Know about the grow

questions,” said Black. “Everyone has questions.”

What separates Insa from other dispensaries is their customer service and in-store experience. “Other dispensaries have a get in, get out feel,” shared Black. “We super emphasize with [our] team that people can take as much time as they need and ask as many questions [as they want].” The Insa stores are set up to match this model as its products are displayed for people to view – allowing them to “get a feel” on what they are looking for.

To work at Insa, no cannabis experience is required. Black shared that she has trained several employees who had no background or knowledge prior to applying. As a part of the training process, Black teaches cannabis basics with a focus on terpenes – which is big at Insa – along with fully preparing an individual for everything they need to know.

“Training at Insa doesn’t stop at orientation,” said Black, as she often shares training materials with employees to enhance their performance. “We just want to grow careers,” she added.

For employees who are interested, Insa even offers scholarships to take classes and pursue a degree.

“At Insa, we grow together,” said Black.

She continued, “I started off as a budtender and worked [up] to this.”

Across Massachusetts, Insa employs between 400 to 500 people in total. This includes retail, production, marketing and more. Black noted that there are training opportunities for Insa employees who do not need to know anything about cannabis, like the accountants.

She explained that there is a whole database at the store for internal training. “I create all the courses,” which are built in house, said Black. For external training, there is “robust” education instruction, such as frequent webinars that Black hosts.

“People who come to us from other dispensaries and walks of life say they received the best training here,” she shared. What is taught inside the walls of Insa are lessons and training that employees will have for a lifetime, she added.

From outside sources, Black said she often hears positive feedback about the knowledge that Insa employees carry. However, there are still a lot of questions surrounding cannabis.

“People want to know the ‘why’ behind cannabis,” she said. As more dispensaries open and more products are being made, there are more options for people to learn the truth about it.

“Education is the cure to stigma,” Black said. Rather than being “scared” or “hating it,” she believes people should try to understand cannabis and hopefully become an advocate for it.

Over the past five years, Black noted that there has been a decrease in the stigma and credits education to that. She shared that her mother is a prime example of this as she used to be against cannabis, but tried a non-intoxicating lotion that did not make her high and helped with her pain, causing her to change her mindset.

“This plant will only benefit people as a society,” said Black.

Every day, from 7 a.m. to 11 p.m., people can call Insa’s customer service line with any cannabis related questions at 877-500-INSA. To learn more about cannabis, visit https://insa.com/.

380 Dwight Street

Holyoke, MA

Exclusive waterfront property available in the heart of historic industrial Holyoke. Become part of an exciting community & add your touch towards the progression of love, arts, culture, & creation. Canal Gallery Building consisting of 52,000 sqft, divided among 3 floors & an occupiable attic level. First level fully occupied by four retail & office establishments. Second, Third & attic levels available for buyers’ creative direction. Property updates include but are not limited to, roof, windows, electrical, heating & fire sprinkler & alarm systems. Amazing opportunity to invest in the ever-growing canal community. When reviewing documents, please note that the second, third & fourth floors are vacant & not generating revenue. Budget is based on 22,000 sq ft occupancy. City of Holyoke confirmed residential use allowed $2,300,000 ($44/SF)

574 Haydenville Road

Northampton, MA

3.86 Acre Northampton/Leeds property includes two structures and plenty of land to expand. **Lower Building

Features:- 2,040 Sq Ft Warehouse

Space, 12ft ceiling height, 2 Garage Doors and 826 Sq Ft of Office Space with a Foyer entrance, 2 offices, 1 bathroom and a kitchen.- Public Water and Private Sewer- Oil Heat **Upper Building Features:- 3,600 SqFt of Open Warehouse Space with l6’8 ft Ceiling Height, 2 Garage Door Openings- Electrical Features 400AMP service- Spring Water and Well Access- Radiant Propane Heat. Location is properly zoned for commercial and for Cannabis cultivation/manufacturing. Cannabis Cultivators and Manufacturers can save time and improve lead with included Host Community Agreement and Tier l Provisional cultivation license for up to 5,000 Sq Ft of canopy with Tier 2 potential. Provisional Manufacturers License expected soon. Property is available with option to buy both Provisional Licenses. $1,100,000