The vaping crisis was first reported in June 2019. In October 2019, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) coined a new medical term describing the cases of severe pulmonary disease that have occurred among e-cigarette and vape users, E-Cigarette and Vaping Associated Lung Injury, or EVALI. EVALI’s primary cause was determined by the CDC to be vitamin E acetate contamination, mostly in illicit market vaping products, although research into this condition continues.
By the early fall of 2019, the National Cannabis Industry Association (NCIA) formed a Safe Vaping Task Force to respond to the crisis. Together with NCIA’s Policy Council, they released a white paper in January 2020 detailing information about vaporizer components, formulations, testing, governmental response, and recommendations for the industry.
As the COVID-19 health pandemic takes front and center stage on the world scene, vaping related issues and EVALI, becomes even more of a health concern as the novel coronavirus causes respiratory issues. While reported cases of EVALI are slowing down, this public health crisis still looms over us, and it’s been very challenging to fully solve this mystery illness associated with vaping e-cigarettes, and other electronic nicotine delivery systems (“ENDS”). Furthermore, it’s been more difficult to stop the primary root cause: the illicit market.
VAPING, EVALI, AND COVID-19
We’re experiencing a worldwide public health crisis with coronavirus and it’s also affecting the Marijuana industry, as we face “stay at home” orders, slower production or reduced access in some areas, and fear from the community about vaping related respiratory illnesses, EVALI, and death due to COVID-19. It begs the question: Is vaping safe and could vaping put you at greater risk of severe illness during this coronavirus pandemic?
Some health experts say vaping can increase the risk of developing COVID-19 complications and spreading the virus to others because many people share vaping devices. A Bloomberg articlewas published last month, stating the FDA says “vaping could compound health risks tied to virus.” The Attorney General of Iowa along with scientists sent the FDA a letter commenting that they should be more careful giving advice at a time like this, especially given “the pronounced difference in risk between smoking and vaping.”
The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has supported both positions on vaping but now says there is a lack of evidence to support the worsening of health in conjunction with vaping and COVID-19, while also considering that underlying conditions could be the real culprit.
According to the CDC, those with chronic lung disease are at higher risk for severe illness. The conditions listed with the CDC do not include EVALI, but perhaps vaping behaviors should be considered when determining risk. I am a member of Doctors for Cannabis Regulation (DFCR), an organization that supports the legalization and use of cannabis. DFCR cautions against smoking and vaping during the COVID-19 pandemic because we just don’t have enough research yet.
After reviewing the limited literature, it must be noted that “e-cigarette use” and vaping have cardiovascular risks. Buchanan and colleagues reviewed the limited available preclinical and clinical data and concluded that “E-cigarette use is associated with inflammation, oxidative stress, and haemodynamic imbalance leading to increased cardiovascular disease risk.” Current evidence is available primarily from acute studies and the effects of chronic exposure remain an urgent research question.
PERSONAL PHYSICIAN RESPONSE
As an emergency physician, functional medicine specialist, and medical cannabis doctor, I’ve examined, certified, and managed patients for medical marijuana use in Michigan since 2014. As a cannabis physician, I routinely review cannabis-related science and research and its therapeutic effects, based on forms of consumption, frequency of use, and limited data on patient dosing. I evaluate patients for their therapeutic benefits and patient outcomes obtained by using marijuana in various forms of consumption, in conjunction with their other medications.
As a cannabis physician, I work very hard to get to the source of my patients’ medical issues or problems related to their medical need for cannabis. This also means giving them direction about the use of cannabis, cannabis products, and noting any side effects related to their method of consumption and use of marijuana, hemp, and CBD.
Perceiving the same thing as the general public, my patients frequently say, “I thought vaping was safe.” This is still the case even during this ongoing public health crisis with EVALI and now, COVID-19.
Pertinent health questioning should always involve asking patients about their forms of usage of cannabis, their daily intake, and noting if a person has any side effects related to cannabis usage or any other medications. Since vaping related illnesses were first reported, I continue to educate patients about the possible side effects of vaping. For some people, problems related to vaping may have been present since they started vaping, but were disregarded because they thought it wasn’t serious or of much concern. We need more research to better inform educational programs so patients and consumers can make better-educated decisions on which marijuana products they should use.
HEALTHCARE, THE CDC. AND COMMUNITY RESPONSE
“Do you vape? Do you smoke? Do you have an underlying lung disease such as asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD, e.g. emphysema), heart disease, or any respiratory problems?” These are the most important questions doctors and healthcare providers should ask patients who present with respiratory symptoms, especially during the worldwide COVID-19 pandemic. All healthcare providers, whether on the frontlines or not, must change their assessment of patients to ask about their lifestyle and any respiratory-related health conditions (past and present). This includes addressing smoking, vaping, and potential side effects.
Patients often delay seeking treatment and the biggest challenge doctors face is that patients might lie about vaping out of fear they will be identified publically or criminally charged if they procured their vaping products from the illicit market. Doctors and other health care providers need accurate information to make a diagnosis and should maintain a non-judgmental attitude and confidentiality when asking patients about their lifestyle and social history.
