As social creatures, we are always trying to find out where we belong. Being new in the cannabis industry, I was curious to see who was out there that I could relate to. I was happy to stumble upon the Minority Cannabis Business Association and Minorities for Medical Marijuana.

The Minority Cannabis Business Association was founded to serve the needs of entrepreneurs, workers, patients, and consumers as they navigate their way through the #cannabisindustry. Part of their goal is to bring all communities together to increase growth in the industry, the economic development of the industry, and to show the benefits of medicinal cannabis.

After years of confusion, I was diagnosed with fibromyalgia in February of 2017. During the journey to diagnosis, I have been on various medications, seen multiple doctors, physical therapists, and chiropractors. Like many of us, cannabis as medicine has given me a better quality of life. Whether it is soothing severe body aches or intense nausea from chronic migraines, cannabis always gives me relief.

Minorities for Medical Marijuana is a non-profit organization focused on providing advocacy, outreach, research, and training in relation to the business, social reform, public policy, and health/wellness in the #cannabiscommunity. They are dedicated to creating an inclusive space where everybody is valued and celebrated, while also providing resources (information, referrals, education in regard to legislation, etc.) to the community.

I joined Rocky Mountain Cannabis Consulting (RMCC) in December of last year, working as an instructional designer. Part of RMCC’s mission is to partner with cannabis operators who are interested in managing and growing their business by strengthening compliance with their local and state laws. I develop training courses and videos to assist cannabis operators understand how to efficiently remain compliant with improved workflows that support their business.

A great example is our video Serialization by Case vs Batch Tagging.

It’s a difficult concept to explain with just words, so I’m able to help learners make that connection in a visual way, that can be rewatched for understanding.

Not only am I able to work in an industry that I am extremely passionate about, but I am able to do it on a team made up fully of strong women, something else close to my heart.

You always know you are not the only one out there, but it is always heartening to see others out there making it. It is always important to love and support one another, no matter who we are or how we identify. People are people and we need to stick together.