Safety in Your Cannabis Dispensary Workplace
This provides guidance to help dispensary managers and cannabis business owners identify hazards in the dispensary workplace and communicate with workers about hazards in their jobs, by conducting safety walkarounds.
There are at least two reasons why dispensary managers and owners should periodically conduct workplace inspections themselves. First, inspections demonstrate management’s commitment to improving safety and health by finding and fixing hazards.
Pre-Inspection Dispensary Activities
Preparation is important prior to starting an inspection. Take the time to familiarize yourself with the dispensary workplace and operations and the hazards that have been previously identified. Pre-inspection activities might include:
On-Site Inspection Activities
When onsite, make sure you are wearing the right PPE for each area you enter. Nothing takes away credibility faster than having the wrong PPE, or not wearing it properly. Be safe; don’t expose yourself to hazards during an inspection. Limit the size of the inspection group. Large groups tend to stifle open communication with dispensary employees.
Look for property damage, such as walls or doors damaged by equipment or forklift traffic. Such damage may indicate a potential for future worker injuries.
Talk to dispensary workers at their workstations. Workers are likely to know the most about the hazards and safety issues in their jobs. Tap into that knowledge. Make them comfortable talking with you. Assure them that you are interested in finding problems and fixing them, i.e., improving safety, not blaming anyone for your findings. Avoid yes/no questions. Encourage conversation. Ask open-ended questions such as:
Seek out and talk to the most recently-hired workers to get their perspective on safety. These “fresh eyes” could have valuable insights. Observe workers as they perform their job. For example, do they lift heavy objects? Do they stand/sit in awkward postures? Are they performing repetitive motions? If so, take notes and photos. If their job involves handling chemicals or exposure to excessive noise and/or heat, a more detailed evaluation by a safety professional may be in order. Try to find solutions for hazards while you are conducting the inspection by applying your own creativity and inspiring the creativity of dispensary workers. Finding solutions “on the spot” demonstrates your commitment to making the workplace safer. Prior to completing the dispensary inspection, make a list of hazards that need to be addressed and prioritize them according to the severity of the potential injuries that might occur as a result of workers being exposed to the hazards.
Post-Inspection Activities
Some complex hazards may require further evaluation, study, or engineering work to design and implement appropriate controls. Describe briefly how the hazards will be addressed and identify interim controls that will be used while more permanent measures are developed.
Share the abatement plan with dispensary managers, supervisors, and workers as a way of showing your commitment to fixing the safety issues found during your inspection. Track progress by sharing or posting periodic updates to the plan. Ensure all corrective actions are implemented in a timely fashion. Let us know what you think.
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What Exactly Are Cannabis Terpenes?
These components are terpenes, aromatic molecules of cannabis, secreted inside the tiny resin glands of cannabis flowers. Terpenes produce a citrusy aroma in some strains, fruity and sweet notes in others and while some may smell and taste like lavender, others can be more earthy and pungent.
Certain strains even smell like cheese. However, it’s not all about the smell. Terpenes also produce a wide range of medical effects and that is exactly what’s so captivating about them in the first place. There are at least 80 – 100 terpenes unique to the cannabis plant and the combination of these chemicals and cannabinoids is responsible for the entire success of the cannabis plant as we know it.
What Are Terpenes and What Is Their Use?
Terpenes are organic chemicals produced by most plants and even some animals like swallowtail butterflies and termites. The term terpene is also often used to refer to terpenoids, which are oxygenated derivatives of terpenes.
The easiest way to understand them is to think of them as volatile aromatic molecules. What’s so special about these chemicals is that they give plants their unique aroma. From the chemical point of view, terpenes are derived from the basic molecule of isoprene which replicates to make terpenes. These substances have two (2) very important roles in every plant’s life: to protect the flowers from predators and to produce resin. They are a major part of resin and are heavily used in the production of essential oils, so they are a good fit for medical and beauty products. That is how terpenes made their way into the fragrance industry, as well as conventional and alternative medicine. They are most commonly used in aromatherapy, but they’re also synthetically made with flavors and aromas and as food additives. There are a few more fun facts about terpenes: natural rubber is made of terpenes, as are many steroids. Also, it wouldn’t hurt to know that an organic and completely natural maple syrup contains about 300 terpenes, which makes it so yummy in the first place. But what about cannabis? Terpenes basically give each strain its unique smell and taste. Not only that but they also enhance the effects of cannabis by influencing how we process cannabinoids. Let’s explore this in more detail.
