Ganjier, or how to become a cannabis sommelier

The legalization of cannabis in U.S. states has brought about a paradigm shift in the consumer experience. Instead of relying on the «guy» who used to come to their homes, consumers have turned to dispensaries offering dozens of cannabis varieties, wax, and other concentrates, not to mention the edibles or dyes.

Consumers then rely on the sound advice of the budtender to choose the product that’s right for them. Acting as a true guide, the seller must be able to direct the customer toward the right strain or consumption method to achieve the desired effects, whether medical or simply recreational. The expertise of the budtender is therefore essential for providing expert information to customers.

Ganjier, a new California-based training program, aims to build the expertise of these budtenders. Developed by a group of 18 professionals from the cannabis industry, including Frenchy Cannoli In collaboration with growers, breeders, scientists, and other true connoisseurs of the plant, the Ganjier program and certification were developed in partnership with Green Flower, a company specializing in cannabis education.

Derek Gilman, program director, explains to Forbes that certified cannabis growers can play a vital role in the legal cannabis industry.

«While the’The wine industry has sommeliers, the cigar industry has scavengers, the coffee industry has cuppers, », «Until the launch of the Ganjier program, there were no experts of this kind in the field of cannabis," explains Gilman. "The Ganjier is both a enthusiast cannabis and an interpretive liaison—trained in the subtleties of flavor, terpenes, and maturation—who serves as an intermediary between cannabis and the consumer, navigating its complexities and optimizing the user’s experience.»

Moving Beyond the Indica/Sativa Division

Common perceptions of cannabis, its qualities, and its various effects initially focused on by general categories such as indica, sativa, and hybrids—categories that no longer make much sense in today’s market, with its vast array of commercial varieties.

It is even less reliable to use the percentage of THC or other cannabinoids as a determining factor in selecting cannabis products. Competitions such as the Emerald Cup have already moved beyond this benchmark to focus more on classify varieties based on their terpene profiles.

The Ganjier program also aims to teach students how to use their senses to evaluate the aroma, appearance, flavor, and effects of a cannabis flower, including nuanced characteristics such as terroir and terpenes—a class of aromatic and often therapeutic compounds. Once certified, the Ganjier will be ready to help consumers navigate the hundreds—or even thousands—of products available at their dispensary.

«A diverse and ever-expanding range of cannabis-related products and services is entering the market today,» says Gilman. «As consumers eagerly explore more natural ways to improve their lives, treat ailments, and seek to elevate and refine their cannabis experience, the demand for those with a deeper and more comprehensive understanding of the plant—its nuances, innate qualities, and potential—is becoming paramount. »

The entry-level Certified Ganjier program includes 31 online lessons spread across 10 courses covering history, science, botany, genetics, cultivation, processing, evaluation, customer service, sales, and consumption, plus an additional bonus course covering «The World of Cannabis Knowledge.».

The online training is followed by a 2-day in-person course held in Humboldt County, California, in the heart of the famous cannabis-growing region of the Emerald Triangle.

Students will learn customer service protocols, which help guide conversations with customers to provide them with the best possible service, or receive in-depth hands-on training on evaluating the quality of cannabis flowers and concentrates.

Certification is awarded upon completion of the in-person training and is contingent on passing a final exam. Once certified, the Ganjier will be a trained and certified «cannabis service expert.».

«Cannabis growers learn how every decision made by the grower—from genetics to drying—affects the final quality of the cannabis flower,» notes Gilman. «Our program also covers the concept of terroir, its role in the plant's gene expression, and how this affects the flavor and potency of the final product.»

Registration are currently open and nearly half-full for the Class of 2022, with spots allocated on a first-come, first-served basis. The Ganjier training program costs $2,997. Advanced Ganjier programs will be introduced in the future.