Cannabis Review Quarterly - 2021 - Two

CR Q

CANNABIS REVIEW QUARTERLY SUMMER 2021

two 2021

Seed to Plant

Life Cycle of the Cannabis Plant

Grow

Indoor vs. Outdoor

PRODUCT Previews

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nity – u m m o c r nspire ou i o t e r e ose whil h p s r i u s ’ p k d c i n r a 6B le, plant, p o are a e p e e W . h r t e h n g t r u amunity – thro buorrlcyop h g m and i e n n o i d t o o a r o e e g r i p a o p p inhgere to ins be icukru pp e while s e o d i p s s i b s r ’ u k d c c e,, plant, an orle 6 Bri f re a oa iplesotp aproduct ne t e rand cetri.oW e s Connecting people for the best experience every time. e e n o h t n i h t floor. n s borly part r ub fi hh e throug delivereyig h t n negr,aotion and n ldoip i d u o b o g n a a c i g l p n bei Ruerpbusb e h ide picku T c , e r eople a f p o t n c o e i t n retail sto c n e o s c e iotnhteofirst floorv.ery tim sn io b in on v u r h a y e r l e c v i a l , de ing magic ence e i ldthe elihcaavne buby r i e W p x e t This flyer is powered of AR! s ub uct for the be The Repp rod ople and e p t c e n n ion to co s i v time. r a y e r l e c v a e Bring the below photo to life... e e t v c u nmore about eo rib ea We ha pLearn xe e r t o s e m b e n h r t ra foe ct L produ1. our and our Download the 6 Bricks AR 6dapp Brick’s

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CRQ SUMMER 2021

3

FROM THE

Publisher As a newspaper publisher – in print and online – I read for a living.

Having read all the content of this – the second edition of our Cannabis Review Quarterly – I can honestly say that I learned more new information from it than any comparable investment of my reading time. Some of that is obviously because I am not personally a grower or a seller, but I think even the inside professionals from the cannabis industry will come away with new insights. Consumers and those who are simply curious are in for a whole load of new knowledge.

While I was interested in Peanut Butter Cups and Chocolate Bars (who isn’t?), I paid more attention to the details of cultivating indoors and outdoors. That’s because I’ve spent 40 years around economic development, and I find cannabis a terrific new avenue to stimulate the economy, especially in an old industrial area such as New England, where cities such as Holyoke are trying to create new wealth around cultivating cannabis in beautiful old facilities that once were humming with good-paying work that was lost years ago to the Sunbelt and, eventually, to China.

Along those lines, it is instructional to read the CRQ article about how the new cannabis tax revenue has made the industry welcome in Lee, even among those who don’t use cannabis products.

Even as the craft beer industry is booming thanks to the popularity of brewing hops – once also illegal in America – cannabis offers not only recreation and enjoyment to users, but economic growth potential in many of our communities.

Speaking of recreation, enjoy CRQ! Please let us hear your feedback and suggestions.

George Arwady

Publisher and CEO The Republican 1860 Main Street Springfield, MA 01103 Office: 413.788.1312 4

CANNABISREVIEWQUARTERLY.COM

CR Q

two 2021

STAFF Publisher and CEO George Arwady garwady@repub.com

Advertising Director Mark A. French mfrench@repub.com

Advertising Sales Manager Fran Smith fsmith@repub.com

Creative Design & Content Curation Michelle Johnson mjohnson@repub.com Curtis Panlilio cpanlilio@repub.com

Content Review Tiera Wright Adam Stern

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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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 Outdoor vs Indoor Cultivation

Dive into the main differences between indoor and outdoor cultivation operations within the state of Massachusetts.

22 Know

Your Shit

For all the gardeners and growers out there, manure (or in layman’s terms, animal poop—alright, I just wanted to say “poop”) is a great fertilizer for planting.

26 From Seed

to Flower

A cannabis plant’s life cycle.

30 Just Call Him

“The Dogfather” Ten years ago, if you’d asked Greg “Chemdog” Krzanowski where he thought he’d be, the outlook was bleak. “I lost everything I owned – cars, money, everything.”

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34 TASTE

Satisfy your tastebuds with a recipe from Canna Provisions for Healthy THC Green Juice Wellness Beverage.

35 Let’s Get Buzzed

Arrivederci brownies, gummies, and chocolates; move over lotions, bath bombs and seltzers, it’s been real. With a growing trend of cannabis infused topicals, beverages, and foods— cannabis infused honey, with its versatility and DIY recipes, is on the rise (or is it getting high).

37 Your

CBD Store

While many people think this store is a cannabis dispensary, it is in fact the exact opposite.

40 Know Your Growers

What makes up a grow team... and meet a few members!

44 5 Things

That Happen

When cannabis comes to town... you may be surprised!

46 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. 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 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. | License #s: MR281796 & MR281778

CRQ SUMMER 2021

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Product PREVIEWS STORY BY LAUREN E. LeBEL SUBMITTED PHOTOS

W

ith new seasons comes new change. While cannabis use differs for everyone, many can relate to the abundance of activities the summer offers and the toll it may have on the mind and body.

Diving deeper into those waters, local dispensaries share their exciting new releases, or upcoming products, and why they may be beneficial for you!

BLUEBERRY MUFFIN COURTESY OF THE PASS

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CANNABISREVIEWQUARTERLY.COM

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BOSTON BUD FACTORY Location in Holyoke

VISIT BOSTONBUDFACTORY.COM FOR MORE INFO

NATURAL VAPE CARTRIDGE

BAHAMA MAMA COURTESY OF 253

253

Location in Turner Falls

VISIT 253FARMACY.COM FOR MORE INFO

BAHAMA MAMA

253 has some exciting new releases, including Bahama Mama, a sativa dominant cross between Tropicanna Cookies x Black Banana. This strain has forest green and deep purple nugs with a unique aroma of funk and tangerines. 253 said, “Bahama Mama is glowing with trichomes and an incredible frosty structure, great for euphoria and creativity.” They added, “The smell is out of this world, and has a loudness you won’t be able to pass up!” Costs: 1g $15 1/8 / $45 - $55 *Cannabis and Sales tax not included. Pricing on flower may vary.

INDICA & SATIVA TINCTURES

253 shared, “Our Elevate and Mellow Tinctures are a sugar free alternative to edibles.” They are made from a selective batch of house grown Sativa and Indica strains that provide an elevating or relaxing full body effect. “Our tinctures are made with coconut MCT oil, 10

CANNABISREVIEWQUARTERLY.COM

sunflower lecithin and 253 lab produced distillate. Kosher certified,” said 253. Tinctures cost $50 *Cannabis and Sales tax not included.

CHOCOLATE BARS

“Our chocolate bars are made from the finest Belgian - Callebaut chocolate we could source,” they explained. 253 has a diverse selection of craft bars including multiple vegan options. “We are proud to offer the first kosher edible in the state of Massachusetts,” said 253.

Chocolate Bars cost $28 *Cannabis and Sales tax not included.

253 Signature flavors- Espresso, Toasted Coconut, Peanut Butter, Toffee, Mint Cookie, Pretzel.

BULK OIL COURTESY OF BOSTON BUD FACTORY

Frank Dailey of Boston Bud Factory said they will be releasing a natural vape cartridge with CO2 extract- diluted with natural terpenes. “We extract the terpenes from flowers and use it to dilute back for cartridges,” explained Dailey. The product is clean and all natural. Dailey predicted the vape will cost about $40 for a half gram cartridge and $80 for a full gram cartridge. He said an average cartridge costs about $100.

“The goal is to reduce the price point for patients and get something more affordable,” stated Dailey. Cartridges are now available.

FRESH FLOWER ROSIN

Boston Bud Factory will also be launching a fresh flower rosin. This product has a higher purity concentrate that is used for dabbing, explained Dailey. He added, this is designed for people who like a higher strength. Dailey said, “Dabbing is becoming more popular.” Flower Rosin is a clean product with no solvents, by products, or chemicals.

There is no price as of now, however the range will be between $40 to $70 for a half gram. Dailey said this is so people can try different varieties to find what they like. This product is now available.

CRQ SUMMER 2021

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SELF DOSING SYRINGES

Another product that will be released during the summer months is a self dosing syringe. Dailey said, the syringe will have CO2 extract- a highly purified extract of THC. “People can use this to make edibles, fill vape cartridges, etc.,” he claimed.

