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Pennsylvania Governor Includes Adult-Use Cannabis Legalization in State Budget Proposal

by

Willie Nelson’s cannabis brand, Willie’s Reserve, has hit the Arizona market through a recently announced partnership with Hana Meds, an Arizona-based vertically integrated cannabis company.

Willie’s Reserve is a national cannabis brand inspired by cannabis activist and American music legend Willie Nelson. The brand focuses on various cannabis products like pre-rolls, flower, vape cartridges and more. 

Hana Meds is processing, packaging and distributing Willie’s Reserve pre-rolls across Hana Meds’ retail locations in Kingman and Green Valley, Ariz., and at its wholesale customer locations, Giving Tree Dispensary in Phoenix and MedMen Scottsdale, said Matt Pinchera, Hana Meds president.

“We are starting off with launching pre-rolls only, and then we’ll look at other products as it makes sense,” he said. “We definitely want to expand the product line, but right now, we’re focusing on the pre-rolls first.”

Hana Meds eventually hopes to expand the number of dispensaries the product is sold in, he said.

Courtesy of Hana Meds

Pinchera

“We are in the process of ramping up production, so, hopefully, we’ll be able to expand the wholesale customers as we expand our production capabilities,” he said. “We’ve got two dispensaries who partnered with us to launch the brand and want to make sure that we keep them in stock of a product. So, you know, we don’t want to expand too quickly. It really needs to be tied to our production increases.”

Aside from Hana Meds’ already established in-house brands, like Dutchie pre-rolls and Revival Infused Edibles, Pinchera said that Hana Meds also looks to partner with companies that acquire brands that Hana Meds feels will do well in the Arizona market. Willie’s Reserve fit the bill.

So, how did the official partnership happen?

Hana Meds met Willie’s Reserve team members at a conference in 2019, where they started to explore the partnership option and discuss Hana Meds’ capabilities.

“Because we already produce a pre-roll brand, we have the infrastructure in place to produce pre-rolls, which is what they wanted to enter the market with,” he said. “So, that lined up for them and for us. I also think the fact that we were in the process of expanding our production, which means we would be able to supply more products for Willie’s Reserve in the future, was also a positive in their eyes, from what we brought to the table.”

Pinchera believes that if a cannabis business is looking to partner with a national brand in a local market, it’s essential to highlight their own skills and growth capabilities.

“I think you need to focus on your capabilities, focus on what you do well; for us, it was producing pre-rolls with our Dutchie brand,” he said. “Secondly, anticipate growth and work on expanding production and cultivation. You really just have to leverage what you do well and make sure you have the capacity for increased production.”

For example, as Hana Meds started conversing with Willie’s Reserve, it began to expand its production facilities to ensure it could handle the increased pre-roll production, which was done to ensure Willie’s Reserve needs are met and to try and attract other brands that Hana Meds wanted to partner with, he said.

Alongside production expansion, Hana Meds also wants to consistently put a quality product out under the Willie’s Reserve name.

“The cannabis has to be high quality, which we’ve had a lot of success with our Dutchie brand,” he said. “Our wholesale customers and medical patient customers up until now have found our cannabis to be of high quality. That was certainly something that Willie’s demanded and that’s something that we’ve been producing, and we’re able to offer up to them.”

Hana Meds and Willie’s Reserve share similar values. They are dedicated to producing high-quality cannabis products, which leads Pinchera to believe that this will be a continuing partnership.

“Because they have a solid marketing department, utilizing both social media and traditional media, and because they have Willie Nelson as a brand ambassador, that has been a huge positive for us,” he said. “And I think the partnership will continue to be a huge positive for us moving forward. Willie’s Reserve has a lot to bring to the table, and they’re a great company to partner with.”

 

Illinois Lawmaker Renews Push to Create New Cannabis Retail Licenses

by

Willie Nelson’s cannabis brand, Willie’s Reserve, has hit the Arizona market through a recently announced partnership with Hana Meds, an Arizona-based vertically integrated cannabis company.

Willie’s Reserve is a national cannabis brand inspired by cannabis activist and American music legend Willie Nelson. The brand focuses on various cannabis products like pre-rolls, flower, vape cartridges and more. 

