GREENWAY SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2020
GREENWAYTHE MISSOURI CANNABIS INDUSTRY MAGAZINE
INSIDE MISSOURI’S FIRST FACILITIES P. 39
THE INFUSER MACHINE SHOWDOWN P. 20 on the cover MEET MORE MISSOURI BRANDSMOGREENWAY.COM 1 P. 27 MH&W Dispensary’s green cross, located inside CUTTING CULTIVATION COSTS P. 90 GREENWAY CHAIRMAN OF THE BOARD John Curtis | Beleaf (St. Louis) TRANSPORTATION, TECHNOLOGY HEALTHCARE, EDUCATION AND AND SECURITY COMMITTEE TRAINING COMMITTEE
CULTIVATION Chair: Larry Ellison Co-Chair: Dr. Mimi Vo, MD CULTIVATION COMMITTEE Ozarx | CST Solutions (Springfield) (St. Louis) Bradford Goette Co-Chair: Cindy Northcutt, RN, BSN, JD Chair: John Mueller Nirvana | Bold Lane Transport (St. Louis) Kintsugi | Soulful Cannabis (SPR) Greenlight (Kansas City) GOVERNMENT MANUFACTURING Michael Allen Chip Sheppard AFFAIRS AND TESTING Chris McHugh 5th Meridian (Cape Girardeau) CECB Law (Springfield) Joseph Hollander Craft PC (Kansas City) Dacia Betts Hannah Bush David Alport MOCANNTrade G5 Express (St. Louis) Nirvana Investments (St. Louis) BOARD OF DIRECTORS Bridge City Collective | SLCC (KC/STL) Joe Delia Natalie Brown Mike Birkel Green Farms (St. Louis/Cuba) MoCann Testing - EKG Labs (Perryville) Birkel Electric (St. Louis) Kevin Ellison Zach Greene Brian Fox CST Solutions (Springfield) Quarter Coast Consulting (St. Louis) Greene Fox (St. Louis) HEALTHCARE, TRANSPORTATION, Allen Fortner Dr. Patricia Hurford, MD, MS EDUCATION AND TECHNOLOGY AND Susan Griffith TRAINING SECURITY Executive Security Specialists (Springfield) SOAR Medical (St Louis) CAMP (St. Louis) Tiffany Maggard Dr. Eboni January Mark Hendren Heffernan Insurance (Springfield) Greenlight Dispensary (STL/KC) Flora Farms (Joplin/Humansville) Joe Patterson Dena Ladd Ashley Picillo DISPENSARY Ceres Mgmt Group (St. Louis) Missouri Cures (St. Louis) Point 7 Group (Denver) Jim Regna Jennifer McGuire, LP John Wilbers Triad Bank (St. Louis) CAMP Cannabis (Kansas City) Blue Arrow (St. Louis) Kevin Schnell Dr. Kyle Ostrom, MD MISSOURI IS MAKING HISTORY WITH KC Cann Transport (Kansas City) Mercy Health (Washington) Zach Voidrie Dr. Lisa Roark THE VOICE OF MISSOURI Blue Arrow (St. Louis) The Dispensary (Cassville) MANUFACTURING AND Skyler Thomas MEDICALTHE FIRST CANNABIS LEGAL CANNABIS STRENGTHENS. SALES. TESTING COMMITTEE Show Me Alternatives (Macon) Darcy Trescone Chair: Dr. David Sciortino, DC Kintsugi | Optima Health (Springfield) Noah’s Arc (St. Louis) DISPENSARY COMMITTEE THANK YOU TO OUR NEW INDUSTRY-FACING COMMITTEES, BOARD, OUR ENTIRE BOARD AND COMMITTEES Josh Mitchem Chair: John Pennington AND ADVISORY BOARD MEMBERS WHO MADE IT POSSIBLE. CLOVR (Kansas City) Proper Cannabis (St. Louis) THANK ALL THAT MADE THIS POSSIBLE. Paul Bocci John Payne Common Citizen (Lake Ozarks) Amendment 2 Consultants (St. Louis) GOVERNMENT AFFAIRS Sean Carriger Dan Ambrosino COMMITTEE REPRESENTATIVES Show Me Alternatives (Macon) Terrabis (STL/KC) Manufacturing and Testing, Dr. Stephanie Cernicek Kim Andrews Sinse | Swade (St. Louis) GA Chair: Josh Mitchem Ozarx (Springfield) CLOVR (Kansas City) Matt DeWeese Tom Bommarito Cultivation CAMP (St. Charles) Greenlight (St. Louis County) Chris McHugh Dr. Allen Kesserling Chris Chesley Joseph Hollander Craft PC (Kansas City) MoCann Testing-EKG Labs (St. Louis) Occidental Group (St. Louis City) Transportation, Technology and Security Kevin Reardon Brook Foster Advertising Savants (St. Louis) Bradford Goette Show Me Alternatives (Macon) Nirvana | Bold Lane Transport (St. Louis) Todd Scattini Derek Mays Green Orchard Labs (Platte City) Dispensary Real Cannabis Co. (St. Louis) John Payne Jay Patel Amendment 2 Consultants (St. Louis) Green Releaf (Moberly) Healthcare, Education and Training Kevin Stallings Chip Sheppard KC Cannabis Co. (Independence) CECB Law (Springfield) Leonard Volner North Medical Group (Cape Girardeau) GOVERNMENT AFFAIRS ADVISOR Chris White | CS White Law (Kansas City)
Photo by Jennifer Silverberg Photography. The voice of trade for Missouri’s Medical Cannabis Industry. MOCANNTrade 2 MOGREENWAY.COM Design by Advertising Savants. mocanntrade.org CHAIRMAN OF THE BOARD GREENWAY John Curtis | Beleaf (St. Louis) TRANSPORTATION, TECHNOLOGY HEALTHCARE, EDUCATION AND AND SECURITY COMMITTEE TRAINING COMMITTEE
CULTIVATION Chair: Larry Ellison Co-Chair: Dr. Mimi Vo, MD CULTIVATION COMMITTEE Ozarx | CST Solutions (Springfield) (St. Louis) Bradford Goette Co-Chair: Cindy Northcutt, RN, BSN, JD Chair: John Mueller Nirvana | Bold Lane Transport (St. Louis) Kintsugi | Soulful Cannabis (SPR) Greenlight (Kansas City) GOVERNMENT MANUFACTURING Michael Allen Chip Sheppard AFFAIRS AND TESTING Chris McHugh 5th Meridian (Cape Girardeau) CECB Law (Springfield) JosephJoseph HollanderHollander Craft CraftCraft LLC PCLLC (Kansas(Kansas (Kansas City) City) City) Dacia Betts Hannah Bush David Alport MOCANNTrade G5 Express (St. Louis) Nirvana Investments (St. Louis) BOARD OF DIRECTORS Bridge City Collective | SLCC (KC/STL) Joe Delia Natalie Brown Mike Birkel Green Farms (St. Louis/Cuba) MoCann Testing - EKG Labs (Perryville) Birkel Electric (St. Louis) Kevin Ellison Zach Greene Brian Fox CST Solutions (Springfield) Quarter Coast Consulting (St. Louis) Greene Fox (St. Louis) HEALTHCARE, TRANSPORTATION, Allen Fortner Dr. Patricia Hurford, MD, MS EDUCATION AND TECHNOLOGY AND Susan Griffith TRAINING SECURITY Executive Security Specialists (Springfield) SOAR Medical (St Louis) CAMP (St. Louis) Tiffany Maggard Dr. Eboni January Mark Hendren Heffernan Insurance (Springfield) Greenlight Dispensary (STL/KC) Flora Farms (Joplin/Humansville) Joe Patterson Dena Ladd Ashley Picillo DISPENSARY Ceres Mgmt Group (St. Louis) Missouri Cures (St. Louis) Point 7 Group (Denver) Jim Regna Jennifer McGuire, LP John Wilbers Triad Bank (St. Louis) CAMP Cannabis (Kansas City) Blue Arrow (St. Louis) Kevin Schnell Dr. Kyle Ostrom, MD KC Cann Transport (Kansas City) Mercy Health (Washington) Zach VoidrieVoudrie Dr. Lisa Roark THE VOICE OF MISSOURI Blue Arrow (St. Louis) The Dispensary (Cassville) MANUFACTURING AND Skyler Thomas MEDICAL CANNABIS STRENGTHENS. TESTING COMMITTEE Show Me Alternatives (Macon) Darcy Trescone Chair: Dr. David Sciortino, DC Kintsugi | Optima Health (Springfield) Noah’s Arc (St. Louis) DISPENSARY COMMITTEE THANK YOU TO OUR NEW INDUSTRY-FACING COMMITTEES, BOARD, Josh Mitchem Chair: John Pennington AND ADVISORY BOARD MEMBERS WHO MADE IT POSSIBLE. CLOVR (Kansas City) Proper Cannabis (St. Louis) Paul Bocci John Payne Common Citizen (Lake Ozarks) Amendment 2 Consultants (St. Louis) GOVERNMENT AFFAIRS Sean Carriger Dan Ambrosino COMMITTEE REPRESENTATIVES Show Me Alternatives (Macon) Terrabis (STL/KC) Manufacturing and Testing, Dr. Stephanie Cernicek Kim Andrews Sinse | Swade (St. Louis) GA Chair: Josh Mitchem Ozarx (Springfield) CLOVR (Kansas City) Matt DeWeese Tom Bommarito Cultivation CAMP (St. Charles) Greenlight (St. Louis County) Chris McHugh Dr. Allen Kesserling Chris Chesley Joseph Hollander Craft LLCPC (Kansas(Kansas City)City) MoCann Testing-EKG Labs (St. Louis) Occidental Group (St. Louis City) Transportation, Technology and Security Kevin Reardon Brook Foster Advertising Savants (St. Louis) Bradford Goette Show Me Alternatives (Macon) Nirvana | Bold Lane Transport (St. Louis) Todd Scattini Derek Mays Green Orchard Labs (Platte City) Dispensary Real Cannabis Co. (St. Louis) John Payne Jay Patel Amendment 2 Consultants (St. Louis) Green Releaf (Moberly) Healthcare, Education and Training Kevin Stallings Chip Sheppard KC Cannabis Co. (Independence) CECB Law (Springfield) Leonard Volner North Medical Group (Cape Girardeau) GOVERNMENT AFFAIRS ADVISOR Chris White | CS White Law (Kansas City)
Photo by Jennifer Silverberg Photography. The voice of trade for Missouri’s Medical Cannabis Industry. MOCANNMOGREENWAY.COMTrade 3 Design by Advertising Savants. mocanntrade.org GREENWAY BY THE NUMBERS As of September 21, 2020 PATIENTS FACILITIES Processed Applications Commencement Inspections Patient Approved 61,725 30 requested Caregiver Approved 1,911 10 complete Approved Patient/Caregiver Agent ID Cultivators 18,199 Agent ID Applications Received Patient/Caregiver Rejected* 185 319 Patient/Caregiver Denied 2,738 Agent ID Approved 279 Total Approved 63,636 Agent ID Rejected* 4 Applications Received Agent ID Denied 26 Patient Applications 72,621 Change Requests Caregiver Applications 2,618 117 requested Total Applications Received 62 complete/processed 75,239 Verification Renewals 302 complete/processed We help you Patient/Caregiver Applications 371 required Received 8,364 Patient/Caregiver Approved avoid the 6,568 Patient/Caregiver Rejected* 51
gotcha! PHOTO OF THE MONTH
• Network breach • Exposed proprietary data • Non-compliance • Product theft • Operational downtime • Equipment theft • Loss of license • Lost revenue We can help you avoid the gotcha with a complete network and physical security solution. Contact us to find out how QUESTIONS? TIPS? April Hatch, RN we can help secure your business and ensure medical [email protected] David Melnick cannabis compliance. Tracy Polansky Krista Salvatore Ryan Brinton CONTRIBUTORS Tammy Puyear Director of Sales Account Manager, Sara Barber Devilin Riggs [email protected] Medical Cannabis Market Brian Bauer Julie Suntrup Mobile: 314.736.0500 [email protected] Kathleen Beebe Mobile: 314.288.8910 Chase Crawford, DBA SALES TEAM Maddie Emerson [email protected] Visit us online: www.appliedtech.pro/grow Dr. John Judd, M.D. Alycia Mundell MOGREENWAY.COM 4 2023 Westport Center Drive | St. Louis, MO 63146 A PRODUCT OF THE GREENWAY PUBLISHING COMPANY GREENWAY
P. 21 CONTENTS 6 Headlines 39 INSIDE Missouri’s first dispensaries VOICES 40 MH&W 8 Cutting Costs In Cultivating 42 N’Bliss Crops 44 Old Route 66 10 As it turns out, cash isn’t Wellness king 48 Beleaf’s First Three Strains 12 So you say you value 49 Meet Archimedes diversity... 16 Managing the Consumer, User, or Patient Experience PATIENTS 38 Working in a Dispensary 20 The Infuser Machine 58 Cannabis Consumption Product Showdown Methods and Bioavailability 54 Tips for Your First Dispensary Visits 60 Missouri patients should get ready to have a lot more 46 Cuul Pipe | An easier way sex to smoke? 62 A patient’s guide 66 Possession Limits to medical cannabis 66 Strain Profile: Cannatonic certifications in Missouri
CULTURE INDUSTRY 48 ASK A CHEF| Which 27 Meet Three More products are best for THC Missouri Brands infusions 30 Q&A with...Mark Slaugh 50 Keep an eye out for 32 WOMEN TO WATCH | cannabis beverages Becky Lohmann 35 Don’t Trash Waste Disposal
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IN THE NEWS Over $2 million from state’s program reach another milestone a facility’s ability to implement medical marijuana program in its development. “Missourians what it proposed in its application, being transferred to veterans voted on this amendment because and issuing this new license will it allowed for a safe and well- ensure the minimum number of fund regulated medical marijuana licenses required by Article XIV The Missouri Department of program for patients, but it also are actually in use. Health and Senior Services (DHSS) was written to simultaneously “Through our licensee verification is pleased to announce it has benefit our very deserving veterans begun the process of making process, we are working to ensure through services MVC will now be that every license we issue is being the first transfer of funds from able to provide,” he said. Missouri’s medical marijuana fully utilized in order to best serve program to the Missouri Veterans A formal presentation of this Missouri patients,” said Lyndall Commission (MVC). The total significant transfer of funds is Fraker, director of the DHSS amount transferred will be being planned in the near future Section for Medical Marijuana $2,135,510. with representatives from DHSS Regulation. and the MVC. Missourians voted in November A duplicate license was merged as 2018 to adopt Constitutional To monitor the continued progress follows: Amendment 2, now known as of licensed facilities’ minimum • License MAN000055 for Article XIV, which includes a standards reviews and Growing Jobs Missouri, LLC, at provision requiring that fees and commencement inspections, 2727 Hamilton Ave, St. Louis, taxes collected by DHSS for the visit the Facility Licensing and MO, was merged into License medical marijuana program, less Compliance data and reports MAN000040 operational expenses, should be webpage. • License MAN000026, transferred to the MVC for health MAN000032, and MAN000033 and care services for military for JG Missouri, LLC, at 701 veterans. Thus far, DHSS has More manufacturing licenses Highway DD, Cuba, MO, collected fees related to facility and merged, issued were merged into License patient licensing. Article XIV states During the compliance review MAN000026 that medical marijuana sold in process for all new medical licensed dispensaries will be taxed marijuana facility licenses, DHSS • License MAN000012, at a rate of 4%. has determined that certain MAN000059, and MAN000061 for Standard Wellness “Facilities are getting up and infused product manufacturing Missouri, LLC, at Highway running now, and the first testing facilities submitted duplicative V Parcel #14-2-04-0-000- laboratory is on track to be applications for licensure and 025.002, Vandalia, MO, operational very soon,” said therefore received multiple were merged into License Lyndall Fraker, director of the licenses for a single proposed MAN000012 Section for Medical Marijuana facility. Applicants were not Regulation. “We are confident that prohibited from submitting • License MAN000001, medical marijuana will become duplicative applications. However, MAN000003, and MAN000004 available for patients this month, one facility can only utilize one for Verano MO, LLC, at 5401 and I am grateful for all of the license. Therefore, DHSS has West 3rd St., St. Louis, MO, hard work by so many that got us merged a redundant license and were merged into License to this point.” issued a new license to the entity MAN000001 next in line on the conditionally Director of DHSS, Dr. Randall denied applicant list. Merging • License MAN000049 and Williams, is glad to see the redundant licenses will not impact MAN000050 for Teal Labs,
6 MOGREENWAY.COM GREENWAY
LLC, at 5555 Salt River Rd., St. • Holistic Missouri LLC at 14514 November NCIA business summit Peters, MO, were merged into S US 71 Hwy, Kansas City, MO goes virtual License MAN000049 64147 The National Cannabis Industry • License MAN000058, • MidAmeriCanna, LLC, 2849 Association has announced its MAN000060, and MAN000067 Union Blvd, St. Louis, MO Cannabis Business Summit and for Grassroots OpCo MO, LLC, • Nature’s Med MO, LLC, 3615 Expo is still on – and will be at 186 NE Highway 52, Clinton, Tree Court Industrial Blvd, St. online. The cyber summit is on MO, were merged into License Louis, MO November 10-12 and will feature MAN000058 virtual exhibits, education, and “a • ROI Labs of Atherton, LLC, few cyber surprises.” The four new licensees are: 4610 N Main St, Independence, • Mo Manufactured Products, MO The summit keynote will be announced soon. LLC, 7023 E 12th TER, Kansas • Missouri Made Marijuana, LLC, City, MO 64126 301 S. Outer Belt Road E., NCIA is a national cannabis • Beta Fusion Extracts LLC at Grain Valley, MO industry group representing nearly 2,000 member-businesses and Parcel #12-04-401-023, • Kings Garden Midwest, LLC, Springfield, MO 65803 tens-of-thousands of cannabis 3300 Pleasant Pl, Trenton, MO professionals. The group works to • Como Health LLC at 1716 protect the legal cannabis industry, Lindberg Dr, Columbia, MO defend state laws, and advance 65201 federal policy reforms. • Holistic Missouri LLC at 19 Highway 5, Sunrise Beach, MO 65079
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CUTTING COSTS IN CULTIVATING CROPS How Energy Efficiency is the Key to Profitability
By Maddie Emerson and Devlin Riggs Despite the fact that LED lighting tions for cultivators. technology has seen significant quality TRC Companies For example, opting for centralized de- improvements and cost reductions over humidification systems over standalone As the Missouri cannabis industry the past several years, many facilities plug-in dehumidifiers can better pro- transitions from an eventful summer are still using (and are even currently tect against harmful spikes in humidity into a busy fall, businesses are looking designed new with) high intensity dis- and reduce operating costs. Further, to the future by monitoring the trends charge (HID) lighting options, includ- these systems can be downsized if de- in more mature cannabis markets. One ing metal halide and high-pressure signed to include energy recovery from common pattern observed in states sodium. exhaust air; similar energy-recovery such as Colorado, is declining whole- When properly incorporated into the strategies can be applied to optimize sale prices coupled with increasing facility design, transitioning from these chiller operation. These are just a few competition, which together put pres- older technologies to LED fixtures can of many strategies to achieve lower sure on businesses to reduce operating reduce lighting energy usage by rough- operating costs for HVAC systems, costs in order to remain viable. ly 40%, with some newer LED products while maintaining product quality and In a challenging economy, operating offering superior dimming capabilities employee and customer comfort. cost management commands an even and flexible choices of spectrum, which higher priority and can make the can even improve crop quality. For difference in your business’s survival. dispensaries and office locations, LEDs Understanding your costs, knowing offer a more pleasant light for employ- where to make the right changes and ees and customers. Other advantages focusing on long-term savings can include: up to 200% longer lamp life, be difficult and vary depending on if reduction in maintenance costs, and you’re a growth facility, warehouse or lowered risk of crop contamination dispensary. But when it comes to the upon breakage, to name a few. industry’s greatest cost-saving oppor- LED lighting is a great first step into tunity, the target is clear; reducing energy efficiency because the reduced energy expenses can be the difference heat given off by these systems, as in keeping your doors open. opposed to HID, often allows building OPPORTUNITIES owners to downsize the HVAC equip- Lighting ment capacity, further reducing energy use and cost. Energy costs for indoor agriculture Resources facilities can account for up to 50% of a H VAC Given the many benefits of energy-ef- business’s operating costs. For a typical Your product’s quality depends on your ficient equipment and use reduction 85,000 sq ft. cultivation center, energy cultivation HVAC and dehumidification strategies, you might ask, why are they costs may exceed $850,000 annually, systems being well-designed and op- so under-utilized? Why is the most with lighting and HVAC represent- erated. Fungus, mold, pest and disease efficient choice not industry standard? ing the vast majority of energy usage. issues can arise as a result of improper Ultimately, it boils down to two main These technologies are an easy place to indoor environmental conditions, but obstacles: cost and complexity. In Mis- start when you look at how to reduce there are several strategies for energy souri, fortunately, there are resources your energy costs. use reduction which also offer a greater available to help you overcome these degree of control over indoor air condi- 8 MOGREENWAY.COM GREENWAY challenges and achieve significant re- need for future power plants, creat- difficult to justify the investment with ductions in energy costs. ing a true win-win for both parties. a payback period nearing 6 years. The Incentives are available for lighting and incentive offered by the BizSavers pro- While nonprofit organizations like the HVAC equipment, as well as virtually gram reduced the estimated payback to Resource Innovation Institute provide any energy-saving project. Both new just over 1 year, making it much sim- free, peer-reviewed best practice guides and existing facilities are eligible to pler for the customer to decide to save to promoting resource efficiency in the participate. nearly 40% annually on energy costs. cannabis industry, there are also new private companies springing up with The program not only employs energy For new facilities, Ameren Missouri similar offerings. However, your great- efficiency experts and HVAC specialists offers Economic Development Incen- est resource for identifying, installing to help you manage the calculations tives to customers whose electric usage and (most importantly) affording en- and determine the best opportuni- meets specific qualifications. These ergy efficiency solutions will be utility ties for you to take advantage of, they businesses receive an average 40% incentive programs. work with and train contractors in discount during their first five years of the service territory to ensure you get operation, which further supports the Several co-ops, municipal and inves- qualified help purchasing and installing customers’ ability to invest in technolo- tor-owned utilities throughout the state efficient equipment. Working with one gies that will reduce operating costs in offer programs and financial incentives of these trained contractors reduces the long term. to help businesses reduce their energy project complexity and puts your busi- costs. With many facilities locating in Again, these are just two of the many ness on a path to greater profitability. the Ameren Missouri territory, we’ll utility incentive programs offered in The BizSavers program has been operat- focus on Ameren Missouri’s BizSavers® Missouri; reach out to your electric ing for more than 12 years and has program and Economic Development provider and dig into freely available, helped thousands of businesses reduce Incentives. peer-reviewed research to find other their costs. trusted resources for mitigating energy The BizSavers program addresses the Take, for example, a cultivation facility costs. By focusing on efficiency and cost concern by offering incentives for currently being constructed in the St. managing your energy use, you can your business to go beyond the min- Louis area. For this customer’s rough- more adequately weather difficult imum efficient equipment and install ly 60,000 sq ft facility, investments economic conditions and come out the higher-efficiency technologies than in high-efficiency lighting and HVAC other side ready to thrive. you would otherwise be able to afford, equipment were expected to cost over helping you reduce energy use and To find more information on the Ameren Bi- $2.5 million. Though this equipment leading to long-term energy and cost zSavers program, visit AmerenMissouri.com/ was projected to save the customer savings. In exchange, Ameren Missouri BizSavers. The program’s business develop- nearly a half a million dollars annu- reduces grid stress, achieves better peak ment representatives can direct you to other ally in operating costs (as opposed to demand reliability and reduces the resources mentioned in this article. minimum-efficiency systems), it was CERES MANAGEMENT GROUP LLC
