The Lowdown on Low Dosing with Kristie Amobi

About the Author

Kristie Amobi

Kristie Amobi, Author of The Lowdown on Low Dosing

Kristie Amobi is an executive consultant working in the medical industry. Prior to consulting, Kristie served as VP of Marketing at Elekta, Inc., the second largest cancer treatment equipment and software manufacturer in the world. Kristie’s interest in cannabis stems from a positive personal experience. She is passionate about making sure people have accurate information about cannabis and understand how microdosing cannabis can be an alternative to prescription medicine and a substitute for alcohol. Kristie holds a BA in Human Biology from Stanford University, an MBA from Azusa Pacific University, and a professional certificate in Cannabis Science and Medicine from the University of Vermont.

Relax in a Controlled Way

Source: Giphy

I’m not entirely with the group who sings the praises of cannabis for everything, but I’m convinced it’s worth a second look in microdoses to help manage stress and insomnia with significantly fewer side effects in low doses.

Many people won’t take a serious look at cannabis because they only think it’s about smoking and getting high, or they’ve heard horror stories of an edible gone awry and don’t want to risk it. I’m here to change the narrative.

What is Microdosing?

So what exactly is microdosing cannabis?

Most dispensary operators will tell you that a low-dose product is around 10mg of THC per dose, but most new emerging cannabis consumers will experience quite a “high” with 10mg of THC per dose. This is important because you can easily be turned off from cannabis, or any supplement, if you have a negative experience.

I define a microdose product as one having 5mg of THC or less.

Start Low and Slow

 

That said, I always give the advice to start low and slow and by low and slow I mean LOW and SLOW! Start with a dose of no more than 2.5mg of THC. If taken after work via an oral consumption method (via tincture or edible, not smoking), the effects will definitely kick in slowly and over time and last several hours, producing a state of relaxation. Microdoses of cannabis can also be taken orally before bed and will produce more restful, longer lasting sleep.

The reason why this works is because of the way that your body process cannabis when it’s consumed orally. When you smoke cannabis, you get very sharp peaks and valleys. When you ingest (or eat) cannabis, it is processed by your liver in a much different way. The effects build gradually and last 6-8 hours.

As mentioned previously, low-dose options are also now available in more traditional methods of administration, such as liquid tinctures and capsules. These methods of administration make it incredibly easy to know exactly what you are getting and to precisely control the dose. Just like you know that the ibuprofen you are taking for that hangover is exactly 200mg. They also offer a lot of discretion! No smell! No smoking.

Try Microdosing as a Substitute for Alcohol – Just for a night!

Substituting alcohol for cannabis in small doses can have surprising effects!

I’m also convinced cannabis is a great substitute for alcohol. You don’t have to replace your alcohol consumption entirely to experience the benefits of cannabis. In low doses, people can reap many stress-reducing benefits of cannabis without experiencing any undesired side effects such as coordination issues, drowsiness, paranoia or appetite stimulation. And in low doses, there’s no “getting high.”

No Lethal Dose

Another important thing to note about cannabis, especially relative to alcohol and prescription medication for stress and sleep, is that there’s never been one lethal overdose of cannabis worldwide. Not one. 100,000 Americans die every year from adverse reactions to routine use of FDA-approved prescription drugs and more than 30,000 deaths from alcohol every year, not including alcohol-related accidents or homicides, which would increase that number to almost 90,000.

Product Recommendations

Petra Mints by Kiva

My favorite microdosing product in any category for price, quality, consistency and effect is Petra Mints by Kiva. Kiva designed Petra with low dosing and new cannabis consumers in mind. With 2.5mg of THC per mint, Petra offers a reliable way to get the relaxing benefits of THC without the disruptive psychoactive effects of THC in higher doses. I’m telling you… I have tried a lot of products. A lot, in six states, and these are by far my favorite. They are portable. Taste great. Discreet. Kiva offers two flavors: Moroccan Mint and Eucalyptus, and they are both great.

Peppermint Pastilles by Goodship

If you are living in the state of Washington and looking for *the best* low dosing product on the market, the Goodship Peppermint Pastilles are the ones for you! There is excellent value with 40 mints per box and only 2.5 mg of THC per mint so the dosing is perfect for new cannabis consumers looking for a replacement to their evening glass of wine, or just to take the edge off. Another thing I like about the Pastilles is the variety of flavors. My personal favorite is the peppermint but it also comes in tart cherry and lemon-lime. There are a few annoying packaging issues here but overall, I give these great accolades for flavor, consistency and effect.

Getting Started

After the initial success of the guide, I expanded our education materials to include videos, articles, and other resources, all gathered online at Rebalan.com.

I’m proud to be partnering with progressive companies like WebJoint to help spread the word.

If you would like to learn more, just visit our site. Enter your name and address so we can keep in touch with you in our newsletter (we won’t ever share your info) and you can easily download the guide now at: www.rebalan.com/guide.

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WebJoint x Dave Soko, CEO of SōKO Cannabis Creations & the SōKO Cannabis Ball

1. How did you initially get into the cannabis industry and how long have you been involved?

Dave Soko, CEO of SōKO Cannabis Creations

I’ve been in the cannabis industry for about 4 years now. Prior to this, I was in the fashion industry and started Florida Fashion Week in Miami and Naples. I also helped with establishing another company called Glamour and Glow, which featured blacklight body paint and a fashion show.

2. What’s the origin story of SōKo as a cannabis brand?

SōKO is rooted in fashion & cannabis, resulting in a luxurious look & feel.

The name Soko is my last name but the origin of the brand originally came from wanting to create a luxury lifestyle brand. Social Responsibility is one of SōKo’s core values and is the base of the brand’s identity. We recognize that the philosophy of “sustainable value” is at the heart of our management policies and our corporate conduct. This means that we have implemented a process to integrate social, environmental, ethical, human rights and consumer concerns into our business operations. Our business model is designed to provide our customers with the highest quality products, made entirely in California in a responsible manner.

3. Where would you like to see SōKo in 3 years?

SōKO Cannabis Creations offers a wide variety of CBD products in the SōKO Culinary Line

We just launched our SōKO CBD line in Ireland, Scotland, and England so continuing the brand’s vision not just in the U.S. but also globally. Global and nation-wide expansion is our focus for the next 3 years. We are starting to produce the SōKo Cannabis Ball in Miami and Las Vegas and will even host a SōKO Ball in New York City sometime within the next year or so. Our hemp clothing Swimwear line is ready to launch at the upcoming Cannabis Ball in San Diego. Partnering with the right people to advance our vision is pertinent to the success and delivery of our products to the public.

4. What is the best-selling product in SōKo’s lineup?

This is a hard one to answer because the cooking line, chocolates, and vapes are all very popular. Our topical line probably has the most interest due to its medicinal benefits.

SōKO’s vaporizer line takes a luxurious approach to packaging and cultivating consumers’ desired effect.

5. Ideally, who is the primary target audience for SōKo products? And how have you “tapped” into this ideal audience?

SōKO takes aim at a multiplicity of demographics while educating the everyday consumer with educational pieces such as this one.

Female millennials to older generation men all appreciate the brand. We are a top-shelf brand which means it is more expensive than others. However, since all of our products are organic and GMO certified, it means that they are more expensive to produce higher-end SōKO products. Our packaging definitely attracts a consumer who appreciates high-class products.

