This month meet the strategist behind High Buds Club, Jaime Lipowitz. As the founder of High Buds Club, she saw what others overlooked: the immense influence of Budtenders in driving consumer choices. With just $5K and zero outside investment, she turned a bold idea into a profitable business, pioneering a first-to-market advertising solution for the cannabis industry.

In this month’s Change MakeHER spotlight, Jaime shares how she turned a bold vision into a thriving business, proving that the best way to predict the future is to create it.

Welcome to "Talent Trailblazers: Our Team, Your Recruiter," a series diving deep into the world of recruitment, spotlighting the skilled individuals of White Ash Group. Our seasoned professionals are dedicated to connecting talent with opportunities in the cannabis industry. Meet our team, and uncover their expertise, quirks, and unique skills. This month, meet Denzeyl Morris, our new U.S. Director of Sales at White Ash Group!

As the cannabis industry rapidly evolves, driven by both technological advancements and shifting regulations, the need for a skilled workforce has never been more critical. In the age of AI, automation, and new innovations, reskilling your team is essential for staying competitive. Whether it's mastering the latest cultivation techniques, navigating complex compliance laws, or leveraging AI in product development, reskilling ensures that your workforce is prepared to meet the challenges and opportunities of the future. Are you ready to invest in the growth of your team?

The cannabis industry is rapidly evolving, and so are the challenges of finding and retaining top talent. As we head into 2025, new trends are reshaping the recruitment landscape, from the stabilization of candidate resentment to the increasing importance of AI in hiring processes. Companies must adapt by embracing transparency, prioritizing diversity, and creating flexible work environments to attract skilled professionals in this fast-growing sector. Dive into the top five recruitment trends and discover actionable strategies to future-proof your hiring approach.

Holiday events are a perfect opportunity to network with confidence and cheer. This blog offers tips on setting goals, starting conversations, sharing elevator pitches, and following up to build lasting connections. Embrace the festive spirit and make meaningful professional relationships this season!

Thinking of using a competing job offer to demand a raise? Think again. While it might seem like a bold move, this strategy can backfire, damaging your reputation and burning bridges with both your current employer and the company that made the offer. In this blog, we explore why this approach is a career misstep and share proven, professional strategies to secure the raise you deserve—without risking your future.

"In an industry that wasn’t exactly rolling out the welcome mat for people like me, I had to create my own space," says Abi Roach, whose two-decade journey in cannabis spans founding the trailblazing HOTBOX lounge to leading strategic accounts at McIntyre Creek Cannabis.

As a disabled woman and early pioneer in the cannabis space, Abi has faced—and overcome—unique challenges. Her advocacy helped shape key moments in Canada’s path to legalization, while her bold approach to business has consistently set new standards for inclusion and innovation. Read this month’s change makeHERS story today!

Facing a layoff in the cannabis industry can feel like a major setback, but it’s also an opportunity to redefine your career path. Start by processing the change and reassessing your goals—do you want to stay in cannabis, or explore new industries? Update your resume to highlight transferable skills, network strategically, and stay informed about industry trends. Upskilling or freelancing can open new doors, while prioritizing your mental health ensures you stay resilient during the transition. With the right mindset and steps, this challenge can lead to your next big opportunity.

Hiring top talent isn’t without its challenges—whether it’s managing expectations, ensuring cultural alignment, or handling an influx of applications. The best HR professionals tackle these obstacles with strategic planning, clear communication, and smart use of technology. Discover how they turn common hiring hurdles into opportunities for building stronger teams! 🚀

You’ve found the perfect candidate, and now it’s time to make the job offer—but how you present it can make all the difference. A well-structured and thoughtful job offer shows candidates they’re valued, making them more likely to accept with confidence. In this post, we’ll share essential tips for presenting a job offer, from setting the right tone to handling negotiations and ensuring a smooth transition from offer to onboarding. Use these strategies to secure top talent and start new hires off on the right foot.

This month’s Change MakeHER spotlight shines on Rebecca Allen-Tapp, Product Manager at Paralab Green and a trailblazer in the cannabis industry. With extensive expertise in lab equipment for post-harvest, extraction, and packaging, Rebecca has been pivotal in shaping the operational landscape of the European cannabis market. From her early work in North America's recreational sector to leading innovative solutions across Europe, Rebecca continues to drive progress with her technical expertise, delivering high-impact results and empowering the industry with cutting-edge advancements.

In the hiring process, it's easy for candidates to give rehearsed or surface-level answers. But to truly assess their potential, you need to dig deeper. Behavioral interview questions are a powerful tool to uncover how a candidate thinks, acts, and solves problems in real-world situations. In this guide, you'll learn how to craft questions that go beyond the surface, encouraging candidates to share revealing insights about their past behaviours—giving you the clarity you need to make informed hiring decisions.

When employees have the freedom to make decisions and take ownership of their work, they become more engaged, accountable, and innovative. Leaders can foster this autonomy by setting clear goals, providing the right tools, and building a culture of trust and open communication. This shift empowers employees to manage themselves, stay motivated, and contribute meaningfully to the organization’s success. Ready to unlock your team’s potential with trust and autonomy? Read more!

Working with a recruiter can be a game-changer in your job search, especially in the cannabis industry. By partnering with White Ash Group, you’ll gain access to tailored job opportunities, personalized career guidance, and industry insights that can help you land your ideal role. Here are five smart strategies to maximize your collaboration with recruiters and boost your job search success.

Heidi Whitman, this month’s Change MakeHER, is co-founder of the EmpowHer Cannabis Society, a groundbreaking global network of 750+ women across 27 countries. Dedicated to empowering female professionals in the cannabis industry, Heidi is passionate about plant-based wellness, advocating for women's health research, and fostering a supportive community where women can thrive and lead. Through EmpowHer, she’s helping women take their place at the forefront of this dynamic industry. Read more about Heidi's inspiring journey!

In the fast-moving cannabis industry, strong leadership is vital. Succession planning ensures your company is ready for smooth transitions when top executives step down or retire. By developing future leaders and partnering with specialized recruiters, cannabis businesses can maintain stability and growth, staying prepared for whatever the future holds. Read more!

Compensation in the cannabis industry differs from established sectors, offering less predictable pay and benefits but high potential rewards through equity and bonuses. Specialized roles command premium wages, but regulatory and market volatility shape an evolving landscape with unique challenges and opportunities.

Creating an internship program at your company is a great way to bring in fresh talent, complete important projects, and provide students with valuable real-world experience. This guide walks you through the essential steps to design, recruit, and run a successful internship program that benefits both your business and the interns.

We are thrilled to introduce Pauline Hyde as August’s Change MakeHER. With over a decade of experience in the cannabis industry, Pauline has been a pivotal force in shaping its landscape. As the co-founder of Canada’s top cannabis security consultancy and a leader in business optimization, Pauline’s work is deeply rooted in her passion for the medical benefits of cannabis. Discover more about Pauline’s journey and how she continues to inspire change and innovation in the industry.

Managing staff during busy periods can be challenging, but with the right strategies, you can keep your team motivated and productive. In this post, we explore four practical tips: prioritizing clear communication to prevent misunderstandings, delegating tasks effectively to leverage team strengths, implementing flexible scheduling to maintain work-life balance, and providing support and recognition to boost morale. These approaches will help you navigate high-demand times with ease, ensuring your team stays aligned and resilient.