What’s the biggest challenge facing the cannabis industry right now, and how are you and/or your company addressing it?
Right now the big one for us at Sauce is tariffs and the uncertainty around them. It’s one of those things that gets talked about in the news a ton but not a lot of the public knows the major ripple effects these are going to have across cannabis. We’re hopeful there will be some movement in a better direction in the next few months but in the meantime it’s really about staying flexible. It’s a bit of a waiting game but we’re tightening up our supply chain, building out relationships with our manufacturers and partners and keeping lines of communication open.
Where do you see the most exciting opportunity for growth and innovation in cannabis?
Honestly so much is happening. For us, we’re hyped about Trinity, our new all-in-one pod platform coming from Sauce. It’s a crossover moment for us, touching hemp, recreational, and tech all at once. On the bigger picture side, watching states finally move past legislative hurdles and open up rec markets is what’s exciting, and international expansion is no longer a pipe dream it’s happening. The next wave is about brands that can move with both intention and scale.
What’s one piece of advice you would give to someone looking to break into the cannabis industry?
Figure out your why and don’t lose sight of it. This industry will test you. There are shiny objects everywhere and a lot of people trying to do too much, too fast. My advice would be to stay in your lane and master your craft. The folks who last are the ones who stay focused, stay real, and don’t get caught up chasing every trend. Know what you want to create and own that.
What is the most important thing you have learned from your experiences in the cannabis industry?
As a brand in a crowded market, your relationship with the budtenders can make or break you. Period. Cannabis is still largely grassroots, like it’s not always about the biggest budget or flashiest packaging, but more about trust. If the people on the frontlines believe in your product, they’ll suggest it to their customers. Authenticity is always going to travel faster than ad spend.
What do you want your legacy to be as it relates to the cannabis industry?
I want this industry to never lose sight of the fact that this was all built on one idea: plants are medicine.