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kccKC CHRONICLE   April 2023 Newsletter

FEATURE ollez


Supply, Demand, and Hometown Heros

By: Forest Palmer

I’m sure you’ve noticed but cannabis is kind of hard to come by in Missouri right now. Since adult use sales went live in Missouri back on February 3rd of this year, Missouri tokers have been exposed to lows of a supply shortage. This shortage has left many patients and consumers alike asking the same questions. Where did all the flower go? Why are prices going up? Why are some dispensaries more affected than others? In this article, I will do my best to answer these questions and a few more with the goal of providing context to our current situation, how we got here, and where we are heading. These answers are from my personal perspective and are the best I can provide based on my experience in the Missouri market. The answers provided are purely observational and are not being argued as ‘right’ or ‘wrong’ in any way. Without further ado…

mo marijuana The demand is there, now where is the supply?

For better or worse, most cultivations decided against increasing their canopy size in preparation for recreational sales. This is most likely due to lack of funding due to comparably slow sales and large back stocks associated with the medical program. Compound this with the opportunity for an artificial price hike and you have the perfect storm that justified cultivations to expand slowly. Back stock was expected to last until the new canopy was harvested but the product was bought up faster than expected by the wave of new consumers to the market. After all, Missouri has had the largest recreational cannabis launch in history.

Why are prices going up? When will prices start to go down?

First and foremost, the prices have increased partially due to the laws of supply and demand. The industry's supply has dwindled while the demand has launched sky high which means there are more people willing to pay a premium to have access to cannabis. The increased demand also leads to the need for increased operations which then increases costs at the cultivation. As mentioned above and to add some nuance to the price increase is the opportunity to capitalize on elongating the article supply shortage to keep the price higher for longer. This helps cut away some non-vertical competition and increase revenues for a while. As for when will the prices go down? It is hard to say and even harder to know. They will be directly affected by the supply chain and many cultivators aren’t expecting increased supply until well into summer. I expect the product providers will be able to ride these high prices through the summer and deep into the fall before competition in the market starts to force prices down again. Ultimately the cultivators set the price for their goods based on their own needs and the dispensaries adjust accordingly.

Why are some dispensaries affected more than others? (price changes, supply shortages, etc)

Cultivators set their prices based on market demand and comparable quality in the market currently. A quick and basic explanation is that the prices are dictated by the producers and some producers own dispensaries as well which affords those dispensaries exclusive pricing and guaranteed stock. Many dispensaries like KCC, are not attached to a cultivation which means their prices are going up and supply is going down. This puts stand alone dispensaries in a tough spot; raise prices to be able to afford the new higher costs of products or take the financial hit and hope the shortage ends quick enough that you don’t go bankrupt. An average successful dispensary only brings in about 10% profit annually making them a bit less flexible. Either way, KCC will continue to serve our communities and provide the industry's best atmosphere.

Where are my taxes being spent?

The taxes, or lack thereof, is a big reason why voters were so willing to pass adult-use cannabis laws. When compared to the national high cannabis taxes in Illinois, it was a breath of fresh air to Missouri voters and smokers to see that they weren’t going to be gouged for choosing legally purchased cannabis over utilizing the free market to get their weed. Currently, all cannabis sales have a 6% state tax (4% for medical sales) that funds the operations of the cannabis program with all remaining funds being transferred to the MVC for health and care services for military veterans. On top of this, local jurisdictions can add an additional 3% tax that flows into your local community. Check with your city or county to verify if they opted into the 3% tax and to see exactly where those taxes go.

What is an MSO? Why is it important to shop local?

MSO stands for Multi-State Operator. These are companies that have been started outside of Missouri and have won cannabis licenses in Missouri. MSOs have the advantage of being better funded than local businesses because they usually have a larger investor pool to choose from. The owners, investors, and management of MSOs usually reside outside of Missouri in states like Arkansas which means the money you spend at their stores gets funneled out of state and out of your local economy. The main goal of an MSO is to increase company value and reduce operational cost to provide a better return for its investors and not necessarily provide a high quality product or service. MSOs often use the tactic of disguising themselves as local businesses by utilizing names that differ from their larger entity name. In fact, most of KCC’s nearby competition are all out of state MSOs. With that being said, many studies show that people choose to buy locally as long as the product or service provides comparable value. Buying local ensures that your money is being reinvested into the community that you live in. It allows locally owned businesses to then use more local resources which increases community sustainability and create more local jobs who then serve local consumers. It keeps control of businesses in your community and out of the hands of Arkansas or California boardrooms.

