Cannabis Control Commission Launches Two New Responsible Vendor Training Curricula

Entities and individuals can now apply to provide state-certified training to cannabis business employees focused on delivery-specific skills and other industry specializations

WORCESTER—The Cannabis Control Commission (Commission) has launched two new Responsible Vendor Training (RVT) curricula for cannabis business employees in Massachusetts. Applications are now open for entities and individuals to become certified Responsible Vendor Trainers to deliver the agency’s mandatory Delivery Core Curriculum and optional Advanced Core Curriculum to Registered Agents of adult-use Marijuana Establishments (MEs) and Medical Marijuana Treatment Centers (MTCs).

“The Commission is excited to present these new curricula to ensure the safety of agents and the public,” said Commission Chair Shannon O’Brien. “These trainings will expand upon current training offerings that equip Agents with the knowledge and expertise to provide thoughtful, high-quality service to patients and consumers in our state.”

All Agents who are involved in the handling and sale of cannabis and cannabis products are required to complete RVT annually. The Commission’s current Basic Core Curriculum is mandatory and covers topics such as different products and consumption methods; procedures to prevent overserving customers; techniques to mitigate the risks of an impaired consumer; and ensuring the safety of patrons and the public. The Advanced Core Curriculum is optional for ME and MTC Agents and will build on the knowledge, skills, and practices that are covered in the Basic Core Curriculum. By taking the Advanced Core Curriculum, Agents will be able to specialize in areas such as cultivation, product manufacturing, social equity, and more. The Commission will also allow for additional areas to be taught once approval is granted to the provider.

In addition to completing the Basic Core Curriculum, all Agents acting as ME or MTC delivery employees will be required to complete the Delivery Core Curriculum once it becomes available to ensure compliance with existing Commission regulations. Trainings will include how to safely conduct deliveries; safe cash handling practices; strategies for de-escalating potentially dangerous situations; securing product following diversion, theft or loss; collecting and communicating information to assist in investigations; procedures for checking identification; and indications of impairment.

RVT programs are operated by providers that are certified by the Commission to provide a minimum of four hours of required training to Agents annually. This is in addition to any training that employers may provide, as the Commission requires Agents to go through at least eight hours of training. RVT courses are taught in a real-time, interactive, virtual or in-person classroom setting. Providers are required to operate independently of licensees; no employee or owner may be a person or entity having direct or indirect ownership or control of a ME or MTC. Those interested in becoming a certified Responsible Vendor Trainer can apply via the Massachusetts Cannabis Industry Portal (MassCIP).

Additional information is available by visiting MassCannabisControl.com, by contacting the Commission by phone (774-415-0200) or email (Licensing@CCCMass.com), or following the agency on Facebook and Twitter.

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