CANNABIS CONNECTION Location in Westfield

VISIT: CCOFWESTFIELD.COM

LEVIA- INFUSED SELTZERS

Thomas Keenan, CEO of Cannabis Connection said, “We have three relatively new brands...each specializes in a type of product.” The first is infused seltzers made by Levia.

This Cannabis-Infused Social Seltzer comes in effects based formulations with all-natural flavors, 5MG of THC, zero calories, and zero sugars.

The flavors include a sativa based,

uplifting raspberry lime; a hybrid based, balanced lemon lime; and an indica based, relaxing jam berry.

Cost is $7.50 each, or 3 for $21, or the best deal of a 6-pack for $37.50.

Please check the store for current pricing.

FERNWAY VAPE CARTRIDGE

Cannabis Connection carries all six of the vape carts offered from Fernway- a Northampton based company. Fernway vapes have outstanding flavors, undeniable style, and always deliver an experience worth savoring. The flavors include grapefruit (juicy/tart), homegrown (diesel/pine), berkshire gold (wildflower/earth), berry haze (blackberry/birch), stonefruit (bold/sweet), and wild mint (fresh/cool). All vape carts are 500mg and connect to a standard 510 thread battery. Cost is $60 each. Please check the store for current pricing.

COAST CANNABIS CHOCOLATE BARS

Keenan said, “Coast Cannabis is based out on Cape Cod and offers gummies, vapes and chocolate.”

Of all their products and offerings, Keenan believes chocolate is their highlight. Bars come in milk, dark, and white chocolate. Milk chocolate flavors include S’mores, plain milk chocolate, and Almond Coconut & Sea Salt. Dark chocolate flavors include plain dark chocolate, Dark chocolate & Sea Salt Bar, and Dark Chocolate & Raspberry Bar. Finally, the white chocolate flavors include Berries & Cream, Cookies & Cream, and Birthday Cake. All these bars contain 100 MG of THC. Cost is $30 each. Please check the store for current pricing.

RISE Amherst

VISIT: RISECANNABIS.COM

INCREDIBLES – Snoozzzeberry

Chocolate Bar 1:5 CBN/THC Hit the snoozzze bar. Sweeten your slumber with a dose of dreamland.

Crunchy rice crispies, dark chocolatey blueberries, snores galore.

Snoozzzeberry chocolate offers 100mg THC and 20mg CBN total, with 5mg THC and 1mg CBN per piece. Made with pure THC distillate in a homogeneous mixture to ensure accurate dosing and consistency. Retail price: $40

RYTHM – Sour Diesel Vape

(300mg disposable, .5g, 1g, and PAX pod) Sour Diesel is an invigorating, uplifting sativa-dominant strain with an unmistakable pungent-diesel aroma. Available in 300mg Disposable Vape Pens, 500mg/1g Cartridges, and 500mg PAX Pods, Rythm uses the highest quality, full-spectrum cannabis oil, enhanced with superior CCELL hardware or customizable PAX technology. These Sour Diesel strain-specific full-plant extracts contain no fillers, propylene glycol, vegetable glycerin, or additives as Rythm is always true-to-plant.

RETAIL PRICE: 300mg disposable: $40 500mg cartridge: $55-60 500mg PAX pod: $60-65 1g cartridge: $100

DR. SOLOMON’S RESTORE DROPS (Tincture) 1:1 CBD/THC

Say goodbye to discomfort. Easy to dose, non-habit-forming, full-body relief to diminish imbalance and put that pep back in your step. Retail price: $45

INSA

Locations in Easthampton, Salem, and Springfield VISIT: MYINSA.COM

GUMDROPS DR. SOLOMON’S RESTORE DROPS COURTESY OF GTI

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CANNABISREVIEWQUARTERLY.COM

Lewis Goldstein from INSA shared, “We will be launching a whole new line of gummies called ‘Drops’”.

There will be nine different varieties

to choose from. Goldstein said the flavors will include peach mango, watermelon, spicy pineapple, black cherry with melatonin called “sleepy,” raspberry with caffeine and THC called “energy drops,” sour strawberry, sour green apple, black cherry with a one-to-one ratio of THC to CBD, and black cherry with a two-to-one ratio of THC to CBD. “They are all natural gummies with real fruit puree and cane sugar,” said Goldstein. The cost is $30 for 20 pieces.

INSA DROPS COURTESY OF INSA

INFUSED ROCKET PRE-ROLL INSA will also be launching an infused rocket pre-roll. Goldstein said the pre-roll is infused with kief (a concentrate). “This brings the preroll to a much higher level with concentration added to it,” explained Goldstein. Pricing for this product is not yet final.

Please check their website for their most current price.

STRAWBERRY BANANA LEMON

Resinate

Young shared, “This Sativa-leaning hybrid blends an underground Strawberry Banana with Lemon Stomper, resulting in a sweet, fruity flavor.” He added, “This heavy resin producer is known for its happy, peaceful effects that may sharpen creativity and sensory awareness.”

This product is designed to help with stress, anxiety, depression, pain, and insomnia. Prices may vary.

Please check their website for their most current price.

VISIT: IRESINATE.COM

The Pass

PEANUT BUTTER CUPS

Goldstein shared, “We are also launching peanut butter cups made with fine European chocolate.” INSA has a master chocolatier that they will be using to perfect this new product. Peanut Butter Cups will be available no later than Aug. 1. Pricing is not final.

Locations in Northampton and Worcester

LAVA CAKE

Resinate has announced their newest product releases, including a Lava Cake. “Lava Cake is a powerful indica-hybrid marijuana strain cross of Thin Mint GDC and Grape Pie Bred by Cannarado Genetics,” said Gregory Young of Resinate. “This yummy strain is widely celebrated for its deliciously sweet flavor profile that emits exceptionally smooth and cakey terpenes.” Terpenes include myrcene, caryophyllene, and humulene. Young said, “The high you get from smoking Lava Cake may put your mind and body into a deep state of relaxation.” People may use this to help with stress, pain, depression, and insomnia. Prices may vary.

Location in Sheffield, MA VISIT: THEPASS.CO

OG Kush. Tahoe OG is a must-try for those looking for a great night’s sleep.

BLUE RASPBERRY SOURS

Pass-branded Blue Raspberry Sours are perfectly formulated for a happy, calming and relaxed effect. Reminiscent of a SweeTART, these tablets are deliciously, mouthwateringly sour. Allow to dissolve on tongue for best effects.

BLUEBERRY MUFFIN

Blueberry Muffin strain is an indica-dominant cross of Blueberry and Purple Panty Dropper. Revered for its uniform bud structure and purple-tinted flowers, this cross smells like a tray of fresh baked muffins.

Its berry sweetness is softened by a smooth, creamy finish and makes for a tasty experience.

TAHOE OG | .5G DISPOSABLE VAPE

Tahoe OG is the perfect rainy day strain. Strong and fast-acting, you may not want to use this strain when you’re planning to leave the house. Great for those suffering from insomnia, pain, or lack of appetite, Tahoe OG has made a name for itself among other indicas. A top nighttime strain, it provides an extremely lazy, heavy body sensation. Due to superb breeding, Tahoe OG embodies all of the typical indica effects with an added euphoric, sativa-like kick. This strain features an earthy, lemon taste, and is a phenotype of

STRAWBERRY BANANA LEMON COURTESY OF RESINATE

CRQ SUMMER 2021

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STORY BY ADAM STERN PHOTOS BY NATE BLAIS

OUTDOOR vs INDOOR W

ithin the cannabis industry there are many terms that as a new customer or industry outsiders may have never heard of or were too shy to ask the Bud Tender at your local dispensary. Today we will be diving into the main differences between indoor and outdoor cultivation operations within the state of Massachusetts.

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CANNABISREVIEWQUARTERLY.COM

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 SUMMER 2021

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What is an outdoor cultivation?

According to the Massachusetts Cannabis Control Commission “outdoor cultivation means the cultivation of mature cannabis without the use of artificial lighting in the canopy area at any point in time. Artificial lighting is permissible only to maintain Immature or Vegetative Mother Plants”. While this might seem like common knowledge to those within the industry or who have researched the industry, many people are still confused about the difference between these two types of operations and what they are. An outdoor cultivation set up is not simple buying a parcel of land, fertilizing it and planting seeds; an outdoor cultivation is in-fact located within a greenhouse which can look like anything from the old plastic cylinder model to modern glass encased freestanding facility that looks more like an art installation rather than a cultivation. These old and new greenhouses utilize natural light, energy, and sometimes water catching technologies that focus on sustainability and natural growth cycles for the plants; however, they are anything but simple to run.