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As it turns out, cash isn’t king Surprising findings in a retail payments study
By Brian Bauer 15,000 cannabis transactions. In order The average ticket was 25% higher for to develop data and insight into the customers paying cashless. When pre- Conventional wisdom holds that the phenomenon, Abaca recently conduct- sented with the option, about one-third cannabis industry is unbanked – that ed a meta-analysis of nearly 15,000 of this dispensary’s customers opted for it’s nearly impossible to get a bank transactions that occurred over a cashless payments: just shy of 10,000 account and other traditional financial one-month period in June 2020. These transactions were cash and almost services for cannabis operators. transactions were in multiple Midwest- 5,000 were cashless. The data show about five percent of ern medical cannabis dispensaries that That’s a lower number than what U.S. banks report having cannabis had recently added AbacaPay – a cash- consumer preference studies might customers. But likely no more than 100 less debit retail payment solution – to have predicted; the surprising finding banks and credit unions are servicing its previously cash-only business. is how much more money the cashless the majority of the $10-billion industry. We wanted to see if any conclusions customers laid out. Cashless tickets av- Yet, according to the 2019 Marijuana could be drawn regarding customers’ eraged $136.35 versus $109.06 for cash. Business Factbook , 90% of mari- preferences for and adoption of cash- What’s the explanation? We hazard juana-related businesses and 76% of less payment options, any revenue or an informed guess: When customers plant-touching companies report they expense impacts, and other potential pay in cash, most of them make their do have access to financial services . implications of the added offering. What gives? For those with boots on In the study, we the ground, the problem may lie in anonymized data for what one means by “access to finan- 14,942 retail transac- E-payments Meta-analysis Key Findings cial services.” Many banks offer only tions and compared • 25% higher receipt per transaction cash services. Admittedly, it’s a step in cash and AbacaPay the right direction, but it furthers the cashless transactions. • 8.3% increase in dispensary revenue industry’s dependence on cash and cre- The results were ates a compliance headache and makes significant, and they • 38% reduction in cash handled it difficult to do business. surprised even us. • 20% lower financial service fees The cannabis industry isn’t unbanked; Based on consumers’ it’s underbanked and underserviced. avowed preferences Retail Payments Analysis Case in point – retail payments. In for card-based pay- cannabis, payment options remain ments, we expected • $136.35 average cashless ATM slim. The majority of cannabis retail to see data support- transaction transactions remain cash, even though ing cashless, but the nearly every retail study shows that actual results beat our • $109.06 average cash transaction consumers prefer to pay cashless and initial expectations. that they spend more when they have Key findings: higher • Cashless transactions yield 25% higher the option. tickets, greater rev- ticket on average The data speaks: a meta-analysis of enue
10 MOGREENWAY.COM GREENWAY spending decision at the ATM and not expense side of the ledger? Related business days, creating predictable bank the point of sale with the budtender. studies demonstrate there are. account cash flow for the business that uses it vs. cash alone. Customers who are offered a friction- Dispensaries offering AbacaPay reduced less cashless payment option are not the amount of cash handled by 38%. Abaca is bringing compliant bank limited to the cash they have on hand Evaluating their banking fees, we found accounts, electronic payments, lending, and, therefore, are able to spend more. that these dispensaries had overall costs and other financial services to Mis- of financial services 20% lower than souri’s cannabis industry through a What’s the overall revenue impact for their peers not utilizing cashless pay- tech-powered cannabis banking plat- the dispensary – that is, how much ments. This aligns well with research form. did sales increase simply by adding a published by IHL Group in its 2018 cashless option? The company’s fintech platform also of- Cash Multipliers study, demonstrating fers access to FDIC-insured commercial Total revenues were 8.3% higher due to that electronic payments reduce the bank accounts, lending, and merchant offering cashless. Total retail revenue risk and cost of handling cash, cash services to ancillary cannabis and recorded during the study period was shrinkage, and other expenses that hemp/CBD businesses nationwide. $1,764,500.78, between cash and cash- range from 4.7% to 15.3% in total cash less. But if we multiply the cash spend- sales value, depending on the category ing average ($109.06) across all 14,942 of retailer. Brian Bauer is cofounder and chief strategy transactions, total revenue comes in at Bundling payments to capture synergies officer of Abaca, a fintech company exclusive- just $1,629,574.52. Adding the cashless ly serving the cannabis industry. Previously, payment option increased the dispensa- Cannabis banking isn’t an easy problem he was the director of two industry-rec- ry’s total sales during the study period to solve, but that’s just what Abaca is ognized financial technology accelerator by $134,926.26, or 8.3%. doing. Whether its banking, payments programs. Brian was named to the 2020 or lending, businesses can bundle Clearly, the increased revenue poten- AMP Future 50, the leaders who are shaping services for an end-to-end tailored tial of offering cashless options will the future in his home state. Prior to entering solution – and that can boost revenues be compelling to retail dispensaries. financial services Bauer served in the U.S. while reducing operational costs. Furthermore, cashless payments can Navy as a helicopter aircrewman and was help dispensaries pursue COVID-safe Bundling payments with banking awarded the Air Medal seven times during contactless payment, curbside pickup can yield faster settlement for the his deployments to Iraq. and delivery options. But are there ben- merchant. In most cases, businesses efits on the get bank account liquidity in three
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COMPLIANCE CHECKLIST • Standard Operating Procedures completed, operational accurate & still relevant • Employees trained & understand regulations, can disseminate relevant information & implement constantly changing regulatory updates • Custom Training Manuals for all the roles in your organization • METRC/Inventory Seed to Sale tracking audits, reconciliation & remediation reports updated, completed & submitted quarterly
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PART 2: BEYOND COMPLIANCE So you say you value diversity...
By Chase Cookson, DBA The moral argument social equity frameworks are important in advancing justice. In Brown’s pre- The topics of diversity, equity, and in- As an educator, I love really clear cut vious piece, he highlights some of the clusion come up frequently in discus- examples of business issues that high- more damning statistics highlighting sions of corporate social responsibility light ethical issues. Unfortunately, the the role of race in prohibition: and the role of business in society, but corporatization of cannabis commerce never have these topics been so present is an excellent case study in moral The American Civil Liberties’ (ACLU) in our broader social discourse. In the imperatives. Articles in previous issues recent report, “The War on Marijuana wake of the killing of George Floyd of Greenway have covered the issue of in Black and White,” concluded that and the growing social consciousness social equity in licensing and wealth “Black people are 3.64 times more like- of the role of systemic racism in our building, so I’ll only provide a brief ly than white people to be arrested for society, companies are being forced recap here. I encourage you to read the marijuana possession, notwithstanding to ask themselves questions they have entirety of Sylvester Brown Jr.’s piece comparable usage rates.” Between 2010 been able to avoid until now. This has on social justice in the Missouri mar- and 2018 alone, of the six million peo- taken a number of forms, with the ket, which can be found here. ple arrested for marijuana possession, most obvious grifters in the business blacks were more likely than whites As we transition into a world of legal, world using it as an opportunity for to be arrested in every state, including medically-prescribed cannabis, two marketing, and the most caring taking those with legalized marijuana. features of this transition and market a sustained pause to think about how need to be highlighted so that they can The ACLU report also noted that blacks their work can advance the causes of serve as the foundation for our discus- are nearly six times more likely to be justice and social equity. sion of the moral imperative present in incarcerated for drug-related offenses In this article, the second in my series this situation. than their white counterparts. Almost on ethical issues in the Missouri can- 80 percent of people serving time for a The prohibition of cannabis has dis- nabis market, we turn our attention to federal drug offense are black or Latino proportionately affected marginalized the topic of diversity in organizations. (“The War on Marijuana”, 2013, as cited communities. We’ll start by exploring the most rel- in Brown, 2020). evant facts, using those as the foun- Ownership in licensed cannabis com- Moving into the era of legalization and dation for exploring the ethical and panies often skews away from these decriminalization, these disparities operational cases for building diverse same communities. stand, with a more recent ACLU report organizations, and conclude with a These circumstances create the founda- highlighting the fact that black people few specific action steps you can take tion for the ethical argument that gets continue to be arrested at higher rates within your organization to move ideas made with respect to how we should for cannabis offenses, even in states and words into the realm of day to day move this industry forward and why where it has been legalized or decrim- culture and operation.
12 MOGREENWAY.COM GREENWAY inalized (“A Tale of Two Countries”, are distributed in ways that are fair The benefits of diverse organizations 2020). and just. In any market where systemic If the preceding argument centered disadvantages have decreased the like- So, with us now at a place of under- around fairness and justice didn’t lihood that members of marginalized standing the broader societal con- appeal to you (and I sure hope it did in communities are able to compete fairly, text within which our discussion of 2020) or you just fashion yourself as regulatory mechanisms should attempt ethical business practice takes place more of the Dr. Evil type (and I know to level that playing field. Absent those and,understanding that there aren’t there are at least a few of you out regulatory mechanisms, business regulatory requirements in Missouri’s there), let me expound for a minute on owners have a moral obligation to do medical market moving the issue of so- the positive outcomes that are realized the same. cial equity forward, I ask our industry’s by diverse organizations. business leaders a question: Smart organizations operating in There is a pretty wide array of research markets characterized by intensive What are you doing to advance issues of on the effects of diversity on organiza- competition recognize the benefits of equity and justice within your organization tional performance, but I think we have innovation to their organization and and within this industry? a better understanding of how it affects understand the role of diversity in cre- businesses than we have at any other Pause and think about it. If the ques- ating the conditions for innovation. point in its study. A recent Boston tion makes you uncomfortable or Although our discussion from here in- Consulting Group report highlighted defensive, ask yourself why. If the first volves the individual actions that busi- research showing that diverse leader- responses that come to mind involve ness owners can take, I do not want to ship teams outperform more similarly issuing statements, making donations detract from the larger, systemic-lev- composed teams, with organizations loudly, or being responsive to social el change that is needed to address with above-average diversity reporting changes, consider how those actions these issues. The actions that follow higher levels of innovation and Earn- advance issues of social equity and how are intended to be complementary to ings Before Income & Taxes (EBIT). The they might not. regulatory frameworks that promote mediating role of innovation here in With this initial question and response equity and justice. Understanding the improving financial performance is key as our backdrop, let’s move into the state of Missouri’s current regulatory and it makes sense, as diverse teams two arguments I make for the impor- framework in this respect, though, have diverse problem-solving skills. In tance of diversity in Missouri’s canna- increases the urgency with which busi- the same report, BCG notes that reve- bis business community. ness leaders should adopt practices that nue from innovation is 19% higher in We have an obligation to ensure that improve organizational diversity where organizations with diverse management the benefits accruing to society as a re- it is lacking. teams, when compared to those with sult of the end of cannabis prohibition Continued, next page
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below-average diversity. equitable industry in our state, one that harassment or discrimination. tears away at systemic inequity instead “In other words, nearly half the reve- In addition to workforce data, con- of reinforcing it. As you reflect on your nue of companies with more diverse sider your supply chain. Who are you own operational environment, it’s natu- leadership comes from products and buying from and in what communities ral to ask: services launched in the past three is wealth being built through those de- years. In an increasingly dynamic What business practices can we adopt cisions? Here in Missouri, I think this business environment, that kind of tur- that will turn our values into action? is especially important, as quite a bit of bocharged innovation means that these the opportunity here is adjacent to the Fortunately, we’re not the only ones companies are better able to quickly licensed industry, in support industries. asking these questions and we don’t adapt to changes in customer demand”. Just like an organization can set goals have to look far to get guidance on related to workforce diversity, you can The ability to innovate is a significant practical steps. In the last several do the same with supplier diversity, competitive advantage in an industry months, thought leaders in this area setting a goal that the majority of your like ours. have issued evidence-based advice for packaging comes from minority-owned decision-makers confronting the reality “We calculated, based on our survey businesses, as one example. of their organizational demographics. data, that innovation revenues could When you have an understanding increase by 1% by enriching the di- Although the first step is making a of the current composition of your versity of the management team, 1.5% commitment to advancing ideas of jus- workforce or supplier pool, you can with respect to national origin, 2% tice by building a diverse organization, compare this to the composition of with respect to industry origin, 2.5% advancing issues of equity and justice the community you operate in, peer with respect to gender, and 3% with within a business requires sustained organizations, and set related goals. respect to managers with different and continuous action as a follow up. Making these goals transparent is the career paths. With greater increases Creating business cultures that are foundation of accountability. Increas- on more dimensions, the total uplift inclusive takes work, honesty, and ingly, organizations are making their potential could therefore be even more evidence. That said, the steps needed workforce demographic data public significant”. are pretty similar to those required to and I’d call on all businesses operating advance any other business goal. Additionally, 2015 McKinsey report in the Missouri cannabis space to do found that companies in the top quar- the same. Make your diversity goals tile for gender or racial and ethnic di- explicit and let the patients you serve Metrics, Accountability, and Transparency versity are more likely to have financial hold you accountable to them. This returns above their national industry Like a meeting of Alcoholics Anony- is what I mean when I give business medians. Another study, highlighted mous, you don’t get to move forward leaders a hard time and say “So you say in Harvard Business Review, correlated until you embrace the problem at you value diversity?” -- tell us explic- diversity with self-reported market hand. In “What Works: Evidence-Based itly what you’re doing to recruit your outcomes. In this summary, it’s noted Ideas to Increase Diversity, Equity, and next minority executives and managers, that employees in organizations with Inclusion in the Workplace”, Elizabeth what you are doing to build an inclu- diverse leadership teams (as defined Hirsh and Donald Tomaskovic-Devey sive work environment, and how you in the study) are 70% more likely to of the Center for Employment Equity are making decisions related to where capture a new market. provide a thorough description of what you spend your organization’s money. diversity metrics can look like within With the moral imperative clear and an organization. Organizations that In practice, these steps might look the business case compelling, let’s turn value diversity need to “develop met- something like: our attention to how we transform our rics, make them transparent, and hold • Assess your current workforce ideas and thoughts into action. people accountable, just like for any demographics other outcome of interest, be it profit, • Set recruitment targets to address sales, or market penetration”. any discrepancies The metrics that are most useful when With the moral • Conduct a pay analysis and elimi- it comes to diversity are job-level com- nate any pay disparities imperative clear and position data, which includes gender, race, ethnicity, age, disability, etc. With • Publish your findings this data, businesses also have the • Rinse and repeat the business case ability to conduct pay equity analysis of their organization’s positions. The more This exploration may lead you to compelling, let’s turn employees a business has, the more understand that there is something data they have to perform this type of discriminatory in some business pro- our attention to how analysis. The job-level data is important cess you have, such as a hiring practice because it allows an organization to see or some technology that you use in we transform our if there are variations in demograph- screening. Because issues of discrimi- ics as a function of job itself, which nation are beneath the surface, paying ideas and thoughts is often the case (with organizations attention to outcomes is especially having less diversity at more senior important. You can have great, val- levels). Tracking this information ues-driven policies and procedures into action. historically may give decision-makers within your organization, but if your How to operationalize diversity as a value additional insights. Other information end results don’t reflect those values, that is important to collect and track in you have something happening that I have no doubt that those of you a formal manner include incidents of you need to figure out. reading this want to build a diverse and
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Have a system for reporting issues of dis- Create inclusive spaces The idea of changing our business cultures (and social culture) more crimination and harassment As a society, we’re demanding that broadly requires honesty, authenticity, As indicated above, one piece of infor- our employers create inclusive spaces. soul-searching, and the humility to mation that an organization needs to An article in MJBizDaily titled “Black admit that we’ve been wrong, implicit- track are incidents of discrimination cannabis business executives suggest ly -- and often quite explicitly -- in the and harassment that take place within solutions to address racism and create ways that we’ve created those cultures the workplace. To get there, companies a more inclusive industry” gives us a to date. It requires saying that we’re need to formalize a system for report- great starting point. Additionally, Just not good enough, that we’re a long ing those issues. Historically, this has Capital provides us with an overview ways off, and that we need to commit often taken the form of some type of of the efforts other employers are using to putting in the work and resources it formal human resource process, but to promote inclusive cultures, but I will take to get there. these systems are often insufficient think we can all acknowledge that and can result in some type of negative this work needs to happen at a level It requires more than just a ver- outcome for the reporter. With this in that’s much larger than just within our bal commitment to diversity, a few mind, organizations are getting more organizations (truly, this is the work thousand dollars to a good cause, and creative these days and looking to alter- that society needs to do more broadly). a responsive posture towards global natives to reporting these issues. That said, within our workplaces, there social change. It requires action, both are certainly steps we can take, such as small-scale and every-day and signifi- Depending on your organization’s acknowledging and working to combat cant and structural. And, importantly, size, other options for reporting and racial stereotypes. If, like me, you’ve it requires all of us. tracking these issues include using an lived a life of privilege, you’ll have ombuds office or an employee assis- So… to work at this constantly and can be tance plan as a neutral third party for supported by development like uncon- You say you value diversity… But what incident reporting and tracking, a dis- scious bias training. All organizations are you doing about it? pute resolution office, or more trans- can benefit from having a regular bias formational dispute resolution systems training, so as you consider the kinds (such as restorative justice processes). A of support your employees will need to Want to continue the conversation? complete exploration of alternatives to be effective operationally, understand Chase can be reached at legalistic processes can be found in this the importance of mitigating uncon- chapter by Dobbin and Kalev. [email protected]. scious bias in the same.
