Wisdom From The Women Leading The Cannabis Industry, With Monica Olano Of Cali Sober Mom

I have been amazed at the number of folks in this industry who have been willing to talk to me, guide me, and mentor me. If I were to just “take” without giving back, I don’t think I would get that reaction. By sharing my input and experience, I have become a valuable resource to them as well. For example, when I first reached out to a prominent industry leader for advice, I made sure to offer my assistance on a project they were working on. This mutual exchange fostered a stronger connection and opened doors for future collaboration.

As a part of my series about strong women leaders in the cannabis industry, I had the pleasure of interviewing Monica Olano.

Monica Olano, founder of Cali Sober Mom, a trusted source to learn about and discover safe and effective cannabis products, and host of the Cali Sober Mom Podcast, and cannabis brand ambassador and reform advocate, is the Cali Sober Mom. Monica’s journey into cannabis began on June 18, 2022, when she faced severe complications during the birth of her twins. The distressing experience led to postpartum depression and anxiety, which she initially coped with through alcohol, severely affecting her ability to care for her three young children. Her condition worsened despite psychiatric help, but determined to change, she embarked on a sobriety journey on April 3, 2023, exploring medical marijuana as an alternative coping mechanism.

Thank you so much for doing this with us! Can you tell us the “backstory” about what brought you to the cannabis industry?

The original concept of Cali Sober Mom came to life during a cannabis-infused beverage tasting at a bar my family owns in December 2023. The cannabis beverage representative had reached out to my husband about new THC-infused beverages they were carrying. Knowing that I enjoy them, my husband asked if I’d be interested in trying them out.

I brought a friend whom I had converted from wine to THC-infused beverages, and we had a great time trying them and talking to the representative about the current climate around these products. At that moment, an idea sparked: we should host a podcast featuring two elder millennial moms who prefer cannabis-infused beverages over alcohol, discussing work-life balance, parenting, wellness, and more.

Unfortunately, my friend ultimately decided she couldn’t participate because she’s a licensed psychologist and was worried about risking her license. That’s when I quickly realized that although these products were federally legal, many people, especially women, have to be very closeted about using them due to professional regulations and social pressure. So, Cali Sober Mom was formed as both a podcast and a community to use my voice and platform to help other women who might be in the same position I was, but did not have a trusted community or source to feel seen, heard, and to learn more.

Upon interviewing my second guest for my podcast, Britney Brown, I instantly knew we would work together somehow. It was not long before she came on as the creative partner of Cali Sober Mom.

Through networking and meeting with folks, I quickly learned that without a strong business plan, no one really wanted to talk to someone who just had a vision or wanted a “better world for my kids.”

All of this merged together to make Cali Sober Mom what it is now.

Can you share the most interesting story that happened to you since you began leading your company? Can you tell us what lesson you learned from that?

My husband and his family own a variety of bars and restaurants. I went in to help with the digital marketing as they currently had very little — most would say none. When I broke down what it would take to get their portfolio up and running with a strong digital presence, I was told, “Digital marketing isn’t needed, it’s a waste of money. No one buys off that; location is all we need.” So, I decided to use my knowledge and resources to build my own thing and show them what digital marketing can do.

I have now launched a women-focused company, reached over 200,000 people via digital marketing alone, and am building an impressive roster of client collaborations within the hemp industry. Not to mention, the political advocacy journey this has led me on.

This experience taught me to trust my instincts and my knowledge. If others cannot see it or are not already doing it the way you envision, you are onto something.

Can you share a story about the funniest mistake you made when you were first starting? Can you tell us what lesson you learned from that?

Imagine this: you’re brand new to the industry, brand new to podcasting, and you land a podcast interview with the founder of Crescent 9. You decide to really act like you know what you’re doing and organize the recording to be a live event at an amazing theatre your family owns on Frenchmen Street. You organize it like a party, imagining that if you build it, people will come. Well, five people showed up. But you have an amazing 90-minute discussion with the founder, which was only supposed to be 30 minutes. You learn everything you could possibly imagine about the hemp beverage industry, the regulations, political aspects, and more. You finish and celebrate with the few from their team that came and your extra supportive friends.

