A conversation with Wendy Bronfein as Curio Wellness grows in Missouri
Maryland-based cannabis company Curio Wellness has built a reputation for serving the medical and therapeutic needs of cannabis consumers, and has brought its unique approach and certified quality to the Missouri marijuana market.
From building a 100,000-square-foot facility to assembling a team of like-minded cannabis professionals, Curio is thriving in the Show-Me State.
Wendy Bronfein, Curio co-founder, chief brand officer and director of public policy at Curio Wellness, recently spoke with Greenway about entering one of the fastest-growing cannabis markets.
“Curio decided to expand into Missouri due to the similarities between the state and the U.S. market. “Compared to Maryland, both are recently legalized and growing adult-use markets,” she explained. Having similar demographics and consumption patterns. After becoming a market leader Maryland saw an opportunity to further its mission of promoting health Scientifically-backed products that provide targeted relief to consumers We have not seen anything like this in the Missouri market yet. We believe cannabis is Our goal is to improve quality of life and share this belief with consumers around the world. “Missouri.”
Curio’s decision to open a facility in Maryland Heights was not only strategic but also symbolic. Bronfein said, “Opening a facility in Maryland Heights is almost coincidental, as the town was named after settlers from Maryland. We look forward to being part of the St. Louis community by creating local jobs in Maryland Heights and providing an educational experience through our products to consumers across the state.”
The facility is a testament to Curio’s commitment to quality and innovation. Bronfein outlined the facility: “The entire facility is 130,000 square feet, with 25,000 square feet being a state-of-the-art cGMP certified manufacturing facility, one of the first in Missouri.” This distinction is important to Bronfein and her team. At its core, Curio is a brand that is focused on health and respecting marijuana as a medically beneficial plant. Creating a facility and environment that requires care and respect for quality is a tenet of the process.
“The difference between Curio’s products and existing products on the market is Our products are created with a science-based approach. Our Scientific Advisory Board “SAB is a unique and central component of Curio’s product development strategy,” Bronfein explains. “It’s A team of researchers and clinicians scientifically guides Curio’s innovations We have developed cannabis-derived products. SAB members are: He holds 1,250 published papers, over 150 patents, and has developed over 80 commercial products. Drugs.”
“For example, our Goodnight tablets contain a unique patented Pulsed release technology is unique in that it delivers CBN and THC first. By taking it again 3 hours after ingestion, “I fall asleep and stay asleep,” she continued.Our Terpene Infused Chews are also a patent-pending innovation. Terpenes provide specific flavors and effects, but in most edible products Once the process has progressed, the effect is lost. Terpenes are used throughout the manufacturing process and their potency is demonstrated in lab results The label lists specific benefits such as clearing your mind and balancing your energy. The mind, body and relaxation are predictable and repeatable with every bite. YeahLooking for a bite to get you through the day or something to help stave off a cold? At the end of the day, we recommend terpene-infused chews.”
“We are a company that can be used repeatedly. Predictable results are what sets us apart.”
The Maryland Heights facility will begin production and distribution in early 2024, initially launching Curio Chews products throughout the spring to positive reviews, with new products and lines being added on a weekly basis and competition increasing as the brand expands its presence in retail spaces across the state.
To date, Curio has successfully launched edible chew products, a topical product line called MOVE, and the Good Night, Good Day and GI Comfort tablet product lines.
“At launch, Curio’s portfolio includes award-winning chew, vape and Good Night Line, Good Day Line, GI, and terpene-blended chews. Exclusive producer of Kaviar (infused pre-rolls), Flower by Edie Parker, Fuzed and. teeth We are equally excited to bring these beloved brands to Missouri.”
A brand built on the idea of positive, progressive solutions to practical problems will generate broad appeal and make Curio and its partner brands more competitive in the Missouri market.
“Our target consumers are From busy moms to baby boomers to health-conscious individuals, from patients to adults over 21 years old. We offer something for everyone, even those new to cannabis. Symptom-Based Product Line We are here to meet the needs of consumers who are struggling to find solutions Those who suffer from everyday illnesses or want to improve their health maintenance routine Through cannabis.”
Cultivation operations are expected to begin later this year at Curio’s Maryland Heights facility.
“This facility will serve as a production hub for our award-winning products and play a key role in our commitment to providing quality therapeutic cannabis solutions to consumers and patients in Missouri.”
As the brand, facilities and team grow, leadership aims to make a positive impact in the community.
