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Cannabis Delivery Customer Expectations with Melissa Stapley

Posted on by Antonio Javiniar

WebJoint had the opportunity to sit down with Melissa Stapley, the founder of MJ Hybrid Solutions. After discovering a need for cannabis employee training, Melissa combined her passion for sales training and cannabis education to develop the MJ Hybrid Training System. With her 12 years of corporate sales experience and 5 years of cannabis industry expertise, MJ created a training platform for cannabis employees that is both scientifically accurate and helps employees better sell to customers. Her mission is to legitimize the cannabis industry through proper employee education and training. We are excited to partner with MJ Hybrid Solutions to build operation around the cannabis delivery customer.

 

Q: What can you tell us about the origins of your interest in/experience with cannabis?

Melissa: I joined the cannabis/CBD industry back in late 2014. After seeing the benefits of CBD on helping me get off of sleeping pills, I started educating myself and realized I needed to help educate others. I started working with CV Sciences, a CBD manufacturer as one of their first sales reps. Back then CBD was still so new so it was one of the most difficult sales jobs I’ve ever had. But I learned so much about the history of cannabis, the benefits and got a good taste of how people viewed cannabis and how to educate them based on their understanding.

Q: What inspired you to create MJHybrid Solutions as a training and education platform for cannabis operators?

Melissa: In 2016, I left CV sciences to go help build a sales team with another cannabis and CBD manufacturer. It was there that I really started working more with dispensaries and really noticed the lack of communication between the new cannabis consumer and these dispensaries as well as the lack of knowledge. I knew there was a huge need for training and development in this space. My background was heavily in sales and leadership and I absolutely loved training and developing others so I took that passion and combined it with my passion of cannabis education to develop the MJ Hybrid Training System. Since I got into this industry to help educate the world on cannabis I figured if I can take my knowledge and skill set and help train budtenders and other cannabis professionals on how to effectively sell cannabis while also educating them then I would be able to have a greater impact on educating and ending the stigma.

Q: What does MJHybrid do differently to ensure positive results and long-term growth for your clients?

Melissa: MJ Hybrid Solutions is not just a cannabis training platform, our goal is to ensure our clients get results and provide the tools and guides to be successful and implement the training. We also put a big focus on sales/customer service training. I am a big believer that you can have all the product knowledge in the world, but if you don’t know how to communicate or understand who you are speaking too then sharing that knowledge may be ineffective. I worked closely the first year with dispensaries, got behind the counter and listened and developed sales training content based on what I heard from the customer and what I saw was needed from the budtender to effectively sell cannabis. I also provide an implementation plan to really help businesses focus on the 3 areas to grow their business and set goals to achieve them. It is also important to make sure your team is engaged with the training so we provide tools to roll out the training in order to get the best results from it. 

cannabis delivery service customers experience

Q: From your experience, what do cannabis retailers – more specifically cannabis delivery services – underestimate/overlook when it comes to meeting and exceeding their customers’ expectations?

Melissa: I think they overlook the value of asking questions and listening to their customers, whether in person or on the phone. Especially with delivery services, when people call in to place an order, the rep will usually just assume the customer knows what they want and if the customer does ask a question about product, the rep tends to just list and talk about all the products they carry when what they should be doing is asking the customer questions to understand their needs and what they are really looking for. Most customers don’t know what they need or they choose a product based on what they saw or tried one time, so if the rep was trained effectively on how to ask questions and build rapport they would be able to guide the customer towards the best products for them which would build more confidence with the customer. Confident and empowered customers purchase more and spread the word! 

I think the lack of training and development plays a big role in this as many employers overlook the value of training front line employees, especially on effective communication. And many retailers/owners think that answering the customers questions is great customer service, when in reality we as the employees should be the ones asking questions and listening to our customers needs. When you focus on those small changes, you will yield huge results! 

Q: Can you explain the importance of a cannabis operator’s brand, staff, and company culture? How do these 3 factors work together to develop the customer experience?

