Have You Ever Heard of a Weed Sommelier?

Have you ever heard of a "Ganjiier," or a certified cannabis sommelier? Until recently, the cannabis world did not have certified experts who provide sophisticated analyses of cannabis flavor, quality, or effect profile. But that changed in September of 2021 when the first class of “Ganjiers” graduated. Ganjiers are certified cannabis experts, like sommeliers for wine or cicerones for beer. The Ganjier program is described as a “first-of-its-kind, rigorous, multi-tiered cannabis sommelier certification created and taught by the most respected names in the field with the intent of producing an entirely new class of cannabis professional—the Ganjier.” The Ganjier program intends to create its own class of educated, certified professionals who can distinguish the nuanced qualities in cannabis and “raise the standards of excellence throughout the cannabis industry.”

Why Does the Cannabis World Need Certified Experts?

The legal cannabis world is rapidly expanding: growers and brands are continuously developing new products and strains, new cannabis jobs are being created across the country, and the cannabis world is becoming increasingly wellness oriented. But the rapid growth of the cannabis industry has left consumers in the dust. Here’s one example: in the early 2000s, around 150 weed strains were sold by Dutch seed companies. In 2019, the database Seedfinder listed 14,348 different weed strains. If that statistic makes you realize there are a lot of weed strains you haven’t tried and you want to find some new strains, check out our article Why Jointly Is Better Than A Strain Finder. Essentially, cannabis consumers did not have certified experts to guide them in their purchases or consumption experience. Ganjiers are trained to “perform critical discernment of cannabis quality by understanding the finer points, nuances, and complexities of the cannabis plant, from terpene to terroir.” A professional Gangier studies cannabis genetics, history, cultivation, processing, consumption, as well as the cannabis service industry.

How to Become a Ganjier

Many people who are already working a cannabis job are becoming certified Ganjiers. To become a certified Ganjier, you must complete three steps:

1. Complete the online courses. Topics include how to develop a palate to taste the nuances of cannabis, cannabis processing methodology, and how to curate a successful menu of cannabis products for a dispensary.
2. Attend the 2-day live training session in Humboldt, CA. The live training includes a tour of a regenerative cannabis farm.
3. Pass three exams. One exam is a written test that quizzes you on the online curriculum. The second exam consists of a role-play scenario in which you demonstrate proficiency in Ganjier’s Customer Interaction Protocol. The third exam test your ability to accurately assess cannabis concentrates and flower using Ganjier’s Systematic Assessment Profile.

While certified Ganjiers are likely to elevate the cannabis world, you don’t need to become a Ganjier to get started on your cannabis wellness journey. Jointly is a new cannabis wellness app that helps you achieve your wellness goals with cannabis and CBD. Basically, Jointly helps you get more out of cannabis.  When you look up a cannabis product on the Jointly app, you see how other Jointly users rated the product based on how well it helped them achieve their goal. However, everyone has a unique endocannabinoid system. A product that works for other people might not work for you. The best way to find out is by trial and error. By tracking your cannabis consumption on the Jointly app, you can find out what works for you and what doesn’t.

Use the Jointly App to Get More Out of Cannabis

On the Jointly app, you can find the best cannabis products, see how other users rated the products for different wellness goals, and track and optimize 15 factors that can impact your cannabis experience. By tracking the 15 factors, you can learn to mitigate adverse side effects and enjoy your ideal cannabis experience every time. These 15 factors include your dose, the environment in which you consume cannabis, who you are with when you ingest, how hydrated you are, the quality of your diet, how much sleep you got last night, and more. Download the Jointly app on the App Store or the Google Play Store to get started on your cannabis wellness journey.