Committee Blog: What is Craft Cannabis? Understanding Small-Batch Cultivation and Artisanal Products
What is Craft Cannabis?
Following state legalization and/or decriminalization, it doesn’t take long for dispensaries to be fully stocked with cannabis brands eager to get their products on shelves. Unfortunately, the flood of flower from cultivators that invest early into the new markets quickly turns into a creek as small independent farmers struggle to meet margins to remain profitable. The price per pound of cannabis quickly drops, and many of those hopeful farmers have no other alternative but to sell their business or close down.
Not unlike the alcohol and tobacco industries, some brands are creating a lane for themselves by differentiating their product as Craft or Artisanal.
Industry Comparison – Craft Beer
We can look to cannabis’ distant cousin, hops, to get a taste of what it means to have a successful craft market alongside thriving value products like domestic beer. According to the Brewer’s Association, a non-profit trade association of craft brewers, a brewer is considered craft if they meet the definitions for “small” and “independent” listed below:
Small: Annual production of 6 million barrels of beer or less (approximately 3 percent of U.S. annual sales). Beer production is attributed to a brewer according to rules of alternating proprietorships.
Independent: Less than 25 percent of the craft brewery is owned or controlled (or equivalent economic interest) by a beverage alcohol industry member that is not itself a craft brewer.
In short, craft brewers measure production throughput and ownership share to be considered craft. Some argue that the 25% ownership plays the biggest role in the success of a craft brand since even a smaller stake in ownership from a large corporation could give them enough capital to outcompete their non-corporate funded counterparts.
Can similar qualifiers be applied to cannabis cultivation and manufacturing?
Putting the Craft in Craft Cannabis
Unlike its distant alcoholic relative, cannabis is used to produce more than one type of product. While the most common craft product is flower, it can also be extended through the manufacturing process to make edibles, pre-rolls, tinctures, and more.
The process of cannabis cultivation and manufacturing is far more complex to narrow the craft definition to just the final weight of the yield. For flower alone, multiple variables are considered when defining craft—lot size, total yield, harvesting techniques, pest control solutions—just to name a few.
California has taken an impactful step forward by introducing the Cannabis Appellations Program to the cannabis industry. “An appellation of origin is a protected designation that identifies the geographical origin of a product and typically includes production requirements.” The most common use of appellations are in the wine (true Champagne must come from grapes grown in the province of Champagne, France) and coffee industries.
Craft Cannabis Webinar Series
Consumers play the largest role in the success of a cannabis brand and, with the help of small business advocates like NCIA, are now learning about the smaller craft cannabis brands available in their state. So then, what does it mean when your jar of fresh flower says “Craft Cannabis” on the label? What and who defines the craft? What does this new appellation program mean for craft cultivators? How can consumers and retailers support these specialized brands?
As the cannabis industry continues to evolve, staying informed about the latest trends and insights is crucial. To keep up with everything happening in the world of craft cannabis and beyond, we encourage you to follow us on LinkedIn for updates, event announcements, and industry discussions. Join our community on LinkedIn today!
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We look forward to keeping you informed and engaged with the best in the cannabis industry!
In any industry, whenever we try to optimize a process, the first step is to collect data to understand the dependencies and identify bottlenecks. In cultivation, we are still lagging behind, and we accept an average process loss of 10-20%. How can we change that?
Cannabis cultivators will lead this transformation in cultivation
Cultivating and growing plants to their full potential takes experience and specialized skills. Cannabis is no different, and many would argue, can be even more difficult to grow compared to other plants; that is because cannabis is cultivated for multiple reasons. The majority of people know that cannabis is grown for recreational and medicinal use. However, cannabis is also grown for its hemp fiber to create paper, clothing, biofuel, and food. Cannabis is an extremely fast-growing plant. The plant attracts and is susceptible to many pests, including several types of insects, fungus, and bacteria. Another challenge with cannabis is the fact that it has not been grown at scale or studied to the extent of other crops. The legal cannabis industry has only been around since 2012, when Colorado and Washington were the first states to legalize recreational use. Growing cannabis is basically like driving a race car for the first time without knowing the course ahead. Good luck. Wouldn’t you want to know more about your race car, your team, and the uniqueness of the track in order to navigate with precision and skill? That’s exactly why data is such a powerful asset in cultivation, especially for cannabis cultivators.
Switch from qualitative to quantitative data
A lot of stress, miscommunication, and conflict in cultivation operations are due to the subjective nature of data collection. We rely on humans to assess a crop’s state and remember it when comparing historic results. “It looks better than last time.” or “It looks good.” – imagine if you could rely on numbers when making such statements: “We have 10% larger flowers than last cycle” or “This cultivar stretched until day 25 compared to the other cultivar which stopped stretching around day 30”. These are statements that are easy to agree on and hard to challenge since they are objective facts.
Capture a comprehensive set of data
The other important aspect to know about data is that data becomes exponentially more valuable the more complete and comprehensive it is. If you are baking bread and you only measure the flour but not the salt, water, or yeast, there is not much value to this information. The question we need to answer is what data allows us to draw a comprehensive picture of a garden. What data do you need to remotely steer a crop and guide a team on the ground? Cultivators heavily rely on the visual feedback of plants when assessing plant health. Being able to see the plants will be key but also to get a sense of plant health in numbers to allow for quantitative comparisons. Obviously, measuring environmental parameters like air temperature, relative humidity, light intensity, and CO2 is key to operating a cultivation facility. One of the most critical parameters to optimize is the Leaf Vapor Pressure Deficit or Leaf VPD. It provides information on how the plant is transpiring and, thus, how efficiently it can grow. In order to calculate the Leaf VPD, one also needs to know the leaf temperature. Substrate properties are another key piece of the cultivation puzzle. Water content, EC, and pH are important factors to navigate. Finally, it is important to know if any pests, molds, fungus, or viruses are present in the environment. And other factors are obviously key to measuring and understanding when operating a cultivation facility, like airflow, power consumption, etc. The more data you can capture the better you can consistently bake and optimize your favorite bread.
Leverage automation and AI to capture and process the data
However, when collecting data we need to keep in mind that all environmental parameters affect the same plant and, thus, they are all intertwined – in general, changing one parameter requires the adjustment of all other parameters as well. At the same time, the impact of these decisions is often only assessed by looking at the final yield, which makes it impossible to derive what influence each decision had on the respective result. Like in many other fields, modern automation and artificial intelligence are fueling the transition to data-driven decision-making in cultivation. And Cannabis, as one of the highest margin crops, is at the forefront of this evolution. Automated, intelligent systems can monitor your crop 24/7, allowing you to focus on fixing the issues rather than identifying them. They can measure properties across the full canopy, which have not been accessible before, like leaf temperature, bud count, plant stress, pests, and other crucial factors. They enable your team to assess the garden and to discuss its state remotely as well as to compare historic data across growth cycles.
Investing in data collection means making more money
The lack of data obviously results in inconsistencies and even crop loss—in cannabis, the industry average is 15% crop loss. Translation: millions of dollars lost, which goes even higher the larger the facility. That’s a significant amount of revenue that is lost instead of being deployed in other areas for expansion or optimization. In a highly competitive industry, implementing features such as data collection to minimize crop loss and optimize yield pays off quickly and can play a huge factor in a business’s long-term success.
Member Blog: Cannabis Strain, Cultivar, or Variety? What Is the Correct Term?
In cannabis cultivation, one often comes across the terms ‘strain,’ ‘cultivar,’ and, more commonly, ‘variety’ to describe the multiple variantsof this versatile plant. While these terms are sometimes used interchangeably, it is crucial to acknowledge that each carries a unique significance. Accurate communication is truly important in this dynamic field, and gaining a comprehensive understanding of these differences is essential. In this article, we embark on a journey to unravel the dissimilarities among strain, cultivar, and variety in cannabis cultivation, shedding light on the nuances that shape this captivating community.
Strain
Commonly used in the cannabis community, the term “strain” is not entirely accurate when referring to variants of the Cannabis species. In scientific contexts, “strain” is primarily used in microbiology to discuss bacteria, viruses, and fungi (Russo, 2019). For example, in bacteriology, a “strain” refers to a specific genetic variant or subtype within a bacterial species. Each strain may have unique genetic characteristics, such as the presence of specific genes (Dijkshoorn et al, 2000).
However, when it comes to plants like Cannabis and plants in general, the use of the term “strain” is not appropriate, as it is a word reserved for the realm of microbiology. Therefore, we should avoid using it when referring to different variants of Cannabis species.
Variety
The term “variety,” on the other hand, provides a more accurate and appropriate way to describe different cannabis variants. The term “variety” is defined as a species’ adaptation resulting from changes in its habitat due to accidental factors such as climate shifts, soil changes, the presence of diseases, insect attacks, nematodes, and other similar influences (Arévalo et al., 2006). Therefore, when discussing different types of cannabis, “variety” is the most accurate term to use.
Cultivar
To avoid confusion with the botanical term “variety,” the term “cultivar” was coined. It is a combination of “cultivated variety,” shortened to “cultivar” (Arévalo et al, 2006). Unlike varieties, cultivars are not products of natural evolutionary processes. Instead, they are created through deliberate breeding or agricultural techniques to have improved and uniform traits (Tooker et al, 2012). This distinction is crucial, as it highlights the human intervention involved in developing specific plant traits and characteristics.
But, how important is it to distinguish between cultivar and variety in Cannabis? In the context of Cannabis, differentiating between cultivars and varieties is essential. Varieties refer to naturally occurring adaptations of the plant due to environmental factors, while cultivars encompass those that have been intentionally bred and developed by humans. For example, a landrace variant found growing naturally in its native region would be considered a variety, whereas a hybrid variant carefully created through crossbreeding different varieties would be classified as a cultivar.
Finally, why should we care about using the correct terminology? Understanding the distinctions between “strain,” “variety,” and “cultivar” is more than just semantic pedantry; it has practical implications for various stakeholders:
Scientific accuracy→ Employing correct terminology helps maintain scientific integrity and clear communication among researchers, botanists, growers, nurseries, and enthusiasts. All must adhere to precise terminology to communicate effectively, exchange knowledge, and avoid misunderstandings.
Consistency→ Consistent use of the terms “variety” and “cultivar” promotes a unified understanding within the cannabis community and the broader horticultural and botanical fields. Standardizing the usage of these terms will aid in streamlining scientific research, regulatory practices, and consumer education within the cannabis industry.
Preservation of biodiversity→ Understanding and distinguishing between natural varieties and cultivated cultivars contribute to the preservation of Cannabis biodiversity.
In summary, although the terms “strain,” “cultivar,” and “variety” are frequently used interchangeably in the cannabis community, they hold distinct meanings. Recognizing the proper usage of each term is essential to enhance clarity and ensure accurate communication. By understanding the differences between these terms, we can better appreciate the diverse and captivating world of cannabis, as well as the diligent efforts invested in developing unique and desirable cultivars.
References
Arévalo, R. A., Bertoncini, E. I., Guirado, N., & Chaila S.. “Los términos cultivar o variedad de caña de azúcar (Saccharum spp.).” REVISTA CHAPINGO SERIE HORTICULTURA, vol. 12, no. 1, 2006, pp.5-9. Redalyc, https://www.redalyc.org/articulo.oa?id=60912102
Dijkshoorn, L., B. M. Ursing, and J. B. Ursing. “Strain, clone and species: comments on three basic concepts of bacteriology.” Journal of medical microbiology 49.5, 2000, p. 397-401. https://doi.org/10.1099/0022-1317-49-5-397
Mostafaei Dehnavi, Mahboubeh, et al. “THC and CBD Fingerprinting of an Elite Cannabis Collection from Iran: Quantifying Diversity to Underpin Future Cannabis Breeding.” Plants, vol. 11, no. 1, 2022, p. 129, https://doi.org/10.3390/plants11010129
Russo, Ethan. “The Case for the Entourage Effect and Conventional Breeding of Clinical Cannabis: No “Strain,” No Gain.” Frontiers in Plant Science, vol. 9, 2019, p. 434025, https://doi.org/10.3389/fpls.2018.01969
Tooker, John, and Frank, Steven. “Genotypically Diverse Cultivar Mixtures for Insect PestManagement and Increased Crop Yields.” Journal of Applied Ecology,vol. 49, no. 5, 2012,pp. 974-985, https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1365-2664.2012.02173.x
Member Blog: Quality Buds, Quality Source. Which Is Better, Seeds or Clones?
Ask 10 cultivators the best way to grow quality cannabis and you will get ten different answers. From growing medium to nutrients to watering schedule, every cultivator thinks they have dialed in the magic recipe for premium buds. One area where the debate rages is whether it is better to grow from seed or clone. To be fair, both have their pros and cons.
Some prefer to grow from seed because they feel seeds yield a hardier plant, whereas clones are more of a carbon copy of the original; exactly the same but not as vibrant. Thinking about the copy machines of yore, after a few copies, the ink would get lighter and the background less crisp. Some claim that clones provide the same experience. Another benefit to growing from seed is breeding. Since clone mothers are female, all their cuttings are female. If a cultivator wants to cross two cultivars, some males need to be added to the mix. For others, the assured female offspring of the mother plant reduces waste and time, as well as the chance that a rogue male will pollinate the garden. Another benefit of growing from clone is that, because it is a carbon copy of the mother, growers can replicate desired strains for the consumer. And while you can procure seeds from a prize-winning cultivar to grow, there is a chance that, like siblings, the final product will be a bit different than the one before.
For home growers, clones may be preferable because the seedling stage is a very vulnerable one for the little plant. I know that I tried to grow from seed unsuccessfully for a year when I first started until I was gifted an adolescent female. On the other side, since seeds have been deemed a hemp product by the DEA due to containing less than .3% THC, they are easier and safer to ship from place to place, which is a bonus for someone in NY who is excited about a strain from CA. And since clones require a mother room if you want to use the same source plant repeatedly, there is a larger space requirement for growing from clone. In the end, the decision to grow from seed or clone will vary from farm to farm, with some farms, commercial or home grow, choosing to do both. According to the 2023 Home Grow Report from New Frontier Data, 44% report growing from seed, 13% from clone, and 40% use both.
How about you? Are you a licensed cultivator who has opinions on whether it’s best to grow from seed or clone? New Frontier Data is conducting a survey of licensed cultivators in the US and Canada, and we want to hear from you! We are especially interested in cultivators from AZ, CA, CO, FL, MI, OH, OK, British Columbia and Ontario, but all licensed cultivators are welcome to complete it! The survey takes about 10 minutes, is confidential, and if you complete it, you will receive a summary of the results in your state AND be entered to win a $100 Amazon gift card! You can take the survey at: https://hubs.la/Q01_0FFm0
Member Blog: Understanding Alfalfa Mosaic Virus – The Four Key Aspects of its Symptoms, Effects, and Transmission Strategies
As a cannabis cultivator, staying vigilant about the health of your crops is paramount. Among the array of plant viruses that can impact your harvest, the Alfalfa Mosaic Virus (AMV) stands out as a considerable threat. This formidable plant virus primarily affects leguminous crops, but it doesn’t spare cannabis. Part of the Alfamovirus genus in the Bromoviridae family, AMV can inflict serious economic losses in agricultural settings.
Four Key AMV Symptoms
Recognizing AMV in your cannabis cultivation starts with understanding the symptoms. Here are the four major signs you should be on the lookout for:
Mosaic Patterns: Watch out for irregular light and dark green areas on the leaves. This mottling gives the foliage a unique marbled appearance, indicating a potential AMV infection.
Leaf Yellowing: One of the classic signs of plant stress, leaf yellowing, can signal an AMV infection in your cannabis plants. This can range from mild to severe and may occur independently or alongside mosaic patterns.
Stunted Growth: Is your cannabis crop not reaching its usual height? This could be due to AMV infection, as it often stunts plant growth.
