There’s a certain philosophy that a rising tide lifts all boats, but in the highly competitive cannabis industry, it’s more often every ship for itself.
Yet in West Hollywood, several companies have banded together to form Emerald Village, the nonprofit marketing organization for licensed cannabis businesses in the trendy California city, an effort led by recently appointed president Tracy McCourt.
“We have found that working together with competing companies allows us to have a louder voice to educate consumers and provide a better environment in which to service their individual needs,” says McCourt. “Being a vital part of the communities we operate in is a privilege and so together we need to ensure we operate within the strict regulations and guidelines required of us.”
McCourt is also the chief revenue officer for MedMen, one of Emerald Village’s member organizations. Other member organizations include Alternative Herbal Health Services, The Artist Tree, CALMA, LA Patients and Caregivers Group and Zen Healing Collective.
McCourt says West Hollywood has always been a leader in celebrating diversity and innovation, and the city has long been at the forefront of the cannabis revolution, so continuing to support brands owned by women, people of color and LGBTQ+ entrepreneurs will be a cornerstone of Emerald Village.
“We want to continue to bring new, vital experiences to the city of West Hollywood, from entertainment to fine dining, and those are in development, all with a cannabis infusion of course,” she says.
— Garrett Rudolph