“This facility will create 150 jobs in the St. Louis metropolitan area within the first year. Includes roles in cultivation, extraction, manufacturing, production, quality, etc. “We’ll help you with a number of different aspects: assurance and testing, compliance, logistics, supply chain and distribution,” Bronfein said.
“One of Curio Wellness’ core values is to contribute to society and build a meaningful society. In Maryland, they sponsored a citywide 5K race and walk. Living Classroom Foundation partners with Enoch Pratt Library, Baltimore Leadership School, Baltimore Symphony Orchestra, Crohn’s and Colitis Foundation, etc. We proudly support local agencies and nonprofits that serve our community. We work and live in organizations and Participate in community events that align with our health mission, It means something to Missourians.”
While the company is determined to do good in the Show-Me State, Bronfein reiterated the importance of process, saying the purpose of creating such strict standards is about quality.
“Not all cannabis is created equal. Throughout Curio’s manufacturing process, We will raise the bar for relief. As a trusted cannabis provider and the first A cGMP certified operation in Maryland, Curio offers safe, effective and reliable “We export our product to Missouri.”
“cGMP refers to the same quality standards set by the FDA for facilities, techniques, and manufacturing processes. Providing processes for the world’s leading pharmaceutical companies and Our products meet the most stringent guidelines. Everything we do at Curio We are committed to developing products that improve the quality of life. Consumers and our partners The State of Missouri respects the privacy of our customers and their rights when they choose to purchase our products or partner with us. They choose brands that are committed to product quality and safety.”
Any time a brand or company enters a new market, there are inherent obstacles. In Missouri, even well-established brands founded in the state are currently undergoing a packaging transition. Bronfein explained the idea of bringing the Curio brand to market in Missouri and what it means.
“Navigating Missouri’s regulatory environment brings its own challenges and opportunities,” Bronfein told Greenway. “Packaging and advertising are two regulatory hurdles that are often limited by strict regulations. Guidelines that we have to follow. These vary from state to state and even within states. A distinction between medical and recreational markets. If you’re moving to Missouri, your packing will have to be thoroughly cleaned – no color coding allowed. Be aware of the dosage differences, which in Maryland will be stated on the packaging. Consumers are more aware and more likely to make purchases. In Missouri The product description on the package reads: Maryland has stricter advertising regulations, so it is more expensive than general advertising. Once you move into the adult market, it gets even tougher. To maintain brand consistency across states, we “We will produce as much of the core packaging in Missouri as possible.”
Apart from rules and regulations, there are other adversities that even well-known brands face when entering a new market.
“The biggest challenge is being a newcomer. characterIt helped them break into established markets, whereas in Maryland it helped build an industry. Curio said it has a strong team and is ready to take on the challenge. With a dynamic product portfolio and a strong track record in Maryland, we We will adapt,” she said.
“Missouri is a growing market and there is room for product innovation. Improving the consumer experience. The adult program is only a year old, so We know that new brands are entering the market every month, but we Apart from our products and the highest standards of manufacturing procedures.”
The growing market and long-term planning highlight Curio’s leadership approach to the future of cannabis. Bronfein shared her view of what the future holds:The industry’s main challenge continues to be the battle over financial legitimacy and federal authority. Developments from a regulatory perspective: Lack of access to capital and high taxes (Title 26 U.S. Code) Section 280E unduly restricts cannabis businesses, “It blocks the expansion of the program,” she continued.We look forward to progress towards passing SAFER Banking and repealing it. 280E. We continue to advocate for state and federal regulatory changes. This will enable us to better serve our business partners and consumers.”
“Recently there has been a lot of discussion surrounding changes to cannabis regulations. I’m pleased that a change in date is being considered, but it’s a broader For the cannabis industry to receive political attention, it is essential that it is eventually deregulated. Overall, schedule changes are State and Federal Marijuana Laws. Reclassifying cannabis to a lower classification would mean Marijuana is safer than other controlled substances. Repeals all controlled substance laws. By removing them from the list of controlled substances, state governments can We will actively regulate as we see fit without violating federal law. We are working with lobbyists to develop materials related to descheduling.”
Curio Wellness’ upcoming expansion into Missouri marks an important milestone for the company and the state’s growing cannabis market. With its state-of-the-art facilities, science-backed products, and commitment to quality and community, Curio Wellness is poised to make a lasting impact in Missouri. Bronfein aptly sums it up: “We believe cannabis improves the quality of life, and we want to share that belief with consumers throughout Missouri.”
