Cannabis Jobs: Meet the Hard-Working, Fun-Loving Team At Mary Jane’s Medicinals
Behind every great product is an amazing team, and that goes double for cannabis topicals, a cutting-edge product in a brand-new industry. The staffers at Mary Jane’s Medicinals come from many different fields, but they’re united in their love for the cannabis plant, their belief in the power of the products they make and the value they’re contributing to the world.
Below, eight staff members share their favorite products, how they ended up working in the marijuana industry, what they love about Mary Jane’s Medicinals and what they’ve learned in their cannabis jobs.
Jacki Glokler
What is your role at Mary Jane’s Medicinals?
Salve slinger. 🙂
What brought you to MJM?
My love and enthusiasm for the products, plant medicine and helping those in need!
What is your favorite aspect of working at MJM?
The people, places and things I am exposed to. Our amazing team that works so hard to deliver the highest-quality cannabis-infused products to provide relief for those in need.
What was your work before joining the MJM team?
Hospitality. I enjoy making people feel comfortable and at ease.
What is the No. 1 thing you’ve learned from working in the cannabis industry?
I’ve learned about how the endocannabinoid and peripheral nervous system work with cannabis, and the benefits of the entourage effect.
If you could only bring one MJM product to a desert island, what would it be and why?
The aloe lotion, because it has the same concentrations as our salve but with the added benefit of ALOE! And because the aloe lotion promotes a beautiful, even suntan.
Wills Archer
What is your role at Mary Jane’s Medicinals?
I am the head of fulfillment. I take great responsibility in ensuring that every product that we make not only has all the correct labels and verbiage but also is labeled with love and neatness. I also love fulfilling invoices and creating care packages for the beautiful state of Colorado.
What brought you to MJM?
My fiancée heard there was an opening for a labeler on our local radio station KOTO. I love the products and the cannabis plant, so I called Dahlia and we set up an interview.
What is your favorite aspect of working at MJM?
I love the fact that we bring true healing to people all over the state and the country—and, hopefully in the future, the world. We make a product that is natural and safe. I love hearing the testimonials! To hear that our product brings relief is incredible. I love that I have a part in bringing that to the people who need it. I love being around the ancient cannabis plant and its healing energy.
What was your work before joining the MJM team?
I’ve done multiple jobs over the years, but most recently, before MJM, I was a boot- and ski-fitter for Christy Sports Demo Center in Mountain Village.
What is the No. 1 thing you’ve learned from working in the cannabis industry?
I have realized and learned that cannabis is the true healing of the nation. Regulations and oversight only get in our way and the way of people who are truly in need of help.
If you could only bring one MJM product to a desert island, what would it be and why?
I would bring Hash Bath, so when I found that mirage of a reservoir in the desert, I could spike it and have a last soak and get rejuvenated for the rest of my journey through the desert. I love hash baths!
Deb Gesmundo
What is your role at Mary Jane’s Medicinals?
Inventory and Metrc (product-tracking software) specialist, as well as compliance officer.
What brought you to MJM?
I was looking for a new job and saw an ad in the local paper. Since I had known Dahlia through doing theater together back in the day, it was easy to make the decision to come to MJM and work for her.
What is your favorite aspect of working at MJM?
The fact that we make products that really help people. I always get re-inspired whenever we share aloud the testimonials that we receive from customers who write to us about how our products have helped them.
What was your work before joining the MJM team?
I was a clerk for our local government.
What is the No. 1 thing you’ve learned from working in the cannabis industry?
Flexibility: Don’t get too attached to how it is being done now, because it is bound to change again soon, since the industry rules keep getting updated on the regular.
If you could only bring one MJM product to a desert island, what would it be and why?
A 4.5-ounce salve, because it is the largest product we make. It is so versatile and can be used for so many different things.
Jodie Kennedy
What is your role at Mary Jane’s Medicinals?
Sales Swami, herder of ideas, spinner of tales, developer of developments.
What brought you to MJM?
After a number of years slingin’ beer, I was looking for a transition to a more positive and impactful industry. A dear friend of mine introduced me to Dahlia, our fearless leader, and the rest is history!
What is your favorite aspect of working at MJM?
Hands down, the testimonials. The elation and gratitude expressed by our customers are absolutely mind-blowing. Helping people help themselves is eternally rewarding. Our monthly personal-product allotment isn’t too shabby either!
What was your work before joining the MJM team?
I moved to Colorado from Chicago in 2010 and got a job as a sales representative for Ska Brewing Company. In 2015, I made the jump to Lagunitas Brewing Company, where I worked for two years before finding MJM.
What is the No. 1 thing you’ve learned from working in the cannabis industry?
I was completely unfamiliar with topical cannabis before being hired by MJM. I’m no scientist, but learning how our products work with our bodies to naturally eliminate pain and improve our well-being has been extremely eye-opening. My grandmother has had debilitating arthritis in her hands since I can remember. She was pain-free after one day using salve—that’s some powerful stuff right there. Giving the gift of relief is something I’m now completely addicted to.
If you could only bring one MJM product to a desert island, what would it be and why?
