What’s the biggest challenge facing the cannabis industry right now, and how are you and/or your company addressing it?

Wow this is a big question. There are a few that come to mind. First in Connecticut is the illicit market taking consumers away from the legal market. Smoke shops posing as legal cannabis dispensaries and the retail consumer actually believe the shop is a legal dispensary. We work with other licensed businesses to bring awareness to this situation and do the best we can to be professional and compliant. Another big problem is that we are still marginalized as professionals in the cannabis industry. Banking and other institutions still treat us like we are criminals. I work very hard at being professional. We just keep moving forward in the most professional way possible. I am confident that we, as a whole industry will persevere.

Where do you see the most exciting opportunity for growth and innovation in cannabis?

After more than 11 years working professionally in the industry and over 25 years of experience with cultivation and extraction, I believe there is still tremendous opportunity for innovation in both hydrocarbon and solventless extraction. I’m particularly excited about the continued evolution of solventless products and the ways we can push the boundaries of quality, flavor and craftsmanship. Products like Piatella show just how much potential there is. I’m excited to be part of a company like Kite that embraces innovation and is willing to explore what’s next.

What’s one piece of advice you would give to someone looking to break into the cannabis industry?

Don’t be afraid to start at the ground level and work your way up. I started as an entry-level cultivator and have worked hard to learn every step of the process. Be patient, stay curious and be willing to get your hands dirty. Just as importantly, learn how to work with people. Technical knowledge matters, but being a good teammate, building relationships and being willing to wear different hats can take you a long way in this industry.

What is the most important thing you have learned from your experiences in the cannabis industry?

I’ve learned that success in this industry comes down to passion, perseverance and the people you work alongside. Cannabis is a challenging industry, and you have to be willing to adapt, keep learning and push through the ups and downs. A deep respect for the plant is what has kept me going, but it takes a great team to turn that passion into consistent, high-quality products. I’ve learned never to underestimate the value of hard work and surrounding yourself with people who share your commitment.

5. What do you want your legacy to be as it relates to the cannabis industry?

I want to be remembered as someone who helped push cannabis forward by making exceptional products and never losing sight of the plant itself. I’m passionate about exploring what’s possible with cultivation, extraction and manufacturing, and I want to help bring innovative, high-quality products to more people. Most of all, I want to help move this industry into the mainstream and show the world the level of professionalism, craftsmanship and passion that exists here. I’m all in on Kite, and I hope the work we do helps create something that lasts.