Category: Learn

The Craft Brewing Boom Offers Fascinating Clues Into Where the Craft Cannabis Industry Is Headed

Americans have a big thirst for variety. And cannabis doesn’t disappoint, with so many strains to sample and so many places to find it these days.

Few modern industries compare with what we’ve seen in legal cannabis. Despite federal prohibition, the rise of legalization has had an earth-shaking impact—adding an estimated $92 billion to America’s economy in 2021 alone. 

What’s one of the last industries to make a similar seismic splash in terms of rapid growth and profit? The craft brewing boom. 

In fact, beer and cannabis have a lot in common. Here are five intriguing parallels between craft beer and craft cannabis, from the plant kingdom to the local community.

1) Sensory Appreciation: So Many Smells and Flavors

Though fans of cannabis will likely think of that plant first and foremost when the word terpenes is mentioned, these naturally occurring compounds can actually be found in practically all plant life. 

That includes hops, which are part of the Humulus genus of the plant family Cannabaceae (sounds familiar, eh?) and a central ingredient to beer brewing. Under the same plant family umbrella is the genus Cannabis and the species we all know and love, Cannabis Sativa L. (which also includes low-THC hemp). 

Hundreds of different terpenes are responsible for the nuances of aroma and flavor that define each cannabis strain, and that goes for the many varieties of hops too. 

One terpene found regularly in both cannabis and hops is ​​beta-pinene, which delivers notes of spice and wood, but there are numerous other examples as well—and you can learn more about the tasty terpene profiles of Veritas strains in our strain library. 

2) Bespoke Vs. Mass-Produced 

Another thing that craft beer and cannabis share in common as industries is the value they place on what it means to “craft.” 

That distinction has become controversial in the beer world. In the early days of the craft beer boom, breweries were small and feisty, working with small vats and keeping things largely local. But things have changed due to acquisitions and mergers that gobbled up many small-scale operators. 

Nonetheless, as outfits like NorCal’s Russian River Brewing have proven, doing one thing better than anyone else—in their case, the annual release of their super-limited Pliny the Younger IPA—can be a recipe for success too. 

At Veritas, we keep our production runs small by choice. With more than 90 strains in our library, it’s important to us to give our customers unique tastes and something fresh to try, every time they visit their favorite dispensary (here’s our latest drop).

3) The Little Things Matter Most 

The packaging for most craft beer brands does an excellent job of letting you know just what to expect if you crack a can or bottle open. Be it a super-citrusy profile in an IPA or something strong and sour, beer fans today are not only looking for something special when it comes to what sets a pint apart, but also to know the source of these other ingredients: Were the strawberries organic? Was the yeast naturally occurring? 

Such interest readily translates to the craft cannabis market as well. And that’s a big reason why at Veritas we’re transparent about how we cultivate our cannabis from the get-go. 

We keep a close eye on everything our plants need to thrive. We carefully tend each and every plant throughout the growing process. Doing everything by hand, from watering to the final trimming, means that our strict quality standards are always met. 

4) Don’t Shy Away from Science

One of the lasting impacts of the craft beer craze was that it familiarized the beer-buying public with previously foreign concepts like “dry hopping” and “cicerones.”

Given that the cannabis world also likes to nerd out on everything from extraction methods to all-natural rolling papers, the craft brewing industry’s success shows how offering helpful cannabis resources and information is smart business.

But education about the cannabis plant goes way beyond business—after decades of prohibitionist propaganda, it’s past time for people to have a better understanding of how cannabinoids work in the body and the plant’s many potential benefits. And we’re here for it.

5) Celebrating Our Awesome Community

At a quick glance, it seems like the folks in the craft brewing world are no strangers to a good time. That’s not to say they don’t work hard—quite the opposite!—but as a result of their efforts, they know it can be just as important to celebrate the fruits of your labor as it is to take on a job in the first place. 

Just ask Dale Katechis, who joined the Veritas leadership team in 2021 after a long and successful run with Oskar Blues (maker of the eponymous Dale’s Pale Ale). 
Be it sponsoring Denver artists, partnering with nearby nonprofits on projects benefiting the community, or working with area creatives to design merch and packaging, we love to collaborate. After all, supporting one another is how we grow together.

Boulder’s Morgan Mandala loves to paint geometric forms and natural splendor, making her the perfect artist to design the latest in our series of custom ski releases.

Where would we be without traditions? From that one uncle who always makes the sweet potatoes with marshmallows at Thanksgiving to the passing down of precious family heirlooms, each of us can point to the traditions, be they cherished or bizarre, that ultimately serve to define what makes us all unique.

At Veritas, we’re no strangers to tradition either. And one of our favorite newer traditions is our custom ski collaborations with Icelantic Skis. As a cannabis company founded in the midst of Colorado’s natural splendor, what better way to celebrate our alpine surroundings than through the release of a yearly collaboration with none other than Golden, CO’s Icelantic Skis, one of the country’s premiere ski companies.

Together, Veritas and Icelantic have partnered to create limited-edition versions of Icelantic’s flagship Nomad 105 model featuring the work of local artists. Beyond being certifiably awesome, this project provides us with an opportunity to connect with our community, support the arts, and reinforce our own commitment to sustainability thanks to Icelantic’s status as a Climate Neutral Certified business.

