It’s all about connection.
Edibles are hot in the cannabis market right now, since they provide endless ways to get high without smoking. From beverages like High Tea to even chocolate bars, it seems like the sky really is the limit! In this article, we share Love’s Oven’s unique story, as told by one who knows it best, Peggy Moore.
What is your name and title?
Peggy Moore, Partner at Love’s Oven
How / Why did you get into the cannabis industry?
My father-in-law suffered from Alzheimer’s and my Mom has epilepsy. Seeing the amazing relief and effects this plant can have on people is what initially got me interested in the industry. Then in 2011 an opportunity became available to be part of Love’s Oven and I decided that this industry could be an opportunity for me to help others as well as to put to use my 33 years of health insurance experience in a small business environment.
What do you like most about cannabis?
The thing that I enjoy the most about cannabis is how it brings people together. It’s an industry and culture that connects passionate people. What’s beautiful is when you’re at a cannabis related event and seeing people from all different backgrounds coming together in one space. It’s all about connection.
What sets Love’s Oven apart from its competitors?
At this point I believe all of our competitors are making great products. What we really strive for is making sure that we consistently are above the bar when it comes to quality assurance and compliance. We have an entire Quality Assurance team in place at Love’s Oven who have developed and implement our Good Manufacturing Practices and Food Safety programs as well as other programs such as HACCP and OSHA.
How do you ensure that your products are the best they can be?
At Love’s Oven we are hyper critical of the quality of product that is shipped from our facility. Every individual product is physically and visually inspected by one of our employees before it is packaged. In addition to these inspection points every individual piece is placed into its own sealed wrapper to ensure freshness and combat any outside elements from reaching the product before the consumer opens it. We also have a program where we “secret shop” our own products at the store level and buy them back and we conduct additional quality assurance tests on those products to make sure they meet our standards even after they leave our facility.
Do you have any customers who want to try edibles for the first time?
We’ve been fortunate to have some pretty good local and national media exposure over the years and it’s inevitable whenever a story runs about us we always receive calls from customers who want to try our products for various reasons. Our biggest thing with first time edible users is know your limits… The tagline we created at Cannabis Business Alliance during an educational campaign we were running for edibles is Start Low – Go Slow. That means start out with a very low dosage of THC and wait to feel the effects (up to two hours) before you take anymore!
What is the Cannabis Business Alliance and what role do you play in it?
I am the Executive Chair for the Cannabis Business Alliance (CBA) which is an industry leading resource and trade association for business owners. We advocate for sensible and collaborative public policy that protects employees, patients, and clients of the medical and retail marijuana industry. We promote values that enhance the emerging cannabis industry’s role in the state’s business economy, build respect for the industry in the communities we serve, and support client and patient access, education, and safety.
Do you enjoy using cannabis? If so, what is your favorite strain?
I’ve been known to use our products on occasion! It’s a great alternative to a couple glasses of wine after a long day of work as well as a fun addition to anything adventurous. As far as strains go I’m a big fan of the indica strains for relaxing and I’d have to say my favorite at the moment is Northern Lights.
How do you like to customize your marijuana experience?
When I use cannabis it’s usually to relax. Typically, that involves shutting out all distractions (no screens of any kind…phone, computer, iPad, TV, etc.) and enjoying the company I am with.
What is your favorite of Love’s Oven products?
Our Rosemary Cheddar Crackers are absolutely my favorite. They are amazing as a snack on their own or mixed in your favorite soup.
How has marijuana helped define who you are?
Cannabis has really given me that opportunity to go after that “second career” that I’ve always wanted. My first career was very rewarding and successful but this allows me to really pursue my passions and be a creator and innovator.
Additionally, Love’s Oven is a true family business. My partners in the company are two of my sons, Joshua and Walter and my sister, Teresa. I never dreamed that I would own a marijuana business with my boys and sister but it’s really brought an already strong family bond even closer together.
How have you dealt with canna-bias throughout the years?
I’d say the best way to deal with “canna-bias” is communication. The biggest part of that communication is listening and being open to why someone might be biased. You never know what kind of story they may have but be willing to listen and really care about what they have to say.
What products have you most recently released?
Love’s Oven has recently gone through a full re-branding exercise with new logo and packaging graphics. With that we “revamped” some of our product offerings by adding on a couple of new high CBD products on both the medical and adult use side. We also launched our concentrate company called Concentrated Love which produces shatter, wax, CBD sap, rosin, live resin, etc… In the very near future be on the lookout for a line of Love’s Oven “Sweets” (gummies and confections) and “Chocolates”.
Where can people find your products?
Love’s Oven is fortunate enough to be distributed throughout Colorado through both medical and adult use stores. Without our great customers we wouldn’t be here so a big shout out and thank you to everyone who stocks Love’s Oven. And…if you don’t have Love’s Oven on the shelves yet give us a shout and we’ll show you some Love!
In your opinion, what is the biggest benefit to legalized marijuana?
I’d like to comment on two of the biggest benefits. Legalized marijuana has, as reports show, greatly reduced the black market which has a whole host of benefits. Additionally, the other big benefit is quality. Consumers are getting a much better product nowadays…and who doesn’t love that!?
What do you believe the future of marijuana holds?
Expansion and acceptance. I think we need to keep our lines of communication with our community, city, state and federal leaders and work with them to show that legalized marijuana is an amazing thing. With that, as we saw in the past November elections, we will continue to see states and municipalities legalizing marijuana.
What are you working on next?
Love’s Oven is working on expanding into other markets. We’re working on expanding (cautiously) into Oregon, California and Nevada…hope to see you out there!
Is there anything else you would like to share?
Maybe just our new tagline…which we think is appropriate when making any decisions (especially what kind of edible to try): Choose Wisely – Choose Love
Learn more about Love’s Oven here on their website.
Photos: Toke Tank, Love’s Oven
Toke Tank 