Matthew W.

As harvest season nears in the cannabis industry, it's vital to consider the optimal timing for testing compliance and potency. Personally, I've found that allowing a 30-day lead time post-harvest for compliance testing, and a 2-week lead time for potency testing, has been effective. What are your thoughts on this approach? #CannabisIndustry #HarvestSeason #ComplianceTesting #PotencyTesting

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Quick question for the #cannabisindustry❓👇 Are Licensed Producers still giving out samples? 🥦 And if yes, what’s the ROI the producer gets by doing so? 📊💰 I don't quite get the purpose of the product samples from the producer side yet, and I would love to hear your thoughts about it. 💭⁉️ #samples #roi #lps

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If pesticides were the actual cause of CHS, then: Why doesn't everyone who consumes that weed get CHS? Why do CHS symptoms continue for months and months after last use? Why do certain foods/drinks trigger symptoms/episodes, even years after development? Why don't the symptoms of CHS match with pesticide poisoning? Symptoms of inhaled pesticides include respiratory distress, and that's not a CHS symptom. Severe abdominal pain is also common in CHS, but not in pesticide poisoning. Why do people still have symptoms/episodes with homegrown and organic weed? Why would clean CBD or Marinol trigger symptoms? Dirty weed is absolutely problematic, but so many things don't match up with pesticide poisoning. Claims like this completely invalidate the lived experience of tens of thousands of people suffering with CHS who have tried changing to clean sources, synthetic sources, and are STILL suffering. This platform is one giant echo chamber in denial that overconsumption of THC is actually a problem. Invitation to join the chs fb groups and learn the lived experiences of real people suffering and learn about the nuances of the symptomatology, and you'll see that it doesn't line up with pesticide poisoning.

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Hey #cannabisindustry, The WeedWeek newsletter is up: -- Deputy resigns at DCC as pesticide questions mount Link and lots more in the comments

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A few weeks ago, I posted a poll asking how we should approach intoxicating hemp products. 65% of you think we should fold them into current cannabis regulations, 28% feel they should be regulated outside of cannabis, and 7% think they should be banned outright. Follow up question, what does this mean for states with no cannabis regulations? CA is considering a bill to bring intoxicating hemp products under the Dept. of Cannabis Control, but how would this work in a state like Kentucky? Could this be a fast track to legalization through the needed regulation of intoxicating hemp? What are your thoughts? #hemp #regulation

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(USA 24.06.24) #peaches New Jersey growers getting the most out of their peaches [AG: The Call for an Australian Fresh Produce Data Platform - An Unmet Need] New Jersey is maximizing peach production, with yellow varieties dominating. Research on new varieties is funded by the state's Peach Council. Favourable climate results in a 60 million pound annual harvest. Despite cost and competition challenges, growers are exploring direct sales and on-farm marketing for growth. ----- [AG: As Australian growers, we are part of a vibrant, diverse and crucial industry of our economy - the fresh produce industry. We are proud of our work, producing high-quality fruits, vegetables and other crops that feed our nation. However, to continue thriving and growing, we need access to comprehensive, up-to-date market information. Internationally, there are several platforms providing this vital service. Agronometrics agronometrics.com, for example, offers a wealth of data on fresh produce markets, including pricing, volumes and trends. It's a trusted tool for growers, marketers and purchasers alike, providing a clear picture of the industry landscape. Similarly, the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) has a dedicated section for pricing and market data https://lnkd.in/emVHv6tJ , as well as a specific market news platform https://lnkd.in/d7xDDiuX These resources offer extensive, regularly updated information on a wide range of agricultural commodities. ProduceIQ produceiq.com is another excellent example. It's a platform that provides fresh produce industry insights, analysis and pricing information. It's a valuable tool for those involved in the industry, from growers and distributors to retailers and food service providers. These platforms are not just informative; they're freely accessible. They offer user-friendly interfaces and even smartphone applications, making it easy for anyone involved in the industry to stay informed, no matter where they are. So, the question arises: why doesn't Australia have a similar platform? Our fresh produce industry is dynamic and diverse, and it deserves an equally dynamic and diverse platform to support it. Such a platform would empower growers and other industry stakeholders with the information they need to make informed decisions. It would promote transparency, encourage competition and ultimately, lead to a stronger, more resilient industry. As Australian growers, we call upon our industry leaders and relevant government bodies to recognise this need. Let's work together to create a platform that serves our industry, supports our growers and strengthens our agricultural future.] ----- https://lnkd.in/gavGi7T6