Hana Meds is processing, packaging and distributing Willie’s Reserve pre-rolls across Hana Meds’ retail locations in Kingman and Green Valley, Ariz., and at its wholesale customer locations, Giving Tree Dispensary in Phoenix and MedMen Scottsdale, said Matt Pinchera, Hana Meds president.

“We are starting off with launching pre-rolls only, and then we’ll look at other products as it makes sense,” he said. “We definitely want to expand the product line, but right now, we’re focusing on the pre-rolls first.”

Hana Meds eventually hopes to expand the number of dispensaries the product is sold in, he said.

Courtesy of Hana Meds

Pinchera

“We are in the process of ramping up production, so, hopefully, we’ll be able to expand the wholesale customers as we expand our production capabilities,” he said. “We’ve got two dispensaries who partnered with us to launch the brand and want to make sure that we keep them in stock of a product. So, you know, we don’t want to expand too quickly. It really needs to be tied to our production increases.”

Aside from Hana Meds’ already established in-house brands, like Dutchie pre-rolls and Revival Infused Edibles, Pinchera said that Hana Meds also looks to partner with companies that acquire brands that Hana Meds feels will do well in the Arizona market. Willie’s Reserve fit the bill.

So, how did the official partnership happen?

Hana Meds met Willie’s Reserve team members at a conference in 2019, where they started to explore the partnership option and discuss Hana Meds’ capabilities.

“Because we already produce a pre-roll brand, we have the infrastructure in place to produce pre-rolls, which is what they wanted to enter the market with,” he said. “So, that lined up for them and for us. I also think the fact that we were in the process of expanding our production, which means we would be able to supply more products for Willie’s Reserve in the future, was also a positive in their eyes, from what we brought to the table.”

Pinchera believes that if a cannabis business is looking to partner with a national brand in a local market, it’s essential to highlight their own skills and growth capabilities.

“I think you need to focus on your capabilities, focus on what you do well; for us, it was producing pre-rolls with our Dutchie brand,” he said. “Secondly, anticipate growth and work on expanding production and cultivation. You really just have to leverage what you do well and make sure you have the capacity for increased production.”

For example, as Hana Meds started conversing with Willie’s Reserve, it began to expand its production facilities to ensure it could handle the increased pre-roll production, which was done to ensure Willie’s Reserve needs are met and to try and attract other brands that Hana Meds wanted to partner with, he said.

Alongside production expansion, Hana Meds also wants to consistently put a quality product out under the Willie’s Reserve name.

“The cannabis has to be high quality, which we’ve had a lot of success with our Dutchie brand,” he said. “Our wholesale customers and medical patient customers up until now have found our cannabis to be of high quality. That was certainly something that Willie’s demanded and that’s something that we’ve been producing, and we’re able to offer up to them.”

Hana Meds and Willie’s Reserve share similar values. They are dedicated to producing high-quality cannabis products, which leads Pinchera to believe that this will be a continuing partnership.

“Because they have a solid marketing department, utilizing both social media and traditional media, and because they have Willie Nelson as a brand ambassador, that has been a huge positive for us,” he said. “And I think the partnership will continue to be a huge positive for us moving forward. Willie’s Reserve has a lot to bring to the table, and they’re a great company to partner with.”

 

Cannabicitran & Cannabitriol: What’s the Deal?

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Researchers are starting to develop a better grasp on cannabidiol (CBD) and delta-9 tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), but this only scratches the surface of the known phytocannabinoids.

The lack of concrete knowledge on CBD and THC, including its ability to treat certain conditions, results from major discoveries in cannabis during the last few decades due to federal prohibition and research restrictions.

However, the industry is now taking a closer look at other cannabinoids in the plant to see what powers they might hold. Here we discuss just two of these beginning to make waves.

Cannabitriol

Cannabitriol (CBT) is a cannabinoid first isolated in 1968. And a study has shown that it is a major product of THC oxidative degradation.[1]

CBT is much less common in cannabis in comparison to THC and CBD, and therefore, it is considered a rare minor cannabinoid. While there is very little known about its therapeutic effects, a very early pre-clinical study showed that it could have potential to treat glaucoma.[2]

Cannabicitran

Cannabicitran (CBT-C5) is also a minor cannabinoid that is often confused with CBT but is a unique cannabinoid in its own right. There is very little known about this cannabinoid but that could quickly change.

