NCIA recently had an opportunity to speak with Glenn Peterson, co-founder of Canuvo, a state-licensed medical cannabis dispensary in York County, Maine. Canuvo offers naturally grown medical cannabis in a wide selection of strains, private discreet consultations with trained staff, public workshops, and education.

Cannabis Industry Sector:

Medical Cannabis Provider

NCIA Member Since:

2013

How do you uniquely serve the cannabis industry?

I am a patient, former caregiver, and possibly the last regular person to obtain a contested state license in a highly regulated state and finance the project entirely myself. I have done every job in cultivation, manufacturing, and dispensing until I could replace myself with the best staff possible, which gives me a unique understanding of my business and this industry. I am also blessed to have my wife, sister, and daughter work by my side and watch my back at Canuvo. As a vertically integrated state, we cultivate & manufacture everything we sell. In addition to our 80-strain library, we offer concentrates, edibles, lotion, salves, capsules, and oils. We love coming up with new delivery systems!

I have been the President of the Maine Association of Dispensary Operators (MeADO) since its inception in 2012. Each year MeADO has passed multiple bills into law, both on their own and in collaboration with other stake holders. As the President of MeADO I have an active presence in our statehouse lobbying for patients and dispensaries. Personally I attend as many regional and national NCIA events as possible including Lobby Days in DC.

Why should patients looking for medical cannabis services go to Canuvo?

• Selection: We have a large strain library of over 80 strains and growing, 15 to 24 of which are available each day. With so many different patient preferences, goals, and needs, it is important to us to offer an expansive, constantly rotating menu.
• Education: The industry is expanding and there is always information to share regardless of how seasoned the patient is. In addition to a wide selection of dosing options, we have a loaning library and the opportunity for patients to have a one-on-one consultation. This way we can get to know our patients as individuals, offer guidance, and help them understand why and how their medication works.
• Privacy: We are located in a former doctor’s office and are fortunate enough to dispense out of multiple examining rooms. This allows the patient to discuss their medical goals and concerns without being overheard.

What is the medical marijuana community like in Maine? Where do you see it going?

Maine has had a medical cannabis program since 1999. It allowed patients to grow for themselves or have a caregiver (who is limited to 5 patients) grow for you. In 2010 the dispensary model was added to increase patients’ access to safe, inspected medical cannabis. Our edibles are produced in a state-licensed kitchen, our cannabis is grown without pesticides, and we keep normal business hours. The dispensaries added a level of professionalism previously lacking in the industry.

I anticipate legislation and referendum efforts for adult use in Maine shortly. I believe all adults should have access for personal use in addition to medicinal. Though most adults can benefit, I hope to exempt qualified medical patients from the sales tax, excise tax, and driving under the influence provisions. There is no lack of cannabis in Maine. There is no need for the steep ‘sin tax‘ in Maine like Colorado and Washington to entice support. It only serves to drive the consumer to the unregulated, non-taxpaying black market. Though our program in the state of Maine is small compared to other states (only 8 licensed dispensaries), our state’s cannabis program scored #1 in the country last month by Americans For Safe Access as based on a criteria of 40 considerations.

Why did you get involved in NCIA?

We learned of NCIA while consulting with Kayvan Khalatbari from Denver Relief Consulting. It made sense for us to join so we could meet and learn from other members, contribute to the effort, and keep our fingers on the pulse of the industry. The member contacts have been invaluable. NCIA is the spear point for the cannabis industry and efforts to bring forth meaningful needed change to our industry.

Contact:
Glenn Peterson
http://www.canuvo.org/
Facebook

If you are a member of NCIA and would like to contribute to the NCIA blog, please contact Development Officer Bethany Moore by emailing bethany@thecannabisindustry.org.