Learning Evolution
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Introduction
The cannabis industry has come a long way since its days of operating on the fringes of legality. With the legalization of cannabis for recreational use in many states, the retail landscape for cannabis products is undergoing a transformation. While cannabis shops have been the traditional retail outlet for cannabis products, there is growing interest in the real possibility of cannabis being sold in grocery stores.
This shift could have significant impacts on the way that people buy and use cannabis, as well as the role of grocery stores in the retail cannabis space.
Benefits
One of the key benefits of cannabis being sold in grocery stores is increased accessibility. Currently, cannabis shops are often located in areas that may not be convenient for everyone. This can limit the reach of the cannabis market, and make it difficult for people to access the products that they need. In contrast, grocery stores are often located in more accessible areas and are open for longer hours, which could make it easier for people to buy cannabis. Additionally, having cannabis products available in grocery stores would make them more visible to the public and help to reduce some of the stigma associated with cannabis use.
Another potential benefit of cannabis being sold in grocery stores is the possibility of greater product diversity. Currently, cannabis shops are often limited in the types of products that they can offer, due to the legal restrictions surrounding the production and sale of cannabis products. By contrast, grocery stores typically have a much broader range of products and the resources to support a wider range of cannabis products. This could include everything from edibles and topicals to high-quality flower and concentrates.
Risks
However, there are also potential risks and challenges associated with the idea of selling cannabis in grocery stores. One concern is that grocery stores may not have the expertise or resources to properly store and sell cannabis products, which could lead to safety or quality issues. Additionally, grocery stores may be subject to tighter regulations regarding the sale of cannabis products, which could limit the types of products that can be sold or restrict the hours of operation for cannabis sales.
Despite these challenges, many experts believe that the future of the cannabis retail market will involve a greater role for grocery stores. This could include partnerships between grocery stores and cannabis companies, as well as the creation of standalone cannabis sections within existing grocery stores.
Much will depend on the evolution of regulations surrounding the sale of cannabis products and the willingness of grocery stores to enter this new market. As the cannabis industry continues to grow and evolve, it's important for CPG and Retail professionals and businesses to stay informed and equipped with the latest knowledge and strategies.
How to Get Ready
On April 20th, 2023 ("420") we are announcing and offering with our partners, the Western Michigan University Cannabis Marketing Certification (CMC) program. This is a completely online eLearning series of coursework modules with knowledge checks and final exam. The CMC offers comprehensive training and education on all aspects of the cannabis industry, from cannabis marketing, branding, and category management, to legal regulations and consumer trends.
We believe now is time to invest in your and your team's education and skills. If you aren't working on plans and strategies now, you are already late to the party!
To stay ahead of the curve and succeed in the exciting and rapidly growing cannabis market we urge you to check out our program and get your team trained and certified by one of the nation's leading food marketing universities.
Please subscribe to our blog and newsletter if your interested staying informed and to learn more about cannabis. We will be publishing new articles every week.
Sources:
"Grocery Stores May Soon Sell Recreational Marijuana in California" (Forbes, 2021)
"Why Grocery Stores Are Poised to Take Over the Cannabis Industry" (Leafly, 2021)
"Could Cannabis be Coming to a Grocery Store Near You?" (Marijuana Business Daily, 2020)
Disclaimer: This article is intended for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal or professional advice. The information contained in this article is based on publicly available information and is subject to change. Readers should consult with appropriate experts or authorities before making any decisions based on the information contained in this article.