While your husband and the founder are at the bar taking shots and bonding, you realize you never hit “record” on the podcast. That entire “amazing” discussion now just lives in your head and on an iPhone that was filming from a distance, capturing rough video but not good audio. Whoops!

This taught me a few things. First, being honest is the best path. While it was the most embarrassing thing I’ve ever had to admit, everyone had a good laugh about it. The founder not only didn’t care, but he also gave me advice for future podcast episodes and let me know where he eats lunch every day if I want to meet him and record again.

The other thing it taught me was to keep going for it. Look, did I have any business hosting this as an “event” given where I was in my new career path? Absolutely not. But when you approach everything as if you belong there, things will start falling into place.

Do you have a funny story about how someone you knew reacted when they first heard you were getting into the cannabis industry?

I think it would have to be my brother. We are complete opposites. He had run-ins with the law due to drugs during his time and has had both extreme ups and downs with the plant. Everyone in our family knows he smokes daily, but we often just ignore it and pretend it isn’t happening. I, on the other hand, project a different aura and definitely have a different lifestyle. So when he heard I was doing a podcast on cannabis, he nearly lost his mind. “How are YOU doing a cannabis podcast? You don’t even smoke.” It took a lot of explaining about the full mission behind this and that it’s not about what I do or don’t do, but about breaking down stigma barriers that so many women face.

Now, his responses are more along the lines of, “Well, I’ve been trying to tell everyone about this all along, but I guess Monica is the one you will finally listen to.” It is important to note, though, that everyone in the family still just ignores what I’m doing too and pretends no one touches the plant. It’s really entertaining at family events.

None of us are able to achieve success without some help along the way. Is there a particular person who you are grateful towards who helped get you to where you are? Can you share a story?

There are so many people I would like to name here, but I can say without a doubt that I would not be doing this if I had not met Joyce Gerber from The Canna Mom podcast. She was the first industry professional I reached out to when I was considering starting the podcast, and she welcomed me with open arms. She graciously accepted my invitation to be the first guest on my podcast and gave me so much insider knowledge. Most importantly, she told me to get on LinkedIn, where all the discussion and networking were happening. Joining LinkedIn and getting involved in hemp and cannabis discussions there forever changed my path. I am very grateful to her for that.

Are you working on any new or exciting projects now? How do you think that will help people?

We are working on some really exciting features right now. We just launched our “shop,” where we partnered with Hemp House in Minnesota, the largest single point of contact for drink and edible varieties I have found. Our audience can now have a single site to shop and try different products.

In addition to that, we are introducing educational pieces where our audience will be able to learn and interact with knowledgeable professionals and get information in a safe, stigma-free environment. Imagine your learning choices were walking into a dispensary or accessing an online platform with a community of women you already trust, from the comfort of your own home and with anonymity. I know which one I would choose.

Also, as we continue to break down the stigmas of women choosing these beverages over alcohol, we are working on hosting events in select cities where our audience can meet to try new drinks, ask questions, meet new friends, and more.

Ok. Thank you for all that. Let’s now jump to the main core of our interview. Despite great progress that has been made we still have a lot more work to do to achieve gender parity in this industry. According to this report in Entrepreneur, less than 25 percent of cannabis businesses are run by women. In your opinion or experience, what 3 things can be done by a)individuals b)companies and/or c) society to support greater gender parity moving forward?

I am amazed by how many businesses I interact with that are owned and “run” by men, but they are the first to acknowledge the women on their team who handle key responsibilities and who “really” run their business. So, how do we empower these women into ownership rather than just employee roles?

