101 From Legacy to Legends with Christine De La Rosa of The People's Ecosystem

“There are huge tropes around people of color to not look for holistic medicine. And you have to first work through the tropes, the propaganda tropes around people of color and the use of cannabis.” - Christine De La Rosa

Welcome back to the To Be Blunt podcast! In this episode, Shayda Torabi welcomes Christine De La Rosa, CEO and Co-Founder of The People’s Ecosystem. Christine is a well-respected business leader, advocate, and activist. Everything changed after she was diagnosed with lupus, and she shares she was able to take her life back with the help of cannabis. Now, she’s committed to opening access to medical cannabis for the chronically ill and providing opportunities for minorities in the industry.

[00:01 – 05:40] What the Hell Is Going On With Texas Hemp and Cannabis?

[05:41 – 21:08] Using Medicinal Cannabis for Life-Altering Conditions

[21:09 – 32:48] Creating Social Equity for Women and People of Color

[26:49- 45:42] Challenges in Operating and the Importance of Brand SOPs

[45:43 - 55:25] Executing SOPs and Understanding Licensing

[55:26 – 1:11:14] Democratizing Access to Funding Through Web 3.0

Christine De La Rosa is passionate about the industry that saved her life. At the top of her tech career, she almost died from complications of undiagnosed Lupus. In 2015, she found cannabis as an alternative medicine to treat her lupus. No longer bound to 11 pills a day or monthly infusions, she was inspired by her experience to open The People’s Dispensary in 2016, along with her co-founders to help those who most need access to cannabis. Together, they continue to grow their multi-state supply chain footprint and build a fiercely sought-after national social equity model and enterprise now known as The People’s Ecosystem and its subsidiaries. She is currently the CEO and National Co-Founder of The People's Ecosystem, Founder & Fund Manager of The People’s Group and Founder of CBxShield.

Connect with Christine De La Rosa!

Visit The People’s Ecosystem website and follow them on Instagram, LinkedIn, Facebook, and Twitter.

Shayda Torabi has been called one of the most influential Women in WordPress and now she’s one of the women leading the cannabis reformation conversation building one of Texas’ premier CBD brands. She's currently the CEO and Co-Founder of RESTART CBD, a female-run education first CBD wellness brand. And has formerly held marketing positions at WP Engine and WebDevStudios. Shayda is the host of a podcast for cannabis marketers called To Be Blunt, where she interviews top cannabis brands on their most successful marketing initiatives. When Shayda's not building her cannabiz in Texas, you can find her on the road exploring the best hikes and spots for vegan ice cream. Follow Shayda at @theshaydatorabi

Key Quote:

“You're constantly in a battle for safe banking, you're constantly in a battle to keep your business open. Know that it's difficult and also wildly rewarding.”  - Christine De La Rosa

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