Following releases designed by Denver’s Joe Palec in 2020 and Veritas’ own Sarah Egener in 2019, we’re thrilled to announce the latest installment of a tradition we now truly look forward to as a highlight of each year. For our 2021-2022 Veritas x Icelantic Nomad 105 Skis, we turned to Boulder’s Morgan Mandala, who rose to the challenge with artwork featuring boldly colored geometric shapes above pristine snow-capped mountains. 

Acclaimed for her work on circular canvases, Mandala’s imagery focuses on the interplay of fantastic naturalism and interlocking shapes. Originally from Chicago, the dichotomy of Mandala’s paintings—juxtaposing the abstract with flourishes of natural splendor—felt like a perfect fit for the 2021-2022 edition of our ski collaboration with Icelantic.

In an artist statement, Mandala described her work as a visual exploration of “our connection to the world, each other, and our inner selves, living the conscious human experience.”

“Mandalas are graphic representations of the universe,” she explained, “sharing the multiplicity and the singularity, the macrocosm and microcosm. Objects and symbols in my paintings merge and are re-interpreted to create a metaphor for our seamless connection to the world.”

At Veritas, we believe cannabis can offer a similarly seamless connection, which is why we’re  thrilled to have this chance to celebrate a number of things that speak to our vision all at once with our latest Veritas x Icelantic custom skis release.

It’s time to think beyond rolling papers by embracing the marketing potential of cannabis company merch that matters.

Far from simply being a matter of having something to sell, the thought and care demonstrated by a company in choosing the details of a line of merch can also offer a direct window into their overall values and approach as an organization. This is true for any number of industries, but it’s especially relevant in legal cannabis, where the ability to connect with customers isn’t easy. That’s why we offer merchandise and accessories that intentionally correspond with the overall quality of our brand, and in that way, we can become a household name. 

Veritas holds true to our core value of quality across the board. That means whether it’s our products, customer service, displays, events, or merchandise and accessories, we always aim to produce with a level of quality that customers are happy to showcase. We want our brand on the backs of people who work with and talk about our products every day. Our wonderful store partners and budtenders need to be properly outfitted. 

We’re all about making the world of cannabis more transparent. And though you might not think it at first glance, you can tell a lot about a brand based on the merchandise they choose to offer. While we’re in the business of growing world-class strains, we’re also growing our company in a land where not so long ago, this subject was illegal. So we like to shed light on everything we do to give you, a curious cannabis consumer, a peek into what working in the cannabis industry is really like. 

Unlike virtually every other industry in America, cannabis companies are currently restricted—either by law or by choice of the media outlet—from advertising in places where consumers will see it in print, on television or hear about it on the radio. Just try to imagine starting a new business and being unable to get the word out through any of these vital mediums. Sure, it’s tough, but we accepted the challenge and have managed to offer an opportunity for people to represent their favorite cannabis brands while at the same time acting as Veritas brand ambassadors.

What about social media for promotion? Sadly, that’s a mess of its own! Despite the fact that mainstays like Instagram and Facebook would be fully within their right to allow paid advertisements from cannabis brands as well as sponsored posts, they’ve thus far opted to uphold a stance of hard prohibition. As a result, even the biggest and most established legal cannabis companies—and advocates too—have seen their accounts on these apps shadowbanned, suspended or deleted at a moment’s notice.

With so many obstacles facing cannabis brands that just want to market themselves, unique and thoughtful merchandise has become a major way for companies like Veritas to stick out in a crowded marketplace. That means going above and beyond standard “promotional items” like cheap lighters, matchbooks, rolling papers and other disposable ephemera, and focusing on cannabis merch and accessories that people actually like and care about. We position our merch to be attractive from points of both quality and fashion.

Creating merch that speaks directly to the soul of what your brand is about is essential. That’s why Veritas is immensely proud of the product line we’ve curated, featuring well-made, artful items with real use and plenty of Veritas vibes. 

At our core, Veritas is connoisseur-grade cannabis—so anything with the Veritas name on it should be the same. Like our showpiece smoking accessories and party gear. Or the Veritas-Smokus Focus Eclipse display jar (it’s the most powerful display jar ever made). Even our comfy graphic tees and plush blankets are top-shelf products.

As opposed to slapping our name on some cheesy tchotchkes that are tailor-made for the landfill, we also see our cannabis merch line as a chance to uplift artists we love, like Joe Palec. His glass rolling tray is a perfect example of the beautiful signature items we’ve thus far had the privilege to release.

Given our affinity for the outdoor pursuits that make Colorado one of the nation’s natural jewels, we’ve chosen to infuse our interests by partnering with artists and other brands we admire to create high-quality, memorable merchandise like the limited-edition skis we’ve produced for multiple seasons now in collaboration with Icelantic, an awesome Colorado-based ski company.

If anything, the lesson here is that if you make enough high-quality merch that people actually want and value, before you know it, you’ll have set your brand apart in an organic, authentic way. That’s no small feat considering the immense limitations we face as a cannabis business when it comes to utilizing traditional marketing channels. But it’s one that’s well worth pursuing, given that the rewards include increased recognition for wonderful creators in our local community and the chance to provide our customers with special items they will cherish for many years to come.

