What’s the biggest challenge facing the cannabis industry right now, and how are you and/or your company addressing it?
There are so many challenges. Taxation, over regulation and an inability for many small legacy cultivators to survive or tap into resources to be successful. I continue to advise my clients to allow themselves to be “uncomfortable”, to push out and trust those who know or have the resources/experience to achieve success. My mission is to continue to trailblaze, take the lumps and arrows, and through proper business models, strong execution, authenticity and perseverance, change the mindset of those that think it not possible to succeed. I am here to safeguard and prop up those that have put in the time, efforts, sweat and tears for the plant !
Where do you see the most exciting opportunity for growth and innovation in cannabis?
Genetics, licensing, the world wide market, brand awareness, consulting for emerging markets around the world and connecting them to the Emerald Triangle.
What’s one piece of advice you would give to someone looking to break into the cannabis industry?
Go slow, be kind and be ready for the myriad of laws and regulations that are so different from state to state, county to county, country to country. Lean in to those who have experience over the past 10-15 years plus. Be curious, not judgmental as Walt Whitman said, as the cannabis industry can be a bear.
What is the most important thing you have learned from your experiences in the cannabis industry?
Patience ! I have learned to assess, advise and act. There is no time to turtle or be scared. It is time that the legacy folks move onto and into the world cannabis scene. In looking around, we must be solution oriented and trust a good process with good people. Ferret out what and who is not real with a discerning eye and open heart. This and all business is based on people and relationships….make them and let these strong relationships ships be the foundation for all that we do.
What do you want your legacy to be as it relates to the cannabis industry?
I want my legacy to be one of Union, great relationships and integrity. I don’t care about being known or famous, but I stead want all I come in contact with that I am about the plant and he people who grow this medicine, and thus I am for a healing of all people through cannabis and community. I want to known as true, of integrity and heart. I will always put the plant and the people who love it first. Success and money shall flow….