OREGON LEAF
Q&A by JANELLE LASSALLE @JENKHARI | PHOTO by DANIEL BERMAN @BERMANPHOTOS
ROWSHAN REORDAN
GREEN LEAF LAB | PORTLAND
“KNOW , UNDERSTAND AND BELIEVE IN THE POWER
YOU POSSESS
TO CREATE YOUR
OWN PATH.”
STONER OWNER higlights individuals who have developed their love for Cannabis into a thriving business. Stoner Owner celebrates owners who love and consume the plant, giving them real insight into the industry’s true roots and culture.
68/AUG. 2018 FACEBOOK.COM/NWLEAF
GreenLeafLab.org @GreenLeafLab
WHAT CHALLENGES DO YOU SEE WOMEN FACING IN THE CANNABIS INDUSTRY?
I see women losing their positions of power as owners and CEO’s in the industry continue to rapidly scale up. Like all other industries, here the women in power are minorities. Women in the Cannabis industry will have to loudly proclaim their competence and expertise to overcome these challenges.
WHAT CAUSES ARE NEAR AND DEAR TO YOUR HEART? First, caring for our environment and the world we live in. When I first opened the lab, I chose to use electricity sources that were derived from wind and solar. More costly, but worth it. I love the ocean and natural waterways and support organizations that focus on caring for them.
WHAT MOTIVATED YOU TO START GREEN LEAF LAB?
I was disheartened with the unjust treatment of Cannabis cases in the criminal justice system and my mother needed help on her medical Cannabis farm. When I was farming, a patient of mine had HIV and I learned the importance of safe Cannabis. I realized Cannabis testing would assist in legitimizing the industry and creating a safe product for consumers.
AS A WOMAN IN CANNABIS, HOW DO YOU TRY AND SUPPORT YOUR FELLOW WOMEN IN THE INDUSTRY? I’ve sponsored many women-focused events and organizations and have assisted many women in their own start-up efforts. Green Leaf Lab continues to support many of those same organizations today. In my own business, I have women in several key positions and try to be a role model while giving them opportunities to advance as their skill sets expand.
WHAT WOULD YOU SAY DISTINGUISHES GREEN LEAF LAB FROM OTHER TESTING FACILITIES?
The partnership we have with our clients. We offer a hands-on approach to our clients’ success. This starts from sales and sampling, who are a short call away; the detail and knowledge our compliance specialist offers; to R&D assistance in the creation and improvement of clients’ products. We truly go above and beyond.
ANY ADVICE YOU’D LIKE TO GIVE THE LADIES OUT THERE? Be humble, be relentless. Listen to and trust your intuition. Don’t see being in a male-dominated world as a roadblock: see it as an opportunity instead. Know, understand, and believe in the power you possess to create your own path. Be okay with making mistakes. Learn from them and continue forward. You can and will succeed.