Marijuana Business Magazine October 2018

7 Don’t get overly stressed about competition from CBD products, because there are more important issues to consider. “The THC-based market has a whole lot of other problems to concern itself with – such as a lack of interstate com- merce, over-the-top taxation and bank- ing roadblocks – and competition from the CBD-based market shouldn’t be too high of a priority for most companies. (They offer) similar and related products but different supply chain, different set of regulations and a different market. If there was more collaboration between the two, one would support the other’s effort. But at this point, it’s apples and oranges.” – Avis Bulbulyan, cannabis consultant, Los Angeles 8 Offer products containing the best genetics and educate consumers about the “whole plant experience.” “We focus on meticulous genetic selection. We pheno hunt (looking for the best genetics within the same strain), and data tells us which genetic and chemical varieties to continue cultivating in production runs. Our goal is always to maximize the genetic potential of each chemical variety. If we are maximizing the genetic potential, we are efficiently manufacturing a product that turns out consistent in taste, feel and effect. “Companies like us making products with THC will do well if they focus on product consistency and consumer education. Products with just CBD extracts are great, but what about a whole-plant product with a cannabi- noid profile that includes 5% THC, 2% CBG and 15% CBD combined with 1% myrcene and 2% beta-caryo- phyllene? There will always be a place for companies that can consistently provide that dynamic experience as well.” – Matt Sampson, owner, North Coast Growers, Anacortes, Washington 9 Focus on boutique products including single-origin extractions such as live resin. “We see the value that each compound brings to the cannabis experience and well-being. By crafting boutique experiences that only come from THC-dominant genetics and extractions, THC-based products will ensure their place in the market. Single-origin extractions like live resin are quite popular as a result of the full-spectrum experience that comes from terpene-rich extract.The nation is quickly becoming more open to cannabis. And soon, hemp-derived CBD, cannabis-derived CBD as well as high-potency THC products will be readily accessible nationwide. Most importantly, new research will continue to uncover the medical benefits that can come from these plants.” – Matt Woolley, executive director, Legion of Bloom, Santa Rosa, California 10 Convince regulators to allow retailers to sell CBD-only products alongside THC products. “What the THC market can do to protect itself is lobby the regulatory agencies to allow dispensaries to sell (CBD-only products.) It is ludicrous that the entities involved in laying the marijuana road brick by brick are not allowed to walk on it while every other fleeting business is driving a semi down it.” – John Andrle, owner, L’Eagle Services, Denver ◆ These responses have been edited for length and clarity. Avis Bulbulyan. Photo courtesy of Avis Bulbulyan Matt Woolley. Photo courtesy of Legion of Bloom Matt Sampson. Photo courtesy of North Coast Growers 70 • Marijuana Business Magazine • October 2018