Photo Courtesy of Marlon Coburn
Marlon Coburn, CEO of the California-based cannabis cultivation company THC Design, brings a unique perspective to the cannabis industry, drawing from his extensive experience in the biotech and pharmaceutical sectors. As a Black leader, Coburn fosters diversity and inclusion within THC Design and the broader cannabis community. Emerald spoke to Coburn about his cannabis journey and how he navigates challenges in the industry.
Emerald Magazine: Can you share a bit about your journey in the biotech and pharmaceutical industries, and what inspired your transition to the cannabis sector as the CEO of THC Design?
Marlon Coburn (MC): I joined the cannabis industry in 2019 after I was contacted by the cannabis recruiting company, FlowerHire. Despite not looking for a career change at the time, I’m glad I took the call. I joined a passionate team and built out a compliance department as THC Design began to adopt the new California regulations. It has been the learning experience of a lifetime.
Emerald: In your role as CEO, how do you see your leadership contributing to the broader narrative of diversity and inclusion in the cannabis industry?
MC: The power of representation cannot be undervalued. As a Black leader, I am uniquely positioned to both influence and inspire change. I strive to make significant contributions to the narrative of diversity and inclusion in the cannabis industry. By prioritizing diverse hiring and leadership representation, engaging in outreach within diverse communities, and fostering an inclusive workplace culture, I am well positioned to embody a commitment to diversity and inclusivity.
We actively recruit diverse candidates to build a workforce that reflects a variety of backgrounds and perspectives. I recently hired a vice president of people and culture to cultivate an inclusive culture where all employees feel valued and respected. This includes regular training and workshops on diversity, equity, and inclusion — but also, things like celebrating the individual cultures that make up the THC Design team. One fun initiative we started this year was employees spotlighted their favorite figures for Black History Month. They would write a spotlight piece on their favorite Black figures with history about the individual and how they inspired them.
Emerald: As someone who has worked with industry giants like GE Healthcare and Genzyme Genetics, how do you bring your experiences from those sectors to the cannabis market?
MC: My healthcare experience in general was invaluable to my transition. Being exposed to large-scale operations has been my guide to scaling up THC Design. I know how we can optimize our processes for efficiency and cost-effectiveness, and I understand the resources needed. Healthcare is also highly regulated. Having rigorous quality control and compliance protocols and navigating the regulatory environment is key to surviving in an industry that is as uniquely challenged as cannabis is from a regulatory perspective.
Emerald: Innovation is a key aspect of THC Design’s success. How do you balance staying ahead in the dynamic cannabis landscape while maintaining a people-first organizational culture?
MC: I believe being a people-first organization is the best way to stay ahead. It’s hiring the right people and supporting them to operate at their full potential. It’s open communication across the organization, inclusive decision-making, creating a healthy work-life balance, and inviting employees of all levels to contribute ideas in the innovation process.
Emerald: Black leaders often face unique challenges. Can you speak to any experiences or lessons learned that have shaped your approach to leadership, particularly in the cannabis industry?
MC: I’ve learned through dealing with prejudices is that people lack a general understanding about those different from themselves. This leads to assumptions, and when people lack empathy, things can go south quickly. I approach leadership as an opportunity to disengage people from their prejudices by staying true to myself and not boxing myself into anyone else’s ideas. My experiences have taught me valuable lessons in resilience while helping me shape a more empathetic and effective leadership style.
Emerald: How does THC Design ensure that products are accessible to a diverse range of consumers, including those from underserved communities? What steps does the company take to address any disparities in access to cannabis products?
MC: THC Design provides a high-quality product at an approachable price. Although our products compete with brands at the top of the market, we’ve kept our products accessible to consumers. We’re also actively working on initiatives in some of the underserved communities we operate in. One that I am most excited about this year is an internship program we’re aiming to kick off this year through community colleges in California.
Emerald: THC Design has adapted to the changing needs of the cannabis market. Can you share insights into how you navigate these changes and keep the company agile in such a rapidly evolving industry?
MC: I think of it as a multifaceted strategy. We closely monitor industry trends and regulatory changes for quick adaptation, prioritize compliance to navigate legal complexities, engage with customers for valuable feedback, and invest in a skilled, adaptable workforce. This comprehensive approach ensures our resilience and competitive edge.
Emerald: How does THC Design incorporate sustainability practices into its operations, and what role do you see environmental responsibility playing in the future of the cannabis industry?
MC: THC Design integrates sustainability into its operations through eco-friendly cultivation methods, energy-efficient light systems, waste reduction initiatives, sustainable sourcing, and efforts to reduce our carbon footprint. As the cannabis industry grows, environmental responsibility will become increasingly important. THC Design’s sustainable practices position it as a leader in this area, aligning with the expectations of eco-conscious consumers and preparing for potential future environmental regulations.
Emerald: Looking ahead, what are your aspirations for THC Design, both in terms of business goals and the company’s role in promoting diversity and inclusion in the cannabis sector year-round?
MC: I have huge aspirations for this company. THC Design aims to solidify its position as a leader in the cannabis industry through continuous innovation, expanding our product range, and enhancing market reach. A key business goal is to stay agile as we grow and adapt to evolving market trends and regulations, ensuring sustainable growth. In terms of promoting diversity and inclusion, THC Design aspires to set an industry standard. We’re going to actively support minority participation in the cannabis sector, foster an inclusive workplace culture internally, and engage in community initiatives that highlight the contributions of diverse groups.
As THC Design continues to innovate and grow, Coburn remains steadfast in his dedication to promoting diversity and inclusion. With a focus on sustainability, innovation, and community engagement, THC Design under Coburn’s leadership is poised to set new standards for excellence and social responsibility in the industry.
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