Looking for the perfect gift? Check out the Veritas Shop for something special

Forget what you think you know about these classic yet flawed cannabis categories and learn what to look for instead—cannabinoid and terpene profiles are key.

All sativas will get you up and running with a racy high. And all indicas slow things down and create a mellow chill. Right? Not so fast. That distinction—based more on folk wisdom than actual facts—is pretty outdated. These days, we know that the experience you get from any given cannabis strain has a lot more to do with cannabinoids and terpenes in that strain than its classification as indica, sativa or hybrid. 

Cannabis Mythbusting About Sativas and Indicas

You’ve probably heard a number of widely believed things about cannabis that are more myth than fact—like the one about the origin of the term 420 (it was conceived decades ago in California by a group of Marin County teenagers) or the theory that cannabis is a “gateway” drug that leads to use of harder substances (nope). Similarly, the belief that cannabis effects can be boiled down to just three broad categories—uplifting (sativa), relaxing (indica) and somewhere in between (hybrid)—isn’t all that accurate. Turns out, those classifications don’t mean much when it comes to consumer experience.

Despite the prevalence of sativa and indica in cannabis culture, this long-accepted standard for differentiating between uplifting and sedating strains is really only a botanical distinction. That means it’s still helpful for cultivators who need to predict whether a cannabis plant will grow into something stout and bushy with thick, stubby leaves (indica) or taller with thin leaves (sativa), but it’s not super relevant in terms of consumer guidance.

So where did these terms come from anyway? They can be traced back to the 18th century, around the time the plant was first classified as Cannabis sativa and a French biologist named Jean Baptiste Lamarck coined the term C indica to distinguish specimens collected in India. The classification wasn’t related to the effects of consuming that particular variety of cannabis. 

This was largely confirmed more recently when modern technology enabled scientists to study both indica and sativa cannabis samples on the molecular level. What they found is that there were no pattern differences between sativas and indicas to set them apart from one another. In short: Relying on the old cannabis standby of indicas being a sedative that will land you “in da couch” and “viva sativa” producing a stimulating experience, isn’t a great way to approach cannabis shopping. 

The truth is that some sativas can make you feel sleepy and some indicas have energizing, invigorating properties. That’s why Veritas gives consumers the chance to browse our inventory by desired experience.

While we also give a nod to the traditional sativa / indica / hybrid categories for those newer to the scene, in our eyes, more information is better. That’s why we’re constantly building out our database of cannabinoid and terpene profiles for the dozens of strains in our rotation.

Find Cannabis Strains Based on Effects

Ready to try it for yourself? Visit the Veritas Interactive Strain Guide online and select “Experience” from our strain wheel to see our available flower for over 10 distinct states of mind such as Euphoric, Focus, Energetic, Calming and Relief. From there, you simply need to decide whether you’re in the mood for a pre-roll or pre-packed flower to see all the best options we have on tap for your desired experience. 

How do we categorize our strains? By using each strain’s unique cannabinoid and terpene profile to distinguish its featured properties. As the legal cannabis industry continues to evolve and mature, we expect a given strain’s cannabinoid and terpene profile to overtake sativa / indica / hybrid categorizing as the new gold standard for connecting consumers with the strain that’s perfect for their needs. 

In the meantime, we’re happy to be ahead of the curve in the service of making sure that your next cannabis experience meets (and exceeds) expectations.

Check out the Veritas Strain Library for current availability and pick up something tasty today.

From soothing our coffee jitters to canceling each other out, here’s what research reveals about consuming caffeine and cannabis together.

For many of us, the morning doesn’t really begin until we’ve had a hot cup of coffee or tea. That’s because the core ingredient in our daily morning elixir of choice is also the most widely consumed psychoactive substance in the world: caffeine. 

Sure, caffeine may seem benign (just try counting the number of Starbucks you encounter while heading into the mountains for a hike, or tallying how many restaurants around you offer caffeinated sodas) but society’s acceptance and approval of daily caffeine use doesn’t change the fact that it is, by definition, a mind-altering substance.

Given this distinction, it’s fair to wonder about the results that come from mixing caffeine with cannabis. Be it in the form of a wake-and-bake session chased by a cappuccino, or perhaps a late-afternoon pairing of an energy drink and a blunt, scientific research suggests some rather fascinating things can happen when the human body gets a dose of cannabis and caffeine in tandem.

A Potential Key to a Longer Cannabis Buzz

For starters, did you know that ingesting low levels of caffeine has the potential to prolong your cannabis high? 

To reach this conclusion, a study published in 2011 utilized a subject pool of monkeys that were first given a small dose of anandamide (a substance that affects the same neural receptors as caffeine) and then allowed to self-administer cannabis as they desired. In addition to providing an incredible visual image, this experiment found that the monkeys’ interest in cannabis correlated to the amount of anandamide they’d be given. Less anandamide led to less cannabis, while more caffeine increased their desire for THC.

It’s possible to interpret the results of this study as an indication that a low level of caffeine can serve to complement or extend the effects of cannabis, while higher doses may potentially negate them. 

