In a compelling episode of Branding Like a Boss, host Angela Pih welcomes David Hua, co-founder and CEO of Meadow, a prominent point-of-sale software provider for dispensaries. With a focus on the journey, challenges, and innovative strategies behind Meadow’s success, Hua shares his insights into building a brand rooted in community, service, and long-term vision within the evolving cannabis industry.
From Inspiration to Innovation: The Origin of Meadow
Hua introduces himself as a co-founder of Meadow, a company based in San Francisco dedicated to simplifying the retail experience for dispensaries. His background includes early involvement in the cannabis industry, with the name “Meadow” inspired during his time at Oakster Dam. Hua recounts how the name was chosen to symbolize gathering, calmness, healing, and sanctuary—values that resonate deeply with the medicinal and community aspects of cannabis.
He explains that the idea for Meadow emerged from recognizing the operational challenges faced by dispensaries, especially during Colorado’s legalization phase in 2014. Hua and his team aimed to create a platform that made it easy for consumers to access cannabis—akin to on-demand services like Uber or Grubhub—delivering a seamless, hospitable experience for both dispensaries and patients.
Building a Community-Centered Brand
Hua emphasizes that Meadow was built for the people on the front lines—dispensary owners, budtenders, and patients—who lacked accessible, efficient tools. The company’s ethos revolves around providing a high-quality, approachable, and safe customer experience, counteracting the stigma and misinformation surrounding cannabis.
He highlights how Meadow’s roots in Silicon Valley’s on-demand culture influenced its initial marketplace model, helping consumers find dispensaries that offered delivery. Over time, the company expanded into point-of-sale (POS) systems, inventory management, and telemedicine, always with a focus on reliability, simplicity, and community support.
Hua notes the importance of long-term relationships, citing longstanding clients like Green Cross and the dedication to service that has defined Meadow’s approach. The company’s ethos is about partnership, loyalty, and evolving alongside the industry’s increasing sophistication.
The Power of Community and Education
Beyond technology, Hua underscores Meadow’s role in fostering community and education within the cannabis space. He recounts hosting the annual Meadowlands event—an opportunity for industry players to connect, share insights, and promote a collaborative spirit. Hua views these gatherings as a “love letter” to the community, emphasizing that cannabis is about shared experiences, trust, and mutual support.
He also discusses the importance of high-quality patient interactions, including on-demand telemedicine consultations, which serve to normalize cannabis use and reduce stigma. Hua believes that creating safe, welcoming spaces—both physical and virtual—is vital to advancing the industry’s legitimacy and social acceptance.
Looking ahead, Hua acknowledges ongoing challenges such as regulatory hurdles, tax increases, and the need for sustainable business practices. Currently, Meadow is taking a pause on hosting the annual Meadowlands event on the East Coast to focus on advocacy and navigating legislative changes, including efforts to oppose harmful tax policies.
He advocates for resilience, emphasizing that failure is part of the industry’s growth—comparable to the entrepreneurial spirit of Silicon Valley—and encourages companies to learn, adapt, and persist. Hua envisions a future where cannabis remains a vital part of holistic health, emphasizing that the plant’s roots in medicine and community are fundamental to its ongoing evolution.
Connecting and Contributing
Hua invites industry peers and interested parties to reach out via email or social media, emphasizing Meadow’s mission to support and uplift the cannabis community. His message is clear: the industry is still in its early stages, and collaboration, compassion, and innovation will shape its trajectory.
A Reflection on Values and Vision
Throughout the interview, Hua reflects on the significance of community, tradition, and purpose—values deeply embedded in his approach to branding and leadership. His commitment to fostering trustworthy relationships, advocating for responsible policies, and creating meaningful experiences underscores how Meadow exemplifies branding like a boss—a brand driven by purpose and community.
This episode offers valuable insights for entrepreneurs, marketers, and enthusiasts alike, illustrating that authentic values and community engagement are powerful tools in building a lasting legacy in the cannabis industry. Watch the full episode here.
