As the fastest growing industry in the country, the legal cannabis space is firing at all cylinders. Newcomers and market veterans alike are cultivating business relationships at breakneck speed while innovation continues to inspire the success stories still to come. But with things moving so quickly, how does the cannabis community stay united, especially at a time when in-person events are off-limits?
Leafwire, an online networking platform for cannabis professionals and investors, is the answer. Dubbed the “Linkedin of Cannabis,” Leafwire has fostered nearly half a million connections since its inception in 2018. Website users can build a profile, share content or news, find their next cannabis career, discover new entrepreneurial ventures, and gain access to products and services through the Leafwire Marketplace.
“We’re the largest business network in the cannabis industry, serving both the cannabis and hemp sides of the business,” explained Peter Vogel, CEO of Leafwire. “We have members from across the vertical, from growers to budtenders to CBD brand reps to tech companies to lawyers to investors.”
“The existing stigma is a reason why you need Leafwire…”
Leafwire was founded on the clear need for the industry to have its own home online, especially due to the hazy legal arena the nascent cannabis space currently exists in.
“A lot of us in the industry forget this but cannabis is still illegal recreationally in three-quarters of the United States, and not everyone is comfortable putting the word cannabis or marijuana on their LinkedIn profile yet,” Vogel said. “The existing stigma is a reason why you need a platform like Leafwire — where people can feel safe and share freely and know that they won’t be judged for their place in the industry.”
Since its launch, the platform has grown to over 35,000 members and 15,000 canna-businesses across several countries, including the U.S., Canada, the U.K., Germany, and Australia.
Leafwire Joins Forces With Green Flower To Bolster Connections
In a move meant to help members set themselves apart, Leafwire recently teamed up with Green Flower to showcase graduates of the online learning hub’s educational programs. Leafwire members will soon be able to designate if they’re a Green Flower alum on their profiles and access the platform’s best-in-class training should they wish to gain in-demand knowledge or brush up on relevant industry topics.
“This was something that was asked for by our members, to find a good educational resource, so we went out and we found what we believe is the leader in the space and we think it’s going to be a huge benefit,” Vogel said of Green Flower, adding that Leafwire is aiming to increase its focus on assisting businesses throughout the supply chain to retain top talent through their jobs board and member profiles. “If we can provide more highly-trained and skilled candidates, then we’re doing a service to the companies trying to find employees, so we think it is a win for everyone.”
The partnership comes during a time of record expansion for the legal marijuana space with over 200,000 new jobs created last year alone.
“Leafwire has built an amazing community of professionals throughout the cannabis industry, and we are thrilled that Green Flower is now their official education partner to help both job seekers and industry insiders to get the knowledge, training, and skills they need to succeed,” said Max Simon, Founder and CEO of Green Flower. “We see the value and benefits of being a part of the Leafwire community, and feel excited about contributing to their evergrowing online network.”
Virtual Networking Continues To Trend, With Leafwire At Forefront
Despite cannabis being designated an essential business, trade shows and conferences — often considered the main way for the industry to stay in touch — are still a long time coming, making the Leafwire platform that much more important. Members can continue to network virtually from around the world while keeping up with trending news and developments.
For Vogel, Leafwire offers a unique opportunity for people to engage at their own pace, whatever the intention.
“It’s just a great way to connect with the industry, whether you just want to be a passive observer and read or if you want to promote your own company — there’s something for everyone.”