To support this, three opinions/experiences I have:

1. As a society, we need to re-examine what we expect from women. It’s hard to start a company if you are also responsible for the entire schedule of your household, the cleaning, the laundry, the cooking, the mental load, etc. I am blessed to have a partner who goes 50/50 with me on this, but it takes a lot of communication and balance to get there.
2. As a society, we need to stop giving women so many battles to fight so they can focus on or have the drive to start a business. With women’s rights being stripped away, pay gaps, etc., how do women move forward when there are so many battles to fight? Do men have to fight this many battles just to feel seen and like full citizens? Not really. So mentally, they may be more ready to tackle starting a business.
3. Give grace to women making a mistake or failing. It seems no one bats an eye if a man tries a business, fails, and moves on to another one. We call them entrepreneurs. But I don’t feel the same amount of grace and crash landing pad given to women. It’s like to even start a business, you have to fight so hard to explain why you are starting it, fight for people to believe in you more, and then if it fails, it seems that more of the failure is placed on the “women leaders” than on the company itself.

You are a “Cannabis Insider”. If you had to advise someone about 5 nonintuitive things one should know to succeed in the cannabis industry, what would you say?

1. Give as much as you expect to receive.

I have been amazed at the number of folks in this industry who have been willing to talk to me, guide me, and mentor me. If I were to just “take” without giving back, I don’t think I would get that reaction. By sharing my input and experience, I have become a valuable resource to them as well. For example, when I first reached out to a prominent industry leader for advice, I made sure to offer my assistance on a project they were working on. This mutual exchange fostered a stronger connection and opened doors for future collaboration.

2. Show up every day.

I spent the last six months consistently showing up where the hemp/cannabis industry was active — whether on LinkedIn, Instagram, at local dispensaries, or even at the first annual Hemp Beverage Festival. By being present and letting people hear my voice and see me, I’ve built great relationships and opportunities. For instance, attending the Hemp Beverage Festival allowed me to meet key players in the industry who later became important contacts and collaborators.

3. Be authentic, be you.

I’m not the traditional cannabis or hemp user, and I thought this would hold me back. However, being myself has made me unique in an industry that is just starting out. Nobody can be you, so embrace it! When I started my podcast, I was worried about not fitting the typical cannabis advocate mold. But my authenticity resonated with my audience, and it helped me stand out and build a loyal following.

4. Have a business plan.

This one is not my favorite insider tip, but it is crucial. I found out quickly that no one wanted to talk to someone who was just in this for the “altruism.” Once I built out a business plan that supported what I wanted to do from a policy standpoint, people were lining up to talk to me. For example, after I developed a comprehensive plan for my podcast and advocacy efforts, industry professionals took me more seriously and were more willing to invest time and resources into my vision.

5. Do not be afraid to say “I don’t know.”

This industry is new, and no one knows everything. By being honest about what I know and what I don’t know, I have built more trust. During one of my podcast interviews, I admitted to not fully understanding a specific regulatory issue. This honesty led to a more in-depth discussion and a learning opportunity for both me and my audience. It also established me as someone who values truth and continuous learning.

Can you share 3 things that most excite you about the cannabis industry?

1. Empowering Women

I am excited about finding avenues to reach women who may never have stepped into a dispensary to try cannabis products. Moving women away from Mommy Wine Culture, which has many negative repercussions, is a significant step. I look forward to seeing women regain their health and voice through cannabis, offering a healthier alternative and reducing the stigma around its use.

2. Small Business Innovation

The cannabis industry is still in its infancy, providing a unique opportunity for small businesses to lead innovation from a place of passion and excitement rather than corporate greed. This potential to foster new leaders excites me, as it allows for genuine, community-focused advancements that can truly benefit people. I am inspired by the creativity and dedication of these entrepreneurs who are building the industry from the ground up.

3. Thoughtful Regulation

With cannabis being such a new industry, we have the ability to regulate it in a way that prioritizes the general public’s well-being over private interests. Imagine regulations that focus on non-toxic product ingredients, pesticide-free growing practices, and overall health-focused standards. This approach could make the cannabis industry the first health-focused industry prioritizing consumer safety and wellness over pure profit.

