Cannabis Operators Turn to Ganjier Program to Educate Employees

nacbcomdev on July 26, 2024

SACRAMENTO, CA — As the cannabis industry continues to evolve, operators are increasingly turning to the Ganjier program to enhance employee education and expertise. The Ganjier Product Specialist program offers comprehensive training through online courses, live training sessions, and in-person examinations, equipping employees with the knowledge needed to elevate customer experiences in dispensaries.

Modeled after sommelier training in the wine industry, the Ganjier program aims to create a new class of cannabis professionals capable of assessing quality and guiding consumers in their product choices. “Every other epicurean field has long had trained professionals that assess quality and guide consumers. That simply didn’t exist in cannabis before Ganjier,” stated Derek Gilman, Managing Director of Ganjier.

Comprehensive Training Approach

The Ganjier program encompasses a variety of educational formats, including:

  • Online Courses: Participants can access modules covering cannabis quality assessment, customer interaction protocols, and the sensory evaluation of cannabis products.
  • Live Training: Conducted at the Ganjier campus in Humboldt County, California, these sessions provide hands-on experience with industry experts known as the Ganjier Council. Students engage in practical assessments of cannabis quality, learning to evaluate products based on aroma, appearance, flavor, and effect.
  • In-Person Exams: Graduates must demonstrate proficiency through rigorous examinations, including a written test, service exam, and assessment exam, ensuring they are well-prepared to serve consumers effectively.

Industry Impact

With nearly 300 certified Ganjiers worldwide, the program is rapidly gaining recognition as a vital resource for cannabis operators. The diverse student body includes multigenerational craft cultivators, budtenders, retail managers, and even former athletes like Ricky Williams, who praised the program for enhancing his understanding of cannabis quality.

“Ganjier has provided me with the necessary tools to bring these principles to life in my teaching and experiences,” said Dharshini Casinathen, a Certified Ganjier and owner of Joy Leaf NJ.

Elevating Standards

The Ganjier program not only empowers employees but also aims to elevate industry standards across the board. By training a new generation of cannabis professionals, the program addresses the growing demand for knowledgeable staff in dispensaries, ensuring consumers receive informed guidance when selecting products.

As the cannabis landscape continues to expand, the Ganjier program stands out as a pioneering initiative shaping the future of cannabis education and consumer experience. With plans for future classes and advanced training opportunities, Ganjier is poised to play a crucial role in the ongoing development of the cannabis industry.

Majority of New York Medical Marijuana Patients Report Reduced Opioid Use

nacbcomdev on July 26, 2024

NEW YORK, NY — A recent survey by the New York State Department of Health reveals that a significant portion of medical marijuana patients in the state have reduced their use of prescription opioids and other medications since initiating cannabis treatment. This finding underscores the potential of medical marijuana as an alternative to opioids for pain management.

The survey, which encompassed responses from over 10,000 participants in the New
York Medical Marijuana Program, highlights that:

  • 66% of patients reported a specific reduction in their reliance on prescription opioids for pain relief.
  • Two-thirds of patients overall indicated that cannabis has led to a decrease in their use of prescription opioids and other drugs.

These results corroborate previous studies suggesting that access to medical marijuana may contribute to reduced opioid prescribing and lower overdose rates. In 2018, the New York State Department of Health added opioid use disorder as a qualifying condition for medical marijuana, citing research that demonstrated cannabis’s potential to mitigate opioid use.

“Research indicates that marijuana can reduce opioid consumption. By including opioid use as a qualifying condition for medical marijuana, we aim to save countless lives across New York State,” stated Dr. Howard Zucker, New York State Health Commissioner, in the 2018 announcement.

With over 124,000 patients certified and more than 3,500 clinicians registered as medical cannabis providers as of February 2022, the New York Medical Marijuana Program is expanding steadily. The survey’s findings emphasize the importance of broadening access to medical cannabis as part of a harm reduction strategy in the ongoing opioid crisis.

“It is crucial that both practitioners and patients have access to diverse alternatives to opioids,” remarked Assembly Health Committee Chair Richard N. Gottfried. “Evidence from across the nation indicates that medical marijuana for pain management significantly reduces the use of more dangerous opioids.”

