Saying Yes to Opportunity, Kheresa’s Cannabis Journey

Where have you previously worked in cannabis? What was your role and title? How/why did you end up working there?

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My start in the legal market was at a small 2-location business in Portland, OR. One of Oregon’s original med shops. As a recent transplant, I was looking for something that was not just another job but a career. I have enjoyed cannabis recreationally and for medical purposes since my teen years and found myself wondering how I could be a part of ending cannabis stigma, opening up education, and accessibility. I took my handler's test and got my license, and jumped in headfirst! The first shop I applied to, I was hired, and thus was my big break!

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Starting as a budtender, I focused on sales, cash handling, and floor service. My responsibilities expanded as time went on to include inventory management tasks such as receiving orders, regular auditing, and product packaging! Confident with these tools under my belt and curious to learn, I went on to assist in social media campaigns, sales & marketing, e-comm management, and the critical job of maintaining compliance in the shops, as well as assisting with payroll! As many industry folks know, small shops require flexibility and jacks of all trades to keep things moving smoothly.

What did you like most about working with cannabis? What’s a standout memory from that time?

I L O V E the people. Cannabis is serious and unserious at the same time. I can’t think of another industry with more goofy and fun-loving people who also have an innate ability (read: passion) to get shit done! In another life, I had a manager tell me that most people stay in a job because of the people they work with. Obviously, none of us would be here today if we didn’t have that deep connection to cannabis and a desire to open accessibility, but let's be honest: the highs and lows we experience as an industry cultivate such deep camaraderie and resilience. I’ve not seen anything like it in my many other lives outside cannabis.

This is all to say my standout memories are of the people I have met along the way. Lifetime friends and incredible mentors have been the foundation of my experience in cannabis.

What have you learned moving from plant-touching work to tech?
Did anything about the change surprise you?

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The change was massive, for me at least. I had not worked in a corporate or tech setting in quite some time, and it took a lot for me to feel confident in the space, the lingo, etc. Other than working from home full-time (huge win btw), it felt like I was exercising a part of my brain I hadn’t tapped into in a while. The part that can do long division without a pen and paper.

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I was quite literally learning new skills and programs weekly, some not unusual for tech, and some uniquely Dutchie! While it was a big learning curve for me, it also instilled a special confidence and pride in my ability to pivot.

What’s your advice for those starting out in cannabis? What is there to look forward to?

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Do not limit yourself in any way! Every job in this industry makes a difference in the journey toward federal legalization and safe access to cannabis. I would implore you to learn as much as you can from as many people as you can. Befriend your vendors if you work in a shop! Talk to someone in a completely different role if you work in tech, if you’re the boss, meet the new hires and if you are the new hire, always be open to feedback and keep your chin up! 

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Mentorship almost seems like something of a dying breed. I had never had a mentor until I came into cannabis, and since then, I have met several women who have helped me carve a path for myself out here. There are people who want you to succeed with them. Always be open to opportunity!