Melissa: Having a solid brand and aligning your staff and company culture with that brand is extremely important. You want to create a place that people remember and can relate to and that starts with your brand. Making sure your staff aligns with your vision and values is crucial to keep your brand and culture consistent. When customers come back they come back for that experience and it needs to be consistent. People will purchase more because of the customer experience and that experience is created by your people, your brand and your culture. Stay consistent!

Q: How can cannabis business owners empower their own staff to succeed at their respective roles?

Melissa: Cannabis business owners can empower their staff in many ways. One, it’s important to take the time and build a relationship with them. Just like we train employees to effectively communicate and ask questions to get to know customers, owners and managers should be doing the same with employees. I always say People are loyal to People and when employees feel heard and valued they will work harder and be more engaged. Be open with them, get them involved in processes. People like to feel like their role matters so asking for feedback and getting input from them will empower them. Do regular 1 on 1’s with the staff to see how they are doing, do team building with the whole team monthly and always thank them and remind them how important they are. 

Q: If there was one thing a cannabis operator can enact immediately to better their operations, what would you say that one ‘thing’ is?

Melissa: Focus on their employees and customers. It’s so easy as an operator to get caught up in inventory, products, compliance and regulations, etc. but really taking the time to focus first on the team and customers will really help create an amazing culture, happier employees which will increase sales and make day to day work better overall. When you overlook training and development, employee relationships and customer interaction as an owner you really hurt your business. Remember the 3 ways to grow your business- Get new customers, get them to purchase more and get customers to return. All 3 of these won’t happen if you aren’t focused on developing your employees and ensuring your customers’ are having an amazing experience each and every time.

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

Q: What are 3 concerns that you have as the industry continues to grow?

Melissa: Lack of professional development, education and liability as it relates to customers. So many consumers are still new to cannabis and it can be overwhelming. When employees aren’t properly trained or educated it can hurt consumers as they may not get what they really need, take too much and have a bad reaction. Also not understanding tolerance to THC can be a liability issue and as the industry grows I believe we will start to see more complaints and concerns over that because of the lack of proper training. 

Q: What are you excited to see as the California cannabis industry continues to evolve?

Melissa: For one, I am excited to see those who have paved the way for the industry continue to thrive and overcome the hurdles they have been facing. I know some have been hurt and hope to see those who crafted the way make it through the hurdles this year and come out strong. I am excited to see some changes with social equity as well and hope we can push for those who deserve it and help those who have been incarcerated. And I’m excited to see California continue to push out quality products and push for education to continue to end the stigma and get more consumers access to safe cannabis. 

Q: What are a few resources you can share with our audience? What are some of your favorite books, podcasts, software, etc. that have benefited your personal and professional growth in the industry?

Melissa:

Podcast: Entrepreneur on Fire, Hemp Revolution, Tony Robbins

Books: The Four Agreements, Good to Great (Jim Collins), Cannabis Revealed (Bonnie Goldstein).

Q: Lastly, where can our audience find you? 

Email: mj@mjhybridsolutions.com

www.mjhybridsolutions.com

Linkedin: Melissa MJ Stapley

Instagram: @mjhybridsolutions

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Cannabis Regulations in California and Elsewhere! (Overview)

Posted on by Antonio Javiniar

Cannabis regulations for cultivation, distribution, sale, and use has received a lot of attention in recent years, in most parts of the world. There is a shift in the mindset, acceptability, and general perception of the cannabis plant in recent years. Somehow, this has helped to demystify some of the long-held beliefs stemming from the U.S. War on Drugs, effectively giving room for better assessment of its benefits to society.

How exactly has the playing field changed over the years in regards to cannabis regulations? In this article, we look at the various cannabis regulations that affect different stakeholders of the cannabis industry.

General Overview

At the international platform, cannabis possession, cultivation, and supply are only allowed for medical use and scientific research. In this sense, on the world stage, generally, it is a crime to cultivate, possess, and supply cannabis. Many counties punish this crime by stringent prison terms. It was not until recently when several changes emerged on the perception and approach towards cannabis. The result of the move was an increase in the number of countries legalizing cannabis for both medical and recreational use.

