Paige Cecchi is a consultant and growth strategist working with companies in the legal cannabis industry. As an instructor in LIM's master’s degree program in The Business of Cannabis, Ms. Cecchi guides students on how to view cannabis marketing from a state-by-state perspective.
Please tell us about your professional background.
I started networking across the legal cannabis industry while researching my undergraduate thesis on The Economics of Marijuana Legalization in Colorado. Over the years, I’ve tailored my education and career to learn as much as I could about cannabis, the plant, the history of its prohibition, and regulated industry business opportunities.
I earned my master’s in Medical Cannabis Science and Therapeutics from the University of Maryland School of Pharmacy, and following that, I worked on the corporate development and mergers and acquisitions team of a leading multistate cannabis operator. Currently, I’m an Advisor and Growth Strategist investing in and consulting with leading cannabis brands.
What will students get out of your course, The Marketing of Cannabis?
It’s important for students to understand that cannabis marketing is a state-by-state issue that is constantly evolving. My goal is for them to leave the program prepared to successfully navigate marketing regulations for cannabis companies, products, and brands across the country.
Through in-depth case studies and presentations from a wide array of industry experts, students will graduate prepared to market to and educate the public and prospective consumers in ways that are compliant, ethical, and forward-thinking.
Why does the cannabis industry need graduates with a master's degree specifically focused on the cannabis business?
After years of stigmatization and misinformation, education is key to the success of this nascent legal industry. Foundational education in the cannabis business will set graduates apart in a rapidly growing industry that needs talent that is adaptive, inspired, and aware of the history. As the industry continues to develop and become more corporate, business and marketing professionals will be in much greater demand.
The inaugural class for the MPS program in The Business of Cannabis will start in September.
