MA: Responsible Vendor Training Program

The Massachusetts Cannabis Control Commission approved Cannabis Trainers as one of the state’s first responsible vendor training program providers. The training program, Sell-SMaRT is the world’s first state-approved cannabis vendor training.

Regulations in Massachusetts require all licensed growers, managers and employees that handle cannabis to take a responsible vendor training class through a certified provider by January 1, 2020.

The Sell-SMaRT program was originally developed for licensees handling cannabis in Colorado. In 2015, Colorado regulators granted the program the first ever certification for its Responsible Vendor Program in cannabis. Since then, almost 4,000 people have taken the Cannabis Trainers class, which has been customized for six states, including Massachusetts.

Meg Sanders, CEO of Canna Provisions, a Massachusetts cannabis company, says the program helps her employees learn the rules thoroughly. “Cannabis Trainers trained all of my Colorado employees, and my entire team in Massachusetts as well,” says Sanders. “I know every time Cannabis Trainers meets with my staff, we walk away smarter and better prepared to help our customers.”

From the Sell-SMaRT website:

The Sell-SMaRT™ Responsible Vendor Program protects you and your operation from these risks by teaching you and your team how to to safely and compliantly sell cannabis to patients and customers, plus how to handle the complex situations that arise in a cannabis retail operation.

Designed for cannabis sales consultants/budtenders, owners, retail managers, frontline dispensary staff, regulators, and people looking to enter the cannabis industry, this comprehensive Responsible Vendor Program will inspire you to know the rules and move the industry forward with integrity, professionalism and compliance.

If you live outside of Massachusetts, don’t worry. Take a look at our list of amazing educational resources in our directory.

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