Many of the greenhouses within the cannabis cultivation utilize technologies and software programs that are set by the head grower to maximize growth and yield by programing the greenhouses to provide sunlight, water,

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CANNABISREVIEWQUARTERLY.COM

and other means of fertilization at set times and schedules via the greenhouses “brain”. While this may sound like something out of science fiction it is being utilized today and, in some cases, pioneered by the cannabis industry. The schedule and routines are dependent on the stage of the plant’s lifecycle, if it is an adult plant, if it is in the nursery, or if it is close to harvest will affect how much light, water, and other nutrients the plants receive.

Two of the main reasons many cannabis groups will choose to have outdoor cultivation operations is because the plants gain their nutrition’s naturally, and the harvest yield is usually higher per square foot then its counterpart because the plants grow taller, and the flower’s bud is usually larger.

According to Pete Steimer, director of Cultivation from The Pass, “outdoor cultivation is the most natural way to cultivate cannabis. There is no artificial lighting, no control on temperature, and no predicting when the weather may turn”. However, because the grow process is dependent on weather conditions it is important to keep in mind geographical restriction and conditions. If you place a greenhouse in an area that does not receive a lot of natural light you will not be able to grow as efficiently.

What is an indoor cultivation?

An indoor cultivation within the cannabis industry is a facility laid out in grids, usually within a newly constructed facility or a gutted and remodeled manufacturing building that has been repurposed for an indoor grow. Walking into these facilities can sometimes feel like you are walking into a CDC Clean room. As quoted by Green Thumb Joe Centracchio (Regional Director of Operations), “protecting the environment in which the plants are grown and limiting the potential for outside influences. For example, street clothes are not allowed inside grow rooms due to the threat of spreading any outside contaminants”. First you must change out of street cloths, put on a clean suit, and make sure you are disinfected, then you are usually led into a hallway with many closed doors. Behind each of these doors is a different room for different stages of the plants or different strains of flower being cultivated. Each room from the nursery to the mother clones has different lighting, water, fertilization, and maintenance.

Walking through an Indoor grow can be quite the experience the first time, from the atmosphere to the clean rooms it can sometimes feel more like a science experiment than a cultivation for cannabis, but as we

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.

CRQ SUMMER 2021

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.

17

enter each of the rooms the reason behind these precautions becomes clear. Each room holds dozens if not hundreds of plants ranging in size, color, texture, and smell. What is amazing is how you cannot smell anything outside, but in each of the rooms the aromas of flowers, water, and fertilization is clearly there. Each room within an indoor grow operation can feel so different and unique, as quoted by 253’s Seth Rutherford, “we have a total of 11 grow rooms – 1 Mother/Clone room, 3 Veg(etation) rooms, and 7 flower rooms” and each of these rooms range from plants the size of small air plants to those reaching eye level and near harvest; there are even some rooms no one except one person is allowed in to ensure no cross contamination, which is another reason why cleanliness is so important within indoor grow operation.

Two reasons many cannabis businesses will want to have an indoor grow operation are for quality control standards to create specific strains and “Growing indoors allows for consistent, perpetual harvests all year long” (quoted by 253 Farmacy’s Seth Rutherford), that is not dependent on natural light or geographical limitation. While the total yield of each harvest within an indoor grow operation is not as large as an outdoor grow, it is a guaranteed and consistent grow operation with greater checks and balances on pest and cross 18

CANNABISREVIEWQUARTERLY.COM

contamination, as quoted by Green Thumb “Plant health is a top priority”.

Setting up and sustaining an outdoor cultivation

Creating an outdoor cultivation can often yield the greatest harvest and require a lower cost because according to Pete Steimer from The Pass, “Growing outdoor you are fully dependent on the sun allowing for a significant reduction in energy consumption. Besides irrigation pumps, there is minimal electrical output needed to operate an indoor grow operation”, but setting up a successfully and sustainable outdoor facility can be a daunting task.

The first step is finding a parcel of land that is both zoned properly and graded to meet the standards of the type, size, and number of greenhouses.

When it comes to picking out the land to build your outdoor cultivation on it is important to keep several factors in mind; ensure that it is properly and legally zoned for cannabis cultivation (each state and municipality has its own restrictions), ensure the land can be graded and has a secure foundation to support a large operation, and has plenty of direct sunlight.

Many times, setting up the foundation can be one of the more time consuming and costly stages of setting up a successful outdoor cultivation because the greenhouses have certain founda-

tion requirements based on the size, weight, and location; if you are in a high wind area you will want to ensure your greenhouse won’t blow away which will require stronger foundations and mountings, but if you are growing in a state where snow may become an issue you will want a greenhouse with a thicker shell that can maintain constant insulation for the plants no matter the outside temperature.

After picking a proper location it’s time to decide what type of greenhouse you will want to purchase and how many. Just like with an indoor operation, it is important to have different rooms for different stages of the plants and types to ensure there is no contamination or cross-pollination.

Usually when starting out many cultivations’ operations will want about 3 greenhouses to ensure each stage has its own greenhouse as the lead grower needs to set specific conditions for different stages of growth.

When talking with your local greenhouse company and contractor make sure and discuss the different options and advantages for the many different types of physical greenhouse buildings as well as the different materials the buildings are made of. Again, picking out the right greenhouse can be the difference between a successful outdoor cultivation and not, which is why it is important to understand the different options, costs, and advantages of

different types of greenhouses and the materials it is built with.

Once the greenhouse has been picked, along with the locations, it is time to start deciding on the light deprivation systems and the brains for your greenhouse. The light deprivation system is a system built into each of the greenhouses that allows the growers to setup schedules for the plants to get natural sunlight or blacked out completely. The systems are set on timers based on the growth cycle and stage of the plants. The “brain” of the greenhouse is the computer system and software used to control the light deprivation systems, setting timers for watering, and setting up circulation through fan systems to ensure proper temperature and humidity (as well as to ensure the outside does not smell).

One of the last things to consider when finalizing your greenhouse set up is how you will plant and water your cannabis flowers. There are many options, but the two most common are

placing plants on a palate all in large piece of soil, and the other is setting up each plant in its own individual pot. Because growing is a mixture of art and science, each grower will have their own preferred method depending on the type of set up, the number of plants, and the stage at which the plant is entering. Each of these methods has pros and cons from costs to yield and

Setting up and sustaining an indoor cultivation

When the industry first started out many indoor grow operations would actually be in people’s houses or basements, and obviously, not grown in the most hygienic or secure facilities.

Nowadays there are so many rules and restrictions most indoor cultivations

Just like with an indoor operation, it is important to have different rooms for different stages of the plants and types to ensure there is no contamination or cross-pollination. will depend on your set up, location, and lead grower’s preference.

are zoned only within manufacturing districts and never allowed near residential. The changes to the culture and the customer demand have ensured that both products and facilities are

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of the highest standards, which is why picking your facility and setting it up for long term success is crucial. Some of the key features to keep in mind when setting up your indoor facility are the building, the utility services, the size of the facility, and how much time/money to retrofit the building for a grow operation. To ensure their commitment to the community and to eliminate any risk “Green Thumb uses a specific filtration system that eliminates odor transfer. Our facilities are typically stand-alone buildings to limit any spread of smell into the community.” (as quoted by Joe Centracchio). These stand-alone buildings are usually old manufacturing buildings re-purposed or newly created mason buildings.

Location, Location, Location, just as with almost every other business properly setting up a good location which is easily accessible for pickups and deliveries, clear lines of sight for security and cameras, hooked up for utility services, and large enough to house your different grow rooms and drying rooms. The location can be dependent on the size of the facility as well, whether you are looking for a 40,000 sq ft facility like Green Thumb, or a 11-grow room operation like 253.

Setting up a successful indoor cultivation is all about finding an empty warehouse, manufacturing facility, or a parcel of land that is zoned properly to build a custom building for your grow operation. The location, just as with greenhouses, must be permitted and zoned properly by the state and municipality. Working with a local real estate agent that you can trust is key within the first stages of picking out your location, they know the community, zoning restrictions, and can help negotiate deals with land or business owners.