Salve! Because I’m gonna burn before I get me a sick tan!
Jeff Mertens
What is your role at Mary Jane’s Medicinals?
Production manager.
What brought you to MJM?
My very convincing and persistent cousin, Dahlia!
What is your favorite aspect of working at MJM?
Knowing that the products I make everyday are helping people heal.
What was your work before joining the MJM team?
I was a professional chef.
What is the No. 1 thing you’ve learned from working in the cannabis industry?
That people are finding real relief—from a natural source—with few, if any, side-effects.
If you could only bring one MJM product to a desert island, what would it be and why?
The aloe lotion, because it’s great on a sunburn!
Phil Hamilton
What is your role at Mary Jane’s Medicinals?
We all wear a lot of hats and help with a variety of different things here, but my primary focus has been improving systems and workflows to help the business run more efficiently and cut costs. I also help Dahlia guide our sales efforts and seek out-of-state licensing agreements.
What was your work before joining the MJM team?
I was senior project manager at Orbitz Worldwide, responsible for the implementation of IBM’s corporate-travel, online-booking systems around the globe.
What brought you to MJM?
After more than 20 years working in the travel and online-booking technology sectors, I was looking for a change and was intrigued by the growth and opportunity available in the burgeoning cannabis industry.
What is your favorite aspect of working at MJM?
The people. It’s such a pleasure to work each day with such a dynamic, energetic group of smart and inspired people.
What is the No. 1 thing you’ve learned from working in the cannabis industry?
Change is constant. Don’t get comfortable with any process or regulation, because tomorrow it’ll change.
If you could only bring one MJM product to a desert island, what would it be and why?
Can I bring someone with me to the desert island? If so, then it’s definitely the massage oil— there is nothing better than the ultimate ganjassage! If it’s a solo trip, then I’d bring the salve, which is my go-to for daily aches and pains.
Maggie M.
What is your role at Mary Jane’s Medicinals?
Sales, invoicing, social media, customer relations and dispensary relations.
What brought you to MJM?
Our amazing boss lady / owner / CEO initially brought me to MJM. But what has kept me here is being part of a business that creates truly healing products that improve thousands of people’s lives.
What is your favorite aspect of working at MJM?
It’s hard to decide between the awesome work environment we have at MJM or the joy and satisfaction that come from being part of something so big, new and revolutionary that it could change medicine as we know it in the Western world.
What was your work before joining the MJM team?
I am also a real estate broker.
What is the No. 1 thing you’ve learned from working in the cannabis industry?
The tremendous and vast benefits that cannabis has on the human body and the endocannabinoid system. It’s truly Mother Nature’s miracle.
If you could only bring one MJM product to a desert island, what would it be and why?
THE SALVE. Because whatever it is that ails you, “Just put some salve on it!”
Roxy Busch
What is your role at Mary Jane’s Medicinals?
I wear many hats here. I assist with the production of our products, packaging and shipping. I also belong to our creative team and help with content creation for our publications and social media accounts, and I lend a hand to our inventory specialist and sales manager whenever needed. I’m the go-to gal whenever someone needs to get something done!
What brought you to MJM?
I had heard of Dahlia and her amazing products from locals. I was inspired by her story and how her experience as a massage therapist had brought her to create her products and then achieve major success in the cannabis industry. When I saw that MJM had an open position, I jumped at the opportunity because I have always been drawn to the cannabis industry and wanted to work for a company that has an amazing reputation for helping people. I have learned so much and feel very fortunate to belong to—and continue to grow with—this company.
What is your favorite aspect of working at MJM?
Our team! We truly have the best group of people working at MJM. Everyone brings their own flavor to the table, and together we make a dynamic group of fun-loving, intelligent, collaborative and hard-working people working for the greater good of the company and our customers all over Colorado. And the best part is our parties! Dahlia likes to spoil us by taking us out for team activities like shows, cannabis events and team meals. We couldn’t ask for a better boss, and it is wonderful to work with people I can enjoy in the office and out!
What was your work before joining the MJM team?
Before moving to Telluride, I worked as a massage therapist, and prior to that, I was an executive assistant for many years. At MJM, I feel I get to combine the two—in that our products are incredibly therapeutic and I get to share them with everyone I meet, while also utilizing my skills in the office!
What is the No. 1 thing you’ve learned from working in the cannabis industry?
There are so many ways to utilize the power of the cannabis plant, and I am constantly surprised by the new products on the market. There is a product for everyone, spanning all ages, demographics and needs. This excites me because I know that MJM has ceaseless potential to continue to grow and expand to new markets and grow our product line!
If you could only bring one MJM product to a desert island, what would it be and why?
Our salve! I am in love with the stuff. I like to think it heals all, and I use it on EVERYTHING! Dry cuticles, chapped lips, sore muscles, scratches and scrapes, bruises, headaches, rashes, breakouts—the list goes on! It’s like my topical tool belt all wrapped into one product. And I LOVE THE SMELL! If I’m ever in a bad mood, I put a little salve on the base of my neck and let the smell uplift my spirit! I never leave home without it!