6. What has been SōKo’s primary ally in terms of marketing? Is it lifestyle marketing? Influencer marketing? Word-of-mouth?

SōKO mends the gap between fashion, luxury, and mindful healing.

All of the above and then some. Social media is incredibly important! Our branding is superior to most, if not all other brands out there so reinforcing visual imagery, throwing events, and giving consumers hands-on and tangible experiences are the best ways for us to market. When you produce a great product, word-of-mouth comes hand-in-hand and then becomes influential marketing. People will actually sell the product for us by telling everyone they know how well SōKO works, tastes and feels! Having relationships with respected companies like WebJoint also helps elevate the brand and reinforces consumer confidence.

We were nominated for Brand of the Year in at the 2018 California Cannabis Awards but didn’t win due to lack of funding to support popular voting. We hope that this year we get another shot at an opportunity for Brand of the Year at the 2019 California Cannabis Awards. SōKo is self-funded so we are going against big brands but hope to have a Cinderella-story ending.

7. The SōKo Fashion Ball appeared to do a great job at mending the gap between fashion and cannabis. Some might even say that the synergy between the two industries was brought to light due to the Fashion Ball. How do you see the synergy between fashion and cannabis developing?

When coming into the cannabis industry, especially as a fashion-forward company we wanted to be different. I was turned off by going to the same cannabis events, with the same people and the same guests… so I started the SōKO Cannabis Ball. By having an event that offers runway fashion, body art, culinary tastings, dance music and an opportunity to put a tux and ball gown on, the SōKO Cannabis Ball aimed to blur typical lines. So many people who have attended and have had amazing, memorable times had no idea that it was a “cannabis event.”

8. What should the public know about why this gap was bridged by SōKo?

SōKO’s Cannabis Ball was featured in Sensi Magazine! Credits: Sensi Magazine

This is a good question. People should not be ashamed or criticized by others in society or by government bodies. The benefits of cannabis have not only been suppressed but actively erased from history. Giving people an opportunity to embrace the goodness, the culture, and the health benefits of cannabis is crucial, especially at this point in time. We wanted to show the judgmental people out there that “yes, we can have a fun, classy and sexy event based around cannabis.”

I was ready and prepared to go to jail on the night of our first Cannabis Ball before cannabis legalization. We were doing something that was never done before in the public light. I was confident that we could pull off a show where people came dressed up, took pictures on the red carpet with our runway models, and created an atmosphere of classiness and luxury for all who attended. I wanted to erase the negative stigma of cannabis forever.

9. SōKO sponsored the High Times MJBizCon Party. On Instagram, SōKO promoted the event and brand as the “Gucci of Cannabis.” Can you expand on this?

The 2018 High Times Biz Bash was sponsored by SōKO Cannabis Creations, Advanced Nutrients, and many more as THE MJBizCon after party. Source: High Times

I wanted to give the cannabis industry a facelift by becoming the “Gucci of Cannabis”. We consider SōKO to be influential, innovative and progressive as we are reinventing a wholly modern approach to the cannabis industry. Born out of a unique collaboration between artists, fashion, and cannabis experts comes SōKO Cannabis Creations. We represent the pinnacle of craftsmanship, unsurpassed quality and attention to detail, further reinforcing SōKo’s position as one of the world’s most desirable cannabis brands.

You can find more on SōKO Cannabis Creations by visiting www.sokocanna.com.

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Cannabis Events in Los Angeles You Cannot Miss!

Los Angeles Cannabis Events Aren’t a Rarity!

This short list is nowhere near a comprehensive guide to cannabis events in Los Angeles but looks to serve as a starting point for anyone interested in the cannabis space. Each of the events listed has it’s own unique set of characteristics and promotes a way of engaging the industry that you won’t want to miss!

With one of the largest economies in the country, it’s no surprise that Los Angeles is home to the most pertinent cannabis networking events in the entire industry. With big-name influential figures and emerging brands that are taking the industry by storm, networking in Los Angeles is sure to produce results that you never thought were possible. Looking to connect with fellow colleagues? Be sure to check out these 3 cannabis events to get a full scope of what the industry looks like “on the ground.”

I. Blunt Talks

Location: Varies by month.

Hosted by one of the industry’s highly respected & connected individuals, Sam Zartoshty & Paragon, Blunt Talks definitely takes the cake when juxtaposing networking events that occur in Los Angeles. Paragon is a company that provides a way of recruiting talent for the cannabis industry that uses proprietary technology to eliminate race, class, and gender discrimination throughout the hiring process. Discrimination runs rampant throughout a multitude of industries with cannabis being no different—and Paragon wants to change that.

Running with a similar format to the educational “Ted Talks” held around the world, Blunt Talks capitalizes on a plethora of talented individuals that represent various sectors of the cannabis industry. Previous speakers include figures like Christopher Dell’Olio (WebJoint), Matthew Morgan (Reef Dispensaries, Ignite Cannabis Co.), Mario Sherbinski (Sherbinskis), James Victor (James Henry SF), Kimberly Dillon (Papa & Barkley), and Nick Kovacevich (KushCo Holdings). Each event is sure to provide you with new information about the status of new projects in the industry while bringing light to the current state of the industry.

You’ll want to arrive early to network before the event begins and enjoy booths arranged by brands that highlight their products. Blunt Talks is typically an open-open-consumption event so don’t be surprised when you see someone openly smoke a vape or spark a blunt. If you’re worried about running late, don’t fret! Blunt Talks usually has a pair of speakers start the evening, followed by a brief networking break before continuing with another pair of speakers—following this format until the evening is over.

Don’t be surprised to see this event travel to San Francisco and Colorado! Paragon Space and Bevel have been the recent homes of Blunt Talks, but other events have been held in various art galleries and collaborative spaces. The vibe of this event is definitely one you need to experience in person to get a full understanding of just how many thought leaders can be placed in one space.

Bring a few business cards, a notebook, and plenty of smiles to share with thought leaders in the industry! Blunt Talks is easily one of the best, most accessible cannabis events in all of Los Angeles.

Related: A Definitive Guide to Compliance — California Cannabis Dispensaries

II. Soil to the Oil: Terpene Training w/ Kristen Yoder

cannabis oil to the soil

Kristen Yoder on Purple Haze Radio at the Cannabis World Congress Business Expo (CWCBE) in Los Angeles.

Location: WeWork, Varies by month.

This is an event that will change the way you understand cannabis science…forever. Bring a pen and your favorite notepad as Kristen Yoder gets ready to rock your world with information on cannabis terpenes! Using the normalized terms for categorizing cannabis—Sativa, Indica, or Hybrid? Think again—Kristen Yoder will be sure to change the way you talk about cannabis.

With a LinkedIn network of over 20,000 meaningful connections and over 10 years of experience in the industry, Kristen Yoder is at the top of cannabis influencers. If it’s a part of the supply chain, she’s been involved with it. Kristen has taken pride in “calling out” brands & companies for dispersing false information and propping up the cannabis industry as a “green rush.” She makes it clear that the soul of the industry departed with the implementation of Prop 64, which legalized cannabis and in her opinion, has made consolidation the go-to business model for the industry while ignoring what has grounded cannabis forever – culture. Within the last year, Kristen has propped herself up to be the CannaBS Detector, starting a podcast to discuss the granular details of a post-legalization market.

