CANNABIZ ENTREPRENEURS ►
M anufacturers Handcuffed
When It Comes to Sampling Products
The cannabis industry thrives on innovation and passion , but restrictive policies can dampen that spirit .
An example of the challenges faced . What if a company attempted to release a new line of disposable vape pens ? The company invested heavily in the hardware and produced a significant quantity of the product to justify the mandatory state lab testing costs . However , after the product was released to the market , the company visited a dispenby Jack Simpson , contributing writer
The cannabis industry is one of the fastest-growing markets in the country . With new products and innovations hitting the shelves every day , it ’ s an exciting time to be part of it . However , those operating in states with stricter cannabis regulations face a major hurdle that is often overlooked : the inability to sample or trial-test their own products .
In Missouri , cannabis producers are basically handcuffed by not being allowed to sample or trial-test the products they grow and manufacture , products like flower pre-packs , a variety of carts , edibles , and disposables . While this might seem like a minor inconvenience , it creates a ripple effect that directly impacts product quality , customer satisfaction , and , ultimately , the growth of smaller businesses . ability to test-sample products throughout the manufacturing phase , assuring taste , quality , hardware functionality , and more .
The frustrating part is that lawmakers initially acknowledged this issue . When the current Missouri cannabis industry laws were put into place , there was talk of future amendments that would eventually allow producers to test-sample their products . Yet , no timeline was ever established . As a result , the process has stalled , leaving businesses attempting to expand product offerings and waiting for a change that may or may not happen .
Manufacturers Sampling
Manufacturers Sampling
Larger , multi-state operators have the luxury of test-sampling products in other states where sampling is allowed . They gather valuable feedback , refine their offerings , and bring those perfected products back to states like Missouri . However , smaller in-state companies don ’ t have that advantage . In-state companies are limited to what they can create without firsthand ( or trial-test ) knowledge of how the products perform .
To be clear , all Missouri cannabis products are independently “ lab-tested ” for quality and safety before they are available at dispensaries for public consumption . When referring to manufacturers ’ in-house “ test-sampling ,” I am talking about just that : the
This isn ’ t a call to criticize lawmakers . Most companies understand the complexities of crafting cannabis policy in a way that balances public safety and business growth . However , allowing cannabis producers to sample or test their products is a logical and necessary next step for the industry . In almost any other industry , from food to alcohol to skincare , businesses can conduct test samples , and many even use focus groups to gather feedback and research their products before they reach the market . This enables companies to innovate , improve , and provide the best possible products and experiences for their customers . Cannabis products should be no different .
28 February 2025