The Women in CannaBusiness Podcast

What do corporate consumer packaged goods (CPG), an award-winning Vermont inn, cheese-aging technology, and cannabis have in common? They're all part of Jane Lewis Sandelman's unexpected journey to becoming CEO and Co-Founder of Cannatrol. In Episode #63 of Women in CannaBusiness, host Olivia Castaldy sits down with Jane Lewis Sandelman to explore her transition from corporate leadership and product development to entrepreneurship and cannabis technology. Before co-founding Cannatrol, Jane built an accomplished career across CPG product development, consumer insights, marketing, and business leadership, working with major companies including Pfizer Consumer Healthcare, Reckitt Benckiser, Block Drug, The Mennen Company, and IRI Worldwide. She later stepped away from corporate America to pursue an entirely different venture with her husband: renovating and operating an abandoned Vermont inn. Together, they transformed it into an award-winning culinary destination recognized by Food & Wine, Saveur, and Fodor's. Their next venture would take them somewhere neither initially expected: the cannabis industry. After Jane's husband developed innovative environmental-control technology originally used for aging cheese and dry-aged meats, the couple recognized an opportunity to apply the science to cannabis drying, curing, and storage. Together, they co-founded Cannatrol, combining his technical expertise with Jane's extensive experience in business strategy, product development, sales, and marketing. Today, Cannatrol is helping commercial cultivators, dispensaries, home growers, and consumers rethink post-harvest processing through science-backed technology designed to preserve flower quality, maintain consistency, and improve operational efficiency. Throughout the episode, Jane explains why growing exceptional cannabis is only part of the equation and why what happens after harvest can make or break the final product. Olivia and Jane also discuss building a business as a husband-and-wife team, transitioning between industries, navigating leadership as a woman in a male-dominated field, and the importance of mentorship and taking chances throughout your career. In this episode, we discuss: Jane's career in corporate CPG, product development, consumer insights, and business leadership Her transition from corporate America to operating an award-winning Vermont inn How her husband's cheese-aging technology eventually evolved into cannabis post-harvest solutions Co-founding Cannatrol and building a business around complementary skills Why drying, curing, and storage are critical to cannabis flower quality How Cannatrol supports commercial cultivators, dispensaries, and individual consumers Leading and growing a technology company in a male-dominated industry The value of mentorship, transferable skills, and embracing unexpected career opportunities Jane's story demonstrates that building a career doesn't always mean following a traditional path. Sometimes, your previous experiences are exactly what prepare you for an opportunity you never saw coming. About Cannatrol Cannatrol develops patented cannabis drying, curing, and storage technology designed to help preserve flower quality through precise vapor pressure control. From personal Cool Cure systems to large-scale commercial solutions, Cannatrol is helping operators rethink how they approach post-harvest processing. Learn more about Cannatrol: https://cannatrols.com/ This episode of Women in CannaBusiness is presented by Cannatrol.

