The cannabis industry, with its distinct challenges, demands exceptional talent in graphic design. At Major Bloom, this is where John Tran excels. His creative blend and gentle demeanor have been pivotal in distinguishing Major Bloom within the cannabis sector. John’s journey began as an unpaid intern in summer 2021, just before Major Bloom commenced operations. Completing his undergraduate studies in Communications at Fitchburg State University, he quickly became an indispensable full-time team member, scaling up responsibilities. His proficiency in graphic design, fueled by a passion for drawing and adept use of tools like Adobe Illustrator, has been key to his success.
In Massachusetts, the cannabis market is particularly complex, especially regarding advertising and marketing regulations. Graphic designers must navigate a labyrinth of rules — from specific font size requirements to restricted colors and graphics — while embedding their creativity and style. Beyond the artistic scope, each cannabis product in Massachusetts retail must have a Certificate of Analysis (COA). This certificate confirms the absence of harmful contaminants and provides details like cannabinoid profiles, and packaging and testing dates. All products must be tested and sold within a year of COA generation, linking product quality to time sensitivity.
Typically, dispensaries procure pre-packaged goods from cultivators or manufacturers, marking them up for consumer sales. However, the role of cultivators and manufacturers extends beyond mere production; it involves transforming raw materials into premium cannabis products and adhering to rigorous state standards and regulations. This stringent process guarantees that our products comply with legal mandates and align with Major Bloom’s quality and customer satisfaction ethos. In this framework, John’s contribution is vital. His custom-designed packaging for each cannabis strain and product enhances brand identity and facilitates efficient order fulfillment in retail stores.
In the span of a few years, John has skillfully designed packaging for more than 500 products, encompassing a variety of flower strains and pre-rolls, each with its own unique unit measurement. For instance, the packaging design for “Sour Diesel” varies between a 3.5-gram flower pack and a 1-gram two-pack of pre-rolls. Recent regulatory changes have further expanded our scope: Now, cannabis delivery operators in Massachusetts, exclusively run by equity businesses, can process bulk flower into final products like pre-rolls without the need for a new COA, as long as these products are sold within a year. This significant policy shift, actively advocated for by Major Bloom and other equity businesses, aims to mitigate disparities within the industry. Exclusive licensing rights granted to equity businesses for a certain period are part of this transformative change. This initiative, coupled with the “two-driver rule,” is designed to boost profitability and offer greater value to customers. John’s expertise in graphic design plays a crucial role in this changing environment. His work transcends traditional design. He crafts a distinctive visual language that captures the core identity of Major Bloom, aiding in brand development, fostering job creation, and allowing for more controlled and financially efficient product management.