How Do Terpenes Work With Cannabinoids?
Some of those terpenes can be found in other plants, while others are exclusive to cannabis. But it’s not all about the smell, though. Terpenes also have therapeutic properties and can aid in plant’s medical effects:
They interact with our endocannabinoid system and assist cannabinoids in entering the bloodstream, in a process called the entourage effect. Myrcene, for instance, increases cell permeability and allows cannabinoids to be absorbed faster than they would on their own. Limonene is responsible for increasing serotonin levels which influences how weed affects our mood. That means these terpenes can influence neurotransmitters in our brain which entails that different strains may have different effects on our mood.
Terpenes and “Entourage Effect” Explained
According to Chris Emerson, these compounds work together to make “the sum of all the parts that leads to the magic or power of cannabis”. When terpenes work with cannabinoids like CBD and THC, they form a synergy that creates stronger and better effects than both would achieve on their own.
This symbiosis between cannabinoids and terpenes is what gives cannabis its special powers, as it improves the absorption of cannabinoids, overcomes bacterial defense mechanisms and minimizes any side effects.
Research on Medical Properties of Terpenes in Cannabis
Some terpenes are very effective in relieving stress, others are great when you need to relax, while there is some that boost focus. There are many options here, as you’ll have a chance to see.
For example, myrcene induces sleep, while limonene uplifts our mood. In recent years, terpenes found in cannabis became an important subject of scientific research.
Shortly after that, Dr. Ethan Russo published an article in 2011 in British Journal of Pharmacology, which pointed to all the therapeutic properties of terpenes in cannabis, especially those missing in cannabis products that only contain CBD.
Ethan Russo, Neurologist and Medical Scientist from Cannabis Conversations on Vimeo. He discussed the cannabinoid-terpene interaction as a “synergy with respect to treatment of pain, inflammation, depression, anxiety, addiction, epilepsy, cancer, fungal and bacterial infections”. Further research discovered that terpenes, terpenoids, and cannabinoids have the potential to kill respiratory pathogens, for instance, the MRSA virus. However, that’s not even half of the story. Terpenes have a lot more health effects which we’ll discuss next.
15 Terpenes in Cannabis Explained
As I mentioned before, there are more than 100 terpenes in just one cannabis flower. Here are some of the most well-known terpenes right now, most of which you’ll find in legal cannabis products in your area.
1. Myrcene Myrcene is the most abundant terpene in cannabis, which is where it’s mostly found in nature. In fact, one study showed that myrcene makes up as much as 65% of total terpene profile in some strains. Myrcene smell often reminds of earthy, musky notes, resembling cloves. Also, it has a fruity, red grape-like aroma. Strains that contain 0.5% of this terpene are usually indicas with sedative effects. It has also been reported that myrcene is useful in reducing inflammation and chronic pain, which is why it’s usually recommended as a supplement during cancer treatments. Strains that are rich in myrcene are Skunk XL, White Widow, and Special Kush. Bonus tip: If you want to experience a stronger buzz from marijuana, get yourself a mango and eat it about 45 minutes before smoking. Mango contains a significant amount of myrcene, so eating it before consuming cannabis will strengthen the effects of THC and increase its absorption rate. 2. Limonene Limonene is the second most abundant terpene in all cannabis strains, but not all strains necessarily have it. As its name says, limonene gives strains a citrusy smell that resembles lemons, which is no surprise as all citrus fruits contain large amounts of this compound. Limonene is used in cosmetics and also in cleaning products. For therapeutic purposes, limonene is known to improve mood and reduce stress. Researchers also found it to have antifungal and antibacterial properties and one research even found it to have a role in reducing tumor size. Strains that have “lemon” or “sour” in their name are usually rich in limonene. High levels of limonene can be found in strains like O.G. Kush, Sour Diesel, Super Lemon Haze, Durban Poison, Jack Herer, and Jack the Ripper. 