Can cannabis help change someone's relationship with chronic pain and inspire an entirely new career? In Season 7, Episode 4 of Women in Canna Business, we're joined by Mel Gonzalez, better known as Queenee, a New York-based cannabis educator, content creator, Budist-certified concentrate judge, and entrepreneur with over 25 years of experience in healthcare. From working across medical specialties and teaching hospitals to building a career in cannabis education, marketing, and advocacy, Queenee's journey is one of resilience, personal transformation, and finding purpose through lived experience. In this episode, Queenee opens up about her battle with endometriosis, chronic pelvic pain, and prescription opioid use, sharing how cannabis concentrates and dabbing became part of her pain management journey. She discusses how cannabis helped her transition away from opioids, regain confidence, and develop a deeper understanding of cannabinoids, terpenes, and consumption methods. Her personal experience navigating chronic illness and traditional healthcare eventually inspired her to become a cannabis advocate and educator, helping bridge the gap between medical knowledge, patient experiences, and the cannabis industry. Today, Queenee serves as Marketing Manager for Alibi NY, a women-owned cannabis flower brand, overseeing marketing across New York State. She is also the founder of the Painsomniacs community, the entrepreneur behind Queenee Da Kritic LLC, a contributor to The Other Magazine, and co-host of the International Women's Cannabis Conference alongside The Dank Duchess. Beyond her professional achievements, we explore the challenges of being a mother who uses cannabis, the stigma surrounding cannabis and parenting, and her experiences dealing with judgment and false Child Protective Services (CPS) reports. In this episode, we discuss: Endometriosis and chronic pain: Queenee's personal experience navigating debilitating symptoms, medical treatment, and pain management Cannabis and opioid use: How cannabis became part of her approach to managing pain and helped her move away from prescription opioids 25+ years in healthcare: How working in medical specialties and teaching hospitals shaped her perspective on patient care and cannabis education Cannabis concentrates and dabbing: Understanding terpenes, consumption methods, and the importance of informed cannabis use Cannabis education and advocacy: Turning a personal health journey into a career dedicated to educating others Motherhood and cannabis stigma: Challenging misconceptions about parents who consume cannabis and discussing the emotional impact of CPS reports Building a career in cannabis: Her work in cannabis marketing, content creation, media, and entrepreneurship Community and patient advocacy: Founding Painsomniacs and creating conversations around chronic pain and lived patient experiences Queenee's story is about more than cannabis. It's about navigating a chronic condition, advocating for yourself within the healthcare system, and finding the confidence to turn personal challenges into meaningful work. Whether you're living with endometriosis, exploring conversations around cannabis and chronic pain, working in healthcare, or interested in pursuing a career in the cannabis industry, this episode offers an honest perspective on patient advocacy, motherhood, entrepreneurship, and the power of education. Connect with Queenee: Instagram: @QueeneeDaKritic   IMPORTANT DISCLAIMER:  Trigger Warning and Medical Disclaimer: This episode shares personal experiences for educational purposes and does not constitute medical advice. Cannabis is not an established cure for endometriosis, and decisions about opioid medications or chronic pain treatment should be made with a qualified healthcare professional. We are NOT making any claims, and we are NOT giving medical advice.   Follow Women in Canna Business for more conversations highlighting women in cannabis, female entrepreneurs, cannabis careers, and the stories shaping the future of the industry.

What does it really take to turn content creation into a career in cannabis? In Season 7, Episode 3 of Women in Canna Business, we're joined by Emily McCarter, creator of McCarter Gets High and host of High Minded with McCarter, to explore her journey from journalism and agency work to building her own platform in cannabis media. Originally from St. Louis and now based in Boulder, Colorado, Emily shares how her passion for storytelling, advocacy, and creativity helped shape her career. We dive into the realities of being a content creator, from pitching brands and negotiating partnerships to managing the pressures of entrepreneurship in an ever-changing industry. Emily also opens up about mental health, ADHD, therapy, and the importance of building a support system while pursuing a career on your own terms. Throughout the conversation, we explore what it means to grow a personal brand, stay authentic, and create opportunities in an industry that doesn't always offer a traditional career path. In this episode, we discuss: Emily's transition from journalism to cannabis media Building McCarter Gets High and growing an engaged audience Monetizing content and navigating brand partnerships The business behind being a content creator Mental health, ADHD, and prioritizing personal well-being Why consistency, community, and resilience matter for long-term success Whether you're an aspiring creator, entrepreneur, or cannabis professional, Emily's story is a reminder that building a meaningful career takes time, persistence, and a genuine passion for what you do. Connect with Emily: Instagram: @McCarterGetsHigh Podcast: High Minded with McCarter Follow Women in Canna Business for more conversations with the women shaping the future of the cannabis industry.