What you’ll get out of this workshop/networking opportunity is not only an educational breakdown of terpenes in cannabis but an overall incredible educational experience that is lead by a high-energy, passion-driven cannabis veteran who isn’t afraid to voice her opinion. This event is typically small in scale, allowing for intimate discussion to take place with like-minded individuals who are interested in the way that cannabis works in correlation with the human olfactory system.

You can expect to be in the same room as fellow entrepreneurs, business owners, investors, budtenders, dispensary managers, compliance officers, attorneys, you name it! Get your questions ready and ramp up for a classic workshop on one of the most underrated aspects of cannabis—terpenes!

Check out Kristen’s content by visiting her website or engaging her on LinkedIn.

Related: 7 Questions to Ask When Purchasing Software for Your Cannabis Delivery Service

III. Cannagather LA

cannagather LA

Cannagather LA’s first event drew a crowd of over 170 attendees including a Keynote Speech by Nicholas Kovacevich of KushCo Holdings Inc.

Location: The Riveter, Santa Monica

Cannagather is home to a monthly meetup that focuses on connecting cannabis professionals from around the world. This event is held around the nation with chapters in states such as Colorado, New Jersey, Massachusetts, New York, and Washington D.C.. Topics range from marketing tactics to investment insights and overall cannabis uses with respect to business. Led by Baker Technologies‘ Rico Tarver, Cannagather’s first event in Los Angeles hosted over 170 attendees with brands such as Nuvata highlighting their product prior to hitting market shelves.

If you’re looking for information on a specific topic, be on the lookout for keynote speakers that pertain to that subject. Cannagather’s format is not a panel-like discussion, opting for a few individual presentations followed by a central keynote speech to round out the evening’s festivities. You can expect food, drinks, and a whirlwind of conversations being had throughout the entirety of the event. Similar to Blunt Talks, Cannagather is grounded in industry education for all in attendance. Whether you are a cannabis industry veteran or just getting your feet wet, this cannabis event is sure to provide you with value.

Tickets for the next Cannagather can be found here.

Related: 3 Basic Details to Know About the Brands Your Cannabis Delivery Service Carries

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Cannabis Delivery Service Data Points to Study

Numbers don’t lie – your cannabis delivery service data is your source of truth.

Nothing makes that more clear than being able to skillfully dissect the cannabis delivery service data that your point-of-sale partner provides you. Information from these reports can not only give you raw data, but the metrics provided should be used in a way that helps shape future decisions on day-to-day business operations.

Measurable data gathered at your retail dispensary can be used to track everything from transactions, web & marketing metrics, to customer information and inventory turnover rate. Maximizing the potential of this information is the best way to improve ROI and use indisputable tools to give you an edge on the track to success.

But what data should you be studying? Let’s cover the important reports that you should be using to make your dispensary and staff run at full strength!

How are you using your cannabis delivery service data?

Examining customer behavior such as purchasing trends and top-selling products helps to optimize daily operations.

Checking in customers is not only mandatory but is an easy way to start measuring data points. Customer info is the easiest group of data to track. This information can give your dispensary a solid figure on the average number of customers per day as well as the median age and geographical location they represent.

Median age and geographical location can help steer your next marketing tactic and give you context on what is truly effective. Email subscriber lists, landing pages, and text blasts can be influenced by this data and inspire new ideas to bring in customers. Perhaps you’ve wanted to try something new and haven’t because you aren’t fully confident in the results—use data to make an informed decision!

The possibilities of median age, geographical location and income lining up to give you an advantage on qualifying metrics is extremely high and almost fool-proof! Your marketing material may need to cater to a certain customer persona rather than approach the situation from a broad perspective.

Critical thinking and analysis of your customer data could be the difference between a hit or miss in your location—don’t miss the opportunity to build customer loyalty from the get-go!

Related Post Using Cannabis Delivery Data to Maximize Efficiency 

How can METRC-integration be used beyond just reporting?

WebJoint is METRC certified and can produce all mandatory seed-to-sale reports.

Don’t overlook METRC data!

There are circulating discussions on the difficulty of METRC-integration due to the fact that up until this year, cannabis has been dealt with in a paper-only fashion. Add strict timelines for mandated sales reports and live inventory that keeps seed-to-sale information into the mix and what you end up with today, is a massive database that should be used as a vital tool to your business’ success.

Taking an active effort in reporting to METRC not only keeps your location(s) compliant but helps illustrate the buying patterns of customers. What this does for your business is allow you to build stable relationships with cultivators, distributors, and microbusinesses that are in high demand. In turn, you are able to keep products in stock that continue to bring monetary value to your business and enjoyment to your customers.

METRC is oftentimes thought of only in terms of the mandatory reporting that needs to be done for inventory and not for it’s potential on the information it can provide on the availability of products, inventory you currently have, and ways to maximize profitability by tracking fast-moving cannabis goods.

Data on fast-moving product can help give the “green light” on increasing the stock of that product while red flags can be raised on products that sit for a long time and don’t convert into a sale in a timely fashion. Forecasting demand of these products can make collaborating with distributors and brands that much easier, making profit a figure of central importance!

The anticipation of sales helps give you an edge on the necessary liquidation of stock while maintaining an outlook on the recent trends in the market. As data generates a visual approach to inventory management, METRC gives you the tools necessary to be proactive to the marketing of retail services.

Seeing as though METRC makes it mandatory to report each change of custody for cannabis products, it inherently allows you to have instant access to all information regarding your products, effectively consolidating it and placing it at your fingertips. Wondering where there is monetary value in your inventory that can be converted into a sale? Pull the data from METRC and maximize ROI on each product of your stock!

Are you tracking sales reports?

WebJoint’s sales reports give our retail clients the necessary insights to optimize day-to-day operations.

In the age of data and legal cannabis, there is no reason to ignore what the numbers are telling you. Customers have the ability to indirectly show you what they want and don’t want through the data that you are collecting on each purchase.

Purchase history for customers is a vital metric to look at closely as it reveals (without having to do a lot of work) patterns on an individual basis. Tracking every purchase made, when the customer purchases it, the amount of times a customer chooses that product, and the amount of revenue created from repetition paints a clear picture that ought to change the way operations take place.

Peak hours and purchasing habits within these peak hours are a way to analyze what the next promotion should be and when the promotion should be offered which keeps your income steady and makes the most of foot traffic being created. Sales reports and peak purchasing periods could be the difference between an average day and a great day of business.

Giving your budtenders an advantage by being able to look through a client’s history may help inform them on suggestions to make and tap into facilitating an environment that promotes customer loyalty.

Improving a customer’s experience with your dispensary data points makes your job a little easier, centers your customer’s wants, and results in overall increased revenue. Making your customer feel important every time they step into your facility should be a top priority and what better way to do this than by making it obvious that you care about their prior choices?!

Data really matters!

There are little shortcomings that result from being able to track every data point that relates to your dispensary. In fact, data is one of the most powerful tools at your disposal and makes your job of maintaining a steady stream of revenue a whole lot easier! Pay attention to the numbers, make projections based on what you see, and spend more time processing orders as a result!

Are you tracking customer information, using METRC to its full potential, and making sales projections based on previous purchase history? What data metrics are you tracking and implementing into your daily operations? Be sure to comment and get the conversation started with the rest of the industry!