3. Linalool This terpene is the most responsible for the recognizable cannabis smell with its spicy and floral notes. Linalool is also found in lavender, mint, cinnamon, and coriander. What’s interesting is that just like those aromatic herbs, it has very strong sedative and relaxing properties. Patients suffering from arthritis, depression, seizures, insomnia and even cancer, have all found aid in this amazing terpene. Some well-known linalool strains are Amnesia Haze, Special Kush, Lavender, LA Confidential, and OG Shark. 4. Caryophyllene Best known for its spicy and peppery note, caryophyllene is also found in black pepper, cinnamon, cloves, and spices like oregano, basil, and rosemary. Beta-caryophyllene binds to CB2 receptors, which makes it an ingredient in anti-inflammatory topicals and creams. Caryophyllene is the only terpene that binds to cannabinoid receptors. Besides its analgesic and anti-anxiety properties, some studies have found that caryophyllene has some very promising properties when it comes to alcoholism rehabilitation. A group of scientists performed research on mice and found that this terpene reduces voluntary intake of alcohol. They even recommended caryophyllene for treating alcohol withdrawal symptoms. You can benefit from caryophyllene by using strains like Super Silver Haze, Skywalker and Rock Star. 5. Alpha-pinene and Beta-pinene These two terpenes smell like pine trees and that’s also where they can be found in large amounts. Other plants rich in pinene include rosemary, orange peels, basil, parsley and cannabis of course. Like many other, pinene terpenes have an anti-inflammatory effect on humans. But more importantly, they help improve airflow and respiratory functions, while also helping to reduce memory loss related to THC. I know that this can sound weird because we’re talking about cannabis, but if the strain is rich in alpha and beta pinene, it can actually help with asthma. Pinene also helps patients with arthritis, Crohn’s disease, and cancer. You can find pinene in strains like Jack Herer, Strawberry Cough, Blue Dream, Island Sweet Skunk, Dutch Treat, and Romulan. 6. Alpha-bisabolol Alpha-bisabolol (also known as levomenol and bisabolol) has a pleasant floral aroma and can also be found in chamomile flower and candeia tree. This terpene found its use primarily in the cosmetics industry, but lately, it has caught the attention of researchers since it showed medical benefits, especially in cannabis. Alpha-bisabolol proved to be effective in treating bacterial infections and wounds and is a great antioxidant with anti-irritation and analgesic properties. It can be found in strains like Harle-Tsu, Pink Kush, Headband, OG Shark, and ACDC. 7. Eucalyptol Also known as cineole, eucalyptol is the primary terpene of the eucalyptus tree. It has recognizable minty and cool tones in its smell but most cannabis strains do not contain large amounts of it. It usually makes up around 0.06% of strains complete terpene profile. This terpene has been used in cosmetics as well as medicine. When it comes to its medical value, eucalyptol relieves pain but also slows the growth of bacteria and fungus. Although it is still in the early stages of research, this terpene has shown some promising effects on Alzheimer’s as well. Eucalyptol can be found in Super Silver Haze and Headband. 8. Trans-nerolidol This one is a secondary terpene found mostly in flowers like jasmine, lemongrass, and tea tree oil. The smell of trans-nerolidol reminds of a mixture of rose, citrus, and apples and can be described in general as woody, citrus and floral. Trans-nerolidol is best known for its antiparasitic, antioxidant, antifungal, anticancer and antimicrobial properties. Strains like Island Jack Herer, Sweet Skunk, and Skywalker OG are rich in nerolidol. 9. Humulene Humulene was the first terpene found in hops. Its aroma contains earthy, woody and spicy notes. Besides cannabis, it can be also found in clove, sage, and black pepper. It has a variety of medical properties. Early research has shown humulene to be anti-proliferative, meaning it prevents cancer cells from growing. Also, it proved to be effective in suppressing appetite, making it a potential weight loss tool. Furthermore, like many other terpenes mentioned above, it also reduces inflammation, relieves pain and fights bacterial infections. You can find humulene in strains like White Widow, Headband, Girl Scout Cookies, Sour Diesel, Pink Kush and Skywalker OG. 10. Delta 3 Carene This terpene is found in a number of plants like rosemary, basil, bell peppers, cedar, and pine. Its aroma is sweet and resembles the smell of cypress tree. When it comes to the medical side of carene, it seems to be most beneficial in healing broken bones. That gives hope to patients suffering from osteoporosis, arthritis and even fibromyalgia. What is also interesting about this terpene is that it stimulates our memory and helps memory retention. This is a major point in finding a cure for Alzheimer’s disease. 