Leaf Distortion: AMV may also cause cannabis leaves to become twisted, curled, or deformed, disrupting their photosynthetic abilities.
The severity of these symptoms can vary depending on the plant’s developmental stage and the specific environmental conditions. For professional guidance, contact us at (530) 220-8754.
Four Critical AMV Effects
AMV can significantly impact your cannabis cultivation efficiency and yield. The primary effects of an AMV infection include:
Reduced Yield: AMV interferes with normal cannabis growth, often leading to a reduction in productivity and a lower overall yield.
Decreased Crop Quality: Visible symptoms like mosaic patterns and leaf yellowing can impact the visual appeal of your cannabis crops, potentially affecting their market value.
Impaired Photosynthesis: The virus-induced symptoms can disrupt chlorophyll function, causing a decline in the photosynthetic capacity and overall weakened growth.
Weakened Plant Health: AMV can compromise the immune response and physiological functions of your cannabis plants, making them more susceptible to secondary infections.
Four Modes of AMV Transmission
Controlling AMV in your cannabis crops involves understanding how the virus spreads:
Non-Persistent Aphid Transmission: In this type of transmission, aphids act as carriers of the virus without being affected or changed by it. The virus attaches to the mouthparts (stylets) of the aphid and is transferred to the next plant when the aphid feeds. The key aspect of non-persistent transmission is its speed; the virus can be transmitted quickly, usually within minutes to a few hours of the aphid feeding on an infected plant. This type of transmission does not require the virus to enter or multiply within the body of the aphid.
Persistent Aphid Transmission: This type of transmission involves a longer-term relationship between the virus and the aphid. The aphid ingests the virus, which then enters the insect’s body and may even multiply within it. The virus remains within the aphid for extended periods, sometimes for the lifespan of the aphid. The virus is then passed to healthy plants when the infected aphid feeds on them. The transmission process in this case is slower than in non-persistent transmission, often taking hours to days before the virus can be passed on to a new host plant.
Mechanical Transmission: This refers to the physical transfer of the virus from an infected plant to a healthy one, often through human activities. It can occur when farming tools or machinery contaminated with the virus are used across multiple plants, leading to the spread of AMV.
Infected Plant Material: This involves the transmission of the virus via seeds, cuttings, or other parts of the plant that are already infected with AMV. Such materials can carry the viral particles, thus spreading the virus to new plants.
In conclusion, understanding the Alfalfa Mosaic Virus (AMV) is crucial for cannabis cultivators. Recognizing the symptoms, understanding its effects, and knowing its modes of transmission are the first steps to protecting your crops and ensuring a healthy yield. Regular testing, early detection, and proper disease management practices can help you mitigate the impact of AMV in your cannabis cultivation.
Please, ensure you are taking all necessary steps to keep your cultivation safe, as well as our community. Plant pathogens are an enemy we all face, and we all must take responsibility for preventing and educating one another. That’s why we’ve developed a downloadable poster for you to keep your cultivation crew informed about top-tier Biosecurity Measures for Plant Pathogen spread prevention.
Let’s continue to grow safe and healthy cannabis!
Member Blog: From Seed to Harvest – A Guide to Successful Cannabis Cultivation
As the cannabis market continues to experience exponential growth, cannabis business professionals are constantly seeking ways to capitalize on this booming industry.
With the market projected to expand from USD 28.266 billion in 2021 to an astounding USD 197.74 billion in 2028 at (a CAGR) of 32.04%, it’s evident that there is immense potential for success in the cannabis sector.
However, to truly thrive in this competitive landscape, it’s crucial to have a solid understanding of the cultivation process from seed to harvest. That’s why in this guide, we will walk you through the essential steps and best practices for successful cannabis cultivation.
Let’s begin!
Choosing the Right Seeds
The first step in successful cannabis cultivation is selecting the right seeds. With a variety of strains available at a seed shop, it’s important to consider your preferences and goals. Are you looking for high THC content or a strain that offers more CBD? Do you prefer a Sativa or an Indica-dominant plant?
Invest time researching and selecting the best seeds to lay a strong foundation for your cannabis cultivation journey. You can even contact the seed shop and discuss your goal and get their recommendations.
Germination
Once you have your seeds, the next step is germination. It is the initial stage of cannabis cultivation, where the seeds begin to sprout and develop into seedlings. Here, the seeds absorb water, triggering biochemical changes that activate growth.
Start by soaking the seeds in a glass of water for about 24 hours to encourage the process. Then, transfer the seeds to a moist paper towel and place them in a warm and dark environment. Within a few days, the seeds will crack open, and tiny root and shoot structures will emerge, signifying the successful initiation of the growth cycle.
Seedling Stage
The next step is to transfer them to a growing medium. Use small pots or seedling trays filled with light, airy soil mix. Make sure the soil is moist but not overly saturated. Provide your seedlings with 18-24 hours of light daily, preferably using fluorescent or LED grow lights.
During the vegetative stage, your cannabis plants will focus on growing leaves and branches. To promote healthy growth, give your plants at least 16 hours of light daily. You can use specialized grow lights or take advantage of natural sunlight if growing outdoors. Also, maintain a temperature range of 70-80°F (21-27°C) and monitor humidity levels to avoid excessive moisture.
Using nutrient-rich fertilizers with higher nitrogen content is also recommended during this stage. It supports robust vegetative growth and prepares the plants for the subsequent flowering phase. Follow the instructions on the fertilizer package for dosage and frequency.
Note: Ensure the soil is evenly moist but not waterlogged when watering. Overwatering can lead to root rot, so allow the soil to dry out slightly between waterings.
Flowering Stage
After a few weeks of vegetative growth, your cannabis plants will enter the flowering stage. To initiate flowering, you must adjust the light cycle to 12 hours of light followed by 12 hours of complete darkness. (This is also known as photoperiod lighting.)
This change in light schedule signals the plants to begin producing flowers. However, it’s crucial to maintain consistent light and dark periods to avoid stressing the plants. Also, remember that the length of the flowering stage varies depending on the strain, typically lasting 8-10 weeks.
Harvesting
The moment you’ve been waiting for has arrived—it’s time to harvest your cannabis. Look for signs that the plants are ready, such as the appearance of trichomes (tiny, crystal-like structures) on the flowers. Trichomes will change from clear to cloudy or amber, indicating the optimal time for harvesting.
Use a magnifying glass or a microscope to examine the trichomes closely. Once ready, carefully cut the branches and trim away the excess leaves. Keep in mind that harvesting too early or too late can impact the potency and overall quality of your final product. So, be patient and wait for the optimal time when the trichomes have reached their desired color and maturity.
The Bottom Line
Successful cannabis cultivation is a multifaceted process requiring attention to detail, patience, and continuous learning. By following the guidelines outlined in this guide, you can ensure a high-quality yield, positioning yourself as a leading player in the rapidly expanding cannabis industry.
Author Bio: Erika Cruz is a content writer at Outreach Monks, a leading marketing agency known for its innovative digital solutions. With her expertise in crafting compelling copy and engaging content, Erika helps clients build their brands and connect with their target audience.
Member Blog: Think Your Disposable Gloves are Clean? Think Again.
For those working in the cannabis industry, disposable gloves provide a protective barrier when working with products during the cultivation, harvesting, and processing stages. The benefit to wearers is essentially twofold. While “food-safe” rated gloves can greatly reduce the threat of cross-contamination between the wearer and products, they also help keep employees safe from dermal threats such as THC exposure, chemicals, fertilizers, and a wide variety of pesticides, especially if utilized during the growing season. In one well-documented incident, the culprit for a costly product recall turned out to be cross-contamination from single-use gloves, when O-Phenylphenol (OPP) – a cancer-causing chemical compound – was discovered in a seemingly pesticide-free cannabis operation.
If cannabis employees are under the impression that all disposable gloves are clean, intact, and contaminant-free right out of the box, you may want to reevaluate your perception.
Recent Study Identifies Glove Contaminants
The recent findings from a multi-year study on the potential for glove contamination revealed some alarming results about new and unused gloves. 2,800 gloves from 26 brands were subjected to four separate metagenomic testing sequences to determine the presence of contamination on both interior and exterior surfaces. Of all the samples analyzed and tested, 50% of the gloves contained traces of human fecal matter. In addition, the testing also detected other harmful pathogens which can lead to cross-contamination in cannabis supply chains. These included various yeast species, and a wide range of distinct genera of fungi – including Penicillium, Cladosporium, and Aspergillus.
How Can This Happen?
You may be wondering how it’s possible for unused disposable gloves to be contaminated right out of the box. Because the contamination occurs during manufacturing, before they are packaged in their box – and there are two root causes that contribute to the potential threat. First, not every glove supplier manufactures their products in a clean and hygienic environment. Putrid water sources, unsafe raw materials, and inadequate processes for quality control plague many of the factories where single-use gloves are produced. Compounding this problem is the lax oversight and enforcement of the FDA’s current regulatory policies, which actually don’t require imported food-compliant gloves to be pathogen-free or tested for performance such as rips, tears, and holes.
All Glove Suppliers are Not Equal
Before you adopt a defeated mindset about the safety and quality of gloves you wear, there are suppliers and distributors that go the extra mile to make sure their product lines are free from harmful contaminants. Glove suppliers that adhere to the highest industry standards for performance, quality, and safety are known for self-policing their manufacturing processes, ensuring that products are produced with proper raw materials, absent of unsafe chemicals, toxins, or microbial contaminants. They also conduct routine audits to test the effectiveness of their manufacturing process, and some have even adopted product traceability to ensure a contamination-free supply chain from initial production to final shipping and delivery.
Buying the cheapest gloves may save you a little on the front end, but also come with elevated contamination risk. In the long-run, premium quality gloves are much more cost-competitive than you think. And you’ll have peace of mind in knowing that your required PPE will probably never be the cause of a costly product recall that can be damaging to your organization’s profitability and reputation.
Justine Charneau is the head of cannabis industry sales at Eagle Protect, a disposable glove supplier dedicated to the responsible sourcing of quality products that ensure customer safety and impact reduction, ultimately mitigating customers’ risk. Eagle Protect is the only global PPE supplier that is a Certified B Corporation, a designation that a business has met the highest standards of verified glove safety and performance, accountability, and transparency. She can be reached at justine@eagleprotect.com
Committee Insights | Meet the Minors (Novel, Minor, Synthetic Cannabinoids – Part II)
In this edition of our NCIA Committee Insights series, originally aired on May 11, 2023, we were joined by members of NCIA’s Cannabis Manufacturing, Scientific Advisory and Hemp Committees for an in-depth discussion of the most talked about minor, novel, and synthetic cannabinoids.
What scientific publications exist for each compound? What do we know about each molecule’s physiological, psychoactive, and therapeutic effects?
You’ll find out during this informative session featuring leading chemical experts, manufacturers and product development specialists. Along with audience members they explored these compounds from various perspectives to examine their implications for consumers, medical practitioners, patients, producers and regulators.
Learning Objectives:
• Molecular Structures and Identification of novel, minor, and synthetic compounds
• Published Physiological and Psychoactive effects of these compounds
• Perceived therapeutic effects
• Opportunity to ask about other new compounds not in presentation.
Safeguarding Consumers in the Cannabinoid Product Landscape (Part III):
Know Your Hazards – Occupational Health and Safety Considerations in Cannabinoid Ingredient Manufacturing (Part IV): https://bit.ly/3rEUeKP
Concepts for Regulatory Consideration – Shifting the Conversation from “Cannabis vs. Hemp” to “The Cannabinoids” (Part V): https://bit.ly/3P3r5AW
Committee Blog: Hop Latent Viroid (HLV) – Overview of Pathogen Biology, Spread, Control, and Testing
by Sarah Taylor-Laine (NCIA Education Committee, NCIA Cultivation Committee)
Hop Latent Viroid (HLV/HpLV), sometimes referred to as “dudding” or “stunting”, is one of the most pressing biological threats facing the cannabisindustryworldwide. In the United States, HLV was first detected in California in 2017. Subsequent research by Dark Heart Nursery indicated that 90% of Californian facilities tested at the time were positive for the pathogen. The Dark Heart Nursery research team estimated that an HLV epidemic could result in up to US$4 billion in losses to the cannabis industry annually. To add insult to injury, HLV-infected cannabis may be linked to cannabis hyperemesissyndrome (CHS), which affects both adults and children.
Viroids are subviral pathogenic RNA molecules which replicate within host plants and are only approximately 1/50th the size of the smallest viruses. Specifically, HLV is a circular RNA molecule of approximately 256 nucleotides in length, which can assume a rod-shaped secondary structure. In hops, HLV has been shown to interact with other viruses and alter the gene expression patterns of host plants. HLV has been found to not only infect hops and cannabis, but also Dianthus deltoides, Chenopodiastrum murale, Dysphania pseudomultiflora, cowpea (Vigna unguiculata), common bean (Phaseolus vulgaris), and stinging nettle (Urtica dioica). Notably, by subjecting hop plants to heat stress, researchers have been able to induce “thermomutant” HLV variants which could then infect both tomato (Solanum lycopersicum) and Nicotiana benthamiana, opening up the possibility that HLV could spread to new plant species under climate change-induced warming scenarios.
HLV often does not produce obvious symptoms in hops, and where they do occur there may be a long latency period, making control difficult. In hops, HLV is often detected early in the season at the plant base, where it gradually spreads up the plant and can be detected in all aerial tissues by mid-season during the flowering period. In cannabis, HLV causes brittle stems, a horizontal growth habit, and the destruction of flowers and trichomes. In both hops and cannabis, HLV may cause pathology in host plants through RNA interference (RNAi). HLV infection is reported to reduce THC content by 50-70%, which is not surprising as glandular trichomes are the source of THC in cannabis. In hops, HLV infection has been shown to reducethecontentof terpenes and other secondary metabolites in susceptible varieties. It is currently unknown whether HLV infection decreases the terpene content in cannabis, but it is very likely.
In hops, HLV is not readily transferred byseeds, but may be transferred in uninucleate pollen. However, activating pollen nuclease HBN1 was shown to eliminate HLV in mature pollen. “Real world” transmission of HLV appears to primarily occur through the use of contaminatedcutting tools, the use of infected plant materials, or from plant-to-plant. However, as an obligate pathogen, HLV requires living host tissue in order to survive and propagate. HLV has been confirmed to be transmitted between hop plants by potato aphid (Macrosiphum euphorbiae), green peach aphid (Myzus persicae), and hop aphid (Phorodonhumuli), and may also be transferred by other herbivorous insects. Planting cannabis on sites previously planted with infected host plants is likely to be a source of infection, although this has not been experimentally verified.
In hops, chillingplants at 2-4 °C (approximately 35-40 °F) for 8-21 months prior to harvesting meristem tips for propagation has been shown to reduce or eliminate the spread of HLV, although the effect may be variety-specific. In addition, subjecting hop mericlones to heat treatment cycles (25-35 °C/77-95 °F for two weeks) has been shown to reduce HLV incidence by 70-90%. In terms of waste management, anaerobic fermentation at 70 °C (158 °F) causes HLV degradation, although standard ensiling does not appear to be effective. As with most viral and viroid diseases, there is currently no cure available to disinfect mature host plants. However, researchers are currently studying whether RNAi may have utility in cannabis crop protection against viral and viroid infections. Therefore, it is currently recommended to test all stock plants to confirm that they are pathogen free and to destroy all infected materials.
Plant materials can be tested for HLV infection using several molecular techniques, including DNA barcoding, RNA sequencing (RNA-seq), recombinase polymerase amplification (RPA), quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR), reverse transcription PCR (RT-PCR), dot-blot hybridization, tissue print hybridization, in situ hybridization, and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA).
