MJ Platform Co-founder and CEO, Amy Poinsett, recently sat down with women cannabis industry leaders for an important panel at the Southwest Cannabis Conference and Expo. Here are some highlights from the “Power Women of the Cannabis Industry” discussion:
“I took my seat at the head of the table because that’s where I belonged.”
Christie Lunsford
“When I started I was alone and scared and I wanted to empower other women. Help them build their companies so I won’t be alone anymore. When you empower women, we get s— done.”
Cheryl Shuman
“Cannabis is going to get to the next level. It’s going to require rebranding. It’s going to require people who look different…Women who look credible and professional are forming a tipping point for the industry.”
Megan Stone
What advice would you have given yourself when you were starting out?
“Network. Network. Network. Build relationships. Take business cards. Follow up. It’s all about relationships.”
Cheryl Shuman
“I wish I’d had more time to prepare a quality plan, research more, and vet my partners better. I’d tell myself to please expect to be paid. Please do not work for free. You have value. Expect to be paid and don’t be afraid to ask for it.”
Christie Lunsford
What opportunities are there in the industry?
“Grow cannabis. You can never have enough great consistent, quality organic cannabis. We need more women growers.”
Cheryl Shuman
How do you deal with the media and public scrutiny?
“Here’s the great thing happening with media is social media: There’s a lot of personal branding involved in the cannabis industry. Each person has a story and that’s where your value comes in. It’s your individual story that can change the course of history.”
Cheryl Shuman
“Toughen up buttercup. Toughen the f— up.”
Katherine Grimm
“I had a paradigm shift. I chose to not be fearful. I talked to my child’s educator. I talked to my neighbors. I came out of the Cannabis closet.”
Christie Lunsford
What are the best resources for those of us advocating in prohibition states (Tennessee) for advancing the cause?
“You need to be very compassionate for the people who gave gone to jail for this cause. Don’t have judgement. There’s a misconception that growers in prohibition states are criminals. I’ve seen a lot of parents, and/or veterans who are growing … Unfortunately a lot of them will get locked out of getting licenses. Always stay compassionate to those that went before and paid the price and went to jail. They paid dearly.”
Cheryl Shuman
“Seriously being organized is incredibly important. Build allegiances across the board. Use relationships.”
Christie Lunsford
“There are topics and causes that go across the aisle and can unite. There are ways to present it and brand it that will open the conversation.”
Megan Stone
