what has shaped the work ethic of this company.
DC: Black and brown folks have been disproportionately criminalized in the past for smoking or selling weed. Now that weed has been legalized, what could be done to allow more social equity dispensaries around the country.
DP: As the largest black-owned cannabis company, what we can do is lead by example, create opportunities, jobs, and ownership for more people of color looking to enter the space.
DC: Explain how you expanded your dispensaries from one state to several states over a short period of time.
DP: The uniqueness of our team paired with unique experience allowed us to be very successful early on in securing licenses state by state. Jamil Taylor was the team lead and was very instrumental in this process.
DC: No one can accomplish anything significant without the help of others, share who your mentors, partners, and friends are that keep you focused.
DP: Al Harrington, Larry Hughes, Wilson Chandler, Abe Givens, Shareeff Williams, Jeanne Walsh, Marwa Babiker, & Jamil Taylor have all been significant contributors to our success.
DC: There approximately 115 adult use cannabis dispensaries in Illinois, what can customers expect when walking into a Viola dispensary compared to others?
DP: Our relationship and experience with the plant has allowed us to have a deeper understanding about cannabis and carry carefully curated quality products, we also have high end design, and a unique look and feel in all our stores.
DC: Share your vision for Viola and where you think the cannabis industry will be in the next 3-5 years.
DP: We’re anticipating a breakthrough in banking, and the current tax structure is not sustainable, once we see changes, we anticipate growing exponentially as a company.