Cannabis Review Quarterly - 2021 - Three by repubnews

PEOPLE, PLANT, PURPOSE

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CRQ FALL 2021

We hope you are enjoying CRQ! Check out the current fall issue! Join us for future issues SOUGHT AFTER CONTENT Published quarterly, Cannabis Review Quarterly is the perfect resource to discover all that’s happening within the cannabis industry. CRQ is a sophisticated, informative publication that will keep you updated about the ever-changing cannabis space in our local communities, the region and the Massachusetts commonwealth.

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CRQ Magazine reaches an audience of more than 250,000 adults** through a combination of print and digital media platforms.

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STAFF Publisher and CEO George Arwady garwady@repub.com

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TO REACH READERS ALL YEAR LONG PUBLICATION SCHEDULE CURRENT Fall Edition: October 2021 Winter Edition: January 2022 Spring Edition: April 2022 Summer Edition: July 2022 ** Sources: Nielsen Scarborough Research Study, Spring 2020; ComScore, Fall 2020

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Cannabis Review Quarterly (CRQ) is published by The Republican. Our offices are at 1860 Main Street, Springfield, MA 01103. All advertising is subject to the terms and conditions of the CRQ rate card, and all advertising submitted is subject to the approval of the Publisher. The Publisher reserves the right to cancel an advertising order or reject or edit any advertising copy or images. The Republican Co. shall not be liable for incorrect ad placement. Liability for failure to publish an ad shall not exceed a refund of or credit for the original price of the ad. Liability for an error will not exceed the cost of space for the section the error occupies. Credit will be allowed for the first insertion only. Advertisers should check ads upon publication. The contents of this publication are copyrighted 2021. The Republican Co. All rights reserved. No portion of CRQ may be reproduced in any form without the consent of the Publisher.

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CRQ FALL 2021

TABLE OF

contents 4 Welcome to

Cannabis Review Quarterly or CRQ as we like to call it.

8 Product Previews

A look at popular and soon-toarrive products in the cannabis market.

14 Plant to Product

The science behind extraction. As the cannabis industry has grown so have the uses and byproducts that can be extracted from the flower.

22 Croptober

For cannabis cultivators and growers, October is a pick-yourown extravaganza, dubbed Croptober, which is when outdoor growers harvest most of their sun-grown cannabis.

24 Testing Testing 1-2-3... What goes into testing

cannabis products before they go to market.

28 What does Social Equity really mean?

The term “social equity” is not the newest buzzword in the cannabis industry, but “Over time the term has morphed into a catch-all for people of color. If you are not white, you are social equity.”

35 Eat Your Greens

As children we were regularly told by our parents to “eat our greens”, and with edibles gaining in popularity, the trend of “eating green” is constantly growing big and strong.

37 Taste

Satisfy your tastebuds with a fall festive recipe from Canna Provisions for Dosed Pumpkin Seeds.

38 Gifts for the Cannabis Lover in Your Life ‘Tis the season for cannabis enthusiasts to rejoice; with popular and highly celebrated holidays 4/20, 7/10 and Croptober firmly behind us, there’s only one holiday left to celebrate—Christmas.

41 Behind the Re-brand

A look at the re-branding of GTI’s popular Rythm product line.

CANNABISREVIEWQUARTERLY.COM

45 Cannabis and the Arts

How cannabis has influenced local creative communties.

48 Artist Profile

A Q&A with local artist Nate Duval and how he began designing cannabis packaging.

49 Good Green

While “going green” is an initiative in and of itself, Green Thumb Industries (GTI), a leading cannabis CPG (consumer packaged goods) company, is taking the multifaceted definition of “green” a step forward to help underserved communities navigate the cannabis industry.

50 Facts vs. Myths Debunking common cannabis myths.

Note to readers: Please consume responsibly. Cannabis and related products may cause impairment and may be habit forming. For use only by adults 21 years of age or older. Keep out of the reach of children. Products shown in this magazine have not been analyzed or approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). There is limited information on the side effects of using these products, and there may be associated health risks. Marijuana used during pregnancy and breast-feeding may pose potential harms. It is against the law to drive or operate machinery when under the influence of this product. KEEP THESE PRODUCTS AWAY FROM CHILDREN. There may be health risks associated with consumption of this product. Marijuana can impair concentration, coordination, and judgment. The effects of Edibles may be delayed by two hours or more. In case of accidental ingestion, contact poison control hotline 1-800-222-1222 or 9-1-1. This product may be illegal outside of MA.

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Please Consume Responsibly. This product may cause impairment and may be habit-forming. For use only by adults 21 years of age or older. Keep out of the reach of children.

CRQ FALL 2021

ocal dispensaries share their exciting new releases, upcoming products, and a few gift ideas for those special cannabis lovers on your holiday list!

STORY BY LAUREN E. LeBEL SUBMITTED PHOTOS

Product PREVIEWS

DONATELLO KUSH COURTESY OF 253 PICTURED

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CRQ FALL 2021

to offer the first kosher edible in the state of Massachusetts,” added Sadiq. 253 Chocolate bars cost $25/ per bar *Cannabis and sales tax not included. 253 signature flavorsEspresso Bean, Toasted Coconut, Peanut Butter Crumble, Homemade Toffee Crunch, Mint Cookie Crunch, Pretzel Sea Salt and Red Raspberry Bar

BOSTON BUD FACTORY Location in Holyoke

VISIT BOSTONBUDFACTORY.COM FOR MORE INFO

VAPE CARTRIDGES EARLY LEMON BERRY FRESH FROZEN SUGAR COURTESY OF 253

253

Location in Turner Falls

VISIT 253FARMACY.COM FOR MORE INFO

DONATELLO KUSH

Yusef Sadiq, wholesale manager at 253 shared their most recent product launches. The first one is Donatello Kush, a sativa dominant cross between Purple Kush and Master Splinter. “The strain has deep green and purple nugs with fiery-orange hairs and chunky trichomes,” said Sadiq. The product has “sweet scents” of floral haze, grape and candy and deep earthy kush. “The high is cerebral and spacey, yet not overly sedating and provides a relaxing and calming body effect,” added Sadiq. 253 believes Donatello Kush is a must try strain. This product costs $50 for 3.5g. *Cannabis and sales tax not included. Pricing on flower may vary.

products through our refined post processing procedures.” He continued, “By manipulating extremely frigid temperatures with propane and butane solvents and temperature fluctuation during purging, we create a top shelf product and experience. These are the results.” This product costs $80/g. *Cannabis and sales tax not included.

253 CHOCOLATE BARS

“Our chocolate bars are made from the finest Belgian - Callebaut chocolate we could source,” said Sadiq. He explained that 253 has a diverse selection of craft bars including multiple vegan options. “We are proud

Frank Dailey of Boston Bud Factory said they will be releasing some new vape cartridges. “Boston Bud Factory has both solvent free and solventless capabilities which allow us to make pure and natural plant based products.” He continued, “Made with only terpenes and extract produced on site with our Solvent Free CO2 Extraction process, Boston Bud Factory vape cartridges will be some of the cleanest on the market.” Not only will the cartridges be clean, but because they are made on site, they are able to offer .5g cartridges starting at around $30 and 1g cartridges starting at around $60. “When you want the best quality products, at the best possible prices, you go straight to the factory: Boston Bud Factory.”

FRESH FLOWER ROSIN

The second product as explained by Dailey is Fresh Flower Rosin.

EARLY LEMON BERRY FRESH FROZEN SUGAR The second product recently offered by 253 is Early Lemon Berry Fresh Frozen Sugar. Sadiq said, “253’s premium extractions are focused on producing high quality 10

CANNABISREVIEWQUARTERLY.COM

FRESH FLOWER ROSIN COURTESY OF BOSTON BUD FACTORY

CRQ FALL 2021

HOWL’S TINCTURE’S

Howl’s is made using whole plant infusion. Keenan said, “They simply place the cannabis flower directly into the organic avocado oil over gentle heat and stir. The result is that the broadest spectrum of beneficial properties of the plant are transferred directly into the tincture.” He went on to say, it’s “simple - just drop in your mouth and swallow.” Every drop has the same strength and each bottle includes a measured dropper for reliable and repeatable results. Howl’s also has pure ingredients, including organic avocado oil, organic sunflower lecithin, and medical grade cannabis. There are eight unique formulations for a variety of different uses, ranging from $60 to $100.

SELECT ELITE LIVE RESIN COURTESY OF CANNABIS CONNECTION

This product is solventless and is made on site from fresh and properly cured cannabis. “Boston Bud Factory utilizes heat and pressure to produce a more concentrated and higher potency product,” said Dailey. Prices for this product will be set based on market prices and flower availability. Boston Bud Factory also has future plans to make bubble hash so that Hash Rosin can be produced on site.

EXTRACT SYRINGE

Last but certainly not least, Dailey shared that Boston Bud Factory will be offering an extract syringe. “Boston Bud Factory produces a high quality solvent free CO2 extract and packages it in a syringe for home use. Extract can be used to make edibles at home, along with an endless variety of other products.”

CANNABIS CONNECTION Location in Westfield

VISIT CCOFWESTFIELD.COM FOR MORE INFO

SELECT ELITE LIVE RESIN CARTRIDGES FROM CURALEAF

Thomas Keenan, CEO of Cannabis Connection said they have a couple 12

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of new products that they’re excited to carry. The first is Select Elite Live Resin Cartridges from Curaleaf. “Select Elite Live broad-spectrum cartridges combine high quality THC oil and live resin HTE (high-terpene extract) derived from fresh frozen flower, capturing more essence of the living plant and a higher terpene content,” said Keenan. “The combination results in an even more diverse array of compounds providing enhanced flavor and the entourage effect. We seek out the freshest and best seasonal flower from the best cultivars and unique strains.” In addition, they also produce increased strain specific effects due to being closer to the plant’s full profile, making indicas feel more “sleepy” and sativas feel more “stimulating.” Keenan said they are held to the same high-quality testing standards you already expect from Select. The cartridge is 500mg. Live Resin Carts cost $60 each.