 
Bri ollez
budtender highlight
The loyal locals that frequent our Lake Lotawana store all know and love our teammate Bri Abedrabbo. Bri has been with KCC for over a year now and she’s been a joy to patients, customers and teammates alike. She embodies the qualities that we value out of our budtenders with her positive vibe, empathetic nature and a personal love for cannabis.

Bri has had a unique experience with cannabis from an early age. She was first exposed to cannabis when her mother would use it to combat her anxiety. As a young child she already recognized the contradictory views society had on cannabis by recognizing the benefits her mother got from the plant but also being exposed to law enforcement and the war on drugs targeting cannabis users.

A story many of us can relate to; Bri’s own cannabis use began out of curiosity in early high school. She would sneak a joint out of her mom’s stash a night and go outside to call her best friend. Oftentimes Bri would be talking through some heavy traumas and stress, but as that joint got smaller, she would feel the weight lift from her shoulders. This exposure to her own benefits from cannabis spurred her curiosity further and she soon started using homemade edibles to help relieve period cramps, migraines and to help stimulate her appetite.

Cannabis as a career first crossed Bri’s mind on a flight to San Antonio in 2010 when she sat next to a commercial cultivator who had just landed a promotion with a new company. She was relatively new to using cannabis herself and was confused by the idea of someone growing it legally. Through their conversation, this grower was able to answer some age old questions that were the seeds of Reefer Madness. Since then, Bri has always hoped to find a spot within the cannabis industry. That hope became a reality when she found a home at KCC.

KCC and Bri’s most personal story is tragic and beautiful but it will remain private within our team. To be direct, what Bri finds most valuable about KCC is the family atmosphere and the care we have for eachother. We support each other through life’s battles and our commitment to one another extends further than our operating hours. Bri has felt this same vibe and culture throughout the cannabis community here in Missouri and she aims to make KCC her long term career while she raises her young family. If you make the decision to come visit one of our stores, you will surely notice the feeling that Bri has come to love.


STAFF REVIEWS    

Our helpful staff is happy to advise something similar, if items are out of stock
heavenly sativa

Robust Cannabis: Heavenly Sativa

“Heavenly Sativa can be ranked on a celestial level with its uplifting tendencies and mood-boosting effects. It is made by crossing Amnesia Pupil and Prayer Town Sativa, two strains known to have vitalizing effects. The flower has medium and dark green hues with long, dark orange pistils, a frosty layer of trichomes, and a peppery, terpinolene-heavy scent. On the inhale, there is a spicy floral flavor while the exhale displays sweet and slight lemon notes. Once medicating, the mind goes to a euphoric state while the body experiences a sense of tingling. One may even notice a strong sense of productivity after consuming! If you are looking for an energy boost or need a new daytime medicating option, Heavenly Sativa would be a great option.” - Kassie Ferrero

 
NEWS ollez


HORTICULTURE FOR THE CULTURE

By: Cody Freeze, PharmD RPh
Co-author: Jeff Krupkowski, B.S. in Geneticals, Horticulture Specialist







Meet our resident Director of Health & Wellness, Cody Freeze, PharmD RPH. In this monthly feature, we will field your questions around the role of terpenes in cannabis, common sources aside from cannabis, and what are the most common. With such an extensive subject to cover, we've been gathering data with the assistance of our resident Horticulturist, Jeff Krupkowski. To submit a question, please send to info@kccannabis.org with "Ask Dr. Freeze" in the subject line.


Q: What role do terpenes play in cannabis products? What are some of the most common sources of terpenes besides cannabis? What are the most common terpenes discovered to date?

A: Have you ever wondered why the scent of cannabis can vary so greatly between different strains? For example, why do some strains smell like cheese, while another seemingly identical looking cannabis strain smells like pineapples? The answer is simply: terpenes! They not only give a cannabis strain its particular trademark odor, but we are learning more and more every day about their abilities to affect users’ symptoms and treatment outcomes. There are literally hundreds of these little aromatic, or “smelly” compounds! Essential oils are botanical extracts that often contain large amounts of terpenes. The food industry uses terpenes as additives, and some modern examples of their utility is seen in flavoring seltzers and drinks1.

Cannabinoids like THC, CBD, CBN, CBC and THCV can be thought of as the primary players in a strain’s particular medicinal effects, but terpenes help “guide” the cannabinoid therapy via the entourage effect. The entourage effect is the synergism and antagonism of these therapeutic pieces in each strain or ‘chemovar’. It can be complex, but data suggests the specific ratios and combinations of terpenes, cannabinoids and flavonoids can have somewhat predictable effects.