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Managing the Consumer, User, or Patient Experience
By Julie Suntrup There’s a sense of urgency. Or is it technology (and technology continues responsibility? to evolve). Day Three Labs Maybe it’s more than simply a sense of Outcry for education As you set out to launch a cannabis urgency to answer this question. One brand or business, there’s a variety In the interim, there’s an outcry for might go further to express a sense of of critical considerations to ensure a a radical shift in cannabis education personal responsibility. We owe it to team’s success. One of the most critical on multiple levels. Everyone seems to our consumers and patients to do and factors, if not the MOST important, be seeking a platform of knowledge be more, to be accountable for what is tuning into the customer. For it’s that shows proof of dosing as well as we’re putting out into the marketplace because of said customer, you actually impact, pre-clinical or clinical evidence and to whom we market our products. have a business, a product to sell and a that products work as intended (or purpose for being. For the first time ever in the legal work for specific conditions). cannabis industry, 2020 brings an even So what can we do, as a collective Consumers and patients want to know more diverse range of consumers and group of industry operators, to tune how their bodies will react to cannabis. patients into the space. And many of into this all-important target and help Marketers and product developers seek these consumers are just now being manage the cannabis experience? FDA guidance and a regulatory frame- introduced to the consumption of work. Retailers and cannabis brands That’s a lot to ask right out of the gate. cannabis in a true consumer packaged crave an intelligence-gathering model For many of us, we’re simply trying to goods or CPG sense. Even if they're not to know who’s buying what products, operate proficiently. Given the cannabis new to cannabis, they might very well purchase behaviors of consumers and sector is such a nascent industry, sim- be tainted from a spotty user experi- patient profile demographics. ply successfully navigating the varied ence in the backseat of someone’s car, and foreign landscape of legal and com- a batch of brownies gone wrong, or a As cannabis industry operators, we pliance requirements is a huge win. smoke-filled, backyard jam session. need to answer the outcry for edu- cation to help carefully manage the But it’s ok. We’ve got this. Let’s be accountable as operators first consumer experience. I’d argue you and foremost, if not for ourselves, our The good news is many operators in can do more than simply manage the employees and our business partners, the cannabis industry are in the same experience; you can take control of it for our consumers. boat. By virtue of being a work-in- so you can actually craft or curate that progress product category, cannabis Things have changed. Times have user experience. industry leaders tend to lean in to help changed. Three Steps to Effectively Craft the one another, compare experiences and We could start this exercise by looking Consumer Experience draw from former regulated indus- at the typical patient or user profile, yet try insights. There are lessons to be Step One: Ingrain it into Your Culture there isn’t a definitive one that exists. learned from companies and markets At this point, the audience profile is As always, this effort must be an that are further along and generally scattered and obscure at best. There is investment from the top down. Many more grounded in experience than no concrete, baseline understanding as companies talk about how training others. Those industry professionals in to who retailers and brands are target- and education is a priority, however, more established positions are usual- ing and for what specific products in it’s rarely fully demonstrated or put ly receptive to sharing what they’ve particular. Many of the users coming into a pervasive practice. There’s a learned to guide newbies along. into the space are brand new to can- big disconnect between “providing a Now that the cannabis industry is nabis - especially consumer packaged training program” and fully reviewing gaining much more acceptance, mo- goods (CPG) products. it for hyper-relevant content as well mentum and traction on a global scale, as effective training delivery systems. As a result, even if the typical user there’s a sense of urgency that has Don’t forget to establish criteria for profile was defined, those cannabis entrenched itself in managing the user success and then execute on it to the consumers aren’t overly sophisticated experience with cannabis. With this highest degree. buyers. Legal CPG products are newer increased traction, it’s more important to the scene, not widely distributed, To do this right, training and edu- than ever to answer the question “how inconsistent from market to market, do we manage the user experience?” and formulas continue to evolve with Continued, next page 16 MOGREENWAY.COM GREENWAY
MOGREENWAY.COM 17 GREENWAY cation has to be part of every new “know your dose” and that’s challeng- brand and/or retailer, your goal is to hire onboarding plan, customized by ing in the cannabis industry right now. stay in sync with the front line team. employee and position. What are you Oftentimes with cannabis products, This important team has feedback on hoping your employee learns in the you don’t know what you don’t know how people perceive your brand, the first 90 days and how will you mea- and how it will impact your body. effectiveness, taste and consistency sure success? What key stakeholders of the product, and a groundswell of Yet another reason why education is so should an employee meet with and innovation ideas. paramount to success in the cannabis what should s/he hope to learn from sector. We simply have to work around Education is paramount to gaining those meetings? What cannabis prod- the fact that there aren’t physicians traction. ucts, services and/or business practices writing prescriptions for specific, ap- should your new hire know about and As industry operators strive to main- proved indications that provide dosing how will s/he learn about them? Have stream cannabis, consumer education and usage instructions as it exists in you shared an organizational chart and is paramount to gaining traction in this the pharmaceutical space. walked through how the company does nascent industry. Patients need to get business, makes money and how s/he With other federally regulated sub- familiar with terminology and various can contribute? stances such as alcohol, you gener- CPG product forms to understand how, ally have a baseline understanding when and where they fully have an im- If training and education is ingrained and common knowledge as to how it pact on their bodies. Consumers of any into your company culture, this impacts your body, how much you can kind will increasingly rely on informa- naturally is embraced throughout the tolerate, and how you’ll feel when you tion related to CPG product reliability, customer’s journey with your organiza- wake up the next day. The experience testing and effectiveness when making tion. Employees will be knowledgeable with cannabis doesn’t mirror the ex- decisions about what products to try and feel comfortable, even empowered, perience with alcohol beverages. To be and what products to recommend to to educate patients — passing along more comfortable with consumption others. that knowledge about how products are of cannabis CPG products, consumers designed and what active ingredients Let’s work together today to create must get familiar with what to expect. make an impact. The products you an educational platform to effectively represent will be designed with the Precise dosing, communicated clearly, manage and craft the cannabis experi- end in mind — your consumer and the along with education, gets the cannabis ence of tomorrow. desired user experience. industry one step closer to provid- ing a greater degree of predictability. How will you coach front-line teams Consumers and patients are putting About Julie Suntrup to pass along the knowledge they’ve their trust in you, your people and learned to customers? Can you imple- Based in Denver, CO and originally from St. your systems. You owe it to them to ment a self-guided learning tutorial Louis, MO, Julie’s goal is to mainstream can- operate legally, compliantly and with inside your retail location? Will you nabis by designing truly differentiated brands full transparency. employ brand ambassadors and in-store that consumers (or patients) both understand pop-ups to speak directly to patients Step Three: Listen to Your Customers and trust. As Chief Growth Officer at Day Three Labs (DTL), Julie specializes in CPG about product benefits and good manu- Finally, explore what consumers need product innovation, leveraging the insights facturing processes? Does your website in order to best manage their trial of and cannabis plant study knowledge of DTL’s provide specific educational content? and experiences with cannabis CPG Israel-based researchers and scientists. If we start with the belief that knowl- products. Once your team is on board Coupled with advanced use of technology and edge is power, we can enable both our and you’ve aligned on your goals, lean product validation, DTL develops sophisticat- teams and customers to truly suc- into proven technologies right from the ed cannabinoid products that work as intend- ceed. By succeed, I mean instilling the start to provide baseline metrics and ed. You can reach Julie Suntrup @ julie@ knowledge in employees to provide fuel future innovation. daythreelabs.com or 314.853.9579. proper guidance to patients and, as Put feedback systems in place to listen Complimentary CPG Product Design Con- a consumer, feeling in control of the to what your customers are saying sulting Services intended user experience. about your business, your service and Step Two: Operate Responsibly the products sold at retail or online. Now through December 31, 2020, Day That may mean establishing a loyalty Three Labs (DTL) is offering complimentary To build consumer trust, always work program to glean customer data; lean- product design consulting services to anyone within the legal framework and with ing into texting and email platforms to holding a Missouri cannabis license. Let full transparency to provide a high gain feedback after product purchase; DTL help you and your R&D team create a degree of confidence in your opera- installing immediate feedback mecha- cost-effective route to product innovation by tions. Adopt reliable business practices, nisms near retail exits (such as Happy designing a CPG product pipeline for 2021 processes and services; then make sure or Not push button stations); and/or and beyond — or simply solve a specific you communicate those to business establishing a call center or dedicated problem with existing products, such as: taste partners and consumers. Start by de- response email to provide an outlet for profile, duration/onset of effect, clarity, con- signing products, sourcing ingredients feedback. sistency, water solubility, shelf life stability, or and manufacturing products in an eth- rapid bioavailability. Learn more at: https:// ical manner that are not only useful, Don’t forget about your front line em- daythreelabs.com/. For a complimentary but provide a true solution to problems ployees, too, as they’re a direct conduit consultation, please contact Julie Suntrup at or conditions that exist. to consumers. So much of the experi- [email protected] or 314.853.9579. ence feedback can be gained by staying While you can’t provide medical guid- close to front line employees. This ance to patients, you can provide clear public-facing team of wellness experts labeling and an understanding of dos- and educators is truly the voice of ing guidelines. You want consumers to the customer. As a manufacturer, CPG 18 MOGREENWAY.COM GREENWAY
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So you want to make edibles... The Infuser Machine Product Showdown By Tammy Puyear it's a chemical reaction that is achieved targeted in order to achieve success through heating up raw cannabis to and depending on the temperature, the Edibles are easily one of the most a temperature at which it releases a time spent in the oven is also impact- popular products for medical cannabis carboxyl group and becomes psychoac- ed. Most suggest that you decarb at patients in the product line and menu tive. Without decarboxylation, you’re around 250℉ for 25-30 minutes. Once of any dispensary in a legal state. But essentially eating cannabis and getting your timer sounds, you’ll look to see consumers are often astonished at very little medicine from the plant that your green flower fades to a warm the expense of these premade goodies because it’s not “activated.” Even if caramel color. Remove from the oven and many people choose to attempt the herb were activated, it’s difficult to and let cool, then you’re ready for your to make them at home. We often determine how much each serving size addition to your infusion material. hear the question, “It is hard to make will contain a consistent amount of the Sounds easy, right? It’s not hard, by edibles?” The simplest answer is that medicine. any stretch, but there are some signif- edibles are no more difficult to make icant inconveniences that are inherent than any non-infused recipe - in other Enter infusion into the equation. Over in this method. Your kitchen and the words, if you often make cookies, mak- the past 10 or so years, we’ve been for- remainder of your living space WILL ing infused cookies is pretty similar. tunate to understand more about how smell like you’ve been cooking can- Rather, the primary challenge in edible to activate the cannabis flower, and nabis. For those who live alone, and making is the creation of the infused then impart its goodness into fats. Fat don’t have near neighbors that might ingredient that will deliver your is extremely important for absorption not be an issue and certainly there are medicine in the form of a recipe. Most and most people wind up choosing to those who find the smell appealing. people choose to make either cannabis infuse butter or a variety of oils. Many I’m not one of them, and although my or CBD infused oil or butter. THIS is recipes call for a fat and these infused visitors are aware of my patient status where the extra effort and sometimes fats can help ensure your finished and advocacy for the use of cannabis, frustration can come into play. products will provide you with the even if I’m not expecting guests, I don’t effects you were seeking, and provides For decades, those who have made want my house to smell like weed - my a little more control over the dosage edibles infused with cannabis have personal preference. per serving size. gone a few alternative routes. Some However, the other challenge with simply grind up herb and mix it into For those who like to experiment at using the traditional method is that the batter of what they’re making - and home, many choose to go with what you’ll need to plan to spend quite a bit the results are lackluster, inconsistent, we’ll call “traditional” infusion at of time on this project - several hours and usually mean your tasters make home. If you aren’t familiar with the in fact. There are a few schools of remarks about how they can “taste the traditional methods, the home cook thought on how to best do this - and weed.” One problem with this method spreads cannabis or CBD flower on a the two most popular are usually ei- is that in order to truly realize the me- cookie sheet (usually covered in foil) ther on a stove top or in a CrockPot ™. dicinal benefits of ingesting cannabis and places in an oven for a period remember - in both scenarios, you’ve a critical step is missing. Decarboxyl- of time until they reach the desired already completed the decarb process. ation: is the magic that makes cannabis decarboxylation look. There are a potent additive to food. Simply put, specific temperatures that should be MOGREENWAY.COM 21 GREENWAY
Directions for stove top cannabis. Add to that about 3 hours of to multiple manufacturers of these additional cannabis cooking and you devices to see if they’d like to partic- For the stovetop method, instructions can imagine the olfactory impact this ipate in our arduous and thorough are generally very similar to these pro- will have in your kitchen. You’ll also testing and comparison. We found 3 vided, courtesy of Leafly: notice in both scenarios, you have to candidates who were more than happy • Melt the butter. Add 1 cup of water strain with a very fine sieve or cheese- to loan us machines to test and report and 1 cup of butter into a stock pot cloth. This is by no means what we’d on. Our test subjects included the Levo or saucepan. Simmer on low and call a “clean and easy” operation. II, the AGG, and the Ardent FX. These machines vary in price, size, and func- let the butter melt. Adding water Fortunately, the other variable, the tionality and while we’d love to say, the helps to regulate the temperature inevitable dosage question is much clear winner was: X. That, as often and prevents the butter from simpler than it used to be. There are when we conduct product tests, was scorching. any number of “edible/infusion dosage not the outcome. Each of the machines calculators that can help you deter- • Add the cannabis. As the butter we used had different features and pros mine the amount of medicine you’ll begins to melt, add in your coarse- and cons, and it really comes down to have in your finished products. Most ly ground cannabis product. making a decision about what you’re dosage calculators request the amount looking for in an infusing machine - • Simmer. Maintain low heat (ideally of flower you use, the THC% of that what are the parts of the “traditional” above 160ºF but never exceeding flower, and the amount of oil or butter processes that you simply can’t imagine 200ºF) and let the mixture simmer (or honey or whatever) that you’re us- performing that a machine might do for 2 to 3 hours, stirring occasion- ing. That number breaks down to the for you? ally. The mixture should never amount of medicine in a tablespoon or come to a full boil. teaspoon (cook’s choice) and then when This product test was important to • Strain the cannabutter. Set a fun- you select a recipe, you take that deter- us for many reasons, but primarily nel on top of a jar and line it with mination, multiply it by the amount of because we get so much feedback and cheesecloth. Once the butter has butter or oil in the recipe, and divide inquiries from readers about how to cooled off, pour it over the cheese- by the number of serving sizes. successfully make edibles and because none of these are inexpensive. We cloth funnel and allow it to strain If that sounds complicated, don’t encourage you to think about what freely. (Tip: Squeezing the cheese- worry as it’s not as befuddling as it features/convenience factors are most cloth may push more bad-tasting might seem. Here’s an example: If important to you and what your budget plant material through). you make 2 cups of infused oil, and will allow. We were pleased with you’ve already used an online dosage If that sounds labor intensive, the all three of the candidates and when calculator to determine that each ta- CrockPot ™ method is typically similar compared to the traditional methods, blespoon of oil contains 25mg of THC, to below - again, courtesy of Leafly: we gained some benefits that made a and your recipe for cookies calls for machine worth considering and pur- ½ cup of oil and yields 15 cookies you Directions for slow cooker chasing. can do this easy math. A half cup of • Grind your cannabis coarsely oil is 8 tablespoons, which means the Photos provided courtesy of the respec- with a hand grinder. (Tip: A coffee recipe as a whole will contain 25 mg tive companies. grinder will finely pulverize the x 8 tablespoons = 200 mg. 15 cookies Here’s how our tests progressed and flower and prevent effective strain- divided by 200 mg means each cookie how we reviewed them once complete: ing of bad-tasting plant material.) will contain approximately 13 mg of • Set your slow cooker to low, or THC. For the record, I like to store my somewhere around 160ºF. (Tip: oils and butters in empty lidded plastic Avoid exceeding 200ºF to prevent containers (formerly vessels for butter burning or wasting cannabinoids. or sour cream or yogurt) and I write on You can also add a little water to a sticky label on the top which strain help prevent scorching.) it is and how many mg per tablespoon the mixture contains. • Add the butter and ground canna- bis. Stir occasionally. We could easily stop this article here, having felt as though we’ve given you a • After about 3 hours, turn off the primer that allows you to make infused crockpot and wait for the butter edibles at home. BUT - the whole to cool. point of this particular piece is to help • Strain as above. provide other options and our reviews and experiences with those in order to Thinking about what we mentioned offer options for homemade infusions. above, remember that you’ve already Enter the home infusing machines - cooked cannabis in your oven and and there are many. We reached out your home smells like, well, cooked
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makes it feel much more like Alton oil test went successfully as with the The Levo II Brown would call a multi-tasker. butter, but again, the time commitment was long, which makes the wireless There are a number of things that MSRP $249 app suddenly much more attractive so our wish list for this machine would The Levo II is a second version of that you aren’t chained to your kitchen include: the original machine and has added or even your house for the entire time. functionality including a wireless app, For a machine of this size, we would Final thoughts on the Levo II? This which allows you to monitor your ma- have expected to be able to create larger machine is well made and takes a lot of chine remotely. I had high hopes for batches. The herb pod boasts up to a ½ the guesswork out of more traditional this modern machine, which resembles oz capacity of flower, but also stresses methods. The materials and design a fancy coffee machine and almost all that it’s important to avoid packing the decisions are sound - the silicone who saw it assumed it was such. The pod too tightly. In order to get ½ oz stirrer prevents pumping excess air Levo II also provides a number of of flower into the herb pod and avoid into the output and the reservoir into non-cannabis applications for those packing, we took ¼ oz through the dry which you put the infusion medium of us with a hankering to do gourmet and activate cycles separately, then into is ceramic coated, which makes infusions for culinary purposes - think filled the pod (dangerously close to too the cleaning infinitely easier. The herb garlic-infused olive oil, lavender honey, tightly) pod features teeny tiny holes, which basil butter, you get the idea. The with the full ½ oz. We did 2 cups of means escape artist pieces of material other attractive feature for the Levo II butter with ½ oz of CBD flower for the are contained, which makes the final is the dispensing method. Much like first batch of cannabutter. Results were product clear and free of particles. The a coffee machine, the Levo II has a great in terms of creating well infused size of the herb pod DOES require that dispensing apparatus that allows you to butter that was a breeze in recipes and you grind your flower first and with a place a container under the spout and we used this particular butter (made small hand grinder that’s a task. dispense directly into your container with a night-use CBD strain) to make from the machine without the need to We love the encouragement of using sleepy-time cookies. strain. This is a definite selling point the machine beyond simply cannabis and my personal favorite feature for the The time required to complete all of applications and knowing that we can machine. the steps for infusing cannabis using use it for gourmet endeavors (everyone the Levo II is significant. Following loves garlic olive oil in a fancy bottle The Levo II is modern, has a number of the directions, we did a 3 hour “dry” for a housewarming gift, right?) The recipes and assistance available online cycle at 115 degrees, followed by a 45 machine is easily assumed to be a and a comprehensive community of minute “activate” cycle at 240 degrees, coffee maker, making it easy to leave users willing to share their own best and an “infusion” cycle of 2.5 hours at on a kitchen counter without repeated practices. The machine came in a large 150 degrees. questions about what it is from guests. box, which included a full color card The dispensing function is 5-star and urging users to download the app, a Disappointingly, the Levo II did not eliminates the need for cheesecloth or sheet of magnets featuring images of prevent the smell problem. We had the spillage. While our idea of the perfect botanicals and hashtag reminders for potent smell of cannabis permeating Levo would include an herb pod 2x the those wishing to provide shoutouts on most of the living space for about 2 size of the current one, and a receptacle social media. The instructions for the days. that would hold 2x as much - small Levo II were straightforward, and the Using the Levo II in other ways, we batch production of this device is likely included “herb pod” which holds (and also did an infusion of coconut oil, to be enough for most home users. prevents manual straining) is a great which has about 90% saturated fat vs concept. The short version of the paces 60% of butter - and this was something we put the Levo II through were pos- important to consider - as the active itive and the fact that they recognize ingredients in herbs absorb better with and encourage non-cannabis infusions higher levels of saturated fat. The MOGREENWAY.COM 23 GREENWAY