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CannaSafe Updates WebJoint on Phase 3 Cannabis Testing in California

Setting the Bar for Cannabis Testing

Founded in 2012 by Aaron Riley, CannaSafe has become one of the industry’s leading cannabis testing laboratories in the United States. CannaSafe received the first International Organization for Standardization (ISO) accreditation of any cannabis testing laboratory in 2017, setting the bar of expectations in the highest way possible. Cannabis regulations state that cannabis testing is mandatory for all products with the responsibility lying on distributors to have testing performed.

Cannabis testing entered the third and final phase of requirements on December 31, 2018 after two previous phases which tested for the presence of Category I & II residual solvents and pesticides. Other factors that are tested for include water activity, microbial impurities, and foreign material in cannabis samples. CannaSafe takes pride in being an industry thought-leader by utilizing two liquid chromatography tools to examine each sample brought in by their 700+ clients. Riley’s team continues to set the standard as a High Times Cannabis Cup Official Testing Lab Partner and has recently received accolades as DOPE Magazine’s Best Testing Facility at the SoCal Industry Awards.

Related: State of the Art Equipment and State of the Art Partners by CannaSafe

“The California’s BCC 3rd Phase of required laboratory testing goes into effect on December 31st, 2018. This includes Terpenoids, Mycotoxins, Water Activity, and Heavy Metal screening. CannaSafe has been fully equipped and operational in Phase 3 testing since March of 2018.

The process of testing Heavy Metals starts with digestion. Whether it’s flower, edibles, distillate, or trim, we run it through a digester that completely breaks down the sample using strong acids, pressure and temperature. This allows the sample to be analyzed in our Inductively Coupled Plasma Mass Spectrometer (ICP-MS) instrument. Our Ultrawave system has the ability to digest multiple samples and matrices in one run, greatly increasing efficiency and turn-around time for our clients.

Per the BCC rules, we monitor for the big four metals in samples: Arsenic, Cadmium, Mercury, and Lead. These metals are commonly found in soil, and can leak from contaminated vaporizer cartridges, which can be extremely dangerous. CannaSafe’s main goal is ensuring consumer safety, and these instruments can detect any trace of metal in a sample down to the part per trillion level.

Terpenoids are analyzed and quantified using a gas chromatograph and either an FID detector (GC-FID) or an mass spectrometer (GC-MS). Terpenes are organic compounds produced mainly in plants and more than 100 terpenes have been identified in cannabis. They are responsible for the aromatic characteristics of the flower, giving it those distinct smells that we all enjoy.  Since terpenes are volatile, they can be heated and the released gas measured against certified reference standards to quantity the relative concentrations in a sample. CannaSafe quantifies 21 of the most abundant terpenes found in cannabis and this analysis is not limited to flower; any sample matrix can be analyzed for terpene content.” – Ini Afia, Executive Lab Director at CannaSafe

Related: A Definitive Guide to Compliance — California Cannabis Dispensaries

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Cannabis Compliance with Jordan Wellington from Simplifya

WebJoint had the privilege of interviewing Jordan Wellington, Co-founder and Chief Compliance Officer (CCO) of Simplifya. Simplifya is a Denver-based compliance software tool for cannabis licensees. Simplifya aims to excel in the cannabis space by providing software solutions for the complicated navigation of regulatory practices. With a legal background, Jordan specializes in operational compliance and government relations, having previously advised government bodies on the pathway to legalization in states such as Colorado. Simplifya’s team aims to make compliance a breeze with an intuitive user experience that works in a similar fashion to checklists for cannabis operations.

What can you tell us about the origins of your interest in cannabis?

Jordan: Like many, I developed an interest in cannabis in college. I supported legalization and found cannabis policy interesting, but I never imagined I’d find a career in it. I accidentally fell into it after moving to Denver in 2012. I was working as a staffer for the House Majority Office at the Colorado General Assembly, and I was assigned to handle implementation of legalization following the passage of Amendment 64. I then worked for the Marijuana Enforcement Division in the Department of Revenue, where I worked on drafting the regulations governing the state’s adult-use and medical markets.

From there it was a pretty short jump into the cannabis industry to help businesses navigate all of those laws and regulations. It has been one of the greatest honors of my life and I’m forever grateful for the opportunity.

Source: Simplifya

What is your opinion on cannabis compliance in California being propped up as the “poster child” for federal legalization of cannabis?

Jordan: I think California will have an incredible cannabis market, quality operators, and a tremendous influence, both nationally and internationally. From a regulatory perspective, the state has a long way to go to build an efficient marketplace. We saw tremendous market disruption and price fluctuation during the July 1, 2018 inventory transition, which could have easily been avoided through a more thoughtful policy approach. The state still hasn’t finalized its regulations and recently flip-flopped on a number of costly issues that require long lead times for businesses to adjust, such as packaging.

Things aren’t much better on the local level. Licensing delays have plagued some jurisdictions, while others have imposed substantial compliance burdens on operators. Additionally, we haven’t seen nearly as many cultivators join the regulated marketplace as we had hoped, which can likely be attributed to regulatory overreach and a burdensome licensing process at the state and local levels. At this point, California should not be looked at as a model of legalization or implementation, but hopefully, it will grow into that role as the system gets ironed out.

Related: A Definitive Guide to Compliance — California Cannabis Dispensaries

Can you discuss one aspect of cannabis compliance that is often overlooked by operators for each of the following categories?

Taxes: It’s not only critical that businesses pay their taxes, but also that they keep clear records to support any deductions that are made.

Cultivation: It’s really easy for cameras to become obstructed at a cultivation facility as plants mature and equipment is moved around.

Manufacturing: There’s so much documentation required at a manufacturing facility that folks can forget to record critical information as they go about their daily routines.

Distribution: There’s a lot of risk for distributors managing both ends of the supply chain and making sure they’re receiving and delivering products to compliant businesses with appropriate licensing.

Retailers: Staff training can be especially tricky for retailers because there is a tremendous amount of turnover at these facilities and the entire staff is in a compliance-sensitive role.

Related: Breaking Down CA Cannabis Taxes to Your Customers

What do you find to be the most vital piece of cannabis compliance education that retailers lack knowledge on?

Jordan: I think retailers really struggle with answering some of the more difficult questions posed by consumers in a manner that doesn’t create risk for their company. Specifically, budtenders are frequently asked medical or legal questions that they are not technically or legally qualified to answer. These employees are just trying to be helpful and provide good customer service, but they can unintentionally create a lot of liability for themselves, employers, and the industry overall.

In terms of education, I think it’s critical to have clear standard operating procedures and staff trained to follow those procedures. There’s also value in having experts come and teach the staff, so they can ask questions and develop a better understanding of how to handle difficult situations with customers.

Related: 5 Questions Customers Will Ask That Your Cannabis Delivery Service Staff Should be Able to Answer

Can you speak to the value of hiring a dedicated compliance officer?

Jordan: Cannabis businesses that do not invest in compliance face significantly more risk because the government can issue fines and suspend or even revoke their licenses. Compliance issues in one jurisdiction can also lead to losing merit applications or even denial in other jurisdictions, even when the underlying violation doesn’t result in revocation. At the same time, we are seeing compliance obligations become increasingly burdensome and complex.

Cannabis businesses are reacting to these market conditions by increasing their investment into operational compliance and hiring new staff members solely dedicated to compliance. It’s a mark of our maturing and evolving industry, and it’s one that I think increases the chances of federal legalization and the end of prohibition.