Before construction starts one of the first things as cultivation operation you want to ensure is that you have all the proper documents and land/ building lease or purchase options. It is always best to own the property you are starting your cultivation on, but if you are signing a lease make sure the 20

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owner of the property knows what you plan on doing at the location and that you have at least a 3–5-year lease with the option to extend. It will take several months to build and retrofit the facility for cannabis cultivation, then another couple of months to actually grow your first harvest, which could mean you don’t see your first sales until 6-8 months, which is why having a long term lease or owning the property is so important with cultivation; the last thing you want is for 2 years to come up, you are profitable, and the land owner says “time for you to go”.

Utilities, from internet to water ensuring your facility has access to each of these is crucial as each stage of your plants lifecycle will usually require 12+ hours of lighting and regular intervals of watering, through hydroponic systems. According to 253 Farmacy’s Seth Rutherford “Watering is generally done through drip irrigation for consistent delivery to the plants. Lighting is provided by ceramic metal halide bulbs which closely mimic actual sunlight, more so than other types of bulbs.”

Most cultivations will have generators and extra water supplies to ensure your harvest never suffers from water or power being shut off due to weather conditions or blackouts. Internet is another important utility as you will more than likely set up your grow operations to be on set timers and schedules with minimal human interactions to ensure no mold or diseases affect the plants.

Once your facility is picked out, your contracts are in place and you are happy with your local utility services, it’s time to start building your facility.

As quoted by Green Thumb’s Joe Centracchio, “Our goal is to create an environment that naturally allows the plants to grow while supplementing them with optimal light, humidity, and nutrition as nature would intend”. Most indoor grow facilities will have several different rooms each serving different purposes during the plant’s lifecycle. At the very least you will want a room for your Mother plants, a room for your clones, a nursery, a room for the vegetative state, and a room for the plants to flower. Most indoor grows will have

each seed placed in its own pot on a mobile palate that can be moved to different rooms based on the stage the plant is in and will be moved to different pots with different light and water rotations based on the stage the plant is in. Setting up each room with the proper controls, hydroponic systems, and lighting schedules will become a standard practice within your facility based on your lead growers experience, preferences, and type of strain they are growing.

Key Differences

As we are going through what a grow operation is, it is clear there are differences, besides the obvious, between outdoor and indoor grow operations, and many growers have their preferences based on the way they were taught, where you are growing, and the amount of money being invested into the facility. Whether you plan on creating an indoor or outdoor cultivation it is important to keep in mind the costs associated with each step and the timeline of growth and profitability.

• Geography: With an indoor cultivation your location is important in terms of distance to services and utilities, easily accessible and zoned properly, where an outdoor grow is more susceptible to local weather conditions and a necessity of natural sunlight. “Indoor grow operations allow us to better manage any issues that are out of control like inclement weather, which we see in Massachu-

setts, and any invasive contaminants.

Growing indoors in Massachusetts allows us to create a balanced, premium product for consumers” as quoted by Dave Bodurtha (Director of Sales) and the Green Thumb team. And according to Pete Steimer from The Pass, when it comes to growing in an outdoor facility it “does have its challenges in terms of pests, diseases, and cold snaps but being in the fields scouting on a daily basis is essential for a successful outdoor crop.”

• Yields: An outdoor cultivation will usually have a larger yield per harvest as the plants have more room to grow and naturally become larger, where an indoor grow will usually have greater controls on their products and can create truly unique flowers.

• Harvest: “With both the indoor and greenhouse cultivation you can grow the plants to their full maturity and harvest on a planned schedule.” (As quoted by Pete Steimer from The Pass). Growing indoor can usually lead to faster harvest and turnover times because you will have many rooms that you are constantly cycling through different phases of the plants life where an outdoor operation will have harvest based on the greenhouse. Because the plants in an outdoor are on the suns schedule, they will usually take a bit longer to grow and harvest but the yield will be larger. According to

Joe Centracchio, “on average some may take as few as 16 weeks, and up to 20+ weeks for some cultivars (indoors). The most important piece of equipment when running an indoor cultivation operation isn’t specific equipment, but our Green Thumb team.”

• Color and Density: When plants are grown within an indoor facility the key differences are color, taste, and density. An indoor flower will usually be a brighter color with a higher density based on the size of the bud, where an outdoor flower will usually have natural colors and not as dense because the flower bud grows larger.

Ending Comments

Whether you have been in the cannabis industry your whole life, growing cannabis in your back yard in Mendo County, or you are just entering the cannabis cultivation industry, there is always something new to learn and explore. Thanks to continuous efforts by advocacy groups, grass root petitions, or universities starting research programs, every step towards understanding and normalizing the cannabis industry is a tremendous leap forward compared to where we were last year and whether you love it, hate it, or still are undecided, one thing is clear, the cannabis industry is only growing!

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KNOW YOUR

S H IT STORY BY TIERA N. WRIGHT ISTOCK PHOTOS

W

hat do cows, rabbits, pigs, and chickens have in common?

They were all residents of Old MacDonald’s farm? Or to some, they’re actually dinner; for others, featured players at the local zoo, or maybe even pets.

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S

ure, sure, sure; all those answers are correct, but not the ones we’re currently looking for. Sorry Family Feud fans, there’s only one correct answer on this board. So what do they all have in common? A lot of shit... literally.

For all the gardeners and growers out there, manure (or in layman’s terms, animal poop—alright, I just wanted to say “poop”) is a great fertilizer for planting. Manure provides plants with the nourishment they need to grow, as it contains nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium, and micronutrients which are key to a plant’s survival and overall health. Whether you are sowing vegetables, flowers, or plants— there is a manure for every occasion. Manure can also be used as a natural fertilizer for cannabis plants too. Below are the best manures to use for your own secret garden.

collection and moving their manure will cost more, and the manure itself is heavy. So prepare yourself for that hefty “moove” (sorry, couldn’t help it).

Chicken Manure

While bacon is king, pig manure— not so much. Rich in phosphorus when processed correctly, pig manure may be low on the totem pole as its nitrogen levels are lower. Additionally, growers need to be careful and mindful of where they get their pig manure from because if it is not properly treated or composted, it could contain antibiotics, bacteria, and parasites as a result of the surrounding environmental factors and extreme agricultural operations. Conversely, pig manure properly maintained by environmentally conscious farms proves to be a great source of nutrients for plants and gardens.

Given their stature, chicken manure is lightweight and easy to move, while also being high in nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium. On the flip side, using chicken manure requires patience as it needs to be composted for at least six to nine months before use; but on the bright side there are plenty of eggs to be had in the interim.

Order’s up!

Cow Manure

Cows offer a veritable cornucopia of uses, whether you’re looking for dairy or beef. The most commonly used manure, growers must play favorites and choose manure based on how the cow was raised. Dairy cows are best used for those who are looking for instant gratification as their manure can be used fresh by working it into the soil and therefore providing a great source of nitrogen. On the other hand, manure from cows who have been raised for beef, needs to be composted but produces more nitrogen should you need it. The nitrogen levels differ as a result of how each cow was raised for their respective tasks. Unlike chickens, cows are obviously larger which means

Horse Manure

The crowning prince and princess of the parade courts contain nitrogen levels that are a bit richer. After cows, horse manure is the second most commonly used for fertilizer. As a result, it too, should be composted before use to avoid the influx of weeds that usually flower when horse manure is applied to the soil fresh. Unlike chicken manure, horse manure only needs to be composted for about a month before planting cannabis. Otherwise, growers who chose to tolerate the weeds, can till the fresh manure, and tend to any unwanted weeds as they come.

Pig Manure

of its nitrogen rich content; rabbit manure also contains levels of calcium, magnesium, and zinc. Without the need for composting, rabbit manure can be added and worked in directly to the topsoil. Additionally, rabbit manure can be used as a liquid fertilizer by soaking it in water for two days— so if that is your preferred method, hop to it.

Sheep Manure

The dreamiest of the animals listed here, or at least the cure for many a sleepless night, sheep manure doesn’t require composting and therefore is readily available for use. While cow and horse manure are the most commonly used, sheep manure has higher amounts of nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium. Additionally, it also features organic matter that can help plants absorb bacteria that is useful to the plant’s overall health.

Used properly, any of these manure options can help growers perfect their cannabis crops. While each option has its own merits, the choice ultimately lies with what works best for the individual grower and their desired outcome. So with the melodious sounds of Old MacDonald ringing in your ear, go out and get your shit together.