It is unknown how many, and which, lessons learned in hops will be transferable to cannabis. Both susceptibility and control of HLV in cannabis is likely to be variety-specific. To enable the breeding of HLV-resistant cannabis varieties, future research should focus on characterizing the molecular mechanism underlying HLV pathogenicity and host susceptibility. However, the situation remains that HLV is likely endemic in many cannabis growing regions and cultivators should focus on targeted biosanitation efforts to thwart HLV infection in their crops. These efforts should include testing all propagation materials for infection, destroying infected materials, sanitizing cutting tools and work surfaces, and limiting herbivory by sap-sucking insects such as aphids.
Sarah Taylor-Laine is a plant science polymath. Sarah has taught and developed college-level courses related to general biology, plant biology, and cannabis sciences at several institutions, most recently at Beal University. She has also worked across many industries including agriculture, horticulture, and arboriculture, performing diverse work in research, quality control, product development, regulatory affairs, scientific communication, and field-based consulting.
Video: NCIA Today – Thursday, February 9, 2023
NCIA Director of Communications Bethany Moore checks in with what’s going on across the country with the National Cannabis Industry Association’s membership, board, allies, and staff. Join us every other Thursday on LinkedIN for NCIA Today Live.
Committee Blog: VPD Topics for Cannabis Cultivation and Opportunities to Reduce Facility Energy Costs
Indoor cannabis cultivation facilities are complex environments, where a large number of variables interact to create an ideal ecosystem to grow cannabis. The upside of an indoor facility is it allows a year-long growing climate, optimized for each stage of the plant grow cycle. The downside, however, is creating this ideal climate is very energy-intensive.
There are three (3) main types of precision cooling equipment offered in the cultivation space. Those are Air Cooled DX, Water Cooled DX, and Chilled Water Units. DX stands for direct expansion systems. The immediate and most noteworthy difference between these systems is that DX units cool air using refrigerant, and Chilled Water units cool air utilizing chilled water. A DX unit uses refrigerant-based cooling and cools indoor air using a condensed refrigerant liquid. Typically, the decision regarding which cooling source is better for a cultivation facility is usually driven by the size of the cooling plant as well as other unique site conditions. Selecting the right HVAC system for your cultivation facility can be a challenging process driven by many factors, however this is beyond the topic of discussion for this article, it should be noted that the following analysis assumes an Air Cooled DX based system.
The total energy costs for indoor cannabis grow operations typically vary between 25%-50% of total operating costs (or approximately 150-200 kWh/sq.ft). In comparison, energy use in a typical commercial building environment is approximately 25 kWh/sq. ft. As indoor cultivation facilities increase, they can be a source of strain on electrical grids. A recent study showed indoor cannabis cultivation alone accounted for 4% of the energy grid usage in Denver. (IEEE, 2020)
With that context, any areas we can identify to improve energy efficiencies without introducing a negative impact to the grow environment can have enormous bottom-line impacts for cultivation owners and society at large.
In this article, we are going to be examining two ways we can optimize HVACD systems to improve energy efficiency. When HVACD systems are designed for grow facilities, the primary variables we are looking to influence are the following psychrometric properties: temperature (either wet or dry bulb) and relative humidity. Mechanical engineers will often refer to an information-packed graph called a psychrometric chart shown below.
This chart helps to visualize the relationships different properties of air like temperature, humidity (relative and absolute) and dew points along the saturation curve have with each other. This is useful to analyze, as these are direct inputs to a scientific measure often favored by growers called Vapor Pressure Deficit (VPD).
Vapor Pressure Deficit, simply described, compares these variables to determine how much additional room for water vapor there is in the air. This is important as it determines how readily cannabis plants can transpire. Controlling transpiration rates help to aid in healthy, robust growth through the plant life cycle. Growers tend to want lower VPD, and thus lower transpiration, early in plant maturity, and increase to higher VPDs, and thus high transpiration, at the flowering stage before harvesting.
So we know a successful indoor cultivation facility HVAC system will need to control temperature and humidity to ensure the desired VPD values. How can we do that efficiently?
Stand-Alone Dehumidifiers Are Inefficient
A cannabis plant can transpire up to 99% of the water absorbed through its roots. Due to this, we often tell people that designing an indoor cultivation facility is like designing a data center with a swimming pool inside. Because of the increased humidity introduced from plant transpiration, we must pay special attention to dehumidification strategies within the grow space. Humid air requires treating significant latent loads in the grow space, requiring additional energy to remove moisture from the airstream. This is one reason HVACD systems can consume up to 50% of the energy budget in a cultivation facility. As previously mentioned, higher humidity levels will lower the VPD in the room, preventing a plant from transpiring effectively to continue healthy growth. To combat this, sometimes stand-alone dehumidifiers are added into the grow room.
While these units can do the job of removing moisture from the room, it is a very energy-intensive process. One of the issues with stand-alone dehumidifiers is that they reject heat back into the grow room, thereby adding additional cooling load onto the main HVAC equipment.
Integral Hot Gas Reheat System
An air handling unit, sometimes called an air handler or AHU, is a piece of equipment that is used to condition and circulate air as a component of a heating, ventilating, and air conditioning system.
The air handler is usually a large metal box that contains a blower, heating and cooling elements, filter chambers, sound attenuators, and dampers. It then connects to ductwork that distributes the conditioned air throughout the space before returning it back to the AHU.
Of particular interest are the units cooling coil and reheat coil. These two components are namely responsible for controlling VPD levels in our grow space. In an AHU equipped with Integral Hot Gas Reheat, the cooling coil serves as a dehumidifier, by cooling the air thereby reducing its moisture/latent load (we recommend considering capturing this water for treatment and reuse: read more here). The hot gas reheat capability utilizes heat from grow space and compressor heat to reheat the air before returning to the grow space (without using additional heating energy).
While this may seem like a minor design change, it results in a considerable reduction in energy. As the chart below illustrates, leveraging Integral Hot Gas Reheat units can result in a 30-35% reduction in HVACD energy when compared with other dehumidification systems. Additional automation capabilities built-into these systems will ensure that the grow room will remain tightly controlled within the desired state points of your grow room to optimize VPD.
This reduction in energy quickly adds up to reduced utility bills. Despite marginally higher upfront costs as compared to standard HVAC equipment coupled with standalone dehumidifiers, this option results in a lower 5-year system cost than common HVACD systems installed in cultivation facilities, and these savings will only increase over time.
Maintaining Consistent VPD, but at higher Temperature / Humidity Ranges
The second energy-saving measure we would like to discuss goes back to the earlier discussion of VPD. Recall the equation for VPD is
V P sat – V P air = VPD
This is important, as it provides growers the flexibility to fall within desired VPD ranges, but at higher temperature and humidity ranges than typically used. Many growers target grow room setpoint temperatures around 72-75F and limit relative humidity to a maximum of 50 percent, but by allowing slightly higher room setpoint temperatures of 76-82F, with corresponding relative humidity increases, we can create identical VPDs at higher setpoint temperatures. The cost-benefit of this small adjustment is considerable. The HVAC system (including cooling and dehumidification) can be sized at roughly 20-30% smaller capacity, reducing the owner’s up-front equipment costs. In addition, the system’s energy consumption and costs during operations will be significantly lower, to the tune of 30-40%. In a theoretical 30,000 square foot facility, this could result in $1,125,000 savings in the first 5 years.
The case for a hybrid greenhouse, using VPD controls
Another way of growing instead of full indoor, is a highly efficient, sealed greenhouse. It is designed to maximize sunlight inside the growing environment, meaning energy used for lighting is dramatically reduced. And because it is sealed, energy-efficiency is maximized, as leakage is kept to a minimum. In order to make this work, these greenhouses need to be hybrid (using insulated walls and glazing) and the orientation and design play a bigger role.
In this hybrid greenhouse environment, the growing space typically heats up as soon as the sun comes out, no matter the outside temperature. Cooling in this instance would increase the power usage vs. increasing the humidity to keep the VPD level in the same range. When the sun goes down, the opposite happens. The grow environment starts to cool and it would be expensive to try and keep the temperature up.
In order to achieve VPD control, the control system needs to be able to variably adjust temperature and humidity, based on inputs like weather forecast, time of the day, day of the year, etc. Being able to control the grow environment by VPD level will significantly reduce the energy consumption for your HVACD system.
Member Blog: The Importance of Genetic Studies for Identifying Plant Mutations
by Angel Fernandez, Joselyn Guadamuz, and Maria de Catarina of MyFloraDNA
The cannabis industry has experienced significant growth in recent years, highlighting the importance of quality control measures. One of them is the utilization of laboratory partners to ensure the genetic integrity of the products. However, the connection between cannabis and genetic studies is often underappreciated.
A genetic study or test is a type of analysis that is carried out on a tissue or cell to search for essential traits in the genetic material of the plant. The results obtained from these analyses can provide a lot of information that helps confirm or refute many theories.
In recent years, genetic studies of cannabis have played a crucial role in the industry by providing growers with more advanced tools and techniques. These studies have enabled growers to improve crop yields by identifying key traits and characteristics for reproduction. Furthermore, genetic testing has been instrumental in quickly and effectively detecting diseases that affect crops and identifying the gender of the plant well in advance of flowering, thus saving growers time and resources.
Even more, genetic testing also allows cannabis workers to detect changes or damages in the genetic material of their plants.
Plants, like all living organisms, have a complex genetic makeup that plays a crucial role in their growth and development. However, the genetic material of plants can be susceptible to mutations, which are changes in the DNA sequence that can occur naturally or be caused by external factors. These mutations can have varying effects on the plant, from having no impact to causing serious detrimental effects on its growth and development.
One of the main factors that can cause mutations in the genetic material of plants is found in controlled environments such as in vitro culture laboratories. In these environments, plants are exposed to chemicals and UV radiation that can cause mutations in their DNA. However, not all mutations are harmful to plants. For decades, scientists have been making changes to the genetic material of plants with the goal of improving crop quality and characteristics.
While controlled environments can cause mutations in the genetic material of plants, it’s also important to consider the impact of environmental factors in uncontrolled environments, such as outdoor crop plantations. Factors like air (oxygen) and sunlight (UV rays) are two of the main factors influencing mutations in the genetic material of plants. Because these two factors are part of the normal conditions in which a crop lives on a plantation, mutations can be expected to occur at some point in the growth process of plants.
The damage caused by these factors can not only generate simple changes in the genetic material of the plants but can also have serious detrimental effects on the plant, such as growth inhibition. Even subsequent cumulative damage to genetic material can not only prevent plant cells from dividing and growing but can seriously damage tissue and ultimately kill the plant.
Although some of these mutations can be subtle and go undetected, the composition of the plant could have changed at a molecular level, which may mean that, for example, in the case of cannabis, a mutation causes the cannabinoid content to be of poor quality or even non-existent, but to the naked eye the plant looks normal. This is why genetic and molecular studies have played a key role in this industry.
Additionally, if a grower obtains a particularly outstanding trait in their plant, the only way to obtain information on that trait and validate its function is through genetic studies, allowing them to obtain a genetic profile of the plant as proof that it is unique. These studies also work to detect unique, outstanding traits, such as high THC or CBD production in cannabis, which would not be possible without laboratory analysis, as these traits cannot be measured visually.
It is crucial for growers to have a good understanding of the genetic material of their crops in order to ensure that they are of good quality and to detect any mutations that may have a negative impact on the plant. Genetic and molecular studies play a vital role in this industry by providing growers with the necessary information to make informed decisions about their crops, and to ensure that the plants they grow are of the highest quality and free of mutations that could have a negative impact on the final product.
About MyFloraDNA: We are a genomic laboratory based in Woodland California, delivering modern genomics for the cannabis industry.
Our services include Trait detection (cannabinoid profile and sex/gender ID), Pathogen Detection, and Genetic Validation Services. We offer breakthrough solutions using the inner power of your plants.
Angel Fernandez, author. CEO & Co-Founder at MyFloraDNA. Member of the NCIA’s Scientific Advisory Committee. “It is time to fill in the gap between DNA Sciences and Agriculture. MyFloraDNA is willing to show the huge opportunities that exist for modern genetics in agriculture. Now, it is time for another agricultural revolution”.
Joselyn Guadamuz, co-author. Scientific Researcher and Content Writer at MyFloraDNA.
Maria de Catarina, editor. Public Relations Specialist at MyFloraDNA.
Member Blog: In 2022, U.S. Cannabis Supply Exceeds 48.8 Million Pounds
When it comes to the national and state cannabis markets, most of the conversation is centered around demand. Cannabis investors have for years raised funding based on the potential of the market, or on the growth in demand. Cannabis business operators have talked about capturing market share and, of course, policymakers have always talked about taxes. Until recently, very little data was available on cannabis supply. On December 1, my team at Whitney Economics published a report on the total cannabis supply in the U.S. market. We wanted to share some of our data and insights with the NCIA community.
The Supply and Demand of American Cannabis
The total cultivated output of cannabis in the United States in 2022 is 48.8 million pounds. This figure may be surprisingly large to some people, because it includes both legal and illicit cannabis supply, and addresses all delivery methods, including flower, edibles, concentrates, and other products. Current legal sales of cannabis will be an estimated $29.3 billion in 2022, and are projected to be at $81.6 billion by 2030.
Interesting Fact about Cannabis Demand: Unless there is some major development in cannabis application or market conditions, the total demand for cannabis will not grow substantially over the next decade. Instead, demand will shift from the illicit market to legal channels for cannabis. There will be more legal supply than illicit cannabis supply in the U.S. by 2026 or 2027. While the total number of consumers will be rather consistent, the value of the cannabis market (in terms of dollars) is actually forecasted to decline over time as more and more states come online and competition from both inside and outside of the U.S. drives down prices.
Consumer Consumption is Consistent and Predictable
The U.S. cannabis market is as big as it seems, with one out of three adults over the age of 18 consuming cannabis at least once in the past year. That number currently equates to more than 80 million adults. The report also includes data on total consumption, which is extremely consistent from state market to state market. Consumption is the basis for the amount of supply in a market.
Interesting Fact about Consumer Participation: When it comes to purchasing cannabis products, consumers remain very price sensitive. That is to say that the “elasticity of demand” is very high. This elasticity number can be used to predict legal consumer participation levels, based on how much higher the legal price is than the illicit price. Predicting consumer conversions into the legal market is not that difficult to do.
Consumer participation in the legal cannabis markets is very predictable and based on three factors:
Price of legal cannabis relative to the illicit cannabis market
Availability of legal cannabis supply
Ease of access to legal cannabis
These three factors are interrelated. For example, if supply or access is limited, prices will rise and there will be less legal participation. Or if policy makers tax cannabis too much, the rate of legal conversion will slow significantly and policies surrounding public safety will be impacted. There is a sweet spot, however.
There Can Also Be Too Much Supply
On the other hand, if there is too much supply, this can be harmful to cannabis businesses as it creates a pricing race to the bottom. When businesses compete on price, profit margins are compressed, and businesses fail. States including Oregon and Michigan are currently in that situation, as prices have collapsed and some licensees are calling for cannabis business licenses to be limited.
State-by-State Cannabis Cultivation Capacity
In the 2022 U.S. Cannabis Supply Report, we were able to calculate the total legal cultivation capacity of every state in the country. California leads the nation in cultivated output at 22.2 million pounds this year alone. Using this valuable information, investors, operators, regulators, and other stakeholders in the U.S. cannabis industry can see which state markets are oversaturated by supply.
Interesting Fact about Cannabis Cultivation: Today, the total legal cultivation capacity that has already been licensed is greater than the total U.S. demand (illicit + legal) for cannabis. With more and more states coming online, this imbalance will only get more pronounced. Business operators in the cannabis industry should ready themselves for a reckoning when it comes to their profit expectations.