Detailed information has been created by the CDC for ongoing updates regarding EVALI and related illnesses. Specific information for healthcare providers can be found here.
New tools for physicians include an updated algorithm for the management of patients with suspected EVALI and a Discharge Readiness Checklist. These documents are recommended for use by doctors, hospitals, clinics, and health care professionals and should be followed to help with systematic care and prevention. These tools have been used for EVALI. There have been major updates since the COVID-19 pandemic as of December 2019.
THE FUTURE OF EVALI: CONTAMINANTS AND CONSUMER RESPONSE
According to the CDC and available data, it appears that vitamin E acetate is primarily associated with EVALI, but there could be other substances that are responsible. We now know the illicit market is using vitamin E acetate to dilute their products, but they could use other harmful chemicals in the future. To reduce the risk of lung injury, consumers should purchase vaping products from the regulated market, where products are tracked and tested.
Because there is still so much research to be done, I recommend that anyone who continues to use e-cigarettes or vaping products should monitor themselves for symptoms related to EVALI and see a healthcare provider as soon as possible, especially if you are experiencing the symptoms below.
Patients have reported symptoms such as:
Respiratory symptoms, including cough, shortness of breath, or chest pain;
Gastrointestinal symptoms, including nausea, vomiting, stomach pain, or diarrhea; and
Nonspecific constitutional symptoms, like fever, chills, or weight loss.
Exposure to COVID-19, testing positive or hospitalized and placed on a ventilator
Some patients have reported that their symptoms developed over a few days, while others have reported that their symptoms developed over several weeks.
The American College of Cardiology also released Cardiac Guidelines for cardiac implications of COVID-19, which may mimic respiratory symptoms.
As I mentioned earlier, the FDA previously stated that vapers were at an elevated risk of developing complications tied to COVID-19. However, the FDA also admitted there is actually no “evidence” that vaping makes COVID-19 outcomes worse as noted in this article outlining the FDA’s stance on vaping and COVID-19.
So the jury is out and we are still waiting for evidence on the long term safety of vaping. Asa member of NCIA and the Scientific Advisory Committee, I believe that vaping and it’s long term effects due to acute and chronic exposure remains an urgent and ongoing research question. Is vaping safe, does vaping cause higher risk if you contract the novel coronavirus, and do synthetic flavorings, diluents, or possible contaminants within vaping devices cause harm? More research is warranted.
Meet The Team: Tahir Johnson – NCIA’s Business Development Manager
With April 2020 marking a full year that I fully transitioned to working in the cannabis industry, it’s amazing to reflect on the past twelve months and the journey that brought me here. This time last year I decided to leave my job as an investment advisor for one of the largest banks in the country to turn full-time as a patient counselor at a medical dispensary in Maryland. I had started out there part-time but after just a few months I was certain that I had found my true calling in cannabis. The more I learned about policy, the medical benefits of the plant, and the history of the war on drugs the more I knew that I wanted to make a positive impact and to help shape the future of the industry.
My first inclination that cannabis could be a viable industry had come years earlier in 2013 when I was still a financial advisor and saw GW Pharmaceuticals, a company that produced a cannabis-derived prescription drug, issue its Initial Public Offering. I was aware that medical cannabis had been legalized in California and a handful of other states by that time but never imagined I would end up working in the space.
In 2018 shortly after Maryland introduced its medical program, my dad was diagnosed with an inflammatory disorder, and I recalled from a research report that I did in college that chronic pain was one of the top conditions that medical cannabis was used to treat. I encouraged him to get a medical cannabis recommendation and when he expressed concern, I offered to get mine as well to support him. Through that experience, I was introduced to the legal cannabis industry and began to pursue multiple opportunities from starting ancillary businesses and entering pitch competitions to applying for a license as a social equity applicant.
As fate would have it I also met Kaliko Castille in April last year when he was in town for MCBA’s Lobby Day. I already knew about everything NCIA does to advance and advocate for the industry and thought that a role at this organization would be a dream come true. I let him know that I had applied for my current role which was just recently posted, not knowing that as Head of Growth at the time, the position would be in his department. Thankfully, I must have made a great first impression.
With our Cannabis Business Summit taking place just weeks after I started at NCIA in July of last year, I was able to jump in feet first. Since then I’ve had the opportunity to interact with thousands of cannabis business owners and employees from every sector of the industry learning about their goals, success stories, and the challenges that they face. I’ve had the opportunity to see our Government Relations and Policy teams in action in Washington and interact with members of Congress. Nothing was more exciting than having a front-row seat as we watched the SAFE Banking Act, the first piece of stand-alone cannabis legislation pass in the House of Representatives, and knowing that I had worked alongside the team that made it happen!