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👨🏾‍⚖️Debating the Loosely Used Term "Master Grower" in the Cannabis Industry🌿 In the rapidly evolving cannabis industry, the title "Master Grower" has become increasingly common. However, the qualifications and standards for this role vary widely, leading to a debate about what truly constitutes a "Master Grower." On one hand, the term suggests a level of expertise and experience akin to a master chef or master sommelier. It implies a deep, comprehensive understanding of plant biology, pest management, nutrient balancing, and a proven track record of successful harvests. For many, earning this title should require years of hands-on experience, advanced education, and significant achievements in the field. Conversely, the lack of standardized certification or regulation means anyone can claim the title, potentially diluting its value. This can mislead employers, investors, and consumers, and may undermine the credibility of those who have genuinely earned their expertise through rigorous practice and education. The cannabis industry would benefit from establishing clear criteria and standardized certifications for the "Master Grower" title, ensuring it signifies a verifiable level of skill and knowledge. This would help maintain high standards, foster trust, and support the industry's growth. What are your thoughts? Should we regulate the "Master Grower" title, or does its current flexibility allow for a more inclusive and innovative industry? Let's discuss! #CannabisIndustry #MasterGrower #IndustryStandards #Debate

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Last week was a strange week in our opinion. Higher quotations, lower production numbers, and a higher GDT should all contribute to an already bullish sentiment, but at the end of the week, we saw most commodities trade lower. As we have been reporting fairly bullish about the market despite some bearish feedback, we had a few "I told you so" coming. But in all fairness, we have been taken a bit by surprise by the bearish moves the market is making. We mainly see lower prices in the butter market, but cheese and powder show some lower trades as well. So is the market breaking? Or should we prepare for a bounce? Is the data leading? Or can Sentiment take the market on a new path? Want to read our extended weekly report? Click on the link below!

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A recent article from Cannabis Business Times discusses a proposed amendment to the 2024 Farm Bill that could significantly impact the hemp-derived cannabinoid industry. The amendment aims to change the definition of hemp, potentially devastating the market for products like THCA seed and flower. If passed, this change could end the sale of many hemp-derived cannabinoids, posing a serious threat to businesses and consumers who rely on these products. At CV Sciences, we are deeply concerned about the implications of this amendment. We remain committed to advocating for a fair and supportive regulatory environment that recognizes the benefits of hemp-derived cannabinoids. Our focus continues to be on providing high-quality, safe, and effective products while supporting the industry's growth and innovation through active engagement in policy discussions and industry standards. Learn more: https://lnkd.in/gSkQxgmu

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I also support Gillian Schauer, PhD, MPH and the Cannabis Regulators Association (CANNRA) on this one. Shouldn’t a researcher, such as Jane Appleyard Allen, and an institute, such as RTI International, support the collective perspective from all “external stakeholders” in-order for our regulators to build a better intellectual model of the future (arguably the present)? I won’t even bother to defend CANNRA by pointing out that Shanita Penny has been a long time and fervent supporter of the cannabis industry, and that her committee is completely capable of separating the interests of the Coalition for Cannabis Policy, Education, and Regulation (CPEAR) from their corporate partners. I think these voices should be in the room when it comes to CANNRA’s External Stakeholder Conference for a number of reasons: 1) There are state-legal systems that permit distribution and sale of cannabis/hemp products through convenience stores and the same channels that alcohol and tobacco are sold. 2) The industry needs larger mainstream partners to amplify the voice of cannabis and accelerate legalization. We cannot continue on at the historic pace of reform. 3) Current regulations have been overly cumbersome, and we can count on these larger partners to fight for broader access and reduced taxation while upholding the need for product quality and consumer safety. 4) It was made very clear by the organizers, and it felt refreshingly upheld at the conference, that there was no influence from corporate sponsorship. 5) We’re all adults and can stand to have different voices in the room. Sorry, this post is probably longer than it needed to be, but this letter and resulting Marijuana Moment article was a bit triggering. Thanks, Amber E. Senter, for bringing it to my attention. What are your thoughts?