and then trying to clean said herb from Final thoughts on the AGG? This is a The AGG a fabric bag - see where we’re going great option for someone who wants to here? But messy is ok if you get a great automate certain parts of the decarbing MSRP $185 infusion and we did every time. and infusion processing without break- AGG or Active Gear Guy was the lowest ing the bank. We love that users can do Those things that we believe users will priced model of all of the three ma- large batches and that it’s not necessary cite as inconvenient or opportunities chines we tested, and looks alot like a to grind flower first, as the container for improvement will most certainly commercial coffee carafe, but there’s a holds far more than the other two be the noise. The propeller that mixes simple digital dashboard on the top of machines. It’s easy to find recipes to your infusion runs about every 20 the device. The AGG, like the others, try and the machine is easy to use and seconds and while it won’t wake the was put through a number of tests, produces consistent results. An added neighbors, if you’re in a nearby room, including CBD flower, cannabis flower, bonus that arrived in the box was a you’ll hear it each time it sounds and and concentrates. This machine was silicone mold to pour butter or oil into for the record, it does freak out cats pretty straight forward, the instruction to make “bars” and while not necessary who aren’t expecting the sound. AGG manual included good information it was certainly a nice addition without did a nice job of keeping the smell about how to use the device to make adding to the price. Initially we were contained during preparation, but different kinds of infusions, and we under the impression that the machine after opening it up to cool and decant, liked that it gave options and recom- was made in Missouri (it ships from there’s no mistaking the smell in the mendations that had reasons behind Liberty) but after inquiring with the kitchen. them. After providing the recom- company, it’s actually made in China, mended decarb temperature range of which was disappointing after the po- 225 degrees and 240 degrees, the text tential of a Missouri-made device. takes it a step further to point out that “Another point of general agreement is that decarbing at the lower end of the temperature range preserves the herb flavor while decarbing at the higher end will minimize the flavor.” This was important to us, because we used quite a bit of CBD flower to make butter and oil, and it was really hard to make it taste less like the plant. There was a learning curve with the AGG on the first couple of uses like with any other new gadget, so figuring out which buttons on the timer and the temperature selector took some practice. Don’t misunderstand, it wasn’t complicated, but with a limited number of buttons you have to develop some muscle memory on which does what. The booklet that came with the machine was super safely conscious, reminding the user that there were multiple ways to make sure you didn’t get burned or electrocuted - a detach- able power cord; an electrical connec- tion for the top section to lock into the bottom; and several reminders about how hot the machine could get. AGG is stainless steel inside, including the propeller that mixes the contents and is completely sealed which makes cleanup easy, as does the machine’s cleaning cycle. You WILL get messy when using this machine to infuse with flower, not because it’s an inferior product, but because the process of emptying the AGG into containers and making sure you get every last drop requires that you either use a super fine strainer or cheesecloth. Imagine pouring out 2 cups of butter or oil that contain ½ ounce of fat soaked plant matter into a container, squeezing the cheesecloth to wring out every last bit,
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trate and infusion sleeve with ours. with concentrates versus flower would Ardent FX This is essentially a giant silicone cup be my own personal choice moving that fits perfectly into the machine and forward. Less mess, certainly no smell, MSRP $350 holds both your material and your fat economically better, and the finished Featuring the highest retail price of any of choice so that when finished, the product was truly amazing. Best of all, of the machines we tested, expecta- sleeve can be removed easily and clean- even with flower, the FX kept smells tions were high for the Ardent X and it up is a breeze. No grinding is required inside. wants to be known as an all-in-one for as a result of the large container size. Final thoughts on the FX? We’d rec- people making edibles. Size-wise, the When we mentioned that FX aims to ommend the FX if you’re someone FX is the smallest and simplest design, be a multipurpose tool, not only does who plans to make the same infu- and features a very vibrant purple color it decarb and infuse, but it can be used sions regularly and often as it’s easy on both the machine and the carrying an a mini-oven and after removing to quickly have a routine and it makes case. The carrying case seemed un- the sleeve you can pour your brownie the process pretty rote after just a few necessary at first, but as we continued batter or whatever confectionary you uses. We like the size and the simplic- to learn the machines, there really are might be making into the machine and ity and if you’re ok with someone else times when it would be cool to be able choose the “baking” function. Note - making the decisions about time and to easily take one of these to a friend’s your finished product will be in the temperature and trusting the automatic house to experiment together and sud- shape of a tube, but for those who shut off - this machine might be your denly the carrying case made sense. don’t want to turn on an oven, this BFF. With the high price tag, we’d have The FX has only a few buttons, which could be a real game changer. In case liked to see both the silicone sleeve is a plus, except that it requires you you’re wondering, it DOES work as a and strainer/funnel (we didn’t get to put a lot of faith into the manufac- mini-oven and the recipes among the one of these, but it would have been a turers to take some of the customiza- maker and the community of owners welcome addition) included in the base tion out of your hands. For example, yields some tasty goods. model. Although the sleeve made it rather than giving options to choose easy to eliminate effort for the interior The most impressive infusion we timing and temperature, the FX gives of the machine, there’s still the re- made was made in the FX - we used 2 options for what controls both - A1 quired step of straining - like with the a syringe of cannabis concentrate and or A2 - and which you select depends AGG - either a strainer or cheesecloth infused it into coconut oil. The end on what material you’re using. The which can be messy (but also avoided result was extremely potent and ex- Ardent FX has accessories that are by using concentrates versus flower). tremely consistent. In fact, it was this available for purchase, but the manu- result that convinced me that infusing facturer kindly sent a silicone concen-
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SERIES CONTINUED Meet Three More Missouri Brands
By Tammy Puyear tremely proficient manufacturing We continue our brand series in this is- processes they’ll sue with more Missouri operators who use to make your are excited to introduce you to their concentrates, also brands and were kind enough to sit true. No, these down with us and let us pummel them guys are building with questions. As we get closer to dis- a state-of-the-art pensary openings and commencements Not only will this high-end flower be facility that ensures that not only do continue to take place, the excitement the signature product of Vertical, but they plan to grow and manufacture about being able to access a new world they’re planning to come to market in luxury products that are unlike you’ve of brands and product types, we have early 2021 with concentrates that are ever seen, but that their footprint on to restrain ourselves somewhat or we’d made in-house from their own flower the Earth in terms of harm to the envi- wind up with a whole issue around and they bring street cred in spades. At ronment is as small as possible. brands. Wait… there might be some- the time of our interview, several from thing there…but we digress. Some data suggests that cannabis pro- the Vertical team were in Colorado at ducers in the US use 1% of the nation’s Clutch Extracts learning from the mas- Vertical power - that’s significant. Vertical is ters of extraction and soaking up best The first brand we started with this doing that differently. They’re using practices to bring back to Missouri’s pa- round is Vertical. When you think LED lights, they’re using HVAC systems tients. Vertical will offer patients and vertical, some of you might think about that are integrated with humidity partners concentrates like shatter, dabs, a line that is up and down in direction, regulation and they’re outfitting their butter, batter, wax, diamonds and LIVE but if you’re familiar with business facilities with the latest in cannabis RESIN. If you aren’t already schooled jargon, a vertical is basically a group cultivation technology because they in what all of these are or how to use of companies and customers that are are dedicated to the botanical integrity them, don’t fret - Vertical will be active all revolving around a specific niche. of the plant and they’ll do whatever it in socials and on their website in the Such is the case in cannabis, where a takes to make sure that isn’t compro- months to come with education about vertical is typically a license holder in mised. all of the above. In their own brand- multiple parts of the supply chain - so ed dispensary, set to open in 2021 in Understand that this is not a quick- in the case of Vertical in Missouri, they St. Joseph, Missouri, they’ll offer all of est-to-market, stand-up-as-fast-as-pos- hold cultivation, manufacturing, and these products, equipment, and many sible operation. This facility will start dispensary licenses. more must-have items. later than many others with cultiva- The Vertical team, led by Chris tion, but that’s deliberate. Their plans Aside from the hype about the product McHugh, wanted to use the name are extremely detailed, and every single lines and the premium flower, McHugh because they take pride in the fact that consideration for the facility and the was genuine and passionate about literally, from seed to patient, they con- cultivation and manufacturing must be the team and the brand representing trol the quality at every step of the way. flawless to produce the best product. a respect for the plant. “We want to We aren’t just talking about procuring This is not ditch weed, not skunk produce products that are consistent the best and highest quality seeds, al- weed, and not a value or mid-tier and exceed expectations, and we know though that’s true. It’s not just the ex- brand. This is artisan, craft cannabis. that the plant takes the lead. The plant is in control and knows best, we aren’t
MOGREENWAY.COM 27 GREENWAY arrogant enough to think that we can patients who use them. Our brand is is a priority we’ll continue as we begin deconstruct or recreate the plant.” The centered around that one fact. Whether operations. Customers will be able patients’ dispensary visit they have in it’s the plants we grow, the educational to access all of our information from mind will be the ultimate in sensory information we provide online, or your home as well as talk with our Cannabis experience and will provide education personal relationship with our cannabis Consultants in each of our dispensaries. and consultation via telehealth in a pri- consultants, we’re here to take care of These consultants will be highly skilled vate consultative setting. Education is you.” in understanding cannabis consump- high on the priority list and they envi- tion and will be able to advise each Several dispensary license holders have sion arming patients with the informa- patient on their specific needs.” cited their plans for product lines and tion they need about entourage effect, many are providing a varied range of Flora Farms also plans on offering the contents of what they’re purchas- what they’ll offer. Says Black about somewhat consistent menus from each ing, and how to understand the best Flora Farms, “We will carry a variety location, although there will be slight recommendations for each individual’s of products in each of our dispensaries. variations based on patient preferences. own conditions and needs. From a large selection of dried flower “We have the opportunity to provide to edibles, concentrates, and vape our patients with exactly what they cartridges, we will need at each location and we want to cater to all kinds of make sure we’re always listening to consumption meth- our patients first.” Black went on to ods and dosages. Our say that although the dispensaries will cannabis consultants carry CBD products, they will not open will be available their doors until they have medical to help patients cannabis products to offer, and that determine the best their customers don’t really want CBD products to fit their from them. “We’re doing our best needs and make sure to be open and transparent with our everyone leaves the patient base. We don’t want to add to dispensary prepared anyone’s confusion or disappointment.” to manage their As is typical of the brands series, medical issues.” we always end our discussion with Clearly, the part- operators by asking what the ONE Flora Farms nership with Clovr indicates that the thing is that they’d like readers and dispensary will also carry other brands, potential patients to know about them. You might recognize the name Flora and Black stated that, “We want to give Black was a true brand ambassador Farms from reading about their part- our patients access to the best products with his response, “It’s very simple. nership with Clovr in recent news in the state. We think that will be the We’re hard-working Missourians who about the industry. Headquartered in products made with marijuana grown believe that a handshake is better than Humansville, Missouri, Flora Farms at Flora Farms, but we also want to a contract and that if we give you has been unapologetic about their give our customers options. We will our word we’re gonna see it through. confidence in supplying Missouri with be partnering with other cultivators Whether that’s a supply agreement cannabis flower - and lots of it. and manufacturers to give our patients with a dispensary group or a customer Readers usually want the answer to a wide variety of options. We will interaction at one of our dispensaries, this one critical question when we talk proudly carry CLOVR brand products. we understand that honesty, openness, to brands so let’s get that one on the Wana, Keef Cola, and Robhots are and hard work are the only way to give table first - When do you anticipate trusted names in the marijuana infused our customers the respect they deserve. opening your dispensaries? “We plan product industry, and we know our And we ask everyone we work with to to begin commencing our dispensaries customers will enjoy them.” hold us to that.” Black’s final statement, next month (September) and open as “If you’re a medical marijuana patient Keeping in mind that Missouri is a soon as we can maintain consistent ac- in Missouri, Flora Farms is what you medical-only legal state at the mo- cess to marijuana products. Most likely want. We’ll have the best products, the ment, we’re always curious about how by Thanksgiving, but we’d love to open best people, and the best experience dispensaries will address patients’ indi- sooner!” you’ll be able to find anywhere in the vidual needs, especially when it comes state. Flora Farms is where you want We wanted to learn more about the to making product recommendations. to be.” brand and spent time talking with Mat- While budtenders are typically well- than Black, Flora’s resident marketing trained in the basics of cannabis they specialist. As always, we ask about the aren’t clinical resources - so how does LSL Cannabis brand - where did the name and logo Flora Farms intend to ensure patient come from? “Our entire operation is needs are met? “While working to get Missouri’s medical cannabis program Flora Farms. From the products we our cultivation facility and dispensaries includes 192 licensed dispensary oper- grow in Humansville to the cannabis open we’ve made patient education our ators and each and every one has a rea- consultants you get to know at each of focus. Florafarmsmo.com has become son for wanting to be in the business of our dispensaries, we are Flora Farms. a platform for presenting educational retail. Many have been entrepreneurs The name Flora comes from the Latin material through our Grow With Us in other industries, some are motivated word for plant life which was asso- blog and Cannabis 101 page. We’ve also by their own personal stories about ciated with the Roman goddess of made it a point to answer as many how the plant has made a difference in flowering plants. That’s who we are. patient questions as possible through their lives, others want to help reshape We’re gardeners and caretakers. People our website and online forums like the perceptions of a long-misrepresent- who care for flowering plants and the the Missouri Cannabis Network. This ed prohibited medicine. LSL, whose 28 MOGREENWAY.COM GREENWAY dispensary brand is Kind Goods, is the saries in the area, Lenzen stated, latter. We talked with the LSL team “Kind Goods will operate 3 dis- and they were firm in their commit- pensaries in the St. Louis region. ment to the shift in attitudes as their We are 1 of only 3 licensees to primary motivator. be awarded multiple dispensary licenses in Congressional District Kyle Lenzen provided their philosophy, 2 which covers most of St. Louis “Compassion and cannabis go hand in County. Each of the dispensaries hand. In fact, it is the whole reason we are in densely populated areas started Kind Goods. We see cannabis as within high-end retail centers a powerful tool for helping our neigh- comprised of large national bors live better. From cancer recovery retailers. We chose each location to managing PTSD to aiding people based upon the surrounding with disabilities, cannabis has an im- demographics, traffic counts and portant role to play across the spec- visibility. The Kind Goods dispen- trum of human wellness. Unfortunate- sary in St. Peters, Mo. will be one ly, stigma and misconceptions prevent of the few Missouri dispensaries too many people from incorporating equipped with a multi-lane drive cannabis into their daily treatment. through which we have branded We are on a mission to change these the "Herb Curb at Kind Goods." perceptions by demonstrating that The focus on patients is a big one supportive, healthy communities can for the LSL team - their advisory be built around the responsible use of board includes 2 pharmacists cannabis. We strive to lead by example. and three doctors, who will be That is why giving back through char- during their go-live operations time- training employees on the medical ba- itable work and local engagement are frame. sics of cannabis use such as properties, among our top priorities. Our primary benefits, contraindications, interac- As readers have come to expect, our mission is to ensure each and every tions, and dosage recommendations. last question is always, “If you wanted one of our patients, from first-timers Lenzen added, “The pharmacists will to make sure there was ONE thing to seasoned consumers, feels welcome also author patient education materials readers should know about Kind in our dispensary, enjoys a friendly and train employees on these materi- Goods - what would it be?” LSL’s team experience, and leaves looking forward als. For individualized education and answered without hesitation - “We are to their next visit.” counseling regarding interactions with born, raised, and reside in St. Louis. It Kind Goods will have three St. Lou- a patient’s health condition, one of is a dream come true for us to be able is-based dispensary locations including the Pharmacists will schedule patient to open a chain of dispensaries in our St. Peters, Manchester, and Fenton consultations. Our employees will be hometown.” and all will have the same variety of trained to offer patients these materials The closer we get to open dispensaries, products; the goal to provide a consis- and consultative services.” the more excited we become about the tent patient experience. As always we With a patient-centric focus, it’s easy choices Missouri patients will have wanted to know what we can expect to to see how Kind Goods plans to serve when it comes to brands, products, and see in the dispensaries and among the Missouri’s medical patients and you’ll locations. We’re ready to celebrate suc- usual flower, pre-rolls, edibles, vape be able to see for yourself in December cessful stand-ups with Vertical, Flora cartridges and concentrates, the stores how the Kind Goods team delivers on Farms, and Kind Goods! will also carry topicals, glass, accesso- their plans. Opening day inventory and ries, clothing, and more. product mix will depend heavily on the While Kind Goods will have many ability to source flower and products things in common with other dispen- from cultivators and manufacturers
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MOGREENWAY.COM 29 GREENWAY
Greenway Magazine sat down with longtime compliance consultant, Mark Slaugh, CEO of iComply, the country’s oldest compliance firm to talk about the reality of compliance as the indus- Q&A with... try itself becomes a reality in Missouri. Slaugh, an early and active partici- pant in Missouri’s industry, was quick to share that in a highly-regulated industry, compliance is a cornerstone to Mark Slaugh long-lasting success for every facility. What is compliance? Why is it important in unbelievably valuable license for owners and separation of DHHS as a helpful industry a highly regulated industry? operators in very favorable market condi- partner to their actual role as inspectors, tions. It is easy to expect ROI to be high in investigators, and enforcers of the rules, Compliance is often a buzzword in the MO. From a regulation’s standpoint, MO has product safety, and standards for Missouri. industry synonymous with legitimacy. All remarkably similar standards as those set too often, we falsely hear that a company in Colorado and leverages some of the best What is an anecdote you can share about the or facility is "100% compliant" - we have regulations in the game. Ironically, perhaps, importance of compliance? not seen that in over nine years of business the rules are more lean than other States in hundreds of facilities. This is often the as well. While this can seem favorable for The devil is often in the details and while first red flag that a company has no idea a cannabis business in MO as it appears to low level enforcement actions may seem what "Compliance" really means. While require fewer rules, many make the mistake miniscule, they can have dire consequences. the definition seems simple enough - that to equate fewer pages to fewer consequences We were training a client's staff once, when compliance means adherence to a set of or a pass to lenient business practices. For regulators walked into the class and issued rules, regulations, and standards - the reality those of us that live in the future, we know a show of cause to produce 12 months of of compliance is much more complicated that more regulations are on the way. The books and records for auditing. We discov- in cannabis. As a highly regulated industry, State also doesn't have to consider the costs ered that the client had added two flower compliance also means: brand consistency, of complying with new rules and MO is full cultivation rooms to their combined grow quality assurance and control, corporate of many first-time cannabis business opera- and dispensary. However, they reported the compliance training, tors that cannot sense additional rooms only on their license re- employee documentation, what is coming down newal - thinking the State would adopt their SOP version controls, the pipe. permitted additions and updated diagram. approvals, and revisions They made only a low-level infraction mis- on a regular basis, and In some ways MO is take by not filing an 8545 Form indicating ongoing measures and lucky to have learned a "change or modification of premises". management of macro from Colorado, like Because they misfiled the wrong paperwork and micro aspects of the with the recent edibles at the wrong time, investigators seized the business, from audits to language wherein set- production capacity of the two flower rooms inventory reconciliations, ting up manufacturing to the tune of hundreds of plants which incident reporting, daily equipment capable of eventually became 20+ lbs. of flower that systemized documen- stamping, shaping, and could not be sold or destroyed. Even worse, tation, packaging and marking edibles with a because the infraction constituted a low-pri- labeling, and books and warning symbol didn't ority case, it sat on the Attorney General's records management for require retrofitting desk, under a pile of more severe cases, for accuracy and completion existing equipment 11 months. During that time, the business to prove the adherence at the costs of tens of couldn't use the flower rooms, the product many claim to have in thousands of dollars. went bad, and their dispensary shelves went place. Compliance, for This is, however, a empty. While the infraction only resulted in us, is a process of ongoing WHO: Mark Slaugh prime example of the less than a $10,000 fine, the impact to the continual improvement of need to anticipate business was catastrophic. They had to buy WHAT: CEO, iComply an operational compli- other leading practices flower in wholesale - at a higher margin ance infrastructure; its Mr. Slaugh established iComply, LLC to in compliance, QA/ - which meant layoffs of employees who processes, people and the help cannabis businesses navigate the QC, GMP, and other went to competitors, a loss of thousands accountabilities necessary standards not yet of dollars in product, less patient business complexities of regulated marijuana. to maintain adherence written in MO, but because of empty shelves, and so on. In that to rules, standards, and He provides the leadership and forward commonplace in more 11 months, this small level infraction easily internal metrics for brand thinking that continues to set standards mature markets. For led to $400,000 in costs due to the non-com- value consistency and the across the global industry. the clients iComply pliance. By the time regulators came in and mitigation of risk. works with in Missou- we tried to train their staff, it was too late to ri, we bring these self-appointed standards remediate the situation. Despite the compa- How does Missouri’s program differ from to the table from Day 1 to better anticipate ny's best intentions and goodwill, they were other state’s? inevitable standards, shorten the learning already too late. The lesson being: by the curve for staff, and produce a greater ROI on time you are reacting to non-compliance, it Missouri differs in some critically important the business by ensuring it has an operation- will always be more detrimental, expensive, ways. The access for patients is a low barrier al compliance infrastructure in place that can and risky than the investment to mitigate, or which means high participation and, given proactively adjust to the inevitable changes prevent, the risk and costs in the first place. the limits on licenses, strikes a very favorable in rules the DHHS will make. Other require- balance between sufficient patient access and ments such as quarterly inventory recon- What considerations should a facility have a sufficient number of operators to allow for ciliations reportable to the State are distinct when exploring compliance programming? a robust selection of products, price points, differences Missouri operators will have to and differentiation. This all equates to an learn and contend with - as is the eventual Proactivity is essential to being able to man-