Rabbit Manure

By far the cutest of our animal friends, rabbit manure, like it’s hare cousin’s reputation, can be used fast, quick and in a hurry while providing a great source of nutrients that promotes healthy cannabis plant growth.

Including large quantities of nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium, rabbit manure bests all of the other manures in terms CRQ SUMMER 2021

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THE PASS

From SEED STORY BY ADAM STERN PHOTOGRAPHED BY NATE BLAIS

to

FLOWER

A Cannabis Plants Lifecycle

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CANNA PROVISIONS

I

months depending on crop yields, n the cannabis plant sizes and other factors menindustry many tioned earlier. Experienced cultivators and grow operations with clone ready people discuss seeds and a fully stocked facility can seeds, flowers, bud, cycle plants as quickly as 10-12 weeks, harvest, strains, and so cycling through several harvest, strains, and stages within different grow rooms much more. Within this or greenhouses.

The four most common and unarticle we will discuss phases on a cannabis plants the different stages of a derstood lifecycle are the germination, seedling, cannabis seed’s lifecycle vegetive, and lastly flowering, after the plants are harvested, dried, and the different stages which tested, and processed. a cannabis plant goes through before harvest. Germination The average plant’s growth from seed to ready to harvest plant ranges on several different factors from indoor to outdoor grow, what type of seed you are starting with, water and lighting methods, geography, and so much more. On average a plant’s lifecycle is anywhere from 2 and a half months all the way up to 6 to 8

(1 day to 2 weeks)

There are many ways to determine whether a cannabis seed is viable for growing a quality product, lead growers and cultivators within the industry spend lifetimes learning how to properly pick and create seeds and clones that create the high quality (and highly potent), products that we enjoy within the market today. As many former hip-

pies would say “this ain’t your parents weed” and that is very true.

The processes that go into creating and picking the proper seeds and growth methods are far more advanced and controlled which is why our germinated seeds are so important to the industry to continue to provide high quality products for flowers and manufactured goods.

Once you have picked your seed and are ready to water, it should not take too long for a good quality seed to begin to germinate, or sprout.

Once the seed has begun to show signs of life it’s time to plant the seed, again the type of soil, indoor outdoor, lighting all varies depending on the growers preferences.

Seedling

(2 to 3 Weeks)

Once your plant begins to show signs of life and begun spouting and germinating, it’s time to plant the cannabis Seedling. This process can range from 2 to 3 weeks with an experienced grow CRQ SUMMER 2021

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team, and we start to see real signs of life from the plant. At this point the cannabis seedling looks nothing like images we expect to see from a marijuana plant, it usually will start with two leaves sprouting from the stem with more leaves beginning to form from the center stem. Under the soil the plants roots are beginning to form and take shape and your plant has officially entered the seedling stage of life.

This can be one of the most crucial stages as the plants are highly susceptible to mold, disease, overwatering, and over/under lighting. All these factors are again carefully monitored by an experienced grow team to ensure safety and quality standards.

Over the course of 2 to 3 weeks your seedling will continue to develop its roots and the flowers will begin to look more like the traditional cannabis plant with rigid leaves and begin sprouting more leaves as well as begin its vertical growth and lifecycle into the Vegetative State.

Vegetative Stage (3 to 10+ Weeks)

As your plant moves from the seedling stage to the vegetation stage the plant is moved from smaller nursery sized planters to larger full-sized planters to 28

CANNABISREVIEWQUARTERLY.COM

ensure the roots have room to grow and provide a base for your plant as it will begin to grow quickly. This is the stage where the cannabis seed starts to look like a true cannabis plant and will begin to grow and sprout new leaves and vertical growth rapidly before the plant begins to flower.

Again, each stage and each plant are closely monitored by a team of growers with years of experience determining how much water a plant gets, the PH balance, the type of nutrients and lights, and each grower and team has their own preference that create artistic flowers with unique names and terpene percentages.

Another important aspect to be mindful within this stage of the plant’s lifecycle is determining the gender of each of the plants and removing all male plants from the vegetative room, if this is not done there is a chance the male plants will pollinate and contaminate the flowers that are later harvested and dried to create the product of either flower or manufactured edibles, tinctures, and more. If all the male plants or pollen sacks are not removed in time, there is a chance your plants will begin to mate, and the flower will become covered in seeds and will not be a viable harvest.

Flower

(6 to 8+ Weeks)

The flower stage can be one of the most remarkable and important stages within the plants lifecycle as we will begin to see the results of your week or months of hard work and care. As the cannabis plant moves from vegetative to flowering stages you will begin to see the marijuana leaves create sticky resonated flower buds. As we take a closer look at the flower, we can start to tell different features of the plants based on the color, stickiness, and clusters of trichomes (the little white hairs we see on the end of cannabis flowers and bud). All these factors will determine the affects of the flower, the strain, and the potency of the flower, these factors also affect the taste and flavor of each of the flower; some may have a lemony taste while others are much earthier.

This stage is highly dependent on timing and duration, the longer a flower is left to sit the more potent each bud can be, but on average the plant is ready to be harvested within 8 weeks. Harvesting and processing each of these flowers is not an easy process. For those who have touched or handled flower pre harvest or even a fresh flower after harvest, can be very

253

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sticky, messy, and the stems can be hard to process and dispose of. Each state has different waste management and treatment methods to ensure the communities safety and to ensure the byproducts are properly cataloged and disposed of. The harvesting and drying procedures can take anywhere from 3+ days depending on the drying rooms and flower density.

The flowering stage is one of the most colorful and vibrant, as well as quite pungent, from the greens, reds, purples, and whites this stage it is clear why the cannabis flowers are considered an artform to many within the industry. The slightest changes in temperature, water, and climate can have amazing affects on the plants and create truly unique and wonderful products. Many growers spend their whole lives combining clones and plants to create some amazing and unique flowers and products that may only be sampled once in a lifetime.

Understanding the process, time, dedication, and passion that goes into each and every one of these plants is truly astounding, and to think of where the flower started to where it is now it truly amazing. Whether you love, hate, or are simply trying to understand the industry, there should be no doubt that growing cannabis flower and products for the country is an artform that takes generations of knowledge and skills to create the wonderful and varied products we are able to pick up at our local dispensaries.

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STORY BY ERIKA LEIGH PHOTOGRAPHED BY NATE BLAIS

Just Call Him

“The Dogfather” T

en years ago, if you’d asked Greg “Chemdog” Krzanowski where he thought he’d be, the outlook was bleak. “I lost everything I owned – cars, money, everything” Krzanowski said.

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K

rzanowski’s Easthampton apartment, where he was growing 97 cannabis plants, was raided in 2011. The plants were all seized, Krzanowski was arrested and eventually sentenced to three years’ probation and was ordered to pay a hefty fine. Today, he’s the Director of Cultivation for Canna Provisions in the Berkshires.

“It’s very emotional, to have everything taken away and then 10 years later, be growing thousands of plants with no issues whatsoever – all the strains that you’ve pretty much pioneered and gotten out in the world and made famous – it’s very humbling,” Krzanowski said.

But to know how “Chemdog” helped create some of the most famous strains of cannabis, we’ll have to go back to 1991 in Deer Creek, Indiana. Krzanowski, just 18-years-old then, was a Deadhead, touring around the country to see legendary sets by The Grateful Dead. At one of the concerts, he met some fellow Deadheads from Colorado who sold him a couple of eighths of what they called, “Chem Weed,” named because of its highly chemical smell and taste. The strain was also known as “Dog Bud.” “You rolled over like a dog, it got you so high,” Krzanowski explained. “It was some of the best, best weed I’ve ever smoked in my life. It tasted so good; Some of the best pot I’d encountered, smelled, tasted, seen in my life– and I know good weed.”

Krzanowski continued to follow the band around. He’d exchanged numbers with the guys who’d sold him the Chem Weed and couldn’t stop thinking about it once he was home.

“I got in touch with them and ended up getting a couple of ounces in my hands. It came from Colorado to Massachusetts, and in one of those bags, I ended up finding 13 seeds,” Krzanowski said.

From there, Krzanowski started his business by trying to grow four of the seeds. He fused the two original names – Dog Bud and Chem Weed into “Chemdog.” Two strains from the original plants survived – the legendary Chemdog was born.

Luckily, Krzanowski’s strains were so well-known that despite losing all of his plants, it wasn’t hard to get back on track.

In 2019, co-founders of Canna Provisions, Meg Sanders and Erik Williams asked him

“It’s kind of a dream, to some extent. I didn’t think 10 years ago that I’d be in this position.”