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AgTech Ecosystem - I'm putting some slides together on CA labor and wanted to share some of my findings: 1) California growers hire 850,000 unique farm workers per year, or 425,000 full-time equivalents (FTE) (UC Davis - Phil Martin). My analysis shows that CA growers spend $16.3 billion for 850 million hours of work (425,000 at FTE rate of 2,000 hours/year). This provides a blended average of $19/hour. 2) Much of the increase has come from an 8x lift in regulatory costs in 12 years (from $109/acre/yr to $977/acre/yr). This is from Lynn Hamilton's work at Cal Poly. Much of this increase shows up as higher labor costs (3 main factors: food safety - LGMA + FSMA; Obamacare; minimum wage, overtime, and break rule changes). These numbers were from 2005 to 2017 - it's gone up since then but 2017 was the last deep dive Lynn made. 3) Lack of domestic farm workers has pushed H-2A immigrant farm worker usage up 8x in 18 years (48k in 2005 to 378k in 2023) (Dept of Labor). In California, the H-2A number is 44,000 for 2023 (a 3x lift in 5 years), which makes the labor split 90% domestic and 10% H-2A. This is how you get to the $19 blended rate - 90% is at CA rate of $17.25 and 10% is at H-2A rate of $28/hour ($19.75 AEWR - increasing 5=6% per year + housing and transport of $6-8/hour). 4) Most growers in CA I talk to believe that their and statewide usage of H-2A is more likely to increase than decrease because they see now change in domestic workforce availability. So if H-2A goes up another 10% in the next 3-5 years (to 88k total), that would push the average hourly cost of CA labor up another $1 or more. For example, if the mix shifts to 20% H-2A and the AEWR goes up 5% per year for two years (10%), the blended hourly rate goes to roughly $30 (higher if housing and transport goes higher). If you're an AgTech startup, this means two things: 1) Your TAM for solving a portion of the labor problem is going up as the H-2A usage is going up. You just need to figure out how many hours your solution can help the growers to provide some relief for H-2A costs. 2) Grower's margins will feel ongoing pressure as the H-2A usage and blended cost per hour goes up. So they will be less interested in buying AgTech until you show them the math all the way through from the viewpoint of a comparable sized operator. Your sales team needs to do the work of figuring out their actual labor mix and the actual hours used, then providing the improved math from integrating your solution. It's more of a consultative sell, but it's a better (and likely longer) sales process. I'll get a Google Doc out later with the details. For now, I wanted to share the numbers with you. I welcome questions - first draft at some of this math - there are likely some additional items that could stand to be figured into the model. Rhishi P. Sachi Desai Rob Trice Carter Williams Lynn Hamilton Jennifer Marston #agtech #growereconomics #mathmatters

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The cannabis industry/bud tenders need to be better informed about the true meaning of terms and how they are truly related to each other. Examples: -strains are for viruses not for cannabis, cultivars/verities are the proper term for cannabis names. -sativia or indica are the wrong terms, because sativia means cultivated and indica means India. Which if the cultivar was from India it would be a sativia and indica. We just need to get rid of the bro science and start teaching real science all across the board. #advocate

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Now that Thailand has walked through the ring of fire - and cannabis is delisted and medical use encouraged - its time to learn from the West's mistakes. Thailand should 1. Make all non-medical cannabis a violation of regulation and 2. Make all medical weed meet high quality standards. This is how medical eats recreational: by decree!. Decree: All legal weed is medical and all medical weed is subject to rigorous testing. Then the black market is where you find all the ditch weed. There is still no special tax on legal weed in Thailand. Keep it that way. Make testing affordable and transparent. Do you think this is realistic? Remember: Thailand is not stuck with the rec vs. medical legal distinction the way the West is.....

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