CANDY ROPES

The Candy Ropes, as explained by Keenan, are from Middlesex Integrative Medicine. “Essentially this is an infused nerd rope,” he said. Each package contains five pieces with 5mg of THC in each, for a total of 25mg for $20.

RESINATE

Locations in Northampton and Worcester VISIT IRESINATE.COM FOR MORE INFO

CONCENTRATES

Resinate, a locally owned and operated cannabis company prides themselves on the quality and consistency of their products. According to Resinate, their concentrates are extremely popular. “There’s certainly an art to the way we cultivate, but when it comes to concentrates, we’re all in on the science.” This product is made from Resinate’s premium flower and their live concentrates are made from fresh plant material that was frozen immediately after harvest. By doing this, the flower essentially stays alive and leaves intact higher levels of terpenes. Their full line consists of badder, bubble hash, diamonds, rosin, sauce, shatter, sugar, wax and live concentrates. Concentrate prices may vary.

WYNK

“Made you WYNK!” Wynk is an infused seltzer that has recently been launched by Resinate. The drink consists of a little THC and a little CBD, allowing for your body to “let go without losing control.” Flavors come in lime twist, juicy mango and

black cherry. A four pack of seltzers costs $20.

SMOKIEZ

Another new product that can be found at Resinate is Smokiez Gummies. According to Reinsate,“After one bite, you’ll be asking yourself ‘Why are these so good?’ Smokiez are award winning pectin-based recipes, gluten, vegan and dairy free 50 mg THC fruit chews, 5 mg each, 10 pieces per package. They are available in five great flavors including sweet or sour green apple, blackberry, watermelon, blue raspberry, and peach. Each pack costs $20.

WYNK INFUSED SELTZER COURTESY OF RESINATE

CANNA PROVISIONS

Locations in Holyoke and Lee

VISIT CANNAPROVISIONS.COM FOR MORE INFO

For the flower fanatic SMASH HITS: BIG HITS

Exclusive to Canna Provisions in Holyoke (and Lee in the Berkshires), Smash Hits is already being hailed by Leafly, Weedmaps, (and this very magazine) as a standout cannabis line in the Massachusetts market. It’s got a celebrity cannabis culture icon as Director of Cultivation (Greg “Chemdog” Krzanowski) and Johnny Greenfingaz as head of grow operations, meaning the handtrimmed large-format buds called “Big Hits” are selected from the best of the best of Smash Hits harvests of its exclusive genetics. The large hand-trimmed buds exceed the normal 3.5 gram single-bud weight class, and for those that want the pristine top buds of Smash Hits, particularly when it’s from the Small Batch collection of Smash Hits (translation: never know when that batch will come around again), this is a no-brainer product to land in Holyoke.

For the new/novice consumer LITTLE STEVEN’S UNDERGROUND APOTHECARY PREROLLS Just in time for the holidays, you

SMASH HITS BIG HITS COURTESY OF CANNA PROVISIONS

may be looking for something for someone (or yourself) from the “I’d like to crawl before I walk” cannabis consumption camp. With that in mind, rocker/actor/author Little Steven van Zandt - of Bruce Springsteen and the E. Street Band and Sopranos fame - has launched Little Steven’s Underground Apothecary. The first line of products are these tins of high-CBD/low-THC flower aimed at consumers looking for balance and wellness from their cannabis but don’t want a heavy high. This 5-pack with limited edition packaging is the perfect selection.

For the last minute shopper BALMS, GIFT CARDS, AND MUG-BASED CANNA-KITS

Can’t go wrong with pain and muscle THC and menthol infused topicals (Nordic Goddess, Attune muscle freeze) which don’t get a user “high” given how the cannabinoids are absorbed transdermally. Any edibles with a 1:1 CBD:THC balance will be great suggestions; and for grandma a nice package of Healing Rose CBD-infused bath salts will round out any new robe or slippers gifting for grandma.

CRQ FALL 2021

STORY BY ERIKA LEIGH PHOTOS BY NATE BLAIS

Plant to Product:

THE SCIENCE OF EXTRACTION T

he options for how one can use cannabis have expanded over the years – and that stems from the industry’s expansion. As the industry has grown, so have the uses for cannabis and the byproducts that can be extracted from the flower. For all of the work that goes into growing and cultivating, harvesting and commercializing – there are also teams of scientists constantly learning what can be extracted, how to extract it, what concentrates can be made into extracts and what they can be used for.

CANNABISREVIEWQUARTERLY.COM

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So, what makes an extract versus what makes a concentrate? “All extracts are concentrates, but not all concentrates are extracts,” said Johnny Henderson, lab manager at 253 Farmacy in Turners Falls. “Extracts are a specific type of concentrate made using a solvent. Concentrates are made without the use of solvents and are produced using mechanical or physical means to remove and gather trichomes.” The way an extract or concentration is extracted, impacts its potency and uses. Solvent methods include alcohol, carbon dioxide, and hydrocarbons. Water, while not a chemical reagent, can also be used as a “solvent” for extracts, and is also used for some concentrates. Alcohol extraction is one of the most popular methods because it works well for large batches, is inexpensive and can be done in just about any temperature indoors. The cannabis flower is soaked in the alcohol, then the plant is removed. This process dissolves the plant’s oils and waxes. From there, the liquid the plant was soaked in is filtered and then it’s evaporated,

CHEMDOG/SMASH HITS AND JOHN HENDERSON/253

CANNABISREVIEWQUARTERLY.COM

which creates the extract. While alcohol extraction is high-yield, the solvent has a tendency to also pull undesirable byproducts out of the plant, like chlorophyll, which can make the extract bitter. This process typically requires several post-extraction steps to purify it. Carbon dioxide, or CO2, is a little more expensive but creates an extraction that requires less post-extraction purification and higher yields. This method requires heat and high pressure to make the CO2 what’s known as “supercritical.” In other words, the pressure and heat are applied to the CO2, eliminating its distinct gas and liquid properties. When this state of the CO2 is used on the cannabis, it extracts the plant’s waxes and oils. Although the equipment required is expensive, it can be used to pinpoint the compounds extracted, by adjusting temperature, pressure or duration of the extraction. Additionally, after the process is complete, CO2 just evaporates, ensuring that there is no residual solvent in the final extract. Butane and propane are also popular solvents used in extraction. Known as hydrocarbons, butane and propane have lower boiling points than alcohol, so less heat is needed to evaporate

them. Like the alcohol method, the flower is soaked in the butane or propane, and while the yield is lower – this method extracts all of the major terpenes and cannabinoids in one process. This method should only be used by professionals, because both burn quickly, could cause explosions and require proper ventilation. Water is another popular way to create extracts and concentrates. In this method, the cannabis flower is given an ice water bath immediately after being trimmed, and because the cannabinoids are denser than water, they detach during this process. From there, the water just needs to be filtered through special micron filters to separate the water and cannabinoids. There are also solventless extractions – or mechanical extractions – which don’t use chemicals and create concentrates. These methods include shaking and sifting, ice-water extraction, and heat and pressure. Each one of these methods are used for concentrates – shaking and sifting for kief, ice water for bubble hash, and heat and pressure for rosin. If you’ve ever used a grinder, you’ve extracted kief and maybe not even realized it. It’s the residue that sits at the bottom of the grinder – and can

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provide a more potent high. Kief is typically extracted using a mesh to sift the flower after it’s been ground up and either added to a rolled joint, sprinkled into the bottom of a bowl or pressed into different grades of hash. Ice water extraction is also used for some concentrates. The plant is added to ice water inside of bags, which typically contain sieves, or micron filters, to separate the plant from the resin glands. When frozen, the trichome heads break off. The bags are repeatedly agitated and sifted through multiple micron filters that get increasingly finer. This multi-step process eventually results in hash which is dried, pressed and known as bubble hash. Heat and pressure result in rosin. Low heat and high pressure remove the trichomes from the cannabis bud and leaves – and it can also be made from hash or kief. The rosin press results in a sappy concentrate with no added solvents that can be used as is or used for other means of consumption. Each method of extraction and the starting product used are critical to creating the desired final product. Rosin press is great for dabs, but so are hydrocarbon and ice water ex18

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traction. CO2 is a great method for producing vape oils, while edibles are best made from baking the flower and trim, then simmering them in butter and water to create cannabis-infused butter to use in any baked good or to cook with. While alcohol is used as a solvent, simmering baked cannabis in it, creates tinctures which can be used as sublingual drops or for dissolving in drinks. Depending on the raw materials and process, the hydrocarbon solvents can produce shatter, wax, budder, live resin, THC crystalline and terpene juice. “The speed at which the processes of cannabis extraction has evolved since [I started working in cannabis in] Colorado is less of an evolution and more of a big bang,” said Erik Williams, COO and co-owner of Canna Provisions. Still, the methods of extraction and the products they create continue to evolve. As recreation cannabis becomes more popular, and more research is dedicated to it, new processes and products will continue to be developed to keep up with the demand for high-yield, high quality cannabis extracts and concentrates.

EXTRACTED

Part of the fun for scientists and researchers is figuring out how each of the extracts and concentrates can be used. “The multitudes of extraction processes and finishes dwarfs the very few that existed only in kitchens and basements barely a decade ago,” Williams said. “Botanical extraction processes have been used commercially for a very long time, and the adoption and adaptation of tried-and-true processes into high value cannabis allows for a wide variety of products ultimately making modern concentrates much more accessible to more consumers than ever before.” Two of the extraction employees on the team Williams was part of in Colorado actually discovered live resin. “Kind Bill and Ry Pritchard, discovered it using common extraction methods on plants that were very quickly harvested and then flash frozen before the buds even realized that the plant had been cut. There was a lot of uncertainty in consistency and stability at first, but everyone knew we were onto something special,” Williams said. From there, the process was refined and they were able to create a stable

product, “Which helped usher in ‘Cannabis 2.0,’” Williams said. Once Kind Bill shared live resin with others, it was a commercialized product popping up everywhere – and because of extractors like Kind Bill and Ry Prichard, who are experimenting on a regular basis, new extracts and concentrates are only just starting to be discovered.

