The Psychedelic Standards Organization (PSO) in association with ASTM have begun the process of establishing a set of global “Voluntary Consensus Standards for Beneficial Mushrooms”. We are working diligently to involve stakeholders from industry and the public sector to establish standards to protect the public and to promote safe, consistent and effective products.
Voluntary Consensus Standards
- PSO is using ASTM’s proven methodologies to create a set of global standards which are being established in a collaborative environment by professionals from both the public and private sectors. PSO is bringing together all parties who have an interest in participating in the development and/or use of the standards.
- The process is designed to provide increased incentive for universal compliance rather than reliance on recommendations, guidelines, or best practices.
- The standards developed through this process will meet the qualifications of Accrediting Standards Bodies:
- The main principals that guide the voluntary consensus process are as follows:
(i.) Openness.
(ii.) Balance of Interest
(iii.) Due Process.
(iv.) Appeals Process
(v.) Consensus
Some examples of Voluntary Consensus Standards are:
- Product-Based Standards (examples: car airbags, washing machines, bank cards)
- Construction Standards for buildings and systems in the built environment (examples: building, electrical, and plumbing codes)
- Performance-Based Standards (examples: toy safety, greenhouse gas emissions, food safety)
- Management System Standards (examples: ISO 9000 and ISO 14000 Quality and Environmental Management Systems)
- Personnel Certification Standards (examples: cyber-risk technicians, food handlers, financial planners crane operators)
Industry Standards
These standards are traditionally established by the private-sector bodies, such as industry associations.
- Available for use by any person or organization, private or government.
- Often referred to as “De Facto” or “Ad Hoc” standards.
- Become standard because the practice is commonly used, not because it has been officially approved by a recognized body or agency.
- De Facto standards are often determined by the marketplace before accredited standards have been developed.
- Do not necessarily adhere to full consensus process.
Consortia Standards
Established with limited participation by businesses agreeing to work together.
- Coordinate standard-related research and development (“R&D”).
- Often require a significant financial contribution as a condition of participation.
- Generally done to streamline standard development and reduce costs by eliminating wasteful R&D duplication and settling conflicts of interest prior to formal standardization
Regulatory Standards
Established or adopted by government or regulatory agencies by utilizing a previous standard and making it a requirement.
- Commonly referred to as “Regulations” by a regulatory agency.
- Compliance is required for legal operation since carries the force of the law.
- Often accompanied by enforcement activity.
- Because a regulation prescribes a practice with which every business must comply, it is usually the minimum floor below which no legal operation should operate.