Currently, GVB Biopharma is looking into CBT-C to delve further into its potential benefits.

The aforementioned studies have not established concrete findings on either of these cannabinoids. Research is still in the preliminary phase and much remains undiscovered. Much like other phytocannabinoid and their derivatives, academic data on the matter has a long way to go before any tangible conclusions can be made.

But these highlight the exciting state of cannabinoid research. Every day, new findings are published and we get closer and closer to a better understanding of the compounds in this magical plant.

Image Credit: Photo Mix

Image Source: https://pixabay.com/photos/experiment-research-laboratory-5607399/

References

  1. Brogan AP, et al. Antibody-catalyzed oxidation of Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol. Journal of the American Chemical Society. 2007;129(12):3698-3702.
  2. Elsohly MA, et al. (1984) Cannabinoids in glaucoma II: The effect of different cannabinoids on intraocular pressure of the rabbit. Current Eye Research. 1984;3(6):841-850.

How Does Genetics Affect THC:CBD Ratios?

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Phytocannabinoid composition in a cannabis cultivar determines most of its benefits. This makes the tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) to cannabidiol (CBD) ratio a matter of great significance for scientists, clinicians, and consumers alike, as these major cannabinoids provide different effects.

Phytocananbinoids do not work in isolation. When they come together in a cultivar, they create an opportunity for ensemble benefits. Thus, phytocannabinoid composition is one of the most important aspects of any cultivar.

A group of researchers from the University of Minnesota recently set out to investigate the role that genetic variation plays in influencing cannabinoid ratios.[1]

Study Overview

The researchers employed a Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA)-approved research protocol to study feral C. sativa that was obtained from the Minnesota River Valley. Minnesota is in fact the first place CBD was isolated from feral hemp, making it an interesting place to study genetic variations.

Authors categorized THC:CBD ratios as THC-type, CBD-type, and intermediate type. In this study, a genetic model was created to examine the relationship between phytocannabinoid ratios with functional and non-functional alleles of the gene cannabidiolic acid synthase gene (CBDAS).

Methods

The researchers analyzed the CBDAS genotypes of over 300 feral cultivars; in addition, 20 “clinical” cultivars from the National Institute on Drug Abuse and 12 Canadian-certified grain cultivars were included to validate the model.

The samples were analyzed and gas chromatography methods were used to measure the levels of phytocannabinoids present, including cannabichromene (CBC), cannabigerol (CBG), CBD, THC, cannabinol (CBN), delta‐8‐THC, and tetrahydrocannabivarin (THCV). Genotypes were used to predict THC:CBD ratios.

Results

The researchers found a direct correlation (predicted with 100% accuracy) between the CBDAS genotypes and the cannabinoid content in the feral cultivars, even though the total phytocannabinoid content varied substantially. Similar results were obtained from the “clinical” and industrial cultivars.[1]

These findings add further evidence that the industry at large should drop the nomenclature differentiating cannabinoids from cannabis vs. hemp or referring to certain cultivars as industrial, clinical, or feral.

This small study indicates that CBDAS genotypes may be used to predict cannabinoid profiles in a cultivar.

Image Credit: Pete Linforth

Image Source: https://pixabay.com/illustrations/dna-genetics-biology-science-3889611/

Reference

  1. Wenger, Jonathan P. et al. Validating a predictive model of cannabinoid inheritance with feral, clinical, and industrial Cannabis sativa. American Journal of Botany. 2020;107(10): 1423-1432.

CBD & Anxiety: R&D Underway for New Treatment

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With traditional anxiety medications such as benzodiazepines being highly addictive, there’s been a keen interest in using cannabidiol (CBD) to treat the mental health condition. And there’s a clear need for better treatments, as anxiety currently plagues 18.1% of adults in the US (40 million people). That number has soared over the past year due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

There are two challenges in getting CBD approved for anxiety treatment: a lack of sufficient clinical research into the effects of CBD on anxiety and thus lack of Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approval, and lack of quality and standardization of CBD products currently on the market. Luckily many researchers are looking to solve these issues by conducting proper studies.