Can you share 3 things that most concern you about the industry? If you had the ability to implement 3 ways to reform or improve the industry, what would you suggest?

Concerns:

1. Regulation by Special Interests One of my biggest concerns is that if regulation is influenced by special interests, it could potentially undermine the positive aspects of the cannabis industry. There’s a risk that regulations could be shaped to benefit other industries by either banning cannabis outright or prioritizing profit over health and safety considerations. For instance, if regulations allow for harmful pesticides or additives in products to increase profitability, it could harm consumers and the industry’s reputation.
2. Presence of Bad Actors While there are many passionate and ethical individuals in the industry, the current lack of comprehensive regulation also attracts bad actors. These individuals may prioritize making quick profits over adhering to safety standards, using proper ingredients, or following regulatory guidelines. This poses risks to consumer health and undermines the credibility of the industry as a whole.
3. Lack of Education There is a significant gap between the information available at the professional level within the industry and what the general public understands. Many people are unaware of key distinctions such as the differences between cannabis and hemp, the legal implications of various cannabis schedules, and the potential benefits and risks associated with cannabis use. This lack of education can lead to misinformation and misunderstanding, hindering informed decision-making and public support for sensible cannabis policies.

Ways to Reform or Improve the Industry:

1. Policy Reform Implement policies that prioritize public safety and health over corporate profit motives. This includes establishing regulations that focus on ensuring product purity, ingredient safety, and adherence to ethical standards in cultivation and production practices. Policies should be transparent, evidence-based, and crafted with input from diverse stakeholders to mitigate the influence of special interests.
2. Regulatory Emphasis on Purity and Safety Reform regulatory frameworks to emphasize purity, safety, and quality control measures rather than arbitrary restrictions on THC content or restrictive distribution channels. This approach would ensure that consumers have access to safe and reliable cannabis products while promoting responsible consumption practices among users.
3. Education Initiatives Develop comprehensive educational programs aimed at both the general public and industry professionals. Educate consumers about the potential benefits and risks of cannabis use, proper consumption methods, and how to identify safe and reputable products. Combatting outdated stereotypes and misinformation, such as those perpetuated by past “reefer madness” campaigns, is crucial to fostering a well-informed public discourse and promoting responsible cannabis use.

What are your thoughts about federal legalization of cannabis? If you could speak to your Senator, what would be your most persuasive argument regarding why they should or should not pursue federal legalization?

I firmly believe that cannabis and hemp should be completely descheduled and legalized at the federal level. Firstly, cannabis is a plant, and no one should be incarcerated for its use. It’s crucial to address the social injustices stemming from disproportionate impacts on racial and socioeconomic groups due to cannabis criminalization.

Secondly, legalizing cannabis would bring substantial economic benefits that extend beyond recreational use. Hemp, for instance, has diverse industrial applications that could significantly reduce our environmental footprint. It can be used in textiles, construction materials, biofuels, and more, offering sustainable alternatives to traditional products. This legalization could also generate numerous jobs across various sectors, from agriculture to manufacturing and retail.

Lastly, there are significant potential health benefits for our population. As we face ongoing health challenges, such as the impact of alcohol on cancer rates and concerns over additives in our food, cannabis represents a natural alternative with potential therapeutic properties. Federal legalization would enable further research into its medicinal applications, potentially offering new avenues for treatment and wellness.

Persuasive Argument to Senators:

If given the opportunity to speak to my Senator, my most persuasive argument for federal legalization of cannabis would emphasize these points:

1. Social Justice: Cannabis criminalization has disproportionately affected marginalized communities. Descheduling and legalizing cannabis would correct these injustices and provide a pathway to address historical inequities in law enforcement and incarceration.
2. Economic Opportunities: Legalizing cannabis and hemp would unlock a thriving industry with vast economic potential. From creating jobs to supporting sustainable practices across industries, cannabis legalization could bolster local economies and contribute to national economic growth.
3. Health and Wellness: Cannabis offers a natural alternative to substances with known health risks. By legalizing cannabis, we can promote research into its therapeutic benefits, potentially improving public health outcomes and offering safer options for consumers.

