Cannabis Sommelier Featured on ‘Today Show’

The “Today Show” on NBC last week featured cannabis sommelier Derek Gilman as part of its On the Job series. Gilman is the managing director of Ganjier and the segment also featured former National Football League running back Ricky Williams, who now goes by Eric Myron and is working with Gilman

“The main thing I’m learning is the perception of flavor, taste, aroma, smell and being able to decipher and appreciate these things.” — Myron, via the “Today Show”

Myron has his own cannabis brand called Highsman.

Gilman explained that there are three steps to becoming a cannabis sommelier: online courses, in-person training, and passing three exams. Ganjier certifies those who pass the course.

“It’s thorough, it’s rigorous,” Gilman said in an interview with “Today.” The program was put together by a panel of experts and includes the history of cannabis, botany, cultivation, and business.

“We have students and now certified ganjiers in all parts of the cannabis industry,” Gilman said in the interview. “We have people who are looking to enter the industry and are looking for a valid credential, you know, to help them in that process to CEOs of companies to directors of sales for some of the largest cannabis companies on the planet.”

Gilman added that ganjiers are a “legacy” for the industry and he hopes that they can bring “professionalism” to cannabis and bring the industry “out of the shadows.”