Empower Pharm is a Canadian pharmaceutical company that wants to help those seeking cannabinoid treatment for a number of ailments, including anxiety. A Phase I clinical trial is currently in the works to evaluate out how a synthetic CBD tablet (Empower CBDTM) might help those combatting anxiety.

Aubrey Dan, co-founder and executive chairman of EmpowerPharm, believes that synthetic cannabinoids have the potential to relieve a variety of health issues. By preparing synthetic CBD into an active pharmaceutical ingredient (API), they seek to develop a product that is 99.9% pure.

This would differ greatly from products currently available, as most contain a smaller percentage of CBD. For example, Dan explained, the average CBD oil has between 65% to 80% total cannabinoids. Additionally, EmpowerPharm aims to remove all traces of tetrahydrocannabinol (THC).

A lack of THC is ideal for anxiety, as some individuals have reported it can actually cause anxiety depending on the dose.

EmpowerPharm was able to source a synthesized CBD API that’s been GMP-approved by Health Canada and the FDA. Within the next few months, Health Canada is expected to perform an inspection and, if things go as planned, Dan and his team will begin their Phase I clinical trial.

Empower Pharm hopes to find significant evidence that this formulation can be used as a safe and effective CBD pharmaceutical for anxiety.

Image Credit: Hal Gatewood

Image Source: https://unsplash.com/photos/_jbClosDsD4

CBD & Oral Health: What Does the Research Say?

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Taking care of our teeth typically requires regular dentists visits and keeping some toothpaste and floss handy. But some research suggests that we may also want to consider adding cannabidiol (CBD) to our repertoire of oral care products.

Gum Disease

Gum disease–otherwise known as periodontitis–is a type of infection that can cause harm to the soft tissues in the mouth. If not treated in a timely and appropriate manner, it can damage bones. Periodontitis can lead to tooth loss.

Pre-clinical research has linked CBD to anti-inflammatory effects; in fact, the cannabinoid may help prevent significant inflammation of the gums and help slow tooth loss.[1]

Plaque

Proper oral care involves fighting tooth decay and cavities, both of which can be caused by the buildup of plaque on the teeth. Plaque can develop when food remnants are left on the teeth for a long time. Certain foods can accelerate this process, such as carbohydrates.

Bacteria can thrive in the mouth as a result of the presence of plaque, which can inevitably lead to the production of acids. Acids can damage enamel and may lead to cavities and gingivitis. Brushing with toothpaste and flossing every day can help remove plaque from teeth. But aside from the conventional fluoride-based toothpaste products on the market, CBD may also play a role in getting rid of plaque.

In one small study, dental plaque was collected from participants and treated with various substances, including CBD. Compared to traditional toothpaste, CBD and cannabinoids were shown to rival common oral products in terms of keeping plaque at bay.[2]

Tooth Sensitivity

Tooth sensitivity may not always require a pain reliever to alleviate discomfort, depending on severity. Instead, CBD may help to calm tooth sensitivity to hot or cold. The cannabinoid has been shown to reduce pain by interacting with endocannabinoid receptors and calming inflammation that can contribute to tooth pain.[3]

CBD appears to play a potential beneficial role in oral health, pending greater study, but you should also first speak with your dentist or doctor before adding CBD to your regimen.

Image Credit: Jenny Friedrichs

Image Source: https://pixabay.com/photos/brushing-teeth-tooth-health-dentist-787630/

References

  1. Napimoga MH, et al. Cannabidiol decreases bone resorption by inhibiting RANK/RANKL expression and pro-inflammatory cytokines during experimental periodontitis in rats. Int Immunopharmacol. 2009; 9(2):216-222.
  2. Stahl V & Vasudevan K. Comparison of efficacy of cannabinoids versus commercial oral care products in reducing bacterial content from dental plaque: a preliminary observation. Cureus. 2020; 12(1):e6809.
  3. Russo EB. Cannabinoids in the management of difficult to treat pain. Ther Clin Risk Manag. 2008; 4(1):245-259.

Pennsylvania Governor Includes Adult-Use Cannabis Legalization in State Budget Proposal

by

Willie Nelson’s cannabis brand, Willie’s Reserve, has hit the Arizona market through a recently announced partnership with Hana Meds, an Arizona-based vertically integrated cannabis company.

