Local Cannabis Entrepreneurs Graduate from Garden Remedies' Inaugural Catalyst Cannabis Mentoring Program

Women and minority cannabis business owners participated in immersive learning programs taught by leading experts in cultivation, processing and retail

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Garden Remedies, Inc.

May 03, 2019, 09:00 ET

BOSTON, May 3, 2019 /PRNewswire/ -- Garden Remedies, Inc., Massachusetts' first woman-led and physician-led cannabis company, graduated its first class of students from its Catalyst Mentoring Program on Thursday, May 2, 2019. To foster diversity in the fast-evolving and complex cannabis industry, the program equipped newcomers with additional skills and knowledge they will be able to apply directly to help their businesses thrive. The inaugural class was comprised of three participants: Caroline Pineau, owner and CEO of Haverhill Stem; Gerardo Ramos, owner and operator of Holyoke Green Growers; and Erica Travis, founder and owner of Lily Pad Healing Arts.

The Catalyst Mentoring Program is a natural extension of Garden Remedies' focus on educating cannabis consumers and the public at large about the many benefits of cannabis, and increasing access to safe, legal and natural cannabis products. "We take our leadership position in this industry very seriously, and we're excited to play a role in helping other entrepreneurs become successful," said Karen Munkacy, M.D., Founder, President and CEO of Garden Remedies, Inc. "As a mission-driven organization, it is core to our culture, and important to all of us."

The Catalyst curriculum consisted of a series of in-person and virtual learning experiences and mentoring sessions aimed at addressing the unique business challenges and opportunities in the cannabis industry. Participants were paired with Garden Remedies mentors focused on either processing, cultivation or retail. Each was given access to Garden Remedies' high-tech lab, kitchen, cultivation facility and retail dispensary professionals as learning environments, in a curriculum designed to support the growth of their businesses.

Catalyst Mentoring Program Participants
"My experience working with the Garden Remedies team was transformational and impactful," says Caroline Pineau, owner and CEO of Haverhill Stem, who plans to operate a locally-owned, female-run cannabis dispensary in downtown Haverhill and help educate adult-use consumers on the benefits of cannabis. "Having such tremendous access to all aspects of Garden Remedies' operation through personalized one-on-one mentorship sessions has really helped me navigate challenges and elevate my business strategy."

Gerardo Ramos, owner and operator of cannabis cultivation start-up, Holyoke Green Growers, plans to create a state-of-the-art, organic cannabis cultivation facility in Holyoke to meet the growing demand of manufacturers and retail stores. "My experience in Garden Remedies' Catalyst Program was Illuminating," said Ramos. "I learned so much about applying for my license, seeking funding, developing partnerships, real estate deals, the seed to sale program, and compliance. Most importantly, I established lasting relationships with mentors who will always be there if I need them."

"The Catalyst Mentoring Program met me where I am and propelled me forward in the process of becoming a cannabis entrepreneur," said Erica Travis, founder and owner of Lily Pad Healing Arts in Shelburne Falls, who is launching a teas, tinctures and salves business using local, sustainable, organically-grown herbs and cannabis with local honey. "I can't believe how much I learned in such a short period. Learning to build a lab and to make formulations without guidance would have been much more daunting and taken significantly more time."

Garden Remedies is now accepting applications for its next Catalyst Mentoring Program. To learn more about the program, and how to apply, visit www.gardenremedies.com/catalyst.

About Garden Remedies
Founded in 2013 by President and CEO, Karen Munkacy, M.D, Garden Remedies is Massachusetts' only cannabis company founded and led by a woman physician. GRI specializes in growing all-natural cannabis flower indoors to organic standards in super-soil, then formulates, processes, tests and packages its products in its state-of-the-art cultivation facility. The company's mission is focused on helping as many people as possible by providing access to safe, legal and natural cannabis products that improve health, wellness and overall quality of life.

Garden Remedies operates dispensaries in Newton, Melrose and soon Marlborough (Spring 2019); a cultivation facility in Fitchburg; and a home delivery service available to Massachusetts medical cannabis card-holders in Essex, Bristol, Middlesex, Norfolk, Plymouth and Worcester counties. It's Newton and Marlborough locations are expected to open for adult use cannabis sales in spring 2019. For more information, visit www.gardenremedies.com.