Ganjier's pioneering cannabis sommelier certification program, conducted both virtually and on its Humboldt County, California campus, is shaping a new generation of professionals who are set to elevate the standards and quality of cannabis products, filling a void that has long existed in the industry.
Just like studying the arts, science, and consumption appreciation of fine wine, there exists the profession of cannabis sommelier. Ganjier, a cannabis sommelier certification program that is conducted virtually as well as on the 243 acres of the Ganjier campus located in Humboldt County, California, has created a new class of professionals who will continue to impact the cannabis industry in a variety of ways (1). Worldwide, the educational organization has approximately 300 sommeliers. The cannabis sommelier certification program is taught by industry experts who are called the Ganjier Council. Through this course, it is their goal “to create a new breed of cannabis connoisseur specialists dedicated to lifting up quality in all facets of cannabis,” (1).
"Certified Ganjiers are empowered to elevate industry standards while serving as trusted guides for consumers," said Derek Gilman, the Managing Director of Ganjier (1). "Every other epicurean field, such as coffee, wine, beer, or chocolate has long had trained professionals that assess the quality and guide consumers in their experience and their product choices. That simply didn’t exist in cannabis before Ganjier."
The student body consists of individuals who are multi-generational craft cultivators, budtenders, CEOs, retail managers, attorneys, physicians, nurses, scientists, chefs, pharmacists, entrepreneurs, culinary professionals, professional athletes, policy experts, and even wine sommeliers.
“This is the education I have been searching for over the last 20 years! I’ve long considered myself a cannabis connoisseur, but this program is taking my appreciation and understanding of the plant to another level,” said Ricky Williams, former NFL running back, cannabis entrepreneur, and Ganjier student (1). “I’ve already begun implementing some of the lessons I’ve learned into the quality control processes for the products of my brand Highsman.”
Although they are located inside the US, Ganjier has graduates and students in various countries. For example, Italy, Australia, France, Canada, the Carribean, Moldova, Israel, Brazil, the United Kingdom, Thailand, Chile, Ireland, Germany, and Mexico.
"Ganjier has been an invaluable asset, providing me with the necessary tools, resources, and framework to bring these principles to life in my teaching and experiences,” said Dharshini Casinathen, a Certified Ganjier who grew up in Canada and is now the owner of Joy Leaf NJ (1). Additionally, Casinathen is also a CPA and is a former Sr. Director of Finance for one of the most popular soft drink brands in the world.
Once the certification program is completed, graduates receive the title “Masters of Cannabis Service”. Through this course they have gained the needed knowledge to enhance consumers cannabis experiences and grow the standards in the industry.
"Ever since becoming a Certified Ganjier, my life has been full of articles, cannabis assessments, speaking engagements, interviews, board meetings, expos, guest appearances, and advocacy at every turn,” commented Matthew Jerome, Founder at Meristem Cannabis Consulting (1). “It’s been the best decision I’ve ever made.”
Ganjier is preparing for its next group of students that will enroll in 2024. According to an EINPresswire press release, these elements have been created and optimized (1):
If you are interested in learning more about Ganjier and the Cannabis Sommelier Certification program, please visit: https://www.ganjier.com/full-certification-pathway/.
Reference
Ep 24, Part II: Data Transparency in Cannabis Testing with Yasha Khan
December 12th 2024Evan Friedmann and Yasha Kahn, co-founder of MCR Labs, discuss the discrepancies between current regulations and data on mycotoxins and pesticides in cannabis products. They highlight the need for updated regulations based on new data, emphasizing the importance of accurate testing and labeling. They also discuss the issue of result manipulation, particularly in THC content, and the need for public health officials to address this. Yasha suggests making testing data public to enhance oversight and suggests a national entity to manage this data for better consistency and public safety.
Ep 24, Part I: Data Transparency in Cannabis Testing with Yasha Khan
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