How We Used Design Thinking To Create CannaReps

How We Used Design Thinking To Create CannaReps

By now you probably realize that CannaReps is extremely passionate about cannabis education, but did you know the people behind CannaReps do much more than just run this hands-on, interactive workshop? Here at Connekta Design Solutions, we want to introduce ourselves and walk you through our journey of creating CannaReps with our passion for design.

Cannabis meets design

Design is all about problem-solving.

Design is all about problem-solving. Designers are constantly asking ‘what if’ questions, identifying problems and working out solutions. We design artifacts to facilitate and test our assumptions based on interactions with people we design for, and then with further research and conversation, we improve these artifacts with better understanding. Design can never be called design if without the design process if there is no identified audience or explored problem space. We value this principle greatly and believe that this is the only way to create things that are meaningful to people.

We adapted this kind of design principle to the cannabis world.

Even though many people think that ‘budtending’ is just bagging weed, the reality is more complicated. Every day we speak with members of the patient community, dispensary owners and workers, as well as the young people who want to get their foot in the door. These conversations helped us quickly identify a problem: the overall frustrating experience of those who want to have a deeper understanding of cannabis.

On one hand, patients are swamped with the incredible amount of information available online which is often contradictory, leaving them frustrated and confused. They sometimes turn to dispensaries for hopeful answers. On the other hand, curious budtenders become overwhelmed in that same pool of data and find themselves going down a rabbit hole. Without proper guidance they sometimes simply refer to information online that is not verified or they end up losing sight of the most pertinent information or develop an oversimplified understanding of complex information.

The problem can be attributed to the lack of understanding about cannabis in general. We investigated more closely and identified the following three major problem areas

1. Lack of Cannabis knowledge

Because of the current state of the cannabis industry, training is not necessarily required, therefore dispensary workers lack an in-depth understanding of the products they are selling. In an ideal world, dispensary workers would be connoisseurs in their field and have a high level of understanding of cannabis. They should be able to accurately detect terpenes, strains or genetics by looking, smelling and touching the cannabis flower, just like a wine sommelier would when tasting wine. They should also understand that cannabis is alive, therefore know how to properly store their products to keep them in their best state, while also managing their suppliers for quality control via standard product intake protocols.

2. Lack of understanding of the medical use of cannabis

Since the current cannabis market has been underground for so long, it can be very difficult for patients to find a credible source on how to use cannabis medicinally. They usually have to go through many trials and errors until they find effective dosages and products. You can imagine how frustrating it could be, especially for those who are suffering from severe conditions. They are eager to find the quickest way to promote their healing as, in many cases, they have already exhausted most treatment options and have turned to cannabis as a last resort.

The same thing applies to dispensary workers. In fact, they are the main point of contact since many of them interact with these patients more than anyone else. It is critical for them to know how products work and how to best use them with an understanding of what has worked in the past.

3. Lack of cannabis dispensing skills and customer service.

Because many patients have put their hope in dispensaries, it is critical for dispensary workers to provide accurate and responsible information and guidance. Their attitude towards this potential medicine should provide their customers with grounded support, truth and honesty, — what we know and what we don’t know. Empathy is important in these touchy situations, so are managing their customers’ expectations. After all, it is the dispensary workers, — the front line workers’ role to help their customers stay safe while using this medicine.

Our Solution

Cann Help Deck

As stated before, designers design artifacts to facilitate the solutions to the problems. In this case, we asked ourselves: since there is a lack of training in terms of the knowledge of medical cannabis use, can we create a tool for this information to be shared? And how can such vast amount of information be shared in an effective manner, since people are already burdened by the overwhelming nature?

Can we create a tool for cannabis information to be shared?
How can such vast amount of information be shared in an effective manner?

We are blessed with the raw material we work with, which is the information on cannabis use collected over a span of a decade. Thanks to Connekta’s co-owner, Adolfo has gained a rich experience working as a frontline worker in Vancouver dispensaries. We filtered the information many times to condensed the essential information useful to patients. We designed the Cann Help Deck.

