Labor Day and the Cannabis Industry

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Labor Day and the Cannabis Industry

Labor Day is not only a time for barbecues and parades, but also an occasion to reflect on the achievements of the labor movement and the contributions of workers in various sectors. The Cannabis industry, specifically, has been gaining momentum and attention in recent years with its legalization across the United States. Today, we’re going to delve into the fascinating intersection of Labor Day and the workers in the cannabis industry of Massachusetts, exploring how both have been pivotal in transforming the industry, reshaping societal perceptions and legal frameworks, and employment opportunities.

Normalization and Destigmatization 

Once relegated to the shadows, cannabis has stepped into the limelight, driven by changing attitudes, medical research, and growing legalization efforts. From medicinal use to recreational enjoyment, cannabis has found a diverse range of applications, resulting in the establishment of a thriving and multifaceted industry. 

By openly engaging in discussions about the plant’s benefits and advocating for its medicinal properties, these workers have helped challenge long-held stereotypes and misconceptions surrounding cannabis while promoting education about its biology and effects.

Advocacy for Legalization

Labor unions and advocacy groups within the cannabis industry have championed the legalization efforts. Through lobbying efforts, public awareness campaigns, and on-the-ground activism, these workers have contributed to the progressive shift in public opinion and the eventual legalization of cannabis in many jurisdictions, including Massachusetts.

Job Creation

One of the most significant contributions of the cannabis industry is its role in generating employment opportunities. With the growing industry, many employment opportunities across various sectors have opened up, including cultivation, processing, distribution, retail, marketing, and research.
As legalization spreads across various states and countries, even more job sectors are emerging in areas where businesses are identifying areas of improvement in day-to-day business functions in both the cultivation and retail facilities. The industry’s growth has created an array of positions, from entry-level to highly specialized roles, contributing to economic growth and stability.

Labor Advocacy in the Cannabis Industry

While the cannabis industry has witnessed remarkable growth, it’s important to note that challenges persist. Many workers in the cannabis sector face unique hurdles, such as navigating complex regulatory environments, dealing with stigma, and ensuring fair and safe labor practices. This Labor Day, it’s crucial to extend our appreciation to these workers and advocate for their rights, echoing the spirit of the labor movement that birthed this holiday.
Here are some of the larger milestones the Massachusetts cannabis industry has seen, according to the Marijuana Policy Project (2023):
• 2008: Voters approved the decriminalization of small amounts of cannabis
• 2012: Medical cannabis was legalized
• 2016: Recreational cannabis was legalized
• 2018: The first two adult-use retail stores opened for business
• 2020: Several Cultivators vote to unionize, according to MJBizDaily (2021)
• 2021: Several dispensary Retail storefronts vote to unionize, according to MJBizDaily (2021)

Promotion of Social Equity

Labor Day, a federal holiday established in 1894 as a testament to the tireless efforts of workers who fought for better working conditions, fair wages, and the recognition of their rights. For a young industry such as the Cannabis industry, this can take on many different forms of workers’ protection depending on what state you are operating in.
Many workers have advocated for policies that ensure the inclusion of communities disproportionately affected by the War on Drugs in the burgeoning legal cannabis market. These efforts have led to the implementation of social equity programs aimed at providing opportunities for individuals who were historically marginalized.

Innovation and Research

The cannabis industry is not just about the cultivation and distribution of the plant itself. It has paved the way for innovation in various fields, including medicine, technology, and sustainability. Laborers have embraced research and innovation, leading to the development of new strains with specific medicinal properties, innovative consumption methods, and cutting-edge extraction techniques.
These advancements have expanded the industry’s potential applications and paved the way for groundbreaking discoveries and the development of new strains and sustainable cultivation and extraction practices. The industry’s ripple effects extend far beyond the plant itself.
As the nation comes together to celebrate Labor Day, it’s fitting to recognize the laborers who have shaped industries of all kinds, including the cannabis industry. The cannabis sector’s journey from the shadows to the forefront of innovation and commerce mirrors the spirit of Labor Day – a testament to the resilience of workers, entrepreneurs, and advocates who have worked tirelessly to change perceptions, policies, and possibilities. As we fire up our grills and enjoy the festivities with our favorite infused beverages, let’s also acknowledge the individuals who are contributing to the cannabis industry’s growth and paving the way for a more inclusive and dynamic workforce.

