What’s the biggest challenge facing the cannabis industry right now, and how are you and/or your company addressing it?
One of the biggest challenges the cannabis industry is facing is the heavy reliance on THC % from customers and retailers. We need to educate our customers and dispensaries that THC % is not the defining factor for quality or price. We host cannabis competitions across the country and provide a platform for all types of brands and products to be reviewed by customers of all walks of life. THC % is not a factor in judging, but aesthetics, aroma, taste, effectiveness, and terpene profiles are. We help brands and products that may not normally get into certain stores, for various factors including THC %, get seen and distributed by stores
Where do you see the most exciting opportunity for growth and innovation in cannabis?
Beverage brands are really bringing a more widely accepted consumption method to the marketplace, and I’d love to see more brands and varieties play in this sandbox. Additionally, hash makers are putting in so much time and effort to create quality product, but it’s not always sustainable. I would love to see some innovation that makes these processes more efficient and cost effective so more people around the country can afford and consume great hash and rosin.
What’s one piece of advice you would give to someone looking to break into the cannabis industry?
1. Offer to buy coffee to 3 cannabis professionals that you admire or want to work with and set up an in-person or online convo. Coffee gift cards still work wonders. Gather data and opinions on this call.
2. Follow or subscribe to canna companies to get a vibe check and find upcoming events or job openings. Read and engage.
3. Get your print and digital resumes, and 30-second About Me, ready. Reach out, apply, follow up, follow up, follow up until you get a firm Yes or No. Also buy that person coffee.
What is the most important thing you have learned from your experiences in the cannabis industry?
To get someone’s attention, you need to follow up 3-5x or more. Everyone is busy. Don’t take it personally, but don’t give up.
Also, the cannabis industry is filled with inspector gadgets – people will research you and sniff you out. If you’re not genuine or in it only for money, you will suffer.
What do you want your legacy to be as it relates to the cannabis industry?
I want to be known as the person who started a company from the ground up to build out the Oscars of Cannabis event series across the globe, and built a tech platform that allows people from all walks of life to find information about how to best integrate cannabis into their lives in whichever way they so choose.
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