CHEMDOG/SMASH HITS AND JOHN HENDERSON/253

What do each of the extraction methods create and how do they get to you, the consumer? Henderson helped explain:

SOLVENTLESS

Bubble Hash Bubble hash is made with ice and agitation and selected micron filters. Hash Rosin Hash rosin starts as bubble hash. Heat and pressure are added, then it’s filtered through selected micron filters for a more refined product. Badder, Budder and Batter Some producers can make these using solventless resin. They mimic cake batter, with varying consistencies. A post-processing procedure using heat, pressure and the cold temperatures while whipping it, change the consistency of each. Rosin Jam This is also created in a post-processing technique. Rosin jam is a, “saucy combo of terpenes and THCA,” Henderson said. Six-Star Bubble Hash/Full Melt This process begins in the same way as bubble hash, but is further filtered, using either freshly frozen or dried trichome heads, filtered through fine, mesh micron screens. RSO or Rick Simpson Oil This is made from soaking cannabis in ethanol then evaporating the alcohol, so only the high THC content remains. Henderson said, “RSO is great for cancer treatment due to all of the cannabinoids it pulls.”

RSO is often packaged in syringes for oral consumption, topical application, and storage. “All of these products are meant for dabbing, smoking with cannabis or on their own,” Henderson explained.

HYDROCARBONS

(BUTANE AND PROPANE) BHO or Butune Honey Oil/Hash Oil and PHO: These are made with a blend of solvents in a closed loop system at frigid temperatures. Meant for dabbing or vape pens, these oils are popular because, “of the profile of cannabinoids and terpenes that the solvents strip of the cannabis while leaving behind the unwanted parts of the plant,” Henderson said. Shatter: Shatter is made from BHO, and the

name is no accident. It looks like glass, and breaks easily. It’s made from reheating the BHO to eliminate as much butane as possible, then left to rest. Shatter is either vaporized on a hot surface and inhaled, or can be used in some vape pens made specifically for atomizing shatter or wax. Honeycomb Wax/Crumble: Honeycomb Wax or Crumble is also made from BHO. It’s a product that sort of crumbles in your hand. Crumble can be used for dabbing, or added to joints, blunts, or spliffs. It can also be sprinkled on top of a packed bowl or pipe. Badder, Budder and Batter: These can also be made from whipping BHO, which emulsifies the terpenes and cannabinoids. Sugar: Just like the name, sugar, or sugar wax, is a granular combination of CRQ FALL 2021

Diamonds: Diamonds are made from highly concentrated THCA or CBD. The high purity of cannabinoids forms a crystalline solid, like a diamond. Diamonds are most often used for dabbing. CO2: CO2 oil is produced by heating and using pressure to extract the cannabinoids and terpenes from the cannabis. The process is rough on the plant, Henderson explained, which helps remove the less desirable parts. CO2 oil is used for edibles, dabbing or vaping.

CHEMDOG/SMASH HITS AND JOHN HENDERSON/253

THCA and terpenes. Using BHO, the solvent removes cannabinoids and terpenes from the source material, and the result is agitated, in a process that is comparable to extracting sugar from sugar cane. The product is heated, creating a 20

CANNABISREVIEWQUARTERLY.COM

product that looks like water mixed with sugar that hasn’t fully dissolved yet. Sugar wax is typically used for dapping, but can also be used in some vape pens and can be used to top a packed bowl or joint. Sugar is Henderson’s, “personal favorite.”

Distillate: Is translucent oil in which the waxes and undesirable compounds from the original plant have been removed. And extensive process, distilling the oil, separates the different cannabinoids and removes the terpenes, through varying boiling points and temperature manipulation. Distillate is highly desirable because of its potency and ability to isolate cannabinoids. It’s also used for edibles, dabbing or vaping. While the list seems long, it only begins to scratch the surface of the different extracts and concentrates, and their uses. Right now, the main concerns from producers are consistency in the market and educating consumers. “There is great inconsistency among products available on the market, and often the actual finishes don’t always match the product name on the label,” Williams explained. Beyond that, Williams said there is another pressing issue. “Lab technicians want to make the most potent, rare extracts - like diamonds in sauce - but those are expert-level concentrates whereas most consumers are looking for more basic and approachable concentrate, [like] sugars, waxes and even bubble hash,” Williams said.

Cyber Criminals Target the Cannabis Industry Get into the Weeds of Your Insurance Policy to See if You’re Protected

By Aileen S. Berry, Esq., Professional Lines insurance specialist with Amwins Brokerage in West Palm Beach, FL, and Brian Savitch, Professional Lines insurance specialist with Worldwide Facilities (an Amwins company) in San Francisco, CA.

Protecting both patient and consumer data from hackers should be a top priority for companies operating in the cannabis sector. Both recreational and medicinal operations collect and store personally identifiable, protected health and payment information, as well as frequently handled NDA requirements around growing, extracting and other proprietary processes. As this data is subject to Federal regulations, including HIPAA, failure to protect it can lead to hefty fines and reputational harm. Regulatory bodies also require the tracking of cannabis from seed to sale, which creates the potential for a security breach in tracking software or systems for mobile ordering. Over the past year, cyberattacks have become more frequent in all business segments. As experts projected, cannabis is a growing target industry for hackers. Since navigating the cannabis regulatory landscape can be time consuming and costly, many companies have fallen behind in developing a comprehensive IT infrastructure and implementing the proper security controls to protect their systems and networks. This can lead to continued cyber security events.

Additionally, with the increased use of technology and more efficient processes, businesses across the distribution channel will need to address the potential for business interruption and loss of income due to a data breach – especially as the demand for cannabis products continues to increase. Cyber liability insurance is available to safeguard companies against the ongoing web of cyber security threats – from ransomware, phishing scams and social engineering to forensic and legal costs. Cyber insurance policies can also extend coverage to protect content and advertising produced on a company’s digital platforms as well as in print advertising. Trade name and copyright infringement, defamation, invasion of privacy and other intentional torts are prevalent media claims faced in the cannabis sector. Cyber liability coverage is not standardized across the insurance industry; therefore, each policy should be reviewed carefully to identify various exclusions and limitations. As a leading cyber liability wholesale broker, Amwins has the expertise, proprietary products and risk evaluation resources to place cyber coverage that meets your company’s unique needs.

Amwins understands that your business can be complex and evolutionary in nature. As the nation’s leading specialty insurance distributor, we deliver future-focused insurance solutions that keep you a step ahead of risks. Contact your insurance agent to learn how Amwins can help in securing unmatched coverage. Bring on the Future | amwins.com

CRQ FALL 2021

STORY BY TIERA N. WRIGHT ISTOCK PHOTOS

CROP TOBE R

eaves turning to autumnal shades of amber, auburn and crimson, days growing shorter, and temperatures gradually beginning to drop, are quintessential signs that fall is upon us. Furthermore, late September to early December marks harvest for many farmers, and October, in particular, can lead to family fun with the last pick22

CANNABISREVIEWQUARTERLY.COM

your-own crops of apples soon transforming into apple cider and ushering in the Halloween season with Pumpkin Patches being descended on, and families winding their way through corn mazes. For cannabis cultivators and growers, October is a pick-your-own extravaganza, dubbed Croptober, which is when outdoor growers harvest most of their sun-grown cannabis. According to an article posted by CannaSafe, “Sungrown cannabis has gained in popularity with cannabis consumers in recent years due to a general trend toward agricultural products sustainably grown

to organic standards.” While most of the crops are harvested in October, like with most crops, some plants/strains need less or more time, with about 10% to 15% being harvested earlier in September or later in November. In an article posted by Ellie Herring on Vangst’s website, a recruiting platform for the cannabis industry, cannabis is harvest in October because “as the hours of daylight get shorter in the fall, the plants switch from growing large stalks and leaves to producing flowers (buds)”, that will ultimately be sold to dispensers and then consumers.

As the Eurythmics and Aretha Franklin told us in the mid-eighties, “Sisters Are Doin’ It for Themselves”, and that sentiment can be extended to cannabis plants as well. Only female cannabis plants (yes, plants have genders like most living things) produce the flowers or buds (THC) that consumers ultimately smoke or consume. Like with many a relationship on Facebook, the relationship status between a female and male cannabis plant is complicated. In order to produce bountiful crops to harvest for Croptober, cultivators need to exclusively plant female cannabis seeds. Intermingling male plants, can not only crowd and stifle the growth of female cannabis plants, but if the male plant were to fertilize the female plant it would contaminate the plant and cease the production of THC. Weather, as New Englanders know, is very unpredictable and therefore a wild card factor for outdoor cultivators during Croptober. According to an article posted by Ellie Herring on Vangst’s website, “There’s a relatively short time frame to harvest the cannabis buds before the plant starts to become less than desirable. During this peak harvest window, harvesters must chop all plants and prepare them for drying and

trimming.” Furthermore, the stakes are higher for outdoor growers as the cannabis plant is an annual, whose lifecycle ends and doesn’t regrow the next year. As mentioned in an article posted by Ellie Herring on Vangst’s website, “For outdoor grow operations that only harvest once a year, Croptober is one of the busiest and most critical times of the year. Their entire year’s work is

flower at a lower price. After harvesting is completed during October, retailers will soon be stocked to the brim with fresh, sun-grown cannabis come November and December.” Gaining in popularity amongst cannabis industry cultivators and consumers alike, Croptober has made its mark on social media over the last few years with its own eponymous hashtag but

“There’s a relatively short time frame to harvest the cannabis buds before the plant starts to become less than desirable.” dependent on the proper execution of the harvest.” Once the cannabis plants are harvested, they go through a process that includes drying, trimming and curing the plant, which leads to the storage and sale of the cannabis to dispensaries and retailers and then finally the consumer. Per Tyler Koslow in an article on Weedmaps, “Although Croptober may seem to have the most direct impact on cultivators, consumers also benefit during this time as they can purchase high-grade cannabis

has yet to join the ranks of celebrated holidays 4/20 or 7/10. Time will tell whether this month-long harvest will continue to gain momentum amongst the masses and join the echelon of the beloved cannabis holidays that came before it; but something tells me Croptober has no plans of going up in smoke. Sources: https://csalabs.com/what-is-croptober/ https://vangst.com/blog/what-is-croptober https://weedmaps.com/news/2019/10/what-is-croptober/

