By Lois Thomson

According to owner and founder Marcus Brisco, Rolly Receipts LLC started with a conversation, moved to being a concept, and then became a full-fledged business in all 50 states.  As he explained, he was sitting around with some friends, and one of the dads said he had gone to a dispensary.  “The comment he made was, ‘I’ve been buying cannabis for 40 years and I’ve never gotten a receipt.’  And my buddy said, ‘That would be crazy if you could smoke out of that receipt.’

“When I heard that,” Brisco continued, “and realized no one in the United States was doing it and no one in the world was doing it – when you come up with an idea that no one else is doing, it does not hurt to pursue it.  So I jumped in headfirst; it took a while to make it go, but here we are.”

“Here” is Rolly Receipts LLC, a company that produces smokeable receipt paper that is dispensed at ATM machines.  Brisco said the ATMs are located in cannabis stores, smoke shops, and hemp shops, as well as in some kava bars.

He went on, “For the customer, it just looks like a regular ATM, other than having our custom signage on it.  The person can go up and get their normal cash, and if they get a receipt, it’s going to be one that is also a rolling paper – basically giving them a free rolling paper with their cash.  A lot of customers like this if they’re in a dispensary and just buying flower, because they now have a rolling paper to use later with that flower.”

The receipt is lab tested and approved for human consumption, but if the customer doesn’t want the receipt and just throws it away – that has a benefit as well:  “It’s incredibly environmentally friendly, it’s not like normal receipt paper that has cancer-causing chemicals, such as BPA and BPS, which is also skin soluble.  So not only are they not handling those receipts, but they also are not putting those chemicals into the waste stream.”

Brisco developed a concern for the environment when studying chemistry at the University of Hawaii.  Through his educational research, he became aware of the toxic composition of thermal receipts currently used, and decided he wanted to apply his knowledge to a product that would have a positive impact on the environment.  He founded his company in 2018 and the result was these smokeable receipts, along with EcoThermal receipts that are BPA and BPS free; coreless, with zero plastic waste per roll; and are 100 percent biodegradable.

While the EcoThermal receipts are available throughout the country, the ATMs featuring the smokeable receipts are currently found in eight states.  Acquiring one of the ATMs, however, is a simple process.  Brisco said, “We provide everything.  If a dispensary owner wanted an ATM in their store, they would reach out to us, and the only legwork they would have to do is sign our placement contract.  Once they sign the contract, we provide the ATM, we get the ATM to their store, and then we do full servicing on it, which includes the cash replenishment.  It’s completely hands-off for them.”

Brisco’s company is able to do this by partnering with local ATM companies.  “We provide the ATM, then we partner with a cash vaulter – a person who does the installation and will refill that machine with cash every time it gets low, to make sure these ATMs are always up and running.”

They also handle the credit card processing, the maintenance, the smokeable receipt paper switch out, and automatic payouts to the dispensary owner.  “It’s a great perk for the ATM owners.  They never have to touch this ATM, it simply sits there and provides cash to their customers, and gives smokeable receipt paper when they use that ATM.”

While Brisco is pleased with the success so far, he admits it’s been a learning experience.  “It took about a year of R&D before we were able to figure out how it would work, how we could get it lab‑tested and approved for human consumption, and how we could actually make it profitable as a business.”  And then Covid hit.  However, Rolly Receipts is in all 50 states, with the office in Hawaii and a warehouse with employees in Ohio.  “We’re growing exponentially every year, and that’s all you can ask for a small business that’s just leaving the start-up phase.”

 

For more information, call (937) 344-3242 or visit www.rollyreceipts.com.

 

 



Beginning Monday, August 29, 2022, the Medical Marijuana Use Registry (Registry) was be updated pursuant to section 381.986(4)(f), Florida Statutes (F.S.), which states, in part, “The department [of Health] shall quantify by rule a daily dose amount with equivalent dose amounts for each allowable form of marijuana dispensed by a medical marijuana treatment center. The department shall use the daily dose amount to calculate a 70-day supply.” In compliance with Florida law, the Department of Health has published Emergency Rule 64ER22-8, Dosing and Supply Limits for Medical Marijuana, to determine daily dose amounts and 70-day supply limits for approved routes of administration of marijuana (excluding low-THC cannabis).

