From Wellness to Worldwide: Inside the Journey of Cannabis Visionary Sara Gullickson

Sara’s journey from a health and wellness enthusiast to a powerhouse in the cannabis consulting industry is nothing short of inspirational. At just twenty-seven, she founded Dispensary Permits, a bold move that has since transformed into a global success story. With over 75 licenses secured across more than 30 states and five countries, Sara’s strategic acumen and unwavering dedication have earned her a coveted spot among the Top 20 Women Dominating the International Cannabis Space.

In this exclusive interview with PVM Magazine, we dive into Sara’s incredible career, uncover her insights on the industry’s future, and explore the experiences that have shaped her remarkable path. Join us as we get to know the visionary behind the legacy and discover what drives her passion for this thriving industry.

Sara, you have an impressive background in health and wellness. How did this background influence your decision to enter the cannabis industry?

I just thought of it simplistically in the sense that plants can make you feel better, so why wouldn’t you use something natural? It wasn’t embedded in me from a young age that cannabis was terrible. My sister had a rare blood disorder and instead of removing her spleen and having her on drugs for the rest of her life, my mom took charge and tried some naturopathic options.

My sister still has that same blood disorder today and she’s had a baby and is generally fine. I think it was because my mom was really an advocate for health, which just made it a normal thing for our family.

Starting Dispensary Permits at the age of twenty-seven is a remarkable achievement. Can you share what motivated you to take this entrepreneurial leap at such a young age?

At the time, I didn’t necessarily know I was taking an entrepreneurial leap. I was representing a client and taking on a job, but then my entrepreneurial instincts kicked in. I was just really fascinated by the business. I started as an assistant and then I moved to marketing and later sales.

Eventually, I was running the business. The guy who started it offered to sell it to me, and at that point, it felt like it was my business. Right before I turned 30, I bought the company from him, and then I built it and sold it in 2018.

With over a decade of experience in the cannabis industry, what major changes have you observed since you first started in 2010?

It’s changed completely. It went from being so taboo to completely normalized. Our old sales tactics were really about trying to get people to join us in the industry because we needed more people. It was a harder sell because people were worried about their assets and their reputation. It wasn’t as shiny and new or sexy as people perceive it today.

You’ve secured over 75 licenses in more than 30 states and five countries. What are some of the most significant challenges you’ve faced in this process?

The states each run their programming differently, so each has its own idiosyncrasies. But I think it just really tests your ability as an entrepreneur to think through problems or opportunities and come up with solutions. I think a lot of people sit in the corner and say, “Oh, that’s stupid, why did they do it that way?”

But I think that the true measure of an entrepreneur is to be able to put some of that narrative aside and really focus on what exists, what’s changeable and what’s not, and put ideas in front of either clients or partnerships that make financial sense.

I think that a lot of people think work’s supposed to be easy or life’s supposed to be a breeze. I just don’t believe that. I believe that you have to work hard in order to make money. None of this is a get-rich-quick scheme. You have to put the time, energy, and attention to detail into the projects and then they flourish.

Can you provide insights into the differences between cannabis regulations in the United States versus other countries where you’ve secured licenses?

That’s a difficult question because each state functions so differently that you can’t even categorize the United States. If you look at Amsterdam, it’s a way of life, right? It’s not taboo. It’s something that’s been ingrained in their culture and in their society forever.

It’s a tourism thing and is completely accepted, just like it would be to have a drink here in the US. And then some other countries are more focused on the commerce side of things. Meanwhile, in other countries, you can literally go to jail for life for cannabis.

As a successful female entrepreneur in a predominantly male-dominated industry, what advice would you give to other women looking to enter the cannabis space?

Don’t focus on the fact that you’re a female entrepreneur. Get over it and move on. I mean, just do the work.

Balancing a high-profile career with a personal life can be challenging. How do you maintain this balance, and what keeps you grounded?

Oh, man. I don’t know how I’m doing it! I think you care less about work problems or issues once you fully understand the broad scope of life and being in charge of it. I remember before I had kids, I was always like, “Oh my gosh, I’m so busy.” Now with two humans to raise and take care of, I think life just has a really different meaning.

My kids really keep me grounded. If I wasn’t pregnant with River when I sold my first company, I would have been globe-trotting and living in other countries and all that. But my kids are my greatest accomplishment to date and I really think it’s them who ground me and make me a better business person. I can’t get riled up about everything. It really teaches you what’s important and what’s not.

Being recognized as one of the Top 20 Women Dominating the International Cannabis Space is a significant achievement. What does this recognition mean to you personally and professionally?

It always feels good to be recognized for your accomplishments. I’m really grateful for the opportunity to be featured as one of the industry leaders. And it’s not just a PR thing,

I really think that the title is warranted. I’ve given up a lot of social activities and a lot of my life to do this. I’ve worked in almost every state that has a program and we’ve created lucrative projects for entrepreneurs and helped a lot of people get access. My goal in this wasn’t to get rich, it was to make history and I really feel like we’ve done that.

What key pieces of advice would you offer to young entrepreneurs looking to start their own businesses, particularly in the cannabis industry?

I think those interested in starting a cannabis business or any business in general, should

talk to people about their journeys and really go on a fact-finding mission to truly understand their industry. You have to really understand that starting a business often requires you to be all in.

It takes a lot of time and energy. I didn’t have a work-life balance until I had a 15-year-old career. You have to put that work in to enjoy the fruits of your labor. Don’t ever take starting a business lightly

Reflecting on your journey, are there any lessons or experiences you wish you had known when you first started?

I wouldn’t change anything. My journey is my journey. I know it’s cliche, but I believe everything happens for a reason. I’ve made some big mistakes. Sometimes, when I see some of my colleagues make these $100 million exits, I kick myself.

But at the end of the day, maybe I wasn’t put into the cannabis space to be the biggest business shark and make the most money. Maybe I was put into the business to provide access for patients or create innovative and creative business models. I feel like I’m serving my purpose.

About Author

PVMMagazine

See author's posts

Facebook

Twitter