Given my background in finance, I often think about the economic impact that COVID-19 has had not only on the U.S. economy, but the cannabis industry specifically. I am so proud to be a part of NCIA and the work that we are doing to make sure that #CannabisIsEssential; asking that congressional leadership address the exclusion of state-legal cannabis and ancillary businesses from the recently passed CARES Act and the way that we are supporting our members. In addition to our federal efforts, our new digital marketing options will help our members get exposure for their businesses during a time where social distancing has put most conferences and events on hold.
Over the past few weeks I’ve had the opportunity to speak with many of our members and I know that our industry is resilient and will rise above this crisis. I’m hoping that the pandemic is over soon enough to see everyone out at the Midwest Cannabis Business Conference on my birthday weekend, August 26-27.
Member Blog: A COVID-19 Guide For Cannabis Entities
As the fallout from COVID-19 ripples through the economy, cannabis businesses are once again faced with a plethora of conflicting information and uncertainty. As counsel to the NCIA and in service to its membership, Wykowski Law has put together a guide to the most common issues facing cannabis businesses in the wake of COVID-19. The guide focuses on national issues and focuses in on some issues specific to California.
Please check out the guide for more details, but here is a quick rundown of what you need to know as a cannabis business in the age of COVID-19:
As we’ve unfortunately become accustomed to, cannabis has largely been left out of relief efforts, particularly where the federal government is concerned. Like with anything cannabis, this means that we have to dig deeper and be more creative to survive.
What sort of help can cannabis businesses get from SBA, PPP, and EIDL? Are there alternatives?
Generally, the Feds are not going to let MRBs touch these funds. But don’t despair. There are potential alternatives at the state level (in California at least) including CalCAP, IBank, and JSLP. Of course, these programs present their own challenges for MRBs, but they do not categorically rule out lending to the cannabis industry.
What about taxes and tax relief?
Unfortunately, when it comes to the Feds we continue to live under the spectre of 280E which makes so many of the tax credits and relief potentially unavailable. There may be some strategies to take advantage of some of these programs, but they are largely dependent on your individual situation. Check with your tax expert!
Some of these regulations just aren’t practical during a pandemic. Are we really expected to comply?
There’s good news and bad news on that front. In California regulatory agencies are making some allowances including regulatory variances and allowing curbside pickups. But you have to get approval. Double (and triple) check what sort of regulatory relief your state is offering before deviating from any SOPs.
The bad news is that as an essential service in the age of COVID-19, many cannabis businesses are subject to additional health and safety requirements. California OSHA for instance has put out stricter standards for all businesses and we expect there might be more to come due to the nature of cannabis.
Times are tough, but not hopeless. And, all of the above is just the tip of the iceberg. The full guide goes into deeper detail. Of course, the information you obtain here and in the linked guide is meant to be informational only and is not, nor is it intended to be, advice legal or otherwise. For that you will need to talk to your lawyer and/or accountant.
Henry Wykowski is the founder of Wykowski Law a national cannabis law firm based in San Francisco that has represented the industry since its inception and successfully defended it in multiple landmark cases.
Member Blog: Harvesting Automation In The Time Of COVID-19
by Brett Layne, sales and manufacturing leader at Mobius Trimmer
Coronavirus is shining a light on the vulnerabilities (and inefficiencies) of manual processes in cannabis harvesting.
Coronavirus is disrupting the cannabis industry in North America. And while COVID-19 restrictions vary in different markets, many cannabis cultivators have had to stop or drastically reduce operations to maintain compliance.
Sadly, the long-term impact of coronavirus will force some cultivators to permanently close their doors.
Under the current social distancing mandates, the grow rooms themselves aren’t a problem. Staying 10 feet away from other staffers in a greenhouse is easy, there’s always plenty of space and the ability to rotate and spread out shifts.
Harvesting is the culprit.
Cramped and crowded trim rooms with at least a dozen employees (sometimes more) in close quarters isn’t acceptable or wise under today’s circumstances. Laws aside, many hourly employees are calling in sick or not showing up for work at all. Or even worse, they show up to work with an illness, COVID-19 or otherwise. Skilled workers aren’t easy to replace, but a sick employee introduces a new set of issues.
We’re advocates for highly-automated cannabis harvesting and processing. Automation is perfect for roles that are dangerous or repetitious or can introduce inconsistencies and contaminate products.
And because of coronavirus, the cannabis industry needs automation now more than ever.
You’re ahead of the curve if you’ve automated aspects of your harvesting workflow. And you’re probably still operational.
But it’s not too late for cultivators that are manually harvesting and trimming cannabis to re-think their processes, embrace automation, and adapt tools like automated trimming machines, buckers, conveyors, and mills to stay in business and keep their employees safe.
There are many dated arguments that claim trimming machines take the soul out of cannabis. Hand-trimming is viewed by some as a more refined process that does less damage to the flower. And while most people will always be a fan of craft cannabis, the arguments against automation are, at this point, inaccurate.
