Craft Cannabis Products Using Good Manufacturing Practices That Create Memorable Consumer Experiences
Elevate Consumer Experiences Through Product Development & "Infused Creations" Using Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP) That'll Propel Consumption Methods & Industry Innovations
Made For: Manufacturing Agent Cannabis Lab Technician Quality Assurance Expert Cannabis Logistics Manager Production Supervisor Delivery Transporting Agent Cannabis Processing Agent Extraction Technician Cannabis Executive Chef Quality Control Manager Cannabis Kitchen Supervisor Product Packaging Technician Food Safety Professional Infused Manufacturer
Cannabis Product-Line Creations via Infused Inventions & Extract Mastery Using Good Manufacturing Practices
Turn products into profit, recipes into edibles and “grandma’s recipes” into a reality by adding value through processing cannabis and manufacturing brand product lines while utilizing Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP) standards.
Manufacturing operations must ensure consumer health and safety as the #1 priority when sourcing cannabis along with human-grade consumable ingredients to develop products for their Intellectual Property (IP) that represents their cannabis-infused brand.
It’s about having a winning “cannabis recipe” that makes manufacturers and processors have such a vital role in producing infused products that are well-known cannabis industry brands that consumers trust by meeting government regulatory requirements.
Manufacturer Learning Paths
Learning Plans Are Meticulously Designed Guides That Indicate Which Certifications To Pursue & Sequence For Every Aspect Of Cannabis Product Manufacturing's "Formulated Body of Knowledge" (BOK).
Cannabis Brands
Industry Competency
100-Level Competency
"Choose Your Own Adventure"
200-Level Competency
Cannabis Products
Industry Competency
Production Manufacturer Technician Badge
200 Experience Points
Product Development
Industry Competency
Cannabis Extraction
Industry Competency
Cannabis Extraction Technician Badge
200 Experience Points
Cannabis Test Batch Collector Badge
200 Experience PointsTest Batch Collector
Industry Competency
300-Level Competency
Cannabis Brands
Industry Competency
Cannabis Processor
Industry Competency
Manufacturing Safety
Industry Competency
400-Level Competency
Manufacturing Supervisor
Industry Competency
Cannabis Manufacturer Supervisor Badge
400 Experience Points"Adopted Academic Standards That "Mirror University" Course-Levels (ex. 100, 200, etc.) That Designate How Complex Topics Are & Pathways Show What To Take + Which Order For Mastery..."
Compliance (100-Level)
Annual Compliance
Fundamental (200-Level)
Cannabis Standards
Professional (300-Level)
Competency Frameworks
Leadership (400-Level)
Professional Development
Digital Badge Achievement
Learning Structures
Learning Structures
"In 2014, Open Badges™ Discovery Project Identified Four (4) Learning Structures (Linear, Freeform, Tiered & Clustered) For Learning Paths & Complexities Vary Based On Cannabis Competencies, Personal Interests & Professional Experiences... Some May Be Short, While Others Takes Many Forms, So Different Pathways May Be Simple, Linear, or Complexly Interconnected."
Learning Paths
Learning Pathways
Learning Paths are the chosen routes individuals complete as they progress through a specific cannabis industry specialization, academic programs, and learning experiences. It’s a roadmap describing the landscape of a field, program, or specialization that is made of steps that represent requirements, competencies, or other “real-world experiences” that take the form of a hierarchy of nested steps.
- Simple Learning Paths: Badges are only related because they come from the same issuer (ex. Green CulturED).
- Linearly Connected Pathways: One badge leads to another (ex. 100-level, 200-level, etc.)
- Complexly Interconnected & Non-Linearly Connected: Badges cross categories and don’t follow a linear pathway (ex. continuing education, conference workshops, etc.).
- Complex Cross-System Linking: Badges are connected to credentials from other issuer’s systems (ex. Responsible Vendor Training, etc.).
Learning pathways serve as the scaffolding and trajectory to understanding progression that allows the cannabis industry to organize badge credentials into shared pathways that better connect experiences across many learning contexts.
Learning Paths can be organized around digital badge systems that are already implemented or can assist with the design of new systems by providing structure. Badges and pathways are defined by the cannabis industry’s understanding of what individuals accomplish for expertise.