Stock up for Labor Day!

Zahara Cannabis’ First Anniversary Weekend Extravaganza | July 21 – 23rd, 2023

amvannorman

July 17, 2023

Zahara's First Anniversary Celebration: Friday Festivities: July 21, 6 - 10pm

This Friday, we’re celebrating Zahara’s first anniversary at Supercharged Entertainment. It’s going to be an epic night of fun, games, and cannabis consumption! Enjoy diverse entertainment, exclusive activities, and receive a swag bag with a special surprise $ for in-store use on Saturday. Tickets are now closed for this event but be sure to reserve your spot for our Saturday event!

Zahara's First Anniversary Celebration: Saturday Celebration | Saturday, July 22nd, 2023 | 11am - 5pm

Join us for Zahara’s First Anniversary Saturday Celebration on Saturday, July 22nd, 2023 at 11:00 AM at our dispensary in Attleboro, MA. We are excited to celebrate our first year around the sun with our beloved vendors, customers, and friends.

The event will take place at Zahara Cannabis on 70 Frank Mossberg Drive, Attleboro, MA 02703. We have planned a Circus-filled day with live music, concession food, and drinks. Come and enjoy the festivities with us!

This event is in-person for adults over the age of 21, and we can’t wait to see you there. Don’t forget to bring your 21+ family and friends along to celebrate with us. We promise it will be a day to remember!

Sponsored by:

FIND, JAMS, and Select brands!

Free & Paid Tickets available. Paid tickets come with swag bags! Ask a budtender for more information.

GET TICKETS
Zahara's First Anniversary Celebration: Sunday Celebration: July 23 | 9am-4pm

Stop by Zahara’s Sunday Recharge at our dispensary in Attleboro, MA. We’ll have munchies from local bakers and other small food vendors!

Sponsored by:

FIND, JAMS, and Select brands!

21+ event

Reserve a Spot

Zahara Cannabis’ 710 Celebration

Zahara Cannabis’ 710 Celebration

Attleboro Dispensary: 7/10 Hours 

8:00 AM – 8:00 PM

July 3, 2023

Zahara’s 710 Schedule

Join us on 7/10 to celebrate the day with product highlights, giveaways, terpy bundles and specials, food and drinks, and so much more.

Attleboro Dispensary: Food Truck Schedule 

  • Bun Buds PVD – serving from 2:00pm – 6:00pm

Zahara Cannabis’ 710 Giveaways

Have you ever wanted to see how your favorite vapes or concentrates are produced? Well, we have two ways for you to enter for a chance! 

Two customers who purchase any Pioneer Valley Extracts (PVX) product in-store at Zahara Cannabis between 6/4/2023 and 7/2/23 will receive an opportunity to win a full tour of the Pioneer Valley Extracts facilities in Northampton, MA, the producers of PVX Vapes and Fox Tales concentrates! 

Two customers who follow all our social media pages (IG, FB & Twitter), like and share the giveaway post, and comment their favorite flavor/strain of PVX vapes will be entered for a chance to win! Tagging friends will gain 1 extra giveaway entry per every 2 friends tagged in the comments. 

The winners of both the in-store and social media giveaway will be pulled on Monday, 7/3/2023.  

*Details and date of the tour will be announced at a later date

*This offer includes the M80 Infused pre-rolls & Kanha edibles



Zahara Cannabis’ First Anniversary Weekend Extravaganza | July 21 – 23rd, 2023

For those looking for a weekend full of cannabis, comradery, and celebration, we have just the thing for you! Join us for the celebration of our doors being open for one full trip around the sun.

Details forthcoming soon, stay tuned!




