Page 21 - Griffin Gazette Q4 2017

Research and Development years’ head start on the box stores, which could be a huge
State-level government support for cannabis has swelled in competitive advantage.
recent years, with more than 20 states approving some level The Real Dirt on Grow Stores
of medicinal production and sales. Several states, led by If you could stock a limited number of products that would
Colorado, have legalized cannabis for recreational use, and appeal to the widest spectrum of buyer interest, it would have
have seen benefits for their economies and their residents. In to be in the selection of growing media. We’re not talking about
Colorado, unemployment is at its lowest rate since 2008 (and the typical off-the-retail-shelf potting soils or seed starters,
well below the national average), real-estate values have risen but high-tech, high-quality growing media with only the purest
(up 9.3% over prior year, according to Zillow) and cannabis tax ingredients. No polymers, no starter charge, no fertilizers, and
revenue yielded $40 million dollars for the state in the first nine no blood meals or pathogens either, just soil that ensures a
months of regulation (Way, 2014).
quick, healthy start for consumables grown from seed.
Research has shown that cannabis and its psychoactive The main ingredient to success in this department is soil.
cannabinoid, THC (tetrahydrocannabinol), are considered Premier Horticulture continues to dominate the compressed
safe for human consumption (Drug Policy Alliance, 2017). bale market with their grower varieties, but others are chipping
The medicinal world focuses more on the potency of CBD away. Sun Gro’s Advanced Mix #4 with Mycorrhizae is as
(cannibidiol) in cannabis, which is more therapeutic than close to a must-have as can be for the consumer market.
psychoactive as THC (Drug Policy Alliance, 2017). Because Roots Organic Formula 707 from Aurora and Stonington Blend
of this, there are varying potencies of THC and CBD Platinum Growers Mix from Coast of Maine are other high-
for treatments. demand products with excellent success rates.
Further study has delivered promising results regarding the Seed-Starting Renaissance
medicinal potential of cannabis to treat or relieve symptoms One advantage to the renewed focus on seed starting is
of many chronic illnesses and conditions including severe that stores are maintaining product availability longer into the
autism and seizure disorders, Alzheimer’s disease, post- spring. The segment has benefitted from consumers who want
traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), dementia, pain relief for HIV/ more organic and natural foods, given the intense marketing
AIDS and many more (Drug Policy Alliance, 2017). The American efforts from supermarkets and cable food channels. Packets of
Cancer Society and the American Medical Association support heirloom and non-GMO seed are trending upward.
large-scale clinical trials to document how cannabis can
be best used to its full medical potential (US Food & Drug Do you have what your customers are looking for? Bentley
Administration, 2017). Seed is a Griffin vendor that offers both heirloom and non-GMO
seed in their vegetable and herb packets. Whether or not it’s
Several states are weighing the options with regard to true, consumers believe that rolling the clock back on genetics
medicinal cannabis, and these trial results will likely factor into has a direct influence on taste and flavor.
their decisions.
Do you devote retail space year-round, no matter how small, to
Freedom of Choice heirloom seed? We traditionally wait until the exodus of holiday
In states like Maine, purchasing cannabis is prohibited—but products is complete, and re-establish the seed-starting
residents may grow and maintain up to six plants for personal category around the first of the year. Today, though, seed
consumption (Bergman, 2016). Just like that, a new segment starting has no off-season.
of the indoor gardening category is born! These consumers
are looking for retail outlets that carry products to maximize Are you worried about your store’s image if you move into
their yields. Garden centers that have adapted to this need year-round indoor gardening, for whatever the crop may be?
have seen significant growth in seed-starting products, soils Think about the customer buying these products, not online or
and containers. Peripheral products like LED lighting, specialty in a grow store but choosing to shop your location. Paranoid
fertilizers and soil amendments can further drive profitability shopper syndrome? Maybe. It could also be a sign of the
in this department. Even a modest 12-foot gondola run can times and the start of a new chapter in lawn & garden retailing.
generate a few thousand dollars if the product mix is right! Why not?
Once you decide to offer these products, knowing what to References
stock and where to display are the next challenges. Listen to Bergman, Robert. (2016). Growing marijuana in Maine. Retrieved from
your customer; they may request specific products or brands. http://www.ilovegrowingmarijuana.com/growing-marijuana-maine/
Since this type of indoor gardening is relatively new, sourcing Drug Policy Alliance. (2017). Is it true that marijuana has
may be difficult through the usual channels. Some suppliers, medicinal properties? Retrieved from http://www.drugpolicy.org/
drug-facts/10-facts-about-marijuana/marijuana-medicinal-properties
Griffin included, allow sales of less-than-case-quantities on
plant foods and lighting, giving you flexibility to experiment with Twohey, Megan. (2000). From the frying pan into the fire. Retrieved
from http://www.psaresearch.com/casD201.html
your product mix and inventory levels.
US Food & Drug Administration. (2017). FDA and marijuana: Questions
You may have read that Scotts recently acquired a few very and answers. Retrieved from https://www.fda.gov/newsevents/
large and well-known hydroponic vendors. They clearly publichealthfocus/ucm421168.htm
anticipate growth potential over the next few years. Getting Way, Art. (2014). Colorado and marijuana legalization one year
into this category sooner than later, we can gain a few later: What has changed? Retrieved from www.drugpolicy.org/
drug-facts/10-facts-about-marijuana

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