Related: WebJoint’s Checklist for Newly Licensed Delivery Services

Do you see Simplifya as being a software “substitute” for in-person compliance officers?

Source: Simplifya

Jordan: The vision behind Simplifya is to help support cannabis businesses of all sizes, whether they have a dedicated in-house compliance person or not. We provide all of our clients with the tools to run a compliant operation, helping to manage cannabis business licenses, standard operating procedures, documents, and self-assessments. Our team of regulatory experts ensures all of our content is accurate and up to date, so owners, managers, and employees can spend less time reading the rules and more time running their operations and making sure the rules are being followed.

For small businesses, we empower owners, managers, and employees to handle compliance obligations internally and reduce reliance on costly third-parties to address basic issues. For larger businesses with dedicated compliance staff, our integrated communication system and accountability features help maximize the efficiency of our clients’ compliance investments. I wouldn’t say our software is a substitute for a compliance officer, but I can confidently say it will help make any business operate more compliantly and efficient, whether they have a compliance officer or not.

How does Simplifya ensure that the software is fully compliant with each of the regulation sets in “green” states around the country?

Jordan: We have a dedicated team of in-house cannabis regulatory experts that constantly review regulations across the country to make sure our content is accurate. They are attorneys and policy nerds who spend all day, every day tracking regulatory changes and boiling them down into simple instructions for cannabis businesses to follow.

Where do you see Simplifya making the largest impact with respect to cannabis compliance education?

Source: Simplifya

Jordan: We have a tremendous impact on the industry by helping to mitigate risk for our clients. Our software is designed to address many areas of compliance, so our impact isn’t tied to any one compliance problem or issue. Instead, we help cannabis businesses across the board by teaching compliant operations and helping to hold staff accountable for their compliance obligations. In doing so, we provide business owners with peace of mind in one of the world’s most highly regulated industries.

Is compliance a regulatory practice? Is there something you can speak on about compliance that isn’t commonly discussed?

Jordan: I never think of compliance as a regulatory practice. To me, it’s a critical component of business operations that need to be thread through every aspect of a company. Compliance isn’t just about following rules — it is about risk mitigation, protecting your investment, and increasing the value of your company. In other words, compliance is about business. Simplifya serves as the industry’s CarFax report, showing investors and buyers that a company is a safe investment and that they aren’t buying a lemon.

Can you tell us about 3 things that get you excited for the future of the industry?

Jordan: Above all, I’m excited that my son will grow up in a post-prohibition world and will only learn about cannabis prohibition through history books. I’m also incredibly excited to continue to build our understanding of the medicinal properties of the cannabis plant and tear down the stigmas associated with the cannabis community. Finally, I’m excited about the expansion of social use laws that allow adults to consume cannabis in a social environment similar to how adults are allowed to consume alcohol. In other words, I’m excited to eventually be able to legally consume cannabis during a concert at Red Rocks Amphitheater here in Colorado.

What are 3 concerns that you have as the industry moves forward?

Jordan: I’m concerned the current pathway for legalization will leave behind many of the people who have long risked their freedom and safety to provide cannabis to consumers. Whether it’s limited licenses on the East Coast or the nonsensical, byzantine application process in California, too many people are being left behind that could be welcomed into our industry and build great companies. I’m also concerned about pockets of cannabis bias within governments and local communities dampening the progress we’ve made in ways that don’t get headlines, such as problems with child protective services.

Give us your “Top 3 Best Practices” in order to succeed as a cannabis delivery operator.

Jordan:

1. Hire a Great Manager. Employees always adopt their managers perspective on compliance, so find someone who cares about compliance and protecting your license.

2. Sweat the Small Stuff. Regulators operate on an iceberg theory of compliance. If they see minor violations at your facility, they will wonder what else is hiding underneath the surface and start a disruptive investigation.

3. Don’t Just Teach It, Test It. It’s not enough to just train your staff, you need to hold them accountable by confirming that your staff is following through with what they’ve been taught.

Related: Customer Service Best Practices for Your Dispensary

Any last comments for those looking to get into the cannabis space?

Jordan: Working in the cannabis industry is unlike any other industry in the world these days. It’s the responsibility of every member of the cannabis industry to act in a manner that propels legalization forward and helps to change the world for the better.

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Responsibilities as a California Cannabis Retail Business Owner

Does the “green rush” really exist?

 

Being a cannabis retail business owner in any industry comes with a tremendous amount of responsibility—the safety of your employees and customers, proper legal compliance, and facilitating a space that has a purpose are among a few to mention. The cannabis industry is no different and your responsibilities as a cannabis business owner actually increase due to the simple fact that cannabis is a heavily regulated substance, whether or not people use it for medical benefits or recreationally.

More than that, cannabis retail has its own track record of negative connotations and it’s been a battle to get to the point we’re at currently. From being a Schedule I drug to being used in medical applications around the world, cannabis has been and continues to go through it all.

Owning a cannabis retail business that handles product means that these responsibilities lie in keeping forward progress at the forefront of why you’re in the industry. It means that a focus on monetary value not only destroys the potential for advancement in a social setting, but in a medical setting by reinforcing positions against cannabis. More though, it means that you ought to take culture into consideration and examine those that are affected by what you are seeking to accomplish in this industry.

Break the stigma with everyday conversations.

good cannabis conversations

WebJoint’s team breaks the stigma by hosting networking events and connecting the cannabis industry!

Negative connotations which stemmed from the Reefer Madness era are constantly being challenged and making an active attempt to engage in dialogue that flips the script is undoubtedly important. Taking pride in the industry that you work in and being the conversation starter to break that stigma and educate consumers—new or old—is a duty that business owners should take seriously.

This is to say that as a cannabis retail business owner, you are part of a community that is fighting an uphill battle—and we all can use as much help as we can get.

Be patient and take the time to educate newcomers or those of opposing viewpoints that cannabis has a lot to offer. Mentioning the legitimization of the industry through check and balances systems put in place such as METRC integration, testing procedures, and the research that is being completed helps paint a picture of the realistic situation in the industry.

As an owner of a company in the industry, it’s pivotal to be able to converse with fellow businesses owners, potential employees, and consumers to push the cannabis industry forward. It means networking should be a priority so as to work collectively and contribute to an overall positive cannabis experience.

Point consumers in a direction that contributes to an overall positive cannabis retail experience, without frustration (though it can be difficult). For some, this is done simply by extending an invitation to your location for a tour. For others, it’s by providing resources that individuals can grasp for on their own time such as product information brochures and graphic pamphlets.

Everyday conversations are going to make this industry succeed and in-turn make you succeed.

Related: 7 Questions to Ask When Purchasing Software for Your Cannabis Delivery Service

Maintain a professional aesthetic in your cannabis retail operation.

SWC Dispensary

Source: SWC Dispensary by Basile Studio

Prior to legalization, dispensaries have historically been seen as dirty, unprofessional, “pot shops” that have nothing positive to offer to the public. Locations with rod-iron bars, dark windows that sport the typical green “stoner” cross, and improper check-in techniques do nothing but reinforce this narrative. This script, although fading slightly in younger generations, is still alive and well in various parts of the country.

As an owner, aiming to flip the script and take the lead in promoting a new narrative should be a top priority. Creating an inviting environment that aims to impress your customers at first sight is a sure fire way of being able to participate in an overall positive experience.