New Analytical Tools Have Been Developed That Combine Supply and Demand
The development of an integrated supply and demand model that encompasses both the legal and illicit markets for cannabis in the United States is a significant development for the cannabis industry. Stakeholders in every state now have the capability of assessing the market for operational, investment, and regulatory risks with granularity. Policymakers at the state and community levels can incorporate both these supply and demand models in order to make informed, data-driven decisions. There is a lot of potential in these new tools, and we are just beginning to scratch the surface of bringing a higher degree of sophistication and analysis to the cannabis industry.
Beau Whitney is the founder and Chief Economist at Whitney Economics, a global leader in cannabis and hemp business consulting and economic research, and has served as Senior Economist for NCIA.
Serving an international clientele, Beau is considered one of the leading cannabis economists in the U.S. and globally. His applications of economic principles to create actionable operational and policy recommendations has been recognized by governments, and throughout the economic, investment, business communities.
Drawing upon his previous hi-tech experience, Beau has applied his supply chain and operations expertise to the cannabis industry, where he has designed and implemented efficiencies into the cultivation, extraction, edible manufacturing, wholesale and retail distribution operations of a vertically integrated cannabis operation, that eventually went public in 2015.
His Whitney Economics and New Frontier Data white papers analyzing the adult-use, medical and industrial cannabis markets have been referenced in Bloomberg, the Wall Street Journal, Washington Post, New York Times, USA Today, the Associated Press, as well as in leading cannabis industry publications. Whitney is a member of the American Economic Association, the Oregon chapter president of the National Association of Business Economics, is a member of multiple regulatory advisory committees throughout the U.S. and participates on the Oregon Governor’s Council of Economic Advisors.
Beau has provided policy recommendations at the state, national and international levels and is considered an authority on cannabis economics and the supply chain.
Member Blog: What’s in Your Garden? Identifying, Preventing, and Exterminating Pests
Unfortunately, there are a variety of insects with the potential to damage the majority of your cannabis plants. Before we can fight back, we must be able to identify each symptom an insect may leave behind. Symptoms often vary amongst individual pests allowing us to identify them and treat the plant accordingly. This blog serves to highlight some of the biggest threats to cannabis gardens, including the following insects:
Aphids
Spider Mites
Fungus Gnats
Thrips
An aphid is a soft-bodied insect with a piercing-sucking mouthpart, allowing it to access a plant’s vascular system and steal its nutrients. They are visible to the naked eye but come in various colors, sometimes blending into the plant and making them hard to spot.
So, how can we know if aphids are present in our cannabis plants? According to Ryan Douglas, author of “Playing Plant Detective: How to Identify Insect “Fingerprints,” these insects often leave behind a smokey mold or “sooty mold,” consisting of a black or brown fungal disease. Aphids are mainly attracted to the protein within the sap of the plants, so the rest of the sugars in the sap pass through their body and are left behind on the leaves. This forgotten waste is known as honeydew and does not stay forgotten for long as ants are highly attracted to it. With this in mind, some other signs to be aware of are the collection of ants and left-over honeydew.
For preventative and exterminate measures, regularly check your plant for symptoms of the pest, remove and spray off as many bugs as possible, and also consider insecticide soaps and sprays that will not harm your plants.
Figure 1. Aphids in different phases of life
Spider Mites
Spider mites are smaller than aphids but still visible to the naked eye. They are often dark red, orange, or brown. Spider mites also have tiny piercing mouths that allow them to feed on nutrients obtained from the plant leaves.
It can be hard to spot their presence in the early stages, as they tend to remain under the plant leaves until their population expands. Once the populace has reached a larger capacity, spider webbing will be present along the top of the plant canopy. In addition, the mites will often leave behind little white specks on the top of the leaf. The idea is to spot the mites before webbing occurs; this can be done by frequently and thoroughly examining your plants.
Early detection of spider mites is vital for exterminating and preventing their growth. According to Nebula Haze, author of “Cannabis Pests, Bugs, & Viruses,” these mites quickly reproduce and gain immunity to extermination methods. Therefore, it is important to use multiple forms of extermination consistently to prevent their return.
Figure 2. Spider mite webbing on a cannabis plant
Fungus Gnats
Unlike aphids and spider mites, fungus gnats primarily feed on plant roots. These gnats look like tiny black flies and can have quite harmful effects on plants. Not only are the flies feeding on the roots, but the larvae destroy root hairs and young roots of the cannabis plants (Haze, 2022).
Fungus gnats are not as easy to trace because their usual resting spot on the plant allows them to blend in with the dark soil and surface area. A more visible clue of “fungus gnats is the presence of their feces on the leaves, nursery pots, and grow benches” (Douglas, 2022). If there happens to be any flying bugs around the plant, that could also be a prominent symptom.
Ensuring prevention and extermination are possible from a variety of practices. Be sure not to over-water the plants, as gnats a more attracted to overly damp areas. It may also be helpful to hang sticky cards near your plants and, once again, utilize insecticide sprays when necessary.
Figure 3. Fungus gnat, in comparison to a quarter
Thrips
A thrip is yet another insect that raises a threat to the healthy growth of cannabis plants. “Adult thrips are small, fast-moving insects, while young thrips look like tiny unmoving pale worms on the leaves” (Haze, 2022). Depending on their stage of life, they could look a variety of ways. They often blend into the plant because of their color and will jump around if they feel threatened. These variables cause their extermination to be quite tricky.
Thrips have small, piercing mouths like spider mites and aphids, but the leaves often look more scraped than pierced (Douglas, 2022). Douglas gives a great suggestion to test a plant for thrips. If you hold a white piece of paper under the suspected leaf and tap on the leaf, you will be able to see the thrips fall on the paper. As adults, they will typically appear as orange, brown, or yellow.
Figure 4. Thrip-damaged leaf
Examining your cannabis plants regularly makes the prevention or early diagnosis of pests a manageable task. As you examine your plants, keep in mind the range of symptoms that stem from various insects. In the end, if you happen to come across any harmful pests, be diligent in your extermination methods and find the necessary method according to the pest you discover.
References
Haze, N. (2022, August 7). Complete pest guide – cannabis pests, bugs & viruses. Grow Weed Easy. Retrieved October 19, 2022, from https://www.growweedeasy.com/bugs-pests-symptoms-marijuana-grow
Photographer: Whitney Cranshaw, Colorado State University, Bugwood.org
About MyFloraDNA: We are a genomic laboratory based in Woodland California, delivering modern genomics for the Cannabis Industry.
Our services include Trait detection (cannabinoid profile and sex/gender ID), Pathogen Detection, and Genetic Validation Services. We offer breakthrough solutions using the inner power of your plants.
Authors: Ashlyn East and Angel Fernandez
Angel Fernandez, CEO & Co-Founder at MyFloraDNA. “It is time to fill in the gap between DNA Sciences and Agriculture. MyFloraDNA is willing to show the huge opportunities that exist for modern genetics in agriculture. Now, it is time for another agricultural revolution”
Editor: Maria Zuccarelli
Video: NCIA Today – Thursday, November 3, 2022
NCIA Director of Communications Bethany Moore checks in with what’s going on across the country with the National Cannabis Industry Association’s membership, board, allies, and staff. Join us every other Thursday on Facebook for NCIA Today Live.
Member Blog: How to Prevent Pathogen Infections in Cannabis Gardens
One pathogencan spread through a garden and ruin everything that was going well.
A pathogen is “an organism causing the disease to its host, with the severity of the disease symptoms referred to as virulence.” (NCBI) There are different kinds of pathogens. These are the main three infecting cannabis crops:
Viruses (ex. Cannabis Cryptic Virus)
Viroids (ex. Hop Latent Viroid)
Fungus (ex. Botrytis)
Well, here are five recommendations approved by Dr. Angel Fernandez – Ph.D. in plant science with a complete background in cannabis genetics and genomics, CEO and Co-Founder of MyFloraDNA – The following recommendations will impede the spread of a pathogen in your cannabis garden so the next time you’re prepared for a worst-case scenario.
1. The first step: remove.
If a plant’s result comes out positive, it must be removed from the field or greenhouse as soon as possible, without exposing it directly to other plants.
2. Destroy.
Ironically, the best solution to avoid the destruction of your garden is to dispose of infected plants. If the infection is in a mother plant, remember to remove its clones from your growing facility and test them as fast as possible with your trusted genomic laboratory.
3. Don’t deny it, take action and prevent the spread.
If one plant is positive, assume the viroid is present in your field and extreme your prevention strategies.
Sterilize all tools used
Control your personnel and visitors
Do not jump from one plant to another without sterilizing your equipment
4. Don’t look away and take responsibility for your problem. Test regularly.
It doesn’t matter if other plants don’t return positives. Some pathogens remain dormant for weeks (like Botrytis or “bud rot”). Stay alert and test regularly.
5. Keep an eye on pests, they are pathogens’ best friends.
Control pests. One of the causes of quick pathogen propagation in Cannabis fields is pest infections, like Whiteflies.
How do you know if a plant is infected?
It might sound obvious, but pay attention to the symptoms. Anyways, the most effective way is by requesting RNA testing from your trusted genomic laboratory.
RNA testing for pathogen detection is the easiest way to detect infected plants. The results are obtained through the qPCR method, determining whether your samples are positive or negative for the pathogen you wish to detect.
Commonly known as Dudding Disease. HLV is a single-stranded, circular infectious RNA viroid (it is not a virus).
Symptoms during vegetative stage: stunted growth, outward growth, abnormal branching, small leaves, overlapping blades, brittle stems, chlorosis on the leaves (yellow leaves),
Symptoms during flowering stage: trichome reduction, dull smell, no terpenes or reduction of terpenes, reduction of cannabinoid production, smaller buds.
This mold is one of the most damaging fungi that can kill cannabis plants within a week. It can remain dormant for long periods of time before damaging your plant.
Symptoms: Brown, water-soaked spots on buds, chlorotic areas on stems, gray-brown mass of spores on buds, interveinal yellowing leaves showing necrosis, and smaller buds.
Fusarium is a devastating fungus pretty frequent on cannabis crops. Symptoms: wilts and bud, crown, and root rots, chlorotic leaves, stunted growth, plant death.
I am glad you kept reading until here and hope this guide helps you to keep growing healthy and safe cannabis plants!
Also, here are some interesting topics you may like when you click on them before you close this tab:
About MyFloraDNA: We are a genomic laboratory based in Woodland California, delivering modern genomics for the Cannabis Industry. \
Our services include Trait detection (cannabinoid profile and sex/gender ID), Pathogen Detection, and Genetic Validation Services. We offer breakthrough solutions using the inner power of your plants.
Marketing expert, with a portfolio of innovative and successful projects around the world. Native leader, resolutive and efficient. She brings creativity and proactivity to MyFloraDNA’s Marketing Department.
Editor: Felipe Cisternas
Member Blog: Top 6 Pathogens Seen in Cannabis Plants
By Angel Fernandez and Felipe Cisternas, MyFloraDNA
Pathogens cause diseases when looking for a host body to infect. They come in diverse forms: bacteria, fungi, worms, viruses, and also prions. Pathogens are one of the significant threats to cannabis fields. These silent visitors may cause your plants to produce fewer trichomes, small buds, or even death.
Identifying each pathogenwill help to understand how each of them propagates, its symptoms, and its consequences. In this blog, you’ll find everything you need to know about:
Hop Latent Viroid (HLV) is a single-stranded infectious RNA that interferes with cannabis plant growth. Once the Hop Latent Viroid has infected the plant, the obvious sign of infection is dudding, which is when the plant grows smaller, shorter leaves in the process. HLVcan also cause other symptoms, such as yellowing, and necrotic and malformed leaves.
These plants will have fewer traces of trichomes in their structure. Detecting HLV on time is crucial to avoid an existential threat to the entire garden.
Botrytis Cinerea
Botrytis Cinerea, or bud rot, is a fungus that damages the tender parts of plants in areas of high humidity. This necrotrophic fungus will invade damaged tissue. The symptoms include smaller buds, the development of gray mass spores, and brown, water-soaked spots found on leaves. A major consequence of this fungus is that it can kill cannabis plants within a week.
Lettuce Chlorosis Virus
Much like Botrytis Cinerea, Lettuce Chlorosis Virus can potentially destroy an entire garden. Likewise, Lettuce Chlorosis Virus occurs in lettuce grown in southern California. The plants change into a frail yellow color. They will become very brittle and stunted. One way to prevent the virus from spreading is to take a sample of tissue from a cannabis plant and perform qPCR tests to make sure the plant is virus free.
Cannabis Cryptic Virus
Cannabis Cryptic Virus is a double-stranded RNA virus causing subtle symptoms to plants. Some of these symptoms include smaller flower quality and stunted growth. Thus, this virus can affect plants by producing fewer terpenes, cannabinoids, and trichomes, which are three essential components that serve different purposes for cannabis plants.
Alfalfa Mosaic Virus
Another pathogen is Alfalfa Mosaic Virus, the virus starts by killing cells within a plant and this can be a potential problem for groups of plants. Aphids, small insects, will begin to infect one plant after another as they move and transmit the virus instantly. Seed transmission is also a possibility. There’s no known cure so it is best to care for plants to avoid infection from this type of virus. The symptoms are the same as many of the previous viruses and diseases; stunted growth, slower yield, and calico or yellow color is typically seen on leaves. The good thing is that this can be detected on time by performing serological tests, or antigen and antibody tests to help prove immune status.
Beet Curly Top Virus
Lastly, Beet Curly Top Virus is a dangerous plant virus containing a single-stranded DNA that can affect all kinds of plants, especially cannabis plants, giving them a serious infection. Symptoms include showing a yellow color with purple veins, leaves beginning to curl, seedlings dying out, and deformation beginning at the buds. Since this virus contains a protein carrying a unique code that allows for host cell replication if the virus is not detected on time the cannabis plants will die.
Recognizing the danger these pathogens pose to cannabis plants, and acknowledging their potential to prevent cultivation is very important for growth and success.
Author: Angel Fernandez, CEO & Co-Founder at MyFloraDNA. “It is time to fill in the gap between DNA Sciences and Agriculture. MyFloraDNA is willing to show the huge opportunities that exist for modern genetics in agriculture. Now, it is time for another agricultural revolution”
Co-author: Felipe Cisternas, Intern at MyFloraDNA
Editor: Ashlyn East, Intern at MyFloraDNA
About MyFloraDNA: We are a genomic laboratory based in Woodland California, delivering modern genomics for the cannabis industry. MyFloraDNA provides data-driven decisions to help breeders increase their plant yields.
Our services include Trait detection (cannabinoid profile and sex/gender ID), Pathogen Detection, and Genetic Validation Services. We offer breakthrough solutions using the inner power of your plants.
Who asks if you think you have an infection in your garden?
We highly recommend you consult with DNA Laboratories. They will guide you through the process, test your plants, and let you know if they are infected with HLV or not.
Member Blog: The Delicate Issue of Dermal Considerations
Skin-related (dermal) issues from the constant wearing of disposable gloves were among the top complaints revealed in various cannabis workplace surveys. Many employees required to don single-use gloves to conduct a variety of job-related tasks – in the cannabis cultivation process and several other industries – remain unaware of the distinct types and qualities on the market, and how they differ. The quality, fit, durability, and functionality of disposable gloves are determined by several factors, including the type, application, raw materials, and manufacturing processes used to produce them.
Gloves by Type and Dermal Risk
Among disposable gloves, there are three primary types – latex, vinyl, and nitrile, each with differing qualities and risks. Here is a snapshot of each variety, along with their associated dermal risks:
Latex – these gloves are constructed of rubber, a snug fit like second skin that is both highly elastic and resilient. They are mostly worn in the medical industry, where a high level of dexterity and tactility is warranted. However, latex gloves can trigger a Type I hypersensitivity reaction to latex and Type IV hypersensitivity reaction to rubber chemicals. Latex-free nitrile gloves have generally superseded this option in the market.