Further evidence of this hypothesis was provided courtesy of a 2018 study that found that the level of neurotransmitters in a human’s endocannabinoid system decreased when subjects drank between four and eight cups of coffee per day. Given cannabis and the effects we experience from consuming it are directly linked to the endocannabinoid system, it’s fair to suggest that having too much caffeine has the potential of dampening or outright stifling the effects of cannabis.

Conversely, there is also research focused on the ways in which cannabis and caffeine may potentially complement one another when taken together. For example, there’s a 2017 study that found that both substances increase production of dopamine in our brains. Dopamine is a hormone we often associate with a feeling of euphoria, and while caffeine or cannabis in isolation are each capable of giving us a euphoric boost, the two combined have the potential to magnify the effect.

Toning Down Caffeine Jitters

There are also the ways in which cannabis has the potential to reduce what we commonly refer to as caffeine jitters. Often the result of gulping down a large cold brew or otherwise ingesting a large quantity of caffeine in a short period of time, most of us have experienced the unpleasant sensation of being overcaffeinated at one time or another. 

Well, according to a 2020 study that involved giving mice both caffeine and cocaine (for real), locomotor sensitivity in the rodents was reduced following administration of a dose of cannabidiol (CBD). 

While it would be somewhat of a leap to substitute CBD for full-spectrum cannabis in postulating that pot has the potential to alleviate symptoms of overcaffeination, it does make more than a little sense that cannabis could serve as a calming counterbalance to an overstimulated nervous system. If you’re looking to mellow out, Veritas has plenty of strain offerings in our relaxing Alleviate category that fit the bill. 

Ultimately, there is still much research to be done when it comes to how cannabis and caffeine interact in the human body. Until then, a cautious, less-is-more approach is worth exploring when it comes to mixing two of our species’ favorite psychoactive substances together.

From the tart delights of Cherry Diesel to the wake-and-bake boost of White 99, here are the best Veritas strains for next-level productivity.

These days, it seems like all of us could use a little extra pep in our step. Whether it’s trying to overcome a bad night’s sleep, getting charged for the busy day ahead, or simply a little burst of energy to stay on track, cannabis can be a wonderful tool for staying productive and getting stuff done. 

Just as there are strains ideal for restful slumber, some zone-out time on the trail and any number of other desired experiences, there are strains that are ideal for getting high while staying active and engaged. Here at Veritas, we’ve got a great selection of flower that is perfect when you want to get shit done. And since we have over 90 strains in our library, there’s always something different to try—here’s the current drop. 

Without further ado, here’s the inside story on a few of our favorite strains for staying productive while feeling great.

Cherry Diesel

We like to say that this strain from Veritas pairs well with a monster truck rally, but the truth is this tasty sativa cross of Cherry OG x Turbo Diesel can best be described as your ticket to a good time. With a cherry-forward flavor that gives way to undertones of sweet diesel, Cherry Diesel also delivers an uplifting, energetic high capable of kicking your next study session or board game night into a gear of blissful efficiency. 

Headband Kush

Is there anything better for clearing one’s head than a night spent out amongst the stars? If you don’t have your next camping date on the calendar yet, you always count on our Headband Kush to transport you to a crackling fire and a handful of s’mores. Great for relaxing but still being in the moment, Headband Kush is a sativa hybrid cross of Headband x OG. With a storied genetic lineage, this strain has become a fast favorite for occasions that call for some cerebral concentration as well as a generous helping of THC.

White 99

While it may not have the same immediate punch as a caffeinated beverage, there’s something energizing about drinking a fresh glass of orange juice in the morning. Citrus can awaken your senses up in a hurry, which is why we’re huge fans of our sativa hybrid White 99 when it comes to strains that will keep you productive and engaged. Featuring a cross between Cinderella 99 x The White, White 99 brings those “fresh OJ first thing” vibes with a taste that combines the best of tart oranges with notes of lemon and kush. Kick your morning routine into gear by waking up with this tried-and-true winner.

Pineapple Blast

With Pineapple Blast, it can feel like the sun never sets. That’s because this invigorating sativa strain brings with it a high that will have you feeling creative, stimulated and captivated. A cross of Tangie x Pineapple Thai, Pineapple Blast isn’t just a party for your mind, but also your tastebuds. It can honestly be tough to keep your hits at a reasonable size thanks to this strain’s deliciously sweet, citrusy tropical flavors. Great for a boost of brain energy and a worthy substitute if your supply of Froot Loops is running low, Pineapple Blast is a Veritas strain that more than lives up to its name.

Get It Right Now: Here’s an always-current listing of fresh drops and current strain availability   

This holiday season, take a more sustainable approach to your disposal of your pumpkins once they have flattened out.

We are in the full swing of Fall in Colorado and pumpkin carving season is here! The act of carving a pumpkin and setting it outside is something that brings people joy, no matter the age. But where do these pumpkins go after Halloween? According to Waste Dive, 1 billion pounds of pumpkins end up in the landfill each year. When tossed in the trash, pumpkins release methane into the atmosphere and contribute to our greenhouse gas emissions. While they are wonderful sitting on our front step, they are unfortunately wreaking havoc in our landfills. How can we divert these pumpkins from being tossed in the trash?