The limits are as follows:

Route of Administration Daily Dose Amount 70-Day Supply Limit*
Edibles 60 mg THC 4,200 mg THC
Inhalation (e.g., vaporization) 350 mg THC 24,500 mg THC
Oral (e.g., capsules, tinctures) 200 mg THC 14,000 mg THC
Sublingual (e.g., sublingual tinctures) 190 mg THC 13,000 mg THC
Suppository 195 mg THC 13,650 mg THC
Topical (e.g., creams) 150 mg THC 10,500 mg THC
Marijuana in a form for smoking 2.025 grams N/A

 

*An aggregate (total) 70-day supply limit of marijuana, other than marijuana in a form for smoking, shall not exceed 24,500 mg of THC.

However, pursuant to section 381.986(4)(f)1., F.S., a qualified physician may request an exception to the daily dose amount for their qualified patient by electronically submitting the “Request for Exception” form in the Registry. Qualified patients should contact their qualified physician to discuss whether an exception to the limit(s) is right for their treatment.

An active physician certification issued before the effective date of Emergency Rule 64ER22-8 (August 29, 2022) that exceeds the daily dose amount defined by the Rule, and begins within 210 days of the effective date of the Rule, will be valid for the remainder of said physician certification(s). However, should a qualified physician make any modifications to an existing certification after the effective date of this rule that would deem the certification to be in excess of the daily dose amount, the qualified physician will be required to submit the “Request for Exception” form.

 

Qualified patients may not obtain more than a 70-day supply of marijuana within any 70-day period or more than a 35-day supply of marijuana in a form for smoking within any 35-day period unless there is an approved exception in place. Therefore, prior to the approval of the exception, a qualified patient will only be authorized to obtain the amount determined by the Rule. The 70-day and 35-day limits will be calculated on a rolling basis from the date of each dispensation.

To best assist a patient’s understanding of the update, updated instructional guides on how to Understand the Amount Available Calculation Page and how to View and Understand Orders can be found on the Office of Medical Marijuana Use (OMMU) website, here: https://KnowTheFactsMMJ.com/Registry/#instructional-guides.



By Daniel Casciato

Trulieve Cannabis Corp., a leading and top-performing cannabis company in Florida, announced earlier this year a partnership with multi-platinum-selling, GRAMMY® Award and Golden Globe® Award-nominated recording artist Wiz Khalifa’s brand, Khalifa Kush.

Through the agreement, Trulieve becomes the producer, processor and retailer of Khalifa Kush branded products in Florida and other northeast markets.

The Khalifa Kush (KK) strain was developed for Wiz back in the early 2010’s, tailored specifically for his personal tastes and held closely within his private stashes in Los Angeles. After years of keeping KK to himself, he chose to share this strain with the world in 2014. A two year long journey led to the first Khalifa Kush flower sales in 2016.

“Ten or twelve years ago, I found the one—not the two, and that’s KK, Khalifa Kush,” says Khalifa. “We’re excited to partner with the undisputed leader in the Florida market. Trulieve’s dedication to working with the community and creating an amazing customer experience perfectly lines up with our brand values, making them a great fit for our first expansion to the East Coast.”

The KK team focuses on quality and growing exclusive genetics with the best growers, he notes. “Even though we are working on a much larger scale, we still grow in smaller rooms and give the plants the love they need.”

Trulieve proudly expanded the partnership with Khalifa Kush in Arizona earlier this year due to the premium brand’s quality and exclusive genetics. Maryland and Pennsylvania launches are planned for later this year. KK’s next strain, Khalifa Mints, will be available early next year.