Learning Pathways (aka “Competency Frameworks”) is a means for people to gain comprehensive competencies in a cannabis niche while earning different badges to realize expert-level competencies. A pathway may have multiple routes that have the same endpoint, multiple entry points to achieve similar outcomes, and/or even outcomes may diverge based Learning Pathway(s).
- Prescriptive Pathways: These Learning Pathways are likely be linear - a straight line from one learning experience to another that's either homogenized, standard or recommended badges since these approaches rely on a form, structure & recommended path laid by cannabis industry regulators or other formalized education providers.
- Descriptive Pathways: Descriptive Learning Pathways are more natural approach for a badge recipient since they're defining their own path & this acknowledges the way learners consciously choose to earn badges when there’s no prescribed direction so they'll find the way that makes sense to them, choose to follow what others have done, or go in a very different direction that suits learning objectives.
Until recently, most Learning Pathways have focused on prescriptive, institutional, or corporate learning objectives/achievements, ignoring successful learning from unstructured environments such as continuing education, conference workshops, etc. Badges are a means to recognize those opportunities and incorporate their benefits into creating an accurate digital portrayal of accomplishments.
Competency Frameworks
Competency Frameworks
"Competency Frameworks Depict Different Learning Pathways To Support Badge Earners By Using "Nested Structures" Within Steps In It That Model Real-World Relationships Between Concepts People Understand As "Categories or "Containers" Full Of Smaller Component Courses. Looking At Pathway B, There's Three (3) Levels Of Steps, Where Some Have A Badge Associated & Others Have Only One (1) Learning Path Since Badges May Be Shared Between Multiple Learning Pathways."
Pathway Competencies
Standards Implementation
For competency framework design, identification of purpose, structure, and achievement are critical no matter if you are starting from scratch or badge mapping existing standards. Rather than plodding through creating each badge, one by one, how do you organize them in a meaningful way for learners?
Purpose (Steps)
- Guide Decisions: Are you recognizing competencies or tracking progress through the curriculum — Is the pathway meant to be completed in full or to show specialization across a range of options?
- Community Definitions: What values do you want to recognize that are already accepted in your community?
Structure (Shape)
- Pathway Movement: How do you expect people to move through the pathway, leveling up or getting from point A to point B?
- Customizable / Prescribed: Is the learner allowed to pick and choose specializations or do they follow a path of prescribed objectives?
Achievement (Endpoint)
- Acceptance External Badges: Does the pathway recognize and/or incorporate badges earned from other or more than one issuer(s)?
- Credentialing Assessment: What are the assessment practices required to implement recognition of badges for steps in the pathway?
- Digital Badge Collection: Does the collection of badges clearly demonstrate the objectives of the pathway, and is it understood by the community?
When badges are being added to a pre-existing curriculum, the curriculum may constrain the way learning is recognized, so if an existing curriculum is not aligned to standards then it’s very difficult to align a badge to standards. One of the biggest considerations when designing pathways is if:
- Integrating badges into existing standards-based curricula
- Creating a badge system and curriculum simultaneously
When integrating, it’s important to think about your badges as a whole. How will you implement them? What kind of badges are you awarding? How often will you award badges? Are badge earners allowed to test out of specific steps, demonstrate relevant competencies, or bring in badges earned from other issuers?
Alternatively, when the curriculum is being developed alongside badges, the options for both may seem limitless and overwhelming. Pre-existing standards-based curricula can importantly help to structure design decisions and there are specific advantages for either approach.
Theoretically, Learning Pathway structures are well accepted, but operationalizing them into an applied application can be a challenge so implementation of learning structures is based on a hierarchically organized set of steps. Completing each micro-step can be thought of as the pieces that form a pathway to the parent objective(s).
Green CulturED™ learning structures are not overly complex, making them accessible to many use cases while providing enough structure to offer a common way to think about badge system design, including defining the achievement of an individual or organization’s learning goals.
Manufacturer Roles
VP Manufacturing
$125,000 - $185,000
The Vice President of Manufacturing has the primary responsibility for ensuring projects start and finish on time by overseeing the product development of goods.
