What’s the biggest challenge facing the cannabis industry right now, and how are you and/or your company addressing it?
The biggest challenge facing the cannabis industry are the creative ways other products are making it into the general market and on store shelves that are from Hemp, Delta9, and HHC, which many states do not require special licensing. Therefore, it continues to create challenges for the cannabis industry.
The other continued challenge in the cannabis industry is the over-taxation, continued banking issues, lack of or no tax write offs, the stigma of the industry, and the challenges with cannabis still being federally illegal in the US.
Where do you see the most exciting opportunity for growth and innovation in cannabis?
I see the most exciting opportunities of growth and innovation in cannabis in the health and wellness industry. I also see exciting opportunities for cannabis, CBD, and Hemp brands looking at how they can work together to create the best products on the market.
What’s one piece of advice you would give to someone looking to break into the cannabis industry?
Do a lot of research. Go to some cannabis related shows, meetings, conferences. Ask questions, lots and lots of questions. When your done asking questions, ask more questions.
If it’s you’re calling and passion to break into the cannabis industry, don’t give up when you hear no, because you will hear it more than any other industries. Don’t give up when you see how much red tape there is. Don’t give up when the original plan doesn’t work out. Instead, roll up your sleeves and continue to plug away at it, until you break into the cannabis industry.
What is the most important thing you have learned from your experiences in the cannabis industry?
As an entrepreneur and business owner the most important thing I’ve learned and re-learn all the time is pivoting, getting creative when something doesn’t work and reminding myself there’s no failure in trying something that didn’t work. There’s real failure when you don’t try or you simply give up. It’s also just as important to learn from failure as it’s important to learn from success.
I’ve also learned to trust my gut when it comes to business relationship building with other brands, companies, people and influencers. If it’s a fit, great! If not, the sooner you move forward the better. Time is precious.
What do you want your legacy to be as it relates to the cannabis industry?
Connection. Inspiration. Learning. When people read or hear my story, From Crowns to Cannabis, I want them to understand that my legacy in life and in the cannabis industry has and is always about connection, inspiration and learning.