Notably, though, this legalization often comes with strict guidelines on cultivation, supply, and personal consumption of cannabis. In this respect, therefore, in many places, cannabis is still not a commodity that one can access easily. 

In the United States, 11 States have legalized marijuana for recreational use, while 33 states have legalized it for medicinal purposes only. Other nations, including Canada, South Africa, Georgia, and Australia, have legalized marijuana either for medical, recreational uses, or both.

Cannabis Regulations in the United States

The USA stands out amongst many nations in its approach to regulation of cannabis use. At the Federal level, cannabis is still illegal, and there are severe penalties for trading, consumption, and possession of marijuana. 

Several states have now legalized either medical marijuana, recreational marijuana, or both. There is also a lot of diversity in the ways these states have enacted regulations on marijuana. There are specifications regarding cultivation, transportation, and even private possessions in homes across various states in the USA. Here is a highlight of multiple approaches given by just a few selected states.

California Cannabis Regulations

California became the first state to legalize cannabis use with Prop 215 back in 1996. Prop 64, which would permit the recreational sale and adult-use of cannabis, was approved by California voters in 2016. 

Prop 64 culminated in the signing of the Medicinal and Adult-Use Cannabis Regulation and Safety Act (MAUCRSA) by the then governor, Jerry Brown, on June 27, 2017. MAUCRSA created the general legal framework for the cannabis market in California. 

The bill created the Bureau of Cannabis Control (BCC), the lead agency responsible for licensing, regulation, and enforcement of laws for all cannabis-touching operators in the state. To supplement the BCC, the California Department of Public Health (CDPH) was commissioned to regulate manufacturers and the California Department of Food and Agriculture (CDFA) was made responsible for the oversight of cultivators and implementing the state’s track-and-trace system, METRC. 

To date, California remains one of the most dynamic cannabis markets – it’s expected to be a $7.7 billion market by 2022. Cannabis is legal to persons over 21 years old. The law prohibits possession of more than 28.5 grams of cannabis in the plant form and 8 grams in the form of concentrates. The law allows cannabis consumption in private property, although landlords and property owners can set their own rules regarding cannabis consumption. Additionally, California has been one of the few states to permit state-wide cannabis delivery. The laws in California provide a template for several other states.

Cannabis Regulations In International Markets

In all the places mentioned above and others, legality, especially in regards to commercial use, varies significantly. Here is a highlight of approaches adopted by different nations.

  • In Canada, users in Ontario are only allowed to purchase marijuana over a government-run online platform. Still, in Quebec, Canada, you can smoke cannabis wherever tobacco smoking takes place. Other provinces within Canada also have specified rules. In Europe, all national governments currently oppose cannabis legalization, mainly for recreational use. There are penalties for illegal supply. Similarly, within the European Union (EU), possession of cannabis for personal use is an offense. Nonetheless, in more than a third of the nations, a prison sentence is not an acceptable penalty.
  • In Spain, there is no penalty for growing or consuming cannabis privately. But cannabis sale is still prohibited. Similar to South Africa, you can only grow and possess small amounts of cannabis for personal use as long as you meet the age requirement.
  • In the Netherlands, officials tolerate cannabis sale in shops as long as it follows specific guidelines. It is an illegal activity but not necessarily punishable. In many jurisdictions, discussions into the legalization of cannabis are at advanced stages. One can easily buy various edible twisted extracts from reputable retailers.  

 

Effects on the Social Set-Up

Statistics indicate that there are more than two million Americans under incarceration. Although it is hard to determine the exact number of people held over marijuana-related cases, in 2018, about 47.5 percent of federal prisoners (81,900) were serving a drug-related sentence.

In another report, out of 20,000 drug convictions in 2017, only 92 related to marijuana. One argument has been that most of these convictions related to minor possession of marijuana and not to trafficking or violent acts. Yet, they have a significant impact on society.