Zahara Cannabis: Navigating the CCC’s Regulations as a Recreational Dispensary

Zahara Cannabis: Navigating the CCC’s Regulations as a Recreational Dispensary

June 20, 2023

Today, we are going to unpack the regulations put forth by the Cannabis Control Commission (referred to as the CCC), the regulatory body of the cannabis industry in Massachusetts, and how it affects your favorite stores like Zahara Cannabis, your local Attleboro dispensary. The CCC’s guidelines play a vital role in ensuring the safe, responsible, and enjoyable use of cannabis products within Massachusetts. We will discuss how these regulations affect the various aspects of the day-to-day operations, as well as the consumer experience.

Advertising and Marketing

The CCC regulations try to strike a balance between promoting ethical cannabis business and preventing misleading or inappropriate advertising. Dispensaries must adhere to strict guidelines regarding the content, placement, and target audience of their marketing efforts, such as age restrictions for users 21+ for recreational cannabis and the types of deals a dispensary can offer. As part of the regulations, dispensaries are not allowed to actively advertise their sales or promotions via the web or in-house print marketing and may not insinuate the sale or promotion of the sale of a product at the dispensary. As well, because of the current classification of Cannabis at the Federal level, it is extremely difficult for your favorite brands or dispensaries like Zahara Cannabis in Attleboro, MA, to be active on social media with cannabis products or its consumption on social media without being banned from the platform. 

Payment Methods

The classification of Cannabis at the federal level also affects the types of payments you as a consumer are able to use in the dispensary. Because credit card networks operate on a national or international scale, it makes processing transactions compliantly difficult for dispensaries and networks. Because of its classification as a Schedule I drug by the U.S. federal government, credit card companies often are extremely hesitant to, or completely avoid getting involved in the industry to prevent potential legal repercussions. To work around this, dispensaries have brought on alternative payment methods such as cash, debit cards, or specialized payment solutions like pre-paid gift cards or digital wallets like CanPay. As Cannabis laws evolve and societal acceptance increases, there is potential for future changes that could enable credit card payments in dispensaries.

Safety and Quality Assurance

The CCC’s stringent regulations prioritize the safety of consumers first. Before a cannabis product reaches the dispensary shelves, it is tracked by a universal software in a process known as “seed-to-sale tracking” and subjected to rigorous testing by state-approved labs for contaminants such as pesticides, heavy metals, and microbial or thinning agents. This testing guarantees that any product you buy from a dispensary like Zahara Cannabis is safe and reliable.

Product Labeling and Packaging

Transparent and accurate product labeling is another important piece of the consumer experience, ensuring that the dispensaries provide consumers with essential information, including THC and CBD content, serving sizes, and other warnings. While testing for Cannabinoids and other contaminants is required as part of the testing regulations, testing for Terpenes is not currently required. As a consumer, you will find select cultivators such as Aruna or Greencare Collective who test for terpenes so that the consumer knows the full scope of what they are purchasing regarding flower products.

Access and Availability

The regulations govern the licensing process, determining the number of dispensaries and their respective locations across Massachusetts. This framework aims to ensure equitable access to Cannabis products for all residents who are not able, or do not wish, to participate in the Medical Marijuana Program. By controlling the number and placement of dispensaries, the CCC fosters fair market competition, prevents oversaturation, and ensures that consumers have convenient access to legal cannabis products while discouraging illicit market activity. 

Customer Experience and Education

Dispensaries like Zahara Cannabis in Attleboro, MA, play a vital role in providing a positive customer experience and breaking the stigma of Cannabis use. We are responsible for educating consumers about Cannabis products, their effects, and responsible consumption methods and suggested doses for those of different tolerance levels. The CCC regulations emphasize the importance of employee training through yearly courses, ensuring that dispensary staff is knowledgeable and well-equipped to guide consumers to a choice that will be best for them.

 

The Cannabis Control Commission’s regulations in Massachusetts, while not perfect, are designed to foster a safe, reliable, and consumer-centric experience in the Massachusetts Cannabis market. By prioritizing safety, transparent labeling, responsible marketing, equitable access, and education, the CCC ensures that consumers can enjoy cannabis products while making informed decisions for themselves. We at Zahara Cannabis, your local Attleboro, MA dispensary, are committed to upholding these regulations and providing an exceptional consumer experience while advocating for your rights as consumers to access safe and fair products, marketing, and social experiences.