From the Fashion Institute of Technology to building one of the most recognizable greeting card brands in the cannabis space, Lauren Miele has turned creativity, risk-taking, and a willingness to follow the opportunity into more than a decade of entrepreneurship. In Season 7, Episode 2 of The Women in CannaBusiness Podcast, Olivia sits down with Lauren Miele, Founder and CEO of KushKards, the original cannabis greeting card brand known for putting a new spin on gifting and “giving the gift with a lift.” Lauren shares how her background at FIT in visual merchandising, packaging design, and product development helped lay the foundation for KushKards, even before she realized there was an entire industry waiting for the idea. She opens up about leaving New York for Denver to grow the business, taking risks, learning through mistakes, and eventually finding herself called back to the East Coast as both the industry and KushKards evolved. We also talk about Lauren’s biggest collaboration to date with Spencer’s, where KushKards expanded beyond its original product concept into vibrating greeting cards, along with the creative process behind continuing to evolve a product for new audiences. Lauren also dives into the newest side of the brand, from her Gifted, Lifted & Thrifted junk journaling subscription to Puff & Paste events in New York, and how finding a niche community can create entirely new opportunities for connection, creativity, and growth. Most importantly, Lauren shares the lessons she has learned after years of building a business from the ground up: move at your own pace, stay true to yourself, stop comparing your journey to everyone else’s, and actually take action on the ideas you believe in. In this episode, we talk about: Lauren’s journey from FIT into entrepreneurship Building KushKards from an idea into a nationally recognized brand Leaving New York for Denver and eventually finding her way back home Growing a business through relationships, trade shows, risks, and persistence The KushKards x Spencer’s collaboration Expanding into vibrating greeting cards and new product categories The rise of junk journaling and Lauren’s Gifted, Lifted & Thrifted subscription Creating community through Puff & Paste events Why entrepreneurs sometimes need to say no Taking action instead of waiting for the perfect moment Lauren’s advice for women looking to build a career or business in the industry Find Lauren + KushKards: Instagram: @giftwithalift Website: KushKards.com --- The Women in CannaBusiness Podcast is a media partner of MJ Unpacked Kansas City, happening October 14–15. Use code CANNABUSINESS20 for 20% off your registration.

In the Season 7 premiere of Women in CannaBusiness, Olivia sits down with Daryn SantaMaria, Head of Marketing at Kaya Bliss Dispensary in Brooklyn, New York, to talk about turning a creative background into a career in cannabis marketing, events, and community building. With a Bachelor of Fine Arts and a background spanning visual arts, photography, animation, web design, and early childhood education, Daryn never necessarily planned on building a career in cannabis. A visit to Kaya Bliss ultimately opened an unexpected door, leading her from creative work into a leadership role overseeing marketing operations across the dispensary’s growing Brooklyn footprint. Today, Daryn manages digital storefronts, advertising campaigns, promotional strategy, events, and partnerships with more than 200 cannabis brands. A major part of her role is creating community-driven activations designed not only for consumers, but also for the teams working inside Kaya Bliss. In this episode, Daryn shares what it takes to create a dispensary experience that goes beyond retail, from cannabis education and wellness programming to yoga, watch parties, creative gatherings, and other community events. Olivia and Daryn also talk about cannabis and anxiety, finding products that work for individual needs, protecting your personal time in an always-on marketing role, and navigating a male-dominated industry with confidence. Daryn’s story is also a reminder that the skills you already have can translate into opportunities you may never have expected. Sometimes getting into the room starts with simply showing up, asking questions, and being willing to put yourself forward. In this episode: Daryn’s Brooklyn roots and background in fine arts How a visit to Kaya Bliss turned into an unexpected career opportunity Translating art, photography, animation, and design skills into cannabis marketing Growing into the Head of Marketing role at Kaya Bliss Managing marketing across multiple dispensary locations Working with 200+ cannabis brands on partnerships and activations Building community through education, yoga, watch parties, wellness events, and creative programming Using creativity to differentiate the dispensary experience Cannabis, anxiety, and finding products that support individual needs Managing work-life balance in an always-on industry Navigating assumptions as a woman working in cannabis Why showing up and trusting your skills can open unexpected doors About Daryn SantaMaria Daryn SantaMaria is the Head of Marketing for Kaya Bliss Dispensary in Brooklyn, NY. Holding a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree, Daryn translates her background in arts and early childhood education into a unique blend of visual design expertise, strategic brand recognition, and cross-functional leadership. In her current role, Daryn oversees marketing operations across all Kaya Bliss locations, directing digital storefront menus, advertising campaigns, and promotional strategies. A core pillar of her work includes managing partnerships with more than 200 cannabis brands to curate community-driven activations for both consumers and staff. Outside of work, Daryn reconnects with her creative roots through animation, painting, and crafting. Connect with Daryn & Kaya Bliss Daryn SantaMaria: Head of Marketing, Kaya Bliss Dispensary -- ⁠LinkedIn⁠ Kaya Bliss: KayaBlissNYC.com LinkedIn: Kaya Bliss Dispensary Kaya Bliss currently operates locations in Bay Ridge and Brooklyn Heights, with additional Brooklyn locations planned for Kensington and Brighton Beach. This episode of Women in CannaBusiness is brought to you by Kaya Bliss. Follow Women in CannaBusiness and subscribe wherever you listen to podcasts for more conversations with the women building, leading, and shaping the cannabis industry.