The most popular ways to properly dispose of your pumpkins is to toss them into your backyard, at home compost or city compost bin. The pumpkins will be eaten by the natural wildlife or decompose into the soil. When disposed of in your city compost bin, it is sent to a facility to be made into compost. Pumpkins consist of 90% water and are filled with nutrients that are super beneficial for our ecosystem!

If you don’t have a yard or compost bin, Denver Recycles will accept pumpkins at their seasonal LeafDrop program. This program is put on every year to encourage Denver residents to drop off their leaves and pumpkins to be turned into compost. The compost is then available in May for residents to purchase at a discount price for their gardens. This program eliminates the number of pumpkins and leaves that end up in the landfill each fall. The LeafDrop program takes place at a few different locations around Denver. Visit Denver’s LeafDrop page to find a location near you!

https://www.wastedive.com/news/oh-my-gourd-13b-pounds-of-pumpkins-reach-landfills-every-year/408341/

From recycling to reducing CO2 emissions, Elizabeth Lee is helping Veritas lead the way in showcasing what a sustainable cannabis company can achieve.

Keeping our planet healthy is a responsibility we all share and we are already late to take action. With no time to waste, Veritas is proud to be leading the charge on a number of important sustainability initiatives. For us, being all about green doesn’t only mean providing world-class cannabis to consumers—it means being a force for good when it comes to the environment.

As part of this mission, Veritas recently promoted Elizabeth Lee to be our Environmental Health & Safety Manager. Inspired by our ongoing “Veritas Talks” series, Elizabeth is guiding us toward more sustainable, planet-friendly practices in all aspects of our work. 

Here, she shares her thoughts on working in the cannabis industry and what it means to lead the charge towards a brighter, more environmentally-minded future, from putting in place a recycling initiative for Veritas’ glass jars, to continuing to shrink the company’s carbon footprint: 

Can you tell us more about your background?

I graduated from American University with a degree in environmental studies. I moved to Colorado in 2018. After I obtained my MED badge (aka Colorado cannabis employee license), I began working at dispensaries. I started working at Veritas as Packaging Lead in March 2020 and now I’m just starting in my new role as Environmental Health & Safety Manager.

How did your new role with Veritas come about?

At Veritas, we have sessions where employees gather to talk about the company. Through these “Veritas Talks” conversations, we saw that there was interest in the sustainability aspect of the cannabis industry. We talked about a desire to incorporate corporate social responsibility (CSR) into cannabis, which led to doing a few things around the building and encouraged recycling efforts. Eventually, it reached a point where this focus ultimately flourished into a full position.

Can you tell us more about how “Veritas Talks” works?

“Veritas Talks” are fairly new. They started earlier in 2021 and they consist of everyone getting together to talk every two or three weeks. When we meet, there are one to two members from each department and we go over what’s happening at the company—good and bad—as well as where we can improve. 

Veritas co-founder Mike Leibowitz came up with the idea in an effort to ensure we are able to maintain company culture as our team expands.  We now have 4 facilities in Denver, with over 130 employees spread across them.  Getting the team together to talk is one of the ways we work to keep in touch and identify opportunities.

Each meeting brings different people to the table, which ensures that we hear different perspectives from all of our employees. We also have food afterwards and it’s just a great chance to hang out and get to know each other.

Colorado life: Best sunset hikes in the Denver area

What are the responsibilities of this position?

My role at Veritas is to create and maintain an environmental health and safety program, as well as to stay on top of certain regulations, such as OSHA. I will also be leading the charge with sustainability initiatives, like lowering our energy consumption and updating our packaging to be even more eco-friendly.

What inspired you to take on this new role?

I’ve worked at Veritas for a year now and have experienced things from the inside out. As a result, I’ve seen how our different teams experience everything. I don’t see myself ever leaving Veritas! It’s really nice to be at the forefront of sustainability in cannabis and to be able to help guide the company.

Cool cannabis jobs: A Veritas head grower shares the inside story on cannabis cultivation 

Are there any specific projects you’re passionate about at the moment?

CO2 consumption is an issue, currently, and I would like to find an alternative. Other than that, I’m listening to everyone to find out what they want to address and I’ll go from there.

What do you hope to achieve through this new position at Veritas?

Our goal is to minimize as much waste as possible! The less trash we put out in the world, the better. Along with that, we want to focus on CO2 recycling through working with our partner, Oskar Blues Brewery. We want to be leaders in the cannabis sustainability space and beyond. We want people to look at what we’re doing and follow our footsteps in order to better our environment.
Check out the Veritas blog to learn more about all things cannabis

To work in the Cannabis industry, you must obtain an Employee License issued by the Marijuana Enforcement Division

https://www.colorado.gov/pacific/enforcement/med-employee-license-page

Before You Apply, be aware that applying for or holding a MED Employee License and working within the Colorado Regulated Marijuana Space may have adverse Federal Immigration consequences.

In order to work within Colorado’s Regulated Marijuana Industry, you must first apply and be approved for a MED Employee License.  The Employee License and the application fee will be $100.00. 

