The Advocates Series: Josh Mitchem
It’s not often anyone sees a businessman on the grassroots circuit, but Josh Mitchem has been present at association meetings, fundraisers, and more. The Mitchems contributed to the New Approach Missouri campaign and applied for licenses – but in between, Mitchem and his team have been actively promoting their brands and Clovr around the state.
Most people in your position do not bother at all with industrial grassroots. Why do you bother with grassroots?
Grassroots is about passion, not money. We could’ve thrown more money at the Amendment 2 effort, but we believe that it’s passion that wins races. Grassroots also gives ‘the little guy’ an opportunity for their voice to be heard. Missouri was the first state in the country to have competing ballot initiatives for the legalization of cannabis. All 3 groups were throwing money behind ad campaigns, billboards, commercials, etc. I don’t want to take anything away from the incredible work that guys like Jack Cardetti and John Payne did at New Approach, but Amendment 2 won because of grassroots. The grassroots volunteers across the state were so passionate and energetic, we could hardly keep up with getting them the resources they needed. We would run 20,000 flyers and within a few days they were coming back for more. It was a lot of fun to be a part of their love for the stinky flower.
You’ve been described, and described yourself, as a capitalist, but you’re navigating a very compassionate industry. What can capitalists learn from the cannabis industry?
I am a Capitalist. Capitalism to me is more than just ‘Show me the money.’ I’m a Capitalist in terms that I’m going to treat my business as a business. There are a lot of people that have opened cannabis shops around the country because they love cannabis. Generally speaking, these people don’t have the best business acumen, and what ends up happening is their customers suffer due to poor execution and poor product. Because I’m driven by bottom lines, it pushes my team to provide the best product and service day in and day out. Please don’t think for one second that we don’t care. The reason we have been successful in other markets is because of how much we do care, and how much we believe in life-changing qualities of cannabis. I think other Capitalists could learn that it’s not ALL about the bottom line. This industry is about compassion, product consistency, and patient care. If you take care of those 3 things, the dollars will come.
You didn’t just cut a check for the campaign – you were active. What inspired you to personally get involved?
Quality of life. What I’m about to say next isn’t the most popular statement in certain circles, but cannabis doesn’t cure anything. It does however GREATLY improve the quality of life for patients that use it. Cannabis alleviates symptoms from countless ailments. I’ve seen the positive effect first hand and wanted to do all I could to bring relief and freedom to my fellow Missourians.
Why is it important for this state to have a strong, compliant industry?
I think the only way to eradicate the stigma that has been placed on cannabis is through regulation and compliance. (again not a popular comment with the hardcore believers) We’ve seen states haphazardly roll out programs, and they’ve faced massive backlash in the form of lawsuits and bad PR. I love being from the Midwest, and I would love nothing more than to show the rest of the country what a proper, controlled, educated, and most importantly, the successful rollout of a cannabis industry looks like. The DHSS has done a fantastic job in the rulemaking process, and through their understanding of the symbiotic relationship between operational needs and compliance, I have no doubt that Missouri will become the envy of the United States cannabis industry.
What do you hope to see from Missouri’s cannabis industry in 5 years?
Through my work with MoCann Trade, I have met dozens of applicants. I would hope that each of the groups I’ve met across the state are wildly successful. I would hope that Missouri is the envy of the national cannabis industry. I think most importantly I would like to see the groups that do receive licenses working together to educate, not just our patients, but anyone that views cannabis negatively that this is not a drug to be feared. It has many medical benefits and can help fix this nation’s opioid crisis.
Where do you hope to see your companies in 5 years?
Where do I see our companies in 5 years? At the top of the mountain.