Always the entrepreneur, Martha Stewart is getting into the cannabis industry, and was in Saint John to talk all about it.
When you think of cannabis, you may not think of Martha Stewart, but the world-famous cook and author was a speaker at the World Cannabis Congress in Saint John.
Stewart, a newly-turned cannabis connoisseur, discussed what it’s like being in the business, and her latest line of CBD products.
She says she’s surprised by how much attitudes around cannabis are changing.
“I’m shocked at the adoption and the use of all kinds of different products, and shocked but also pleased that stiff people are adapting,” she said.
Stewart says she got involved in the industry through her “good friend” Snoop Dogg, who introduced her to Bruce Linton—founder and co-CEO of Canopy Growth.
Together, her and Linton will be working on a number of CBD products, aiming first at dogs and other animals, then at humans.
“We’re going to the basics of getting hemp-derived CBD, and then we’re looking at how can we put this into products that will assist dogs in having either diminished anxiety or better mobility,” he said.
Stewart says she has lots of animals on her farm, and wants to be able to take care of them in many different ways.
"Working with someone like him [@BruceLintonCGC of @CanopyGrowth] who's so creative and so hard working…it's a pleasure and a learning experience for me," said @MarthaStewart. #CivilizedWCC #CannabisBusiness pic.twitter.com/5YSSAAmybZ
— World Cannabis Congress (@CivilizedWCC) June 18, 2019
The two are also exploring the potential for cosmetic and body uses, as well as food and cooking.
“What can we do with food to make it more palatable, more fun? I mean Martha Stewart Living has over 300,000 original recipes,” she said. “Those can be adapted with the use of cannabis.”
Linton and Stewart are both excited to be expanding demographics, and getting people more interested in cannabis.
“We have people having a conversation now that would’ve been otherwise uncomfortable because you’ve opened the door to have that happen,” said Linton.
Stewart thanked Snoop for introducing her in the first place, and for working with her along the way.
“No one has cancelled a subscription because of my relationship with Snoop and even though he, you know, smokes, god heaven forbid, nobody has cancelled their subscription because of that,” she said.
“My friendship with Snoop and my TV show with him has certainly broadened my demographic.”
When it comes to reducing stigma around cannabis use even further, Stewart says part of it comes down to research, and sharing that widely.
“I think it’s by research, education, taking yourself very seriously if you’re in this industry and promoting that good research.”
