Cannabis vs Alcohol: The Ever-Shifting SOP Landscape

In our global community of regulated substances, alcohol production sets the standard of consistency—think of it in music terms. Alcohol is like jazz, where the notes are familiar and the rhythm steady. There's tons of improvisation but any true musician can jump in and find a lane. The alcohol industry is a symphony of time-tested global traditions, seasonal novelties and local microbrews. Cannabis cultivation, on the other hand, resembles a Top 40 mixtape that evolves weekly, demanding adaptability and innovation from its producers. The newest hype strains can fall off the charts before next season, leaving cannabis producers in their proverbial studio looking for the next viral beat.

Tradition vs. Innovation

Alcohol thrives on tradition. Even modern branded recipes like Bud Light have maintained consistent recipes for decades, offering consumers a reliable experience. The production processes are well-established, with standard operating procedures (SOPs) that rarely change.

Cannabis, conversely, is in a constant state of flux. New strains, flavors, and consumption methods emerge regularly, driven by consumer demand for novelty and variety. This rapid evolution requires cultivators to frequently adjust their SOPs to accommodate new genetics and market trends.

The Challenge of Dynamic SOPs

Each new cannabis strain introduces unique variables—different lighting needs, nutrient requirements, pest resistances, and flowering times. These differences necessitate continual adjustments to cultivation practices and staff training, making consistency a moving target.

Not to mention, the high turnover of strains complicates scalability. Facilities must balance the desire for innovation with the need for standardized processes, often leading to operational stress and increased costs.

Consumer-Driven Change

Cannabis consumers are trend-driven, seeking out the latest strains and products. This contrasts with alcohol consumers, who often exhibit brand loyalty and prefer consistency. The cannabis market’s demand for constant innovation places additional pressure on producers to adapt quickly.

Navigating the Future

To succeed in this dynamic environment, cannabis producers must develop flexible SOPs that can accommodate rapid changes. Embracing technology, investing in staff training, and fostering a culture of adaptability are key strategies for staying ahead.

So, while alcohol production may be likened to a timeless jazz standard, cannabis cultivation is the ever-changing Top 40 chart mixtape—requiring producers to stay in tune with the latest trends and ready to remix their approach at a moment’s notice.

Cannabis has the potential to meet and exceed the same market consistency standards as the alcohol industry. The ability to import and export across state lines what cannabis brands need to be wildly successful. Producing new products in every single state makes it impossible to maintain consistency for any brand, whether it's flower, vapes or edibles.