Krzanowski said. “My team is awesome. I can’t even imagine having any different team.”

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to join their team amid the boom in legalized cultivation and sales of recreational marijuana in Massachusetts.

“I never wanted to get up and leave Massachusetts to do this legally, so to be able to do this in Western Massachusetts, it’s a whole other world for me,” Krzanowski said. “It’s a great feeling …and I wouldn’t want to do it outside of Massachusetts.”

Now, Krzanowski is in charge of legally cultivating more than one thousand plants and managing a grow team for Canna Provisions. While he admits it’s still upsetting to think about what happened to him a decade ago, the process of growing, drying, curing and ultimately seeing his product on the shelves in Canna Provisions’ Lee and Holyoke stores, feels like he’s come full circle.

“It’s kind of a dream, to some extent. I didn’t think 10 years ago that I’d be in this position.” Krzanowski said.

“My team is awesome. I can’t even imagine having any different team.

Going to work every day, I have a two hour and 10-minute commute and I don’t mind it a bit. I love going to work.”

And it’s a good thing Krzanowski loves going to work, because Canna Provisions’ new grow in Sheffield is keeping him busy. The grow started operations in November and is opening in phases. Right now, Sheffield “A,” about 5,000-square-feet of grow space, is up and running, with plans to start growing in Sheffield “B,” another 3,500-square-feet, soon. The site also includes seasonal outdoor grow space, 32

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which is awaiting approval by the state’s Cannabis Control Commission.

Erik Williams, Canna Provisions’ Chief Operating Officer, said Sheffield “A” has about one thousand plants.

Its first harvest this spring produced about 100 pounds of the “Stardog” strain, and he expects that will be a typical yield for the space and its plants. Williams is anticipating Sheffield “B” will produce an additional 88 pounds per month.

“We’re only six months in and we’ve already had plenty of harvest. It’s a true miracle that we’ve already had so much so soon,” Williams said. “Both Meg [Sanders] and I have stood up a bunch of grows and this is the fastest we’ve been able to get them up and running and producing.”

The Sheffield grow will eventually be home to 10 permanent strains, with 15 other strains in rotation, all overseen by Krzanowski. The grow employs about 10 people full-time and is in operation six days a week.

Krzanowski, along with Director of Growth Johnny Hamala, put the entire grow team together. Hamala said one of the most fun parts of putting the team together was that most of their applicants knew who “Chemdog” was but Krzanowski and Hamala would conduct the interviews together as “Greg” and “Johnny.” At some point, the applicants would usually ask when they’d get to meet the cannabis-growing legend, not realizing they’d been in the room with him the whole time.

“He just never let on who he was,” Hamala said, while Krzanows-

ki laughed. “We just did the whole interview and then they were just so excited to not only know that Chem was a real person but a real guy that they were going to be working with.”

In addition to the new grow, Canna Provisions is staying busy. The company recently launched a new product line known as “Smash Hits,” another creation masterminded by Krzanowski. “Smash Hits” is a self-proclaimed craft cannabis line. The Smash Hits are Canna Provisions’ in-house brand and flower, using Krzanowski’s strains of Chemdog, blended with his flavors and a few other strains and flavors from other members of their grow team.

Smash Hits is inspired by the origins of Chemdog, that 1991 Grateful Dead concert. Williams explained that Canna Provisions is essentially the “record label,” while Chemdog is the artist creating the hits. Smash Hits offers different strains called Hi-Fi, LoFi and Mid-Range – in line with Canna Provision’s existing offerings: Energizing, Calming and Balancing. Smash Hits are sold in both Lee and Holyoke and will have some consistency where long-term offerings of each strain and flavor are concerned, but there will be special Smash Hits that vary by holiday and season to keep things, “fresh and intentional,” according to Williams.

These new strains are also producing some buds that are much larger than an eighth, so some strains are available in what Canna Provisions is calling a “big hit,” which are sold by the gram exclusively in their Holyoke store.

Krzanowski is excited about the Smash Hits line because he says it’s not only an opportunity for people to know they’re really getting a Chemdog strain, but it’s an elevation of sharing his love for cannabis and what he does. Krzanowski still seems a little shell-shocked at times that he gets to do what he loves in the place where he grew up.

“My blood’s green. Like people love wine, I just love good marijuana,” Krzanowski said. “I just want to provide the best possible flower I can to everybody in the northeast, not just Western Massachusetts.”

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TASTE

RECIPE SUBMITTED BY CANNA PROVISIONS

SATISFY YOUR TASTE BUDS WITH

HEALTHY THC GREEN JUICE WELLNESS BEVERAGE From Canna Provisions “DIY: Dose It Yourself!” series on YouTube

INGREDIENTS: Kale Lemon Cucumbers Ginger Wheatgrass Apples

HOW YOU’LL MAKE IT • Wash and peel all your fruit and veggies.

(Tip: Use a spoon to peel the ginger root to scrape the root skin off).

• Juice to desired taste.

• Add Howl’s whole-plant infusion Daytime tincture to your drink. Note the different dosing levels right on the dropper, and remember to wait up to 2 hours to feel effects when eating/drinking cannabis.

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CANNABISREVIEWQUARTERLY.COM

STORY BY TIERA N. WRIGHT ISTOCK PHOTOS

A

Let’s Get

Buzzed

rrivederci brownies, gummies, and chocolates; move over lotions, bath bombs and seltzers, it’s been real. With a growing trend of cannabis infused topicals, beverages, and foods— cannabis infused honey, with its versatility and DIY recipes, is on the rise (or is it getting high).

No matter, getting buzzed isn’t reserved for just alcohol anymore; just ask the honeybees.

As the survival of honeybees becomes more tenuous due to pesticides, climate change, etc., people are continuously discovering their integral role in our everyday lives. Like the crops they pollinate are dependent on them, honeybees are equally dependent on the pollen and nectar they collect, as it’s their number one source for food which has a sliding scale of nutritional value that affect the bees’ overall health and sustainability.

With their “‘fingers’ in many pots” or literally speaking their hairs picking up and dropping off pollen to and from numerous plants, honeybees are responsible for pollinating crops such as almonds, apples, blueberries, cherries, and broccoli, as well as sunflowers and lavender. With that being said, their number one export is, of course, honey.

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With a number of recipes cropping up (sorry, pun intended) for cannabis infused honey— many see the benefits of this pair’s fusion.

While not officially used for medicinal purposes, honey, in addition to being used as an alternative sweetener, contains antioxidants— which helps

flowers they choose to collect pollen from. Nevertheless, honeybees are found to be attracted to larger cannabis crops that feature tall cannabis plants classified as male; and the arguments in favor of the cannabis plants’ lifesaving qualities hinges on the fact that the growth of the plants don’t

Together, cannabis infused honey could be useful for fatigue, muscle relaxation and other aches and pains, coughing, nausea, a stress reliever, as well as cuts, burns, and more.

To top it off, it tastes good too. the body fight inflammation, among other things. Additionally, honey has been used in a lot of home and natural remedies to help with burns, sore throats, or as a cough reliever.

On the other hand, cannabis does have medicinal purposes and is sometimes used to reduce anxiety, help with appetite loss, and as a pain reliever. Together, cannabis infused honey could be useful for fatigue, muscle relaxation and other aches and pains, coughing, nausea, a stress reliever, as well as cuts, burns, and more. To top it off, it tastes good too.

If you think the honeybees’ job stops there— honey please, think again. With the rise of cannabis cultivation, there have been several studies and articles arguing the role of the honeybee when it comes to pollinating cannabis plants, as well as the cannabis plants’ effect on the long-term sustainability of honeybees.

For those who believe that pollinating cannabis plants, will, in fact, help save the bees— their argument, first starts with the contradictory fact that cannabis plants aren’t vibrant in color, nor do they have the taste of nectar that usually attracts honeybees to the plants and 36

CANNABISREVIEWQUARTERLY.COM

require as much water or the use of as many pesticides, as well as its ability to provide honeybees with food during later seasons.

Conversely, arguments that don’t put as much stock in cannabis plants being the honeybees’ saving grace, but remain hopefully for their longterm sustainability, believe that

they are attracted to these plants out of necessity, due to the lack of a more suitable food source readily available.

