Roots run deep in the world of cannabis and it's only thanks to those that came before us who have dedicated the better part of their lives to the plant, that the nascent legal industry has the knowledge to flourish so quickly.

From roots to suits, deep 'seeded' culture remains and is finally making a blooming appearance through the legal framework.

For this feature of Legacy to Legal, Budtenders Association is grateful for the opportunity to connect with Logan Dunn; CEO at one of Vancouver's leading craft brands - 

Dunn Cannabis

Logan, in a few sentences, describe your first experience with cannabis.

I’ll never forget it. I went to a friend’s house and smoked some of his first harvest and it was a wonderful experience. Nothing like today’s offerings but a memorable one, nonetheless.

How or what made you decide to pursue this as your career?

As a medical producer for many years, I had learned the hard way what not to do and of course what works. When it was announced that recreational cannabis was being legalized, I knew so much about the space it felt like my only direction to go. My “controversial knowledge” was now a major asset and one I was looking to use.

What were some of the challenges you faced as a legacy player transitioning into a regulated market?

I feel for me and so many other legacy producers, the most uncertain and biggest challenge of the transition is a person’s security clearance. Any person that’s been in the cannabis space prior to legalization operated outside of today’s framework. It leaves doubt to these people and their ability to participate. It’s time consuming and usually results in questions that need clarification. For people that were used to hiding everything, suddenly needing to be completely transparent is a bit nerve racking. You just have to trust and jump. Find patience and be confident and honest. This process is made to transition people.

“ For people that were used to hiding everything, suddenly needing to be completely transparent is a bit nerve racking. You just have to trust and jump. ”

What are some of the key differences you notice between the legacy and regulated markets?

Wow, where to even start? There are many similarities and big differences. I mean, we are still cultivating cannabis, right? Quality checkpoints, sanitation, product accountability, sales strategies, running a real business and of course happily trading enforcement for compliance. It’s much more work BUT it’s a real future and has very, very rewarding moments!

If you want to be in the legal space, you got to wake up in the morning and think “How can we be better? How can we stand out? How can we win the consumer?” If you have something special and want to show it off to the world this is the space for you.

“ If you want to be in the legal space, you got to wake up in the morning and think “How can we be better? How can we stand out? How can we win the consumer? ”

One main advantage of working within the legal playground is…

Pride of ownership. It’s only when you work really hard for something like a car or truck that you seem to truly respect it. It’s absolutely rewarding. Starting up a company you believe in, working so hard to get licensed, cultivating your products and getting them to market is a special feeling. Having them be successful is even more rewarding. The hard work pays off.

Describe one lesson, practice, technique, mindset or experience, that you’ve carried over from the legacy days to now?

“We grow the fire.” These products are now an adult use consumer good… and you’re only as good as the last product you put on the shelf. In the legacy days, if you didn’t grow good product, it wouldn’t sell or for not very much money. This remains the same in the legal space. So always grow that fire!