The Denver Post explores a topic that continues to dog the cannabis industry: The lack of trust and respect between those who have been in the industry since before legalization and those who are entering it now. The article profiles several newcomers who do seem to appreciate that the most successful businesses will draw from both groups.
- Eric Jacobson, a hydroelectric power plant developer who is building a 40-acre organic herb farm where tenants like ACME Healing Centers will grow cannabis
- Meg Sanders, CEO of Mindful, a chain of dispensaries in Colorado with one set to open in Illinois as well
- Deloise Vaden and Elyse Gordon, who have run Better Baked since 2009
- Heidi Keyes, who runs Puff, Pass and Paint and is looking to expand to Seattle and Portland from Denver
I truly don’t think this industry will turn into the best it can be without the two cultures learning how to honor each other. I wish I could figure out a way to create more of a coalition between the activism side and the business side.
Meg Sanders, CEO of Mindful
Maybe 2016 will be the year when everyone can appreciate what the veterans and the newcomers bring to the cannabis industry.
Read Jason Blevins’ “Accidental entrepreneurs find skills in high demand as pot grows up”: http://www.denverpost.com/business/ci_29332467/accidental-entrepreneurs-find-skills-high-demand-pot-grows