Vinyl – these cheap gloves are manufactured from brittle polyvinyl chloride (PVC) material, prone to a high rate of defects (rips and holes) in the glove barrier, an immediate cross-contamination risk.
Vinyl gloves are manufactured with plasticizers to soften the PVC, which often contain toxic phthalates and chemicals. Many of these ortho-phthalates have been shown to harm reproductive health and brain development. These threats can be absorbed into the glove wearer’s skin, and leach into the food handled which, in turn, can later be ingested by customers. Phthalates in vinyl gloves are highly restricted in Europe and Japan for food handling and were recently banned by the state of Maine.
Vitrile – a blend of vinyl and nitrile. These gloves should be stronger than plain vinyl gloves and less expensive than nitrile. Due to pandemic-related price increases in gloves, the vitrile option has recently grown in popularity. Buyers should beware of cheap nitrile gloves, blended with cheaper vinyl, yet still marketed as nitrile. Vitrile gloves carry the same risks to the wearer, and the products they handle, as vinyl gloves.
Nitrile – these gloves are among the best choice for the cannabis industry, as they protect against harmful chemical substances, and their puncture and tear-resistant qualities are ideal for complex cultivation and processing tasks. They also provide the highest level of protection and durability as a barrier to harmful chemicals and pesticide exposure.
However, nitrile glove allergies can also occur, posing potential problems for the glove wearer. Cheap and toxic raw material ingredients, which reduce glove manufacturing costs, can also cause occupational skin disease (OSD), such as contact dermatitis and Type IV hypersensitivity to rubber chemicals. Accelerators, added to speed up rubber vulcanization during the manufacturing process, are the typical cause of glove contact allergies.
For glove wearers prone to skin allergies and irritation, higher quality gloves and accelerator-free options are a necessity.
Keeping Your Workforce Safe
There are ways and means of reducing the risk of dermal disorders caused by single-use, disposable gloves. The more frequently gloves are worn, the higher the risk. Below are several ways to mitigate the risk of dermal disorders:
Choose quality nitrile gloves, marketed by reputable suppliers with an extensive history of glove sourcing and experience. Look for well-established company websites, including industry-related blogs, published articles, and resources that demonstrate the supplier’s commitment to quality
Request proof of factory and third-party audits, as well as HACCP compliance certifications
Plan to undergo a commercial trial of glove products prior to committing to bulk purchasing. Any established and reputable supplier should be more than happy to ship glove samples for trial usage
If possible, choose accelerator-free nitrile gloves
Consider your options for glove types. Be wary of vinyl / nitrile-mixed gloves passed off as nitrile – always sample first before you buy
Justine Charneau is the head of cannabis industry sales atEagle Protect, a disposable glove supplier dedicated to the responsible sourcing of quality products that ensure customer safety and impact reduction, ultimately mitigating customers’ risk. Eagle Protect is the only global PPE supplier that is aCertified B Corporation, a designation that a business has met the highest standards of verified performance, accountability, and transparency. She can be reached at justine@eagleprotect.com.
Member Blog: What Growers Should Know About Hop Latent Viroid
by Angel Fernandez, María Zuccarelli, and María de Catarina, MyFloraDNA
For many years, growers and breeders have speculated why “dud plants” are seen across different cannabis crops.
It is a fact that cannabis has faced many viral infections. Due to viruses and viroids, some varieties mutated into genetic changes over time, altering the evolution of the plant.
But… how can we detect Hop Latent Viroid (HLV)?
Hop Latent Viroid (commonly known as Dudding Disease) is a single-stranded, circular infectious RNA. It is not a virus. Let us explain the difference:
Viroids only replicate in plants. Also, virusesare more complex than viroids. Viroids are compounded by only RNA, while viruses are composed of a protein capsule enveloping their genetic material.
Viruses infect new hosts only once they enter a host and replicate on it. Viroidsare transmitted through direct contact of a healthy plant with an infected one. Also, can be transmitted by contaminated tools and instruments (gloves, scissors, tweezers, even human hands).
Talking about HLV, we must remember that this viroid is latent, so there are many asymptomatic transmissions. It can spread without symptoms, and you will only realize it when it is too late.
HLV Symptoms:
HLV is a silent viroid, meaning that this viroid may or may not show early visual clues from its presence. Some physical symptoms in cannabis plants are:
What about transmission?
This issue is important, so please take note. If you have any doubts about an infection of Hop Latent Viroid in your garden, TREAT EVERYTHING AS IF IT IS INFECTED. Download here our guide on how to treat infected material.
HLV and other viroids in your garden or greenhouse can spread quickly from infected to healthy plants. The main transmission causes are:
Infected equipment: sterilize the equipment before working on new plants to reduce the possibility of contamination.
Clones: before cutting, we recommend doing a complete pathogen test, to avoid infected clones.
Seeds: this is currently under research, but HLV has an 8% chance of being present in the seeds of an infected mother plant.
Human touch: cultivation managers and staff have to sterilize their hands and gloves before jumping from one plant to another. A simple touch is enough to transmit HLV.
Bugs and pests: bugs and pests are always present, and their bites may transmit HLV, spreading the pathogen through your entire garden in a blink of an eye.
How can you prevent HLV?
Here are some essential tips:
Keep your equipment clean. You can read more about how to sterilize your tools on our Instagram profile.
Make sure you have pests under control
Tissue culture: HLV can travel through the plant’s vascular system and may be left behind in older tissues as plants develop. It can outgrow the problem by producing clones from the infected plant. The more cuttings a grower roots, the higher the chances of selecting a clean one.
Pay special attention when visits come by: HLV may come in a visitor’s hand, glove, or even shoes!
When a plant or leaf enters, please do not accept it unless it has a negative DNA HLV test. It is the only way you can be sure it is not a threat to your garden.
Who asks if you think HLV may be in your garden?
Thank you for reading! We hope you find this information useful. In case of any doubts, do not hesitate to ask us regarding any related topic and download our Complete HLV Guide here. We highly recommend you consult with DNA Laboratory. They will guide you through the process, test your plants, and let you know if they are infected with HLV or not.
Angel Fernandez, CEO & Co-Founder at MyFloraDNA. “It is time to fill in the gap between DNA Sciences and Agriculture. MyFloraDNA is willing to show the huge opportunities that exist for modern genetics in agriculture. Now, it is time for another agricultural revolution”
Co-author: María Zuccarelli, CMO at MyFloraDNA. Editor: María de Catarina, PR Intern at MyFloraDNA.
About MyFloraDNA: We are a genomic laboratory based in Woodland California, delivering modern genomics for the Cannabis Industry.
Our services include Trait detection (cannabinoid profile and sex/gender ID), Pathogen Detection, and Genetic Validation Services. We offer breakthrough solutions using the inner power of your plants.
Equity Member Spotlights: Where Are They Now?
Where are they now? This month, NCIA’s editorial department continues the monthly Member Spotlight series by following up with three of our Social Equity Scholarship Recipients as part of our Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Program. Participants are gaining first-hand access to regulators in key markets to get insight on the industry, tips for raising capital, and advice on how to access and utilize data to ensure success in their businesses, along with all the other benefits available to NCIA members.
First off, we have rebranded. We are now Cannvas Events. The name change was part of our evolution and maturation as a startup. As we scaled, more resources became available for things like branding. We brought in Greg Hill of Brand Birth to deploy the science of branding and the end result was a new name, new logo, and new understanding of where we were situated in the regulated cannabis ecosystem. The transformation led to the planning and production of our signature Cannabis Event 2.0 offering, the inaugural Saturnalia Canna Carnival, taking place at the Trinity Health Arena in Muskegon, MI on August 2oth. We are powering a traditional indoor/outdoor carnival – rides and attractions included – with a hassle-free, normalizing consumption solution. If you’re in the Midwest, come join us as we celebrate the first year of an iconic, perennial cannabis festival. Tickets and info at cannvasevents.com and follow us @saturnaliacannacarnival
Would you like to share anything that came out of being in the Spotlight previously?
The Spotlight feature presented tremendous value. The first year of the cannabis startup journey is devoid of financial revenue. Unless you’re needle-in-the-haystack lucky, it’s not even a consideration. The money is flowing in the opposite direction. So, the only available revenue, or currency, are the relationships. If you’re fortunate, these become renewable resources upon which you can draw repeatedly, and managed properly, they have no expiration date. You can bank them like any currency and you have much more influence on their stability, than on fiat currency. For me, that one relationship was with Michael Schwamm, who leads the Duane Morris cannabis practice out of New York. Michael opened doors for me and got me into rooms that I was previously unaware existed. That access has made all of the difference for me, personally, and for Cannvas Events. And had it not been for the Spotlight, I would have never been in position to enjoy that access.
Endo Industries
Since the last spotlight, you’ve joined the DEI Committee and its Regulatory Subcommittee. Anything you’d like to share about that experience thus far?
I’m impressed by the brilliant folks on the committee, and their dedication to making cannabis equitable. It takes time out of our grueling work days to contribute time on these committees but the contribution to making the industry better is crucial during these developmental years of cannabis. Perhaps our current misguided, harmful CA cannabis policies could have been prevented with more early participation from stakeholders who are stewards of the plant. However, there were many factors involved with the way CA policies were created, including special interest money from those who don’t care or want to see the industry fail.
It’s been a painful journey living through the consequences of these challenging policies as a cannabis operator. It takes a long time to change once it’s been passed. However, companies who are willing to work together in these important processes will survive and write a new path to move forward. Most of us can’t wait anymore for things to change so we need everyone’s active participation now, whether it’s writing an email to your constituents or being a part of NCIA!
California cannabis seems to be going through terrible challenges. Is there anything you’d like to share about what you’re seeing, or about some of the solutions our members can support with?
Overburdensome taxes and high barriers to entry for licensing throughout the state are most obvious right now. The lack of diversity and equity, consumer education, state and federal funding for further research and development also play a huge role in CA’s struggles. I’m frustrated that the State doesn’t understand that those who have been dedicated to the industry, collaboration and this plant are the only ones who can truly guide this industry forward.
NCIA members can lend support by truly including legacy, equity, and other diverse teams into your conversations and partnerships, and opening our eyes to value brought to the table by different communities. I would also encourage members to think about ways we can create awareness to our consumers to make better buying decisions. We have left all the medical properties of cannabis while legalizing, and that’s also why the industry is failing. Lastly, we need to keep pushing for more consumption lounges and events!
At Endo Industries, we built our company on principles of collaboration, science, equity and inclusion. Most notably, we offer critical supply chain support through our tissue culture services, and certified virus-free clean clones for growers, breeders and brands. If you know good operators who could benefit from our support, please send them our way. I cannot stress enough that the work Endo is doing is crucial for the success of the supply chain right now.
Would you like to share anything that came out of being in the Spotlight previously?
We’ve gotten great exposure for being featured in Spotlight. Endo and myself are more internet searchable, which in this day in age means we are real people!
People started sharing the link to the Spotlight to use as an introduction to Endo and myself as a founder. We’ve been told by clients who decided to work with us because they came across the feature when researching Endo. It solidified their desire to pick us because we are bullish about our values because our business model is strategic and collaborative.
It’s great to be co-signed by a credible organization like NCIA, and it goes a long way for a small business that doesn’t have an abundance of marketing and PR resources. I’ve hid in the shadows for far too long. My journey and passion for cannabis needs to be told and celebrated. Endo as a company needs exposure so we can reach a larger audience. I’m grateful for NCIA and look forward to our continued relationship.
Next Level Edibles
What’s new in the world of Next Level Edibles?
There is a lot new in the world of Next Level since our Equity Spotlight in September of 2021. In December, we had a booth, sponsored by the awesome team at The People’s Ecosystem, in Moscone Center at NCIA San Francisco. It was our first time attending an expo, let alone having a booth, and it was a great opportunity to grow our brand while creating relationships for future business opportunities. In the second week of the new year we launched our 1000 mg full spectrum coconut oil in Ivy Hill Oakland. And, later that month, we were welcomed into the Third Cohort of Momentum, Eaze’s Cannabis Business Accelerator. Two weeks before classes began, in early April, we launched our infused fast-acting brown sugar in 7 Star Holistic Healing Center. And in May, we attended MJ Unpacked NYC with other graduates of Our Academy.
California cannabis seems to be going through terrible challenges. Is there anything you’d like to share about what you’re seeing, or about some of the solutions our members can support with?
California Cannabis is facing challenges on many fronts. Countless unnecessary hurdles to legal entry, political red tape, and excess packaging waste to name a few. But the biggest challenges are around security. Every week there is news of a new dispensary, farm, distributor, and friend being burglarized. High tech security systems, gates, and cameras are no match for organized thieves and slow police responses. Until we can get a portion of our excessive taxes dedicated to funding police divisions that specifically targets cannabis thieves, the best solution to combat this is to support your favorite brands by purchasing their products through legal cannabis retail sources.
Would you like to share anything that came out of being in the Spotlight previously?
Being in the Spotlight helped our company tremendously. It allowed us to grow our cannabis network as plant-touching and ancillary companies reached out from all over the country. In addition, the visibility it provided us helped connect with the team at The People’s Ecosystem which led to our booth at NCIA’s Cannabis Business Summit and our new supply chain partners. It provided the traction we needed to help us get to the next level.
Midsummer Movement: The Pre-August Recess Rush in D.C.
Photo By CannabisCamera.com
By Michelle Rutter Friberg, NCIA’s Deputy Director of Government Relations
As Congress gets ready to beat the D.C. heat and leave Washington for their annual August recess, there’s at least one thing on their minds: cannabis.
Last week, Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-NY) along with Finance Committee Chair Ron Wyden (D-OR), and Sen. Cory Booker (D-NJ) introduced their much anticipated Cannabis Administration and Opportunity Act (CAOA), which is now the Senate’s only pending legislation that would provide comprehensive cannabis policy reforms across the nation.
The landmark bill would remove cannabis from the federal Controlled Substances Act and move regulatory responsibility from the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) to the Alcohol and Tobacco Tax and Trade Bureau (TTB), the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), and other agencies to protect public health and safety. The bill would also institute a federal excise tax of 5-25% on cannabis on top of the already-hefty state taxes imposed on the industry, concerning advocates for small cannabis businesses and equity operators.
The long-awaited CAOA was introduced after sponsors circulated a discussion draft last year. NCIA and other advocacy organizations provided comprehensive feedback to the bill’s authors last year. Notable changes to the legislation include:
Increases the permissible THC by dry weight from the current 0.3 percent to 0.7 percent and refines the definition of “hemp,” and consequently “cannabis” by taking into account the total THC in a cannabis product, rather than just delta-9 THC.
Changes to the weight quantity to qualify a person for felony cannabis distribution or possession charge under the section from 10 pounds to 20 pounds.
Provides that a court shall automatically, after a sentencing review, expunge each federal cannabis conviction, vacate any remaining sentence, and resentence the defendant as if this law had been in place prior to the original sentencing.
Enables a noncitizen who has received a deportation order based on a cannabis-related offense to file a motion to reconsider that decision. If the motion to reconsider is filed within 30 days of the removal order, the motion may allow for the cancellation of the deportation order.
Establishes a new 10-year intermediary lending pilot program in which SBA would make direct loans to eligible intermediaries that in turn make small business loans to startups, businesses owned by individuals adversely impacted by the war on drugs, and socially and economically disadvantaged small businesses.
Removes the requirement to maintain a bond for any cannabis business that had less than $100,000 in excise tax liability in the prior year and reasonably expects excise tax liability in the current year to be below such amount.
Incorporates rules similar to rules currently applicable to permitted malt beverage producers and wholesalers.
While the historic nature of the CAOA cannot be understated, the bill has a multitude of challenges ahead of it. Not all Senate Democrats support the legislation, making the 60-vote filibuster threshold nearly impossible. Plus, with only a couple dozen legislative days between now and the end of the session, time is also working against advocates.
