Living the Dream: Danielle Rosellison

Don’t worry … it has a happy ending.

As I have started to exude authenticity (with a smile and gritted teeth), I have encountered an overwhelming amount of support. Random phone calls checking in on me. Text messages in all caps (presumably) yelling, “DON’T GIVE UP!” My team believes in me unequivocally, which dumbfounds me and only makes me want to try harder. People reach out, overwhelmed with how much I have helped, inspired and influenced them. I’ve also encountered an exuberance of relief and compassion.

It turns out everyone I look up to in the cannabis industry is dealing with the same thing. Of course, we’re all dealing with different problems and are on different places in our journey, but they are exhausted too. They are uncomfortable. They are struggling. They are evaluating where they want to be in life.

The good news is that many other people are still salivating to get into this industry but don’t know how. If YOU are looking for exceptional human beings who know about cannabis, have five years’ experience building and running a legal, regulated, medically certified, 100% LED, pesticide-free cannabis company, who came from medical and have compassion for patients over profits, hit me up. Our knowledge and experience are unmatched in this industry.

Maybe working for someone else will put that hop back in my step and put our talents and experience to good use.

Five days later …

We’ve got this. We can do this.

I’ve had an awesome last two days! I met with Liquor and Cannabis Board agents, the main regulatory body in Washington state, and brainstormed solutions to problems. The bottom line as I see it is that “officers” inherently believe that rules are rules and you’re supposed to follow them. Entrepreneurs look at rules and decide which ones make sense and are practical; then they make decisions based on that. It’s a huge difference.

We had a great meeting, with honest conversation, helping us see each other’s perspectives. At the end, one of the agents looked at me and said, “It’s rare that I get to have a positive meeting with a licensee. This was great. Thank you!” I explained that this is what it’s supposed to be like, working collaboratively for GOOD regulation — not more, but good.

Then I spent a day meeting with other members of the Liquor and Cannabis Board and listening to state agencies reporting to the Legislature. Progress is being made in a good way. Thank you, Universe! When I spend time with a regulatory body, I get such a better understanding of where they are coming from and what they understand. Oftentimes, I find they know a ton about the issues, but until you engage in face-to-face conversations, focusing on solutions, there are pieces to the puzzle that they miss, and you can help fill in.

I’ve also stopped by 66 stores in the last two weeks, educating employees about the testing standards in Washington. There is widespread misunderstanding that Washington state tests adult-use product for pesticides. It doesn’t. We are the ONLY state in the Lower 48 that does NOT test for pesticides. Growers just promise they are within the guidelines, and all the data suggests that 30-40% of the products on the market are over the legal limits.

My husband and sales team have also been hitting the streets, following up my educational campaign with sample drop-offs. This is going to work. And we are going to win.

Oh, how five days can make a difference …