Willie’s Reserve is a national cannabis brand inspired by cannabis activist and American music legend Willie Nelson. The brand focuses on various cannabis products like pre-rolls, flower, vape cartridges and more. 

Hana Meds is processing, packaging and distributing Willie’s Reserve pre-rolls across Hana Meds’ retail locations in Kingman and Green Valley, Ariz., and at its wholesale customer locations, Giving Tree Dispensary in Phoenix and MedMen Scottsdale, said Matt Pinchera, Hana Meds president.

“We are starting off with launching pre-rolls only, and then we’ll look at other products as it makes sense,” he said. “We definitely want to expand the product line, but right now, we’re focusing on the pre-rolls first.”

Hana Meds eventually hopes to expand the number of dispensaries the product is sold in, he said.

Courtesy of Hana Meds

Pinchera

“We are in the process of ramping up production, so, hopefully, we’ll be able to expand the wholesale customers as we expand our production capabilities,” he said. “We’ve got two dispensaries who partnered with us to launch the brand and want to make sure that we keep them in stock of a product. So, you know, we don’t want to expand too quickly. It really needs to be tied to our production increases.”

Aside from Hana Meds’ already established in-house brands, like Dutchie pre-rolls and Revival Infused Edibles, Pinchera said that Hana Meds also looks to partner with companies that acquire brands that Hana Meds feels will do well in the Arizona market. Willie’s Reserve fit the bill.

So, how did the official partnership happen?

Hana Meds met Willie’s Reserve team members at a conference in 2019, where they started to explore the partnership option and discuss Hana Meds’ capabilities.

“Because we already produce a pre-roll brand, we have the infrastructure in place to produce pre-rolls, which is what they wanted to enter the market with,” he said. “So, that lined up for them and for us. I also think the fact that we were in the process of expanding our production, which means we would be able to supply more products for Willie’s Reserve in the future, was also a positive in their eyes, from what we brought to the table.”

Pinchera believes that if a cannabis business is looking to partner with a national brand in a local market, it’s essential to highlight their own skills and growth capabilities.

“I think you need to focus on your capabilities, focus on what you do well; for us, it was producing pre-rolls with our Dutchie brand,” he said. “Secondly, anticipate growth and work on expanding production and cultivation. You really just have to leverage what you do well and make sure you have the capacity for increased production.”

For example, as Hana Meds started conversing with Willie’s Reserve, it began to expand its production facilities to ensure it could handle the increased pre-roll production, which was done to ensure Willie’s Reserve needs are met and to try and attract other brands that Hana Meds wanted to partner with, he said.

Alongside production expansion, Hana Meds also wants to consistently put a quality product out under the Willie’s Reserve name.

“The cannabis has to be high quality, which we’ve had a lot of success with our Dutchie brand,” he said. “Our wholesale customers and medical patient customers up until now have found our cannabis to be of high quality. That was certainly something that Willie’s demanded and that’s something that we’ve been producing, and we’re able to offer up to them.”

Hana Meds and Willie’s Reserve share similar values. They are dedicated to producing high-quality cannabis products, which leads Pinchera to believe that this will be a continuing partnership.

“Because they have a solid marketing department, utilizing both social media and traditional media, and because they have Willie Nelson as a brand ambassador, that has been a huge positive for us,” he said. “And I think the partnership will continue to be a huge positive for us moving forward. Willie’s Reserve has a lot to bring to the table, and they’re a great company to partner with.”

 

If It Better to Grow Hemp in a Greenhouse?

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Hemp is an extremely adaptable plant that can grow under versatile conditions. This is why people across the US–no matter the climate they live in–are able to yield in harvests year after year. However, is there a difference between growing hemp in an indoor greenhouse vs the outdoors?

If it’s for food resources, like grain and fiber, an outdoor harvest may be better as the crop will take in more nutrients from sunlight and the soil. But if you’re growing for the sake of cannabidiol (CBD), you may be better off using a greenhouse.

