In this episode of Kaya Cast, host Tommy Truong sits down with Marianne Cursetjee, founder of Alibi, to share a candid look at building a multi-state cannabis business from the ground up. Marianne reveals how her e-commerce and marketing background shaped a data-driven, yield-focused cultivation operation, the missteps that taught her to hire the right people, and the realities of growing through price compression in Oregon while expanding asset-light into New York. Learn how two very different markets shape product strategy—from bulk indoor flower in Oregon to packaged pre-rolls and vapes in New York—and how Alibi balances branding, packaging, and IP with regulatory and cost realities. She also explains the alibi brand story, seasonal launches like a spiced apple vape, and the hard-won lessons of leadership, scaling, and staying nimble in a rapidly evolving industry.

Meet Mary Cursetjee, a passionate advocate for the cannabis industry and the founder of GreenLeaf Solutions, a leading consulting firm specializing in cannabis business strategy and operations. With over 10 years of experience in the industry, Mary has become a trusted expert and thought leader in the ever-evolving world of cannabis legalization and regulation.

Mary’s journey in the cannabis industry began with her involvement in the medical marijuana movement, where she witnessed the power of this plant to positively impact people’s lives. This sparked her passion for educating others and advocating for responsible and sustainable business practices in the cannabis space.

As the founder of GreenLeaf Solutions, Mary works closely with cannabis businesses of all sizes, from startups to established companies, to help them navigate the complex regulatory landscape and achieve long-term success. Her expertise in compliance, licensing, and operations has earned her a reputation as a go-to resource for cannabis entrepreneurs and investors.

Mary is also a highly sought-after speaker and has been featured on numerous panels and podcasts, sharing her insights on the latest industry trends and best practices. She is a firm believer in the power of networking and collaboration and is always eager to connect with other professionals in the cannabis space.

With her extensive knowledge and experience, Mary is a valuable asset to any cannabis business looking to thrive
Find out more about Alibi at:
https://alibi.co/
https://www.linkedin.com/in/mcursetjee/
https://www.linkedin.com/company/alibi-co/

00:00 Introduction to Kaya Cast
00:42 From E-commerce to Cannabis Cultivation
01:30 Starting the Cultivation Journey
02:05 Building the Right Team
03:20 Challenges and Learning Curves
08:03 First Harvest and Early Struggles
09:59 Navigating Market Changes
13:46 Expanding to New York
19:13 Oregon Market Challenges
22:03 Navigating Business Challenges
25:08 The Importance of Yield
25:43 Quality vs. Quantity
27:11 Market Trends and Consumer Preferences
28:18 Different Approaches in Oregon and New York
33:39 The Story Behind the Brand 'Alibi'
40:04 Seasonal Products and Future Plans
41:17 Where to Find Alibi

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