11. Camphene The best way to describe the smell of camphene is fir needles, musky earth, and damp woodlands. Camphene aroma is often mistaken with myrcene, which is that trademark cannabis smell as most of us know it. From the medical point of view, camphene has great potential. When mixed with vitamin C, it becomes a powerful antioxidant. It is widely used in conventional medicine as a topical for skin issues like eczema and psoriasis. Its greatest potential lies in its ability to lower the levels of cholesterol and triglycerides in the blood, further lowering the risk of cardiovascular diseases. Camphene is present in Ghost OG, Strawberry Banana, Mendocino Purps. 12. Borneol Borneol, with its herbal minty scent, can be found in herbs like rosemary, mint, and camphor. This terpene is a good natural insect repellent which makes it great for preventing diseases like the West Nile virus, being passed by ticks, fleas, mosquitoes etc. One study found that borneol kills breast cancer cells. It’s also widely used in Chinese traditional medicine, in acupuncture to be precise. Strains high in borneol are Amnesia Haze, Golden Haze, K13 Haze. 13. Terpineol The aroma of terpineol can be best described as floral-like, reminiscent of lilacs, apple blossom, and a little bit citrusy. Terpineol tastes like anise and mint. Terpineol has a pleasant scent, similar to lilac, and is a common ingredient in perfumes, cosmetics, and flavors. It relaxes heavily and it’s usually the one responsible for the notorious couch lock effect. Medical benefits of terpineol also include antibiotic and antioxidant properties. It can be found Girl Scout Cookies, Jack Herer, and OG Kush strains. 14. Valencene This terpene got its name from sweet Valencia oranges — where it’s been found in large amounts. With its sweet citrusy aromas and flavors, it’s used as an insect repellant, too. Valencene can be found in strains like Tangie and Agent Orange. 15. Geraniol Besides cannabis, geraniol can be found in lemons and tobacco. Its smell reminds of rose grass, peaches, and plums. It’s usually used in aromatic bath products and body lotions. Geraniol has shown a lot of potential as a neuroprotectant and antioxidant. It’s present in strains like Amnesia Haze, Great White Shark, Afghani, Headband, Island Sweet Skunk, OG Shark and Master Kush. Source: Green Camp Let us know what you think.
according to Emergency Rules 38 and 39. Prior to marihuana product being sold or transferred to or by a provisioning center, the container, bag, or product holding the marihuana product must have a label and be sealed with all the following information:
Hello Cannaconnoisseurs,
For the past few days we started a new project, and I’m going to tell you about some HUGE changes taking place in our flagship product: If you’re not familiar with GC lab, it's our 'Cannabis Blueprints' you can learn more about it here... Learn More About GC lab » In the coming months we’re rolling out a new and improved training (updating videos, etc.) that is sure to turn some heads in the cannabis world. But that’s not all that’s changing with GC lab, or what has come to be referred to as the “Netflix of Cannabis…” With these changes, we’re also raising the monthly rate for NEW users. Now, if you’re not currently a GC lab member, fear not. Because you’re a Green CulturED subscriber you’re getting one last chance to sign up for GC lab at the legacy rate. Sign up at GC lab's cheapest price now » That’s right - Rather than raising the price overnight and not telling anyone (a classic cable company move...), we’re giving you a few more days to register for GC lab at the lower price. But I've gotta tell you...This is your absolute last chance to get into Green CulturED's flagship product at the original price point. Because when we raise the rate, there’s no coming back to us for the lower price. Make the smart decision and register for GC lab today before the price surge takes effect! Register for GC lab Today at the Legacy Rate » Talk soon, Evan Erickson Chief Training Officer & Founder Green CulturED P.S. Our Promise is to give you a “foolproof” way to learn everything about cannabis from the Dispensary workplace, to what Budtenders need to know, and how Master Grower grow, plus much more. You will have access 50+ Cannabis Blueprints (online courses) to learn everything about cannabis. Join GC lab at its lowest price today. 3 Employee Performance Tools in Moodle LMS In the latest Moodle LMS update/upgrade, there were some components to these powerful and intricate Gradebook tools. Here are three (3) tools that managers might find useful and use to increase their productivity:
Let us know what you think.
