MariMed, one of the nation’s leading multi-state cannabis operators, began in the medical cannabis market and expanded into adult-use as states legalized. Through this growth, the company has remained true to its “medical-first” approach, ensuring that product quality, safety, and consistency remain at the core of its operations.

Under the leadership of Chief Commercial Officer Ryan Crandall, MariMed is taking deliberate steps toward pharmaceutical-grade production by beginning the transition to GMP-certified facilities—starting in Maryland. This transformation includes upgraded equipment, rigorous process controls, and staff training designed to elevate standards and align with the next phase of growth for the cannabis industry.

While GMP certification is still in progress and not yet universal across all locations, the initiative highlights MariMed’s commitment to raising the bar for consumer safety and positioning the company as a leader in the industry.

Building Toward a GMP-Certified Future

While many operators are focused on the booming adult-use market, MariMed stays true to its medical foundation that shapes everything from product development to facility standards. As Ryan Crandall explains, the strength of medical programs varies widely by state and is often influenced by tax structures and product regulations. In Illinois, for example, high adult-use taxes motivate consumers to maintain their medical cards, while in Delaware, identical dosing limits across markets have diminished the medical program’s value.

Crandall believes it’s up to both regulators and operators to keep the medical programs viable and meaningful. “Our company wants to see medical thrive,” he says. “We want to see adult use thrive as well, but medical is a core piece of our business.”

Maryland now requires facilities producing high-dose edibles to be CGMP-certified, a benchmark that mirrors FDA standards and opens the door to greater innovation. MariMed invested a year into achieving certification, upgrading its kitchens, training staff, and rewriting standard operating procedures to align with GMP protocols, and paving the way for other facility upgrades. According to Crandall, it’s a stronger, safer production system that benefits both medical and adult-use customers.

Although Maryland is currently the only state mandating GMP certification, MariMed is proactively implementing those standards across its multi-state footprint. Crandall notes that the challenge isn’t so much financial as organizational, requiring disciplined documentation, process control, and continuous audits. “It’s really about process, people, and equipment,” he explains. “Once you’re set up, it’s about maintaining and improving.”

MariMed’s early commitment to GMP compliance places it among a growing class of forward-thinking MSOs raising the bar on product safety and consistency. Yet, full GMP certification across other U.S. operations isn’t at the top of the priority list as businesses struggle to gain footing in an emerging industry with patchwork regulations.

As the cannabis industry edges closer to mainstream retail, with hemp-derived beverages now appearing on mass-market shelves like Target and Circle K, Crandall says GMP and safety certifications will soon be non-negotiable. MariMed’s early investment in these standards positions the company to meet those expectations and demonstrates forward thinking.

Premium Products are at the Core of R&D

MariMed produces its full-spectrum oil (never distillate) by blending multiple cannabis strains from its Nature’s Heritage cultivation program to curate a diverse range of cannabinoids and terpenes to bolster the entourage effect.

Each formulation starts with this blended-strain foundation and then incorporates minor cannabinoids, such as THCV, CBN, CBD, and CBG, based on the desired outcomes. For example, Go Betty Go gummies feature THCV (trending cannabinoid) for its energizing and appetite-suppressing properties, while Bedtime Betty’s combines THC with CBN and CBD to support relaxation and sleep.

The company recently stepped into the functional mushroom trend, launching a vegan pressed tablet line that pairs cannabinoids with adaptogenic mushrooms, a growing category merging cannabis with nutraceutical ingredients. Crandall emphasizes the importance of in-house food scientists, who oversee formulations to ensure there are no adverse reactions between ingredients and verify accurate dosing before launch —a critical step as cannabis companies experiment with multifunctional product formats.

MariMed is also closely monitoring the hemp beverage space, building on its existing cannabis drink, Vibations, which combines hydration and recovery with low- and high-dose cannabis options. Like many, Crandall sees the huge growth potential in THC drinks. While the hemp beverage and powdered drink markets have faced legal uncertainties, the regulatory landscape has shifted over the past couple of years, making the category increasingly viable. MariMed continues to explore opportunities as this segment evolves and plans to leverage its experience in cannabis beverages to join the club.

Meeting Customers Where They Are

While MariMed’s core growth strategy centers on product development and wholesale expansion, its retail operations offer important insights into consumer needs and behaviors. According to Crandall, nearly half of MariMed’s customers place orders online before arriving at the store, suggesting the company should focus on optimizing digital menus and pre-order functionality for seamless use.

Delivery has also become an increasingly significant component of MariMed’s retail model. The company currently operates delivery services in Massachusetts and Delaware and plans to expand wherever regulations permit. Crandall says the convenience of rapid, discreet delivery — often fulfilled within 90 minutes — has driven steady adoption and even higher average order values than in-store purchases, making it an integral part of the business.

As many MSOs have exited states or scaled back operations, MariMed continues to grow. The company first announced a brand licensing agreement with TILT Holdings in Pennsylvania and recently its second with Farm 2 Hand, LLC, a New York State cannabis license holder, which will bring MariMed’s top-selling products to the New York market.

The post MariMed Is Raising The Bar For Cannabis Quality appeared first on Cannabis Industry Journal.