Dovetailing with the introduction of the CAOA, the Senate Judiciary Committee’s Subcommittee on Criminal Justice and Counterterrorism will hold a hearing titled “Decriminalizing Cannabis at the Federal Level: Necessary Steps to Address Past Harms” this Tuesday. While the witness list has not been made public as of publication, expect the hearing to focus on the newly introduced legislation and how it would affect communities most impacted by the war on drugs.
In other news, the House and Senate will vote on a revised research bill, the Cannabidiol and Marihuana Research Expansion Act, this week. The bill is expected to pass both chambers and be sent to President Biden’s desk for his signature. The Senate bill is sponsored by Sens. Dianne Feinstein (D-CA), Chuck Grassley (R-IA), and Brian Schatz (D-HI) and passed by unanimous consent in March. The House bill is sponsored by Reps. Earl Blumenauer (D-OR) and Andy Harris (R-MD), and passed 343-75 in April. One of the notable areas of compromise? The House bill would have allowed researchers to do their studies on cannabis that’s actually being sold to consumers in dispensaries. That was removed during negotiations, meaning that researchers will still have to obtain their cannabis from the University of Mississippi’s cultivation facility.
There’s still time before recess begins, so make sure you stay tuned to NCIA’s podcast, social media, and newsletter to stay up-to-date on all the latest from Washington, D.C.! Interested in making more of an impact? Don’t forget to register for our upcoming 10th Annual Cannabis Industry Lobby Days on September 13-14, 2022!
Member Blog: PPE and Staff Efficiencies – How Much Do the Quality of Your Disposable Gloves Matter?
Single-use nitrile gloves are a required necessity of personal PPE in the cannabis industry. But cheap, ill-fitting gloves can lead to workplace injuries, the most common of which include restricted hand mobility, occupational skin disease, and even reduced dexterity. Aside from promoting hygienic practices, quality gloves can reduce, limit, and even prevent repetitive motion stress injuries that can lead to further disorders and damage to the hands and fingers.
In the cannabis industry, problems such as cuts, pinches, and sprains occur during the intricate trimming actions undertaken during the harvesting and processing stages. These hand-related cultivation stages typically include wet trimming, dry trimming, and pre-harvest trimming. While it’s true that machine-based automated trimming is a faster option, some cannabis cultivation operations prefer hand trimming, which they believe produces more attractive-looking buds and flowers for the final presentation. Speaking strictly from a hygienic perspective, gloves offer and provide two-way protection – helping to prevent cross-contamination from user to product. But quality gloves also protect the wearer from dermal exposure to THC, fertilizing chemicals, and pesticides used in the growing process.
Below is a list of common disorders that the use of cheap disposable gloves can cause.
Occupational Skin Diseases (OSDs)
Occupational skin disease, such as dermatitis, is one of the most common non-trauma related occupational illnesses in the U.S. Just how common are these concerns? Each year, among all industries, approximately 1.8 million American workers suffer from OSD at a total annual cost of up to $2 billion. The hand is the most common site affected by OSD, and protective gloves were found to be the most common primary cause.
Work-Related Musculoskeletal Disorders (WMSDs)
As noted, the cannabis cultivation process includes worker safety considerations to prevent injury from awkward posturing, as well as the excessive, repetitive effort necessary during the trimming process. These repetitive motions can lead to strains of the muscles, tendons, ligaments, and even damage to blood vessels. These undesirable outcomes are all classified as work-related musculoskeletal disorders, or WMSDs. According to industry studies of on-the-job cannabis injuries, occurrences involving the fingers and hands happen with the most frequency. But these maladies aren’t just common in the cannabis industry. In the food industry, the median time away from work for repetitive-motion WMSDs associated with grasping, holding, carrying, or turning objects was 17 days. Considering all industries combined, $90 million in indirect costs (hiring, training, overtime, and administrative costs) are incurred annually in the U.S.
Other Common Hazards of Poor Quality Gloves
When cannabis cultivation operations select cheap disposable gloves over a more quality product, there are six primary hazards of concern. These include glove failures and inconsistencies such as ripping and tearing (a common complaint), glove contamination risk, glove waste/disposal costs, hand injuries, WMSDs, and even reduced productivity. At the heart of the issue is the inclusion of poor quality raw materials and cost-cutting in the manufacturing processes, both reducing the quality of products available to customers.
The primary cause of OSDs, WMSDs, and other common hazards related to the use of poor quality gloves is directly attributable to the raw materials used in the glove manufacturing processes. Simply put, cheap toxins and chemicals in gloves can leave users more susceptible to skin irritations and dermatitis. In many cases, because these raw materials are so poor, the manufacturer must produce thicker gloves to prevent ripping and tearing. But in the majority of cases, the increased thickness won’t make much of a difference, and leads to glove bulkiness and reduced flexibility, causing unnecessary muscle stress and strain among users.
What are the consequences of OSD and WMSD-related injuries? While the specific data isn’t as commonplace within the cannabis industry, workers in the food-handling industry with OSD take much longer periods to return to work than in other glove-wearing professions. It’s estimated that 40% of all worker’s compensation claims involve problems related to exposed skin. As much as 65% of those claims involve hands or upper extremities, with 25% of these workers affected missing up to 10-12 days of work annually. WMSDs account for one-third to one-half of all occupational injuries and illnesses and $15-20 billion in workers’ compensation costs each year.
Cannabis cultivation operations must put more thought and consideration into the gloves they purchase for their workforce. Rather than purchasing decisions based solely on pricing, disposable glove providers should be thoroughly vetted and reviewed. To reduce the risk of skin irritation, good quality gloves that meet the improved standards for low chemical and toxic exposure should be used. Due to the high quality of materials found in the new tech lightweight gloves, the wearer will find that they can be more durable than their thicker counterparts. In the end, the quality of glove you choose to purchase may end up saving you up-front costs but could wind up costing your product budget and staffing needs dearly on the back end.
Justine Charneau is the head of cannabis industry sales at Eagle Protect, a disposable glove supplier dedicated to the responsible sourcing of quality products that ensure customer safety and impact reduction, ultimately mitigating customers’ risk. Eagle Protect is the only global PPE supplier that is a Certified B Corporation, a designation that a business has met the highest standards of verified performance, accountability, and transparency. She can be reached at justine@eagleprotect.com.
Service Solutions | 7.13.22 | Scarcity Shouldn’t be Scary – How to Fund Your Growth
NCIA’s Service Solutions series is our sponsored content webinar program which allows business owners the opportunity to learn more about premier products, services and industry solutions directly from our network of established suppliers, providers and thought leaders.
In this edition originally aired on Wednesday, July 13, 2022 we were joined by e2b Teknologies whose team of leading integration & technology experts discussed some easy steps to prepare your business for funding and accelerated growth. As you all know, competition was stiff for funding prior to 2022 but with the current economy and rising interest rates, capital is much harder to acquire today. You should be taking steps get noticed and get the MONEY you need to grow your business now.
After viewing you’ll walk away with a better understanding of:
• How to leverage a team properly
• What’s most important – It may not be what you think.
• What’s necessary in terms of reporting, compliance, and record-keeping
• Evaluating potential technology partners
Sit back and settle in for an informative and timely program outlining the challenges facing operators and how you can position yourself for success with the right tools to help succeed at scale.
Committee Blog: Everything You Wanted to Know About Cannabis Facilities but Were Afraid to Ask Field Guide – Part 5 – General
by NCIA’s Facilities Design Committee Jacques Santucci, Brian Anderson, David Vaillencourt, and David Dixon
Continuing our five-part series on the behind-the-scenes workings of the legal cannabis industry. This series focuses on all of the inner dealings and industry advice from established professionals to craft this unlimited How-to-Guide to assist you in setting up your own facility. These articles cover cultivation, extraction, infused products, and retail facilities as well as support activities. In general, remember to be compliant with all local rules and regulations and contact a licensed contractor and industry expert.
Part Five, General: Top Things to Consider When Planning Your Support Area for Cannabis Facilities
All parts of a facility are important when you are planning and designing your project, including cultivation, extraction, and retail. And let’s not forget the general services and the core structure of the facility. Your design must account for safety and security as well as employee relations and administration. Listed below are a number of guidelines that an operator should consider from a general standpoint as they are in the process of designing their operation. Always remember to be compliant with all local rules and regulations.
Employee Lockers
Production and facility lockers need to be separate for male and female and it will have a minimum square foot per employee requirement. Knowing your employee count and the number of shifts will allow you to calculate the minimum space needed.
Employee Break Room and Locker Space
Consider a break room that can host all employees for breaks and lunches, with a sink, fridge, microwave, and tables and chairs. This will help employee productivity and retention. Where the break room is located is important to keep employees separated from internal business practices while eating and resting. This area can also be a space for coat hangers and small bag lockers when a specific locker is not required or available. The gowning area is used as the dividing line in a mix-used facility.
Employee Access Control
You need to limit doors access and key sets for employees as part of your overall security plan. Additionally, do not forget about appropriate labels for doors and the need for access to space only. The idea is to prevent unauthorized personnel from accessing the extraction space and complaining about the local regulatory body.
Safety and Injury Handing
An adequate number of First Aid and Burn Kits should be fully stocked and readily available to all of your employees, at all times. Ideally, these kits will be within a 10-15 second walking distance from workstations.
IT Rooms and Setup
Regardless of the facility type, you will need appropriate secured areas for servers, security equipment, and other IT racks, as well as camera systems with specific features for night, license plate reading abilities, and more. Specific HVAC might be needed for this room.
Safety and Employee Showers
Emergency showers are determined by code and the type of activities performed at the location. Eye wash stations may also be required or suggested.
Emergency showers are located in the facility where corrosives and skin irritants could pose harm to employees and require immediate remediation. It could be considered as a benefit to employees so they can eliminate any odors as they leave the facility. Calculate the number of employees and determine based on the code requirements for the number of showers needed.
Emergency Eye Wash
Eye wash stations are to be located within 10-15 seconds’ walking distance for a potential risk area. Check local requirements for additional needs.
Security Entrance: Facility Safety
Consider the flow at the entrance of your facility, to optimize not only security but also the comfort of the visitors and employees as well as environmental control. And think about the comfort of your employees as they enter the facility, such as awnings. Create a separate mantrap-style entrance to allow for better safety at the entrance point, to monitor visitors as well as avoid weather-related issues (i.e. wet areas due to rain or snow, temperature variance due to heat, etc.). Check for compliance with local rules and regulations.
Security Camera: Minimum Area of Coverage
You should have 100% minimum security coverage; any area where cannabis products will exist. And keep in mind it is best that the security room has its own dedicated HVAC system.
Security Camera: Minimum Data Storage
The basic security footage storage requires are 90-days of on-site storage, then five years of off-site storage. Off-site data storage for future legal needs is 1080p minimum.
Security Alarm: Monitoring
Make sure a reputable company is monitoring your facility’s security. Redundancy might not be needed. In compliance with local rules and regulations.
Office Space
Do not forget that your employees, at least at the management level and above will need space to do paperwork and hold staff meetings. Plan to have a minimum of 90 square feet of office space available for each manager and meeting space. Try not to underestimate the need for administrative space (i.e. payroll, human resources, accounting, marketing, etc.) and plan for general storage space. Your basic corporate services need the appropriate space to run the business efficiently, in a confidential manner.
Parking
When it comes to parking, consider the flow of the employees and your customers as you design your facility so you have adequate parking for all, in a safe and secure manner. Remember to reserve spaces for handicapped drivers as well as motorcycles.
Janitorial and Facility Maintenance
Keep in mind how you will keep your facility clean and in working order at all times. Avoid dusty surfaces, standing water, and all environmental and other hazardous issues. Consider enough storage for janitorial and facility maintenance items, including a workbench if necessary.
Landscaping
Remember considerations for the environment around your facility. Certain plant types and species are known to both harbor insects and pests that may be beneficial or harmful to cannabis plants. This will result in long-lasting effects on your plant health. Proper considerations of landscape design can become beneficial to your overall integrated pest management program and to your operation. Material used around your cannabis facility will also have an impact. We recommend using crushed stones around a building for example.
Committee Blog: Everything You Wanted to Know About Cannabis Facilities but Were Afraid to Ask Field Guide – Part 4 – Retail
by NCIA’s Facilities Design Committee Jacques Santucci, Brian Anderson, David Vaillencourt, and David Dixon
Continuing our five-part series on the behind-the-scenes workings of the legal cannabis industry. This series focuses on all of the inner dealings and industry advice from established professionals to craft this unlimited How-to-Guide to assist you in setting up your own facility. These articles cover cultivation, extraction, infused products, and retail facilities as well as support activities. In general, remember to be compliant with all local rules and regulations and contact a licensed contractor and industry expert.
Part Four, Retail & Dispensaries: Top Things to Consider When Planning Your Cannabis Dispensary and Retail Operations
Retail and dispensary design presents challenges that are distinct from the other areas of cannabis production and manufacturing. The biggest difference is that the design must now account for customers as well as employees. Listed below are a number of issues that an operator should consider as they are in the process of designing their retail or dispensary operations. Always remember to be compliant with all local rules and regulations.
Security Camera: Minimum Area of Coverage
Most states require a hundred percent minimum security coverage in any area where marijuana products are stored, displayed, or sold. Designing a camera system and placements to avoid “dead spots’ ‘ (i.e. areas with no camera coverage) can be challenging, especially if the operation is taking over an existing space, as opposed to building a new facility from scratch.
Bonus Consideration: Think about having an HVAC system specially dedicated to your security room. Security rooms for video monitoring and storage can sometimes be an afterthought. But these locations should be treated more like computer server rooms as opposed to standard office space. And with the amount of technology placed in a (typically) small space, things can overheat rather quickly. This can lead to damage to the system and ultimately, you could be out of compliance for video storage and retention.
Another Bonus Consideration: do not forget about placing security cameras to cover the entrance and exit points to the parking lot. Think about the field of view around doors, especially if the door is near the corner of the building or if there are other obstructions that can block the camera’s view of the area. Multiple cameras may be needed for this critical function. Contact a licensed professional.
Security Camera: Minimum Data Storage
Video storage and retention requirements for cannabis facilities are fairly stringent. Typical requirements include 90-days of on-site storage and up to five years of off-site storage. Off-site data storage is required for future legal needs. Many states require a minimum video resolution of 1080p. The video storage needs for even a moderately sized facility can amount to petabytes of data. For this reason, many facilities outsource this function at least in some measure. If you do decide to handle this all yourself, you should be sure that you have the technical expertise on your staff to handle this potentially complex technical issue.
Security Alarm: Monitoring
Like it or not, retail cannabis facilities will probably always be targets for crime. Having a security system probably seems like a no-brainer. But simply having an alarm system isn’t typically enough. You will need a system that is actively monitored. This allows the company to initiate actions on your behalf depending on the alarm status (e.g., call the police or fire department in response to a remote alarm). Your alarm should be monitored by at least one reputable company. Redundancy might not be needed, but check to be sure that you are in compliance with local rules and regulations. Talk to your licensed professional.
Security: Line of Sight
Customers should only see the public retail area of the location. Customers should not see the back-of-house operations. There is no need for them to see how business is conducted other than at the sales counter. Similarly, there is no need for customers to be able to view the offices, inventory areas, working areas, employee break room, etc. Keeping these areas private helps to avoid bad actors from learning operational routines that might make it easier for them to exploit.
Safety and Injury Handling
This is an easily overlooked area but can definitely get your dinged upon inspection. Be sure you have the appropriate amount of first aid kits and burn kits onsite as reunited by local regulations. Pay particular attention to the regulations about the placement of these kits as they are sometimes required to be within visual distance of specific rooms within your facility. It can be a hard pill to swallow to not be able to get your operation certificate for forgetting such a simple item, but it happens all too frequently.
