(Cue the John Denver music)

I attained my Bachelor of Arts degree from Missouri State in 2010 with a major in Philosophy and minors in Pre-Law and Public Law. After spending a year abroad in China, studying International Criminal Law in The Hague, and interning with an international maritime law firm in Europe’s biggest port, I started at the University of Florida in 2011. After passing the Florida bar, I headed south for the upbeat scene in Miami (where I did yoga and sipped cafecito on the beach when I wasn’t consulting on international tax matters downtown).

My love for Colorado grew over time, and I decided to abandon the beach and move to the mountains. I was able to land a job at Canna Advisors by showcasing my writing and editing skills, financial and tax comprehension, and marketing abilities. When I was hired, they told me they found it easier to hire someone with the skills they needed and to teach them cannabis than the other way around.

I’ve always been a voracious learner and that has been a major benefit to me in this ever-changing landscape. The cannabis industry evolves so quickly that if you’re not checking the news every single day, you’re falling behind. At Canna Advisors, I oversee business consulting and licensing for clients all over the country.

Canna Advisors is nearing its eighth year of operation, which is almost ancient for the cannabis market; we are located in Boulder, CO and specialize in guiding entrepreneurs through the initial phases of launching a cannabis business (i.e., business planning, investing, advocacy, and licensing). Through my work in the industry, I’ve had the opportunity to speak at several conferences and contribute regularly to the Canna Advisors blog. I enjoy the wild-west attitude of the industry but am a stickler for regulatory compliance.

Are you looking to get involved in the cannabis industry? There are more ways than you might think. First, if you are passionate about the plant but not sure you’re ready for cannabis employment, you can start with advocacy: collect signatures for a ballot initiative campaign, speak to the city council on decriminalization, or write to your representatives.

If you’re ready to dive into the industry (and have the luxury of living in a legal state), check out online job boards for entry- and mid-level positions. If you have that entrepreneurial spirit, you may want to consider starting a cannabis business of your own, which could be ancillary (like designing grinders) or plant-touching (such as operating a cultivation, manufacturing, or retail establishment). If you’re still unsure or in school, possibly a summer internship (with an ancillary business, if you’re underage) is a better step for you.

As a final takeaway to all students: don’t fret about deciding now what you’re going to be when you grow up. The industry you’ll love might not even exist yet.