Prior to Submission – DON’T FORGET: 

• Application: Submit a completed MED Employee License Application, including all necessary supporting documentation.  Please download the application and review it carefully to ensure you are eligible to hold this type of MED license.
• Identification: Your submission must include a copy of your Colorado driver license or Colorado ID Card.
• Fingerprints: You must have your fingerprints taken prior to submitting your application. During this time, the MED will not be offering in-office fingerprint services. Applicants may have fingerprints taken using a third-party vendor. When submitting your application, please include a copy of your receipt showing you completed your fingerprints by visiting one of the following providers:
  • ​IndentoGo (Service Code 25YGBJ)
  • Colorado Fingerprinting (Service Code 9500MAJI)
  • Please see the MED Third-Party Fingerprint Providers page for more information.
• Payment: The MED cannot complete the intake of your application without your payment of the Employee License Application Fee of $100.00.
  • ​Please include a check, money order or credit card authorization with your application submission. NO CASH will be accepted.
  • To accommodate email submissions, the MED is also offering an online payment option available via the Colorado Interactive Payment System. For applicants using this online payment option, a MED staff member will contact you via email with a link to submit your payment.
  • PLEASE NOTE: inaccurate payment may delay the issuance of your license. Full and proper payment is required, so please double check your payment before submitting it! For a summary of fees, please see our MED Fee Schedule.

You may either Mail or Email your application to one of the following MED offices – please email your application to only one of the locations below – multiple submissions will slow the processing of your application:

Lakewood Office – 1707 Cole Blvd. #300. Lakewood, CO 80401

Colorado Springs Office – 1030 S Academy Blvd., Colorado Springs, CO 80910

Grand Junction Office – 632 Market St. Suite 63, Grand Junction, CO 81505

Longmont Office – 275 Main St. #101, Longmont, CO 80501

Once you’ve submitted your application, here is what’s next:

• If you pass your background check your badge will be mailed to the mailing address you provided on your application. 
• If we need more information you will be notified and given a period of time within which to provide us with the requested information. 
• If you fail your background check you will be notified and advised what steps you can take to become eligible for licensure. 

Want to learn more about growing cannabis for a living? We spoke with one of our resident experts about cannabis cultivation jobs in Colorado and beyond.

It all starts in the garden with some of the best, most passionate cannabis growers in the game. Far from being a simple matter of sticking seeds in soil and adding water, cannabis cultivation is a complex profession. Fortunately, we’re in good hands with expert cultivators like Andrew Mahon.

With over a decade of experience in the industry, Mahon—who is actually Veritas’ first official employee—currently oversees three of our facilities located across the Denver metro area in his role as head grower. Bringing a background in plant and soil science to his work, he shared that his lifelong affinity for plants made the choice to pursue a career in cannabis cultivation “a natural fit.”

For anyone who’s curious about what it’s like to work with thousands of cannabis plants every day, Mahon has some stories to tell: 

How did you get into this profession? Did you have a mentor?

I learned a lot from several close friends. All of us would experiment through trial and error, then touch base on what did or didn’t work. By and large, we were self-taught through that process.

What’s a typical “day in the life” at your job?

Rarely are my days the same—the priority is maintaining the correct environment in our rooms so that the plants can thrive. I try my best to work alongside the other employees to share my experience and monitor how the facilities are performing. By helping out with the daily tasks necessary to garden operations, like transplanting, staking and manicuring the plants, I can keep a closer eye on the overall health of the garden and aspects like plant health and pest pressure.

How does your growth cycle work? When do you start growing a new harvest?

That’s a pretty complicated question. At one facility, we’re harvesting every three days. At another facility, it’s roughly every four days. We try to minimize downtime in our rooms, so a room will be reloaded and flowering again only 36 hours after a harvest. To achieve this, we have a master planting schedule. The goal there is to try to ensure plants are ready to flower once a room is harvested while still accounting for the fact that we are dealing with living plants that don’t care that we have a schedule to stay on.

What do you enjoy most about growing premium cannabis flower for Veritas?

I enjoy the challenge of bringing the quality of a small boutique grow to a commercial scale with over 120 full-time employees. Growing cannabis indoors on a commercial scale is complicated. There is no set way of accomplishing that task. Every grow has their own unique methods, and I enjoy fine-tuning our method to achieve the highest quality possible on the largest possible scale.  

What would you say is the most important part of your job? 

Training new employees. We all come to the table with different experiences, so it’s of the utmost importance that we embrace everyone’s background, while at the same time adhering to general techniques and best practices. Especially now that we have grown to become several different facilities, it’s all the more important that the training is consistent to ensure the quality remains the same.

Working with cannabis, it’s easy to nerd out on any number of different facets of the plant. Is there a specific area of focus that particularly appeals to you?

I like helping to manage the rotation of strains at Veritas. We have nearly 130 genetics in rotation at the moment, so it’s fun to balance things. That way, customers can always find something fresh on the Veritas strain menu, whether that be something that is brand new or something they know but haven’t seen in several months.

More Cannabis Careers: Meet the Artist Behind Our Psychedelic-Inspired Veritas Cannabis T-Shirts and Apparel 

Which strains are your favorite to grow and why? 

Anything new. It’s fun learning about new Veritas strains and watching them develop as you try different techniques. We’ve recently taken in some Forbidden Melonz and Apple Fritter that have been fun to play with.

Who goes into ensuring the cannabis you grow is the best possible quality?