CRQ FALL 2021

STORY BY TIERA N. WRIGHT ISTOCK PHOTOS

TESTING

TESTING 1 - 2 - 3...

hat do cholesterol levels, shampoo, and high school geometry have in common? If you’re a Jeopardy! fan, I’m hoping your answer is “what are things that require testing”. Like many, I fall into the “I’m never going to use geometry in the real world” camp, but I do acknowledge the importance and efficacy of tests in and outside of the classroom. While (Covid) tests have been a topical and ever-growing part of our lexicon as of late, it’s the testing done behind the scenes that many forget play an integral role in what we use or consume in our everyday lives. In the cannabis industry, “the state 24

CANNABISREVIEWQUARTERLY.COM

requires that all cannabis be tested for pesticides, plant growth chemicals, heavy metals, mycotoxins (from molds), and microbial contaminations,” says Evan Chakrin, Director of Cultivation at Resinate, has dispensaries in Northampton and Worcester. “Testing is after we’ve created a batch of harvest flower. We’ll send our representative sample

Cannabis Testing Laboratory dedicated to excellence in science and accreditation to uphold the rigorous standards set for the cannabis industry in the state,” says Dr. Brian J. Strasnick, President and CEO of CDX Analytics, LLC, who describes a representative sample as a sample that “is collected from each production batch and designated for

To maintain the integrity of each sample, the cannabis from “raw materials” to the final product are monitored, documented, and tracked at every stage. of the given batch for comprehensive analysis.” Once the samples have been collected, they are sent to a third party laboratory such as CDX Analytics, “Massachusetts’ leading Independent

testing.” Additionally, these tests also “determine the levels of cannabinoids such as THC, CBD, etc. which produce the psychoactive effect felt by consumers,” says Strasnick.

To maintain the integrity of each sample, the cannabis from “raw materials” to the final product are monitored, documented, and tracked at every stage. Says Strasnick, “Every product on the shelf in a dispensary can be traced back to its original harvest.” Upon arrival, each sample is weighed at the lab to verify the sample hasn’t been disturbed, then prepped and stored for testing. Furthermore, the Cannabis Control Commission (CCC) requires that the samples received by the laboratory for testing should truly be “representative” and look, as much as possible, like the product that will be on display and sold. Therefore, cultivators or processors must send the lab the cannabis in its final form whether it is the harvested plant material or the finalized extracts or edibles. Adds Chakrin, “the requirements stipulate batch sizes, and how representative material is sampled for the given batches.” “Cannabis is tested to ensure that the product is safe for human consumption. All cannabis and cannabis products sold in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts are required to be tested by an independent laboratory,” adds Strasnick, who says CDX Analytics’ motto is “Excellence in Service – Delivered with Integrity.” Since cannabis products can be inhaled or ingested, testing is split into two main categories depending on how they are processed: (1) Cannabis Flower, and (2) Concentrates; explains Strasnick, “plant material that has been harvested and cured/ dried, and concentrates which include resins, vape concentrates, and infused concentrates”, respectively. Safety of the consumer is the number one priority for both the dispensaries and the laboratories doing the testing. “Due to its nature as a ‘bio-accumulator’, a growing cannabis plant can accumulate environmental contaminants such as pesticides and heavy metals as it matures through the growth cycle, so the cannabis is tested for any residual materials that can remain present in the final flower,” describes Strasnick. In addition to environmental contaminants, CDX Analytics also test for microbial contamination, and “Vita-

“Due to its nature as a ‘bio-accumulator’, a growing cannabis plant can accumulate environmental contaminants such as pesticides and heavy metals as it matures through the growth cycle, so the cannabis is tested for any residual materials that can remain present in the final flower.” min E acetate which had been used as a vape pen additive in the past. Vitamin E acetate is commonly used as a dietary supplement and ingredient in topical lotions and creams but when inhaled, it may interfere with proper lung function and is therefore banned as an additive in extracts intended for inhalation.” Moreover, these tests focus on the safety and quality of the cannabis, as well as the potency— which inevitably allows the consumer to choose a product based on their personal use or tolerance level once the product(s) hits shelves. “By measuring these cannabinoids, the producer is then able to accurately label the product giving the user a better understanding of the potential effect the cannabis may have on their body,” explains Strasnick. Whether you choose to smoke, vape, ingest orally or topically, the tests and “turnaround” time to market remain the same. Following the precedent set by the Department of Public Health, in Massachusetts the Cannabis Control Commission “sets the allowable limits for contaminants depending on the style of ingestion,” says Strasnick. Without these tests, consumers could become sick should they inhale or ingest any of the contaminants that may be present in the cannabis. “The limits set by the CCC are some of the most aggressive standards in the country as the state leads the country

in providing a safe product.” Ultimately, the samples sent in from testing “pass” when “none of the previously listed contaminants are found above acceptable levels as set by the CCC,” says Chakrin. Describes Strasnick, “Each sample needs to pass all the tests for it to be considered passed. Samples cleared through this process are issued a Certificate of Analysis (COA) which applies to the production batch that the sample was taken from.” “Typically, third party laboratories will return testing results within 1-3 weeks’ time,” says Chakrin. Of CDX Analytics, Strasnick says, “most have results reported within 5 days to 10 days from receipt of the sample at the laboratory.” Once the production batch receives its COA, Chakrin concludes it takes “typically about a month” before the cannabis goes to market. For more information about CDX Analytics and Resinate, visit cdxanalytics.com and www.iresinate.com, respectively.

CRQ FALL 2021

CANNABISREVIEWQUARTERLY.COM

CRQ FALL 2021

STORY BY ADAM STERN PHOTOGRAPHED BY NATE BLAIS

What does

SOCIAL

EQUITY really mean?

PAYTON SHUBRICK 6 BRICK’S DISPENSARY

CANNABISREVIEWQUARTERLY.COM

he term “social equity” is not the newest buzzword in the cannabis industry, but “Over time the term has morphed into a catch-all for people of color. If you are not white, you are social equity. It is almost as though an awareness campaign is needed to better educate the state,” says Payton Shubrick of 6 Bricks Springfield. Social equity is a means of empowerment for business owners and communities to take advantage of in an industry that previously unfairly targeted those communities. The purpose of social equity programs is to help curb previous injustices to certain social groups that were negatively affected by previous rules and regulations that are now seen as unfair and unjust; it is the theory that all individuals are entitled to fair and equitable treatment from government services. In Massachusetts, the Cannabis Control Commission (MCCC) states their Social Equity Program (SEP) is meant to “directly assist members of the community (society), who have been disproportionately harmed by marijuana prohibition and enforcement from previous years, before the implementation of Medical and Recreational Cannabis. The program is meant to positively impact those communities by assisting with license processing, applications, priority access to licenses within the state, first two years of access to delivery licenses, and more.” (Referenced from the MCCC SEP documents). In theory all social equity programs are positively received and implemented with some success within the communities and social groups that have been affected. One of the biggest issues with cannabis rules and regulations is that cannabis is still considered federally illegal, making it difficult at times for states to process, release, and provide aid to the industry, but the efforts and programs are so important to individuals affected by these rules and regulations. Adds Shubrick, “The social equity program acknowledges in many ways the checkered history of cannabis in this country that impacted many black and brown people. By engaging

people located in certain communities, those previously convicted of a marijuana crime, etc. it becomes a beacon of hope.” These programs instill hope, and states are left to their own devices when creating social equity programs; in Massachusetts, there are several key programs the state has been implementing for the last few years. SEP members have access to several educational tools and state benefits, such as training and support programs to help educate members on the ap-

and Education will provide an edge over those entering the space without any understanding of Massachusetts’ rules and regulations. Another benefit offered by the MCCC to SEP members includes reduced application fees, expedited application processing, vendor approved training, and more. As a participant of the SEP, if you maintain at least 10% ownership of the business, you are entitled to the following benefits: free technical assistance and training through

Social Equity is a means of empowerment for business owners and communities to take advantage of an industry that previously unfairly targeted those communities. plication process, maintaining licenses, fundraising and more. According to the MCCC, “The free, statewide technical assistance and training program provides participants with education, skill-based training, and tools for success in the industry across four areas: entrepreneurship, managerial-level workforce development, re-entry and entry-level workforce development, and ancillary business support.” (From the MCCC SEP Document). The Social Equity Training and Education Program is meant to assist individuals looking to enter the cannabis industry with tools and resources on the different types of licenses, application processes, job creation, and more. The program is free to any that apply for the SEP and are approved. This is an exceptional recourse for individuals to learn about the industry, and how to apply properly to the state. Whether you want to be directly involved with a cannabis (dispensary, cultivator, micro business) or ancillary business, taking advantage of the Social Equity Program for Training

vendors certified by the commission, and expedited licensing application review. In short, this means if you own 10% of the company and are a member of the SEP, you can receive assistance from individuals or cohorts already within the cannabis space for training and applications. These are usually larger groups that have been approved by the state as part of their Community Host Agreement or Philanthropic Promise to the state within their application. “I think the community created by the cohorts is extremely beneficial. I am not in the program myself, but it is evident in the way that folks talk about being a part of a specific cohort and the pride that they have. Being a part of something bigger than themselves or their companies,” says Shubrick. Furthermore, MCCC also offers SEP candidates who maintain a majority ownership or at least 51%, the following benefits provided by the state; (1) waived application fees (not including costs associated with background checks), (2) waived seed-to-sale CRQ FALL 2021