As New York’s medical marijuana program continues to evolve, further research is
essential to fully understand the dynamics between cannabis use and opioid dependency.
However, the patient-reported data from this survey offers promising real-world evidence
of marijuana’s potential to alleviate opioid dependence and reduce overdose risks.

California Cannabis Operators Pivot to Comply with New Vape Law

nacbcomdev on July 26, 2024

SACRAMENTO, CA — California’s cannabis industry is undergoing significant changes as operators adapt to a new vape law that took effect on July 1, 2024. Aimed at enhancing environmental sustainability and consumer safety, the legislation prohibits the use of the term “disposable” in advertising and labeling for vape products, prompting brands and retailers to rethink their packaging and disposal practices.

Industry Response and Compliance Initiatives

In response to the new regulations, cannabis companies across the state are implementing various strategies to ensure compliance. Perfect Union, a Sacramento-based retailer with nine locations, is proactively educating customers about the proper disposal of vape products, emphasizing the need to treat them as hazardous waste rather than regular trash. Angelica Sanchez, the senior director of government affairs and compliance at Perfect Union, stated, “This initiative is crucial for promoting environmentally responsible practices among our customers.”

Industry Response and Compliance Initiatives

To facilitate proper disposal, Perfect Union is installing vape disposal boxes at all its stores, providing a convenient solution for customers looking to dispose of their used products safely.

Packaging Overhaul

Brands are also making significant adjustments to their packaging. Final Bell Holdings, a Los Angeles-based supply chain service provider, is assisting its clients in updating existing labels and creating new packaging that complies with the new law. CEO Jeremy Green highlighted the absence of dedicated recycling solutions for cannabis vaporization products, indicating a pressing need for industry-wide innovation.

Mammoth Distribution, which distributes the popular Heavy Hitters brand, aligned its product packaging months in advance to meet the new compliance standards. Wesley Hein, head of global brand expansion at Mammoth, noted that the company has been integrating the bill’s language into its marketing and educational materials to ensure clarity for consumers.

Sustainable Practices

In addition to compliance, many brands are focusing on sustainability. Pax Labs, a leading manufacturer of cannabis vaping devices, recently launched a vape device made from reclaimed and recycled ocean-bound plastic. Scott Collins, the senior director of hardware product and design at Pax Labs, emphasized the importance of responsible consumption and disposal, stating, “We are keen to see not just responsible consumption but responsible disposal as well.”

Challenges Ahead

While the new vape law represents a step toward improved sustainability in the cannabis industry, challenges remain regarding enforcement and consumer education. Experts, including cannabis attorney Paula Savchenko, have raised concerns about the Department of Cannabis Control’s ability to effectively enforce the new regulations amid ongoing issues in the marketplace.

As California continues to set the standard for environmental policy and sustainability initiatives, the cannabis industry’s response to this new vape law will likely serve as a model for other states considering similar legislation. The ongoing adaptation of operators highlights the commitment to creating a safer and more sustainable cannabis environment for all stakeholders involved.

California State Fair Makes History with On-Site Cannabis Sales and Consumption

nacbcomdev on July 26, 2024

SACRAMENTO, Calif. — The 2024 California State Fair has made history by becoming the first state sanctioned fair to permit on-site cannabis sales and consumption. This groundbreaking initiative, introduced at Cal Expo, integrates the burgeoning cannabis industry into one of California’s most cherished events.

A New Experience

Running until July 30, the fair features a dedicated cannabis consumption lounge, offering a novel experience for attendees aged 21 and older. Lauren Carpenter, founder and CEO of Embarc, a leading cannabis retailer involved in the initiative, remarked, “We’re literally making history at the California State Fair. This is the first time this has happened at any state fair in the world.”

This year marks the third consecutive appearance of a cannabis exhibit at the California State Fair, but it is the first to allow consumption. Visitors can access the cannabis consumption lounge through the “CA Cannabis Exhibit” in Building Six of the fair’s Exhibit Hall. Attendees must scan their IDs and navigate through an educational exhibit on the history of cannabis in California before entering the lounge.