Simple aesthetic upgrades to your dispensary such as clean furniture to relax on in the lobby, inviting color schemes, and well-lit displays that are organized with intent can be the difference between making a positive impact and losing a customer before they can look around. This goes for the brands that you carry as well.

Adhering to new regulations such as enforcing employee badges adds a subtle, but effective way of welcoming consumers.

But that’s not everything—your staff needs to be top-notch too!

Not only should your employees strive to be the best, but they should certainly look and act like it! Responsibilities in training your staff properly on available products and new technology will help you separate from the illicit market that cannabis is oftentimes paired with. This includes online ordering (if available) and the advantages of using software to increase efficiency. Providing your staff with knowledge in biological subjects they need to answer questions about things such as terpenes, grow techniques, and various strains is critical.

It’s rare that your budtender or a first-time customer knows everything about cannabis other than what they have heard or been told, but everyday creates an opportunity to expand a knowledge base. Encounters with customers should be seen as an opportunity for your budtenders to either teach or learn something new at the end of each day.

Promoting ethics that takes something positive away from every transaction and creates an overall positive impression is oftentimes a priority that is overlooked if focusing solely on the monetary value that your business has.

And this is where curating an experience for your customers can make a world of difference—don’t miss this subtle, yet effective way of engaging consumers.

Did someone say compliance?

metrc

WebJoint is METRC certified and can produce all mandatory seed-to-sale reports.

There’s no worse way to put your license at risk in this industry than to ignore compliance. Not only does this put your business at risk, but it in-turn promotes a negative narrative which has been losing traction in recent times. An active effort to legitimize this industry, put a professional face to it, and knock the overarching stigmas that have been associated with cannabis use for generations is a central part to being a businesses owner.

Proper training on a cannabis retail point-of-sale. which incorporates inventory management facilitates a simple, yet effective way of maintaining compliance. As a team, the ability to leave lasting impressions as a compliant and professional business can take your business far!

Social media outreach plays into this line of thought as well. Think about some ways that your business can utilize social media to promote responsible consumption instead of overconsumption.

Related: A Definitive Guide to Compliance — California Cannabis Dispensaries

How do you give back to the community?

california cannabis awards

Chris, CEO & Hilart, COO at the inaugural California Cannabis Awards hosted by WebJoint.

If your answer the above question is “I don’t,” then what exactly are you doing? This isn’t to say that a large portion of proceeds ought to be distributed to any singular organization, but urges you to look at yourself as a part of your surrounding community. It is to say that as a business owner, selflessness with respect to the community can provide priceless benefits.

The state of California is not only a recreationally legal state but is a state where local jurisdictions hold the power to outlaw cannabis. Citing concerns for the safety of children, disrespect for the community, and potential increase in crime, local communities oftentimes feel like they will be left out of the big picture.

We would argue that one essential method of breaking this barrier is to show your worth to the surrounding environment by giving back to the community. Monetary donations for outreach programs, playgrounds, basic donation of school supplies, and participating in all local government activities plays out in two ways:

I. It brings the community a source of engagement with a cannabis organization in an ancillary manner, thus not violating regulations for age restrictions and zoning requirements.

II. Giving back to the community helps steer the conversation in a way that centralizes the professionalization of the cannabis industry while highlighting an important part of ethics with respect to social equity.

Set the bar, be the example, and crush it!

WebJoint’s Integrations with Tookan, Zodaka, and Xero provide a dynamic cannabis software solution for cannabis businesses.

Although cannabis culture has a lot to offer to patients in need and individuals looking to utilize cannabis to positively influence their lifestyle, it is also home to responsibilities as a business owner. Accepting responsibility and critically thinking about the wholesome meaning of your role in the industry is simply a task that cannot be ignored.

Comment below!

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4 Quick Tips for Sourcing Products for Your Cannabis Delivery

Choose wisely…the success of your cannabis business depends on it!

Let’s be honest here: picking products for your delivery service isn’t an easy task. Your cannabis delivery products can make or break your business. It goes beyond the monetary value that items can bring to your location and right into the ethos that your location represents.

Walking into a dispensary can be a daunting task for customers. The immense variety of products that are available for purchase can be overwhelming.  With new brands and products coming out every day, it Is important, now more than ever that the products you carry and where you source them fit your cannabis retail brand.

Source your products by using these steps!

1. Check the test results for your cannabis delivery products.

cannasafe coa

Example of CannaSafe’s Certificate of Analysis (COA). CannaSafe Analytics leads the industry’s laboratories with ISO accreditation.

Starting January 1, 2018 testing became mandatory for all cannabis products that are commercially sold. Using three phases to roll out new regulations, the BCC has given a solid chunk of time to brands for adjusting to the policies put in place and are looking to compete for marketshare. This means that there is no excuse for the lack of testing on any product that you’re looking to stock.

Cannabis testing provides the necessary information on present cannabinoid content, pesticides, heavy metals, and solvents.

As the government holds companies responsible for making sure their products are safe for customers, you should too! Running the risk of offering unsafe products on your shelves for the sole purpose of raising revenue is not worth the punishment.

Certificates of Analysis (COA) are another necessary piece of the puzzle. Double checking the way that a brand stores its COAs might be an indicative precursor to the type of relationship you will be able to maintain. Meaning that brands who fail to consistently provide these COAs shouldn’t be an option—no matter what their product is. Reputable sources of products should be at the top of your list as you flesh out your inventory.

Ask these questions about the test results for brands:

– Where was each product tested?

– Do you have the necessary COAs for each product?

– What was the date of the testing?

– Was remediation part of the manufacturing process?

Related: 4 Regulation Changes for Dispensaries in California

2. Get to know the story behind your cannabis delivery products.

lowell farms cannabis

Source: Lowell Herb Co. 

Companies want you to feel something and there’s no better way to do so than to have a backstory that encapsulates the driving force of brands.

Customers buy brands, not products. Few things make this more apparent than the recent shift in consumer attitudes towards cannabis. The days of giving credit to a dispensary for having the best flower, instead of the cultivator, are gone. The same can be said for just about any other category of product that can be found on your shelves.

Furthermore, the core values of a company can inspire individuals to feel empowered. A story drives the purpose for all decisions being made including the driving force for the inspiration behind getting into the industry to begin with! Getting an understanding of the core philosophical beliefs of a company gives you a competitive advantage in marketing the product to your customers. After all, our society pays attention to companies that practice good ethical standards.

Authentic stories create brand loyalty and brand loyalty creates revenue. They create an emotional response, connect to the customer, and force consumers to engage with values that a company holds. Laughs, smiles, and intrigued reactions retain customers—pay attention to the brands that do this with successful repetition.

Inquiry into the philosophy of a company puts your staff one step ahead of the consumer that asks questions such as where the product is grown, what the brand stands for, and the influential factor behind the packaging.

Check out these three questions to ask about a brand’s backstory:

– What are the company’s core values?

– What is the main target audience?

– Is there a fun fact that each customer should know about your product?

3. Compliant packaging matters.

atlas edibles

Atlas Edibles gives consumers insight on their website about the artists that design product packaging.

Ultimately, it doesn’t matter how much money you are making if the state comes into your location and realizes that you aren’t practicing a culture of compliance. Staying compliant with packaging is definitely a way to maintain your good standing with the BCC.

Here are some important questions to ask about the brand’s packaging:

– Is the product child-resistant?

– Is packing tamper-evident?

– Do the illustrations fall under compliant requirements?