The trimming machine backlash was the result of legacy trimmers that weren’t able to match the quality of hand-trimmed cannabis. Today, this isn’t necessarily the case. Innovative machine trimmers can produce a trimmed flower that’s virtually indistinguishable from its hand-trimmed cousins. And the best machine trimmers can offer a level of consistency that hand-trimming can’t match.
If you’re not yet convinced, here’s something to consider: the consumer opinion of hand-trimmed cannabis will change after COVID-19. Customers will feel better knowing that their cannabis has had minimal human intervention.
The best of today’s machine trimmers produce an exceptional product, keep your employees safe, and help you stay in business. It’s a win-win for everyone.
Now is the time to consider automation if you haven’t before in order to keep your operations, your employees, and your customers safe, and watch your business continue to grow.
Brett Layne is a sales and manufacturing leader at Mobius Trimmer, his “forever home.” Prior to his career in the cannabis industry he’s been a brewer, winemaker, industrial rigger, carpenter, and mass-timber builder. He lives in beautiful British Columbia with his family.
Mobius Trimmer takes the complexity out of harvesting by offering the world’s best cannabis and hemp processing equipment. Mobius equipment is engineered for ease of use, scalable output, employee safety, and GMP workflows. Plant material bucked, trimmed, and milled by Mobius equipment rivals product processed by hand.
Backed by harvest consulting experience earned in facilities around the world, top-tier customer service, and an immersive training academy to help you maximize your investment, Mobius is the unrivaled global standard for cannabis and hemp processing.
Member Blog: ‘New Normal’ Dictates Label And Packaging Printer Review
by Gary Paulin, VP of Sales and Client Services at Lightning Labels
In a world of uncertainty, reliability and timeliness rule
COVID-19 is altering the landscape in ways unimagined a few weeks ago. With new realities, fears and uncertainties running rampant, it’s time for cannabis and CBD manufacturers and purveyors to recheck their label and packaging protocols right along with products. When it comes to printing and fulfillment, it’s wise to stay as “close to home” as possible.
“Close to home” encompasses two major areas in label/packaging custom printing: They are country of origin and centralized process control.
Country of origin is fairly straightforward. If at all possible, it’s a good time to be “made in the USA.” The uncertainties and disruptions in a number of foreign countries, complicated by the pandemic, make custom label printing abroad a dicey proposition at best.
Centralized process control has to do with how printing, fulfillment, and shipping are managed. The more that is done under one roof, the better. While shipping requires using an outside third party in most cases, everything else can be completed in-house.
Brokering printing and/or fulfillment to outside entities can present a version of the same problem that occurs with foreign countries. Anything done out-of-house is more subject than ever to delays and disruption. Even after COVID-19 subsides, this is a lesson to be learned well going forward.
Summed up, develop, manage and reinforce a reliable supply chain where getting high-quality cannabis labels and packaging printing quickly and economically is Job #1.
Cannabis and CBD companies wanting to confirm that they’re getting the best quality, price and turnaround time consistently and reliably can review options below. Everyone deserves a predictable, quality-driven and customer service-obsessed printer all the time. Right now, it’s even more important with the added pressures stemming from COVID-19 and resulting stressors.
Review factors within and beyond a printer’s control.
Make sure that what’s claimed in the way of processes and workflow is actually practiced. To confirm validity, this is a great time to conduct a virtual tour of the facility to see it in full operation. Video call platforms that make this easy and efficient have proliferated. Don’t hesitate to ask your printer for a tour. As an essential business, printers can remain open to handle all needed functions. So, the virtual tour of operations should show some level of normalcy. Account/sales/customer service teams, however, are likely working from home — so ask to have them chime in on a video conference. That way, you can see the plant in action and assess how well the remote employees are performing in their new “offices away from the office.”
Besides confirming claims, doing a virtual tour will provide insights about workforce stability and morale. Optimally, it’s pretty much business as usual. However, if there are signs of low morale or lagging productivity, check it out further.
Also check to see that operations numbers match up to expectations. Are printing and fulfillment stations manned as expected? How is staffing matching current demand, which for some label and packaging printers may actually be surging?
If something seems askew, such as a printer claiming healthy volume when the plant is almost deserted, keep asking questions. These may be early drops of rain on the windshield, portending a coming storm.
Conduct a problem-solving and contingency-planning meeting with your printer.
In addition to assessing what’s going well, address what could go wrong and how the printer will handle it. As COVID-19 impact has shown, there well may be challenges ahead that—under normal circumstances—wouldn’t be considered high priority. Now, on top of potential twists and turns in the regulatory and various jurisdictional environments, there’s the added challenge of a pandemic.
In cannabis and CBD, the focus for the foreseeable future may well be on increasing versus faltering product demand. How a printer can be nimble and scale to coming challenges on all fronts will likely dominate a variety of discussions for awhile.
Other contingencies may involve direct impact of COVID-19 itself. How well can a printer backstop employees who get sick? How will this be done? Will it be primarily substituting present employees, already well familiar with the company and operations, who have capabilities crossing a number of areas? Or, will new people need to be brought in? If so, where will they come from? What other ways can printers maintain productivity amid these challenges?