Employee Access
Having a non-customer door or access point is a best practice. Non-customer access points are where employees and products are brought into the facility without customer line-of-sight. In some states, this is a requirement so check to be sure your facility is in compliance with laws and regulations.
Product Delivery
Getting cannabis products into a retail facility is a critical part of the merchandise flow and one of the most vulnerable points for theft. For maximum safety and control, consider the use of an air-lock/man trap/sally port door arrangement. If not possible due to location or architecture, planning for business hours separation and process can keep customers separated from deliveries.
Employee and Counter Safety
The counters where transactions occur in a cannabis retail setting can pose some risks especially since most facilities are cash-based operations. An open style counter can open up opportunities for theft. Consider a security barrier counter. The idea is to attempt to prevent customers from having access to products, cash, or employees where possible.
Security: Egress
Customer flow can be somewhat challenging, especially in facilities that have a registration lobby that is physically separated from the retail sales floor. Having separate entry and exit doors for customers can help with the flow of customers. Not a requirement but potentially a good customer experience design.
Customer Environment
Dispensaries and retail locations can be busy places at times. In COVID times, this can be a big issue. But even under non-pandemic circumstances, there may be a need to control the number and spacing of customers for both safety and privacy. Social distancing- the process of limiting the number of customers for the available space within the building- can be enhanced through various design elements. These can range from the use of rope and stanchion barriers, to signage and floor stickers.
Lobby design for restricted access – if access to the sales floor is restricted to registered customers, a secure lobby space should be provided with a separated check-in space and access-controlled doors both for customer entrance and egress.
And do not forget bathroom access for customers. You can have a single facility that is unisex but it should also be ADA compliant.
Environmental Consciousness
Unfortunately, like most other retail spaces, cannabis retail still generates a significant amount of waste. And much of it may be recyclable. Business recycling bins should be provided.
Energy-saving considerations can also be important for retail facilities. Motion detecting light systems can reduce energy consumption in non-occupied spaces. At the very least, interior lighting switches should be located in the same area for easy use upon space exit. HVAC systems should have an occupied and unoccupied night setback capability.
Parking Lot
Depending on the total number of employees and customers you anticipate visiting your business at its peak times, you will need to design a minimum number of accessible parking spots.
If curbside pickup is legally allowed in your area, be sure to map out and reserve spaces exclusively for this activity. It should be close to the exit door where the product will be delivered to the customer. Remember to keep parking spaces for handicapped people and even maybe for motorcycles.
U.S. Federal Appeals Court Legalizes Delta-8 THC, Setting Precedent for the Cannabis Industry
By Sadaf Naushad, NCIA Intern
Thanks to the Agricultural Improvement Act of 2018 (2018 Farm Bill), hemp is now federally legal, permitting U.S. farmers to cultivate, process, and sell hemp. Since its passing, however, businesses in the hemp industry have found themselves in a legal gray area.
With the 2018 Farm Bill eliminating restrictions on the psychoactive cannabinoid delta-8 THC, the companies deemed their delta-8 THC products within legal guidelines. Several jurisdictions disagreed, calling for clarification on the status of delta-8 THC.
Last week, the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit addressed the dilemma, claiming delta-8 THC products as federally legal.
Let’s consider what delta-8 THC legalization means for the future of the cannabis industry.
Because recreational cannabis use remains federally illegal, delta-8 THC products continue to gain popularity nationwide. Manufacturing developments have led to enhanced consumer products, in which cultivators safely extract delta-8 THC cannabinoids from hemp plants.
While delta-9 THC constitutes a major psychoactive cannabinoid in the marijuana plant, delta-8 THC appears in trace amounts of the plant. Its psychoactive properties grant consumers gentler side effects compared to delta-9 THC.
On Thursday, a three-panel judge of the U.S. Court of Appeals published their opinion regarding delta-8 THC, ruling products containing the psychoactive ingredient as federally legal. According to the panel, delta-8 THC qualifies as a legal substance under the present federal definition of hemp. Federal law outlines hemp as “any part of” the cannabis plant, in which “all derivatives, extracts and cannabinoids” with less than 0.3% delta-9 THC by weight are allowed.
Had U.S. Congress unintentionally created a loophole leading to the legalization of delta-8 THC, the U.S. Federal Appeals Court stated that Congress should be responsible for resolving the issue. The panel specified that they would not replace its own judgment with Congress’ policy rulings. In the meantime, the Court defines the federal hemp law as “silent with regard to delta-8 THC.”
According to a Politico article, “Members of Congress have proposed fixes to federal hemp laws that would close this loophole. Rep. Chellie Pingree (D-Maine) introduced a bill in February to limit hemp and hemp products by calculating the total THC rather than focusing on Delta-9 THC. At the same time, state hemp regulators are voicing for a similar change advocating for the 1 percent total THC definition of hemp. Meanwhile, some states have moved to ban the sale of Delta-8 THC products or to regulate them similar to recreational marijuana.”
NCIA takes a strong position that Delta-8 products and any other psychoactive cannabinoids must be restricted to adults over 21 and regulated by the states so that these products are subject to the same testing requirements, track-and-trace rules, and excise taxes as other adult-use cannabis products.
Furthermore, if you are interested in learning more or getting involved with NCIA’s Government Relations work please contact Madeline Grant at madeline@thecannabisindustry.org to schedule a call. As the oldest and largest trade association, our Government Relations team has been hard at work for over a decade educating and working with congressional offices. NCIA held its Virtual VIP Lobby Days last week, May 16-19 on Capitol Hill. NCIA’s Evergreen members participated in congressional meetings all week long to advocate and educate members of Congress(s) and staff on the importance of cannabis policy reform. We discussed the importance of keeping the Secure and Fair Enforcement (SAFE) Banking in the America COMPETES Act and descheduling cannabis at the federal level. You can read more about cannabis and banking from last week’s blog HERE.
NCIA members were able to share their personal stories about being in the cannabis space and relay their expertise to further understanding of the struggles and hurdles cannabis businesses face every day. There is never a time more important than now to support NCIA’s efforts for cannabis policy reform.
Committee Blog: Social Equity Perspectives on Interstate Commerce – Part 3
Previously, in part 1 and part 2 of this series, the DEIC examined the problems inherent in existing social equity programs and the merit for federal social equity in regulating interstate commerce. The DEIC also examined the key components of a proposed framework to address these challenges, how to define social equity federally, and the merit of determining the types and numbers of permits to be issued.
Sadly, as written currently, all proposed federal bills fail to meet the critical objective of creating as much NEW generational wealth for the most number of those disparaged from participating in the legal cannabis industry because of the socioeconomic impacts of more than 80 years of federal marijuana prohibition and due to the barriers to entry created amid state regulatory regimes.
To conclude this policy framework proposal, the DEIC will look at the key considerations for a federal program to ensure it functions as designed and how this framework can create social equity technical assistance, qualification, and a phased approach of implementation to ensure that social equity operators have ample time to qualify, have adequate funded, and are set up for success with an equal starting line in the new interstate commerce industry.
Qualifying Social Equity Operators – Federal Technical Assistance Program
It is imperative that any federal social equity framework helps the industry and their new partners, by ensuring permit holders are qualified in both cannabis and business backgrounds, and by helping them bring financing to the table to start a permitted interstate commerce cannabis business that can be as ready, as quickly as possible, to help import, export, and transport cannabis between the States.
To carry out these provisions in the policy, we recommend that amendments to any federal act include:
Requiring that qualified social equity interstate commerce permit holders:
Have a path to educational qualification (training and development)
Can qualify with equivalent experience
Can pre-qualify for the SBA’s funding once they obtain education or equivalent experience (funds issued upon state licensing approval)
Obtain the majority of initial permits offered for interstate commerce (95%)
In alignment with how long and at what percentage the current industry has been dominating the ownership of licenses
Entities should have 51% or more verifiable ownership and control by a social equity qualified applicant.
Advisory Committee to determine how to verify the 51% social equity ownership
Providing social equity qualified permit holders exclusivity for at least 5 years to ensure the qualifying process takes place equitable to the average time in which the industry developed for adult use without considering social equity.
Mandating laboratory testing as national permitting for interstate commerce to work.
Ensure parity amongst states and tribal nations such that tribe-to-tribe trading and interstate trade routes can be protected.
Avoiding overly limiting interstate commerce permits, but also giving them value by not making them unlimited either.
DEIC suggests 1,500 permits as a starting point divided among the three primary types as a fair balance initially.
These pillars of federal act amendments will proactively resolve interstate commerce concerns that are inherent in descheduling cannabis. Further, pre-qualifying permit holders based on their experience, education, as well as federal financing for their business (contingent on state licensing), will accomplish two primary concerns:
Incentivizes state governments to create social equity licensing regimes that emulate federal efforts
Reduces “predatory” operating agreements that use “token” social equity applicants who do not participate in the business license, contribute little to no financing, and are thereby diluted by existing operators and investors
We believe the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) is best to handle collaboration efforts to define this new “Minority Cannabis Business” (MCB) certification program for both program providers on the educational side and for pre-qualifying federal funding for qualified applicants.
Through this qualification, the Alcohol and Tobacco Tax and Trade Bureau (TTB) and (SBA) would issue an interstate commerce permit to be tied to state licenses, and only then would funding be issued to the applicant by the SBA. All funding issued is contingent on obtaining a state licensed facility or partnership with an existing operator in any given state.
Phased Approach:
We believe it is also important that the amendments clearly lay out a multi-phased approach to the rollout of interstate commerce permitting to ensure those most qualified operators proceed first, and to then qualify others with enough time to do so. Encapsulating the proposed amendments, we envision the following steps to ensure a smooth transition that maximizes the opportunity for social equity applicants to succeed:
Initially, establishing the advisory board for the regulatory agencies and mandates to allow for education providers to apply and be approved to provide the educational qualification to social equity applicants. These education providers may also be prioritized based on social equity and curriculum requirements designed in collaboration with cannabis business experts and diversity, equity, and inclusion advocates in cannabis.
For those who lack the experience in operating an interstate commerce permitted business, but who are impacted by the war on cannabis, approved educational programs are invaluable to overcoming the barriers in not knowing how to operate a regulated cannabis business.
Those with experience may qualify, without the need of an educational provider, and each are evaluated for priority licensing according to the following priority:
Applicants with cannabis and business experience (most qualified)
Applicants with legacy experience but limited regulated business experience
Applicants with business experience but limited cannabis experience
Applicants with little cannabis or business experience (least qualified)
If qualified in both, the applicant goes first and can qualify for SBA funding fastest.
If they have limited experience in cannabis or business, then the applicant can take the coursework to qualify and apply for SBA funding.
During this time, it is also crucial to increase community education efforts so that communities impacted most by the war on cannabis can be made aware of the opportunity to qualify, be trained/educated, and approved, and get access to the information necessary to pursue the opportunity along the above pathways.
Provide an education fund for state and municipal governments to promote the benefits of cannabis social equity, responsibilities, and risks of cannabis.
Access to financing is critical for social equity applicants and must be made available through the qualification process for social equity qualified businesses. Once qualified on education or equivalent experience, the SBA may pre-approve funding for qualified applicants. By achieving these qualifications, applicants have access to *reserved* funding appropriated by the federal act. Pre-approved financing in the form of grants and low-interest business debt instruments that are contingent on successful completion of course requirements and other “qualifying” factors for a Minority Cannabis Business is critical to ensuring success for operators and the federal government.
These government loans say how one qualifies and is “pre-approved” so that applicants can negotiate with existing industry license holders as valuable partners and receive federal funding contingent on state licensing approval. The idea is to promote partnership and participation between the existing industry and newly established social equity entrepreneurs while ensuring equal opportunity for social equity operators who do not choose to partner with the industry.
Follow Through
To ensure the program functions as designed and that the advisory committee is provided with as much data as possible to improve upon these suggested amendments, the Diversity Equity and Inclusion Committee (DEIC) recommends a final amendment in the form of a best practices study, along with collected data from participating states, to be instituted and reviewed annually for the first five years and subsequently every three years.
The intention of this study and report is to ensure the enforcement of laws, standards, and programs and to monitor that the activities of social equity operators are in alignment with the intention of the program in benefitting the social equity entrepreneurs permitted, that policies against predatory operating agreements are being enforced, and that policies are truly beneficial to creating social equity in the cannabis industry. The study will provide evidence of the benefits and challenges of the program, as well as possible improvements at federal and state levels.
Conclusion
It seems obvious that unless any social equity partner can “bring more to the table” to balance a “mega player’s” contribution, be educated in all aspects of their chosen field in the industry, recognize predatory agreements, and otherwise be positioned more equally to meaningfully participate in the cannabis industry, social equity programs will continue to fall short of meeting the goal of creating new generational wealth.
History has shown that as long as there’s an opportunity for inequality to be wielded as a weapon for those in power, it will be. No amount of good intention can change that fact.
Social equity requires empowerment opportunities for social equity candidates to bring more to the table as equals with “mega players.” We recognize partnerships can be an ideal path forward when the power dynamics within them are balanced and fair. The DEIC proposes these amendments to any federal act to serve as solutions to the traditional problems of inequality, exclusion, and gatekeeping that once spurred prohibition in the first place and that continue to prevail in the inequity the cannabis industry is still experiencing and to solve the shortcomings of social equity programs thus far.
We recognize that the role for the federal government in these federal act amendments is to even the odds in interstate commerce permitting. Their role is to oversee the fairness in qualifying candidates, to ensure a meaningful value for the permits issued, to give permittees the chance to catch up to the privileged few already in the industry with lockout periods for non-social equity applicants, limited licensing, and to provide access to financing for those traditionally locked out of access to financing or wealth as aa result of systemic oppression caused under prohibition.
Interstate commerce permitting seems like the last true chance for America to atone for 80+ years of marijuana madness and its detriment on our society. It is also the last chance for the industry to search for its soul to balance the impacts prohibition has had on these operators in excluding their participation in legal cannabis initially – born as a result of systemic discrimination overall and colonized on by those with clean records.
In doing so, a more equitable federal act can create the bold ideas and incentive to bring traditional wealth and experience into partnership with underprivileged social equity operators and their expertise/culture to form partnerships that truly represent the intent behind the policies intended for social equity and to create a more diverse, equitable, and inclusive industry for all.
Committee Blog: Everything You Wanted to Know About Cannabis Facilities But Were Afraid to Ask Field Guide – Part 3 – Extraction
by members of NCIA’s Facilities Design Committee Jacques Santucci, Brian Anderson, David Vaillencourt, and David Dixon
Continuing our five-part series on the behind-the-scenes workings of the legal cannabis industry. This series focuses on all of the inner dealings and industry advice from established professionals to craft this unlimited How-to-Guide to assist you in setting up your own facility. These articles cover cultivation, extraction, infused products, and retail facilities as well as support activities. In general, remember to be compliant with all local rules and regulations and contact a licensed contractor and industry expert.
Part Three, Food: 10 Things to Consider When Planning Your Manufacturing of Infused Products (MIPs) Operations
Food safety and handling practices are an issue for any industry working with or processing products for human consumption and often come with strict guidelines that need to be followed. In the cannabis industry, edibles and other processed or infused products Manufactured Infused Products (MIPs) are ready-to-eat foods, so many states are regulating them as foods under the cGMP requirements of 21CFR117. We feel this is likely the approach that will be appropriate when cannabis becomes federally legal. These 10 things should be considered as you begin to plan your facility. Always remember to be compliant with all local rules and regulations.
Sanitary Design and Operation
A production room is straightforward, conceptually: design the space so walls, floors, and ceilings can be washed and sanitized, then verified (ATP swabs) to confirm the cleaning process is effective. To facilitate cleaning, everything needs to be pulled away from the walls, the ceiling needs to be solid and the walls need to be sealed. Insulated metal panels (IMP) are a cavity-free construction that is seeing wide acceptance in the industry. To keep the space clean during operation, slope the floors to spot drains, install coves along with the floor/wall interface and avoid ledges and traps for water or dust.
