First Experiences: What Our Interns Learned From Entering The Cannabis Industry

This month, we journeyed to Oklahoma with our marketing interns for their inaugural adventure in the cannabis industry. Our first stop was CannaCon South, a vibrant conference where our interns immersed themselves in the intricacies of cannabis business operations, forged connections with passionate professionals, and absorbed invaluable insights into this dynamic field.

Next, we delved deeper into the cannabis industry by touring High Society, an esteemed multi-store dispensary operation in Oklahoma. Here, our interns gained firsthand knowledge about the diverse array of products propelling the industry forward, while also gaining understanding of the operational complexities faced by the cannabis businesses we aspire to secure.

We are excited to relay their experiences in this blog article, offering a comprehensive guide for those looking to learn more about visiting cannabis conferences or dispensaries. Read on to learn more about what to expect!

What To Expect When Attending Your First Cannabis Industry Conference

What was it like attending your first cannabis industry conference?

Kayla: It was a different and unique experience! I had been to conferences before for my [other] job, so I had a general understanding of what to expect, but there was so much new information at the cannabis conference I was exposed to. It allowed me to get a better general understanding of the field and learn some new terminology.

Grace: It was a totally new experience for me. It opened my eyes to the opportunities within the industry in areas like packaging and machinery to help cannabis businesses. I had never been to a conference in the past, so I didn’t really know what to expect. I gained a better understanding of the industry and met so many people! 

Marshal: My first experience at a cannabis industry conference was illuminating. There were dozens of panels, each representing a unique aspect of the industry from cultivation to sales. It was abuzz with all kinds of people and businesses. I wasn’t expecting as much activity as I saw. It was amazing to see the heart of this thriving industry. 

What did you learn or find surprising about attending your first cannabis industry conference?

Grace: Everything I learned at the conference was new to me. I was surprised to see the seeds for the plant and all the tools needed to grow a cannabis plant successfully. 

Marshal: What surprised me was the variety of the industry. I learned that so many things go into it, not just selling products. 

Kayla: I didn’t know about all of the different factors needed to grow cannabis (temperature, different soils, etc), and I didn’t know how cannabis was packed. It was also fascinating to see the different equipment and tools/gadgets in the industry.

How could someone who’s never been to a cannabis industry conference prepare to attend?

Marshal: If anyone I knew was planning to attend, I would encourage them to have a desire to understand and to stay open-minded. The stigma around cannabis might lead people to make quick judgements before they know anything about it.  

Kayla: I think in general just read up a little more on the history of cannabis. Some of the questions I asked felt a little silly [and] I think if I learned a little more before going I would have been able to ask better questions. Other than that, I would just say to go with an open mind, excitement, and curiosity.

Grace: I would tell them to research the companies that will be at the conference and learn basic cannabis knowledge. I asked a few very basic questions concerning the seeds and packaging, which seemed a little silly once I got the answer. I would also tell them to come in open-minded and ready to talk to the companies and learn about what they all do. 

What To Expect On Your First Cannabis Dispensary Tour

What did you learn or find surprising about touring a cannabis dispensary?

Marshal: Going to the dispensary was my favorite part of the trip. I’ve always wanted to go to an official dispensary, but the process of getting a card to even wander around inside is so difficult. I was like a kid in a candy shop. There were so many products to learn about, edibles, pre-rolls, [and] flower. I also learned about cannabinoids and terpenes and how they help people. The manager of the business was welcoming and well learned. He had an answer prepared for all my questions. After that we were given a tour of the back of the store to see how the operation is run behind the scenes. The safe was so large you could walk inside. I got the impression that security isn’t just a luxury to dispensaries, it’s a necessity.  

Kayla: My experience was not exactly what I was expecting. When I imagined it, for some reason I was imagining kind of touring a distillery where we would see the cannabis plants growing or different stages of processing. I didn’t expect it to be moreso a shop visit. Despite this, I did learn a great deal still and was able to see some of the applicable things we have learned in person. I saw various security measures in place [and] learned about new products on the market.

Grace: I have only been in a dispensary one time before this and had to wear an 18+ lanyard to be able to get in. I was very excited to tour the back and see the way they set up their cameras around their packing areas. I enjoyed seeing all the camera views and being able to see what I have been writing about in person. 

How could someone who’s never toured a cannabis dispensary prepare to visit?

Grace: I felt prepared after the My Sapphire Training courses and after having [read] about aspects of dispensary build-outs and security plans. 

Kayla: I think the preparations we have [been] taught and learned in our My Sapphire Training [were] good preparation. 

Marshal: Cannabis stigma should be avoided if you want to make the most of your visit to a dispensary. Prepare a few questions and ask how they keep themselves and customers safe.

How Can Sapphire Risk Help?

Tony Gallo and the team of experts and consultants at Sapphire Risk Advisory Group have worked to secure medical marijuana and recreational cannabis businesses in 37 states. Follow us on social media to stay up to date with more security best practices and cannabis industry updates!