Production Manager
$75,000 - $100,000
Oversees the product and inventory employees to ensure timely delivery of products to customers. Similar titles include Warehouse Manager & Facility Manager.
Director of Operations
$113,000 - $175,000
Oversees manufacturing processes of cannabis products, ensuring efficiency, quality control, and compliance while managing production teams.
Edibles Specialist
$45,000 - $75,000
Responsible for the kitchen and maintains high standards for the product development, formulation, dosing, finished product, and cleanliness while managing the team.
Production Technician
$16.00- $23.00 / Hour
Involved in the production of various products such as edibles, oils, and concentrates. This includes operating the production equipment and following recipes and procedures.
Packaging Manager
$49,000 - $71,000
Manage packaging operations for cannabis products, ensuring that packaging processes are efficient, meet industry standards, and comply with legal regulations for shipping.
Cannabis Packager
$16.00 - $20.00 / Hour
Packagers are primarily hourly positions that are responsible for accurate packaging of cannabis product into pre-weighed containers and pre-rolled joints.
Supply Manager
$127,500 - $191,200
Oversees and optimizes the entire supply chain process in the cannabis industry, from cultivation and production to distribution and retail logistics.
Accredited Education That'll Grow Industry Knowledge...
Learn "Seed-to-Sale" Cannabis Expertise
Cannabis education for “casual learners” to industry PROS advancing careers via our accredited certifications that are based on recognized standards (ex. ANSI, ISO, etc.) developed by industry-leading Subject Matter Experts (SMEs) who know what works.
- Micro-Learning Format: Delivers on-demand, "bite-sized training" to learn everything from "Seed-to-Sale" that's needed in cannabis - lingo, strategies, methodologies, etc.
- Accredited Education: Strategic foundation to everything that we do is publishing curricula that's approved by gov't regulators & 3rd-party accreditation organizations.
"Discover How Complex Every Step From "Seed-to-Sale" & Learn Everything That True Cannabis Industry Experts Implement..."
"Expand Your Cannabis Knowledge By Becoming An Industry Expert That'll Grow Your Opportunities To Brand-New Heights..."
Made For Individual Learners, Cannabis Pros & Industry Operators...
Courses, Certifications & Community Learning
Our skills & talent development platform combines cannabis certifications, community, courses & MORE to develop expertise for success (+ look smart while doing it) as we’ve become one of the industry’s most trusted voices sharing the very best of what works.
- Individual Learners: Our community-based learning approach provides all casual learners with a place to learn comprehensive cannabis knowledge from "Seed-to-Sale".
- Cannabis Professionals: Certification is required for beginners starting careers, to PROS "up-leveling skills" & Responsible Vendor Training + more (we got you covered).
Education That's Built By The Industry, For The Industry...
Learn From World-Class Faculty Members
Learn from real experts – not “gurus” and “academics” – who provide up-to-date training (always be 1-step ahead of the competition), proven Responsible Vendor Training (make compliance SIMPLE) & a community of “thought leaders” (so you never have a question).
- Experienced Professionals: Subject Matter Experts (SMEs) have experience from "mom & pop shops" to Multi-State Operators (MSO's) who got "in on the ground floor".
- Academic Faculty Members: Our professionally-licensed faculty review medical research & scientific studies utilizing standards (ANSI, ISO, etc.) to develop curricula.
"Our Subject Matter Experts Are Passionate About Cannabis & Bring Credibility With In-Depth Professional Industry Experience..."
"Canvas Network™ Validates Your Cannabis Education via 3rd-Party Verifiable "Meta-Data" That'll Display Anywhere Online..."
Canvas Network™ 3-Party Verifiable & Accredited Credentials...
Earn Professional Badges & Digital Certificates
Earn, share & verify credentials you’ve earned on LinkedIn™, Facebook™, etc. that’ll make certificate verification EASY (scan QR-Code, ID search, etc.) + digital badges are awarded via Open Badge™ standards to verify by utilizing “achievement meta-data” (like NFT’s).
- Professional Badges: Canvas Network™ does badge verification via Open Badge™ standard to provide 3rd-party, verifiable "achievement meta-data" transparency.
- Digital Certificates: A digital, printable certificate suitable for framing + display on professional resume/coverletter, career websites, social media & online anywhere.