Hemp production for CBD needs to be highly controlled for a number of different reasons:

  • Hemp is a bioaccumulator. It soaks up anything found within the soil it’s grown in. If the soil is contaminated (i.e., with heavy metals), then the hemp plant will accumulate this contamination. An indoor grow can allow you to better control soil conditions.
  • Within the hemp seed, there is no CBD. Instead, there’s cannabidiolic acid (CBDA), which is a precursor to CBD. It’s not until a hemp plant is fully grown that it becomes abundant with CBD. With that said, it’s in your best interest to extend your harvest time as much as possible to accumulate CBD. A greenhouse grow gives you more leeway in this regard.
  • Within the hemp industry, organic growth is desired. For this reason, it’s best to avoid pesticides. While this is highly beneficial for the customer, it can be difficult to navigate if you live in an area filled with pests. A greenhouse grow is your best bet in preventing bugs and rodents from munching away at your crops.

It’s important to keep in mind that greenhouse hemp production is primarily suitable for those who are looking to develop CBD for the marketplace. If you’re simply trying to develop a batch of CBD or hemp for your own personal or industrial use, an outdoor grow will work just fine–the only downside is you won’t have as much control over your harvest.

Image Credit: Richard T

Image Source: https://unsplash.com/photos/yovhXPl8V1M



Illinois Lawmaker Renews Push to Create New Cannabis Retail Licenses

by

Willie Nelson’s cannabis brand, Willie’s Reserve, has hit the Arizona market through a recently announced partnership with Hana Meds, an Arizona-based vertically integrated cannabis company.

Willie’s Reserve is a national cannabis brand inspired by cannabis activist and American music legend Willie Nelson. The brand focuses on various cannabis products like pre-rolls, flower, vape cartridges and more. 

Hana Meds is processing, packaging and distributing Willie’s Reserve pre-rolls across Hana Meds’ retail locations in Kingman and Green Valley, Ariz., and at its wholesale customer locations, Giving Tree Dispensary in Phoenix and MedMen Scottsdale, said Matt Pinchera, Hana Meds president.

“We are starting off with launching pre-rolls only, and then we’ll look at other products as it makes sense,” he said. “We definitely want to expand the product line, but right now, we’re focusing on the pre-rolls first.”

Hana Meds eventually hopes to expand the number of dispensaries the product is sold in, he said.

Courtesy of Hana Meds

Pinchera

“We are in the process of ramping up production, so, hopefully, we’ll be able to expand the wholesale customers as we expand our production capabilities,” he said. “We’ve got two dispensaries who partnered with us to launch the brand and want to make sure that we keep them in stock of a product. So, you know, we don’t want to expand too quickly. It really needs to be tied to our production increases.”

Aside from Hana Meds’ already established in-house brands, like Dutchie pre-rolls and Revival Infused Edibles, Pinchera said that Hana Meds also looks to partner with companies that acquire brands that Hana Meds feels will do well in the Arizona market. Willie’s Reserve fit the bill.

So, how did the official partnership happen?

Hana Meds met Willie’s Reserve team members at a conference in 2019, where they started to explore the partnership option and discuss Hana Meds’ capabilities.

“Because we already produce a pre-roll brand, we have the infrastructure in place to produce pre-rolls, which is what they wanted to enter the market with,” he said. “So, that lined up for them and for us. I also think the fact that we were in the process of expanding our production, which means we would be able to supply more products for Willie’s Reserve in the future, was also a positive in their eyes, from what we brought to the table.”

Pinchera believes that if a cannabis business is looking to partner with a national brand in a local market, it’s essential to highlight their own skills and growth capabilities.

“I think you need to focus on your capabilities, focus on what you do well; for us, it was producing pre-rolls with our Dutchie brand,” he said. “Secondly, anticipate growth and work on expanding production and cultivation. You really just have to leverage what you do well and make sure you have the capacity for increased production.”

For example, as Hana Meds started conversing with Willie’s Reserve, it began to expand its production facilities to ensure it could handle the increased pre-roll production, which was done to ensure Willie’s Reserve needs are met and to try and attract other brands that Hana Meds wanted to partner with, he said.

Alongside production expansion, Hana Meds also wants to consistently put a quality product out under the Willie’s Reserve name.

“The cannabis has to be high quality, which we’ve had a lot of success with our Dutchie brand,” he said. “Our wholesale customers and medical patient customers up until now have found our cannabis to be of high quality. That was certainly something that Willie’s demanded and that’s something that we’ve been producing, and we’re able to offer up to them.”

