Wine has sommeliers, chocolate has chocolatiers, and now cannabis has ganjiers.

The certified ganjier program is taught by the most respected names in the field of cannabis and is modeled after the sommelier wine program. The California-based program seeks to educate and teach the finer points of cannabis and its uses, extending knowledge from plant growth to sales and every step in between.

Achieving the title of ganjier is not an easy feat. Graduation from the course includes 35 online lectures totaling more than 1,800 hours of study, two days of an in-person training program, and certification testing.

Only 320 people worldwide hold the certified ganjier title, with just a small handful here in Michigan.

Courtesy Photo Andreas Hantzis poses outside in California, where he became a certified ganjier, in this undated photo provided by Hantzis.

Currently, 41 states allow the selling of medical marijuana, while 23 of those also allow recreational sales. The purchasing of marijuana and marijuana products is expanding nationwide. As more consumers become cannabis-curious, more questions need to be answered. The ganjier program is designed to provide that knowledge to the consumer.

“Education is the key to breaking the stigmatism and allowing the community to understand and partake in the many benefits of cannabis,” Hantzis said.

Today’s marijuana is more than just smoking a joint. There are topical CBD lotions, edibles, tincture oils, and more, each providing its own benefit.

Many older people are choosing cannabis as an alternative form of medicine to help with aging health issues, including pain management and insomnia.

“They have been told all their lives that it was the devil’s lettuce, but cannabis has many medicinal and therapeutic qualities finally being recognized,” Hantzis said. “Scientists are discovering how the different molecules in cannabis react to our bodies. Years ago, you never knew what was in the marijuana you were smoking. Today, with the safety and compliance of cannabis in place, it is tested and a clean product. The stereotypical stoner types are a thing of the past. That tide has turned.”

Courtesy Photo Andreas Hantzis poses with his ganjier certificate in this undated photo provided by Hantzis.

Courtesy Photo Andreas Hantzis works at Alpena’s Neighborhood Provisions in this undated photo provided by Hantzis.