Micro-Learning Format
Preview Training Format via Our "Valid & Fake Identification (ID)" Micro-Learning Module That Discusses How Being Able To Properly ID Customers Ensures Gov't Compliance & Becomes A Cannabis Expert.
Training Module
Training is pointless if it's not reinforced... designed 100% for cannabis learners, our micro-learning format helps overcome the "Forgetting Curve" & ensures cannabis concepts are reinforced with its "in the flow of work" pedagogical approach.
Elevate cannabis training with SCORM-compliant, ADA-accessible interactive content that's mobile-friendly platform offers a Learning Experience Platform (LXP) seamlessly delivered to empower professionals in this evolving sector.
- Mobile Responsive: Offering unparalleled mobile compatibility, these courses enable on-the-go learning, perfect for busy PROS in the fast-paced cannabis industry.
- Accessibility Standards: Accessibility compliant (ex. ADA, ACR, WCAG, etc.) for inclusive learning using Closed-Captions (CC) that caters to diverse learning (ex. visual, auditory, etc.) that'll enhance learning.
- Advanced Analytics: Enhanced learning data via SCORM - technical specification for eLearning - that tracks performance (ex. average score finished, success count, average time, etc.).
Video Example
Learning Experience Platform (LXP) That's More Than "Just Another LMS" (That's Boring & Un-Fun Training)...
Digital Resources
Leave nothing to chance by using digital resources... that are carefully designed by industry experts, the digital resources that learners can use "offline" to ensure knowledge is retained & referenceable for any cannabis-related tasks step by step that'll ensure they have access to education when needed.
Digital learning resources are used for education in many ways and implemented in different forms. In traditional classrooms, digital learning resources are used as supplements to the primary course content, while in virtual learning the digital resources actually make up what is the “content” of the class.
- Comprehensive Reinforcement: Digital learning resources are powerful tools that can be used to enhance the learning quality of students in ways a textbook may not be able to.
- Knowledge Retainment: Retention is highly correlated with student perception of quality, meaning that instructors can only attract and aid students with digital learning resources.
- Offline Learning: Technological enhancements to most digital learning resources are still being made through features like “offline” modes, where students can access their resources even when disconnected from the internet.
eBook Example
"Downloadable Digital Resources Provide Foolproof Guidance At Every Step That Allows Offline Learning..."
Learner Assessment
Assessments help learners put education to use... When it comes to compliance safety, knowing is only half the battle & by utilizing assessments to verify cannabis knowledge for compliance is required across various specific regulatory + industry-related standards.
Assessments are used to defined a standard for a learner, team, or the organization as a whole so by raising awareness around benchmarking data drives a culture of constant improvement once the baseline has been determined to set clear learning objectives.
- Targeted Assessments: Skills assessment are used to generate a custom Learning Path within training that highlights the information learners need to know or brush up on "up-leveling knowledge" where they’ve shown proficiency.
- Information Retention: Science backs up the idea that the process of retrieving information from the brain helps to reinforce memory That’s why it’s crucial to conduct formal skill assessments before learning and incorporate regular quizzes throughout the training itself.
- Track Improvement: Assessments must be seen as a cyclical process rather than something the learner does in the life cycle of skills is shorter than ever & change is happening at an unprecedented scale.
Quiz Example
Identify "Learning Gaps" Early (aka "Compliance Issues") & Mitigate Quickly To Ensure Gov't Regulator Audit-Readiness...
Training Formats
Comprehensive training makes all the difference... in the highly regulated cannabis industry there are different programmatic requirements for Responsible Vendor Training (RVT) & other gov't training compliance programs (ex. ISO, OSHA, EPA, etc.), so to simplify compliance we've developed tailored educational programs that can be assigned precisely when & where needed.
Our dynamic blend of training videos, eBooks, and quizzes, meticulously crafted for various learning styles, significantly boosts retention, combats mental fatigue & fosters comprehension of intricate cannabis concepts that'll ensure professional proficiency.
Utilizing SCORM-compliant standards as the primary video training format is deeply anchored in Hermann Ebbinghaus' (University of Berlin, 1880s) foundational "Learning Curve" & "Forgetting Curve" theories that's effectively integrated with micro-learning strategies for optimal knowledge retention.