– What’s the brand’s policy on sustainability?

– Is the Universal Cannabis Symbol for CA on each product?

– Where’s the general surgeon’s warning?

– Are the test results clearly marked?

Related: A Definitive Guide to Compliance – California Dispensaries

4. Ask for sales data & purchasing trends.

WebJoint’s first-to-market Brand Platform gives live analytics on sales made by retailer and product type.

You wouldn’t make an investment without knowing the ins and outs of what your future ROI might look like, would you? Didn’t think so! The world of cannabis is no different.

The numbers don’t lie. Brands that move a lot of product are a perfect target for a steady stream of income. Bringing in new products should be done with the intent of adding value to your business and a foolproof way of getting the “dirt” on brands is to ask for the hard numbers.

Reading sales reports before sourcing product can act as a way of providing insurance for your investment and give you an idea of how valuable a brand’s product could be to your businesses.

Analytics provide you with a sneak peek of what to expect in terms of profit and expected sales, meaning that you can focus your attention on stocking cannabis delivery products that are going to make you money!

Check out these questions to ask about sales data:

– What’s the average number of sales per product in 5 locations?

– What’s the top-selling product in your brand lineup?

– How frequently are locations placing additional orders?

– What’s the general availability of each product and how fast can we receive an order?

Comment below and sign up for our blog to keep up-to-date with major industry changes!

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The WebJoint Checklist for Newly Licensed Delivery Services

Get informed on CURRENT regulations.

The legal cannabis industry is no place for the faint of heart. California’s process for obtaining a license has proven to not only be difficult, but nearly impossible for entrepreneurs that have a lack of capital. This, along with many other factors has been a primary topic of conversation over the inaugural year of recreational cannabis sales. The other consistent topic of conversation relates to cannabis delivery service regulations. With public opinion playing a largely influential part in the revision of cannabis regulations, cannabis delivery services have an opportunity to capitalize on a massive opportunity. The BCC final regulations have been published, leaving no excuse for non-compliant behavior.

If you’re one of the lucky individuals who have the privilege of operating one of these businesses, you’ll want to make sure that you do the following in order to stay compliant and run a successful California cannabis delivery service.

Related: 7 Questions to Ask When Purchasing Software for Your Cannabis Delivery Service

Secure enterprise-level network capabilities.

Establishing an enterprise-level network is needed to effectively run a compliant cannabis delivery service. Via: Yegor Meteor, Dribbble.

Building out your wireless network infrastructure is a big part of establishing fluid day-to-day operations. Network bandwidth for wifi options should exceed minimum requirements to ensure that sales can be consistently handled. Residential wifi should be given a second thought as delivery service point-of-sale systems need to have a strong and established connection. This works twofold: a) cannabis software is oftentimes cloud-based, making it possible for sales to be made where there is internet and b) cannabis sales need to be reported to METRC as they happen.

To reduce the possibilities of there being costly errors in operations, enterprise-level bandwidth and wifi connectivity is a must-have. When considering the number of wireless items such as printers, computers, tablets, and cell phones that all connect to wifi and are used to keep important compliance documents, it is clear that this is a vital part of day-to-day operations. Slow internet could be the difference between satisfactory customer service which leads to consumer loyalty and disappointing hickups in operations.

Ask these questions when building out your wireless infrastructure:

– How many devices can connect to the wireless internet 

-What is the minimum bandwidth that is needed to run an operation successfully?

– Is there a possibility for scaling? If so, what internet will be needed at that point?

– When are sales going to be processed, how many, and how are these going to be reported to METRC?

Establish eCommerce & protect your business data.

Each WebJoint client receives an eCommerce website no matter the subscription that is chosen.

The advantages of having an eCommerce website far outweigh any costs that are associated with the development of a fully customized website. Today, eCommerce accounts for a large portion of sales that are made in almost all established industries. Having a website allows for online orders to be placed in an efficient manner while organizing your patient data in a singular database.

Patient data is an accumulation of years’ hard work and dedication to a craft of transparent business operations. Protecting this data is critical and should be at the forefront of nearly all conversations that pertain to eCommerce and business operations. Consider the options that are available to protect the data that you collect. WebJoint uses Amazon Web Services (AWS) as host servers with 256-bit encryption to provide optimal data safety.

Consider these questions to ask about eCommerce:

– Do I own my data?

– How is my business data protected?

– What is the guaranteed uptime of the servers my business infrastructure is on?

– Is my data used by a third-party to re-market to consumers?

Related: 6 Ways a Website Can Increase Sales for Your Cannabis Delivery Service

 

Automate delivery management.

Automatic delivery management for your cannabis delivery service can make a world of difference in the way that you process orders. Automatic dispatching cannabis software like WebJoint, gives you the ability to turn your delivery service into an uber-style business model. With features such as two-way communication between consumer and driver and live GPS tracking available on any wireless device, we effectively establish a new-standard level of transparency with your customers and the Bureau of Cannabis Control.

Paired with the WebJoint Fleet App, drivers and dispatchers alike can rest easy knowing their operation is efficient and compliant.

The only all-in-one solution for cannabis delivery services

WebJoint’s Integrations with Weedmaps, Cova, and others provide a dynamic cannabis software combination.

Proper establishment of your business infrastructure includes choosing a point-of-sale to process orders as they come in. Point-of-sale systems should be able to do more than just that and go right into managing inventory, processing payments, providing live METRC reporting, and automating delivery dispatch. WebJoint is the only point-of-sale for cannabis delivery services that offers an all-in-one suite and can send delivery service clients sales.

Hire an in-house compliance officer.

There’s no question that hiring an in-house compliance officer is a new standard for cannabis operators that look forward to long-term success. Compliance violations can total to immense amounts of losses and damage the ability to service delivery service clients. Violations come in a multiplicity of different shapes and levels of seriousness so establishing a solid foundation of compliance from the get-go is mandatory.

Compliance officers should be capable of adjusting day-to-day operations to fit the mold of requirements set forth in the BCC’s final regulations. This includes but is not limited to regulations regarding METRC reporting, inventory reconciliation, record retention, and delivery driver tracking.

Related: 5 Simple Compliance Violations Dispensaries Don’t Really Think About

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The Ins and Outs of METRC in California

What is METRC?

METRC is the reporting regulation system for California Cannabis Track-and-Trace (CCTT). Tracking products from seed-to-sale creates a lineage, or footprint, for each cannabis activity that a cannabis product experiences. What this means is that each plant is required to have its own unique identifier -or- barcode. It also means that products are able to be tracked from one end of the supply chain to the other (seed-to-sale). METRC is currently used in 11 states including the hemp farming that takes place in Colorado.

As a business owner in the state of California, you’ve recently undergone a significant amount of change. Let’s be honest here: adapting to change is not only difficult, but increases your overall operating costs.

This may seem like another roadblock that gets in the way of traditionally running an operation and conducting business like you “used to,” but there are lots of positives to the state-mandated use of METRC that will be seen as adjustments are made.

In an industry that has kept to the shadows for generations and is now reaching the mainstream media, a standardization process allows for legal licensees to separate themselves from an illicit and potentially dangerous underground market. The result is the elimination of the negative stigma that cannabis carries with it.

Related: A Definitive Guide to Compliance — California Cannabis Dispensaries

METRC as a Filing Cabinet

Think of METRC as the filing cabinet for cannabis products that you’ve never had. The products themselves are the actual files which need to be kept in order. This gives businesses statistics in real-time that can actually influence your financial projections and aid in the way in which you organize your business activities.

