We Are the Industry is an ongoing series featuring Dutchie employees with deep experience in the cannabis industry. Dutchie's employees care about the industry because we are the industry.
Which cannabis companies have you worked for?
Depot Town Dispensary (Ypsilanti, MI)
Green Planet (Ann Arbor, MI)
SPARC (San Francisco, CA)
The Apothecarium (San Francisco, CA)
Mission Dispensaries/ 4Front Ventures (IL, MI, AZ, AR, MD, MA, PA)
What did you like most about working with cannabis?
I love cannabis. Over the course of 11 years, I worked in dispensaries from Michigan to California, and I also supported a variety of other states. What I appreciate most is the profound impact cannabis can have on each individual. Early on, it became a personal mission to support a team and community by providing a safe access point for cannabis. Hearing stories from individuals about how cannabis has transformed their lives continued to bolster my belief in its importance. It’s more than just a plant—it’s a powerful tool for wellness, and everyone deserves access to it and the education to use it responsibly. This belief continues to drive my commitment to the industry.
What have you learned moving from plant touching work to tech?
Depending on the size of plant-touching company you work for, you look at technology from a view of what your needs are. Moving to the tech side, you get exposure to all the ways these different systems can support a multitude of businesses. Also to note that the passion for cannabis doesn’t dwindle on the tech side; here at Dutchie I am very fortunate to work with hundreds of people that truly care about this plant, our operators, and their end consumers. That passion fuels the innovation in the product we build and how we support our customers.
What’s your advice for those starting out in cannabis?
Whether you join the plant touching side or an ancillary business, please remember that cannabis is important. People utilize this plant to find comfort in their life for many different reasons, and it is our duty in this industry to ensure safe access, education, and a commitment to quality. As you embark on your journey in the cannabis industry, always prioritize the well-being of consumers by advocating for responsible practices and continuous learning. The landscape of cannabis is constantly evolving, so stay informed about regulations, innovations, and customer needs. Your role, whether directly with the plant or in a supporting capacity, contributes to a larger movement that is breaking stigmas and improving lives. Approach this industry with integrity, empathy, and a passion for making a positive impact.
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