When growing marijuana, it can be difficult for even pros to understand the feeding schedules of their plants. Even if you’ve got a green thumb, marijuana can sometimes be a choosy plant. You never want to underfeed a plant, which is obvious. If a plant doesn’t get the recommended amount of nutrients, it will start to show signs of a nutrient deficiency. But, what many growers might not know is that you also shouldn’t overfeed your plants. In fact, overfeeding can sometimes be worse than underfeeding depending on the situation. In any event, keeping the right balance of nutrients with a proper watering and feeding schedule is vital to the success of a plant.
Still, most people don’t know when to water or feed their plants. The Marijuana Booster program provides growers with a free watering schedule and a free feeding schedule to ensure that everything about the grow goes smoothly. Of course, how do you know that the Marijuana Booster program is good for your plants? The regimen has been tested by scientists and researchers for several years and, in conjunction with the Grow Booster fertilizer, the watering and feeding schedules provide a guaranteed march toward marijuana success. Avoid Overfeeding and Underfeeding The last thing you want to do is overfeed or underfeed your plant, partly because there is a possibility of a drastic shift in the plant’s health. Overfeeding a plant can almost act like poisoning the plant with too many nutrients. If this occurs, you may need to wash out the roots and the soil to reduce their contact with the nutrients. However, if the plant itself already took in most of those nutrients, it may not survive.
The necrotic, dead spots on the leaves and overall wilting nature of the plant is certainly enough to make you worry. If you don’t know what nutrient to use, then the plant may not make it.
Feeding Schedules are Important Of course, most nutrient surpluses and deficiencies aren’t as drastic, but even a small issue in nutrient concentration can reduce yield or degrade the plant’s health. That’s why Marijuana Booster’s specialized grow formula, feeding schedules, and watering schedules are so important. They provide you with a surefire way to get the most out of your marijuana garden. In fact, following the schedules and the entire Marijuana Booster program will frequently double your yield (as long as you provide the plants with adequate light and carbon dioxide). You won’t have to worry about overfeeding or underfeeding because you will literally have the schedules right in front of you each day.
As real estate prices continue to reach historic highs, Controlled Environment Agriculture (CEA) is emerging as a solution for landlocked urban and suburbanites.
This article will feature an entry-level greenhouse that can fit on a 1,000 ft2 footprint and can be operated as a part-time job. We will take some time to understand which crops are appropriate, seasonal variations, and market pricing for several popular crops. Finally, we will take a look at the startup costs involved and the potential profits.
Why is this important? As farmlands disappear at an increasing rate, many suburban and urban farmers are turning to high density CEA techniques to bring greenhouse businesses into the suburbs and, increasingly, into the urban core.
The greenhouse shown here can be built for a total cost of about $35,000, including the costs to install new water and electric lines. This type of greenhouse can be used to add a line of business to an existing property, or for first time farmers who are thinking about growing for market.
Because it is a relatively small structure, it can be operated in about 20 hours a week, including the time for harvesting, packaging and delivery to market. One of our farm partners is a couple in their 30s. Both have day jobs, and they are able to manage their farm on nights and weekends.
If you are thinking about starting a greenhouse business with hydroponic techniques...You are probably familiar with the benefits of hydroponics.
The good news is that hydroponics has also gained more consumer trust in recent years. Scientific research shows that the crops taste just as good as organic ones, and that they are just as nutritious also. The good news is that hydroponics has also gained more consumer trust in recent years. Scientific research shows that the crops taste just as good as organic ones, and that they are just as nutritious also.
Crop selection and growing season
In Controlled Environment Agriculture, the aim is to “provide protection and maintain optimal growing conditions throughout the development of the crop." This is done by housing production inside an enclosed space (a greenhouse or building).
This could mean warm weather herbs like basil or chives (with supplemental heating) from March through October. Or, it could mean cool weather herbs like mint and cilantro (with evaporative cooling) from March through October.
