1. Past: What is your professional background? Why did you decide to look into the industry?
I was focused on Social Psychological research with a plan to teach at the university level before entering the cannabis space. I entered the cannabis industry after being disillusioned with the options available. I’m a “clean-label” guy and hated that I couldn’t validate where a product came from, how it was made or what the chain of custody was. I knew enough about analytics testing to know that the market was contaminated with solvents, pesticides and microbiological contaminants and I wanted to find products I’d be comfortable using. This commitment to product integrity motivated Emily, Jesse and myself to start Utopia.

2. Present: How did you get involved? how has the transition and overall experience been?
Nothing could have prepared me for the cannabis space. This industry is so rapidly evolving that flexibility is key. Its been great to watch California cannabis adapt into a market that supports Utopia’s philosophy – a commitment to transparency and quality and I feel blessed everyday to be a part of it. We work way too hard but at the end of the day we’re always proud of what we’re doing and even on our hardest day we’re cognizant enough to know we’re blessed to have this opportunity. One of the greatest benefits of founding Utopia is the breadth of skills I’ve had to acquire to keep the company moving forward. There’s not many industries where you have the opportunity to become proficient in tasks from plumbing to marketing to zoning laws.

3. Future: Do you see yourself working in the industry long term? Why? 
I’ll consider myself blessed to be involved in the cannabis industry in 10 years. As long as the industry continues to foster community, ethical responsibility and innovation, I’ll be a part of it. We often hear fears of cannabis mirroring big-ag, big-tobacco, big-alcohol and big-pharma. At Utopia, we’re committed to keeping the industry pure and a reflection of our consumers. If money and power overtakes that commitment, it will be hard to find the same pleasure coming to work each day.

4. Do you have any advice you’d give to someone looking into making a career change into the industry?
Bring flexibility, patience and a commitment to your values. The industry is so young and constantly changing that you will be forced to adapt what you were doing yesterday to fit with tomorrow’s innovations. Embrace that opportunity for growth – if you want stability you’re in the wrong place.

 

Did you ever feel stigmatized by the industry?

All the time. Its improved with time, but the stigma reaches all aspects (from banking to family relations).

How did you get your first cannabis job?

Started our own company.

Have you been promoted or worked for different companies in the industry?

Nope.

 Has it been difficult?

Amazingly so.

Any advice to someone looking to get involved in the industry with no cannabis experience?

I don’t feel that you need cannabis experience to enter this industry. It parallels so many other spaces (CPGs, marketing, agriculture, manufacturing) that you can take your expertise and adapt it to match cannabis. Furthermore, the space is so new that there are few experts and constant innovation and change.

What do you think the future looks like for the industry?

Depends on my mood :-).

Here’s Kaiya at the last Bloom Farms job fair!!