Unique Offerings and Experience

Inside the lounge, guests can purchase cannabis-infused products such as CBD slushies and partake in interactive activities. The consumption area is designed to be distinct and separate from the main fairgrounds, ensuring that the event remains family-friendly.

Safety and Regulations

To ensure safety and regulatory compliance, all cannabis products consumed on-site must be purchased at the fair; outside cannabis is prohibited. Items must remain sealed when transported outside the designated consumption areas. Comprehensive security measures are in place to facilitate a smooth experience for all attendees.

“The consumption area is located well away from the main fair activities,” Carpenter explained. “We’ve collaborated for about a year with regulatory agencies and community stakeholders to design this space with the utmost sensitivity and appropriateness.”

Economic Impact

The integration of cannabis into the California State Fair highlights not only changing societal attitudes but also the economic potential of the cannabis market. Reports indicate that some attendees are spending upwards of $300 on cannabis products, underscoring the growing consumer interest in cannabis-infused goods

As the fair progresses, it sets a precedent for future events, signaling a shift toward the normalization of cannabis consumption in public spaces. The California State Fair’s decision to embrace cannabis represents a significant milestone in the evolving landscape of cannabis culture in the United States.

Hemp-Derived THC Beverage Boom Ignited by Legal Clause in Minnesota

nacbcomdev on July 26, 2024

MINNEAPOLIS, MN — A minor legal clause has ignited a significant boom in Minnesota’s hemp derived THC beverage market, revolutionizing consumer engagement with cannabis products. Following the passage of legislation in May 2022 permitting the sale of hemp-derived THC edibles and beverages in mainstream retail outlets, the state has witnessed an explosion in the availability and popularity of these products.

The new law, effective July 1, 2022, allows beverages containing up to 5 milligrams of THC per serving and a maximum of 10 milligrams per package to be sold without the stringent regulations typically associated with cannabis products. This legislative change has enabled breweries, taprooms, and retailers to serve THC-infused drinks alongside traditional alcoholic beverages, significantly altering Minnesota’s cannabis landscape.

Market Growth and Consumer Demand

Local businesses have responded overwhelmingly positively. Taprooms like Headflyer Brewing in northeast Minneapolis have eagerly embraced the opportunity to offer THC beverages on tap, allowing consumers to sample products in a social setting. “This move allows consumers more flexibility to sample and savor the beverages on-site, making it a more accessible option compared to buying a whole can,” said Dan Schnabel, taproom manager at Headflyer Brewing.

According to the Minnesota Department of Revenue, the state generated over $11.5 million in revenue from hemp-derived THC product sales between July and May of this year. The relaxed regulations have led to nearly 3,900 businesses selling hemp-derived goods by mid-June, with projections indicating that Minnesota could achieve annual cannabis sales nearing $1.5 billion by the end of the decade.

A New Era for Cannabis Beverages

The burgeoning market has attracted not only seasoned cannabis consumers but also new demographics, including non-smokers and older adults. Industry insiders report that the availability of low-dose THC beverages has helped demystify cannabis for many consumers, making it as accessible as purchasing alcohol.

Leili Fatehi, a partner at Blunt Strategies, noted, “It has exposed an entire state of consumers to the fact that they can purchase these products the same way they can purchase alcohol. And the sky hasn’t fallen.”

Future of Cannabis in Minnesota

As Minnesota prepares for the upcoming legalization of recreational marijuana sales, the state is well-positioned to leverage its existing hemp-derived THC market. The establishment of the Office of Cannabis Management and the ongoing development of regulatory frameworks will further shape the landscape for cannabis products in the state.

With the groundwork laid for a thriving market, Minnesota’s experience serves as a model for other states considering similar legislative changes. As interest in hemp-derived THC beverages continues to grow, the state is poised to lead the way in creating a regulated and accessible cannabis marketplace.

Stakeholders are optimistic about the future of cannabis in Minnesota, anticipating that the momentum generated by this legal clause will pave the way for continued innovation and growth in the industry.

We support industry stakeholders elevate the cannabis economy to its full socio-economic promise.

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