Studies show that tactile experiences and visual elements play a significant role in learning and retaining new information. We applied this theory to our design. We used colours and graphics to represent the most relevant anecdotal information about treatable conditions, methods of dosing, and the best product options. We wanted to reinforce the tactile experience, so the information is presented in a card deck format as it conveys a sense of playfulness.

The Cann Help Deck provides an experience unlike an app or software. It is easy to reference, tangible, shareable and can be matched up with other cards to find the best treatment options. Dispensary workers can use the deck as a learning tool or refer to it when dealing with a new patient or condition with which they are unfamiliar.

CannaReps Workshops: A Platform For Information, Experience, and Connection

When asked, the most experienced cannabis connoisseurs in the field all agree that to thoroughly understand cannabis it must be experienced. How can a wine sommelier understand wine if they never drink any? That’s why, aside from the deck, we put together a series of workshops for people so they can interact with and handle cannabis while they learn about its many attributes. We provide the ideal scenarios for dispensary workers with lab test results and designed product intake protocols. They learn to read the test results and use these tools so that hopefully they can be industry leaders and push for higher standards.

How can a wine sommelier understand wine if they never drink any?

Since we are bringing together both patients and budtenders, these workshops also act as a means of bringing together and forming an education-focused cannabis community. From there we see conversations, support groups and relationships form organically. Together this creates a strong community foundation and helps us work together and learn from each other.

Beyond CannaReps

We use this kind of philosophy when working on other projects with our other clients. We understand our audience, meet them where they stand, while also sharing with them our long-term visions and aspirations.

Alongside CannaReps we are working with many innovative brands, new product categories, and independent research initiatives, all with the same intention of enhancing the industry in ways that benefit consumers and patients.

This is our vision. Wherever there are gaps, Connekta will be working to design solutions to fill them.

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Welcome to CannaReps!
Please read and submit the following Waiver & Release to continue your enrolment confirmation.

WAIVER & RELEASE (the “Release”)

This event is conducted by CannaReps Consulting Ltd. (“CannaReps or Company”). Please read and submit below.

I am an attendee at an event hosted by CannaReps (the “Workshop“). I release CannaReps from any and all liability, claims, demands, actions and causes of action whatsoever arising out of or related to any loss, damage or injury, including death, that may be sustained by me while participating in the Workshop.

I understand and agree that:

  • Any cannabis or cannabis products that I bring to the Workshop is from my personal supply and was lawfully purchased.
  • I will not possess in excess of thirty (30) grams of cannabis, unless I am lawfully permitted to possess more under the applicable regulations. If I am in possession of medical cannabis, I will not share my medical cannabis.
  • I will not distribute, sell, display, consume, or lose custody of the cannabis or cannabis products that I bring to the Workshop and will adhere to all applicable laws, and regulations.
  • Any promotional material I bring to the Workshop is in accordance with the applicable laws, and regulations. I will include the promotion of the safe consumption of cannabis.
  • CannaReps reserves the right, in its sole discretion, to eject, disqualify, or remove any exhibition or person for the contravention of any applicable laws and regulations.
  • The use of cannabis or cannabis products may impair your judgment, ability to react. By law, you should not drive or operate heavy machinery while under the influence. Please read the statutory rules and regulations surrounding cannabis in your jurisdiction for clarification.
  • Any advice or recommendations given by CannaReps is for informational and educational purposes only and CannaReps does not warrant or guarantee the completeness or correctness or the information provided.
  • I freely and voluntarily accept and fully assume all such risks, dangers, and hazards associated with attending the Workshop.
  • I certify that I am over the age of 19. This Release shall be effective and binding upon my heirs, next of kin, executors, administrators, assigns and representatives in the event of my death or incapacity.

CONFIDENTIALITY

Any confidential or proprietary information or material relating to the Company’s operations or business which I obtain from the Company or its officers, employees, agents, suppliers or customers or otherwise by virtue of my participation with the Company or by the Company’s predecessor. Confidential or proprietary information or material includes, without limitation, the following types of information or material, both existing and contemplated, regarding the Company or its parent, affiliated or subsidiary companies: corporate information, including contractual licensing arrangements, plans, strategies, tactic, policies, resolutions, patents, trademarks, printed or digitized materials, handouts and brochures. Including any marketing information including sales, investment and product plans, customer lists, strategies, methods, customers, prospects and market research data. Including trade secrets; technical information, including drawings, designs, personal information (the “Confidential Information”).