Paired with the fact that cannabis plants don’t provide honeybees with enough nutrients, this plant also doesn’t necessarily need a honeybee to pollinate. However, don’t write off cannabis plants just yet—for those not completely sold, their solution is to compromise, and they suggest cultivators simply add and intercrop various plants commonly pollinated by honeybees and are rich in nutrients.

The importance of the honeybee is undeniable, and their pollinating practices are irreplaceable and hard to replicate (and not for a lack of trying).

Should honeybees become extinct, the United Nations has estimated a deficit correlated to food production loss being in the billions, per year.

Ultimately, there is no evidence to support either argument for whether or not cannabis plants can help save the honeybee population, but there are suggestions for how cultivators can help in the interim. Let’s hope with the growth of the cannabis industry, and green practices (yikes, another pun), the honeybee population will continue to thrive and keep our buzz.

STORY BY LAUREN E. LeBEL PHOTOGRAPHED BY NATE BLAIS

YOUR

CBD Store S tore

W

ith locations in Southwick, MA and Enfield, CT, co-owners Lorraine Denoncourt and Steven Ferrari, work together to keep their business running. Denoncourt explained, “We’re at a multi-level mark for CBD.” She went on to say, “Steven’s nephew is a doctor on staff in Florida… he [Steven] showed me a podcast when CBD just came into play.”

As a result, the two decided to start their own franchise. Their first ‘Your CBD Store’ opened in Southwick, in March 2019. In Dec. 2019, they opened a store in Enfield. After only a few short months, Covid-19 shut them down.

In hopes of staying afloat, they began doing curbside pickup, mail in orders, and of course, mask wearing and social distancing. While many people think this store is a cannabis dispensary, it is in fact the exact opposite. Denoncourt said, “Cannabis you get high. You don’t get high from CBD… it helps with inflammation and has receptors which can cause anxiety, pain, and brings it into balance (homeostasis).”

In reality, CBD can help with a variety of ailments. Denoncourt claimed,

ABOVE brand available in Southwick location

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“There is a lot coming out with different cannabinoids. There could be 100 different cannabinoids.”

Cannabinoids refers to any of a group of closely related compounds which include cannabinol and the active constituents of cannabis. Denoncourt shared, with all of this newly found research, CBD can help diseases such as Parkinsons, along with sleep patterns and stress. As co-owner, Denoncourt said, “One of my greatest successes has definitely been the topical cream- a number one seller.”

She added, “We started doing CBNsleep, along with bath salts, CBD bath bombs…. Very relaxing, and puts you into sleep mode.”

Other successful products launched from ‘Your CBD Store’ include pet products. “For older dogs, we have tinctures, organic products, etc.” In essence, this can serve both cats and dogs. “We get good testimonials.

There’s something for everyone,” stated Denoncourt.

So far, the biggest challenge that Denoncourt has faced as a co-owner has been Covid-19. She explained, trying to market ‘Your CBD Store’ was challenging.

According to Denoncourt, people were selling CBD all over, but the majority of folks didn’t want to go out.

Rather than purchasing from anywhere, she said, “You need to be educatedcan’t just sell.”

All employees of ‘Your CBD Store’ have gone through advanced training.

Denoncourt said everyone watches several videos and has to take multiple tests before being hired. “They know what they’re talking about with cus38

CANNABISREVIEWQUARTERLY.COM

tomers. They talk with customers to understand.”

While this franchise is the biggest in not only the country, but the world, Denoncourt said most of their stores have to carry the same interior and colors.

The Southwick and Enfield locations have a similar look, along with the same logo. “There are about 600 stores.

Some are affiliates and some are franchises.” ‘Your CBD Store’ in Southwick and Enfield signed as a franchise within the past couple of months.

Currently, Southwick has two employees and the Enfield location has four. Both owners bounce between the two locations. Denoncourt said, “I run all the employees, he [Steven] takes care of the back stuff.”

In October, all of the ‘Your CBD Store’ owners will get together for one big meeting. Denoncourt said they haven’t had an owners meeting in two years. At the meeting, they will discuss up and coming news for the growing franchise. “I’m looking forward to that and seeing what they’re planning.” She went on to say, “We’ll go from there and see if we’ll open another store.”

Your CBD Store is the biggest retail store currently on the market. They have a lot of organic products, pure products, etc. Denoncourt described her time in this position as “exciting.”

“We’re hanging in there- trying to keep our doors open.”

‘Your CBD Store’s’ main goal is to help people. All of their employees are passionate about their work.

“We have customers every monthboth new and old… It makes me feel good to see them feeling better.”

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Denoncourt wanted customers to know, they shouldn’t be afraid about coming into their store. She emphasized, “It’s not a pot shop or a smoke shop.” Rather, everyone involved works to cater to everyone- especially older people.

“It’s very spa-like,” she claimed.

Denoncourt hopes that people can stray away from this assumption, while she and her entire team work to inform the public on who they are, and all they do.

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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 SUMMER 2021

39

G

KNOW YOUR

rowing cannabis is a bit of an art form and takes a lot of work to ensure the conditions are just right. From the growing medium used, to the amount of sunlight the plants receive, the pH levels of the water, and not over or underwatering, and knowing when to trim the plants, are just the basics. From there, the team must have expertise in harvesting and the process that comes next. Having a team of growers who are invested in a role that’s not only technically a lot of work, but also physically taxing, is key.

In general, most cannabis grow operations need a few key positions

Growers

STORY BY ERIKA LEIGH PHOTOS SUBMITTED & ISTOCK

40

CANNABISREVIEWQUARTERLY.COM

to oversee all of these tasks, but the roles can also get very specific. In the grow, those roles typically include a cultivation director, master grower, section growers, trimmers, plant technicians and a system control specialist. Once the cannabis is harvested, another group of experts takes over which can involve a post-harvest manager, a lab director, a quality director, a concentrates processor, and an edibles chef. Then the retail operations kick in – a facilities manager and manufacturing manager will focus on the business side of processing the product, packagers will make the cannabis and products ready for sale, then a store manager and retail associates are presented with what they need to know to sell the products.

Teams can range in age, experience and background, and some grows require a degree in chemistry for the postharvest operations. In most states, as long as you’re 21, you can work for a grow in some capacity.

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Everyone’s team is a little different.

At Canna Provisions, Greg “Chemdog” Krzanowski heads up the cultivation efforts after years of growing on his own (see “Just Call Him ‘The Dogfather’” pg. 30). Their team of growers is staffed with people with a passion for pot, led

by Director of Growth, Johnny Hamala.

“We got to really hand-pick and hand-choose everybody on our team,” Hamala said. “We’ve done –knock on wood—a pretty good job of getting a group of very dedicated individuals who know what it takes to get this done.”

Cultivation Directors, which is essentially what Hamala’s job entails, are responsible for ensuring the production of cannabis that is commercially viable and meets state and federal compliance standards, while Krzanowski’s role is more that of a master grower – someone who manages the growth operations –producing high quality cannabis and injecting artistry into creation of new strains of the plant. Their team includes growers who are responsible for harvest and trim and another group responsible for the post-harvest aspects of the job, but everyone is crosstrained. They say, the key to working in cannabis: You have to love it.

“If you don’t have a passion and you don’t love this, it’s probably not going to work for you,” Hamala said. “It’s not selling shoes, or insurance – and there’s nothing wrong with those, I’ve done both.”

“You’ve got to have a passion for the plant,” Krzanowski said. “I mean, anybody can do it, but we don’t want to do it like that. We want to do it with our passion. I’m always in there looking at the plants. You have to be in there every day, you’re on your feet. It’s constant moving.”

Some cannabis teams break up these roles – where trimmers are strictly responsible for trimming the plants for aesthetic appeal and growth, harvesting the buds and drying them, while a section grower is in charge of a specific area of the grow or strain of plant. Section growers take on the regular role of any gardener – master or hobby – by managing the planting and transplanting as needed, checking the soil, ensuring the plants are being watered properly and getting enough light. Then a system control specialist will make sure those growers have all the tools they need – HVAC systems, 42

CANNABISREVIEWQUARTERLY.COM

WHO:

Greg “Chemdog” Krzanowski

GROW ROLE: Director of Cultivation, lead grower, master of craft

SPECIAL POWER: Ability to get arrested for 98 plants 10 years ago in Western Massachusetts, and through the state social equity program and some big fans of his legacy and cannabis going back 30 years, later get fully badged and legal to grow the best craft small batch cannabis in the Northeast.

FAVORITE STRAIN: Chem 91, Las Vegas Purple Kush, Chem D. KEY QUOTE: “I grow only gas, no wang.”

