Meristem Cannabis Consulting

Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Matthew Jerome, Founder of Meristem Cannabis Consulting, located in Toronto, ON, Canada.

What's your business, and who are your customers?

Meristem Cannabis Consulting was founded in 2019 and works within the medicinal cannabis market to raise global awareness of the therapeutic value of quality cannabis through advocacy, educational consultation in addition to quality development programs within medicinal and craft facilities.

We also work with patients/families, veterans, and medical professionals to help them gain safe access to cannabis medicine, understand what is involved in growing and processing medicinal grade cannabis, and how to dose, titrate and further navigate their therapeutic journey with cannabis.

Tell us about yourself

I began my journey into cannabis when I was 15 as a medicinal patient. Using cannabis for a number of health issues, I found immense relief and began growing it for both myself and friends shortly after at 17 and have been obsessed ever since. In 2011 I branched out of my full-time job as a Kinesiologist and began my career as a cannabis educator and medicinal/craft consultant in the legacy market until pre-legalization.

I've also worked as a policy advisor, grower, and patient care coordinator within the legal industry. Fast forward to today, I am proudly Canada's first fully certified Ganjier (Cannabis Sommelier) and work as a professional cannabis and hash judge around the world. In 2019 I founded Meristem Cannabis Consulting with a dedicated goal in mind to represent the medicinal community the way it deserved to be and to make sure that those who were unable to fight for themselves were never left out of the conversation.

I have been a vocal cannabis advocate for over a decade and have been featured as a keynote speaker at several cannabis events and competitions worldwide. As a Ganjier, I also offer one-of-a-kind systematic cannabis assessments to growers and breeders of all types, with a focused goal to educate and advise companies and individuals within the industry on the importance of quality within the supply chain, as well as provide confidence when it comes to quality-related decisions.

What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?

Easy, it's the genuinely positive impact I have on the companies, clients, and patients I work with. It's not only a huge accomplishment for me personally to empower and help those around me, but professionally as well. The most important investments I've ever made in my life have been investments with my time and passion, and the profits I've seen from it in regards to the human potential, allies, and team members I've accumulated and affected along the way are absolutely tremendous.

What's one of the hardest things that come with being a business owner?

One of the hardest things for me personally has been truly sticking to my overall vision, morals, and goals throughout the process. Especially in the cannabis industry, public perception is polarized, and a lot of people will have thoughts and ideas on how you should run your business, some good, some very, very bad. It's often hard to stay on your own course and stay true to yourself, but like anything that is hard, it is well worth it.

One of the most rewarding aspects of turning around and seeing growth is knowing that it came from the authentic part of you. I say this in hopes that other entrepreneurs and small business owners gain confidence, knowing that one of the best things one can add to their business plan is a sense of authenticity that only YOU can bring. Forget cut corners, lifehacks, or any of those smoke screens, hard work must be done, and the secret sauce to any business is YOU!

What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?

Start your process with dedicated intent. (it takes time)
Learn to accept criticism openly. (It is essential for both personal and professional growth)
Do your very best to stay true to yourself and your vision. (challenges will arise, its part of the process)
There is no shame in asking for help. (just make sure it's from people who are genuine)

Where can people find you and your business?

Instagram:
https://www.instagram.com/ganjier.matt/
https://www.instagram.com/meristemcannabis/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/matthew-jerome-15893277/

If you like what you've read here and have your own story as a solo or small business entrepreneur that you'd like to share, then please answer these interview questions. We'd love to feature your journey on these pages.

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