INSIDE THE 6 BRICK’S DISPENSARY AREA UNDER CONSTRUCTION

Metrc monthly programing fee (does not include other costs associated with seed-to-sale tracking system, specifically the fees for plant and package tags), (3) exclusive access to social consumption and delivery-only license types for up to a minimum of three years (as well as a pre-certification application that offers applicants a preliminary application process that certifies their propensity to run a business of one of these two license types), and (4) a 50% reduction of annual license fees. Whether you choose to work directly in the industry, or providing ancillary services or simply cannabis curious, the access to training programs and educational benefits of existing companies within the cannabis space are all amazing tools that should be taken advantage of. Understanding the cannabis industry is the first step to success. The expedited application process is a clear benefit; being able to cut in front of potentially dozens of other applicants and open your doors earlier than others, can create your brand recognition and establish loyal customers. Additionally, while having application fees waived as well as certain state fees, can have 30

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some monetary benefits; the ability to apply for licenses earlier can also give you the upper hand. However, there are several other benefits many would rather see implemented within the social equity programs. “While helping people understand the process to successfully secure a license does not solve the realities of access to capital, ensuring a host com-

architectural plans, security plans, and more; not to mention, the many hours and research it will take to write a successful application, an individual group could spend $10,000, if not $100,000 just applying for a license. Explains Shubrick, “proper access to capital to the program is key. It reduces the ability of predator lenders to access people in the program, and truly allows

One big issue that is seen right from the start is how EXPENSIVE opening a cannabis business can be, let alone the licensing process. munity agreement, and many other key components. I think it is a good start and I hope it evolves into more to help better diversify the industry,” says Shubrick. One big issue right off that bat, is how expensive opening a cannabis business can be, let alone the licensing process. From legal fees, lease agreements,

for an equitable market in which people of color own their entities.” Overcoming the financial hurdles is one of the biggest issues seen in the social equity field across the country, and because the industry is still federally illegal, it is nearly impossible for states to issue funds or provide monetary assistance

within the program. Even once you have successfully applied for a license, then the process of setting up a successful business could cost $100,000 if not a few million depending on the type and scale of your business. Due to the inflated cost and high-risk nature of the industry, it is very difficult for individuals that fit the SEP qualifications to be able to obtain a license, while holding onto 51% ownership. While the educational resources are helpful for individuals who are cannabis curious, they offer little in terms of successfully applying. As a state program, the MCCC is not allowed to assist in the writing or submitting of applications to their program as to not create an unfair or biased application process. This is understandable, but again, creates a barrier for members who qualify for the program and may have been imprisoned or grew up in communities with poor educational programs. Moreover, the application can be hundreds of pages featuring operating agreements, accounting documents, community host agreements, and more; it can be difficult for anyone to apply for these types of licenses, let alone members of disadvantaged communities. The SEP also offers qualified members the opportunity to work with licensed businesses in good standing with the MCCC and as part of their philanthropic goals or community host agreement, to assist with mentoring, and relationship building. Many Massachusetts dispensaries offer these types of assistance and mentorship programs to the SEP to help individuals understand the industry from a business leader within the community. Individuals who participate in the mentorship program range from brand management, accounting, HR, management, to your standard bud tender—all of which can offer their own unique insights and understanding of the industry. This approved vendor training program can not only be a great recourse to learn and understand the industry from a day-to-day perspective, but also help build networks within the cannabis industry. While this benefit provides many services to help educate and understand the industry, as well as build relationships, it still does not meet many of the needs of disenfranchised communities whose biggest hurdles are usually financial. Applying for social consumption and delivery-only licens-

It is important that as a community and everevolving industry we provide support, communication, and fair business practices to these communities and make people proud to say they are part of the social equity program in Massachusetts.

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CRQ FALL 2021

es are exclusively open to the SEP for three years from the opening of the first location. These two licenses have the potential for great change within the market, as well as financial opportunities for opening one of the first of these within your market. Social Consumption is like a license to operate a bar or cigar bar—all products must be consumed on the premises and cannot be taken off the property, customers are monitored for certain time frames to ensure safe consumption, and many other regulations to ensure the safe usage and consumption of products. The delivery license allows a business to operate within a certain radius of their license and delivery product to customers’ homes. Unlike DoorDash or Uber Eats, you can’t order from any dispensary around you, but instead the delivery company will have its own list of products and offerings to choose from online or via the phone. Again, the value of these licenses is clear, but because a SEP member may not fully

understand the industry and its operations, to open, manage and operate the first of its kind in any market can be difficult, with its own unique challenges and costs that are not known until the process is started. Even the state may not have thought of unforeseen issues from driver training and security to customer information, vehicle requirements and more. The MCCC has made great strides in creating training programs, educational tools, mentorship/networking programs, licensing programs, and more to help their members of the SEP to succeed within the market. However, while the programs, documents, and regulations are there, they still do not meet the full needs of the disenfranchised communities for whom these programs were created. There is still much work that needs to be done from community outreach to understand struggles applying for licenses, a case-by-case basis on percentage ownerships of businesses, financial programs to help businesses

find or obtain funding for SEP licensed businesses, as well as programs to help with day-to-day operations for year one. Social equity programs are not just catchy buzzwords that create good press and social media hype; these programs are so much more and require constant attention to detail, communication with disenfranchised communities, and a constant updating of rules and regulations to meet the needs of the community and grant them the ability to make connections and successfully obtain licenses or businesses within the cannabis industry. It is important that as a community and ever-evolving industry we provide support, communication, and fair business practices to these communities and make people proud to say they are part of the social equity program in Massachusetts.

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73 Sargeant Street, Holyoke MA 01040 • 413-420-8100 www.bostonbudfactory.com • info@bostonbudfactory.com 32

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OPEN THIS NOVEMBER!

391 DAMON ROAD, NORTHAMPTON ENLITECANNABIS.COM CRQ FALL 2021

PANEL TOPICS

The Must-Attend Event for the

Enjoy engaging panel discussions interspersed with networking and guided roundtable discussions. Plus, we’ll reveal exclusive cannabis consumer research results.

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BREAKING DOWN BARRIERS Black & Brown professionals succeeding in the cannabis business.

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The November 10 event will feature an impactful combination of panel discussions, industry updates and networking. We’ll take a deep dive into the current landscape of cannabis in Massachusetts, Connecticut and the surrounding New England region, and discuss best business practices in various areas of the industry at varied levels of expertise.

NAVIGATING THE FINANCIAL BUSINESS OF CANNABIS Acquire valuable tips how to navigate the daunting complexities around banking regulations, while ensuring a strong financial foundation for your cannabis business. ..... and more!

There will also be opportunity to network with industry leaders and up-and-comers; showcase area businesses; and gather new ideas, toolkits, and road maps for launching and growing a successful business.

DON’T MISS IT!

Just a few of our scheduled speakers:

Nov 10, 2021 from 10:00 AM to 1:00 PM

Commissioner Nurys Camargo

Registration Ends November 8.

Commonwealth of Massachusetts

https://events.masslive.com/e/cannabis-insidernew-england-conference/tickets

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CANNABIS REVIEW

Q U A R T E R LY

NEW MEANING TO THE TERM

STORY BY TIERA N. WRIGHT PHOTOS ISTOCK

EAT YOUR

GREENS!

s children we were regularly told by our parents to “eat our greens”, and with edibles gaining in popularity, the trend of “eating green” is constantly growing big and strong. While something tells me this is not exactly what they meant, after all, DJ Jazzy Jeff & The Fresh Prince, did tell us, “Parents Just Don’t Understand”; we’ve come a long way since pot brown-

ies first surfaced. With dispensaries offering a wide range of edibles including chocolate bars, gummies, olive oil, seltzers, and more, the cannabis industry’s influence on the culinary arts is ever evolving. Moreover, with DIY projects and last year’s quarantine obsession, bread, on the rise, chefs—amateur or otherwise are cooking with cannabis. Cooking with cannabis may seem

intimidating, but it’s usage in recipes is no different than any other ingredient; in addition to adding a pop of flavor, it can also add a pop of energy, calm, or euphoria. In the article, “Making Edibles? Our Picks for the Best Flower to Cook With” on Greenside Recreational’s website, they listed Trainwreck, White Widow, OG Cush, Super Lemon Haze, and Orange Crush, as the best flowers CRQ FALL 2021

to cook or bake with. If baking is your forte, or you just prefer the sweeter side of life, Greenside Recreational noted that Trainwreck, OG Cush, and Orange Crush are favorites amongst bakers. “A great pain killer and promotes feelings of euphoria and satisfaction when cooked”, Greenside Recreational said that Trainwreck is “a perfect choice for those who are on a budget” as less is more with this particular strain. On the other hand, they said that “OG Kush has a relaxing and calming effect that will make you feel like you’re floating on a tasty cloud of sweet treats.” Orange Crush is a great choice for fans of the tried-and-true pot brownies and packs a “powerful punch.” White Widow, which “produces a refreshing pine aroma” when smoked, also yields a subtle minty flavor, and “will give you a more substantial high when you enjoy it in tasty edibles vs. smoking.” As the name suggests, if you are looking for a citrus flavor, look no further than Super Lemon Haze, which Greenside Recreational said energizes, producing “a get-up-and-go type effect.” 36

CANNABISREVIEWQUARTERLY.COM

Furthermore, Greenside Recreational recommended that consumers shouldn’t hesitate to seek advice from their local dispensary when deciding which type of flower or strain they’d like to use; it’s all dependent on the flavors they’re trying to capture, and ultimately, the desired effect. Much like preheating the oven in preparation before baking, cannabis needs to be preheated in a process called decarboxylation before it can be used in any recipes. Decarboxylation, which is the process of heating cannabis for 30 to 45 minutes or more in the oven at about 220 degrees Fahren-

cannabis is lit. Armed with parchment paper and a cookie sheet, Patrick Bennett in his article, “What is decarboxylation, and why does your cannabis need it?” on Leafly, suggested when decarboxylating at home, to “Finely grind your cannabis until the material can be spread thin over parchment and placed on your baking sheet.” In that same article, Bennett added, “Cannabis can also be decarboxylated in a slow cooker by introducing solvents such as cooking oils or lecithin. These methods create infusions that can be used in a variety of cooking recipes, topicals, and even cannabis capsules. Since they contain decarboxylated cannabinoids, they will be effective any way you choose to consume them.” Once the cannabis is ready, grab your pot and a pot, cake pan, slow cooker, or any other supplies you may need. Once decarboxylated, cannabis can be handled like any other ingredient. All cooking instruments and methods are fair game, and like the cannabis industry itself, cooking and baking with cannabis is ever evolving. Cannabis isn’t just for candies and desserts anymore, so the battle between sweet and savory is over. Gone are the days when pot brownies reigned supreme; these days, dishes are more in line with scenes from Top Chef. The growing trend of cannabis in the kitchen has led to recipes for anything from cannabis-infused tea, lemonade, honey, canna butter, chicken wings, brioche French toast, and even an array of pasta dishes and potato