WHO:

Johnny Greenfingaz

GROW ROLE: Grow Manager,

Canna Provisions

SPECIAL POWER: Being able to swoop into

a sparkling grow and make it sparkle harder, or turn things around against all odds when trouble brews, keeps Johnny Greenfingaz (John Hamala) not only seen as a leader in cultivation from his experience in the outdoor California market, but a trusted grower working side-by-side with with the legend Chemdog himself. Also: He’s a brand sponsored fingernail polish influencer. Yes you read that right.

FAVORITE STRAIN: Mass Mosa (West Coast genetics meets Chemdog and Johnny Greenfingaz magic, coming soon to Canna Provisions) KEY QUOTE: “I have known Canna Provisions CEO Meg Sanders for 30 years and would have lived in a camper behind the cultivation to be able to launch this grow along with Chemdog himself.”

grow lights and irrigation—and that they’re working properly.

“A lot of the things that you’re doing, you’re doing several hundred times a day and being able to keep the focus and notice the little, teeny, tiny things, appreciate it and get through the hard work…we keep using the word, ‘passion’ but it really is a vital need,” said Canna Provisions COO Erik Williams.

For grows that break up the roles, the post-harvest team is generally responsible for drying and curing the yield – and it’s literally a science. Part of the plant is cut and sold as the flower – or bud – while the rest of the yield becomes every other cannabis infused product on the market – from oils, to edibles and beyond. This team often includes a lab director, who is responsible for all of the traditional laboratory compliance tasks like maintaining scientific equipment, lab processes and quality assurance and quality control procedures. Then a concentrates processor uses all of those policies and procedures for the extraction of cannabis concentrates, to ensure safe, high quality oils are used in the creation of byproducts like lotions, oils, edibles, and more.

Teams can range in age, experience and background, and some grows require a degree in chemistry for the post-harvest operations. In most states, as long as you’re 21, you can work for a grow in some capacity.

The team at Canna Provisions ranges in age from mid-20s to mid60s, men and women, from diverse backgrounds. One team member is a multigenerational cow farmer, while another dropped out of college to pursue growing cannabis – much to the chagrin of his family – but recently wound up in The Wall Street Journal, which has validated his career path for them. A third team member is a former servicemember who was once in trouble for using marijuana.

“We’re just a bunch of pirates,” Hamala said. “It truly is a group of pirates with hearts.”

Once post-harvest work is complete, that’s where the retail operations come in. This group is responsible for creating and packaging products that can be sold in retail stores. From creating attractive packaging for the flower, to baking up a tasty edible that will help someone relax – the manu-

For grows that break up the roles, the post-harvest team is generally responsible for drying and curing the yield – and it’s literally a science. facturing and retail operations are also a major part of the business that stem from the grow team. While every team and its members have specific roles, it’s not unusual for some cannabis executives to be involved in these operations from the ground up – sometimes even getting their hands dirty, working in the grow.

“There’s a certain spirit that you need to have,” Williams said. “There’s that dedication to your craft, that need to understand that, and just be one with it.”

WHO: ​Frank Golfieri GROW ROLE: ​Head Grower SPECIAL POWER: ​I have an eye for genetic selection.

FAVORITE STRAIN: ​At Insa Sunshine Daydream, All time favorite tie between Nyc Piff and Sour Diesel.

KEY QUOTE: ​Push it to the limit!

WHO: Chas

Summers

GROW ROLE: Operations Manager

SPECIAL POWER: Cannabis Photography is my special power.

I enjoy highlighting the beauty of cannabis.

FAVORITE STRAIN: At INSA Melonade. Personal home grow Pineapple Sorbet.

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CRQ SUMMER 2021

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5 THINGS THAT HAPPEN WHEN

Cannabis Town COMES TO

STORY BY ERIKA LEIGH ILLUSTRATIONS ISTOCK

44

CANNABISREVIEWQUARTERLY.COM

D

espite the boom in cannabis cultivation and sales across the state the last few years, many people still worry about what will happen when their town or city becomes home to a new pot shop or grow facility. What kind of impact will it have? How is traffic impacted on the roads? Where does the money go?

However, the seemingly-exponential growth of cannabis is highly regulated in Massachusetts by the Cannabis Control Commission. Before they ever get the go-ahead from the state, potential owners face a bevy of questions about how they’ll impact the area where their business sites are located. Part of the submission and approval process includes providing relevant examples for how they’ll be community benefactors and how their businesses will help the local economy.

When cannabis comes to town, business owners want the support of locals – not just in those who are coming into their stores to make a purchase—but in community members who are excited to have them there. These businesses are making investments in local organizations, creating tourism opportunities, stimulating the local economy and more.

Over the last few years, research shows cannabis has an overwhelmingly positive impact on the communities where businesses are located.

Most Americans favor some form of marijuana legalization, according to an April 2021 Pew Research Center survey with the majority of U.S. adults (91%) saying either that marijuana should be legal for medical and recreational use (60%) or that it should be legal for medical use only (31%).

“

Steve Hickson, a 69-year-old who runs Steve’s Barber Shop in downtown Lee, agreed with that assessment. ‘Even if people are really not into it, they don’t have a big problem with it.’ he said.

- Seven Days newspaper

”

These community businesses, in the best examples, make massive long-term commitments to and invest in their communities, because the ownership is also local and cares about having a positive impact. Cannabis companies are making regular donations to support local organizations.

A retail storefront in a well-trafficked tourist destination or proximity to a downtown area with parking or public transit can bring in 2,000 customers per day. Cannabis tourism not only drives shoppers to pot shops, it brings in new people and locals with money to burn at other nearby businesses.

First-year tax revenue for a store posting $16 million in sales, like Canna Provisions in Lee, is a conservative first-year take. Still, that revenue helped keep property taxes in town low, despite a global pandemic which caused an industry-wide four-month shutdown and stoppage of sales.

The employees of the cannabis industry become the customers of local businesses.

The industry attracts local workers and transplanted talent, who then shop at local gas stations, stores, eat at local restaurants, and use local banks, creating a greater community benefit.

Realtors, lawyers, hardware stores, doctors, advertisers, contractors, printers, massage and physical therapists, accountants, and more, directly benefit from the throngs of consumers pouring into a region where there is safe access to legal cannabis products.

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Do you know all there is to know about the

cannabis industry?

STORY BY LAUREN E. LeBEL

C

annabis in itself has a variety of myths that many people often hear.

This includes the act of consumption, along with cultivation. To decipher the truth, we will debunk those myths and state the facts to improve your overall knowledge on cannabis!

odor. This includes the final weeks of growing, the drying process, and the trimming process. Through each of the stages, everyone works diligently to keep the odor to a minimum and avoid any pungency (The News).

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.

To begin, many people think that if a cultivation facility opens near them, they will experience an overwhelming odor.

In more cases than one, this is not true. “Fortunately, odor mitigation is possible with a variety of air cleaning technologies that are designed to alleviate the strong, pungent cannabis odors that can severely impact the property values in the surrounding community,” (The News).

A common myth that people believe is that nothing can be done to prevent odor released from cultivation facilities.

As a result, people have threatened to leave their homes and the community as a whole, to get away from such facilities. However, there is something that can be done. According to Chuck McGinley, technical director of St. Croix Sensory, a lab in Minnesota that tests for odors and makes products that help others do so in the field, said, “The most common fix is to add carbon filters, or “scrubbers,” to ventilation systems. As air passes through, odor molecules bind to the activated charcoal. As long as everything is properly installed and maintained, the air that comes out of the vents should be virtually odorless,” (The Cannifornian).

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).

Although odor mitigation is a top priority, some may think there is only one distinct smell that is always present.

Truth is, there are three sources of

Focusing on cannabis consumption, people who are unfamiliar may think that the substance can only be smoked.

The truth is, nowadays, there are

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CANNABISREVIEWQUARTERLY.COM

Trying to decipher between a fact and myth may be difficult for some. Cultivation facilities and cannabis consumption differ for everyone, everywhere.

Before partaking in any consumption or developing an assumption of your own, make sure you know the facts- they’re important.

References www.achrnews.com/articles/143060-reducing-cannabis-odors-is-a-growing-concern www.mhanational.org/sites/default/files/Cannabis.pdf www.thecannifornian.com/cannabis-business/marijuana-stinks-heres-cities-businesses-neighbors-can/

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