Potcast 102: CannaBiz Strategy
We’re all born from stardust and have something special to share with the world. If you dream of making your mark in the cannabis space, this potcast challenges you to consider how your super-power might add value in shaping this budding, global industry.
I explore the idea of following your passion for pot with Khal Razak, a global cannabis strategist. We also chat current challenges, growing pains, and strategies for cannabis retail in Canada. But personally, I think they’re applicable wherever you live. Find insights and reputable cannabis educational programs across North America in the notes below.
Kumbaya and cannabis,
Jo
‘After the Show’ Notes
Thank you to Khal Razak for sharing his voice and passion for pot with us on my recent trip to Calgary. Khal is a former strategist for Ernst & Young focused on cannabis. He is the Chairman & Director of the Alberta Cannabis Collective. He's also an instructor for the cannabis educational program at Mount Royal University. Khal offers us his Canadian perspective on the cannabis industry and finding your place in it.
If you have questions for Khal after listening to the show, connect with him on LinkedIn: Khalid Razak
CONSIDER CO-OPETITION:
Consider what it would look like for you to be a cannabis business professional who chooses collaboration and supportive competition for the greater good of elevating the developing cannabis industry.
Co-opetition respects the community and shares learnings and best practices to support industry growth and our responsibility to the consumers, plant, and planet.
If you’re a cannabis retail business or a neighboring 420-friendly business interested in collaborating with the local community, sign up for your local cannabis industry association. And if you can’t find one, start one!
Alberta ganjapreneurs, connect with Khal and the Alberta Cannabis Collective (ABCC) here. The ABCC is the leading cannabis retail association in Canada with a vision of making Alberta the benchmark for cannabis retail globally.
Cannabis producers, consider partnering with universities for scientific research and clinical trials necessary to boost our knowledge and abilities to maximize our use of the extraordinary cannabis plant.
EDUCATE YOURSELF (North America):
Loyalist College - Offers Canada's first science-based cannabis program aimed at getting graduate students jobs in the cannabis manufacturing industry.
University of Ottawa - First Canadian university to offer courses on cannabis law. The school said the legalization of marijuana will have far-reaching consequences, and future lawyers need to be prepared. The courses will be offered in both French and English.
Mount Royal University, Calgary, Alberta- The Cannabis Education Program curriculum has a strong focus on understanding and complying with Canada’s Cannabis Act regulations. The online coursework instructs producers, marketers, financial controllers, quality assurance experts and entrepreneurs around best practices and regulatory compliance.
Trichome Institute - The online Cannabis Sommelier Program developed by Max Montrose teaches the art and science of the cannabis sommelier: evaluating flower for total quality control, psychotropic effects, and variety type designation.
Oaksterdam University, Oakland, CA - Both online and campus coursework available. Oaksterdam’s upcoming 14-week Cannabis Business and Horticulture semesters are open for registration!
Business & Horticulture Semesters Start August 28-29, 2019.
SHARE YOUR VOICE:
In these early stages of industry development and legalization, it’s so important for you to speak up.
Share you voice with the players in the industry - With local, state, and federal governing bodies. With local organizations and associations. With your favorite cannabis brands and retailers.
Consider it a responsibility to share your thoughts, experiences, and opinions on what you want to see and what’s important to you as a consumer and citizen.
Health Canada launches surveys occasionally through the official website. You’ll find this and other opportunities to share your voice by asking questions and getting involved in your local cannabis community.
SHARE YOUR VOICE WITH ME?
Thanks for continuing to ask your canna curious questions and for sharing your personal experiences with me. And I love receiving your follow-ups.
I like knowing how your cannabis for wellness journey is unfolding - like Kyle from Potcast 58's Q&A - who recently messaged me an update on his experience.
Hey, Jo!
In June, I found out why my body was struggling so bad. My left kidney had a big old cancerous tumor! I was so thankful that I'd already started down the road using cannabis for wellness. And I am officially a card carrying medical marijuana patient! Surgery is next week to remove the kidney which looks to be contained. I foresee my next month during recovery listening to JOprah to fill in the hours of stillness... what a great way to recover! Keep up the great work. Thank you for sharing your voice with the world and inspiring all of us to just be better humans!!! -Kyle
Kyle’s surgery is the day this episode airs so, whatya say? Will you join me in sending a dose of healing mojo to our friend Kyle? I want him to feel a wave of love from his casually baked tribe that sets him up for a speedy recovery!