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C3 Podcast No. 47: Jena Smith from Curaleaf
In C3 Podcast No. 47: Jena Smith from Curaleaf, host Curt Robbins gives co-hosts Dena Putnam and John Bailey the week off to go one-on-one with Jena Smith from Curaleaf in Florida. Smith, a dispensary store manager for Curaleaf in Miami for more than two years, describes why she entered the cannabis industry and what serving Curaleaf's patients in Miami means to her.
"Fun fact, I was driven to enter the cannabis industry by a podcast," said Smith. "I heard someone speak about Curaleaf and they were talking about diversity and inclusion. And just reaching out to the community and making its presence known and destigmatizing the idea of cannabis. From there, I was hooked!"
"I heard someone speak about Curaleaf, talking about diversity and inclusion and destigmatizing cannabis. From there, I was hooked!"
Smith explained how the most common conditions for which her customers seek solutions are anxiety and sleep disorders. She noted that her location in Miami features a large local population of military veterans and retirees—in addition to plentiful tourists who may be acclimated to adult-use programs in their home states, not medical like in Florida. Smith said that this gives her and her staff an opportunity to educate customers about the potential medical advantages of cannabis, including the various consumption avenues.
Alternative Cannabis Consumption Avenues
Curaleaf's Smith explained that many customers, particularly seniors, do not desire to smoke and instead seek solutions in the form of vaping, tinctures, or gummies (edibles). She said that it is her job to ensure that everyone who walks through her door receives the attention and education necessary for them to properly address their concerns.
Smith explained that one of her greatest satisfactions managing this Miami location for Curaleaf has been not only educating customers, but teaching them enough that they gain the comfort to become repeat customers, eventually integrating cannabis into their lifestyle for the improvement of their health.
Most Common Conditions Seeking Relief with Cannabis
Robbins noted that recent peer-reviewed research studies have revealed that the most common conditions for which dispensary customers are seeking remedies are anxiety, depression, sleep disorders, cancer, and pain (typically chronic pain). Smith agreed and said that her customer base seeks solutions to these conditions and many others.
"The most common conditions for which dispensary customers are seeking remedies are anxiety, depression, sleep disorders, cancer, and pain."
When asked how she uses education as a tool to decrease stigma among her customers, Smith responded: "I think the more that they know, the better. And it's not just about flower. We can do something else. If you don't want your grandchildren to know that you smoke, hey, I have an edible for you. You may want to try vaping or a tincture. There's options. It's really cool that you have different ways to consume, but a lot of our guests don't know that."
"This educational interview concluded with Robbins asking Smith about the new Grassroots premium brand recently introduced by Curaleaf. "I was really impressed with the quality of the Grassroots brand," said Robbins. "The colors and textures of the buds...the aroma was fantastic. All of these attributes were really top shelf," he said.
"It's funny that you mention the colors, because even the Grassroots marketing incorporates earth tones," said Smith.
Curaleaf's Grassroots Brand Defines Premium
"It's funny that you mention the colors, because even the Grassroots marketing incorporates earth tones," said Smith. "It represents exactly what that loose-leaf flower can bring. And it's coming back to our roots, right? My guests are excited about the Grassroots brand from Curaleaf. They feel like they're getting something exclusive. And it is exclusive!
🎧 Listen to C3 Podcast No. 47: Jena Smith from Curaleaf
C3 Podcast No. 47: Jena Smith from Curaleaf. This weekly podcast is targeted at cannabis and hemp industry professionals and is strategically free of profanity and crude dialog. This audio session was edited for length and clarity.
Listen now at Higher Learning LV, on Apple Podcasts or Spotify, and most other major podcasting platforms (including Amazon Music, Anchor, Google Podcasts, iHeart Radio, Pandora, and Stitcher).
🎧 C3 No. 47 Show Notes
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