigorous quality control measures to ensure product safety and consistency. 

5.2 Where applicable, products must be tested by accredited laboratories for contaminants and potency, with results made available to consumers. 

6. Environmental Responsibility

6.1 Members must strive to minimise their environmental impact through sustainable practices. 

6.2 Waste management and recycling protocols should be in place to reduce environmental footprint. 

7. Ethical Sourcing and Fair Trade

7.1 Members must ensure raw materials and products are sourced ethically and sustainably. 

7.2 Members must adhere to fair trade principles, including fair compensation and safe working conditions throughout the supply chain. 

8. Confidentiality and Data Protection

8.1 Members must respect confidentiality of sensitive information related to consumers, clients, and business partners. 

8.2 All personal and sensitive data must be handled in accordance with the UK GDPR and related data protection legislation. 

9. Training and Education

9.1 Members must ensure employees and stakeholders receive appropriate training on compliance, product knowledge, and industry best practice. 

9.2 Members shall complete CTA-provided basic training programmes covering key topics including:

• UK cannabis laws and regulations or in alignment with the laws of the country in which they operate.
• Ethical business practices and professional integrity
• Quality control and product safety
• Consumer protection and complaints handling
• Environmental sustainability in the cannabis industry. 

10. Disciplinary Procedures

10.1 Any Member found to be in breach of this Code will be subject to CTA disciplinary procedures, which may include suspension or termination of membership. 

10.2 Complaints about Member conduct should be reported to the CTA for investigation to: [email protected]

11. Review and Amendment

11.1 This Code of Conduct will be reviewed annually and updated to reflect changes in law, regulation, or industry standards. 

11.2 Members will be notified of any updates and are expected to comply with the latest version. 

12. Acknowledgement

By maintaining membership of the Cannabis Trades Association, Members agree to uphold this Code of Conduct and to conduct their operations ethically, transparently, and in compliance with applicable law.