Fortunately, with the increased pace of legalization across states, more government entities are looking to amend the injustices from the past. With more states legalizing, we begin to see more licensing programs centered on social equity (giving communities affected by the War on Drugs an opportunity to be stakeholders in the legal cannabis industry) and the mass expungement of non-violent drug offenders and their records. For example, Illinois’ governor just expunged 11,000 non-violent, cannabis-related drug offenses upon the state’s legalization in 2020. 

Conclusion

Cannabis regulation, especially in older democracies, is a discussion that dates back almost a century now. In the last two decades or so, there has been a significant shift and rethinking the existing laws related to cannabis possession, growth, and distribution. Nowadays to buy cannabis seeds online, one can browse the net and choose among a plethora of strains. 

With the revelation that cannabis-based products such as a CBD have positive impacts on human health, more changes will undoubtedly come to effect going forward. At the global stage, it is clear that there is a need for a better approach to harmonize regulations passed in different jurisdictions to make them relevant across the world.

Disclaimer

The materials made available in this blog were are for informational purposes only and not for the purpose of providing legal advice. You should contact your cannabis attorney to obtain advice with respect to any particular issue or problem.

This article was written as a guest post/collaboration with Cannabis2Biz.

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The Employees that Drive Cannabis Brands with ForceBrands’ Founder Josh Wand

Posted on by Antonio Javiniar

WebJoint had the privilege of interviewing Josh Wand, Founder and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of ForceBrands. ForceBrands is a New York-based recruiting firm for cannabis brands of all sizes. HerbForce, the cannabis division of ForceBrands, connects cannabis companies with talented job-seekers who specialize in sales, marketing, finance, operations, and HR roles. HerbForce’s goal: to supply fast-growing cannabis companies with the talent they need to building meaningful brands and drive scalable operations.

 

ForceBrands CEO, Josh Wand

 

What inspired the idea of creating ForceBrands and more specifically, HerbForce, to address recruitment needs within the cannabis industry?

Josh: ForceBrands was born out of my natural passion for the beverage industry and my interest in connecting people. In the early 2000s, I ran a rum company, an experience that helped me develop deep industry relationships and taught me how to hire a team, manage business development, and run a national sales and distribution network. The idea for ForceBrands came about in 2006 when I was promoting our rum brand at the South Beach Food and Wine Festival in Miami. Someone from a champagne company approached me and asked if I knew of any Regional Sales Managers. A few minutes later, someone from a different champagne company expressed his interest in changing jobs. And suddenly my professional matchmaking career was born. At the time, high-quality recruiting for the beverage industry didn’t exist. In 2007, we launched BevForce. Following its success, other forces emerged. We expanded into packaged food with FoodForce and then into beauty and personal care with BeautyForce. Most recently, we’ve formalized several years of work in cannabis with the official launch of HerbForce, which was a natural evolution of our service offerings.

How would you say HerbForce differentiates itself from other recruitment firms addressing staffing needs in the cannabis industry? Essentially, what does your company do differently to ensure high quality talent for cannabis brands?

Josh: At ForceBrands, we’re in the people business. We see recruiting through a human lens and engage with job seekers and employers in a real way — we get to know them personally, understanding that each individual is as unique as the needs of an organization. All of ForceBrands’ industry-specific divisions collaborate with clients as friends and trusted colleagues in the pursuit of transformational goals. HerbForce is unique in that cannabis is a whole new industry where hiring playbooks do not yet exist. We’ve found that there are countless natural synergies between cannabis and other CPG sectors. It’s an exciting opportunity for us to leverage more than a decade of experience and our incredibly powerful community to build the cannabis teams of tomorrow.

What are some lessons you’ve learned while building your own brand/staffing your own company that you’ve shared with your clients?

Josh: Culture is key. Building great teams goes beyond matching skill sets with job descriptions and responsibilities. I’m proud of the culture we’ve built at ForceBrands — one that is centered around our core values: people first, integrity, collaborative culture, progressive, purposeful. I always recommend to the teams that we’ve helped build to go beyond filling a role — hire candidates who fit the role not just professionally, but personally and culturally as well. 