“Trulieve continually seeks partnerships with respected and diverse brands to better serve our patient and consumers’ needs. Khalifa Kush is known as a coveted brand, and we look forward to offering Khalifa Kush products in our Florida dispensaries,” adds Kristin Robertson, Trulieve’s Executive Director of Marketing in Florida.

KK products were first commercialized in the U.S. in 2015 by Khalifa. The company has achieved continued growth and success by focusing on high quality and highly sought-after products in legalized cannabis markets. The KK brand offers a growing lineup of flower, pre-rolls, vapes, edibles, and concentrates, powered by proprietary genetics. There are several key benefits to the brand, according to its founder.

“KK really just makes you feel relaxed and doesn’t give you paranoia and those things, or the tiredness that some strains give you,” says Khalifa.

Trulieve will celebrate the launch of KK at select locations throughout Florida on Friday, September 30. Stay tuned to their social channels for information on when and where these celebrations will take place.

As the state’s leading medical cannabis provider, Trulieve’s retail employees are trained to provide personalized patient care and support individuals at every stage of their cannabis journeys. Trulieve dispensaries throughout Florida offer on-site consultations to help patients obtain appropriate medical products and dosages to ensure optimal cannabis experiences.

Trulieve patients across Florida can choose from the largest selection of THC and CBD products available in a variety of consumption methods, including smokable flower, concentrates, edibles, capsules, syringes, tinctures, topical creams, vaporizers, and more.

 

For more information, please visit khalifakush.com and trulieve.com.



By Kevin Morley, DAT, ATC

While adult-use cannabis remains prohibited in Florida, similar regulations are changing throughout the country on a regular basis. Although the Florida Marijuana Use and Growth Legalization Initiative continues to be left off of the ballot as an initiated constitutional amendment this coming November, the push by Florida residents for legalization persists. Until adult-use legalization, Floridians who meet medical criteria for use will continue to rely on access to cannabis by use of a Medical Marijuana Card allowing purchase at an approved dispensary. Apart from the medical provider who approves the Card, who is guiding these purchases? In truth, many customers don’t need much guidance. They have personal, first-hand knowledge about what works for them, so once they have their Card in hand, their treatment can begin. But what about first-time Cardholders? Or those who qualify for a Card, but don’t know that cannabis could benefit them? Other than word-of-mouth, anecdotal evidence, where are potential customers getting their cannabis-related advice? The need for education in the physician and non-physician medical provider communities is gargantuan. Let’s take a look at a few areas where medical providers can elevate their knowledge surrounding cannabis, cannabinoids, and the endocannabinoid system. Keep in mind they don’t need to be cannabis experts, but some basic insight into the endocannabinoid system, its effects on homeostasis and basic physiological functions will help elevate their awareness of these products. That, coupled with knowledge of the best resources in their area, as well as on-line will give them enough information to make educated recommendations.

Who’s advising who?

In order for us to consider how medical providers are advising potential cannabis customers/patients, let’s peel back a few layers of the health care delivery system onion to find out who is who. It’s not only physicians who advise on cannabis use. With the figurative weaving of hemp products into the fabric of our society thanks to the 2018 Farm Bill, a major barrier to entry has been eliminated. Consumers know what CBD is … or they think they do. And since they heard their co-worker, partner, teammate, teacher, or family member gush about how a hemp product helped ameliorate their pain, inflammation, disordered sleep, anxiety … they are curious now too. But they may not make an appointment with a Card-providing physician just yet. They see a chiropractor weekly, so maybe they’ll ask that person. The chiropractor is part of a wellness center. There are nurses, athletic trainers, physical therapists, mental health counselors there too. Those professionals work with patients every day. Perhaps they have some knowledge about how CBD can help. And since medical marijuana is legal in Florida, maybe there’s an ongoing pathology that qualifies for a Card. Do they know about cannabis too?

