Question

Veteran

Nicholas Lehman ⋅ Rigby, ID U.S. Army, Captain ⋅ 8 years served

Are there programs for veterans to break into corporate opportunities within the cannabis industry, be it medical or recreational? While I would love to find opportunities specifically in the Pittsburgh, PA area, I am open to nationwide remote opportunities.

27 December 2021 4 replies Mentoring

Answers

Answer 1

Advisor

David Eastman ⋅ Gresham, OR Gamma Therapeutics, Inc. ⋅ 35 years experience

Hello, Captain Lehman

First of all, thank you for your service.

I always think the best way to enter a new industry, especially one where your intent is to own and operate a business, is simply to go to work for one, no doubt in an entry level position. The nice thing about this "grass roots" approach, is that you get to immediately talk to customers and learn about their needs, you get to observe how the cannabis business is run by the owner/manager, you get to learn about the type of employees a cannabis business employs and what their backgrounds are, you get to learn about all the associated laws that regulate your business and allow it to operate, you get to see how the money is managed and secured, especially in those cannabis businesses where money cannot be placed in a bank because of existing federal laws, and learning the business, you have the opportunity to see what the rest of the cannabis business landscape is in your area and determine, after a very short time, where your potential opportunities are.

I wish you much success in your new endeavor.

Regards,

David F Eastman, Life Science and High Technology Marketing Consultant, Veteran, US Navy.

4 January 2022

Answer 2

Advisor

Emily Christian ⋅ New York, NY American Corporate Partners ⋅ 2 years experience

Hi Nicholas,

I don't personally know of opportunities related to the cannabis industry, though I know the industry itself is rising. It might help to directly contact up-and-running organizations to ask them for an informational meeting, either in person or virtually. Here's some information about what goes into an informational interview and how to ask for one: https://www.indeed.com/career-advice/interviewing/how-to-ask-for-an-informational-interview

If they say yes, don't forget to bring pre-written questions. This can help get your foot in the door, network, and give you some professional experience related to the industry. Worst case is they say no (and so on to ask the next one!) Second worst case is you meet and nothing comes of it, but at least you might learn something.

Depending on the type of position you're looking for (sales, business, marketing, etc) it might also be helpful to consider how can you use social media platforms such as LinkedIn, Facebook and/or Twitter to improve your 'personal brand'.

Lastly, here's an article written by a veteran for veterans to help shape your perspective on job search techniques: https://acp-advisornet.org/articles/275/job-search-techniques-remember-drills

28 December 2021

Answer 3

Advisor

ACP AdvisorNet Staff ⋅ New York, NY ⋅ 10 years experience

Hi Nicholas,

Thank you for your service and for posting your question! While the industry is relatively new, there are some organizations and spaces for veterans within the cannabis field.

In Pennsylvania specifically, there's a great company called "Terrapin Care Station" that is committed to hiring veterans. It is, however, somewhat far from Pittsburg. Their site is linked here: https://www.terrapincarestation.com/

But there are plenty of other organizations within the cannabis industry that gives opportunities to veterans, a fairly updated list can be found here: https://news.green-flower.com/cannabis-organizations-supporting-veterans-in-2020/

Let us know if you have any other questions!

Best,
ACP Staff

27 December 2021