How did you first get into cannabis, and what drew you to this industry?

I started in the cannabis industry in my home state of Michigan. I attended Lake Superior State University, and what sparked my interest in cannabis was studying agriculture and engineering for two and a half years. I was introduced to the cannabis industry by a friend who is currently working in the industry as a district manager. I eventually dropped out of university and moved full-time into cannabis.

What drew me most was the chemistry behind cannabis and the multiple chemical compounds of THC.  I have had multiple industry backgrounds, starting in retail for a bit, then moving on to being a line cook, working as a deck hand on a thousand-foot ship hauling iron ore for three summers, and I found my passion in the cannabis industry, working in packaging and production, going on 4 years!

What part of production or working with cannabis do you enjoy the most, and why?

I enjoy working in cannabis and production because of the hands-on aspect with the product, knowing that I can purchase the same products that I help produce, the ability to see the quality of the product, knowledge of the strains we are processing, and knowing that the product I produced is good for other consumers. What I enjoy most about being in the cannabis industry is being involved and the opportunities that are offered.

What is something people outside the industry may not realize about cannabis?

I love all things about cannabis, but dislike the stigma behind it. Most people may not realize the in-depth medical benefits that cannabis has to offer. A lot of people think that cannabis is a party drug, like alcohol, but in reality, cannabis holds a lot more benefits and can be super helpful for people suffering from certain medical conditions.  Especially for my mother; She suffers from seizures and chronic migraines. She is a perfect example of what relief can look like by using cannabis, and I support what cannabis can do for other people suffering from other types of medical conditions.

How does teamwork show up on the production floor, especially when the days are busy?

During my day-to-day work, things can get very busy. Using teamwork is especially crucial in the production process. I like to utilize a leapfrog approach, allowing team members to do their work but then help others where they are needed, leaping into the next step in the process of packaging.

What does working with cannabis mean to you on a personal level? What makes you passionate about cannabis?

I get my drive and passion for cannabis from my mother and father; I want to help my father's high blood pressure condition, and my mother to the best I can. I want them to be able to live their life without pain, have relief, get off medications, prevent seizures, and chronic migraines. I love helping my family by studying certain terpenes and their effects to better assist in their pain relief journey.

What advice would you give someone interested in starting a career in cannabis production and manufacturing?

Some advice I would give to anyone interested in a career in cannabis production and manufacturing is to start at the base or ground level, then work your way up. Starting in packaging is the best place to start when wanting to get into cannabis, as it is simple to learn, or even starting in sales for more knowledge on the products. I think it is best to get to know the products, the industry, and the culture.

What is your go-to stoner snack?

Every stoner has their favorite go-to snack. My absolute favorite stoner snack is a large bowl of cereal. My favorite cereals consist of Coco Pebbles, Fruity Pebbles, and Frosted Flakes. I don't like too much sugar in my cereal, but I think cereal is the best cotton mouth solution while getting full.

Do you have a stoner story?

I was about 15, hanging out with my buddy. I was sitting at a desk and looked to my left into a tall mirror on the wall that was close to me. I look over and notice myself in the mirror with my eyes bloodshot red, and I realize I am just blazed out of my mind. I then looked over at my friend and asked who the “other” guy is, as there are only two of us in the room. I turn back to the mirror, then back to my buddy. There's only been the two of us here the whole time, right?" My buddy responds yes, I turn back to address the “other” guy, look into the mirror, and realize the “other” guy is me. My buddy and I had a good laugh, and then I asked him if he wanted to smoke more.