Employee Hand Washing
A stringent internal process for sanitation and washing of hands is crucial. Make sure that lavatories are available throughout your facility for proper sanitation. Confer with the municipal board of health for locations and quantity. Generally locate any place where employees are handling consumable products or encounter the potential for microbiological.
Boot Washing
Sanitation includes making sure all boots/shoes are free of contaminants. Employee captive corporate footwear programs prevent contamination potential from non-business-related employee activities.
Cart Washing
For carts that transport ingredients and materials, it is important to prevent floor debris getting transferred from one area to another. Two areas of concern; are wheels and cart shelves. Either wheel or shelf area can be addressed from multiple washing devices specific to each type of cart used.
Product Storage
Food safety temperature and humidity separation of products are an important factor. The purpose is to store food products at such a temperature and humidity level to prevent the growth of undesirable bacteria.
Allergen cross-contamination
Make sure to arrange products to avoid cross-contamination of open and unopened products. Keep the first pallet off the floor at a height of 6” AFF to avoid picking up contaminants. OHSA SHARP may apply how to organize products.
You can design barriers to keep contamination from entering a room.
Limit contamination by having and always renewing Personal Protective Equipment (PPE), since the adjacent hallways may transport raw biomass. Test all ingredients, including THC, to ensure that everything is microbiologically safe. Wipe down, or unpackage ingredients, materials, and supplies before bringing them into the ‘clean environment’ room. Wear specific scrub, clean boots, and wash off any carts entering the room.
Employees entering the food production space
Contaminants can enter via the employees. It is essential to have all employees and agents clean up before entering the food production space. You must provide facilities to wash and sanitize hands as well as boots. Continuous training of employees and monitoring adherence to the procedures is important. Your procedure will include how sanitation is necessary, where are smocks hung, how are shoes cleaned, etc. Typical controls are in the FDA Food Code for jewelry, open sores, illness, etc.
Food Safety Inherent in the Recipes
Complete a Food Safety Hazard Analysis to know if you need to implement an upstream preventative control, such as for chocolate, or if you need to manage a thermal kill-step such as cooking the gummies mass. Low water activity, high acid, or a natural biocide additive, can all be considered.
Control for Allergens
MIPS often contain soy, flour, eggs, dairy, peanuts, tree nuts, coconut, and perhaps others. Each has special considerations for allergen separations and allergen cleaning.
Ware Washing and Clean Parts Storage Room
Don’t Underestimate the Ware Washing and Clean Parts Storage Room. Adjacent to your MIPs production room, consider building a washroom with a commercial dishwasher for utensils, kettles, wetted parts, trays, molds, etc. You might install a three-compartment sink. And make sure to safely store clean items, so they dry and do not get recontaminated prior to use. This room is maintained at negative pressure to the MIPs production room.
Plan for the Pantry
Store ingredients, materials, and supplies in a pantry off the MIPs room can be considered. It is much easier to clean the MIPs room if such items are stored outside production. If you pre-weight, or decant in the pantry, cardboard and plastic are kept out of production. It is a great idea to provide a door also to the adjacent hallway to drop off ingredients, then your staff can enter from the MIPs room. Special care is taken when storing opened products.
Keeping Final Products Food-Safe
The best practice might be to put products such as chocolate bars into primary film envelopes or fin-seal gummies while still in the MIPs room. Often, subsequent packaging is done where there are other possible contaminants such as open bud, pre-rolls, chipboard or corrugated, etc. If the food products are already protected by primary packaging, you will greatly reduce the risk of recontamination.
HVAC, Humidity Control, and Filtration
HVAC, Humidity Control, and Filtration are critical. The MIP production room should be air-conditioned and filtered to at least MERV 14. Cook kettles may be a source of humidity that could be placed under a commercial hood. Cooling and tempering of chocolates and cooling and drying of gummies/jellies have their own special considerations. And consider provide enough HVAC capacity to dry out the production room after a heavy cleaning.
Airlocks and Room Pressurization
Airlocks and room pressurization should be planned properly based on your goals, budget and facility. The MIPs room pressure should be positive to all other adjacent rooms: washroom, pantry, extraction, corridors, lab. There are a wide variety of approaches to airlocks, from a pharma approach with air showers down, to just a door with sufficient air supply to the production room to ensure that it is always positive to the adjacent hallway.
Disposable gloves are standard issue for the medical, food, and yes – cannabis industry. But thanks to COVID and subsequent disruptions in the supply chain, the market for procuring disposable gloves has gone from routine to challenging. In fact, the demand for quality disposable gloves has skyrocketed, more than doubling since the global pandemic’s arrival, thereby creating an unpredictable cycle of availability. Demand for single-use gloves is expected to continue increasing in the coming years, as the health and safety of workforces across multiple industries – including medical, food, and cannabis-related operations – are required and dependent upon their usage.
Let’s examine the factors that have made disposable gloves both scarce… and pricey, as of late.
Global Glove Origination
Approximately 99% of all disposable gloves are manufactured in southeast Asia, most notably Malaysia and Thailand. But for these regions, compared to the U.S., lockdown to prevent the spread of COVID infections has a much more literal meaning. The restricted movement, as well as outbreaks, led to output at 60% of its normal capacity. In addition, most experts agree that there’s clearly a shortage of workers – many of whom were immigrants affected by travel restrictions. It’s estimated that an additional 25,000 workers are needed to restore full production capacity.
Supply and Demand
As the demand for disposable gloves increased globally, it put added stress on manufacturers and the supply of raw materials, driving up prices tenfold compared to pre-COVID levels. Though glove costs have recently dropped, prices have not reached pre-COVID levels.
Cost of Gas
The raw materials of nitrile gloves are primarily petrochemical based, subject to the volatile price swings in the oil and gas industry. Combined with the tenfold increase in shipping costs, disposable glove prices are not likely to continue dropping.
Labor Violations
In the midst of this price spike, one of the top importers, Malaysia’s Top Glove, the world’s largest glove producer, was banned from importing gloves to the U.S. from July 2020 to September 2021, due to conclusive evidence of forced labor. However, this ban did not extend to other countries.
Knockoffs
When the pandemic nearly doubled the demand for disposable gloves and other PPE components, several new manufacturers with little to no industry experience, assisted by dealers with nothing more than a financial incentive, flooded the market with cheap, counterfeit, and reject-quality gloves. Spotting these unscrupulous suppliers can be done by looking for a few common signs, as they’re often given away by their offering of discount or wholesale pricing, especially in bulk. It’s estimated that the market has already absorbed an influx of gloves of a defective and dangerous quality.
Safeguarding Your Operation
Currently, poor quality gloves continue to flood the disposable-use market. In business, it’s human nature to seek the lowest price for inventory, but saving a little now may cost you dearly on the backend. Cost is obviously important, but consistent quality will keep you from having to replace gloves that rip and tear too easily. When sourcing disposable gloves, seek reputable suppliers – those who have a clear ownership origin, quality web presence and active social media accounts. Taking it a step further, you can inquire about factory audits and HACCP compliance certifications. The cannabis industry has already dealt with at least one recall due to glove contamination. And recalls can have negative financial and brand ramifications. Lastly, always remember when dealing with a new vendor – you can conduct your own product trial before ordering.
Steve Ardagh, “The Glove Guy,” is the founder and CEO of Eagle Protect, a disposable glove supplier dedicated to the responsible sourcing of quality products that ensure customer safety and impact reduction, ultimately mitigating customers’ risk. Eagle Protect is the only global PPE supplier that is a Certified B Corporation, a designation that a business has met the highest standards of verified performance, accountability, and transparency. He can be reached at steve@eagleprotect.com.
Equity Member Spotlight: Puff Couture LLC – LaVonne Turner
NCIA’s editorial department continues the Member Spotlight series by highlighting our Social Equity Scholarship Recipients as part of our Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Program. Participants are gaining first-hand access to regulators in key markets to get insight on the industry, tips for raising capital, and advice on how to access and utilize data to ensure success in their businesses, along with all the other benefits available to NCIA members.
Tell us a bit about you, your background, and why you launched your company.
I am LaVonne Turner, President of PUFF COUTURE LLC. Before my interest in cannabis, my career was focused on marketing, communications, public relations, event management, and community advocacy. After working for non-profit and for-profit organizations, I became increasingly interested in public policy and community advocacy to help the underprivileged and unrepresented. I hold a bachelor’s degree in executive leadership/marketing, a master’s in public administration, and currently working on a master’s degree in clinical mental health counseling. I am a block club president and serve on a couple of boards and committees. I have spent many years mentoring children and youth.
My journey into the cannabis industry as an entrepreneur started when my mother began experiencing debilitating pain, and her only relief was prescribed medication. While I still haven’t found the right product to deal with her pain, I have taken great interest in the industry and the incredible products born from seeds. I plan to open a microbusiness and consumption lounge in Detroit, MI, that serves aromatic, exotic strains and infused products.
What unique value does your company offer to the cannabis industry?
PUFF COUTURE LLC is a minority-woman-owned cannabis company slated to open a microbusiness and consumption lounge in Detroit. We want to bring a sophisticated community-driven cannabis business that offers a contemporary atmosphere for clients. It will convey the importance of the cannabis flower by providing a chilled environment for clients to consume unique, flavorful, and aromatic cannabis. PUFF COUTURE will support mental health counseling, volunteerism, public policy, and minority representation in the cannabis industry, especially among women. According to a recent special report by MJBbizDaily Women and Minority Report, only 3.8% of Blacks or African Americans are cannabis business owners, the percentage of minority women in Michigan is even smaller; our responsibility is to open doors for future female entrepreneurs and people of color.
What is your goal for the greater good of cannabis?
PUFF COUTURE LLC would like to change the face of cannabis through participation and contributions to critical public issues that affect the community values of our clients and neighbors, as well as giving back through donations and mentoring. The organization will support issues affecting women who suffer from traumatic situations through our community advocacy campaign. Still, there will be plenty of time for spoken word, intimate art shows, parties, etc. PUFF COUTURE will take care of our people, support the cannabis industry, and create an atmosphere of excitement.
What challenges do you face in the industry, and what solutions would you like to see?
A few years ago, I couldn’t get anyone to advise me or take the time to mentor me. However, after many no’s, I have been blessed to partake in the City of Detroit’s Homegrown cannabis program and training by the Detroit Cannabis Project. LUME’s Vice President of Retail Operations, Michael Dowdell, has taken the time to speak with me and allowed me to observe the business sales and operations of one of the company’s recreational and medical stores. That first opportunity let me know I could continue to grow in the cannabis industry given a chance.
I have continued to expand my knowledge about cannabis, staffing, and cultivation through a mentorship provided by one of the award-winning co-owners of Oak Canna, LLC/CannaBoys, Jason Tueni. Mr. Tueni has devoted a great deal of time to educating me about caring for the flowers at every growth stage. I am currently interning at the cultivation center, which allows me to see everything first-hand, e.g., flowers, business, human resources, all aspects of creating and running a successful microbusiness and consumption lounge. These types of opportunities should be more readily available. I often hear people complain about not having access to mentors, which I completely understand. I joined the CRA DEI workgroup and from there was able to make a connection to LUME and Mr. Dowdell, who by the way is African American, and I asked for the opportunity. I did the same thing with Mr. Tueni. I was at a Weedmaps event and started talking to people and let them know I was looking for a mentor and from there, introductions were made. We met a few times for two to three hours, a couple of months after, and I asked if I could intern at the cultivation center and he said yes. We continue to meet, although not as often, and I see him on a regular basis. Hopefully, when the time is right, we will partner on a project.
Both of these events have provided a great deal of information for me in preparation for my future cannabis venture and I won’t stop reaching out for more knowledge and advice. Knowing how mentorship has helped me, I will continue to look for opportunities to build my business and while doing so pay it forward by mentoring future Detroiters interested in the cannabis industry. As important is my need to stay involved in public policy and community advocacy.
Why did you join NCIA? What’s the best or most important part about being a member of the Social Equity Scholarship Program?
I joined the NCIA to learn and network. Through the social equity scholarship, I serve on the DEI Committee and am also serving on the Cannabis Regulatory Agency-DEI Workgroup for the state of Michigan. The weekly social equity meetings held by the DEI Director are informative and build camaraderie among social equity entrepreneurs. The added weekly conversations help push to get to the finish line. I believe many social equity members will have an opportunity to work together in the future.
I look forward to growing with the National Cannabis Industry Association.
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Strain
Author Bio:
Justine Charneau is the head of cannabis industry sales at 
by NCIA’s 
Beau Whitney is the founder and Chief Economist at 
About 
Author: 
Who asks if you think HLV may be in your garden?
Where are they now? This month, NCIA’s editorial department continues the monthly Member Spotlight series by following up with three of our Social Equity Scholarship Recipients as part of our Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Program. Participants are gaining first-hand access to regulators in key markets to get insight on the industry, tips for raising capital, and advice on how to access and utilize data to ensure success in their businesses, along with all the other benefits available to NCIA members.
First off, we have rebranded. We are now Cannvas Events. The name change was part of our evolution and maturation as a startup. As we scaled, more resources became available for things like branding. We brought in Greg Hill of Brand Birth to deploy the science of branding and the end result was a new name, new logo, and new understanding of where we were situated in the regulated cannabis ecosystem. The transformation led to the planning and production of our signature Cannabis Event 2.0 offering, the inaugural Saturnalia Canna Carnival, taking place at the Trinity Health Arena in Muskegon, MI on August 2oth. We are powering a traditional indoor/outdoor carnival – rides and attractions included – with a hassle-free, normalizing consumption solution. If you’re in the Midwest, come join us as we celebrate the first year of an iconic, perennial cannabis festival. Tickets and info at cannvasevents.com and follow us @saturnaliacannacarnival
The 
I’m impressed by the brilliant folks on the committee, and their dedication to making cannabis equitable. It takes time out of our grueling work days to contribute time on these committees but the contribution to making the industry better is crucial during these developmental years of cannabis. Perhaps our current misguided, harmful CA cannabis policies could have been prevented with more early participation from stakeholders who are stewards of the plant. However, there were many factors involved with the way CA policies were created, including special interest money from those who don’t care or want to see the industry fail. 
Overburdensome taxes and high barriers to entry for licensing throughout the state are most obvious right now. The lack of diversity and equity, consumer education, state and federal funding for further research and development also play a huge role in CA’s struggles. I’m frustrated that the State doesn’t understand that those who have been dedicated to the industry, collaboration and this plant are the only ones who can truly guide this industry forward.
There is a lot new in the world of Next Level since 
California Cannabis is facing challenges on many fronts. Countless unnecessary hurdles to legal entry, political red tape, and excess packaging waste to name a few. But the biggest challenges are around security. Every week there is news of a new dispensary, farm, distributor, and friend being burglarized. High tech security systems, gates, and cameras are no match for organized thieves and slow police responses. Until we can get a portion of our excessive taxes dedicated to funding police divisions that specifically targets cannabis thieves, the best solution to combat this is to support your favorite brands by purchasing their products through legal cannabis retail sources.
by NCIA’s Facilities Design Committee
By Sadaf Naushad, NCIA Intern 
by Mark Slaugh, 
Steve Ardagh, “The Glove Guy,” is the founder and CEO of 
I am 
PUFF COUTURE LLC is a minority-woman-owned cannabis company slated to open a microbusiness and consumption lounge in Detroit. We want to bring a sophisticated community-driven cannabis business that offers a contemporary atmosphere for clients. It will convey the importance of the cannabis flower by providing a chilled environment for clients to consume unique, flavorful, and aromatic cannabis. PUFF COUTURE will support mental health counseling, volunteerism, public policy, and minority representation in the cannabis industry, especially among women. According to a recent special report by