Some of the most common terpenes found in cannabis are beta myrcene, beta caryophyllene, limonene, linalool, alpha pinene, terpinolene and alpha humulene. Just as strains may have a specific ratio of THC:CBD, or THC:THCV, they also have specific ratios of terpenes. Some strains produce just a few, while others can express many different terpenes, creating exotic effects that are highly sought after. Any different combination of terpenes may prove to be a valuable disease-specific or ailment-specific treatment2.

Did you know terpenes are found outside cannabis? Some patients will refer to cannabis as “herb,” which is precisely where I’m going with this thought. Herbs such as thyme, rosemary, oregano, tarragon, black pepper, cilantro, eucalyptus, etc., also contain high concentrations of these terpenes2.

It should also be noted alcoholic beverages and spirits are botanically-derived. Hops are actually one of cannabis’ relatives! The terpene humulene has a hoppy and sometimes “bright” smell and taste. Hops produce many of these terpenes as well, and certain alcoholic fermentation, distillation and processing techniques can minimize or maximize terpenes in beverages2.

For trivial fun, here are some common terpenes and their corresponding primary plant source: Beta-myrcene is found in hops, mango, and lemongrass. Beta caryophyllene is found in black pepper, cloves, and cinnamon. Limonene is found in fruit rinds, juniper, and peppermint. Linalool is found in lavender, roses, some basil varieties. Alpha pinene is found in pine trees, rosemary, some basil varieties, and dill. Terpinolene is found in nutmeg, tea tree, cumin, and lilacs. Alpha humulene is found in hops, lemongrass, ginseng, and sage2.

    WORKS CITED
  1. Synthetic flavoring agents and adjuvants. Fed Regist. 2018;83(195):50490-50503.
  2. Leafly.com

“It’s not magic or mysticism, it’s biochemistry!”

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CHEF ollez


Infused Cooking with KCC

Most who are reading this are likely excited for the big holiday this month -4/20! Another more well known holiday that comes to mind for most people is Easter..and what's one thing these two have in common? Candy! This month we are featuring a quick and easy no-bake recipe that's sure to please.

Infused Reece's Bars
irish potato What you'll need:
- Saucepan (for cannabutter)
- 9x13 inch pan

Ingredients:
- 1 Cup cannabutter (melted)
- 2 cups graham cracker crumbs
- 2 cups powdered sugar
- cup creamy peanut butter
Toppings:
- 1/4 cup peanut butter
- 1 1/2 cups semisweet chocolate chips
(for double infusion, see the February KC Chronicle for instructions on infusing the chocolate as well)

Steps:
1. In a medium bowl, stir together graham cracker crumbs, confectioners' sugar, peanut butter and melted butter. Press firmly into the bottom of a 9x13 inch pan.
2. Melt chocolate chips and peanut butter in the microwave, stirring occasionally. Spread melted chocolate over the crumb crust. Chill for one hour and then cut into squares.

Enjoy!

INFUSION INSTRUCTIONS
Canna-Butter

What you'll need:
- Double Boiler or Saucepan
- 1 Cup Butter
- 1 Cup ground Cannabis Flower
- 1 Cup water (if using saucepan)
- Cheesecloth or fine strainer

Steps:
*Decarb cannabis before using for infustion*
1. Set a double boiler to a low simmer
2. Combine cannabis, Butter, and water.
3. Simmer on low for 2-3 hours, keeping oil temp between 160º-200ºF. (Do not exceed 200ºF)
4. Once cooled, remove plant matter by straining.
TIP: Do not press too hard when straining - this will add chlorophyll, giving it more of a plant taste.

*Refrigerate few hours/overnight, remove any excess water that forms at bottom of container*

To calculate dosage for your infused product, there are online calculators like this one featured at hempster.com.


DECARBOXYLATION (DECARB) INSTRUCTIONS



Decarboxylation (Flower)

What you'll need:
- Baking Sheet
- Cannabis Flower
- Grinder

Steps:
1. Grind Cannabis flower.
2. Spread evenly on baking sheet, lined with parchment.
3. Preheat oven to 230ºF
4. "Bake" Cannabis for 30min. Cannabis should look toasted.

Decarboxylation (Wax)

What you'll need:
- Baking Sheet
- Concentrate

Steps:
1. Preheat oven to 200ºF
2. Place concentrate in oven safe dish or silicone
3. "Bake" Concentrate for 20-25min, until wax is done bubbling.



Please email info@kccannabis.org to submit feedback, questions, or recipe requests.
 



April Vendor Days & Sales Calendar


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