Look for present performance in readily documentable areas.
Is turnaround consistent with previous orders? How is the quality? What about customer service availability and timeliness? Are you dealing with the same people as before? Are people acting consistently with pre-pandemic expectations? (If not, you may want to give a bit of grace, as everyone is dealing with unusual stresses.) If everything is essentially business as usual, and you’re getting everything you want and are accustomed to, that’s a win. If there are problems, find out why and problem-solve with the printer. Even if it involves a problem beyond direct printer control, such as a shipping snafu, it deserves troubleshooting for workarounds.
Obviously, this is not an exhaustive list — but it will help ensure that product manufacturers and purveyors continue to get the quality, turnaround, and price they deserve. If there’s an issue that may be COVID-19 related, and the label/packaging printer has been a longtime stellar performer, consider figuring out a solution before going elsewhere. If, however, there’s a systemic, attitude or customer-service problem that looks to be long-term, look for another printer that checks the right boxes.
Gary Paulin is VP of Sales and Client Servicesat Lightning Labels, a Denver-based custom label printer that uses state-of-the-art printing technology to provide affordable, full-color custom labelsand custom stickers of all shapes and sizes. Contact: sales@lightninglabels.com; 800.544.6323 or 303.481.2304.
Webinar Recording: Communications Strategy During Times of Crisis and COVID-19
Watch this recent webinar recording from April 8, 2020. With the cannabis industry customer acquisition and service models disrupted by the pandemic, it’s critical to understand that what you do today will affect your business now and have a large impact on your future. Adjusting communications to focus on brand and strengthening bonds with existing customers will help you minimize damage and promote future growth.
In this webinar, crisis experts Jeanine Moss and Nicole DeMeo of Outfront Solutions will outline immediate and practical steps you can take to address crises before, during, and after they’ve occurred. They will provide specific recommendations for the cannabis value chain including cultivators, manufacturers, distributors, retailers, and ancillary businesses. Learn how to build trust and brand loyalty in times of crisis with customers, employees, directors, shareholders, and vendors so you come through with a strong platform for growth and knowing you’ve done all that you can for your stakeholders.
Best Practices for Cannabis Companies and Consumers During COVID-19
In this time of national crisis, the cannabis industry has come together in a continued commitment to ensuring the health and wellbeing of the public. Cannabis companies have donated personal protective equipment to first responders, hired workers laid off in other industries, and some businesses have even adapted some of their manufacturing capabilities to produce hand sanitizer. As this pandemic has affected every aspect of our lives, we must all do our part to flatten the curve. We are working with state health officials and medical and public health professionals to ensure continued safe access to cannabis medicines and products. To this end, we are providing information to help keep you healthy and ensure safe and responsible cannabis use.
What can the industry do to keep our communities safe?
Industry has been proactive in implementing social distancing measures in accordance with guidelines issued by the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) to ensure the health and safety of our communities, including those most vulnerable to COVID-19.
Proactive measures include:
Increased sanitation and safety measures pursuant to regulations set by the Occupational Health and Safety Administration and local health departments.
Screening employees for symptoms of illness.
Limiting customers and employees in stores, and to the extent allowed by local law conducting transactions through delivery and curbside pickup.
Provide additional or distinct store hours for high-risk groups, like customers over the age of 60.
Calling on cannabis authorities to reduce medical caregiver and patient application fees to limit travel by vulnerable members of our community.
What can cannabis consumers do to stay safe?
(1) Consult with a medical professional before consuming cannabis if you are experiencing one or more of the symptoms of COVID-19.
(3) Do not share joints, pipes, vapes, or other products shared mouth-to-mouth.
(4) Avoid group consumption and follow social distancing guidelines.
(5) Get cannabis from licensed and regulated sources.
(6) Cannabis patients and consumers should consult with medical professionals and CDC guidance to identify the safest methods of use.
(7) If possible, consider choosing non-pulmonary methods of cannabis for consumption
(8) Don’t spread false information about cannabis as a cure or treatment for COVID-19
Important Note from the International Association for Cannabinoid Medicines (IACM):
“There is no scientific evidence that individual cannabinoids – such as CBD, CBG or THC – or cannabis preparations protect against infection with the SARS-CoV2 virus or could be used to treat COVID-19, the disease produced by this virus… Please do not pass on false information that is circulating on the Internet [about cannabis preparations and cannabinoids as a cure or treatment for the SARS-CoV2 virus/COVID-19 disease].”
The growing coronavirus outbreak in North America has affected businesses of all sizes and sectors, including cannabis dispensaries. Many states have categorized medical dispensaries and retail cannabis stores as essential businesses. But it’s extremely important that any cannabis retailer choosing to stay open during this time take extra precautions to keep their staff and customers safe while still staying compliant with local and emergency laws.