There’s not enough evidence

Talk to some of the medical professionals mentioned above, the ones from the wellness center, and ask them about cannabis use to treat post-operative pain after a total shoulder replacement. Or to treat insomnia secondary to anxiety about a missed promotion at work. Many of them will explain that there’s not enough research to support cannabis use in those situations, and while they’ve heard that it helps too, they wouldn’t feel comfortable endorsing it or counseling someone to see a Card-approving physician. The reality of this very real-life scenario is that it happens all the time. Medical providers don’t know what they don’t know. They weren’t taught about the endocannabinoid system in school. CB1 and CB2 receptors weren’t on their radar. But that doesn’t mean that the ECS, CB1 and CB2 aren’t here to stay. What is true is that peer-reviewed studies in high-level journals absolutely do exist … but not in the most mainstream journals medical providers are reading. As such, the research isn’t familiar to them. There’s a chasm here that needs to be spanned for healthcare providers (HCPs) to be able to fairly, and ethically provide current and accurate information to the patients, clients, and athletes seeking their care and counsel.

I’m not an HCP, can I help fix this problem?

This isn’t a quick fix, but YES, you absolutely can. Perhaps you’re a dispensary owner or employee. Maybe you’re a cannabis advocate by profession. Or maybe you’re a current or former cannabis user who wants to shout from the rooftops that cannabis use helped your post-operative pain and allowed you to skip the opioids completely. HCPs, as a group, want to help people. They want to do it safely and within the confines of their scope of practice and ethical standards. The Card-approving physicians are already on board. They understand the ECS, CB1 and CB2, and the landscape of cannabis and hemp products. They’re not your target audience. The “there’s not enough research” folks are your audience. You’re going to need to put together a cannabis dossier of sorts. It needs to be “medical enough” that it has high-level information that they can use. We’re talking studies. I mean real studies. Like double-blind, placebo-controlled studies. Maybe a meta-analysis. Most of the best cannabis-related research is happening external to the United States. That’s ok. This is a global issue not limited to domestic patients and providers. Skip the case reports. They’re interesting, but that’s one of the lowest levels of research. Lastly, consider the specific person you’re addressing. Are they an athletic trainer or physical therapist working in an out-patient orthopedic surgery practice? If so, they’ll really respond to the studies comparing post-operative outcomes and pain measures using CBD v a CBD and THC combo v a traditional opioid. But if you’re addressing a physician assistant or nurse practitioner working in a VA hospital with PTSD patients, you can skip the post-op knee pain articles and focus on those addressing mental health and wellness, anxiety-related insomnia, and emotional trauma. It’s all out there, you just have to look. What’s that adage about leading a horse to water?

Will anything else help? Or is it just studies and research papers?

Tread lightly here because if you trend toward magazines and articles on websites written by non-scientific outlets, you may lose some traction and a whole lot of credibility. In today’s content-rich environment, no, you don’t have to limit your dossier to articles and journals. But you better vet everything you choose to provide. There are some incredible lectures available on TED Talks and YouTube. There are some very informative documentaries on Netflix, Hulu, and other streaming services. Repetition matters. If the NP from the VA center or the athletic trainer from the orthopedic surgery office gets this content in front of them, and they take the time to digest it, the repetitive explanation of the ECS, how it affects homeostasis, the explanation of terpenes and flavonoids, the clarification of isolate v broad-spectrum v full spectrum products will start to make sense. You’ll plant a (cannabis) seed, and you’ll give it time to bloom (flower?).

Where do I start?

That’s the best part, you can start wherever you want. It’s all about baby steps. If you have access to HCPs in the sports medicine or orthopedics space, start your “Cannabis in Sports Medicine” dossier. If your neighbor is a clinical psychologist and has welcomed you into their social circle, then maybe your “Cannabis Use in Mental Health Care” dossier is a better first step. Once you’ve gained entry into the medical community, you’re off to the races. Acknowledging that the spectrum of HCPs is broad, and their collective influence is nearly infinite will open your eyes to a large swathe of potential cannabis educators and enthusiasts who can be your biggest cheerleaders in the current paradigm of medical cannabis use, and in future expansion to adult-use.

