Change MakeHERS: Spotlighting Rebecca Allen Tapp
Why Women in Cannabis Matter
As the cannabis industry continues its rapid expansion, an increasing number of dynamic women are emerging as influential leaders within the field. These women not only shape the trajectory of their businesses but also pave the way for future generations of female leaders. At White Ash Group, we believe in celebrating the triumphs of women in the cannabis sector by highlighting their accomplishments. That's why we initiated the Change MakeHERs series – a collection of interviews and spotlight articles where women who embody strength, integrity, and hard work share their insights and advice on navigating the cannabis landscape.
Rebecca Allen Tapp, Product Manager, Paralab Green
Introducing Rebecca Allen-Tapp, this month’s Change MakeHER and a leading expert in cannabis lab equipment for post-harvest, extraction, and packaging. As Product Manager at Paralab Green in Portugal, Rebecca leverages her deep technical expertise and EU GMP knowledge to deliver turnkey solutions across Europe’s cannabis sector.
Rebecca’s journey began in North America’s recreational market in 2016, where she developed a key distribution program for a top lab equipment supplier and forged partnerships with leading multi-state operators (MSOs). Now with Paralab Green in Portugal, she leverages her deep technical expertise and EU GMP knowledge to deliver turnkey solutions across Europe’s cannabis sector. Rebecca’s work has been instrumental in supplying cutting-edge equipment for major projects, driving innovation and operational excellence in the industry.
Q: Rebecca, you’ve been involved in the cannabis industry since 2016, starting in North America’s recreational market. What initially drew you to the cannabis space, and how has your experience evolved over the years?
I grew up in the Pacific Northwest, where cannabis was already a part of the culture, with medical co-ops thriving along the West Coast and a strong reputation for cultivation in Southern Oregon and Northern California.
When legalization came, walking into a dispensary for the first time with so many product options felt incredibly liberating. I was living in Oregon, just over the border from Washington, where cannabis had also been recently legalized. The energy from the cannabis community was electric as we transitioned from a prohibition market to a legal one. Dispensaries started appearing everywhere, and people from all walks of life were able to come and go without having to hide in the shadows anymore.
Soon after, I started working for a promotional products distributor that had launched a cannabis division, attending various industry events like conferences and legislative meetings. The rapid growth of the cannabis industry was fascinating. At that time, there was an explosion of information, and from my experience, plenty of open sharing within the community. I went from knowing only basic terms like indica and sativa to understanding different cannabinoids, the role of terpenes, and the difference between full spectrum and broad spectrum. I developed an unquenchable thirst for learning.
After a few years, I transitioned to a role with a laboratory equipment distributor, where I became captivated by the technical side of cannabis production. My role involved developing a distribution channel for equipment manufacturers, focusing on pairing extraction equipment with our solutions. This allowed me to travel, visit customer sites, and witness new technologies firsthand. I focused on mastering the nuances of extraction and downstream processes. Once I grasped how these processes related to different final products, it became like a plug-and-play system for me.
My experiences in the recreational and medical cannabis markets across Canada, the U.S., the UK, and Europe have highlighted key industry bottlenecks. In Europe, strict drug regulations often hinder innovation, while the U.S. market’s rapid pace can lead to product recalls and safety issues from insufficient oversight. Working in the UK and EU has shown me that while technology may lag behind the U.S., this slower pace allows science to catch up. Ultimately, it's about finding a balance between fostering innovation and ensuring consumer safety through effective regulation.
Q: As a woman in a technical field like cannabis lab equipment and operations, what challenges have you faced, and how have you overcome them to establish yourself as a leader in this space?
Like many women in high demand industries, one of my biggest challenges is imposter syndrome. Sometimes, those negative thoughts creep in, making me feel inferior, inexperienced, or undeserving. I’m my own toughest critic and have spent countless hours rewatching podcasts I’ve been on, overthinking how they might have been received. Brené Brown's advice about not reading the comments on her work really stuck with me. It's a message I’ve had to remind myself of often, that the most important opinion about me is my own.
I may not have the same academic background as many of my colleagues in the lab equipment field, but my experience in the legal cannabis industry since its inception in the U.S. has given me a competitive edge. I was learning alongside everyone else in this emerging field, taking every opportunity to get hands on experience. When I wasn’t in a lab, I was doing research. Though I initially felt a bit out of place among seasoned experts, I’ve realized that my approach has not only advanced my professional growth but also had a profound impact on my personal development. The more I learn, the more confident and capable I become.
One of the most valuable lessons I’ve learned in my career is to remain focused on my goals and not let outside influences distract me. Instead of trying to be the expert in the room, I prioritize asking questions and seeking insights from others. Recognizing the value of community over competition is essential as it is not just a trendy hashtag but a lifestyle that fosters genuine support and growth. It's especially important for women, as scarcity mentalities can hinder our progress and create unnecessary barriers.
