PRESS RELEASE

Prized by regulators and cannabis professionals alike, Sell-SMaRT™ proves “mandatory” doesn’t have to mean “mind-numbing”

October 10, 2019 – Cannabis Trainers, developer of the world’s first state-approved cannabis vendor training, is launching its beloved Sell-SMaRT™ program in the Bay State. The Massachusetts Cannabis Control Commission today approved Cannabis Trainers as one of the state’s first official Responsible Vendor Training providers. 

Cannabis Trainers will hold its first post-certification Sell-SMaRT™ Massachusetts training via live webinar on Wednesday, October 16, and its first in-person training in Pittsfield on Tuesday, October 29. Additional in-person trainings are scheduled for Springfield (October 30) and the greater Boston area (November 4), with additional webinar and in-person dates coming soon. Training slots are limited and can be reserved at CannabisTrainers.com.

In Massachusetts, responsible vendor training through a certified provider is mandated for all licensed owners, managers, and employees who handle cannabis by January 1, 2020. And Cannabis Trainers is out to prove that “mandatory” doesn’t have to mean “mind-numbing.”

Driven by founder Maureen McNamara’s signature blend of humor, enthusiasm, and interactivity, Sell-SMaRT™ trainings have built a loyal following in the industry for their ability to keep participants engaged and entertained, even while navigating a complex set of educational requirements.

“I never imagined it was possible for compliance training to be fun until I saw Maureen in action,” says Meg Sanders, CEO of Massachusetts cannabis company Canna Provisions. 

“After going through Sell-SMaRT™, my employees not only knew the rules inside and out, but also displayed a new level of professionalism and integrity,” added Sanders, who also previously ran the Colorado cannabis company MiNDFUL. “Cannabis Trainers trained all of my Colorado employees, and my entire team in Massachusetts as well. I know every time Cannabis Trainers meets with my staff, we walk away smarter and better prepared to help our customers.”

Cannabis Trainers originally developed the Sell-SMaRT™ program for Colorado cannabis licensees, building on McNamara’s two decades of experience in alcohol vendor training. In 2015, Colorado regulators granted Sell-SMaRT™ the state’s inaugural certification for its Responsible Vendor Program, making Sell-SMaRT™, the first state-approved cannabis vendor training program in the world. Since that time, the Sell-SMaRT™ program has trained nearly 4,000 people and been customized for six more states, including Massachusetts. 

“Massachusetts is really setting a new standard with its training requirements,” says McNamara. “We’ve worked hard to customize the Sell-SMaRT™ program for the state’s needs, and we appreciate the Cannabis Control Commission’s recognition of that. We’re excited to help inspire a cannabis workforce in the state that is responsible, compliant and committed to excellence.”

For more testimonials from both regulators and cannabis professionals, please visit https://cannabistrainers.com/press-praise/.

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About Cannabis Trainers


Founded in 2014, Cannabis Trainers offers interactive, engaging training programs that promote the safe, responsible, and professional sale of cannabis products. The Cannabis Trainers Sell-SMaRT™ program is the first state-approved responsible vendor program for marijuana sales in the world. Founder & Chief Facilitator Maureen McNamara is a speaker and trainer with 25 years of experience training thousands of professionals around the world. She also serves as the chair of the Foundation of Cannabis Unified Standards’ infused products committee, Chair Emeritus of the NCIA State Regulations Committee and founding member of Women Grow. Cannabis Trainers is a proud member of the National Cannabis Industry Association and the Minority Cannabis Business Association.

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