COVID-19 Plan
5 Steps to Get Started With Online Ordering and Delivery Service
Use technology to stay compliant and make your vision come to life
You will have to rely more on retail technology while human interaction and in-person sales are not possible. Online ordering, delivery, line queuing, and no-touch ID verification policies will all require reliable tech. Check with your current POS if they have a workaround to facilitate the new process and integration with an online ordering platform.
Re-design your store layout
Change your store layout to further limit exposure. Take all of the products out of display cases and instead use that space to store fulfilled online orders. Use ropes or another barricade to ensure a six-foot distance between customers and sales counters. Install sneeze guards in front of checkout stations. Use tape or signage to mark where customers should be standing (six feet apart).
Develop operating procedures
These changes will require an update to your operating procedures. You will need a few employees dedicated to packing online orders and another employee on the floor ensuring customers are far enough apart and surfaces are consistently sanitized. If employees are feeling sick, require them to stay home. Some dispensaries are even taking the temperature of employees before every shift.
Train & protect your staff
Be sure to limit the number of customers in the store at a time, so there is ample distance (3-6 feet) between people. Protect your employees and customers with the following equipment:
Touchscreen-friendly gloves for employees
Alcohol swabs for any surface customers touch at the POS
Hand sanitizer
Masks
Lysol or other CDC-approved antibacterial cleaning spray
Faai Steuer is VP of marketing at Cova Software, the fastest-growing cannabis retail POS in North America. An entrepreneur at heart, she has a passion for growing startups and building brands. With 20 years of marketing experience in CPG and retail tech, she lends her knowledge and best practices to help cannabis entrepreneurs in the U.S. and Canada open their first store and grow their business through vital thought leader content.
Cova is an award-winning, seed-to-sale compliant POS with an intuitive design and robust tech platform, making it the most reliable cannabis POS system on the market. Cova helps dispensaries simplify compliance, raise the customer experience bar, and increase revenue through automated compliance capability, express check-out app, and integrated delivery solutions. Learn more at www.covasoftware.com.
Webinar Recording: A Spring Federal Policy and Government Relations Update
In this webinar from the morning of Friday, March 27 at 10:00 AM MT, NCIA’s Director of Public Policy, Andrew Kline, presents an update focused on federal cannabis policy issues taken up by NCIA’s Policy Council, including vaping illnesses, highlights of the findings from the Illicit Market Summit, and comments to be submitted to the DEA and NIDA. We also explore the COVID-19 responses across the United States.
Michelle Rutter Friberg, NCIA’s Deputy Director of Government Relations, shares information about how to stay politically active on behalf of cannabis policy reform while still practicing physical distancing during the COVID-19 pandemic. We explore the impact that COVID-19 is having on small cannabis businesses, plus an update on the action and movement we’ve seen in Congress, including a recent letter sent regarding Small Business Administration loans for cannabis businesses.
Speakers
Michelle Rutter Friberg
Deputy Director of Government Relations, National Cannabis Industry Association
Michelle Rutter Friberg is deputy director of government relations for the National Cannabis Industry Association. Prior to working for NCIA, Michelle was a research analyst at a government affairs firm in Washington, D.C., where she analyzed and tracked legislation on numerous issues. Michelle graduated from James Madison University in 2012, receiving her Bachelor of Arts degree in Political Science with a minor in History. During her studies, she held a year-long internship with Virginia House of Delegates member Tony Wilt (R). There, she communicated with constituents, businesses, and government officials alike, facilitating meaningful conversations. Michelle was also a member of a pre-law fraternity where she planned events and hosted social functions that sought to encourage long-lasting professional and personal relationships with members. A native Virginian, Michelle currently resides in the Washington, D.C. neighborhood of Capitol Hill.
Andrew Kline
Director of Public Policy, National Cannabis Industry Association
Andrew Kline is NCIA’s Director of Public Policy. In this new role established in early 2019 at NCIA, Andrew leads NCIA’s substantive public policy efforts, striving to prepare and protect the state-legal cannabis industry. He will also lead NCIA’s Policy Council, a group of NCIA members focused on influencing federal and state public policy. Kline most recently served as President of the National Association of Cannabis Businesses (NACB), the first self-regulatory organization for the high-growth cannabis industry. At the NACB, Andrew led the creation of national standards for the state-legal cannabis industry, oversaw its standards governance board, and led day to day operations and strategic planning. Kline has a deep and celebrated background in public policy, law enforcement, and coalition creation/management. He is renowned for his ability to create solutions to complex domestic and global public policy issues that appeal to both private and public constituencies.
NCIA’s Human Resources Committee hopes that you and all your employees are healthy during this outbreak. Many states continue considering cannabis-related business as ‘essential,’ so the HR Committee met to discuss ways NCIA member companies could navigate the impact of the COVID-19 outbreak on our cannabis businesses to help ensure you and employees minimize your risk of spreading and contracting the virus in the workplace.
We are confident that our fellow member companies strive to create a safe and healthy work environment for their employees, but we have brainstormed a few extra precautions cannabis companies may want to consider during this outbreak.