Programmatic Requirements
- Program Syllabus: Provides a comprehensive roadmap of the course, outlining detailed objectives, content structure, and key assessment criteria.
- Discussion Forums: Foster engaging, collaborative discussions, enabling learners to explore and deepen their understanding of key topics together.
- Glossary Activities: An interactive learning tool dedicated to building a robust understanding of essential, industry-specific terminology.
- Community-Based Learning: Encourages applying theoretical concepts in real-world scenarios, enhancing learning and engagement through practical community interaction.
- Course Evaluation: Essential for gathering insightful feedback, this tool helps assess and continually improve course effectiveness and relevance.
Community-Based Learning
We've cultivated a "cannabis-loving" community... with world-class cannabis education + host of sophisticated community management & our Learning Experience Platform (LXP) is the centerpiece of our mission to simplify cannabis training & build a culture of learning that supports industry learners.
You'll join our EXCLUSIVE member community, where we'll help you build a network with professionals in the cannabis industry & you’ll see we’re different by how our community provides a thoughtful, HUMAN response to all inquiries.
- Learning Benefits: Increase appropriate social and community behaviors, in addition to appropriate work habits (decrease of self-stimulatory, ritualistic, anti-social behaviors).
- Organization Compliance: Increased teams' commitment & involvement in compliance competencies that'll increased their responsibility to identify skills that employee needs to function within licensed cannabis operations.
- Community Engagement: Increased positive community awareness of realistic potential of individuals by cooperatively providing an instructional settings appropriate to individuals learning about cannabis.
Cannabis Niche(s)
Our "Cannabis-Loving" Community Brings Together Some Of The Industry's Brightest Minds...
True Product Manufacturing Experts Recognize This...
Date: October 3, 2024
From the desk of Evan Erickson
Ever had a higher-up or client probe you about not utilizing some lesser-known process, intricate approach, or a strategy of questionable merit, all because they overheard an industry “Guru” mention it?
Meanwhile, you’re deeply aware that those claiming successful product manufacturing are all about clever shortcuts or “this one unique approach” that rarely stands the test of time or delivers real results..
Genuine Product Manufacturing Experts grasp this: A manufacturing operation involves more than just the “how-tos.” It involves mastering efficiency, relationship management, and market understanding.
The cannabis industry is only getting bigger and more regulated…
The #1 Most Misunderstood & Underutilized Aspect in the Industry
The cannabis market is not just growing; it’s booming. Industry insights reveal a dramatic shift, with edibles and concentrate markets expanding rapidly.
Indeed, significant opportunity is on the horizon…
Education is crucial in this sector, escalating importance in guiding consumers to discover, learn about, and purchase cannabis-infused products.
For instance, consider the edible market’s meteoric rise, with brands leveraging digital showcases for their products. Or the concentrate segment, where top producers share intricate production processes, attracting consumer attention.
Even in the flower category, leading brands are engaging with audiences through educational content, solidifying their market presence. These strategies are a nod to consumer trends and market demands.
However, despite these developments and a market ripe with opportunity, many in the industry are still not fully capitalizing on this growth potential.
Does this sound familiar in the context of your manufacturing operations?
- You’ve been experimenting with different manufacturing methods, yet the market impact is limited, customer engagement is scarce, and driving sales seems increasingly challenging.
- You notice others in the industry achieving success, but somehow, your efforts don’t seem to yield the same results.
- The process of deciding on the right production strategies, organizing operations, maintaining quality, and ensuring consistent output is so daunting that it sometimes leads to inaction.
Does that sound familiar?
Perhaps you’re even consistently applying industry standards, and investing substantial time in process optimization, but still, the desired outcomes are elusive.
If this sounds like your experience, you’re not alone, and you’ve come to the right place!
"Merely Manufacturing" is not enough to excel in product creation...
We can likely agree that if success in manufacturing operations was as simple as a “step-by-step” guide on repeat…
…but we’ve seen that alone isn’t sufficient for the impact required in the industry.
Consistent manufacturing is vital for maintaining quality and market presence, but it’s not the entire solution.
The methods of production, adherence to market trends, and the reasons behind your manufacturing choices are all essential factors that need to align for real success.
