… if you want an easy job. Do work in cannabis if you want to grow as a person and be challenged in new and interesting ways. There are an increasing number of jobs becoming available in the cannabis sector. If you are considering a career change, you may find some unexpected life lessons along the way.
It’s been said that two years equates to 10 years in “cannabis time.” I can personally attest to feeling this way since taking on a directorial position in compliance and supply chain logistics. Hopefully the personal growth value gained is also 10 years worth. Here are some things I’ve been thankful to learn:
1. It’s a people thing. Whether negotiating strategic partnerships, navigating HR, or managing teamwork on the daily, outcomes often hinge on human interaction. Empathy and patience with real, live, emotional people is an absolute must. We are all required to learn and adapt to the same ever-changing regulations, and some of us can be pretty stressed out. Some of us are not prepared for the struggle of a startup company, which for the most part, all licensed cannabis companies are. Finding employees and partners that are dedicated to seeing a project thrive is uniquely coveted in this realm. Hold on to the good ones, and treat all colleagues with the respect of essential teammates.
2. Plans change. Make all the plans, be proud of the plans, get excited about the plans…and then be prepared for a fraction of those plans to come to fruition. When I started in this line of work I watched huge companies talk of changing the world, and then I saw many of them combust. Companies get bought out, admin rotates, and suddenly the playing field has completely shifted. This makes it difficult to form long term business relationships, making adaptability a key to stable growth.
3. If it sounds too good to be true, it probably is. Obviously this idea isn’t new, but for some reason it is a necessary reminder. Sometimes people offer the world, and it turns out to be a bit of a bait and switch. Buyers that promise to pay the highest prices and purchase every product you have, often just…don’t. Trust the daily grind, and those who are committed to working side by side through the tasks at hand.
4. Analysis paralysis kills good deals. Perfectionism is a challenging trait to possess here. There are too many unknowns, and every move comes with risk. Things move a bit quickly, wait too long and the opportunity will pass to another.
5. Stay in your lane. You’ll drive yourself absolutely crazy if you go poking around outside your own focus. There is too much to do; having trust in your team is necessary. Stay focused and know that mistakes are inevitable. Plan for a margin of error and accept that it is what it is.
6. Hold your integrity close, whatever that means to you. When business gets confusing, stick to your own personal SOPs (standard operating procedures). Honesty and good communication will keep your head clear and guide your path. In an industry that still has an underbelly of non regulated market dealings, there are many choices to make that come down to personal ethics.
Hannah Joy is a Humboldt local, owner at NorCal Perfect Bar, DIO with DewPoint, Project Trellis Committee Vice Chair, and girl in need of a good backpacking trip. Email [email protected] with trail tips.