30 MOGREENWAY.COM GREENWAY age compliance instead of it managing you. iComply in 2011 with the vision of providing compliance as a culture backboned by strong Operations and compliance go hand in hand the most comprehensive regulatory support SOPs internally. It improves the overall and iComply has pioneered a methodology possible to further the legitimacy of the can- facility operations by making sure even the that effectively positions companies to proac- nabis industry by helping it professionalize smallest gear in the machine tracks with the tively manage compliance with three key pil- from an infant industry to one that matches bigger operation and reduces turnover by en- lars in place: Compliant Processes, Compliant the operational standards of other heavily suring staff knows what is expected of them People, and Proactive Compliance measures regulated industries such as pharmaceuticals, and how to do their jobs without uncertainty and management. In Missouri, operators hospitals, oil and gas, banking, and nutra- or fear. Processes are only as good as the must make sure that their SOPs match the ceuticals. By helping businesses establish a people running them and businesses do well rules and regulations of the State but often robust, comprehensive, operational compli- to certify and document their employee's forget to include warranties and represen- ance infrastructure and compliance centric knowledge and education to mitigate the tations made in their application, higher culture, iComply helps companies that care risks and costs of non-compliance. standards such as GAP, GMP, or ISO, QA/ about compliance lead others by example and QC accountability, OSHA compliance, EPA showcase to the world that the stigmas of Is there anything else you want Greenway compliance, Fire Code, equipment mainte- cannabusiness have no place in impeding the readers to know about iComply or compli- nance schedules, protective equipment, SDS progress of the industry. iComply handles all ance programming? sheets, and HR policies that all work hand in the boring, non-sexy, and frustrating details hand to ensure Employee Training manuals of licensed cannabis businesses so owners There is no substitute for experience. When designated by position, roles, and respon- can focus on growth while trusting that the examining compliance "experts", we suggest sibilities to compliance and include the fundamental requirements of their business the MO industry does its homework and asks accountability and documentation structures are in good hands and managed with their the tough questions of would-be consultants. needed to PROVE compliance. Once these team efficiently and effectively because we're As with the application process, not every- documents are in place as living, breathing at their side every day and over the long run. one out there truly knows what they are infrastructure, companies must thoroughly doing or how to translate their skills into the train their staff in compliance according to How can comprehensive compliance educa- cannabis industry. Rather than waste more their position required by DHHS and in each tion improve a facility’s operations? time and money in the expectation of lower procedure they are authorized to perform. initial costs, over a larger learning curve, Once compliant people are documented as When we were in St. Louis and Kansas we suggest you build the business correctly such, they must then be held accountable to City at the career fairs educating prospect from Day 1 and begin managing compliance ongoing Macro and Micro auditing of overall employees on the cannabis industry, we saw as a critical foundation for legacy success. We operational compliance, inventory com- many "deer in headlight" looks. Most would- say Compliance is Forever, because how you pleteness and accuracy, books and records, be workers were handing their resumes out establish (or do not establish) its infrastruc- packaging and labeling, and all of these left and right, but when asked "have you read ture defines your company culture, products, measures should be frequent, ongoing, and the rules and regulations that pertain to the and brand from the beginning. It is always in alignment with ever changing rules and job you want?" 99.9% had not. No matter harder and more costly to change bad habits internal standards. how dedicated, passionate, or skilled workers later than it is to invest in doing the right may be, they aren't likely to be reading the thing, the right way, with the right people What is iComply’s story? Why cannabis legalese necessary for them to do their job from the get-go. Establish a compliance bud- compliance? appropriately. Luckily, they are also blank get that is not a legal budget (attorneys are slates that can be trained the right way. Since different than compliance experts) and truly iComply's founder Mark Slaugh was a 2012, iComply has masterfully organized and look at what percentage of your expected pioneer in the modern commercial cannabis translated the complex rules and regula- revenues you should insure through this space in Colorado. He has run two industry tions into practical and easy to understand budget to protect the overall revenue stream. associations, lobbied for years at the Capitol common English. We organize our Training Think of compliance as an investment that in Colorado, and has been selected by the Manuals so staff members in training can pays dividends rather than as an expense. government to participate in over 9 rulemak- take notes, follow along online or in person iComply is generally less than 1% of expected ing committees on a variety of topics. A cer- with our instructors (now via LIVE webinars annual revenues - and, as we say, it only tified expert witness in Colorado's rules and due to COVID) and be able to understand makes sense to "put a penny on the dollar to regulations, he started with early brands in what is expected of them together along protect the dollar". When multimillion-dol- the industry in 2009 with a specific passion with enforcement realities from experience lar companies and licenses are on the line, for social justice and desire to reform the and important areas off focus to avoid com- this area of compliance core competency global War on Drugs. In the early days, he mon mistakes in doing their job. We strongly will define the future brands in Missouri and quickly realized the difficulty in managing stress comprehensive compliance training separate the good apples from the bad ones ongoing rule changes and the importance of at least annually and the proactive auditing in the eyes of stakeholders, regulators, and establishing standards within the compa- of staff member performance to ensure the patients. nies he helped put on the map. He founded education sticks and that they adhere to
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WOMEN TO WATCH Becky Lohmann Representing industry disruptors for since the passage and implementation framework. A good regulatory program years, government relations firm Cata- of Amendment 2 - now Article XIV of is good for patients. lyst has taken medical marijuana into the Missouri Constitution, which pro- “My passion for impacting public poli- their portfolio of clients and priori- vides the program framework and the cy started when my family learned my ties. Leading the charge for the firm right for Missourians to use medical youngest sister had epilepsy. When we is Becky Lohmann, who has kicked marijuana for qualifying conditions. started seeing the obstacles and limited her interest in medical marijuana into “Today she is able to treat her epilepsy options for medical treatment, specifi- overdrive since her learning her sister, with medical cannabis and we are so cally the (former) Missouri ban on CBD Anna, has epilepsy. grateful for the full life she gets to live Hemp Oil, which we knew was effec- “My youngest sister, Anna, had her first without being burdened both mentally tive in treating the disease, I wanted to seizure at home - she was 20 at the and physically by side effects of con- become an advocate for people like my time,” Lohmann said. “Through scans ventional pharmaceutical drugs.” sister,” she said. “I was very fortunate of her brain, her neurosurgeons deter- to have been connected to Catalyst who Catalyst was active in the Capitol halls mined that she has a dense frontal lobe at the time was on the ground level years ago when Missouri first passed and so she was put on daily medication working to advance legislation through a hemp pilot program, sponsored by to prevent any future epileptic epi- the state legislature that would have then-Senator, now-Attorney General sodes. The popular medication, Kepra, legalized medical cannabis. Unfortu- Eric Schmitt. While that progress has that she was prescribed did help to nately, that legislation faced a lot of turned into a constitutional program, prevent seizures but it also caused my challenges at the time and did not be- supported by a record amount of happy and very social sister to become come law, but the experience we gained voters for any constitutional program, depressed – a common side effect of and the relationships we developed Lohmann believes there is room for that drug. in the industry have been extremely continued and substantial development helpful in our advocacy for our clients “My family pushed for another treat- for medical marijuana in Missouri. since the passage of Amendment 2.” ment option but her doctors were “Big meaningful change on cannabis concerned that other medication The topic of lobbyists can be polarizing has required courageous leadership would not be as effective at preventing for those outside the political realm, both from elected officials and regular seizures. And with any conventional but anyone in the political realm will people,” Lohmann said. “And that work pharmaceutical seizure medication be quick to tell you how effective the can’t stop, especially now. This is an ex- currently available to her, there was a services of lobbyists are to advocating citing industry and I’m thrilled to be an very high risk of birth defects in babies for effective public policy, especially in advocate for our clients, the industry in during pregnancy. Seeing my little the era of term limits. general and patients like my sister.” sister facing these medical challenges “As with any industry, particularly a with no good options for treatment Catalyst has made waves in state gov- new, highly-regulated industry, there is made my big sister mode kick in, and ernment over the past decade, helping significant advocacy and education that like so many other families, seemingly usher in policy to allow innovative needs to be accomplished to ensure overnight I found myself a medical businesses - from Tesla to DraftKings to regulators and lawmakers understand cannabis advocate.” Uber - exist and flourish in Missouri. how policy and regulation affects While the firm currently represents At the time of diagnosis, it was very patients who rely on this medicine as and serves medical marijuana cli- challenging to find doctors who would well as the businesses that provide it ents, they are laying the groundwork consider CBD or THC as treatment to them,” Lohmann said. “It has taken to continue advocacy in the Capitol, options, and Lohmann said she could decades to see the legalization of medi- assisting medical marijuana facilities hardly blame them. But that’s changed cal cannabis in Missouri because of the to also prosper in this new regulatory 32 MOGREENWAY.COM GREENWAY work of advocates who have never taken their foot off the gas. It is critical that those invested in the industry have a seat at the decision making table when any policy or regulation is being considered.”
Advocating for a strong program with patients prioritized is a full team effort at Catalyst.
“Catalyst was an early adopter of advocacy in the cannabis industry when some considered it too controversial or were skeptical about its medical benefits,” said Danny Pfeifer, founder of Catalyst. “We specialize in helping disruptive, highly-reg- ulated industries navigate the legislative and regulatory process and achieve their legislative and public policy goals, so it is exciting to help onboard our clients into this new market in Missouri. As long-time advocates for medical cannabis, it is also professionally and personally fulfilling to be working in an industry in which our clients are helping patients overcome chronic medical conditions where traditional pharmaceu- tical medication has failed to attain the desired results.”
Beyond the personal connection, why is Cata- lyst relevant? Why are they being featured? The firm’s specializes in successfully representing disruptive and highly-regulated industries facing business-altering barriers or existential threats. Lohmann says the firm has a unique understand- ing of the challenges these businesses are facing and how to overcome them. While the program is here, the work is no where near over.
“It takes constant, ongoing engagement with pol- icymakers and regulators on a new, highly-regu- lated issue like medical cannabis, and that work can be challenging for business owners that need to focus their time and energy running their medical cannabis facilities back home,” Lohmann said. “There is also a fairly significant learning curve still happening with medical cannabis and more often than not well-meaning policy can be really detrimental for patients. Having advocates in the Capitol day in and day out that understand and truly believe in this medicine is crucial for this industry to thrive.”
Catalyst has offices in Jefferson City. The firm has over 50 years of combined regulatory, political, and legislative experience.
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Don’t trash waste disposal By Tammy Puyear consumed. Missouri regulations allow composting facility. operators to compost cannabis waste. Cannabis producers and manufacturers In the US, the EPA and state govern- One of the easiest ways for Missouri have reminded early-on of the impor- ments provide guidelines for dispos- operators to put sustainable operations tance of waste disposal, with a question ing of hazardous waste properly, and in place is to compost their waste. It’s specific to the topic on their initial other countries have federal and local easier than implementing sustainable applications. They know that they can- requirements as well. The EPA, like packaging, or LED lights, or organic not treat plant waste like common yard other environmental bodies, differenti- certifications. waste. Like other priorities for licensed ates between two types of waste: solid facilities, missing the boat by failing to Cultivation facilities can’t just shred and liquid. follow the approved plan and improp- their waste, mix it with a rendering Solid waste disposal: The definition erly disposing of dry waste materials material, and throw it in their back- of the guideline for identifying solid and waste products from extraction yard. They are required to compost waste is that it’s “unrecognizable and leads to fines, liabilities, or even having their product at a health department unusable.” This means no one should a hard-won license lost. approved facility. If a cultivation facility be able to discern by looking that the has already provided DHSS with their Zach McCullough, from Monarch waste is cannabis. Many cannabis SOPs and security plans, they will have Waste Co (http://monarchwaste.co/) operations have a facility on-site for to update this information to reflect a shared some insights about what grinding down the waste into smaller change in their waste disposal process. Missouri’s operators can do to ensure bits. If the waste is non-hazardous, it is Operators looking to go green with they start off compliant. “Missouri, as mixed with other non-cannabis organ- their waste disposal should look for a a budding industry, has the chance to ics such as garden trimmings and then disposal provider that can assist them start off clean and green. The only way composted or sent to the appropriate with updating their SOPs/security for the industry to go in that direction landfill. If it’s hazardous, it’s mixed plans.” is for patients to be educated enough to with cat litter, sand, plastic or sawdust expect more sustainable practices. Cur- While disposal rules vary from state to and sent to the appropriate landfill. rently, the cannabis industry creates state, operators learning to deal with Liquid waste disposal: Liquid waste is millions of pounds of waste every year, cannabis waste appropriately is crucial a bit more complicated to dispose of most of which ends up in landfills. to the success of an operation. There legally. It must be disposed of properly are several strict controls in place for According to Health Canada, the legal or sent to a hazardous waste treat- dealing with any kind of hazardous industry produces approximately 8 ment facility. Cannabis operations waste, which isn’t legally compliant if pounds of waste per pound of cannabis must partner with a shipping compa- it were just to be sent to a landfill or MOGREENWAY.COM 35 GREENWAY
ny to dispose of the hazardous waste waste generator to properly evalu- rendered unusable by grinding and appropriately unless they transport it ate their waste to determine if it is a incorporating the medical marijuana themselves. hazardous waste per 40 CFR 262.11. plant waste with other nonhazard- If a generator's waste does qualify as ous ground materials so the resulting Missouri’s Amendment 2 includes very a hazardous waste, then that waste is mixture is at least fifty percent (50%) specific rules around waste disposal for subject to the applicable hazardous nonmarijuana waste by volume. Ma- cultivation and manufacturing oper- waste management standards. terial used to grind with the medical ators. The following text was pulled marijuana may be either compostable directly from the DHSS website and A. All solid waste, as defined by 40 CFR waste or non compostable waste. Other details the regulations as they stand 261.2, must be evaluated under the haz- methods to render medical marijuana today: ardous waste regulations, including: (I) waste unusable must be approved by the department before implementation. As Missouri continues – and hire the best one. Look used for disposal activities moving forward with for one that is familiar must meet all require- A. Compostable mixed waste: Med- becoming operational for with handling hazardous ments in 19 CSR 30- ical marijuana waste to be disposed medical marijuana, opera- waste in general and can- 95.040. Operators should as compost feedstock or in another tors have to ensure safety nabis waste in particular. look for a service that puts organic waste method (for example, and compliance in every compliance first.” anaerobic digester) may be mixed with • Familiarize yourself with aspect of their business. the following types of waste materials: the guidelines for proper It can be tempting to take David Laks, VP of Risk and (I) Food waste; (II) Yard waste; or (III) tracking, transportation and shortcuts – saving both Control Services Manager Vegetable based grease or oils. sign-offs – and follow them. money and time – when from HUB International Completing all appropriate it comes to hazardous B. Non Compostable mixed waste: Med- provides this advice, “As documentation ensures waste disposal. But prop- ical marijuana waste to be disposed in a it It can be confusing to you have a paper trail to erly disposing of hazard- landfill or another disposal method (for manage the risks of proper protect you in the event ous materials can further example, incinerator) may be mixed disposal of cannabis waste, of an audit. Much of the illustrate your organi- with the following types of waste ma- keep it simple by follow- documentation creates a zation’s credibility and terials: (I) Paper waste; (II) Cardboard ing these three tips: written record so inspec- financial well-being, and waste; (III) Plastic waste; or (IV) Soil; • Become an expert in all the tors can confirm appropri- can also protect you from 6. Medical marijuana waste that has legal restrictions – and follow ate handling.” unnecessary risk. been rendered unusable may be deliv- Federal restrictions them. McCullogh, of Missouri’s ered to a permitted solid waste facility will guide you overall, Monarch Waste adds, “A for final disposition. Examples of ac- but local (i.e., state and quality waste disposal ceptable permitted solid waste facilities municipal) restrictions provider will have all ap- include: are equally important and plicable business licenses may vary. A. For compostable mixed waste: Com- required by state, local, post, anaerobic digester, or other facil- • Seek out experienced, and municipal laws and ity with approval of the local health de- reputable disposal companies regulations. Also, the areas partment; and B. For non compostable mixed waste: Landfill, incinerator, or “Any excess or unusable medical mari- other facility with approval of the local Waste from medical marijuana flowers, juana or medical marijuana byproduct health department; or trim, and solid plant material used to of a cultivation, manufacturing, dispen- create an extract; (II) Waste solvents, 7. All facility waste of any type must be sary, testing, or transportation facility pesticides, and other similar materials stored securely before final disposition, shall be disposed of in the following used in the cultivation, manufacturing, which can be done within the facility manner, as applicable: or testing process; (III) Discarded plant in areas designated for disposal activi- 1. Solid and liquid wastes generated waste, spent solvents, and laboratory ties or, if necessary, outside the facility during medical marijuana production wastes from any medical marijuana in a locked, tamper resistant receptacle. and processing must be stored, man- processing or quality assurance testing; Waste disposal policies, like all regu- aged, and disposed of in accordance and (IV) Medical marijuana extract that lations, should be reviewed regularly with applicable state, tribal, local, fails to meet quality testing. as state and municipal regulations can and municipal laws and regulations. B. Medical marijuana flowers, trim, and do change quickly. Smart operators Facilities must keep records of the final and solid plant material are not in would be wise to review your environ- disposal destinations of all such wastes themselves considered hazardous mental insurance policy to ensure your for at least five (5) years; waste unless they have been treated or business is covered for any accidental 2. Wastewater generated during medi- contaminated with a hazardous waste releases, and establishing a solid rela- cal marijuana production and process- constituent; tionship with reputable waste compa- ing must be disposed of in compliance nies is a must. 4. Medical marijuana waste that does with applicable state, tribal, local, and not qualify as hazardous waste per 40 municipal laws and regulations; CFR 262.11 must be rendered unus- 3. Wastes from the production and able prior to leaving a facility, includ- processing of medical marijuana plants ing plant waste, such as roots, stalks, must be evaluated against state haz- leaves, and stems; ardous waste regulations to determine 5. Medical marijuana plant waste that if those wastes qualify as hazardous does not qualify as hazardous may be waste. It is the responsibility of each 36 MOGREENWAY.COM GREENWAY
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MOGREENWAY.COM 37 GREENWAY Working in a Dispensary
By David Melnick to an extent, it is the desire to contin- 5. Entrepreneurial Spirit uously gain that knowledge and stay Feel State Cannabis is still very much an emerg- abreast of new information in order to ing industry and individuals who are best serve consumers that is of most highly motivated self-starters will help value. A commonly asked question is “how shape its future. Team members who can I get a job working in a dispensa- 3. Professional Versatility want to become leaders in the industry ry?” While there is no one size fits all are very desirable and we want to pro- Every day, there is an unlimited num- response, the following sheds some vide them with an opportunity to help ber of tasks that need to be completed light on a few of the qualities we find them make their dreams come true. within a dispensary and only a limited desirable in a potential team member: number of team members to complete 1. Passion for the Plant them. Those individuals who are able While there are many more qualities to wear a number of different hats are Plain and simple, you have to love that could be listed, at the end of the extremely valuable to an organization. cannabis! Now, this does not mean day it comes down to finding good you need to be a heavy consumer or a 4. Empathetic Listening Skills people. Given the relatively low switch- consumer at all. However, you do need ing costs for team members between There will be consumers who are to have a very strong curiosity about companies, finding the right indi- visiting a dispensary for the first time, the plant and the potential it has to viduals and then treating them with especially in a newly legalized market help individuals improve their quality respect, providing them with the right (such as Missouri), who may find the of life. tools to succeed, and empowering them experience a bit overwhelming. It is ab- to do what is right can have a material 2. Willingness to Learn solutely key that a team member is able impact on a company’s success. A common misconception that in order to really focus on what the consumer to work in a dispensary you need to is saying in order to best help them know everything about cannabis. While achieve the most benefit from their a strong knowledge base is beneficial, cannabis consumption.