This industry is evolving quickly, much faster than others, so it’s important to stay flexible and true to yourself. I focus on what I can control, like sticking to my values and prioritizing integrity and authenticity. When I slip, I work to get back on track. That's what I expect from a leader, and it’s how I try to lead, even though it’s not always easy. But in the end, it’s always worth it.
Q: You played a key role in developing a distribution program for one of the top lab equipment suppliers. Can you share what strategies or insights led to the success of that initiative and how it impacted the industry?
At Cascade Sciences, we were fortunate to be in the right place at the right time when cannabis legalized. At that time, we had already established a strong presence in the vacuum oven market, serving clients like NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory. We had to navigate the sensitive landscape of the cannabis industry carefully, avoiding explicit references to cannabis due to federal restrictions. I appreciate the versatility of lab equipment, which spans multiple sectors. For instance, the same system used for cannabis extraction can also be applied to essential oils, while rotary evaporators, which purge ethanol after winterization, are also popular among chefs for molecular gastronomy.
Recognizing an opportunity in the burgeoning market, we acted like surfers waiting for the perfect wave. There’s a straightforward formula in cannabis production; once you identify your goal, you can map out the necessary equipment and processes. We already offered a crucial piece of the puzzle, so we began establishing exclusive partnerships and creating a distribution channel to support them.
Building this program felt like constructing an airplane mid-flight, given the fast pace of the market. My focus was on educating our distributors on selling our equipment and developing training programs aligned with our overall business development strategy. This required me to learn the intricacies of the process thoroughly, ensuring I could pass that knowledge on to others.
As the market matured, competition increased, leading to challenges with pricing and differentiation. With our brand becoming recognized, we needed to demonstrate the value of higher-cost equipment in a landscape of cheaper alternatives. This evolving challenge kept me engaged, particularly in the strategic and negotiation aspects of my role.
In 2021, I made the tough decision to leave Cascade ahead of an acquisition to focus on the European market. I will never forget my time at Cascade and how it helped shape my career.
Q: What advice would you give to women looking to break into technical or operational roles in the cannabis industry, and how can they position themselves for success?
My recommendations for women looking to break into technical or operational roles in the cannabis industry are to stay true to yourself and set boundaries while remaining curious and committed to personal and professional growth. Embrace your unique perspectives and experiences without the pressure to be an expert right away. Ask questions, seek mentorship, and collaborate with others instead of viewing them as competition.
While uplifting fellow women is essential, we must also be mindful of avoiding tokenism. Supporting one another should not come at anyone else's expense; we all possess unique strengths that contribute to a more inclusive environment, benefiting everyone. By helping those around you without expecting anything in return, you will cultivate a strong and rewarding network.
To position yourself for success, actively build your network by attending industry events and joining professional organizations. Seek allies who can support your journey and foster authentic connections that may lead to collaborative opportunities. Before attending networking events, research the individuals you want to connect with and understand how your goals align. Clearly communicate your unique contributions and how connecting with you can be beneficial for others. Effective communication is key in a networking environment, so leverage your existing connections and feel confident in asking for referrals or introductions.
Lastly, adaptability is crucial in the cannabis industry, where the market constantly evolves due to regulatory changes, consumer preferences, and technological advancements. Stay flexible and ready to pivot your strategies when necessary. Set clear goals and expectations for yourself to guide your decisions, viewing challenges as opportunities for growth. Remember, each step you take is part of your unique journey, shaping your experience and success.
Q: Female leadership can bring different perspectives and strengths. How do you feel your experience as a woman has contributed to the operational excellence and client relationships you’ve cultivated at Paralab Green?
My leadership experience is entirely subjective, and I find this question tricky because I have no other experiences to compare it to; I’ve only ever been a woman. However, I can certainly say that I have faced challenges that reinforced stereotypes about being a woman, a mom, and having an invisible disability. People have tried to use these perceived disadvantages against me, but they haven’t succeeded. When I sensed I was viewed as an also-ran, I turned that perception into my power, allowing them to underestimate me.
In life, we inevitably encounter hardship, which is a fundamental part of the human experience. Each of us is responsible for how we respond to these challenges. Life can often feel unfair, but we can choose how we react. Although I’m not perfect and sometimes let my emotions take over, I strive to create space between my feelings and actions. This practice can help anyone feeling marginalized, as maintaining a calm mind is crucial for navigating adversity.
At Paralab Green, I feel that gender has not been a determining factor in my recruitment or success. The team genuinely values my insights and experience, which fosters a positive work environment. Before joining, we ensured we had clear communication and shared intentions, giving me confidence in my ability to succeed in my role. Having known CEO Rui Soares for years, I developed a positive opinion of his character and how he leads the company.
Through my experiences, I’ve learned the importance of setting expectations and standing up for myself, especially in an industry where my perspectives as a woman can offer valuable insights. I believe these experiences contribute to operational excellence and strengthen client relationships, allowing me to make a meaningful impact.
