Rule 351-4-.04 - Propagation and Cultivation Operations(1) Propagation space shall be used for growing immature and non-flowering plants only. (a) Mother plants in this space shall not be utilized for harvest but for propagation only.(b) Immature or nonflowering plants in this space shall not be calculated in cultivation space.(c) Plant material located in the propagation space intended for harvest and production shall be entered in the Commission-approved tracking system.(2) All cultivation space shall be contained within the canopy as set forth in Code Sections 16-12-211(a)(1) and 16-12-212(a)(1). (a) Square footage of canopy shall be measured using clearly identifiable boundaries of all space(s) that will contain mature flowering plants at any point in time, including all space(s) within the boundaries;(b) The canopy may be noncontiguous, including vertical space, but each unique space included in the total canopy calculation shall be separated by an identifiable boundary that includes, but is not limited to, tables, benches, shelves, or interior walls;(c) If mature flowering plants are being cultivated using a shelving system, the surface area of each level shall be included in the total calculation of the canopy;(d) Canopy is measured starting from the outermost point of a plant on the perimeter of a dedicated growing space and continuing around the outside of all plants located within the dedicated growing space; and(e) This space shall be separate from the manufacturing space.(3) A production licensee shall submit to the Commission and its employees a list of any new plant strains and cultivars which will be propagated and/or cultivated at the premises at least ten (10) days prior to entry into the Commission-approved tracking system. The list shall be maintained at the premises during the term of the license contract and shall be provided upon request to the Commission or its employees.(4) All pesticides applied to plants shall be: (a) Certified organic as set forth in Code Sections 16-12-211(b)(6) and 16-12-212(b)(6);(b) Documented in a pesticide application log, which shall be maintained for a minimum of twelve (12) months, with the following information: 3. Location, bench, or growing chamber;5. Chemical name and active ingredient(s); and6. Name and employee identification number of pesticide applicator(s).(c) Stored separately from regulated cannabis, in a designated storage area, which shall have a door separating the secured area with locked access to provide authorized access only; and(d) Used in a manner consistent with the manufacturer's label.(5) All pesticides and other chemicals present on the premises not directly related to cultivation or propagation shall be securely stored in a designated area, separate from all regulated cannabis and all pesticides used for production.(6) A production licensee shall establish, maintain, and follow standard operating procedures for cultivation and propagation operations, which shall include: (a) Adherence to all recommended personal protective equipment guidelines utilized on the premises.(b) Sanitation procedures for: 1. The handling of infested or infected plant material prior to disposal;2. Growing space(s) between harvests; and3. Tools involved in the growth of plant material in all dedicated and/or separate cultivation or propagation spaces.(c) Storage procedures for:3. Growing media inputs; and4. Harvested regulated cannabis prior to being manufactured into products, which shall be: (i) Separated according to batch and appropriately labeled;(ii) Stored in a secure enclosed container;(iii) Located in designated, secure areas of the facility with secure electronic access required; and(iv) Maintained with adequate ventilation, climate, and humidity control.(d) A water management plan that includes: 1. Disposal of wastewater generated during the cultivation of regulated cannabis in a manner that complies with applicable local, state, and federal laws and regulations;3. Water recycling and re-treatment;4. Stormwater collection and greywater reclamation; and(e) An odor and air pollution reduction plan that may include the use and regular maintenance of: 1. Air filtration systems, both internal and exhaust, such as a high efficiency particulate air or carbon;3. Air purification systems;5. Internal air quality practices such as plastic door curtains or negative pressure;6. Odor neutralizers; and7. High intensity ultraviolet light.(f) A sensor system which detects when any gas, utilized in or emitted as a result of the production process, reaches an unsafe level and can signal an alert, if applicable.(g) The preventative measures designed to reduce the risk of transmission of: 3. Invasive alien species;4. Harmful biological agents; and5. Living modified organisms.(h) A plan for cultivation and propagation spaces to be routinely inspected by employees for pests and documented in a scouting log with the following information: 2. Location, bench, or growing chamber;4. Name and employee identification number of the scout(s).(7) The cultivation and propagation standard operating procedures shall be: (a) Maintained on the premises;(b) Provided to every owner and employee who performs a task, or set of tasks, that are referenced in the standard operating procedures and documentation of training;(c) Provided to the Commission or its employees upon request; and(d) Made available during an inspection by the Commission or its employees.Ga. Comp. R. & Regs. R. 351-4-.04
O.C.G.A. §§ 16-12-203, 16-12-210, 16-12-211, 16-12-212, 16-12-213.
Original Rule entitled "Propagation and Cultivation Operations" adopted. F. Mar. 16, 2023; eff. Apr. 5, 2023.