Much like preheating the oven in preparation before baking, cannabis needs to be preheated in a process called decarboxylation before it can be used in any recipes. heit, activates the cannabinoids in the cannabis flower such as CBD and THC, with the latter being the compound that produces the psychoactive effect, or feeling of being high. With other forms of ingestion such as smoking, the cannabis is heated and therefore automatically decarboxylated due to the high temperature introduced when the

salad; the possibilities are endless. So set your menu and enjoy. (Cannabis-infused) soup’s on! Sources: https://greensiderec.com/best-flower/ https://www.leafly.com/news/cannabis-101/ what-is-decarboxylation

TASTE

RECIPE SUBMITTED BY CANNA PROVISIONS

SATISFY YOUR TASTE BUDS WITH

DOSED PUMPKIN SEEDS

Besides the glorious return of sweaters, haunted hayrides, and hot lattes Fall brings about in Western Massachusetts, it brings pumpkins. Loads of them. So naturally, the time to get to roasting pumpkin seeds is upon you. From Canna Provisions “DIY: Dose It Yourself!” series on YouTube

HOW YOU’LL MAKE IT

INGREDIENTS: • 3 Cups Pumpkin Seeds (Clean & Dry)

• Canna Butter • Salt To Taste

• Preheat oven to 275 degrees • Toss 3 cups of clean, dry pumpkin seeds in your canna butter until thoroughly coated. Add salt if desired. • Spread in a single layer on a baking sheet and bake for 45minutes. • Transfer to bowl to cool and add salt to taste.

Making Canna Butter: You can go about the cannabis infusion how you like, but for this easy method Meg Sanders, CEO of Canna Provisions uses a one-gram syringe of THC distillate containing roughly about 90mgs of TAC (total active cannabinoids). When done, every tablespoon of butter will have approximately 10mgs of THC for proper dosing when cooking or finishing with your newfound canna-butter. All 90mgs are in the form of a dense, gooey, thick golden distillate. Have the butter warmed, but not too hot. Keep it under 200 degrees to avoid burning, but also to avoid degrading the THC too much. Squeeze your distillate right into your melted butter, and blend/whisk it well. You can loosen it in the container (it’s thick and gooey) with hot water run over it, which makes the THC distillate exit easier. It still requires a little pushing. CRQ FALL 2021

STORY BY TIERA N. WRIGHT ISTOCK PHOTOS

GIFTS FOR THE

CANNABIS

LOVERS IN YOUR LIFE ‘T

events, Witch DR has created a truly is the season ARTISTS unique and creative retail experience.” for cannabis These days ashtrays, bongs, pipes/bowls are art forms within themselves. Like enthusiasts to rejoice; the cannabis industry, the production of CANDY & with popular and ashtrays, bongs, pipes/bowls have come CHOCOLATE a long way and are ever evolving. The highly celebrated CONNOISSEURS detail and creativity displayed in their holidays 4/20, 7/10 and For the sweet tooths in your life, look production is enough to impress the artCroptober firmly behind ist in your life. For non-smokers, these no further than edibles. With a wide variety of flavors and options, that have pieces of glass art can be multipurpose us, there’s only one surpassed staples such as pot brownies and displayed or utilized as home decor. and cookies, today’s edibles range from holiday left to Family owned and operated, Witch DR gummies, chews and hard candies to Glass Blowing Studio in Salem is a great celebrate - Christmas. chocolate bars and seltzers. The flavors While whisky and wine lovers have their decanters and novelty glasses, beer lovers have bottle openers and dispensers, and millennial foodies are going nuts over charcuterie boards, below are gifts that will make the greenest of grinches light up. So bust out your rolling papers or the seasonally appropriate wrapping paper and pick up these gifts and more for the cannabis curious and enthusiasts in your life. 38

CANNABISREVIEWQUARTERLY.COM

start for holiday shopping. According to their website, Witch DR “features a wide selection of glass pipes hand-made in the USA, smoking/vaping accessories, a full line of CBD products and live in-store glass blowing. Witch DR has a beautiful 2000 sq. ft. gallery that is home to New England’s largest collection of functional glass art. Hosting exhibitions from top artists in the glass industry; along with artists working in all mediums, live music and community

are endless; choose from the more traditional milk, dark and mint chocolate bars, or pieces to INSA’s handmade cannabis-infused Chocolate Peanut Butter Cups, to Birthday Cake and Strawberry Dreamsicle chocolate bars. Not to be outdone, options for gummies and chews go far beyond the standard apple, orange, and grape flavors. From Spicy Strawberry Margarita and Cranberry Lime Mojito to Cranberry

Pomegranate and Cinnamon— these confections are sure to sate your chocolate or sugar fiend’s needs on every level.

CANNABIS PROS

When you think of cannabis, apparel may not immediately spring to mind, unless you prefer hemp fabric and clothing. Nevertheless, dispensaries such as INSA, with locations in Springfield and Easthampton, and Theory Wellness in Chicopee have lines of apparel with their logos emblazoned for the fashion forward cannabis lover in your life. Decked out in their favorite dispensary’s finest, options range from hats to t-shirts and sweatshirts. Novelty t-shirts and socks are also a hit, who could resist a “Burn Blunts Not Bridges” t-shirt, or the classic “Flower Power”. As a result of the ongoing pandemic and the necessity for masks, cannabis themed looks are sure to be on your loved one’s wishlist.

FOODIES

For amateur and top chefs alike, cooking with cannabis has gained in popularity over the years. With that, cannabis cookbooks have begun cropping up with creative recipes and infusion tips, techniques and more. Cannabis’ influence on food has surpassed the days of pot brownies, and for foodies looking to experiment, books such as

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What do you get for the person who may already have everything? Accessories of course. In addition to the aforementioned ashtrays, bongs, pipes/bowls, popular amongst cannabis users are grinders (and not the munchie sating kind). For flower smokers, grinders are convenient tools to separate dry herbs in preparation for smoking whether you choose to roll it or smoke it in a bong, pipe, or bowl with the added benefit of not getting your hands sticky. Grinders vary in size, technique, and design, and are manual or electric. A frequent entry on best grinder lists is the portable grinder and dispenser pen— which is multipurpose as one end features a manual grinder and the other end a storage container. These pocket-sized grinders also have dispenser buttons for convenient distribution. If all else fails, you can always give the gift of light and buy your cannabis enthusiast a collection of colorful and versatile lighters.

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PLEASE CONSUME RESPONSIBLY. IF YOU FEEL DIFFERENT YOU DRIVE DIFFERENT This product has not been analyzed or approved by the FDA. There is limited information on the side effects of using this product, and there may be associated health risks. Marijuana use during pregnancy and breastfeeding may pose potential harms. It is against the law to drive or operate machinery when under the influence of this product. KEEP THIS PRODUCT AWAY FROM CHILDREN. There may be health risks associated with consumption of this product. Marijuana can impair concentration, coordination, and judgment. The intoxicating effects of edible products may be delayed by 2 hours or more. In case of accidental ingestion, contact poison control hotline 1-800-222-1222 OR 9-1-1. This product may be illegal outside of MA.

CRQ FALL 2021

PHOTO BY NATE BLAIS

“Ideal for relief after a hard day’s work or intense workouts”, Theory Wellness’ CBD Muscle Lotion is a vegan and medicated lotion that “blends organic cocoa and shea butter with a unique muscle relieving essential oil mixture”.

2018’s Edibles: Small Bites for the Modern Cannabis Kitchen by Stephanie Hua with Coreen Carroll, and photographs by Linda Xiao is the perfect gift. Serving up recipes for Canna Honey, “Green Eggs and Ham”, and Blueberry Lemon Macarons; holiday parties won’t be the same.

GARDENERS

Who needs fruits, vegetables, or flowers when you can have cannabis plants? For the green thumbs in your life, grow kits are the next best thing for amateur and expert growers alike looking for a new at home hobby. Conveniently, equipped with everything you need to jumpstart an indoor garden, these kits can be 40

CANNABISREVIEWQUARTERLY.COM

customized based on product, growth preferences, and skill level.

OUTDOOR ENTHUSIASTS

For those who love running or hiking, and biking in the great outdoors, CBD infused topicals such as lotions, creams and salves are great to relieve post workout muscle aches and soreness. “Ideal for relief after a hard day’s work or intense workouts”, Theory Wellness’ CBD Muscle Lotion is a vegan and medicated lotion that “blends organic cocoa and shea butter with a unique muscle relieving essential oil mixture”. Additionally, Theory Wellness offers a CBD AF Cream and Salve that offer therapeutic

benefits and anti-inflammatory properties. As the infusion of CBD continues to make its way into different products, a topical that people can use while in the wild is CBD infused sunscreen. The epitome of quality versus quantity, outdoorsmen and women should use these products sparingly, as less is more.

SPA LOVERS

For your friends that need and deserve some pampering, you can give the gift of relaxation from the comfort of their home. From face masks to bath bombs, lotions, and massage oils these CBD infused products help relieve stress and melt away all tension. Per their website, Canna Provisions in Holyoke urges users to “practice self-care and treat yourself” with The Healing Rose CBD bath soaks. Alternatively, Theory Wellness’ “CBD Tinctures combine organic coconut oil with concentrated, full-spectrum CBD, providing a smooth, consistent, easy-todose experience”, producing a calm and relaxing effect for users.