38 MOGREENWAY.COM GREENWAY
INSIDE Missouri’s first dispensaries
MOGREENWAY.COM 39 GREENWAY
MH&W Washington Missouri Health and Wellness’ Franklin County location approved to operate
By Kathleen Beebe, Missouri. open to the public as soon as medical marijuana becomes available from Mis- Missouri Health & Wellness, LLC The dispensary is owned and oper- souri-licensed cultivators. ated by Missouri Health & Wellness (MH&W), a medical marijuana com- “We are ready to go here in Washing- The Missouri Department of Health pany that was awarded five licenses to ton and are excited to bring Medical and Senior Services (DHSS) recently operate dispensaries in Washington, Marijuana to Washington, Franklin approved Missouri Health & Wellness’ Belton, Kirksville, Jefferson City, and County, and the surrounding areas,” Washington location as one of the Sedalia. said Randy Stambaugh, MH&W’s state- first medical marijuana dispensaries wide manager. With this approval, MH&W plans to approved to operate in the state of
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Stambaugh believes that the company social distancing and crowd control patients in obtaining their medical will have medical marijuana available measures, so that when we open we marijuana cards from DHSS. MCC is a for sale by early winter but hopes it can keep our staff and patients safe.” Missouri-operated clinic that provides might be sooner than that, and the secure and affordable telemedicine The company’s ownership team in- local community has been supportive appointments for patients seeking a cludes several doctors and a clinical throughout the process. medical marijuana card and for those pharmacist who have studied marijua- interested in learning more about can- “We want to thank everyone at the City na and are looking forward to helping nabinoid products. of Washington as well as the Chief of MH&W provide the people of Frank- Police and the Chamber of Commerce lin and surrounding counties a safe Anyone interested in obtaining a for their help in getting this facility up alternative to opioids. The owners, Missouri medical marijuana patient and running. Everyone here has been who are predominately from Missouri, card can go to MH&W’s website at great to work with and we are excited have seen firsthand the transformative www.mhwdispensaries.com under the to be part of this fabulous community,” ability of medical marijuana to greatly Patient Cards tab at the top and sign up says Stambaugh. enhance the quality of life for patients for a consultation with MCC. by providing pain relief, reducing MH&W’s ownership team combines The dispensary is located just north of inflammation, increasing sleep, and professionals in the banking, legal, the Mercy Hospital parking lot at 901 E. more. MH&W’s ownership team looks accounting, law enforcement, medical First Street in Washington, Mo. forward to providing safe access to marijuana, and healthcare fields. Kath- medical marijuana and becoming an leen Beebe, MH&W’s regional manager integral part of the Washington com- is grateful that the COVID-19 Pandemic munity. did not slow down the facility build- outs, and stated that, “we will have MH&W has teamed up with Midwest precautions and protocols in place, like Cannabinoid Clinics (MCC) to assist
MOGREENWAY.COM 41 GREENWAY Ones to Watch 2020
N’Bliss Ellisville and Manchester N’Bliss locations open and operating, offering CBD products while awaiting THC Nirvana Investments has received proval to operate from the DHSS. This ical marijuana and how to register for a notice from the Missouri Department approval allows us to be one step closer medical marijuana card. of Health and Senior Services that Nir- to living our mission at N’Bliss of being “We look forward to earning Missouri vana Bliss II, LLC, and Nirvana Bliss V, a trusted medical marijuana dispensary medical marijuana cardholders' trust LLC (d/b/a N’Bliss) are the first medical in the communities we serve, known as we provide the medicine they seek marijuana dispensaries approved to for helping individuals find their path for their medical conditions or as an operate in Missouri. Both locations are to Bliss,” said Bradford Goette, CEO at alternative to opioids which have an in the St. Louis area. Nirvana Investments. alarming rate of addiction in Missouri,” “On behalf of everyone at Nirvana Both locations are currently open to said Goette. Investments, we are honored and the public for the purchase of CBD The N’Bliss team said this is a very humbled to receive commencement ap- products and to learn more about med- collaborative and active industry’; they 42 MOGREENWAY.COM GREENWAY have forged many strong partnerships public. Our goal is to be welcoming to locations provide a welcoming expe- helping to move medical marijuana for- everyone, so you do not need a medical rience for customers and patients in a ward for the state. As a company, they card to enter N’Bliss. We can help compliant, open to the public manner. said their people and culture are the customers who are looking for CBD as “We look forward to earning Missouri most important thing, and they intend well as educate them on both CBD and Medical Marijuana Cardholders trust for that to translate to patients at their Medical Marijuana if they are interested as we provide the medicine they seek dispensaries and in the community. and put them on a path to obtain their for their medical conditions or as an card if interested." Like most operations, the N’Bliss team alternative to opioids which have an faced several challenges on their road N’Bliss closely worked with the De- alarming rate of addiction in Missouri,” to commencement. The team brings a partment of Health and Senior Services said Goette. wealth of retail experience - a com- Section for Medical Marijuana Regula- Nirvana Investments, founded by Brad- bined over 100 years - to the table, tion to go through the process, saying ford Goette and his partner in 2016, which helped them overcome delays the Section was there to help and just also holds business licenses for the fol- faster through careful planning and as eager as operators to help patients. lowing companies: Relax Brands, LLC, targeting resources. One of the biggest The pandemic and resulting economic 5150 Processing, LLC (d/b/a 5150 N’Fu- challenges cited was the unknown collapse has stifled and delayed the sion) Medical Marijuana Manufacturing, supply chain stabilization “to meet the market in more ways than one, but Processing, and Infusion Company, and needs of the expected patient demand.” Goette says their team has focused on Bold Lane Logistics, LLC Missouri State Many of those on the N’Bliss team are what they can control, focusing on the Certified Medical Marijuana Transpor- personally connected to patients who patient need, and adjusting operational tation Company. are helped by medical marijuana - an- plans - for example, patient capacity 5150 N’Fusion is set to be a “full line other driving force behind the team’s must be reduced to 25 percent in the manufacturer of quality and trusted passion. St. Louis County. cannabis products.” The manufacturing The team’s retail experience comes “Coming from our experience in the division, which is set to provide estab- from a variety of other highly-regulat- retail space, you adopt and change to lished, respected brands, will be led by ed industries. While this industry is in the compliance needs, but you never Mike Morgan. many ways overly burdensome, Goette lose sight of the customer,” Goette said. “Our manufacturing facility will be said this is not bad, if it reinforces Ultimately, the team attributes having producing a wide variety of con- patient safety in comparison to other the first two commenced and approved centrates and methods of ingestion industries when it pertains to regula- to operate dispensaries in the state to including vaping, dabbing, and edibles,” tion. A good example is the misnomer having the right people and partners Morgan said. "Our focus will be on po- of on-hand cash and product allowanc- in place - from staff, security, software, tency, flavor and accurately dosing our es compared to other retail spaces. patient education, etc. products so the patients can truly tailor Though as of print, there are no op- their experience.” A tool N’Bliss is using to streamline erating testing labs to test product so patient needs is their use of iheartjane, The countdown is on, but the team that it can be sold, N’Bliss locations are a marijuana-industry specific platform does not have a prospective date of open to customers with CBD products, that allows patients to browse and see medical marijuana product availability. a natural transition for a team that has inventory available. The resource is overseen Relax Brands. Relax offers ev- Approved locations: integrated with N’Bliss’ point of sale erything from honey sticks to capsules and inventory management system to N’Bliss Manchester and even dog treats. provide real-time product availability. • 1266 Old Orchard Center “CBD has always been part of our jour- This not only allows patients to feel • Manchester MO 63021 ney to wellness,” Goette told Greenway more prepared, but changes the tone of – having their CBD company, Relax N’Bliss’ dispensary practices by freeing N’Bliss Ellisville Brands, under their family of brands up time for wellness specialists and • 15396 Manchester Rd made sense to have a soft open with allowing them to engage and ask ques- • Ellisville MO 63011 their portfolio of premium CBD brands. tions about products they’ve already seen online. "We feel this is a differentiator for N’Bliss in the industry here in Missouri Overall, the retailer’s goal is to help all to provide additional help for patients individuals “find their path to Bliss,” on their path to wellness,” Goette said. whether it is through the use of CBD, "It also allows N’Bliss to be open to the medical marijuana, or both. The retail
MOGREENWAY.COM 43 GREENWAY
Old Route 66 Wellness Springfield Locations prepare to provide a variety of patient services, including offering home grow supplies
Old Route 66 Wellness LLC’s Spring- said. “Currently there are no licensed holders with an alternative to tradi- field dispensary location was one of testing labs or transportation compa- tional pharmaceuticals,” Endacott said. the first five dispensaries approved to nies that have been approved by the “The hardest part of this journey now operate in Missouri. They expect their state to operate. There is also a shortage is waiting on all the pieces to fall into Ozark location to also be approved of cannabis in Missouri’s legal mar- place so that we can offer high-quality, soon. ket. We are working to obtain enough tested products to the medical marijua- product to be able to open at the end of na patients of Missouri. We know there Owner and human resource manager this month but it could be in the 4th are so many people in our community for Old Route 66 Wellness, Kristy En- quarter.” who are anxiously waiting for us to dacott, told Greenway Magazine from open. We want them to know…we are drive-thrus to delivery and rewards Old Route 66 plans to offer bulk canna- anxiously waiting, too, and are doing programs, they’re honored to serve pa- bis flower and prerolls, in addition to a everything in our power to make that tients exploring alternative medicine. wide selection of manufactured prod- happen as soon as possible.” ucts including gummies, chocolates, Endacott said when the facility will vapes, topical products, concentrates, “Old Route 66 Wellness, LLC assists open is “the ten million dollar ques- and beverages, to name a few. They will all valid Missouri medical marijuana tion!” While they’re approved to also have CBD products and grow sup- cardholders in finding affordable and operate, no testing labs are approved, plies, along with gear and accessories accessible lab-tested medical marijuana stalling medical marijuana product in our retail area. products and we plan to offer an array distribution throughout the state. of high-quality cannabis products from “We have faced and overcome many “Our Springfield store is approved to the best brands in the state of Missou- challenges over the last year and a half operate and we expect Ozark to be ri,” Endacott said. “We strive to be a but it’s been worth it all to have the approved in the next week,” Endacott place where all people feel comfortable privilege to serve the Missouri card-
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to ask questions; in fact, we service and assist patients in their “We have faced and offer classes for the commu- understanding of the products and nity to learn more about this how they work, helping to find the amazing plant and her healing best product for them. Old Route overcome many properties. We want our pa- 66 Wellness wants to be the source tients to have the information for medical marijuana patients in challenges over they need to make informed Southwest Missouri! We have two decisions about their health- convenient locations in Springfield the last year and care options.” and Ozark, with plenty of parking. Our Springfield facility, located at the “We offer loyalty reward pro- Glenstone/I-44 corridor, will have a a half but it’s grams in addition to providing drive-through, making it easier for discounts to veterans and our patients to pick up their medi- children requiring a natural been worth it cine.” alternative to managing health all to have the conditions such as epilepsy Old Route 66 will also provide a and cancer,” Endacott said. delivery service. “Our knowledgeable staff will privilege to serve provide excellent customer the Missouri cardholders with an alternative to traditional pharmaceuticals.” PHOTOS/CHRIS SMITH
MOGREENWAY.COM 45 GREENWAY BeLeaf shares first three strains
By Tracy Polansky The Department of Health and Senior by 4th quarter this year” Curtis said. Services (DHSS) has created a pro- Sinse plans to sell bulk and packaged A St. Louis based medical marijuana cess to bring all the licensed entities flower to dispensaries. It will also sell company is the first in the state to be- onboard in accordance with licensing pre-packaged flowers in 1/4 and 1/8th gin operations. BeLeaf Medical’s Sinse requirements established by the State jars as well as pre-rolls. cultivation facility in St. Louis County of Missouri. “While achieving licenses is the first grow operation given the SINSE believes that cannabis is for to bring the long awaited medicine to okay to operate by the Missouri De- everyone—and we’ve made it our Missourians was the initial and difficult partment of Health and Senior Services mission to bring consistency, quality, first step for Sinse, finally receiving after passing all required inspections. and clarity to the industry. Backed by commencement after rigorous review 12+ years of cultivation experience and “We are privileged to be the first to and inspection of our operations along deep roots in the cannabis community, bring this medicine to the people of with the expertise and capabilities SINSE offers tried-and-tested formulas Missouri” said Kevin Riggs, BeLeaf from DHSS, was equally gratifying and to help unlock a healthier mind-body Medical President. After winning the a testament to the commitment of the connection, enhance and elevate the licenses in late December and January, BeLeaf/Sinse Team of Associates” said everyday, and re-establish a relation- BeLeaf has been finalizing the first Riggs. ship with this age-old health aid. phase of the cultivation operation with “We are thrilled to begin growing the the intent of being operational as soon BeLeaf Medical has been awarded 3 strains that we know will bring mean- as possible. The cultivation operation cultivation licenses, 2 manufacturing ingful relief to the medical patients will work under the brand name of licenses and 5 dispensary licenses all in in the state” commented John Curtis, Sinse. Sinse is shorthand for Sinsemilla the greater St. Louis area. BeLeaf Medical COO. “We plan to have (meaning without seed) or the highly wholesale product for sale in Missouri potent flower of the cannabis plant.”
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Meet Archimedes, Missouri’s first outdoor grow
By Rachael Dunn With that, our business model centers quickly developed a passion. I knew around creating alliances between dis- I had to follow this passion which is Licensed and commenced, Per- pensaries and infused product facilities exactly what lead me down the path of ryville-based grow house Archimedes, to not only allow the very best prod- joining the medical marijuana industry led by attorney Hayley Rosenblum ucts to reach patients but to also avoid in my home state of Missouri. Dudney and pharmacist Erin Moore, potential conflicts-of-interest resulting was the second facility to complete from operating licenses outside of cul- and pass commencement inspection tivation. Since its inception, Archime- in Missouri. The grow is unique, from des has sought to partner with, instead ownership to operations. of compete against, our customers. “We are extremely proud to be a Initially, we will cultivate over 50 ex- female-owned and female-led orga- clusive strains with a variety of unique nization in this emerging industry in terpene profiles. Missouri,” Moore said. Being female-owned and led isn’t the Why medical marijuana? only unique aspect of the grow – the Dudney: Growing up as the daughter of grow is outdoors. a prominent criminal defense attorney, “In addition to being one of the only I was exposed to the criminalization outdoor grows, Archimedes is unique of marijuana at a very young age. I in that our facility was once part of personally witnessed prosecutors seek- the largest greenhouse operation in ing excessive amounts of jail time for the state of Missouri,” Dudney said. young people charged with possessing “Many members of the previous fami- relatively small amounts of marijuana. ly-owned operation have been retained As I began to investigate this miscar- by Archimedes, providing a wealth of riage of justice in law school, I soon incomparable horticulture knowledge began to understand the significant and skills.” medical benefits marijuana provides to patients. The operation is using carefully select- ed genetics and fastidious planning, Three months into my career as a giving them confidence that they will criminal defense attorney, I sustained be able to get more than one harvest a debilitating back injury that left me in this year – Dudney said they are bedridden for months. It was during How was the application, verification, and also confident that they will be first to this time that I began to explore the commencement experience? possibilities of applying for a medical market in the state – their first harvest Moore: Honestly, the experience has marijuana cultivation license. Soon is scheduled for early to mid-August. been quite the rollercoaster ride. There after, I met my partner, Erin Moore, a have been ups, downs, anticipation, Read more about the operation and its licensed pharmacist who has consid- and plenty of unexpected turns. I think journey below. erable knowledge and expertise in everyone at Archimedes would agree cannabinoid pharmacology. What should Greenway readers know about that while the entire process has been Archimedes, as a company? Moore: I became intrigued by med- one of the most difficult things we’ve ical marijuana in pharmacy school. ever done, our passion and dedication Dudney: Archimedes chose not to seek Although it wasn’t legal in Missouri to medical marijuana and this industry licenses for dispensaries or manu- at that time, it was becoming legal in has only grown with time. We feel a facturing, instead focusing solely on many other states, and I felt that the great sense of pride in our accomplish- cultivating the highest quality med- curriculum should cover the topic. ments thus far, and it is a privilege to ical marijuana for Missouri patients. Unfortunately, the only thing that be one of the first licensed cultivators Our commitment to cultivation is we were taught is that marijuana is a in Missouri approved to grow medical evidenced by recruiting and retaining Schedule I controlled substance with marijuana to Missouri patients. some of the most experienced growers no medical benefits. Clearly, this is in the country. Combined, our top 4 very untrue. So, I took it upon myself growers have over 140 years of cultiva- to become educated on the topic and tion expertise. MOGREENWAY.COM 47 GREENWAY
ASK A CHEF Which products are best for THC infusions?
By Sara Barber THC even a month after partaking. So to enjoy your THC in food you must The Pantry Mistress infuse into some form of fat. Aside from There are over 100 different beneficial The most common infusion ingredient cannabinoids found in Marijuana. A is butter, because more often people baking sweet few of the most studied and widely are making sweet products with it, used are tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), such as cookies, rice crispy treats or things with an cannabidiol (CBD), and cannabinol brownies. When I do this, first I decarb (CBN). Every one of them have a my Marijuana so I get as much THC infused product, different purpose and effect on your out of it as possible. It is important to body. Cannabinoids are hydrophobic not skip this step. Then I like to use savory dishes are but will dissolve in lipids when heated a crock pot on the low setting for the together. They also absorb into your infusion process. You can always use a becoming much own fatty tissue in your body, which pot on the stove top, but I find it much is why you can still test positive for easier to burn your product this way, more popular.
Knowing how much CBD or THC is in your infusions is important for being able to replicate (or avoid) an experience that you had in the future. Use this equation to calculate how many mg of THC are in your edibles.
