Cannabis Triads: How Good Things Come in Threes

From the three primary colors (RYB or RGB depending on its source and use), to the  Three Musketeers in literature, or the three branches of government, it appears that the rule of three is evident across various aspects of our daily life. This notion, that good things often come in threes, is a great way to understand, and navigate, the cannabis market and framework.

As I've written before, the legal cannabis industry is a unique and complicated reality that works in a framework of complex interactions and dependencies.However, its propensity to function through triads — groups of three elements that work in tandem to drive the sector forward — is fascinating. 

It appears that in our multidisciplinary and multifaceted ecosystem, the rule of three is then a common theme, helping to structure and drive the industry in the right direction. Whether it's the triad of cannabis classification and regulation based on its use and origin. Or the trifecta within the medical cannabis sector (patients, doctors, and pharmacies), we seem to thrive on these relationships, each element playing a crucial role in creating the right balance among themselves.

Probably one of the most basic of these groups of three, is the classification of cannabis products into three distinct categories: medical cannabis, industrial hemp, and cannabis for recreational use. Individually, each of these categories serves a different purpose and operates under different regulations, but they all contribute to the industry's overall development, general perception, and acceptance.

Recent studies show that using medical cannabis is safe for treating many health conditions like chronic pain, epilepsy, anxiety, and PTSD. Medical cannabis is heavily regulated, requiring a prescription from a doctor or other health professionals. Industrial hemp, on the other hand, is cultivated for its fiber and seeds, used in products ranging from textiles and construction materials to food and cosmetics. Personal use cannabis (as is known in most countries, such as Mexico, where we recognize the right for each person to be responsible for their consumption), or recreational cannabis, is consumed for its psychoactive effects and is subject to different regulations that often include age restrictions and usage limitations.

These three categories encapsulate basically all of cannabis plant uses and applications in our everyday lives. It’s important to note that each category supports and influences the others; for instance, advancements in medical cannabis research can lead to improved cultivation and extraction techniques for industrial hemp, while shifts in public perception of recreational use can impact regulations that will certainly affect all three sectors.

Patients, doctors, and pharmacies collectively represent the core parts of the medical cannabis field. This trio is crucial for the efficient and ethical acquisition of medical cannabis products and formulations. Patients rely on doctors to diagnose conditions and prescribe appropriate cannabis-based treatments. In turn, physicians depend on pharmacies to supply high-quality, safe, and regulated cannabis products, based on their prescription. Pharmacies act as the final link in this chain, ensuring that patients receive their proper medications in a controlled and professional manner.

Keeping the integrity of the medical cannabis industry intact depends on the interactions between these three players. Effective communication and trust among patients, doctors, and pharmacies are of the utmost importance to achieving successful treatment outcomes. Any breakdown in this triad, whether due to misinformation, lack of access, or regulatory issues, can compromise patient care and hinder the sector’s progress.

Now, regarding the recreational cannabis market, a comparable trio consists of consumers, budtenders (a hybrid between a bartender and a cannabis consumer), and dispensaries. Consumers are the end users who purchase cannabis for personal enjoyment or wellness. The cannabis specialists, or budtenders, serve as the knowledgeable intermediaries who guide consumers in selecting the right products based on their preferences and needs. The retail space where these transactions take place is provided by dispensaries, which offer a variety of cannabis products in a regulated environment.

As an additional concrete example, another significant trio in the cannabis industry comprises regulatory agencies, compliance officers, and legal advisers. This trio is essential for ensuring that cannabis businesses operate within the legal parameters, assuring not only compliance but traceability and accountability.

Regulatory agencies, such as the US FDA or Mexico’s COFEPRIS, establish the laws and guidelines that govern every aspect of the cannabis industry, from cultivation and production to distribution and sales. These regulations have been designed to ensure product safety, prevent illegal activities, and protect public health.

The implementation of these regulations is overseen by compliance officers. They ensure that the company adheres to all legal requirements, conducts regular audits, and stays updated with any changes in the law and regulations. Since they're accountable to their customers as well, their job is to maintain the company’s legal standing and avoid costly fines or shutdowns, since they're accountable to them. 

Finally, legal advisers are often lawyers who specialize in cannabis law and help people navigate the complicated regulatory landscape. They help interpret the laws, which can be incredibly technical or downright obscure. They also represent the company in legal matters and offer advice on how to handle potential challenges. Their expertise is invaluable in mitigating legal risks and ensuring that the company’s operations are always within the bounds of the law.

The fact that groups of three are common in the cannabis industry shows how closely its parts are connected. The structure and operation of our industry are dependent on these groups, as they represent the cooperative and diverse nature of the cannabis ecosystem, whose success is ultimately determined by the interdependence of its respective parts.

Understanding the prevalence of triads, as well as understanding each part, will lead to better decisions and help the industry grow. Maintaining the balance and integrity of these triads will be crucial for ensuring sustainable growth and positive outcomes for all stakeholders involved as the cannabis market continues to evolve.

Author's note: A quick note regarding one of the most “famous” triads in cannabis, which intentionally wasn’t covered in my article. I’m talking about three species of the cannabis genus: sativa, indica and ruderalis. This is an obsolete classification that is no longer in use apart from marketing purposes.