Traditionally, filing cabinets are used to organize your most important documents with the intention of being able to access data for the respective subject.

Each file needs a way of being organized so as to easily correlate with records and in-turn create a list of matching serial numbers for products.

This concept is carried over to the cannabis industry and provides a critically important way of legitimizing the industry’s inventory overall. More importantly, METRC can help you, as as business owner, stay compliant and increase organization which in-turn results in the ability to process more orders and avoid fines.

Seeds, clones, and flowering plants are tagged at the beginning of their life cycle. At the time of harvest, all waste and changes that the plants undergo is recorded. As plant material is then sent to manufacturers, each is scanned again to give real-time data on their current and previous locations. From manufacturers to distributors, cannabis goods are scanned and then again from distributors to the testing facilities before being returned for distribution to retail locations.

All testing results are uploaded to METRC, which then allows for the entire lifespan of the product to be traced as it is moved to or sold from a retail location to the end consumer.

Not only does METRC help in keeping licensed businesses honest, but it actively promotes the integrity of the industry as a whole by allowing employees access to any and all information on products you carry. This legitimizes the industry while taking into account the safety of consumers.

What tags are used with METRC?

You might be thinking about the way that METRC keeps track of each product in order to keep an accurate ledger across the state so let’s take a little bit of time to explain the way that this system keeps records:

Radio Frequency Identification (RFID): A barcode that holds numerical value and stores data for individual or batches of plants. Think of this as any barcode that you’ve seen on common items. This maintains the integrity of cultivation operations by keeping data that is immediately accessible on immature cannabis plants, teens, and mature plants that are flowering prior to harvest.

Unique Identifier (UID/UDID): This tag is put onto plants which are then organized by lots of up to 100 plants per lot. If there is a combination of cannabis goods, they each get combined and put into the same package which can then be traced throughout the entirety of the lifespan of that product.

Package Tag: Intended to be placed on each package that is carried en-route to and from locations. Examples of this might be batches of flower sent to a retailer to be sold or edibles which have been manufactured and are ready for testing, prior to distribution. The tags to be used when transporting plants or cannabis goods. This tag can be placed on containers for retail locations which are scanned at the time of sale, aiding in proper METRC technique.

METRC’s RFID Package Tag
Source: METRC

Plant Identification Numbers: Serial numbers used to keep a linear record of products. Having a serial number on each product allows for an accurate numerical record to be kept. This enables the track record of a product to be kept from start to finish. Guessing inventory quantity or using square footage to estimate the amount of canopy space is eliminated with a sequential manner of keeping records. All cannabis products fall under this linear organization. Lot tags state the facility name at the top with a license number directly beneath it. On the side of the tag is a categorization of either Adult-Use or Medical as well as the date that the tag was created. At the bottom, is a Plant ID number, or, serial number.

METRC’s Plant Tag
Source: METRC

METRC for Cultivators

Source: GCN

As a cultivator, the task of METRC-integration may seem extremely tedious, especially when considering the size that a canopy has the potential of growing to. Your concerns may be eased when being told that RFID scanning won’t disturb plants as they grow and can be scanned form upwards of 15 feet away. This means that in theory—seeds, clones, and mature plants won’t need to be disturbed for the sole reason of reporting to METRC.

From seed to clone & harvest to trimming, all information is now going to be kept. Inclusive of this is the transfer of plants from one location to the other, the amount of waste that a cultivator produces, the destruction of plants due to various reasons, and finally, testing results when the plant material is manufactured. Accountability is central with METRC and nothing illustrates this more than the ability to trace products all along the supply chain, back to the origin.

METRC for Retailers

As it stands, METRC integration is a looming part of this industry that truly requires a lot of attention for retail and delivery service owners. Temporary licensees do not need to integrate with METRC and instead, will wait until they receive a permanent license.

True integration begins when a permanent license is granted to any given dispensary or delivery service. From the time that you receive a permanent license, METRC training begins—and it’s no easy task.

METRC requires that all sales be reported at the end fo each day with an inventory reconciliation taking place once every 30 days. As previously explained, METRC tracks each and every product along the entirety of it’s lifespan in the supply chain. Retailers that fail to report to METRC are simply operating in a non-compliant manner.

It’s a race against the clock!

Requiring that METRC training is completed within 5 days of the issuance of a permanent license means that managerial staff and/or owners must complete the entirety of training sessions provided to them by the state.

5 days for completing the METRC certification may not seem like a lot of time to absorb information that is at the core of avoiding fines and keeping your license in good standing by being compliant; and it isn’t.

Considering that a 30-day window for full METRC integration of current inventory starts at the same time as the certifications for staff members, the race against the clock is on!

The 30-day framework mandates that all inventory be uploaded to METRC using the above UID numbers. More specifically, current inventory that is in progress of being uploaded to the database is accepted and anything outside of this, must have trace information from the time that it is a seed.

In short, you have 5 days to complete METRC certification and 30 days to upload all information of current inventory once you receive a permanent license. After those 30 days, all METRC-required information must start at the seed or clone stage of CCTT—meaning that your physical, POS, and CCTT information must match.

Each and every sale that is made is technically called a “change of custody,” requiring that a new report to the state’s system must be made. This includes purchases from distributors, records for certificates of analysis (COA), distributor license numbers, shipping manifests, and request receipts.

Hiring a compliance officer is the new standard.

Hiring an employee that solely focuses on METRC reporting and integration is an excellent way of being sure that you maintain a culture of compliance. This new door will not only allow individuals to enter the industry, but aid in maintaining the integrity of your business.

Uploading CSV files or manually importing data at the end of every day is not only time consuming, but provides a large margin for error.

Having an in-house compliance expert ensures that fines are avoided and that audits are maintained on a regular basis. The new standard of hiring a compliance expert goes deeper than that—it means that the entirety of your staff ought to be trained and understand the proper standard operating procedures (SOP) of your business. After all, you’re responsible for explaining mistakes made to the state should there be any discrepancy.

Related: Looking at Cannabis Compliance with Jordan Wellington from Simplifya

How does this benefit consumers?

Mindfulness of the available products is one aspect of METRC-integration that shines in a positive way. The ability to track the origins of plants and products overall helps legitimize the industry. The creation of a standard for the industry as a whole is vital to breaking barriers and giving individuals access to a substance that has tremendous benefits.

This standard also paves the way for ensuring that cannabis goods are safe to consume—something that we ought to take into consideration for all customers—new & experienced.

METRC is an adjustment for everyone in the California marketplace right now. Guessing the number of plants that you have as a cultivator is no longer acceptable and for retail owners, simply keeping a paper ledger for your business is outdated.

And although METRC integration may feel like an unnecessary way of keeping track of products, the positives far outweigh the negatives. Some of the positives include, but are not limited to: increased reliability and safety for consumers as the result of tracing products from seed-to-sale, the organization of sale ledgers as the result of an electronic database, and on-the-spot projections for products you sell to consumers. The latter allows for you to maximize profitability by offering what is in demand.

METRC changes the legitimacy of cannabis operations

Finally, for the first time in California’s history, cannabis has the ability to take the stage, front-and-center. With this in mind, lifestyle brands are emerging, education about the industry is booming, and the interest of first-time consumers is being attracted.

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