1000 TOTAL mg IN INFUSION TOTAL mg IN INFUSION = x GRAMS TOTAL mg PER SERVING = % THC or CBD SERVINGS
48 MOGREENWAY.COM GREENWAY especially if you have an electric range instead of gas. I DIMARTINI add seven grams of Marijuana per half cup of butter, and a cup of water. I let it simmer on low for two hours then I use a cheesecloth over a mesh strainer to sift out all the marijuana and I place the bowl of liquid in the refrigerator so the butter hardens and separates from the water. The PRINT DRAFTS water is “washing” the weed and removing some of the more harsh flavors you do not really want in your baked goods. Once the butter is hard remove it from the bowl and discard the brown water that is underneath. Now you Stay in are ready to use your infused product in a recipe. When I bake for my vegan friends I use a butter substitute. My favorite brand is Earth Balance. They even offer a soy free option, which is nice for my friends with soy allergies. Aside from baking sweet things with an infused the know. product, savory dishes are becoming much more popular. Here you have many more options as the base for your infusion, which comes in handy for those with dairy allergies. I like infusing olive oil or avocado oil and making vinaigrettes. Safflower and canola oils can be used Subscribe to Greenway as well when cooking vegetables and meats. Coconut oil is versatile and can be used in both sweet or savory dishes. Magazine’s free weekly It can even be used as a topical cream for aches and pains. One of my favorite fats to infuse is bacon grease. email update to keep I always save mine in a big Mason jar, so it’s readily available in my kitchen. tabs on products, news, My favorite dish to use infused bacon grease is wrapping jumbo shrimp, peeled and deveined, with bacon and numbers, and more. frying them in a large pan with the infused grease on the stove top. mogreenway.com Once the bacon is perfectly cooked and well rendered, I place them over a blackberry coulis I make, then I finish the dish with a drizzle of CBD infused cheyenne honey. This is a fantastic way to start off a special infusion dinner! You should be aware when infusing a new oil that they all have different smoking points. Cannabis-Informed They may require different temperatures so you don’t burn your product and waste your marijuana. The higher the saturated fat, the higher the smoking point. Some Professional Counseling savory dishes may benefit from a Brown Butter, but the sweet ones most likely will not. Happy Baking! Life-Coaching Stress & Life-Transitions Support Anxiety Relief Sara Elizabeth Barber, a.k.a. The Pantry Mistress of Kansas SEPARATE AD City, Missouri, has been involved in cooking with allergy-friend- Improved Wellness ly ingredients since 2010 when she discovered her own allergies to dairy, gluten, and eggs. Her ultimate goal is to recreate both Statewide Service gourmet meals and favorite comfort foods for those with specific food allergies or autoimmune disorders who have to extremely Phone & Video Services limit their diet. Working as a fine dining server at restaurants (417) 988-2420 such as The Capital Grille and Eddie V’s Seafood and Steaks for free consultations over 15 years, she has developed very high expectations in the flavor profile arena. Living in Denver in 2013-2018, she started researching ingredients for the cannabis edibles department, since allergy-friendly edibles at dispensaries were not yet popular or easy to find. She has been involved in meal prep services and short cooking segments on Facebook for clients with food allergies and aversions since 2018 and recently started offering in-home small private multicourse infusion dinners for clients. She hopes to reach more people she can help in this new exciting food forum. Amanda DiMartini, MA, LPC MOGREENWAY.COM 49 GREENWAY
Keep an eye out for cannabis beverages
By Tammy Puyear plan on helping new-to-cannabis packed with all-natural ingredients consumers ease into consumption in a and 10 mg of nano-emulsified THC, The countdown to Missouri’s first open format that is easy and perceived as less allowing for absorption sublingually dispensary with cannabis available for hardcore, while other marketing efforts through the blood brain barrier rather retail continues and we’re all excited are aimed at offering a substitute to than through the liver. There’s no to make that maiden voyage to shop alcholic beverages. sitting around for an hour waiting for for our favorite products. Among the the edible to kick in with these drinks. many products we anticipate seeing in Canopy Growth, a huge player partic- The onset period is 15 minutes while stores, cannabis beverages are inching ularly in Canada state, “Because there the offset is about an hour, making it their way to the top of our wish list. is no global market to look at, legal fairly similar to having a cocktail – but In 2020, the cannabis industry as a or illegal, that shows that consumers without the toll on your body. whole has continued to introduce more enjoy consuming cannabis drinks in and more ways to enjoy the power of large numbers.” “We came at this thinking about our the plant and some say 2020 is the year livers,” said Andrew, while on the same Other heavyweights already house- of the cannabis beverage. podcast. “Our audience is people who hold names in cannabis circles, such are looking to step away from alcohol While Missouri’s dispensaries are likely as Los Angeles-based Calexo, launched but still want to keep drinking recre- to carry flower, cartridges, concentrates its first sparkling cannabis beverages ationally.” and other goods, we think the first earlier this year. “We wanted to make quarter of 2021 will be when we start sure the drinks we created were things Vertosa provides guidance and infusion having access to more extensive types you could consume lightly and often magic to many of the biggest brands in of products available. Among those, without compromising your body,” said cannabis beverages, Vertosa provides cannabis beverages are sure to be a hit. Calexo’s founder and CEO, Brandon the chemistry behind crazy futuristic In looking across the US industry as Andrew, on the podcast Dazed and weed products from Somatik, Artet, a whole, cannabis beverages are a hot Infused. and NUG. They say the poor consisten- topic. Some marketers of these drinks Each bottle of the Calexo beverage is Continued, next page
50 MOGREENWAY.COM GREENWAY letsgo.camp
Fine medical marijuana flower and products grown and manufactured in St. Louis, Mo. Wholesale inquiries? Contact [email protected] MOGREENWAY.COM 51 GREENWAY cy, chaotic dosing, and “grassy” taste of Today, you can find Ceria in Colorado. as well as other flavors from the iconic cannabis drinks are a thing of the past. beverage maker. As Bethanie White, With summer in full force, our Okla- Clovr’s marketing goddess told us The breadth of cannabis beverage homa neighbors are hooked on cold when we featured them in our brands options is as varied as the edibles and refreshing drinks in the form series, the Keef drinks you can expect offerings in multiple legal markets. of a slushie, but not without raised to see from Clovr include orange, colas, Consumers have options ranging from eyebrows from those concerned about sparkling waters, and more. “The dos- THC-infused individual drink powder compliance. THC-infused slushies have ing cups on the Keef products make it packets that dissolve in water to freez- emerged at some Oklahoma medical easy to determine how much to drink able pops cannabis dispensaries as a popular and yet still be able to save the rest for (think of the summer drink, despite guidance sug- later.” Flavor-pops gesting the beverages run afoul of the every Mom state’s regulations and statutes. From a manufacturing perspective, in the 70s cannabis is notoriously difficult to “It’s definitely been a go-to right after and 80s effectively infuse into beverages. work just to cool down,” one customer brought by Cannabinoids, the compounds in the told Tulsa TV station KOTV. The slush- cannabis plant, such as tetrahydrocan- ies were prevalent enough nabinol (THC) and cannabidiol (CBD), that the Oklahoma Medical are fat-soluble and not easily mixed Marijuana Authority issued with water. While THC is soluble in guidance earlier this month alcohol, it is illegal to combine alcohol that the drinks are “unlikely to and cannabis in the United States — so meet requirements set forth in water-based drinks prevail in most Oklahoma statutes and rules.” cases. Additionally, regulators said that since slushies are consid- Until our dispensaries are open and ered food products, they must able to offer cannabis beverages, there be compliant with Oklahoma are alternatives in the form of CBD State Department of Health infused drinks available to Missouri’s food regulations. thirsty masses. Not everyone who sells the box and THC or CBD infused beverages have filled freez- But the lack of complete cracked the technology code of making ers with for certainty in the guidance or successful infusions, but here in our us in the threat of enforcement has home state Mighty Kind Cannabis and summer) to caused some MMJ business- Josh Loyal HAVE. Collaborating with cans of infused drinks that resemble es in the state to continue selling the WellBeing Brewery, and Brennan En- energy drinks, as well as ready-to- slushies. “They’re completely compliant gland of St Louis Cannabis Club, these drink coffee drinks. under my understanding of the law,” groups have come together to provide Drew Todhunter, an owner of Fighting Newcomers Cann entered the market CBD-infused seltzer, currently available Flower Dispensary in Tulsa, told KOTV. in California recently and produce at Pop’s Blue Moon or through St Louis “social tonics” which users say allows He said the dispensary’s $15 premade Cannabis Club. them to experience a light, refreshing drink is sold in compliant packaging, “Their beverages use a high-tech social buzz within 10-15 minutes. With including a childproof cup. “So if it method using equipment from Munich five simple all-natural ingredients, and leaves the store in a compliant package, that eliminates the alcohol at room 30-35 calories per Cann, they make the then I personally don’t see an issue temperature after the beer is fully perfect substitute for that glass of wine, with it.” fermented. Unlike other methods that but without the hangover the next Is java more your speed? Fairwinds remove alcohol from beer by stop- morning. Manufacturing sells Keurig compatible ping fermentation and boiling it off,” For those who are more bougie - there coffee pods - which come packed with said England of the collaboration. In are fancy formulations to be found as 10 mg of THC. Marijuana connoisseurs learning more about this technology, well. Artet could be for you. It’s an rave about mixing marijuana with their it’s easy to relate, as we see the loss of aperitif for the classy stoner in you: morning coffee and now the Washing- terpenes and some medicinal benefits a blend of THC and an assortment of ton-based company has made it as easy when cannabis is manufactured in botanicals that include cardamom and as one-two-three. The pods are priced ways that don’t preserve the integrity chamomile. The company recommends at $10 a pop and are currently only of the plant. adding it to your mocktail of choice. available in Washington state. We will have dispensaries operational The recommended 50 ml dose is only An interesting product that we haven’t soon, and with the growth of cannabis 2.5 mg and the entire bottle contains quite figured out how we feel about beverages across the nation, there’s a moderate 38 mg. Artet is currently yet is Kalvara. The copy in their little doubt that 2021 will bring us only sold in California. advertising refers to them as a canna- options that those of us who have tried Are you more of a beer buddy? From bis cocktail, but for all accounts and products in other states are giddily the creators of Blue Moon, Ceria Brew- purposes, they appear to be a way to waiting in anticipation for! ing Co. developed a line of non-alco- add THC-infusions to water via a very holic beers last year, some of which technological apparatus that users add they infused with THC. The Grainwave water to and then enjoy. Belgian-Style White Ale tastes like the Here in Missouri, we already know real thing, but only contains 5 mg THC. we’ll have access to Keef drinks, as They even have their own version of Clovr secured a licensing agreement an IPA that’s, of course, a higher dose. with them to produce their Keef Cola, 52 MOGREENWAY.COM GREENWAY
Our goal is to not only provide financial assistance to special needs families, but provide medical cannabis education for everyone in Missouri..... Ayden’s Alliance is a patient advocacy organization that exists to help Missouri residents afford access to medical cannabis. Whether it is application, physician or treatment expenses, our mission is to provide free or low-cost solutions. As an organization that consists of special needs parents grandparents and therapists, we know what it’s like to fight for your loved ones so that they may have the best quality of life possible.
www.aydensalliance.org Ayden’s Alliance is a 501(c)3 charity, donations and sponsorships are tax deductible.
MOGREENWAY.COM 53 GREENWAY Tips for your First By Tammy Puyear Your first trip to a dispensary can be overwhelming, but the best way to Dispensary make the most of your initial visit is to keep a few things in mind. Here’s a list of what we recommend as first-timer tips: Visit • Plan ahead and do your research. • Don’t forget your photo ID and patient talk to your healthcare provider. Learn more about the dispensary card. This might be obvious, but • Leave a review after your visit. Help you plan to visit by visiting their you won’t be able to enter the others in the patient commu- website for their hours, location, dispensary without both of these nity and the dispensary owners etc. This is also a great opportuni- items. The dispensary has a re- by sharing your experiences via ty to use their menu and see what sponsibility for compliance – do reviews. If the dispensary itself types of products they’ll offer. your part to assist. doesn’t have a place on their web- • Bring cash. While some dispen- • Ask questions. The staff at your site for reviews, you can usually saries will have the option to use local dispensary includes a team of leave reviews via their listing on a debit card with a service fee, if budtenders and wellness special- Google. you bring cash for your purchase ists who have undergone training • Above all else – prepare for some you can not only stick to your to best assist you and answer unknowns – with Missouri’s brand budget but avoid on-site ATM fees. questions about different offerings new industry, you could experi- Cannabis is a cash business so plan in-store. They can share infor- ence lines when dispensaries first accordingly. mation about their products but open, and larger crowds than what remember, they aren’t clinicians. will be “typical” after the grand If you want medical advice about openings are over. your cannabis therapy, be sure and
54 MOGREENWAY.COM Ones to Watch 2020 GREENWAY
Erase the Trace is looking to partner with all Did you know, even when recycled, most levels of industry professionals, offering our ability to provide a variety of services for many cannabis packaging ends up in the landfill? different types of facilities. Erase the Trace has It's simply too small! a mixture of both volunteer and compensated staff depending on what type of service the organization is providing - whether it is a Be green about your green. community clean up, festival grounds crew, etc. As far as partnerships go, we are just now starting to get into the medical marijuana CONTACT US for more info. industry, most of our donors are individuals or local restaurants/event spaces who we work ettcommunity.org with for individual events.
Originally started in 2015, Erase the Trace is www.facebook.com/EraseTheTrace/ based out of Saint Louis and our primary focus is Saint Louis City, St. Louis County, St. Charles and Jefferson County. Erase the Trade hopes to Erase the Trace is a 501(c)3 NonProfit Organization, run by a core group of volunteers dedicated to enhancing and beautifying our surroundings move into Springfield, Columbia, and Kansas while spreading the awareness, education and prevention of the many City once we get our Saint Louis operation up environmental issues our world faces. We workMOGREENWAY.COM within our communities 55 to and running. help create both immediate and lasting change. GREENWAY
PHOTOS COURTESY OF COOL COMPANY An easier way to smoke? Missourian innovates new smoking device, inspired by his mom
By Tammy Puyear teering in Vienna at the refugee camp, that also removes tars, particulates and that's where he met Erszi and they Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs) The more people you meet in the can- were married in Heidelberg. My father and you have the healthiest possible nabis industry, the more personal sto- was the first American to be enrolled process to inhale marijuana smoke. The ries you hear about how someone was into Heidelberg University after WWII. lungs process oxygen efficiently at 98 inspired to join the business because His dissertation was on handwriting degrees. Vaping devices heat the oil or they experienced analysis and how to interpret it. dry herb at over 350 degrees with no a significant life filtration of tars, heavy metals, pesti- event that cannabis “Mom’s cancer went into remission cides, Nanoparticles or VOCs. The dry impacted positive- and I thought I would have her forever. bong absorbs and transfers that heat at ly. Dave Bauer, a She visited me in Los Angeles and we a rating of at least 250 (W mK). When Missouri resident, spent a week traveling the coast. She you set the dry bong on the table, room and inventor of the was warm hearted, a talented artist and Cuul Pipe, is one I just plain enjoyed being of these people. with her. When the cancer We sat down with came back I spent more Dave to talk about time in Colorado where my his device and its parents lived. Her chemo- origins, as well as some real world therapy and radiation treat- experience with the pipe and our own ments were very aggressive reviews of its effectiveness. and she had months of terrible pain and nausea. It Dave’s impetus to invent the Cuul Pipe was very difficult for me to stemmed from his mom’s fight with witness what appeared to be cancer. “Many years ago I lost my nothing the doctors could mother, Erszebet Julianna Resze, to do to help her. I was angry lung cancer. My mother was 56 when that there was nothing she died and she was my world. She that could be done for her was Hungarian and escaped in 1956 suffering. It felt like the during the Hungarian pro-democracy hospital killed her, not the revolution. She was one of the orga- cancer. nizers of the underground pro-democ- racy movement at Budapest University. “Many years later on my She was in her Pre-Med studies, she mother's birthday, January wanted to be a surgeon. When she 2nd, 2016, I learned that found out she was on the Kill List marijuana was known to she had to immediately escape from effectively reduce pain and the country. She was vivacious and nausea. I thought to myself beautiful and told me she sweet talked at that moment I was going the Guards at the Border. She had no to invent a smoking device passport or money and ended up in a that my mother with lung Refugee Camp in Vienna Austria. Her cancer could have used to parents and four other sisters did not try medicinal marijuana.” know she left the country. The Cuul Pipe is founded “My father Carl David Bauer took Ger- in science and while not everyone can temperature cools down the pipe im- man during his Master's Degree at Syr- process the particulars, the science is mediately so it's ready for the next hit." acuse University as he wanted to attend straightforward - “If you remove the Glass bongs heat to full combustion the famed Heidelberg University, called heat from smoke that contains medi- which release the full spectrum of Freud's college, for his PhD in Clinical cine your lungs will process the med- cannabinoids but GLASS is an insulator. Psychology. I suspect he was looking ication like oxygen, immediately and Glass is by design unable to transfer for a girlfriend when he was volun- efficiently. Add to this a smoke cleaner heat from the inside to the outside of
56 MOGREENWAY.COM GREENWAY the pipe.” But we had to ask, what my device. I was so nervous as I won- and pack the bowl, use a small amount, about the water? Doesn't ice water dered if perhaps I was in denial about light with a long lighter or match, BICs cool the smoke? “In thermal conduc- the heat and Sylvia would say it was only burn your finger, one of those tivity terms water has the ability to too hot for her. Literally, the follow- windproof butane lighters would work transfer heat using the rating of 0.8, ing weekend I got in my van with my great. It does indeed take a smaller ice water has a rating of 1.4 but the dog Rufus and we headed to Pueblo, amount to get the desired effect. It does glass protects the heat from escaping Colorado.” effectively prevent the coughing, hard with no filtration of the smoke. to not notice it sitting on an end table, “Not only did Sylvia provide a raving but hey...it’s my house - don’t like that If the heat is not removed from the testimonial, but a few months later, I’m using CBD flower, don’t come to smoke your lungs contract to protect feeling more confident than ever, I my house. Please pass along my thanks themselves from the heat. This col- came across a lung cancer survi- to the dude who made it possible and lapsing of the alveoli also significantly vor named Glenn Holland, living in congratulations for coming up with a restricts the oxygen or medication North Carolina, who has a number of way for those of us with old lungs to absorption and which creates incon- LinkedIn followers and does a weekly get the medicine.” My Pop uses the sistent results to determine Cuul pipe to consume high quality dosage and strain evaluation. CBD flower from SkyTrace Farms and This feels like the lungs are ex- even with multiple uses per day, it panding when you inhale and takes very little product to feel the is called a bronchospasm and benefits for his pain and insomnia as a over a period of time causes result of this pipe’s efficient delivery. the lungs to lose their elasticity and unable to process oxygen With this focused approach to revolu- efficiently.” tionize cannabis smoking, it’s easy to imagine the long journey to market. Inside the pipe is a proprietary Dave has filed international patent blend of materials. “I can tell applications and is continuing to gather you it is a blend that took a data from users and look for the right year to perfect. The pipe is strategic partners to bring his device basically a heatsink for hot to market globally. “I'm not giving the gas. It sounds simple enough pipe a final name until the strategic but gas is considered a liquid partner I'm looking for has that option and the dry materials inside available. For me the name of the the pipe are of course a solid. pipes are the last step in the process.” Rapidly removing heat from He’s also being very deliberate in keep- hot gas using a solid is what v-log as a cancer survivor. I mailed the ing the device’s launch and roll out makes this such a challenge. With any pipe this time! He absolutely loved the contained. During this pandemic Dave effective heatsink, thermal conductivity pipe too and his positive testimonial was also able to design and engineer must be very efficient with surface area followed Sylvia’s. additional devices for manufacturing; a to gather and transferring the heat is Bluetooth version and several adapters what this pipe does very well. In fact, “As I was perfecting and engineering for glass and vaping devices using his molecularly this technology cannot be the design for manufacturing I started cooling and cleaning technologies. improved on. There is no material on looking for test subjects that never the planet that is affordable to improve tried marijuana AND had some form When asked “For readers and patients the efficiency of the dry bong or Cuul of lung condition. I was pushing the who want to purchase the Cuul pipe Pipe.” envelope as hard as I could. I wanted today - is it available and what does to find the group that hated the device pricing look like? Are they available As with any new technology or inven- and why. I continued to be astonished on a website or via Amazon?” Bauer’s tion, the version of the pipe that we at the positive responses from anyone response was, “A good question. Yes tested has been through a number of that tried the pipe. I was very cautious and no. Since I am a one-man show versions, all shaped by end-user experi- and very particular about who I chose and very particular about partners, I do ences from those who Dave shared the to "Try The Dry." I didn't want quanti- not want to grow too fast. I limit who prototypes with. “I was the only guinea ty, I wanted quality.” can purchase the pipe based on their pig testing the results and progress needs. For a limited amount of people I of the pipe. By late 2018 I had several I was fortunate enough to get Dave’s will sell the pipes for $150 or I plan to working prototypes and I was looking miracle pipe in the hands of someone give them away as I search for a stra- for someone that had a serious lung important to me who has respiratory tegic partner. My motto is this about condition to try the pipe. One morn- problems from a lifetime of smoking funding... "Money is easy, it's avoiding ing I was doing research by calling cigarettes, but also has chronic pain the assholes that is challenging." hundreds of dispensaries in California from a lifetime of physical labor - and Colorado, and learning what the my Dad, who some of you “met” on Operators with experience raising legal cannabis industry was recom- Father’s Day in Greenway. My pop is capital and looking for great partners mending to their customers who were the world’s biggest skeptic and that’s would likely agree with that statement. smokers for the first time. I spoke part of what makes him a great product For patients, the idea of a pipe that tru- to the manager of a Pueblo, Colorado reviewer - like with any new device, ly delivers a healthy smoke is a game dispensary and she said she had asthma there was a learning curve, but here’s changer and we’ll be excited to watch and emphysema and wished there was his testimonial, which Dave has since this product’s availability grow. a pipe for her! Honestly I couldn't get added to his testimonial bank. “I think to Colorado fast enough to have her try I got the technique down. Don’t fill
