AACE INTERVIEW: Mei-ling Campbell
MEI-LING CAMPBELL
“It takes a different skill - a more entrepreneurial and flexible mindset to be successful in cannabis. ”
I am so thrilled to have Mei-ling Campbell on AACE. When I met her at Stiiizy, she came towards me and I knew this woman was someone I needed to know. I am always in awe of API women who thrive in corporate life, I could never navigate what they have to do, and Mei-Ling is what I call a “Captain”, she can steer a company to better horizons and at the same time manage home life and shine so bright that others like me and women who need to see the endless possibilities. Today we have Mei-ling Campbell and I hope you send this interview to women considering entering the cannabis industry. - Ophelia Chong
Mei-Ling, you are one of the few that have left a “traditional” path in corporate America at Altria to take on the position of General Manager of Expansion at the Shryne Group – APIs are largely not comfortable stepping outside the lines, what were your strongest reasons for taking the leap from tobacco to cannabis?
I’ve never really adhered to the traditional Asian stereotypes, as I’ve always been outspoken and somewhat of a rebel. I’ve also been a consumer and advocate of cannabis since my late teen years, so going into cannabis just kind of made sense. Since cannabis has had such a positive impact on my life, I wanted to have a stronger role in normalizing its usage and educating people on the benefits of the plant - especially amongst those around me and in the API community. When I joined STIIIZY three years ago, I loved that not only would I get the chance to work for an amazing brand attuned to the cannabis culture, but also that I would get the opportunity to work with and learn from talented API leaders within the company.
As a mother of young children, how would you talk to them about the use of cannabis when they get to the age where it is available to them?
I would share how it has benefited me and helped me be a more patient mom to 2 boys in constant chaos! I would also educate them about the benefits and effects of the plant medicine, how cannabinoids can impact people differently, and also the importance of safe and responsible usage. Like I plan to with alcohol, I would want them to experience using cannabis with me so I can guide them through the experience and etiquette, and make sure they’re being safe. When they’re at the right age, I would want to hang out and smoke a joint with them, like I would have a beer with my family at a bbq or wine with dinner.
What are the benefits you have experienced from cannabis?
Cannabis has improved my life in so many facets, from alleviating my anxiety in social situations, to helping me focus and get stuff done. Sometimes I can get super anxious or nervous about something, and cannabis will help calm me down. I also like to smoke weed before I work out or run because it helps me zone in on the muscles I’m targeting or the sound of my feet hitting the pavement, and focus through those moments of wanting to give up.
In your experience, how have you seen the acceptance of cannabis across the US?
One thing I have seen and love about cannabis, is that it bridges the gap across so many cultures and backgrounds. I’ve met many people across the US that are passionate about cannabis, from all walks of life and political beliefs. There is however a difference in general acceptance and openness in which people use and talk about cannabis – the south and southeast tend to be less accepting of cannabis. This general acceptance matters when it comes to legalizing and regulating cannabis state to state, and you see that in how the licenses are awarded, how social equity is treated, and the general diversity of the key players in each state.
What were the biggest differences you see between tobacco and cannabis?
There are actually a lot more differences than similarities based on what I’ve seen! Both products are regulated, age-restricted, and can be rolled, smoked or chewed, but that’s where the similarities end. Tobacco is a mature, declining market that has endless data and resources, existing infrastructure and easy access to capital. Tobacco is more “corporate” and standardized; it can be made in one location, shipped to 20+ public warehouses across the country, then distributed to each state and to thousands of convenience stores and other outlets, with just that state’s tax rate and stamp as the difference (for the most part).
On the flip side, just about every cannabis company I’ve talked to have been start-ups with limited data and resources, building out processes as they go, and struggling to get investors. Cannabis has to be licensed, grown, processed, packaged and tested separately in each state, and then distributed only to dispensaries located in that state. A brand’s go-to-market strategy may have to be adjusted state to state depending on regulation, competition and the retail environment within each state. It takes a different skill - a more entrepreneurial and flexible mindset to be successful in cannabis.
Where do you see cannabis in five years in the US? (Sales, taxation, legalization)
The safe banking act will hopefully have been passed by then! I doubt we will see federal legalization yet, but we will be closer with more states opening up recreational sales. Education and access will have come a long way, so consumers will more knowledge and options in the type of cannabis they consume. I also believe we will see the emergence of more national brands that have been successful in scaling their business and growing their loyal consumer base out of their home state.
If you were to wave a magic wand, what would you change first in the cannabis industry?
One of the biggest problems I see in this industry is the lack of color and women at the helm of cannabis companies. While one can point to many root problems causing this lack of diversity, one of the biggest in my opinion is lack of financial resources and access to capital. Social equity programs aside, Safe Banking Act will go a long way in providing more equitable services that will give women and minorities a chance to compete in this industry.
How did you explain your move into the cannabis industry to your family? What was the most surprising reaction?
I explained it as move into an industry that I was passionate about, and an opportunity to learn and build something in a developing industry. My parent’s most surprising reaction was that I had stayed in corporate America as long as I did, and that I didn’t make the move earlier. I thought they would give me more flak about smoking weed, but they were actually glad that it was just weed and that I hadn’t touched a cigarette in years.
What is your favorite Stiiizy product?
I love their cannabis derived terpene pods and diamonds the best! I’m also looking forward to checking out other brands and products as I continue my journey in the cannabis industry.
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