At the end of the day, federal legalization of cannabis is not just about personal freedoms or recreational use; it’s about equity, economic prosperity, and public health. It’s time to reassess outdated policies and embrace the multifaceted benefits that cannabis legalization can bring to our society.

Today, cigarettes are legal, but they are heavily regulated, highly taxed, and they are somewhat socially marginalized. Would you like cannabis to have a similar status to cigarettes or different? Can you explain?

If cannabis or hemp were to demonstrate similar health effects as tobacco, then yes, I would expect them to be regulated similarly. For instance, if big tobacco companies were to enter the cannabis market and introduce harmful chemicals akin to those found in cigarettes, rigorous regulation would be essential. In such a scenario, heavy taxation and social marginalization would be justified to protect public health.

However, if we descheduled cannabis and hemp, allowing citizens to grow their own or purchase from trusted and transparent companies, I believe a different approach is warranted. Rather than heavily taxing and marginalizing these products, we should focus on regulation and education that empowers consumers. By ensuring product safety, promoting responsible consumption, and providing accurate information, we can foster a market where consumers make informed choices based on their preferences and health considerations.

All in all, the regulatory approach should be tailored to the potential risks and benefits of cannabis and hemp products. If managed responsibly through effective regulation and education, these plants can serve as alternatives that enhance individual freedom and public health without the need for the same level of taxation and marginalization as tobacco.

Can you please give us your favorite “Life Lesson Quote”? Can you share how that was relevant to you in your life?

“If you don’t ask, the answer is always no.”

Relevance to My Life:

This quote has been a guiding principle for me in both my personal and professional journey. It’s natural to hesitate or assume something won’t happen, which often prevents us from even trying. In my experience, embracing this mindset has led to significant breakthroughs.

In my 15 years in sales and marketing, I learned that asking for opportunities, pitching ideas, and seeking meetings often yielded positive results. Yes, I heard “no” many times, but each “no” directed me toward new opportunities or clarified where to focus my efforts.

Transitioning into the cannabis industry, I’ve applied the same approach. I’ve asked for meetings, pitched unconventional ideas, and pursued opportunities that others might overlook. This proactive attitude has opened doors and created unexpected connections.

The essence of this quote is about embracing courage and persistence. It’s about not letting fear of rejection hold you back, but rather using it as a guidepost to refine your approach and keep pushing forward. By asking, you create possibilities and opportunities that wouldn’t exist otherwise.

You are a person of great influence. If you could inspire a movement that would bring the most amount of good to the greatest amount of people, what would that be? You never know what your idea can trigger. :-)

I’m actively inspiring the “Cali Sober Mom” movement. As women increasingly move away from Mommy Wine Culture and embrace their own power and voice, there lies a tremendous opportunity for positive change for humanity. Imagine a world where women unite around a cause that transcends religious affiliations and financial motivations driven by a few individuals.

Stepping away from alcohol and moving towards healthier plant-based alternatives, such as cannabis, can serve as a powerful catalyst for this movement. It’s a versatile plant accessible to everyone regardless of age, religion, gender, or social status, offering potential benefits for health, wellness, and sustainability. Moreover, understanding the political dynamics behind efforts to restrict access to cannabis, driven by special interest groups like big alcohol and big pharma seeking financial gain, can galvanize women toward a vision of a brighter future.

By rallying around cannabis and the Cali Sober Mom movement, women can not only advocate for broader access to a natural resource but also leverage their collective strength to challenge industries that prioritize profit over public health. Imagine the impact of such unity in advocating for healthier, affordable options for ourselves and our children, free from the harmful additives often found in mainstream products.

The Cali Sober Mom movement has the potential to spark broader conversations about wellness, sustainability, and social justice. It empowers women to lead meaningful change and foster communities built on shared values of health, empowerment, and environmental stewardship.

Thank you so much for the time you spent with this. We wish you only continued success!