One of the best resources we have seen thus far are the WHO guidelines put in place for workforces.
Some additional best practices we have seen from dispensaries, processing facilities, and cultivation sites are as follows:
Time Login/Logout
Consider using an app so employees can login/logout on their own phones versus signing in/out, using a time punch system, or everyone logging in/out on the same computer system.
Cash Handling
We know that cash handling & computers being used by multiple people is a concern for many employees. Consider purchasing gloves for employees to use. If gloves aren’t available due to medical personnel needing these supplies at this time, offer additional breaks so employees can wash their hands between each transaction with a customer.
Product Packaging Handling
If you’re in a state where customers are allowed to touch the product packaging or sample containers, consider also having gloves available for customers to use. You should also have some form of cleaning wipes available to wipe down packaging, sample containers, etc. after each customer has touched them, along with wiping down cabinet tops between each customer. Seeing as these supplies are sometimes not available at this time, consider putting up a notice stating that in order to keep customers safe during these times, only Store Employees will be handling product packaging.
Safe Distancing
For retail stores, you may want to even consider installing plastic/glass barriers (think similar to what we had back in the medical days or you see at banks) in order to keep employees/customers safe. For Producer/Processer cannabis companies, you should try to keep employees at the 6-foot minimum distance. If you’re not already operating in multiple shifts, you may want to consider doing this as well so you can continue regular production but space out workers so they feel safer in this environment.
Hand Washing
Add additional hand sanitizer stations and consider hiring additional staff and/or appointing one of your current staff members to wipe down all surfaces every 30 minutes.
Thermometers
Consider purchasing thermometers for each employee so they can check their temperature multiple times/day.
Curbside Pickup or Appointment-Based Purchasing
Consider adding to your website a mechanism for customers to pre-order online with curbside pickup, or to schedule an appointment to visit your store. This can help to keep the number of customers in your store at any given time relatively low, while maintaining consistent business throughout the day.
Encourage Delivery
While not all states have delivery available, those that do should try to encourage its use. This will help limit contact between your workers and customers.
We are sure our fellow members will have plenty of other valuable suggestions, so we encourage you to share your best ideas in the comments section of this blog post, on NCIA’s Facebook page, so we can all work together to keep our cannabis community safe during these times.
A Message For Our Members About COVID-19
As the coronavirus pandemic becomes more severe and containment measures increasingly disrupt our normal lives, I’m sure many of us share the same concerns. Will my loved ones and I be safe and healthy? What will happen to my job or business? What does the future look like?
In periods of such uncertainty, I always look to family. Not just my own, but my NCIA family – our staff and valued members who have stood with us through so many challenges. I know that together, we can all get through any struggle.
Perhaps just as importantly, I rely on NCIA’s core values to guide me in difficult times.
First and foremost, we have a responsibility to promote the health and safety of our communities by doing whatever is necessary to halt the spread of the virus.
For the past several days, NCIA’s staff has been working remotely in Washington, D.C., Denver, and California. And we are proudly advocating for federal relief for the industry, still pushing for Congressional reforms as much as possible under the current limitations, and continuing to build inclusive coalitions across the country.
And we are educating state policymakers on the need for consumers, especially patients, to obtain clean and tested cannabis from legitimate sources for the duration of the coronavirus response. NCIA and our allies are reaching out to state governments, urging them to declare cannabis businesses “essential” as early as possible and to take measures to facilitate safe access. You can help us by personalizing this template letter and sending it to your governor.
We understand the frustration and fear that many of our members may be feeling as we move forward into unknown territory. However, our industry is used to weathering the worst of storms and thriving in the harshest environments. The number one priority for everyone should be to minimize the duration and impact of this horrible situation that is costing lives.
As such, we are urging all our members to do the following, as applicable to you or your businesses:
Please strictly adhere to all federal, state, and local health guidance. This is essential for slowing the spread of the virus as soon as possible.
Prioritize patient access. At a time when the healthcare system is already overburdened, it is vital for our most vulnerable neighbors to be able to get the medicine that works best for them.
Limit in-person retail operations to maximize social distancing and utilize alternative service options. We should try to go above and beyond official guidance, as well as encourage things like delivery, online ordering, drive-thru, and curbside pickup where available.
Implement additional cleaning and sanitary practices at every level. This industry is already a great example of cleanliness, but we can always do better.
Encourage telework to the greatest extent possible. There are many ways to make this easier in the modern workplace, and it is quickly becoming the norm during the pandemic.
If you can, please consider contributing to local efforts to assist those most in need in your communities. Coronavirus is affecting everyone, but some are feeling the impact much more than others. Generosity and compassion will help us all get through this together and come out stronger.
In order to protect the safety of our staff, event partners, and members, we have postponed our 10th Annual Cannabis Industry Lobby Days — originally scheduled for May — to September 15-17. We are committed to providing the value embodied by the affected events to our members later this year, and in the meantime, we will be creating new digital opportunities to learn, network, advocate, and make your businesses stand out.
