San Diego Cannabis Farmers Market is a well-known organization in Southern California. From events like job fairs to holiday celebrations, SDCFM offers opportunities for education, networking, and growth within the cannabis industry and community. Candid Chronicle connected with Josh Caruso, the founder of San Diego Cannabis Farmer’s market.
What sets you apart in the cannabis industry?
I have been involved in almost every part of the industry for over 20 years. My company connects the industry to the public community through events and education.
How did you get involved in the cannabis industry?
Close family members had been diagnosed with cancer and I learned that cannabis can help with healing many different ailments. This inspired me to research everything that cannabis had to offer. I realized I could help people with education, providing them relief with different cannabis products. So, we started a cannabis collective and started to provide.
After a while, we realized that there were countless people in need. The demand was so high that we alone, as a small business, could not meet the demand. So we invited other growers, collectives, brands to an event that we produced. This would make it easier for attendees to connect with the products they need and want. The community loved it and the local industry embraced it.
Josh of San Diego Cannabis Farmers Market.
What life changes occurred when you entered the cannabis industry?
It inspired me to start my own business and to help educate and provide for those in need.
What were some of your challenges getting started?
Learning how to operate a business, competition, access to funds, lack of banking options, regulations, and scrutiny from the public and family who do not like cannabis.
What is your mission?
To connect the cannabis and Hemp/CBD industry to the community through education and events.
What about the cannabis industry and community do you love?
The plant, the healing, the opportunity, the community, and future.
Do you have any frustrations, hopes, fears as cannabis changes?
Yes, the current cannabis industry is a rollercoaster with all the new and forever changing regulations and boundaries. It seems to have changed the whole landscape of pre-regulation. Compassion, communication, and community are all less available in the new industry and those who have kept the industry afloat for many years are being shut out due to over regulation and no access to the high capital it takes to become a licensed cannabis company.
We had to stop our main event over 2 years ago due to San Diego threatening to arrest me, and refusing to change their ordinance to allow licensed cannabis events even when Prop 64 law legalized this type of event.
Where would you like to see yourself in the cannabis industry 3 years from now?
Organizing and bringing back consecutive San Diego Cannabis Farmers Market permanently.
What does the future of Cannabis look like to you?
Bright with a side of a lot more work.
How do you plan to make a positive difference in the cannabis industry?
Keep pushing for cannabis to be involved in the public eye through events and education.
What makes you proud or gratified to be a part of the “legal” cannabis industry?
The connections I have made, the experiences I have gone through, the people I have helped, the opportunities I have provided, and the education I have learned.
Do you consume cannabis?
Yes, everyday.
What’s your favorite strain, cannabis product, etc?
OG Kush, Lavender OG, GMO x Flo. I prefer to smoke flower and dab live resin and rosin.
To connect with San Diego Cannabis Farmers Market:
Instagram: @sandiegocannabisfarmersmarket
