030: Reimagining the Dispensary Experience with Mimi Lam

For some consumers, going into a dispensary for the first time can feel scary. The retail environment rarely caters to first-time buyers, and there are still countless stigmas associated with cannabis and “weed culture” that feel like they should have died out years ago, but still persist today. Mimi Lam is on a quest to change this. She’s the CEO and Co-founder of Superette, which creates immersive atmospheres that feel fresh and familiar to consumers. She’s also involved in the Ontario Cannabis Policy Council and Canadian Chamber of Commerce’s National Cannabis Working Group, where she advocates for sustainability and works to minimize the impact that the cannabis industry has on the planet. Today, Mimi joins the podcast to share the story of how she took the leap from venture capitalist to cannabis entrepreneur, how the Canadian cannabis industry works, and how she and her co-founder Drummond Munro have worked within a series of strict (and often changing) rules and regulations to create unique customer experiences. KEY TAKEAWAYS Why there’s a massive gap between product and consumer in the cannabis industry – and how this allows innovators to create better customer experiences. How Mimi has integrated giving back and positive social impact into every aspect of her business.  Why federal legalization in Canada doesn’t solve everything - and the unique challenges Mimi’s business faces regularly.  How Mimi took inspiration from delis, diners, and bodegas to create a different kind of retail cannabis experience. Show Notes For complete show notes, including transcripts, takeaways, and links to all the resources mentioned, visit SoHoExp.com/30 To learn more about the podcast and get access to all episodes, visit: SoHoExp.com/GreenRepeal