STORY BY LAUREN E. LeBEL PHOTOS BY NATE BLAIS & SUBMITTED

FIND YOUR

RYTHM

n the words of the acclaimed musician, singer and songwriter, Jimi Hendrix, “Music is a safe type of high… It’s nothing but rhythm and motion”. While Hendrix’s “Purple Haze” was a direct result of his iconic electric guitar, Green Thumb Industries (GTI), a leading cannabis CPG (consumer packaged goods) company, recently composed and released a euphonious and euphoric hit of their own with the rebrand of their “RYTHM” brand line. Similar to most cannabis products, this strain impacts everyone differently. So, as the GTI catchphrase for this product states, all that’s left to do is “find your rythm.” Although GTI’s headquarters is in Chicago, their line streams across the United States, with their RYTHM brand being uber popular in Massachusetts. Adam Landau, brand director, and Nicole Grede, senior brand manager, both serve on the marketing team at GTI. Landau described GTI as multi-state operators. “We produce our own products,” he said. Their brands in particular are what Landau and Grede solely focus on. For over a year now, Landau has been working on this rebrand, with the assistance from his GTI team. Having recently joined him, Grede has seen the new vision and rebrand come to life. According to the two, RYTHM is a flower based brand that is in nine markets. RYTHM includes flowers, vapes and concentrates. Landau said the brand is “a true to flower experience.” He went on to say that the flower is grown from the best genetics and the premium flower is a good potency. According to the GTI website, “RYTHM premium flower offers optimal potency, lush aromas, and rich flavors.” The flower is available in 1/8oz (3.5g). The RYTHM vape is a 100 percent cannabis product. “RYTHM premium vape pens, vape cartridges, and PAX pods use only high quality, full spectrum CO2 oil and 100 percent strain specific terpenes, for your true to plant experience,” read GTI’s CRQ FALL 2021

FLOWER. OWER. VA V ATE A TED ELEVATED. Please Consume Responsibly. This product may cause impairment and may be habit forming. Marijuana can impair concentration, coordination, and judgment. Do not operate a vehicle or machinery under the influence of this drug.

CANNABISREVIEWQUARTERLY.COM

3152816-01

This product has not been analyzed or approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). There is limited information on the side effects of using this product, and there may be associated health risks. Marijuana use during pregnancy and breast-feeding may pose potential harms. It is against the law to drive or operate machinery when under the influence of this product. KEEP THIS PRODUCT AWAY FROM CHILDREN. There may be health risks associated with consumption of this product. Marijuana can impair concentration, coordination, and judgment. The impairment effects of Edibles may be delayed by two hours or more. In case of accidental ingestion, contact poison control hotline 1-800-222-1222 or 9-1-1. This product may be illegal outside of MA.

GTI decided to keep what people liked from their previous brand and advanced it. They were able to figure this out through consumer research and purchases that their customers have made in the past. website. “Our 100 percent cannabis vape products are made with the highest quality and purity standards, never contain additives and are verified by state-approved testing laboratories.” Finally, their concentrates are considered both high quality and high potency. “RYTHM concentrates capture the full depth of the original plant with highly concentrated and terpene-rich offerings across a range of live and cured products,” their website continued. With this rebrand, Landau explained that the biggest change was their packaging. The new packaging has all of the necessary information listed right on the side of the product. “We took it to another level,” said Landau. This allowed for a complete new design, new logo and new icons. GTI decided to keep what people liked from their previous brand and advanced it. They were able to figure this out through consumer research and purchases that their customers have made in the past. Landau said that the actual packaging and jars have changed, allowing for shorter jars - making them easier CRQ FALL 2021

to open. For the vape packaging, they now come in bags; forcing them to sit up right. He added that they also have stickers that can be put and/or moved from products - showing their true form and function. After having launched this rebrand a little over a month ago in Massachusetts, Landau said they have received

a lot of positive feedback from customers. “People love the information [on the products], he claimed. “[Our] intent has matched [the] response.” Despite the lengthy process, Landau, Grede and their GTI team are excited to see their rebrand continue to unfold. In addition to rolling out the new products/brand itself, Landau

said they are looking forward to finding other ways to reach consumers. For additional information on GTI and their RYTHM line, visit: www.gtigrows.com

PREVIOUS RYTHM BRAND PACKAGING

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Cannabis

STORY BY ERIKA LEIGH PHOTOS SUBMITTED & ISTOCK

Arts

and the

Communities & Creativity

eanut butter and jelly, cheese and crackers, cannabis and the arts. It’s no secret that cannabis use and the arts – whether visual or musical – tend to go together. Woodstock is the prime example of the beginnings. Multiple researchers have even studied the effects of cannabis on the brain in artists– and while there is conflicting research – artists in general who use it, say cannabis helps them to relax when producing art or performing. People who

use it in consumption of the arts say they have a deeper appreciation or understanding of the lyrics, the music, or the art they’re looking at – but the connection goes beyond just use. In Western Massachusetts communities who’ve embraced the influx of locally-owned and operated adult-use cannabis stores and grows, there is a renaissance of sorts happening. In places like Holyoke, a place where dilapidated paper mills and other condemned CRQ FALL 2021

money to rent their symphony hall. Classically Cannabis: A High Note Series brought live, award-winning musicians to cannabis lovers, all while raising money to support their work. Last summer, a friend of Sanders’, who teaches at a music school in Vermont, called her and told her how many out-of-work musicians were dying for a chance to play – so together, they brought a septet to Dwight Street for an hour of live Beethoven, to celebrate what would be the composer’s 250th birthday. The live performance brought neighboring local businesses together for the event, symphony-caliber musicians together to play, and brought together the community, in a way that was safe during a time everyone was missing the arts. “It was moving on many levels…Seeing seven world-renowned, classically trained musicians gathering together outside … and performing timeless mu-

“It was moving on many levels… Seeing seven world-renowned, classically trained musicians gathering together outside… and performing timeless music before an audience for the first time in over seven months at that time,” Williams said. And nothing was needed more than a little bit of joy several months into a seemingly unending pandemic last year. During their time in Colorado, Sanders and Williams had seen cannabis give a boost to the Colorado Symphony Orchestra at a time when the orchestra was in danger of not having enough

sic before an audience for the first time in over seven months at that time,” Williams said. “Seeing how deeply their passion and love for performing their art runs was clear to everyone there – and those who watched on social media. We were honored to provide that opportunity for them and to donate to PINCH

PINCH

TO OPEN

SCAN FOR CANNABINOID & TERPENE PROFILES

THCA: 13.6% Δ9-THC: 0.3% CBD: 0.0% CBDA: 0.0% CBGA: 0.2% CBG: 0.1% CBCA: 0.1%

HY BR ID

TO OPEN

BATCH #: Zookies 2.3.21b B1 TESTED ON: 03/07/21 PRODUCED & PACKAGED BY CaNNA PROVISIONS, INC. MC281970 (413) 650-2500 info@cannaprovisionsgroup.com www.cannaprovisionsgroup.com

net wt. 0.125oz. (3.5g)

BATCH METRC ID NUMBER: 1A40A030004651000000148 PACKAGED ON

3/22/21

This product has been tested for contaminants and there were no adverse findings.

CANNABISREVIEWQUARTERLY.COM

their causes.” The former paper mill at 380 Dwight, where Canna Provisions stands now, was once a community space where artists gathered for years, so it was far from the first time it served as a showcase venue, albeit this time, in the parking lot. Still, in addition to ensuring they are hiring Holyoke locals and helping enhance the community’s growth and vibrance, they want to go beyond that and really support local artists. “Every business that considers itself good community members and stewards of collaboration have a duty to support local artists, in my opinion, and that rings particularly true in cannabis,” Williams said. “Art, on its own, bolsters and betters the soul of communities and neighborhoods, and the enrichment to a local community from a vibrant and healthy landscape of local art and artists makes us all better people by connecting us to our shared humanness.” So, when Canna Provisions’ latest product line, Smash Hits, was in development, they knew they wanted something representative of the inspiration behind the line. Greg “ChemDog” Krzanowski, Director of Cultivation, is the founder of the “ChemDog” strain, which he discovered at a Grateful Dead concert decades ago. His work overall, Smash Hits in particular, is heavily influenced by music, so the packaging needed to be too. ChemDog reached out to local artist Nate Duval for his help to make the vision for Smash Hits come to life. “Since the counterculture days of the 60s, which is the same era of art and design that originally captivated me many years back, [especially] Family

3.5 g

SH34

This product has not been analyzed or approved by the FDA. There is limited information on the side effects of using this product, and there may be associated health risks. Marijuana use during pregnancy and breast-feeding may pose potential harms. It is against the law to drive or operate machinery when under the influence of this product. KEEP THIS PRODUCT AWAY FROM CHILDREN.

industrial buildings were crumbling not long ago, suddenly, Dwight Street has become a vibrant new scene. Canna Provisions could’ve picked anywhere else in Western Mass to open another store, but instead, Meg Sanders and Erik Williams chose a 150-yearold paper mill on that very street– and opened in the middle of the COVID-19 pandemic, nonetheless, during July of 2020. “We believe in this community and Holyoke, and have seen across the country how cannabis companies can be a positive and driving factor in bettering municipalities wherever they exist,” said Canna Provisions COO, Erik Williams. “From creating jobs and careers for locals, as well as embolden[ing] hyper local initiatives in the community to spread more joy and spirit of collaboration in our shared community.”

