Solving my own pain first

When I started this adventure, I hoped to find problems faced by Marijuana and Hemp businesses. Any pain point represents an opportunity. However, since getting listed as a verified Metrc API integrator, the primary problem I'm hearing about is the amount of work required to perform all the data input requirements. I didn't find this problem . . . it's finding me! So this is likely something I'm going to spend some time addressing.

During my evaluation, I found myself wishing I had a way to "bootstrap a scenario". For example, repackaging exercises require a starting package. I admit to pillaging packages made by other sandbox users, but remember how cool it would be to have a tool that could create a plant or package at any stage in it's lifecycle. Need a plant ready for harvest? Need multiple plants ready for packaging? Need a package ready to be repackaged? Yes, yes and yes please!

For many of these steps, you'll need to provide tags. While in production, you'll know which tags have not been used (or else you've got really big problems), but in a sandbox or test environment, finding unused tags is kind of like throwing darts in the dark. So step one is to make a tag checker. Nothing pretty, but an easy to use "give me a tag and I'll tell you if it's used" kind of thing.

Next, I'll come up with some common scenarios that might be useful. Creating packages with flower fresh from harvest seems a good start. You'd pass in a plant tag, a package tag and perhaps the amount of product you want. It will create entries starting at planting, through flowering, to harvest and finally into a package. Items, rooms and any other needed data will be picked randomly from existing data. Did I mention this is meant for a sandbox or test environment only?!?

So, this isn't really going to solve any of the problems Cannabis companies are facing. But, it will sure make my life easier. By being able to set up scenarios in a repeatable and reliable way, it will save me time, allow me to concentrate on coming up with solutions for real problems.

The trouble with wholesalers

I've had conversations with several soon-to-be wholesalers lately. They are either still building out their infrastructure, or reworking a previous business to accommodate Cannabis products. All of them plan on being more than simple conduits between growers and processors or retailers, though their visions and approaches all differ.

From a software perspective, it's pretty clear wholesalers are underserved. There are lots of programs for growers and retailers, but few options for wholesalers. Even Metrc's API is missing endpoints for transfer functionality, the main feature needed by these businesses.

Though I've yet to really explore it, I'm sure there is existing software to help manage wholesaling operations. I would even bet there are service providers who can modify the software for Marijuana's unique requirements. However, I would not assume these are user friendly, modern or affordable solutions.

Wholesaling is a natural and necessary service in the Cannabis industry. Once interstate commerce becomes a reality, these companies will become even more vital. I look forward to watching how wholesalers leverage technology within their businesses, and to see whether offerings targeting this niche market start to appear.

Women Grow Rocks!

Wow! Just Wow!

I learned about Women Grow during an initial meeting with a grower. I was assured, despite the name, men were welcome. So, I attended my first networking event, and I'm so glad I did!

The variety of people I met was very interesting. Some were just investigating the industry, trying to find a suitable role. Others had years of experience (despite a "13 year forced sabbatical" in one case). Conversations ranged from small talk to hard core business. The cost of Oregon's new testing requirements and limited growing space discussions reaffirmed and expanded my understanding of some of the challenges faced by producers and processors.

The event included a panel who discussed medical uses of cannabis. Dr. Rachel Knox introduced me to the endocannabinoid system and made me realize how little the medical community as a whole understands how to use marijuana as medicine, and how real and profound a properly prescribed regiment can benefit patients. "Professor P" dispelled the importance of THC and CBD as indicators of a strains profile, opening my eyes to the variety of cannabinoids and terpenes that give each marijuana strain it's unique characteristics. And of course, the panel discussed the importance of keeping pesticides, poisons and big pharma out of Cannabis.

I'm looking forward to the next Women Grow networking event. If you're in the industry, or want to get involved, I highly recommend attending the next event too! I hope to meet you there.