Considering ForceBrands has staffed businesses in multiple industries, what industry would you say cannabis brands can learn from the most? (Food, Bev, Beauty, overall CPG businesses?)

Josh: There are a lot of natural synergies between cannabis and the beverage alcohol world as they’re both highly regulated industries. Even though alcohol is federally legal in the U.S., the laws are complex as they vary at the state and local levels. Cannabis brands should look to the bev alc industry and to those with experience cooperating with legal restrictions as determined by federal, state, and local laws.

How important is the connection between your brand, your staff, and your company culture when building a team for your cannabis brand?

Josh: There is no one-size-fits-all approach to team building. Understanding that each organization is uniquely different helps us approach each brand differently. Cannabis is a new industry, and even though there is not yet a hiring playbook for this sector, we’re able to take what we’ve done building beverage, food, and beauty brands and apply that directly to cannabis companies.

Related Post:  3 Hiring Mistakes to Avoid for Your Cannabis Delivery

Scenario: It’s 2019 in California and you’re building a cannabis brand currently with a team of one (you). What are the first 3 positions you would hire? Where would you start looking for these people (what industry)? How much would you expect to invest in the hiring process?

Josh: The first key hires I would make would be Head of Operations, Head of Finance, Head of Revenue, and Head of Field Marketing. I realize that’s four positions but they are all incredibly valuable for getting a cannabis brand off the ground. And when it comes to sourcing talent for these roles, I would look toward the CPG industry as cannabis essentially is a consumer good. I would invest a lot in taking the time to find the right people — not just the people who meet the desired skill sets necessary to succeed.  

What should cannabis brands look for in their applicants? What are a few common mistakes brands make when hiring?

Josh: Hiring is about looking at the whole picture. As mentioned above, brands should consider looking at their hiring strategy beyond just filling roles. It takes patience to find the right fit. It’s not an easy feat and there are no shortcuts when it comes to making great hires. Brands that take the time to hire right will be rewarded with long-term growth and success.

Where do you see the future of staffing in the cannabis industry going? What trends should brands pay attention to ensure they have a top tier team building their brand?

Josh: Cannabis is already an incredibly crowded and competitive space, and I don’t see its momentum slowing down anytime soon. When it comes to building top teams, employers should look to their benefits and compensation packages to attract and retain top talent. ForceBrands’ 2019 Talent Market Report, a comprehensive analysis of benefits and compensation packages across CPG, found that the cannabis sector was among the most competitive, with average annual raises the highest across CPG at 14 percent. When it comes to benefits, paid leave policies have gained in popularity in recent years and as a result, we’re seeing cannabis companies offer more extensive leave policies than established businesses across other industries. Cannabis brands should pay attention to their employee offerings to ensure that they’re building the best teams possible.

What are a few overlooked positions brands should consider implementing into their business to ensure the success of their business?

Josh: Some key overlooked positions are Head of Operations and Head of Finance. Both of these roles are critical to ensuring the business has what it needs to succeed.

What are some of your favorite resources (books, podcasts, software, etc.) that you can share with our audience that has benefited your personal and professional growth in this industry?

Josh: I’m all about additional resources that help personal and professional growth. I highly recommend reading “Delivering Happiness: A Path to Profits, Passion, and Purpose” by Tony Hsieh and “The Alchemist” by  Paulo Coelho. I also love the Peptalks app that offers daily motivation.

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

Posted on by Jonathan Wigodsky

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 Delivery Service Data Points to Study

Posted on by Jonathan Wigodsky

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

Posted on by Jonathan Wigodsky

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

Posted on by Jonathan Wigodsky

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

Posted on by Jonathan Wigodsky

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

Posted on by Jonathan Wigodsky

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

Posted on by Jonathan Wigodsky

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.

Related: 5 Regulation Changes for California Cannabis Delivery Services

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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