The Reason SOP’s Don’t work
Ahhh, the Infamous SOP: Friend or Foe?
The Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) has become a staple in many industries, including cannabis extraction. When crafted properly, it can be a helpful starting point. However, more often than not, I hear stories of how SOPs can cause more harm than good.
Here’s a familiar tale: A company pays for an SOP—a document or packet outlining the steps to achieve a specific outcome. The idea sounds great in theory. Imagine all your problems solved with a single sheet of paper!
Now, if we’re talking about an SOP for something straightforward, like boiling water, it might be reliable. But for cannabis extraction? That’s a different story. The issue with most SOPs is their rigidity—they’re written to provide specific instructions for processing extracts or achieving a particular product. This approach assumes consistency, but we all know that’s rarely the case.
The Problem with One-Size-Fits-All SOPs
In cannabis extraction, no two batches of biomass are identical. Variances are inevitable, even with the most skilled cultivators. Maybe the product wasn’t fully dried. Perhaps it wasn’t stored in a freezer. Your solvent could be contaminated, or environmental factors like humidity could change. These variables are often beyond the lab’s control, yet they significantly impact the extraction process.
An SOP developed under one set of conditions becomes obsolete when those conditions change. This is where many labs go wrong—they rely too heavily on static instructions without accounting for the dynamic nature of cannabis extraction.
The Right Way to Approach SOPs
Let’s be clear: I’m not here to bash SOPs. They’re a valuable tool for keeping teams organized and establishing standards across departments. But you shouldn’t build your business model around a document written by someone who isn’t intimately familiar with your lab’s day-to-day operations.
The best SOPs are developed in-house by the people who are in the trenches every day. Your team knows the intricacies of your operation better than anyone else. However, to create effective SOPs, your team needs more than just a few successful extractions under their belt. They need to feel confident and in control, capable of adapting to changes as they occur.
The Key to Success: Fundamentals
So, how do you achieve this level of confidence? Simple: Understand the fundamentals of extraction and post-processing.
At our classes and private consultations, we always start with the basics. We’re fortunate to live in a time when those who came before us have already figured out many of the techniques and procedures we use today. The answers are out there—you just have to look.
Why Fundamentals Matter
There’s no better feeling in the lab than knowing exactly what’s happening and why. When you understand the fundamentals, unexpected challenges become opportunities to pivot and succeed. Guesswork is eliminated. Self-doubt disappears because you already have the answers. Problems are easily corrected, and high-quality products are produced with ease.
Invest in your team’s knowledge and watch your operation thrive. SOPs are tools, not solutions. The real solution lies in mastering the craft and empowering your team to adapt and excel.
Ready to take your lab operations to the next level? At Top Secret Workshop, we specialize in consulting and custom SOP development tailored to your unique needs. Our team works closely with you to ensure your processes are efficient, adaptable, and grounded in a solid understanding of the fundamentals.
Don’t settle for cookie-cutter solutions. Work with experts who understand the nuances of cannabis extraction. Contact us today to schedule a consultation and let’s build something extraordinary together!