Being as hands-on as possible. The only way to ensure quality is to make sure we are constantly monitoring the plants throughout their life cycle, so that we can identify any issues ASAP. We’ve designed our facilities so that we grow in small rooms, which allows us to inspect our garden daily with much more scrutiny than if we had one large open space where things could slip through the cracks.

What would you say is the biggest accomplishment you’ve had as a grower? Conversely, what would you consider to be your biggest failure as a grower?

I think my biggest accomplishment would be starting at Veritas as the first employee and growing our operations to where we now have over 120 full-time employees. As for failures, I killed the very first flower room that was planted at Veritas. We took over a grow from a failed company and I made the mistake of trusting the existing infrastructure they installed, which led to the loss of the first room I ever planted. That made me realize that if I wanted to succeed at the commercial level, I needed to analyze every step of the process and ensure no detail was overlooked.

Do you have any advice for those who might want to get into growing as a career?

At the moment, there is no standardized way to grow cannabis. As a result, you have to be willing to critique everything you do to see if there is a better way to accomplish the task at hand. Just keep in mind that we’re still developing the best way to succeed in this industry, so keep learning and evaluating as you go, and you’ll succeed no matter where you are.
Interested in Colorado cannabis jobs? Check out our Careers page.

It all starts in the garden with some of the best, most passionate cannabis growers in the game. Far from being a simple matter of sticking seeds in soil and adding water, cannabis cultivation is a complex profession. Fortunately, we’re in good hands with expert cultivators like Andrew Mahon.

With over a decade of experience in the industry, Mahon—who is actually Veritas’ first official employee—currently oversees three of our facilities located across the Denver metro area in his role as head grower. Bringing a background in plant and soil science to his work, he shared that his lifelong affinity for plants made the choice to pursue a career in cannabis cultivation “a natural fit.”

For anyone who’s curious about what it’s like to work with thousands of cannabis plants every day, Mahon has some stories to tell: 

How did you get into this profession? Did you have a mentor?

I learned a lot from several close friends. All of us would experiment through trial and error, then touch base on what did or didn’t work. By and large, we were self-taught through that process.

What’s a typical “day in the life” at your job?

Rarely are my days the same—the priority is maintaining the correct environment in our rooms so that the plants can thrive. I try my best to work alongside the other employees to share my experience and monitor how the facilities are performing. By helping out with the daily tasks necessary to garden operations, like transplanting, staking and manicuring the plants, I can keep a closer eye on the overall health of the garden and aspects like plant health and pest pressure.

How does your growth cycle work? When do you start growing a new harvest?

That’s a pretty complicated question. At one facility, we’re harvesting every three days. At another facility, it’s roughly every four days. We try to minimize downtime in our rooms, so a room will be reloaded and flowering again only 36 hours after a harvest. To achieve this, we have a master planting schedule. The goal there is to try to ensure plants are ready to flower once a room is harvested while still accounting for the fact that we are dealing with living plants that don’t care that we have a schedule to stay on.

What do you enjoy most about growing premium cannabis flower for Veritas?

I enjoy the challenge of bringing the quality of a small boutique grow to a commercial scale with over 120 full-time employees. Growing cannabis indoors on a commercial scale is complicated. There is no set way of accomplishing that task. Every grow has their own unique methods, and I enjoy fine-tuning our method to achieve the highest quality possible on the largest possible scale.  

What would you say is the most important part of your job? 

Training new employees. We all come to the table with different experiences, so it’s of the utmost importance that we embrace everyone’s background, while at the same time adhering to general techniques and best practices. Especially now that we have grown to become several different facilities, it’s all the more important that the training is consistent to ensure the quality remains the same.

Working with cannabis, it’s easy to nerd out on any number of different facets of the plant. Is there a specific area of focus that particularly appeals to you?

I like helping to manage the rotation of strains at Veritas. We have nearly 130 genetics in rotation at the moment, so it’s fun to balance things. That way, customers can always find something fresh on the Veritas strain menu, whether that be something that is brand new or something they know but haven’t seen in several months.

More Cannabis Careers: Meet the Artist Behind Our Psychedelic-Inspired Veritas Cannabis T-Shirts and Apparel 

Which strains are your favorite to grow and why? 

Anything new. It’s fun learning about new Veritas strains and watching them develop as you try different techniques. We’ve recently taken in some Forbidden Melonz and Apple Fritter that have been fun to play with.

Who goes into ensuring the cannabis you grow is the best possible quality?

Being as hands-on as possible. The only way to ensure quality is to make sure we are constantly monitoring the plants throughout their life cycle, so that we can identify any issues ASAP. We’ve designed our facilities so that we grow in small rooms, which allows us to inspect our garden daily with much more scrutiny than if we had one large open space where things could slip through the cracks.

What would you say is the biggest accomplishment you’ve had as a grower? Conversely, what would you consider to be your biggest failure as a grower?

I think my biggest accomplishment would be starting at Veritas as the first employee and growing our operations to where we now have over 120 full-time employees. As for failures, I killed the very first flower room that was planted at Veritas. We took over a grow from a failed company and I made the mistake of trusting the existing infrastructure they installed, which led to the loss of the first room I ever planted. That made me realize that if I wanted to succeed at the commercial level, I needed to analyze every step of the process and ensure no detail was overlooked.