I understand that the copyright and proprietary interest of any material provided to me belongs to CannaReps. All shared experiences from the Workshop are to remain confidential and private. I agree not to disclose any of the information learned during the Workshop outside of the Workshop except with others who attend the Workshop. I will not use any audio or video recording equipment during the Workshop, unless CannaReps approves of the recording and filming by providing prior written consent. I understand that any audio or video recording made during the Workshop is the property of CannaReps. I will not use CannaReps’ information for business or commercial purposes, without first obtaining the prior written consent of CannaReps.

INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY

I understand, acknowledge and agree that all copyright, trademarks, trade secrets, intellectual property rights, and any other rights arising from any designs, and all of the work products and materials conceived, developed or created by the CannaReps and any rights ancillary thereto (collectively, “Intellectual Property Rights”) which were solely or jointly with others, conceives, designs, creates, derives, develops or makes in the course of or in connection with the work with CannaReps shall belong solely to CannaReps. If you haven’t already, you shall promptly disclose to CannaReps in writing any and all Intellectual Property Rights, conceived, created, derived, developed or made in the course of or otherwise in connection with my participation with CannaReps, whether alone or with others, and whether during work shop hours or through the use of facilities and properties of CannaReps.

INDEMNITY

I agrees to indemnify and hold harmless CannaReps, its officers and directors, employees and its affiliates and their respective successors and assigns and each other person, if any, who controls any thereof, against any loss, liability, claim, damage and expense whatsoever (including, but not limited to, any and all expenses whatsoever reasonably incurred in investigating, preparing or defending against any litigation commenced or threatened or any claim whatsoever) arising out of or based upon any false representation or warranty or breach or failure by me to comply with any covenant or agreement made by me herein or in any other document furnished by me to any of the foregoing in connection with this transaction.

CONSENT

Notwithstanding the immediately preceding paragraph, I consent to and grant CannaReps, the Workshop, and its assignees, the right to photograph and record me, my name, voice, appearance and likeness and other material furnished by me for use on trusted online media which include, but are not limited to, their website and social media pages. My hereby release said matter in perpetuity to CannaReps without prejudice and acknowledge that this consent is freely given without expecting compensation.

By submitting my email address below, I agree to receive electronic communication from CannaReps including personal course information, news, updates and promotions regarding CannaReps’ products. I understand that I can withdraw my consent at any time.

PRIVACY POLICY

Protecting your privacy is important to CannaReps. This Privacy Policy (“Privacy Policy”) set outs the ways in which we use your information and how we ensure its protection.

CannaReps will only collect personal information (“Information”) that will allow us to provide, enhance, market or improve our events and services. Information is collected by means of registration for any CannaReps sponsored event or service. Information collected may include name, age, gender, address, email address, payment information, and geographical information.

CannaReps may share Information. CannaReps retains the right to share Information and other statistics with our partners, prospective advertisers, and other third parties for the purposes of improving, protecting, enhancing, and promoting our events and services. CannaReps may also disclose information to our affiliates, agents, contractors, and service providers in order to facilitate the functioning and maintenance of our events and services. We will not sell any information to advertisers or other third parties.

This Privacy Policy only covers the treatment of Information and other non-identifiable information gathered by CannaReps. This Privacy Policy does not apply to the practices of any third-party services. CannaReps does not take responsibility for the content or privacy policies of any third parties. CannaReps recommends that you review the privacy policies of any third-party service providers or events you access, use, or register for through our events or services.

This Privacy Policy has been established to help you understand our commitment to protecting your privacy. CannaReps reserves the right, at any time, to change or replace any portion of our Privacy Policy. You will be notified of any changes, if we believe, they materially impact your experience at our events or services. Continued use of our services after any change to the Private Policy constitutes an acceptance of those changes.

By submitting this Release and providing Information during the registration process, including the Exhibitor’s Agreement, you consent to the collection and use of your Information for these purposes.

If you have any questions or concerns please email us at info@cannareps.ca.