We continue to monitor all our other events including the Cannabis Business Summit in San Francisco, and will be in touch in the days ahead with any updates.
NCIA is confident that the industry will rise to this occasion and continue to grow and thrive. Because that is exactly what we do best! We persevere and overcome obstacles that seem insurmountable. And we assure you that NCIA will continue to represent the industry in our nation’s capital and offer support to help you get through the weeks and months ahead.
In health and unity,
Aaron Smith
Executive Director and Co-founder
National Cannabis Industry Association
How To Stay Politically Engaged in the Age of COVID-19
Photo By CannabisCamera.com
by Michelle Rutter Friberg, NCIA’s Deputy Director of Government Relations
Over the last few weeks, life in America has changed, and will remain so for the foreseeable future. However, even though most of us are practicing social distancing and working from home, there are still ways to remain politically engaged during this election year. Whether you use these tips to talk to members of Congress about COVID-19 or cannabis legislation, we encourage you to continue to communicate with your elected officials.
Here are a few ways you can do that from the comfort (and safety) of your own home:
Call your legislators
In the age of technology, we are lucky to have so many different ways to communicate with each other. Arguably, one of the most effective ways to contact your representatives and senators is by calling their offices. You can check out NCIA’s website for some do’s and don’t’s of calling, and if you need your elected officials’ contact information, you canfind it here. Pro-tip: try calling your legislators’ district offices – they are usually less inundated with calls than their D.C. counterparts.
Go old school: write a letter (or an email)
Sometimes it’s nice to be able to sit with your thoughts and write them down – plus, it’s also a great way to pass some time while at home. Put those skills to work and consider writing your elected officials a letter or an email. Remember to always keep it professional, but also be sure to include your personal story.
Stay informed: read the news, a book, or listen to a podcast
As citizens, we all have a duty to stay informed, and this is a great time to delve into some new content! You can settle in with your favorite cannabis product and a good book (politics, history, or whatever you like!), or hop online to check out the news or go down a Wikipedia rabbit hole. If reading isn’t your thing, try searching for a new podcast – we recommend NCIA’s Cannabis Industry Voice. One rule, though – always make sure whatever you’re consuming is from a reliable source.
While no campaigns are knocking on doors right now, there are still opportunities to get involved with one and help out from home. With 2020 being an election year, it’s important to remember that you don’t have to volunteer to help with the presidential race, either – you can help a local or state candidate, or a member of Congress. You can volunteer for the RNC, or if you’d prefer, help out the DCCC. Making phone calls for a candidate is also a great way to get some social interaction!
Follow your elected officials on social media
Once you’ve identified who your elected officials (or candidates) are, find them on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. Not only is this another great way to get in touch with them, it’s also a way to stay informed as many of them are holding virtual town halls and “live” sessions. When interacting with these accounts, always remember to remain respectful.
Here at NCIA, we are all encouraged by our members and their dedication to patients, consumers, and overall public health, and we will continue to serve and advocate for you, even during these difficult times. COVID-19 will not last forever, and we will soon be back in the halls of Congress talking to members and their staff about the importance of reforming our outdated cannabis policies. Until then, stay home, stay safe, and stay healthy!
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The vaping crisis was first reported in June 2019. In October 2019, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) coined a new medical term describing the cases of severe pulmonary disease that have occurred among e-cigarette and vape users, E-Cigarette and Vaping Associated Lung Injury, or EVALI. EVALI’s primary cause was determined by the CDC to be vitamin E acetate contamination, mostly in illicit market vaping products, although research into this condition continues.
With April 2020 marking a full year that I fully transitioned to working in the cannabis industry, it’s amazing to reflect on the past twelve months and the journey that brought me here. This time last year I decided to leave my job as an investment advisor for one of the largest banks in the country to turn full-time as a patient counselor at a medical dispensary in Maryland. I had started out there part-time but after just a few months I was certain that I had found my true calling in cannabis. The more I learned about policy, the medical benefits of the plant, and the history of the war on drugs the more I knew that I wanted to make a positive impact and to help shape the future of the industry. 
With our Cannabis Business Summit taking place just weeks after I started at NCIA in July of last year, I was able to jump in feet first. Since then I’ve had the opportunity to interact with thousands of cannabis business owners and employees from every sector of the industry learning about their goals, success stories, and the challenges that they face. I’ve had the opportunity to see our Government Relations and Policy teams in action in Washington and interact with members of Congress. Nothing was more exciting than having a front-row seat as we watched the SAFE Banking Act, the first piece of stand-alone cannabis legislation pass in the House of Representatives, and knowing that I had worked alongside the team that made it happen! 
Faai Steuer is VP of marketing at Cova Software, the fastest-growing cannabis retail POS in North America. An entrepreneur at heart, she has a passion for growing startups and building brands. With 20 years of marketing experience in CPG and retail tech, she lends her knowledge and best practices to help cannabis entrepreneurs in the U.S. and Canada open their first store and grow their business through vital thought leader content. 