Recommended crops This article is focused on high water-weight crops that enjoy a rapid crop cycle. These are primarily leafy greens and herbs. We operated a 4-season greenhouse for a number of years, with sales to a local CSA. Our results are recorded in our guide, "The Best Crops for Hydroponics", which you can purchase on our shop. This guide will help you determine the temperatures required for each crop, with additional information on planting and harvesting schedules. We chose to focus our study on two crops that grow well together: basil and chives. These crops require similar conditions in the greenhouse, and they are also some of the most profitable plants to grow hydroponically. The goal is to find a market for roughly 110 lbs a week for these herbs. Finding the market can be a slow, time consuming process. Some farmers will grow a secondary crop like miniheads of lettuce, which are popular and easier to sell, but bring a lower price. This approach gives the assurance of having more consistent sales while building sales capacity for higher margin herbs.
In a warmer greenhouse climate, you can test your market for oregano, lemongrass (popular in Thai and Vietnamese cuisine), Bok Choy, and others.
Cool weather crops will include arugula, kale, mustard greens, cilantro (coriander), tarragon, fennel, nasturtiums, and peppermint, among others. While choosing an approach to CEA can be challenging, your customers will appreciate it. Many crops are in demand throughout the year, and to meet this demand your customers are turning to imported crops from California or Mexico. Greenhouse growers will have the opportunity to provide a local option for them. How much can I grow? Verified crop yields in a vertical greenhouse. In most northern climates, this greenhouse should be productive with natural sunlight for roughly 8 months out of the year. Southern regions will be able to enjoy a longer season, but will also have to manage heat and humidity. The crop yields provided here are based on several years of production testing, completed with peer oversight for a doctoral dissertation.
Hydroponic growing may result in increased yields from the ones shown here.
These are popular crops that also fetch a good price in the market. With some basic market research you may be able to find a strong demand with local food coops or restaurants.
We wanted to use conservative pricing to help you gain easy(er) access to the market. These are popular crops that can be grown effectively in a greenhouse environment.
This pricing leaves some room for upward or downward pricing, depending on your market. Keep in mind that these are usually sold as a fresh, local variety, which can be highly desirable for the quality and taste.
Distribution strategies are very important in determining profitability. Wholesale pricing can open up larger markets, but may also bring prices down (wholesale prices may range from as low as $6 a pound for low quality commodity pricing to $40 a pound for premium fresh, local pricing). Direct to consumer pricing will be higher, but will also require smaller unit sizes and additional harvesting/packaging costs. If you look at the basil at mainstream retailers like Walmart and Target, you will see that a single ¾ ounce clamshell of (organic, imported) basil can be priced as high as $2.75. This comes out to almost $59/lb, before subtracting the retail margin. Most produce on the shelves is marked up 35% to 50% from the wholesale price. To calculate the wholesale pricing, you can multiply the price on the shelf by .667 (50% markup). This should give you roughly an idea how much the farmer is getting. Keep in mind that if you are going through a distributor, they will also take another 15% to 25%. This means that sales to a retailer, through a distributor, will leave you approximately $0.25 to $0.50 for every $1 in sales. This approach is usually recommended for established farms that can meet larger volume sales requirements. If you plan on reaching the produce section of your local grocery store, the single best thing you can do to prepare for success is to (a) start with smaller customers (b) grow consistently high quality produce and (c) provide a professional level of customer service. The Bottom Line With the prices we have set here, we are looking at a weekly revenue potential of $1,750. If we estimate that we will lose 10% of our crops (just to be safe - could be a pest outbreak or a problem with your pH balance), then we will see revenues of $1,575 a week.
This greenhouse is able to generate revenues over $50,000 in an 8 month growing season (32 weeks). Before we move on to the costs involved, it is important to emphasize that pricing is a complicated subject. Pricing will vary depending on your geography, market access, marketing savvy, and other factors.
If you want to validate the concept we describe here, we recommend growing a sample and doing some basic market research. There is simply no way to verify these prices without speaking to a customer. With some good market research, you may be able to find a number of eager, ready-to-buy customers.
Climate
Some strains flourish more indoors while others have a love for the sun. Pick your personal climate. Guaranteed to blow your mind! Our High THC selection is perfect for those seeking some strong effects! Or try our Extreme THC strains. If you dare... |
authorLilly, the gardener. Archives
September 2019
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