A key reason many in the industry don’t reach their goals, even with regular production, is because…
No Two Cannabis Product Categories Are The Same
In the world of cannabis, products like Edibles, Beverages, Vapor Pens, Pre-Rolls, and Concentrates each have their unique market dynamics and consumer preferences.
What resonates in one category might not have the same impact in another.
Investing time doing market research for products in specific markets may reveal data from other manufacturing and other analytics providers, allowing you to see significant differences in market trends and consumer behaviors across these categories.
Consider the top-selling Edible product in one market versus the most popular Vapor Pen in another.
This potential success can be attributed to how well the dedicated product aligns with consumer preferences and market trends in the respective categories.
- Infused-Beverages: For instance, in the rapidly growing Beverages market, Michigan saw an astounding 272% sales increase in 2022, while Colorado experienced a -15% decrease in the same period.
- Vaporizer Products: For example, Headset's data reveals a significant market share increase for Vapor Pens in Canada, from 14.8% to 16.4%, indicating a strong consumer trend towards portable product types.
- Cannabis Flower: In contrast, the Flower category, while still popular, is seeing a decline in its market share, suggesting a shift in consumer preferences.
A well-versed manufacturer understands how to leverage each product category to achieve the desired outcomes in their overall market strategy.
By analyzing detailed market data and consumer trends, they can tailor their manufacturing processes and product offerings to align with the specific dynamics of each category.
Cannabis Manufacturing Should Be Taught By Real Experts (Not "Guru" or "Academics")
That’s why we’ve collaborated with experts in every key product category to teach you precisely how to optimize your manufacturing processes, enhance product quality, and increase market engagement, regardless of the product type you’re focusing on!
And remember, it’s perfectly fine to start with just one or two product categories before expanding your operations. Specializing in one category initially can lead to more in-depth understanding and better results.
Even if you’re not immediately diversifying into every category, it’s essential to have a fundamental understanding of each to make informed decisions for your business.
Knowing the trends and consumer preferences, as reported by industry analytics and market overview providers, is crucial in this regard.
Understanding the nuances of the infused-beverages category in various markets, or the dynamics of the Edibles or Vapor Pens sectors, can inform more strategic decisions in production and marketing
Effective Strategies Start With "How"
Consider a classic scenario often presented in manufacturing training: the challenge to “create the perfect cannabis-infused product.”
What springs to mind when faced with this task?
- "This edible has a long-lasting effect"
- "Our vape pen offers a smooth experience"
- "This tincture is cost-effective and comes in a variety of flavors!"
Success Means...
These are common incentives, but they miss a crucial point.
The real key to producing the perfect product isn’t just about the product itself – it’s a question:
“What procedures and standards have been set for my team and my product in the effort to create the highest quality product for the market?”
Before you can succeed in manufacturing products, you need to deeply understand HOW your operation is going to move forward.
By identifying your operation, product, and personal goals, you delve into the specific ways you want your operation to run and how you want to manage your team.
You’ll learn what your ideal “method-to-the-madness” is while having the educational roots to ensure your knowledge is your roadmap for operational success.
Have you thought about the myriad of variables relevant in cannabis product manufacturing? From safety and compliance to product and brand types:
- Product potency...
- Customer satisfaction...
- Production efficiency...
- Employee Support...
- Yield and growth...
- Quality control...
- Regulatory compliance...
- Facility Safety Procedures...
- Industry reputation...
And the list goes on 🙂
Just like in any other industry, the same principle applies in cannabis manufacturing:
Untested procedures and methods that don’t align with industry standards are a diversion of time, energy, and resources.
AVOID THIS PITFALL:
Refrain from further investment in manufacturing processes until you’ve clearly defined what success looks like for your business.
Consider how analytics providers like Headset show us that certain product categories, like Beverages or Vapor Pens, are experiencing growth in specific markets. Understanding and focusing on such trends could be a pivotal aspect of your strategy.
For instance, if your goal is to increase market share in the Edibles category, you’ll know to direct your efforts towards enhancing product quality, flavor variety, and compliance with health standards.
Once your objectives are clear, you can tailor your manufacturing processes and business strategies to achieve these specific outcomes.