Do you have any advice for those who might want to get into growing as a career?

At the moment, there is no standardized way to grow cannabis. As a result, you have to be willing to critique everything you do to see if there is a better way to accomplish the task at hand. Just keep in mind that we’re still developing the best way to succeed in this industry, so keep learning and evaluating as you go, and you’ll succeed no matter where you are.
Interested in Colorado cannabis jobs? Check out our Careers page.

There’s nothing quite like the feeling of opening a fresh jar of perfectly cured cannabis flower. From the smells of the terpenes, to the sights of glistening trichome crystals and the strain’s hues, to the entourage of effects that are yet to come, our aim is to make every Veritas purchase an experience for the senses. 

It all starts in the garden with some of the best, most passionate cannabis growers in the game. Far from being a simple matter of sticking seeds in soil and adding water, cannabis cultivation is a complex profession. Fortunately, we’re in good hands with expert cultivators like Andrew Mahon.

With over a decade of experience in the industry, Mahon—who is actually Veritas’ first official employee—currently oversees three of our facilities located across the Denver metro area in his role as head grower. Bringing a background in plant and soil science to his work, he shared that his lifelong affinity for plants made the choice to pursue a career in cannabis cultivation “a natural fit.”

For anyone who’s curious about what it’s like to work with thousands of cannabis plants every day, Mahon has some stories to tell: 

How did you get into this profession? Did you have a mentor?

I learned a lot from several close friends. All of us would experiment through trial and error, then touch base on what did or didn’t work. By and large, we were self-taught through that process.

What’s a typical “day in the life” at your job?

Rarely are my days the same—the priority is maintaining the correct environment in our rooms so that the plants can thrive. I try my best to work alongside the other employees to share my experience and monitor how the facilities are performing. By helping out with the daily tasks necessary to garden operations, like transplanting, staking and manicuring the plants, I can keep a closer eye on the overall health of the garden and aspects like plant health and pest pressure.

How does your growth cycle work? When do you start growing a new harvest?

That’s a pretty complicated question. At one facility, we’re harvesting every three days. At another facility, it’s roughly every four days. We try to minimize downtime in our rooms, so a room will be reloaded and flowering again only 36 hours after a harvest. To achieve this, we have a master planting schedule. The goal there is to try to ensure plants are ready to flower once a room is harvested while still accounting for the fact that we are dealing with living plants that don’t care that we have a schedule to stay on.

What do you enjoy most about growing premium cannabis flower for Veritas?

I enjoy the challenge of bringing the quality of a small boutique grow to a commercial scale with over 120 full-time employees. Growing cannabis indoors on a commercial scale is complicated. There is no set way of accomplishing that task. Every grow has their own unique methods, and I enjoy fine-tuning our method to achieve the highest quality possible on the largest possible scale.  

What would you say is the most important part of your job? 

Training new employees. We all come to the table with different experiences, so it’s of the utmost importance that we embrace everyone’s background, while at the same time adhering to general techniques and best practices. Especially now that we have grown to become several different facilities, it’s all the more important that the training is consistent to ensure the quality remains the same.

Working with cannabis, it’s easy to nerd out on any number of different facets of the plant. Is there a specific area of focus that particularly appeals to you?

I like helping to manage the rotation of strains at Veritas. We have nearly 130 genetics in rotation at the moment, so it’s fun to balance things. That way, customers can always find something fresh on the Veritas strain menu, whether that be something that is brand new or something they know but haven’t seen in several months.

More Cannabis Careers: Meet the Artist Behind Our Psychedelic-Inspired Veritas Cannabis T-Shirts and Apparel 

Which strains are your favorite to grow and why? 

Anything new. It’s fun learning about new Veritas strains and watching them develop as you try different techniques. We’ve recently taken in some Forbidden Melonz and Apple Fritter that have been fun to play with.

Who goes into ensuring the cannabis you grow is the best possible quality?

Being as hands-on as possible. The only way to ensure quality is to make sure we are constantly monitoring the plants throughout their life cycle, so that we can identify any issues ASAP. We’ve designed our facilities so that we grow in small rooms, which allows us to inspect our garden daily with much more scrutiny than if we had one large open space where things could slip through the cracks.

What would you say is the biggest accomplishment you’ve had as a grower? Conversely, what would you consider to be your biggest failure as a grower?

I think my biggest accomplishment would be starting at Veritas as the first employee and growing our operations to where we now have over 120 full-time employees. As for failures, I killed the very first flower room that was planted at Veritas. We took over a grow from a failed company and I made the mistake of trusting the existing infrastructure they installed, which led to the loss of the first room I ever planted. That made me realize that if I wanted to succeed at the commercial level, I needed to analyze every step of the process and ensure no detail was overlooked.

Do you have any advice for those who might want to get into growing as a career?

At the moment, there is no standardized way to grow cannabis. As a result, you have to be willing to critique everything you do to see if there is a better way to accomplish the task at hand. Just keep in mind that we’re still developing the best way to succeed in this industry, so keep learning and evaluating as you go, and you’ll succeed no matter where you are.
Interested in Colorado cannabis jobs? Check out our Careers page.