Dog and the old Fillmore rock posters, there just has always seemed to be a visual side of the culture that was highly expressive and creative and that’s one that has always been an influence in the art I like and create,” Duval explained. Each Smash Hit variety, which ChemDog describes as “craft cannabis,” is made in small batches. Duval, also a self-described, “Deadhead,” has created concert posters for Phish and Grateful Dead, making him the perfect guy for the job. “I just gave myself the confines of making it all look like, a really cool, old, record label, and tried to let the aesthetics of that style of art lead the way, while letting attributes of each strain possibly tip me in a certain direction for the theme, colors or imagery of each label,” Duval explained. “The goal was to give myself a playground that I could make a lot of different labels that all looked different, but related, and I think we have done just that.” Duval mainly designs packaging labels for beer and games, so this wasn’t a huge departure from his regular work, but it was his first cannabis project, so getting to see his work in the store for the first time was memorable. “It was cool seeing them grouped together and seeing that lofty goal of, ‘same but different’ really click together,” Duval said. “I especially liked how they have used the art as decor in and around the store. Seeing …the logos I designed and the large-scale labels, like an old record label, really was the vision I had all along. Seeing it come to life exactly as I had hoped was a nice feeling.” Duval’s work isn’t the only art in the store. While they’ll continue to work together as new Smash Hits are developed, Canna Provisions is also committed to boosting the profiles of other local artists. For about the first year it was open, the Holyoke store was displaying metal sculptures made by local artist Kamil Peters. One whole wall of the store was dedicated to his work, some was sold through the store and Canna Provisions even bought a few pieces to keep on display there. The store is still doubling as a gallery and there are plans for a local graffiti artist to create a mural in the space that will pay homage to the Latinx community of Holyoke. Canna Provisions is also hoping to partner with the city and

“Doing well by doing good is part of our ethos as a company at Canna Provisions,” Williams said.

CRQ FALL 2021

Nate

Duval HOMETOWN: Wilbraham

CURRENTLY LIVES IN: Longmeadow EDUCATION: Graduated from Syracuse in 2004 with a B.A. in Advertising Design HOW DID YOU BECOME AN ARTIST? Once I graduated, I decided that art was what I reallywanted to do so I worked at Blue Q, [a product design and manufacturing business based in Pittsfield.] I started making rock posters for local bands and products for myself and the rest was history. I have worked for myself for the last 15 years and have no plans to ever change that.

other local businesses to continue hosting events that will support local artists and musicians. This year, the business sponsored The Foundry, a venue in West Stockbridge, not far from its Lee storefront, which hosted LGBTQ+ and BIPOC-focused performances over the summer. Canna Provisions was also the only cannabis partner for the Berkshire International Film Festival and for the first time, partnered with Tanglewood in Lenox, the home of the Boston Symphony Orchestra during the

summer. The partnership was fairly cutting-edge news, since the BSO had never partnered with a cannabis business before. “Doing well by doing good is part of our ethos as a company at Canna Provisions,” Williams said. “We take this responsibility seriously, and strive every day to practice what we preach while working to continually engage with and support the entire local community.”

PINCH TO OPEN

BATCH #: b B1 Zookies 2.3.21 /21 /07 TESTED ON: 03

SCAN FOR ID CANNABINO & TERPENE PROFILES

KAGED BY PRODUCED & PAC ONS, INC. CaNNA PROVISI MC281970 (413) 650-2500 m visionsgroup.co info@cannapro com ovisionsgroup. www.cannapr

H Y B R ID

SH37

)

0.125oz. (3.5g

ON PACKAGED

3/22/21

net wt. ID NUMBER: BATCH METRC 51000000148 1A40A0300046 been tested This product has and there were for contaminantse findings. no advers

3.5 g

by the FDA. This product has not been analyzed or approved of using this There is limited information on the side effects risks. health d associate be may there and product, ding may Marijuana use during pregnancy and breast-fee to drive or operate pose potential harms. It is against the law product. machinery when under the influence of this N. KEEP THIS PRODUCT AWAY FROM CHILDRE

A: 13.6% -THC: 0.3% D: 0.0% DA: 0.0% GA: 0.2% BG: 0.1% BCA: 0.1%

Artist Profile:

WHAT IS YOUR USUAL MEDIUM? DO YOU HAVE MORE THAN ONE? It varies, [but] mostly depends on what the finished product or outcome needs to be or look like. One way or another, it inevitably [becomes] digital and [is put] into a computer at some point. Sometimes it’s drawn by hand, sometimes drawn on my iPad Pro, or sometimes created entirely on the counter using collage and or typography. HOW DID YOU GET INVOLVED WITH CANNA PROVISIONS? They reached out. I believe Greg “ChemDog” was familiar with my rock poster work for bands like Phish. ARE YOU ALSO A DEADHEAD? For sure! WHY IS IT SO IMPORTANT FOR CANNABIS, ARTS AND MUSIC TO BE WORKING IN TANDEM? [The Smash Hits project was a] perfect fit for me to combine all my talents and interests in creating this very cool, unique, music-themed packaging system for one of the leaders in the local cannabis scene. Greg is a legend and the folks at Canna [Provisions] have been so nice and easy to work with, that it just felt like the perfect fit for me as I dipped my toe into the cannabis industry, lending my images and ideas to build the visual side of the brand they are building. I just think the three things [cannabis, arts and music] kind of tend to “blur each other” in various ways and naturally make for a perfect overlapping “Venn diagram.” To see more of Nate’s work, visit NateDuval.com

CANNABISREVIEWQUARTERLY.COM

ithin the cannabis industry, “going green” can take on a number of meanings, namely the ecological impact when growing cannabis and practices to be more environmentally friendly, or (the more obvious) appearance of the cannabis itself— they don’t call it weed or grass for nothing. While “going green” is an initiative in and of itself, Green Thumb Industries (GTI), a leading cannabis CPG (consumer packaged goods) company, is taking the multifaceted definition of “green” a step forward to help underserved communities navigate the cannabis industry. The recently launched initiative known as ‘Good Green’, as explained on their website, is a line of cannabis products, designed to “fight back against the War on Drugs and its devastating impact on Black and Brown communities in the U.S.” According to Adam Landau, brand director at GTI, this is a fully digital brand, with one mission: to play a part and give back to the ongoing, yet complex issue with drugs. He explained that certain communities and neighborhoods have been hit harder than others in this “war.” GTI’s website reads, “Good Green duels impact investments in nonprofits supporting underserved communities by creating opportunity and change in three key areas: education, employment and expungement.” Essentially, Landau claimed that these are the three pillars in the initiative. In July, GTI announced that they had opened Good Green applications to nonprofit organizations that served marginalized communities affected by the War on Drugs and those who are in support of the three pillars. Green Thumb Founder and Chief Executive Officer Ben Kovler, said, “As the co-founder of Invest for Kids, a nonprofit that serves Chicago area youth, I have seen the impact unrestricted grants can make on smaller nonprofits. The devastating social and economic costs of cannabis prohibition in our surrounding neighborhoods has created a massive need. Good Green is dedicated to committing meaningful resources to expand access and opportunity for

STORY BY LAUREN E. LeBEL

GOOD

GREEN

diverse communities and those most impacted by the failed War on Drugs. Good Green helps others directly take part in this mission to change the status quo.” Landau said giving back is all a part of GTI’s mission. He added that they’re trying to carry this out as authentically as possible and are excited to be involved. “We want to be able to do our part.” Over the next year and a half, GTI will commit at least $1.3 million from Good Green brand sales. This will include funding grants awarded to nonprofits that provide cannabis career training, education and sustainable employment opportunities, as well as

expungement legal services, to communities harmed by discriminatory cannabis policies. According to GTI, “Registered 501(c)3 organizations that are selected by the program will receive funding from product sales.” As of press time, Good Green applications are closed and GTI will have announced their nonprofit partners. If all goes well, Landau said they will be repeating this in the future. For additional information on the Good Green initiative, visit https://good.green/

CRQ FALL 2021

Do you know all there is to know about the

cannabis industry?

STORY BY LAUREN E. LeBEL

hile you may think you know all there is to know about the weed/cannabis industry, have you ever thought about the products in which you’ve consumed and/or how they are processed? Maybe you have or maybe you haven’t… Regardless, let’s learn some facts and debunk those myths! When it comes to processing, there is a lot that goes into the formulation of various products. To start off, cannabis is a plant that is grown. Cannabisbased products are derived from dried flowering tops, leaves, stems, and seeds of the Cannabis sativa (hemp) plant. Once ready, people use the dried leaves, seed oil, and other parts of the cannabis plant for a variety of reasons. Majority of the time, those reasons include recreational and medical purposes. Some may believe that marijuana can only be grown in certain environments, however this is not the case. In fact, “Marijuana concentrates can be made in a commercial environment with modern equipment or prepared in a home setting (National Institute on 50

CANNABISREVIEWQUARTERLY.COM

Drug Abuse). This includes dry or dry ice processing, water-based processing, combining pressure with heat, using nonflammable carbon dioxide solvents, or using flammable solvents including butane (lighter fluid), propane, ether, or alcohol. While it may seem more safe to use nonflammable solvents, flammable solvents are proven to be more popular. Why you may ask? The products have high THC levels, users report longer-lasting effects and it is a relatively inexpensive and efficient production method” (National Institute on Drug Abuse). Once cannabis is made, there are a variety of ways in which it may appear. To everyone, the vision of cannabis may differ. After going through processing, the product resulting from it may be a gooey liquid wax, a soft solid, or a hard, amber-colored solid. Focusing on cannabis consumption, people who are unfamiliar may think that the substance can only be smoked. The truth is, nowadays, there are multiple ways that someone can consume cannabis. In fact, the drug can be smoked, eaten and even drank. As the industry continues to grow, new

ways and forms of consumption are unfolding. “Hash oil and waxes can be consumed using vape pens. Solids can also be placed on a heated platform usually made of titanium, quartz, or ceramic, where they are vaporized by high heat and inhaled through a dabbing tool, often called a rig (National Institute on Drug Abuse).” Another myth you have heard or assumption you have made is that weed/ cannabis is addictive and leads to harder drugs. Not only is this false, but in fact, less than one percent of Americans smoke/ use cannabis more than once a day. There is nothing in cannabis that is addictive, but rather can be considered as more of a habit for some (Cannabis: Facts, Myths and Mental Health). Trying to decipher between a fact and myth may be difficult for some, especially when it comes to the cannabis industry. Before partaking in any consumption or developing an assumption of your own, make sure you know the facts- they’re important. References https://www.mhanational.org/sites/default/files/Cannabis.pdf https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/246392 https://www.drugabuse.gov/publications/drugfacts/marijuana-concentrates

Cannabis Review Quarterly - 2021 - Three

Articles inside

Good Green

Artist Profile

Behind the Re-brand

Cannabis and the Arts

Plant to Product

Croptober

Eat Your Greens

Taste

Product Previews

Testing Testing 1-2-3...