Dr. Kevin Morley is the head athletic trainer for the Nashville Predators of the National Hockey League and a researcher in the Global Initiative for Cannabinoid Research and Education at Florida International University. To learn more about FIU’s cannabinoid research and education initiative you can visit their website at https://go.fiu.edu/GlobalCannabis.

 Views represented in this column do not reflect that of the Nashville Predators, the National Hockey League, or Florida International University and are solely attributed to Dr. Kevin Morley.



According to MJBizDaily’s most recent Women & Minorities Industry report, female executive representation in the cannabis industry is 22 percent, down from 36.8 percent in 2019. This places female representation in our industry lower than the national average of roughly 30 percent. The decrease in representation from 2019 to today isn’t limited to the c-suite, we see lower percentages of women across our sector. From budtenders to community outreach to medical markets, women’s representation appears to be declining while the industry itself is ascending. Cannabis keeps acquiring more money, more relationships, and more power. My concern is that what has happened in other once-niche industries will happen to us; women create space and innovate within it and then are pushed to the fringes when traditional well established (read mostly male) funding sources arrive. So what are we doing about it?

In my role, I meet female leaders every day. In that sense, I occupy a very privileged position because I’m surrounded by the best and brightest women working in the cannabis industry. Many have worked in cannabis for decades, navigating landscapes far more complicated than today’s. Others have joined more recently, often compelled by a desire to do good and right old wrongs while still making a healthy profit. The Women’s Cannabis Chamber of Commerce (WCCC) appeals to legacy and new leaders. As its Executive Director, my responsibility is to help ensure our industry is one where women thrive. As a woman and a person of color, it’s a responsibility I don’t take lightly. The WCCC is determined to create an ecosystem that equips women to become self-sufficient contributors. That sometimes means if there isn’t a seat at the table we make our own table.

The WCCC is a national organization founded in Denver, CO with a mission to move women beyond empowerment and propel them into powerful result-driven career strategies, executive positions, and business ownership. Chapters across the nation are committed to providing members with resources, education, and support for financial success and expansion. We go far beyond your typical networking group. Members receive free and discounted courses, inclusion in coveted industry events or discussions, and free publicity through individual chamber participants or sponsors. All while having the ability to cultivate authentic and reliable relationships.

Dorri C. McWhorter, a board member of Green Thumb Industries recently said, “Women have been experiencing the cumulative effect of being denied economic opportunity and that has put [them] at a significant disadvantage throughout years in being able to influence and advance [their] interests.” What gives me hope is that she made this comment at the Illinois Women in Cannabis Annual Conference, a critical type of forum that I’m seeing more and more of across the U.S. And this makes sense given Gen Z women are now the fastest-growing consumers of legal cannabis, increasing year-over-year sales by 151%, according to a report by Headset. We need more women leaders, particularly diverse women leaders, to navigate the development of goods and services that better attract this demographic. Most people won’t need to explore further than their nearest head shop to confirm that cannabis is still predominantly presented through the male gaze.

The WCCC fights for real representation, not the check-the-box variety. Jessica Passman writes in How to Actually Empower Women in Cannabis, “Having more women in leadership roles is essential, but it shouldn’t be at the expense of women.” I believe the best way to effect change is through the support and education of our current and future leaders. This is part of the reason The WCCC puts heavy emphasis on the continued education of its members through partnerships with nationally recognized Cannabis Course providers. That and the other services mentioned above are our way of creating the change we want to see. The cannabis industry has seen a dramatic transition as our economy and culture has found new homes, products, and a renewed sense of purpose. With user and CPG diversification, aided by a steady chipping away of stigma, The WCCC is committed to ensuring that the future of Cannabis is not just inclusive and equitable, but female.

For more information on The WCCC, please contact Brianna Bowes at brianna@womenscannabischamberofcommerce.com or find the next event at www.bluntsbrunch.org or www.womenscannabischamberofcommerce.com.