Hana Meds and Willie’s Reserve share similar values. They are dedicated to producing high-quality cannabis products, which leads Pinchera to believe that this will be a continuing partnership.

“Because they have a solid marketing department, utilizing both social media and traditional media, and because they have Willie Nelson as a brand ambassador, that has been a huge positive for us,” he said. “And I think the partnership will continue to be a huge positive for us moving forward. Willie’s Reserve has a lot to bring to the table, and they’re a great company to partner with.”

 

Mississippi State Department of Health Sets Timeline for Medical Cannabis Program

by

Willie Nelson’s cannabis brand, Willie’s Reserve, has hit the Arizona market through a recently announced partnership with Hana Meds, an Arizona-based vertically integrated cannabis company.

Willie’s Reserve is a national cannabis brand inspired by cannabis activist and American music legend Willie Nelson. The brand focuses on various cannabis products like pre-rolls, flower, vape cartridges and more. 

Hana Meds is processing, packaging and distributing Willie’s Reserve pre-rolls across Hana Meds’ retail locations in Kingman and Green Valley, Ariz., and at its wholesale customer locations, Giving Tree Dispensary in Phoenix and MedMen Scottsdale, said Matt Pinchera, Hana Meds president.

“We are starting off with launching pre-rolls only, and then we’ll look at other products as it makes sense,” he said. “We definitely want to expand the product line, but right now, we’re focusing on the pre-rolls first.”

Hana Meds eventually hopes to expand the number of dispensaries the product is sold in, he said.

Courtesy of Hana Meds

Pinchera

“We are in the process of ramping up production, so, hopefully, we’ll be able to expand the wholesale customers as we expand our production capabilities,” he said. “We’ve got two dispensaries who partnered with us to launch the brand and want to make sure that we keep them in stock of a product. So, you know, we don’t want to expand too quickly. It really needs to be tied to our production increases.”

Aside from Hana Meds’ already established in-house brands, like Dutchie pre-rolls and Revival Infused Edibles, Pinchera said that Hana Meds also looks to partner with companies that acquire brands that Hana Meds feels will do well in the Arizona market. Willie’s Reserve fit the bill.

So, how did the official partnership happen?

Hana Meds met Willie’s Reserve team members at a conference in 2019, where they started to explore the partnership option and discuss Hana Meds’ capabilities.

“Because we already produce a pre-roll brand, we have the infrastructure in place to produce pre-rolls, which is what they wanted to enter the market with,” he said. “So, that lined up for them and for us. I also think the fact that we were in the process of expanding our production, which means we would be able to supply more products for Willie’s Reserve in the future, was also a positive in their eyes, from what we brought to the table.”

Pinchera believes that if a cannabis business is looking to partner with a national brand in a local market, it’s essential to highlight their own skills and growth capabilities.

“I think you need to focus on your capabilities, focus on what you do well; for us, it was producing pre-rolls with our Dutchie brand,” he said. “Secondly, anticipate growth and work on expanding production and cultivation. You really just have to leverage what you do well and make sure you have the capacity for increased production.”

For example, as Hana Meds started conversing with Willie’s Reserve, it began to expand its production facilities to ensure it could handle the increased pre-roll production, which was done to ensure Willie’s Reserve needs are met and to try and attract other brands that Hana Meds wanted to partner with, he said.

Alongside production expansion, Hana Meds also wants to consistently put a quality product out under the Willie’s Reserve name.

“The cannabis has to be high quality, which we’ve had a lot of success with our Dutchie brand,” he said. “Our wholesale customers and medical patient customers up until now have found our cannabis to be of high quality. That was certainly something that Willie’s demanded and that’s something that we’ve been producing, and we’re able to offer up to them.”

Hana Meds and Willie’s Reserve share similar values. They are dedicated to producing high-quality cannabis products, which leads Pinchera to believe that this will be a continuing partnership.

“Because they have a solid marketing department, utilizing both social media and traditional media, and because they have Willie Nelson as a brand ambassador, that has been a huge positive for us,” he said. “And I think the partnership will continue to be a huge positive for us moving forward. Willie’s Reserve has a lot to bring to the table, and they’re a great company to partner with.”