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Cannabis Consumption Methods and Bioavailability
By Leigh Zarda Carr any byproducts. A vaporizer achieves the decarboxylation required to activate the cannabinoids by heating them just Hari Om Consulting enough to be inhaled. By choosing to vaporize your dry In the rapidly emerging medical and adult cannabis flower or oil, as the lungs inhale the cannabinoids, use world of cannabis, technology has they process the molecules and redistribute them through advanced to take us far beyond the the bloodstream. This quick method of absorption results in days of smoking dry cannabis flower. the cannabinoids taking a more immediate effect, especially While each delivery method has its for relief of spasticity, anxiety and severe pain flare ups. The pros and cons, there are options for level of bioavailability with vaping cannabis oil is much bet- every want and need a person may ter than with smoking cannabis cigarettes; at a comparison have. Oftentimes, one person will of vaping 50-80% and cannabis cigarettes at around 30%. The utilize several delivery methods for largest difference between vaping dry herb and smoking dry the overall desired treatment effect. herb in cannabis cigarettes is that vaping uses low tempera- Please keep in mind that in this ar- ture vaporization and cannabis cigarettes use combustion ticle, cannabis refers to both tetrahy- which can add harmful byproducts. Portable vaporizers are drocannabinol (THC) and cannabidiol more discreet than smoking with minimal odor, which dissi- (CBD). Bioavailability is defined as the pates quickly. degree and rate at which a substance is ab- Cannabis-based tinctures were a staple in American medicine sorbed into a living system or is made available in the late 1800’s to early 1900’s but due to prohibition, can- at the site of physiological activity. nabis had been eliminated from western/modern medicine The most recently heard of and highly controversial method until recent years. These tinctures are available in a wide of delivery is vaporizing or “vaping” concentrated canna- variety of cannabinoid formulations and dosages. Tinctures bis oil (Full Extract Cannabis Oil or FECO) or dry cannabis are typically taken sublingually, so the cannabinoids are flower. Vaping FECO or other concentrates is either done delivered directly to the bloodstream which explains the 40- by using a pre-filled, disposable cartridge or a device with 50% bioavailability of tinctures. Sublingual means applying a reusable reservoir. Another vape delivery method is using directly to the pair of small salivary glands located beneath a device such as Volcano that can vape dry flower material the tongue. Patients will find relief and treatment effects and/or concentrated cannabis products (wax, shatter, bud- quicker than with edibles but not as quickly as inhalation der, hash, dabs, etc.) The method of dry herb vaping heats methods. The lasting effects of tinctures depends on the pa- the flower material at a lower temperature which reduces tient’s tolerance and can be anywhere from a couple of hours
58 MOGREENWAY.COM GREENWAY to 4-6 hours. By far, the most stigmatized and historical way of delivery is smoking cannabis in various forms; pipes, cigarettes, joints, blunts, bongs and hookahs. The benefits of smoking as your method of delivery is quick-acting effects, many times with- in seconds. Effect tends to peak around thirty minutes and then will diminish within 2-3 hours; however, much THC/ CBD is wasted due to low bioavailability of smoking. The biggest pro of using raw cannabis flower is the patient’s abil- ity to control the strain, source, and cannabinoid content. The largest drawback to inhaling cannabis with combustion is that of inhaling after BREAKING combustion, which can create irritation in the The benefits of lungs and the coughing BARRIERS. smoking as your experienced by many cannabis smokers. UNLIMITED method of delivery Another con to note is that flowers with POSSIBLITIES. is quick-acting the same strain name may vary in potency Improve your shopper experience based on source and effects, many times genetics. Some studies have promising results and gain the competitive within seconds. showing that the thera- peutic effects of canna- advantage by leveraging our Effect tends to bis may directly count- er any lung irritation immersive media capabilities on peak around thirty to the point there is no link between smok- your website or on packaging. minutes and then ing cannabis and lung cancer. It is important Your customers could see the nugs, will diminish to note that in no way is smoking cannabis within 2-3 hours; comparable to smoking meet the farmer, take a facility tour, cigarettes. Researchers however, much in one study said, “Any check out the test results and feel attempt to try to equate THC/CBD is cigarettes and cannabis great about their purchase. exactly is probably a wasted due to low fool’s errand.” bioavailability of Cannabis in edible form has been a popular smoking. method of consump- tion in the United States since the 1960s. The cannabinoids reach the cells by way of the liver, which converts THC into another, more potent chemical, 11-hydroxy-THC. The market is saturated with a variety of these items; baked goods, brownie & cookie mixes, beverages, cooking fats (butter, coconut oil) and treats such as lozenges, gummies lozenges, cookies & chocolates. The one major downfall of edible cannabis products is the lack of bioavailability at 4-20%, followed by a second major downfall of the time needed for effects to be felt by the patient, which will greatly vary from person to person. Edibles do have a huge benefit of being easily dosed and micro-dosed for patients that need a steady consumption amount. Edibles tend to onset in a wide variety of time- frames from 15 minutes to 2 hours; dependent upon the patient’s metabolism and whether or not the patient has an empty stomach (which may accelerate absorption). The ef- fects of edibles are longer lasting than smoking and vaping, at around 4-6 hours for some Unlock the possiblities. Visit WolfeVR.com or use the camera on your phone to scan the MOGREENWAY.COM 59 QR code & start the conversation. GREENWAY
Missouri patients should get ready to have a lot more sex
By April Hatch, RN The study referenced above was con- not surprisingly, the most recent statis- ducted in 2019 and reported that in tics I could find on sexual dysfunction Cannabis Care Team states where cannabis is legal for adult among men and women was in 2000. So are Missouri patients or medical use people are having more According to that study 43% of women ready to have a lot sex and more babies. The numbers may and 31% of men suffer some sort of more sex? More not be as exciting as were led to be- sexual dysfunction and cannabis could babies and mul- lieve, but according to Baggio, M. & et be a game changer for them. (Rosen, R. tiple orgasms? al in these states birth rates increased C., ) Don’t worry I didn’t forget about Some research by 2% and engaging in sexual activity men, but sorry guys, the results from tells us to get in the months following passage of the the research are a bit more contradicto- ready because law increased by around 4%. ry for you. that’s what Ok, so we already knew that more sex There are studies that have shown they’ve seen leads to more babies, but why does hav- cannabis can improve sexual function in other states ing state-legal cannabis lead to more in men and a few qualitative studies with legal access sex? Most likely it’s a combination of that show it can do the exact oppo- to cannabis. how phytocannabinoids promote the site. The problem with most studies Someone tell me health of our endocannabinoid system, that examine cannabis use is that they this plant can’t get any our brain, and our body. Legal canna- group everyone into either a “user” or better?!? bis increases access and access can lead “non-user” and that makes it difficult In all seriousness, and understanding to safe consumption. to establish a causal relationship, much less the frequency-response relation- that sexual health is important for our Hot off the press is a study conducted ship we are looking to find. emotional and physical well-being I by Kasman, A., & et al (2020) that re- decided to do a little digging and get to ported women who have an increase in In 2020 Bhambhvani, H., & et al com- the bottom of the above claims. the frequency of cannabis use actually pleted a study where they examined We all know sex can be difficult to dis- leads to improved sexual health, satis- cannabis use frequency, medical histo- cuss with our partners and physicians, faction, orgasm, and desire. This study ry, and the sexual function of 325 men. and may even have you squirming in surveyed 452 women and examined Bad news is that 19.4% of men in their your seat as you read this - but sexual the frequency, method of delivery, study reported erectile dysfunction, but health is important and it’s not merely chemovar type, and results of a validat- the good news is for men who were the absence of dysfunction or disease, ed Female Sexual Function Index (FSFI) consuming cannabis 6 times a week or it’s the love, touch, affection, and survey. They found that the chemovar more reported less sexual dysfunction, pleasure that contribute to our overall type and delivery method didn’t have increased orgasm, and increased satis- wellness. an impact on their sexual health, but faction. The largest study to date was that frequency did! An increase in conducted in Australia (2010) and it in- All physical and psychological condi- cannabis use frequency was associ- cluded over 4,000 men. Although they tions affect our ability to perform. Fer- ated with higher score on the FSFI, did not use a validated sexual function tility issues, chronic pain, stress, and increased desire, arousal, orgasm, and tool, they found that cannabis use was anxiety all affect our desire, ability to satisfaction. These results are similar not associated with the self-reported engage, and to experience satisfaction. to those of a study published last year inability to keep an erection. We know that cannabis can help with by Lynn, B., & et al that found cannabis All of these studies may have limita- symptoms of pain and anxiety, but does use prior to sex increased sex drive, tions and biases, but for the first time it specifically help with desire and the improvement in orgasm, and decreased researchers are examining the frequen- ability to orgasm? pain among women. Unfortunately, but cy-response relationship and this is a
60 MOGREENWAY.COM GREENWAY big step for cannabis research. Person- we're participating in, with yourself SOURCES ally, I like to see data. I want to see or with your partner. Cannabis also Baggio, M., Chong, A., & Simon, D. (2019). something objective that hasn’t been enables fear-extinction, a process by Sex, marijuana, and baby booms. Jour of influenced by opinion or belief. So my where we can forget painful memories Health Econ (70). https://doi.org/10.1016/j. excitement was hard to contain when I and have a positive sexual experience. jhealeco.2019.102283. found a study that included lab values. This is a big deal for people who have Bhambhvani, H.P., Kasman, A.M., Wil- In 2017 the plasma levels of endocan- experienced traumatic or painful sex son-King, G., Eisenberg, M. (2020). A survey nabinoids and cortisol were measured in the past. Cannabis gives them the exploring the relationship between canna- before and after healthy men and opportunity to replace those negative bis use characteristics and sexual function women masturbated to orgasm. The memories with positive ones. in men. Sexual Medicine (8) 3, pgs 436-445. plasma level of 2-AG, a cannabinoid Https://doi.org/10/1016/j.esxm.2020.06.002. There’s much more I could share on our body produces, had significantly Kasman, A., Bhambhvani, H., Wilson-King, how cannabis affects our sexual func- increased after orgasm and although G., & Eisenberg, M. (2020). Assessment of tion, but overall the most important the authors cannot necessarily say why the association of cannabis on female sexual thing is to understand it’s part of who or how, we now know that endocanna- function with the female sexual function we are and its ok to talk about it. If index. Sexual Medicine, 1-10. Https://doi. binoids play a role in sexual response. you are experiencing difficulty reach org/10.1016/j.esxm.2020.06.009. It’s similar to that “runner’s high” we out to a professional who may be able feel after a vigorous workout that had Fuss, J., Binila, L., Weidemann, K., Auer, m., to help. Cannabis isn’t the cure all, but Briken, P., & Biedermann, S. (2017). Mastur- up until recently been credited to the for me medicating just gets me to the bation to orgasm stimulates the release of release of endorphins. From a better place I need to be. It’s the off switch I the endocannabinoid 2-Arachidonoylglycerol understanding of the endocannabinoid need to focus on all enjoyable activities. in humans. Journal of Sexual Medicine (14) system we now know that those oh so So Missouri, can we please get some of 11, pgs 1372-1379. Https://doi.org/10.1016/j. good feelings after a good workout can jsxm.2017.09.016. those dispensaries open? Our patients be credited to endocannabinoids. are in need of meds and more sex. Lynn, B., Lopez, J., Miller, C., Thompson, J., & We’ve looked at how cannabis can Campian, E. (2019). The relationship between marijuana use prior to sex and sexual func- affect our body and improve sexual tion in women. Sexual Medicine (7), 192-197. health, but how does it affect the brain Https://doi.org/10.1016/j.esxm.2019.01.003. and the psychological aspects of sex? Rosen R. C. (2000). Prevalence and risk fac- Dr. Dustin Sulak, leading cannabis phy- tors of sexual dysfunction in men and wom- sician, states because cannabis affects en. Current psychiatry reports, 2(3), 189–195. our short-term memory it helps bring https://doi.org/10.1007/s11920-996-0006-2 us into the present moment. It gives us Sulak, D. (2019). Cannabis and sex. Healer. the opportunity to forget about our to- Https://healer.com/cannabis-and-sex/. do and done list and enjoy the activity
WANT WE GRANDMA CAN TO SMILE AGAIN? HELP!
CANNABIS CARE TEAM EDUCATION BEFORE MEDICATION 1.888.810.WELL CANNABISCAREMOGREENWAY.COMTEAM.COM 61 GREENWAY
A patient's guide to medical cannabis certifications in Missouri By Dr. John Judd Who is the physician with not just take their money. There are many physicians in our state who run Midwest Green Certs whom you will be meeting? patient-centered professional medical Over the past several months, I have Will you be able to reach practices which cater to the cannabis had multiple family members, friends, this person later if you have community, who understand the legal and business associates ask me about questions or need follow-up aspects of medical care such as HIPAA the recent DHSS investigations into care? Are they local to Missouri compliance, maintaining appropriate fraudulent medical cannabis certifi- malpractice insurance, proper record cations. They ask me how this could or based out of state? Do they keeping with a compliant electronic happen, what the ramifications will be have a regular medical practice medical record system, and who are to our industry, and most importantly, with an office where you can committed to providing health care how can we prevent such actions in be seen in person, or are they to the cannabis community, whether the future. The honest answer, I tell through medical certifications or pri- them, is that while there are certain- only available online? mary health care services. ly ways to improve the safety and Since the legalization of medical can- security of medical cannabis certifi- nabis in Missouri, there has been an Is the physician or cation process, not all bad actions can explosion of websites online advertis- practice ethical? What is be predicted or prevented, and some ing medical cannabis certification. I their reputation in the level of risk will always remain. The personally cringe when I see an ad good news is, there are some simple with the phrase “one of our licensed Missouri medical cannabis questions patients can ask themselves doctors” in it, because largely that is community? when selecting a physician or group code for the entity being a profit-driv- for medical cannabis certification to en organization which is likely not In medical school, every physician is ensure that they receive their certifi- physician-run, potentially based out educated in medical ethics. Ideally, cation in an ethical, private and fully of state, which has frequent turnover for a medical practice to be considered legally compliant manner. Even better, of physicians, and is purely driven to “ethical,” it must respect all four prin- the questions apply not just to medical maximize the number of certifications ciples: autonomy, justice, beneficence, cannabis certifications, but also to any provided in a short-term profit-gr- and non-maleficence. For the lay situation when choosing a medical ab. It is in the patient’s best interest, person, this comes down to 1) Does the practitioner to provide for your health! however, to select a physician with practice or physician allow the patient To help, here are some examples of demonstrated commitment to the Mis- to make their own informed decision, questions I would ask myself when souri medical cannabis segment, who free of coercion, after educating them choosing a doctor: is ethical, and who is properly moti- about the risks or benefits of a certain vated by the goal to care for patients, Continued, next page 62 MOGREENWAY.COM GREENWAY
Cannabis with Culture
GREENLIGHTDISPENSARY.COM
KANSAS CITY: Text “JOIN LIGHT” to (816) 597-5963 ST. LOUIS: Text “JOIN LIGHTSL” to (314) 343-0872
SE MISSOURI: Text “JOIN LIGHTSE” to (573) 260-1538
MOGREENWAY.COM 63 CULTIVATION MANUFACTURING DISPENSARIES GREENWAY
course of treatment, 2) Is the care being such care if ethically indicated. In the seek out educational opportunities in provided with the intent of benefitting field of medical cannabis certifications, cannabis medicine, and employ the the patient involved, and 3) Is there a this means that at times, patients are considerable experience they already denied certifications, not have in dealing with the many certifi- just rubber-stamped able medical conditions, such as chron- through in pursuit of ic pain, with the added tool of medical a quick buck. cannabis. The take-home message is this: as Is the physician The take-home message is this: as a pa- a patient, your interests are best or practice tient, your interests are best served by selecting a physician with whom you served by selecting a physician established, will can discuss your medical condition, they be around to review any risks of cannabis therapy, with whom you can discuss your provide care for and develop a collaborative relationship years to come? for your healthcare moving forward. medical condition, review any risks The risk of fraud is minimized when of cannabis therapy, and develop a Is the physician you know the physician’s name, are experienced or able to reliably get in touch with them collaborative relationship for your knowledgeable after certification, and when they are about cannabis? preferably based in Missouri with healthcare moving forward. a track record of providing quality These are admittedly medical care in the community. They hard questions to an- should be knowledgeable about canna- swer right now – we bis, take the time and be able to answer risk of harm to the patient or society have already seen many groups come your questions, be discerning enough which should prevent certain therapies and go over just the past year, and there to request records when appropriate, being employed? What this means, is no recognized medical subspecialty and even deny certification if ethical- is that every physician has the ethical for cannabis medicine. It is becoming ly indicated. By selecting a physician obligation to meet directly with the clearer, however, that there is a core committed to serving your healthcare patient, inform the patient of the risks group of physicians and medical prac- needs in the manner described above, and benefits of a potential therapy, and tices dedicated to the Missouri medical you not only improve your own health, work together to make an informed, cannabis community, practices which but support the building of a strong, collaborative decision in providing care are physician-run, Missouri-based, and respected Missouri medical cannabis that is in the patient’s best interests. It borne out of regular medical practices community at large. also means that a physician “should that have served their communities for do no harm,” meaning if a therapy is years before expanding into cannabis likely to make a condition worse or medicine and medical cannabis certifi- otherwise harm a patient, it should cations. These physicians have joined not be provided, and the physician national organizations, such as the should have the courage to withhold Society of Cannabis Clinicians, actively
64 MOGREENWAY.COM GREENWAY
MOGREENWAY.COM 65 GREENWAY PRESENTS Possession Limits FOR MISSOURI MEDICAL MARIJUANA PATIENTS
Qualifying Patients may
PURCHASE UP TO POSSESS UP TO 4 OZ OF FLOWER 8 OZ OF FLOWER (or 32 MMEs) (or 64 MMEs) Strain Profile: CANNATONIC THOSE WITH A HOMEGROW OR CAREGIVER MAY POSSESS UP TO 12 OZ OF CANNABINOID & TERPENE PROFILES FLOWER (or 96 MMEs) AT ONCE Cannabinoids: 6% THC, 6-17% CBD Terpenes: myrcene, pinene, MME Conversion Chart caryophyllene, humulene Missouri Marijuana Equivalency Units (MMEs) Cannatonic, a cross between MK DRIED MARIJUANA CONCENTRATE THC-INFUSED PRODUCT MME GRAMS OUNCES GRAMS MILLIGRAMS Ultra and G13 Haze, is a 50/50 1 3.5 1/8 1 100 hybrid strain. Producing a quick, mellow high, this strain has an 2 7 1/4 2 200 earthy, piney, lemon aroma and a 4 14 1/2 4 400 citrusy flavor. 8 28 1 8 800 Common Effects: Flavors: citrus, lemon, pine 32 112 4 32 3200 Most smokers of Traits: Cannatonic is most 64 224 8 64 6400 Cannatonic would say the recognizable by brown- high CBD content allows tinted buds with fiery for feelings of relaxation orange hairs, and many and uplifted ness. Many PATIENT = a person who has been registered by the trichome crystals individuals believe this state of Missouri and received a license to use medical Grow Information: marijuana (a $25 fee); may apply for a cultivation strain aids with pain, license for an additional $100 fee muscle spasms, migraines, Difficulty: difficult (best anxiety, and other grown indoors) CAREGIVER = a person 21+ who is responsible for managing psychological symptoms. the well-being of a qualified patient; has been authorized by Height: moderate It may also cause nausea, the state to purchase or grow cannabis for patients Yield: 18 oz./m2 stress, and mood disorders for some. Overall, Flowering: 9-10 weeks NOTE: Purchase & possession limits may be raised cannatonic is a great pain by 2 independent physician certifications reliever and perfect to use throughout the day 66 MOGREENWAY.COM without feeling wiped out. GREENWAY
Keith Stroup, Erica Ziegler, NORML Founder & Representative Senator DHSS Patient Keynote Speaker Kip Kendrick Representative Caleb Rowden Services Director Shamed Dogan
NATIONAL, STATE & LOCAL SPEAKERS DHSS UPDATE ONLINE CHARITY AUCTION LEGISLATION & LAW UPDATES ADULT USE INITIATIVE FOR 2021 Join your fellow cannabis advocates as we A full slate of expert cannabis speakers include: celebrate NORML’s 50th anniversary with Keith Stroup, Keynote & NORML Founder a special live-streamed conference event. Erica Ziegler, DHSS Patient Services Director Keith Stroup the founder of the National Rep. Kip Kendrick, District #45 Organization for the Reform of Marijuana Laws Rep. Shamed Dogan, District #98 ( NORML) is our honored keynote speaker. Sen. Caleb Rowden, District #19 Learn about the Adult-Use Initiative for 2021. Date: Saturday, October 10, 2020 Don’t miss our Live-Streamed Charity Auction Location: Facebook.com/MissouriNorml which starts immediately after the conference Hours: 10:00 am to 5:00 pm ends at 5:00 pm. Unique and fun items for sale Streaming Charity Auction: Starts 5:00 pm to the highest bidder for a great cause.
MISSOURI
PROMOTIONAL ONLINE SPONSORSHIPS & LIVE STREAMING AUCTION DONATIONS Sponsored by Missouri NORML and NORML Chapters across the state FREE CONFERENCE EVENT ACCEPTED www.MONORML.org DONATIONS ACCEPTED Additional information and links available at our website MOGREENWAY.COM 67 LIVE STREAMED AT: FACEBOOK.COM/MISSOURINORML GREENWAY 1531 WASHINGTON AVE ST. LOUIS, MOGREENWAY 63103
Opening in Lee’s Summit and Kansas City. Owned and operated by Rob and Bianca Sullivan. freshgreen.com
68 MOGREENWAY.COM FreshGreen Dispensaries was awarded two dispensary licenses to operate in the state of Missouri.