Adrian Reinstein

Name: Adrian Reinstein

Occupation: Administrative/Consultant for Retail Cannabis

When and how did you become an advocate for cannabis?

I have always supported the legalization and responsible consumption of marijuana. It wasn’t until a little over a year ago, when those dreams were realized with the opening of the first I-502 stores, that I became actively involved in promoting the product.

How has cannabis benefited your life?

For me, smoking a joint after work or eating an infused cookie before bed is a great way to unwind. But, the effects of cannabis and its benefits are not limited to physical sensations. With the up-shoot of this new industry, thousands of new jobs have been created, careers are being established and money is being made on both the private, corporate and most importantly, taxable level. I’ve been lucky enough to be actively involved in helping to create the model for a successful retail business; I have been able to seek a career in a brand new world. Being a part of history and a noble cause is life changing! It provides me with purpose and drive—two words typically considered the antonym of a stoner’s life.

What’s your greatest achievement to the cannabis cause?

There can be a lot of controversy over marijuana; many associate the proverbial brain dead stoner with all marijuana users. Changing this perception is the key to eliminating the stigma of cannabis. By working closely with the Bellingham/Whatcom Chamber of Commerce in order to establish community connection, and use the backing of the typically conservative group to add legitimacy to our industry, I am able to show our community and business leaders that we are more than a bunch of couch-locked, glazed out, people. We are true business professionals that can have lunch with a senator, chat with a CEO and blaze a doobie after work. The change in attitude is clear already, and more and more of the public and professional world are gaining new perspective on what it means to be a “stoner.” Adding professionalism and structure to a world that have-+ thrived for so long in the shadows, helps to change the attitude of those who may have once vehemently opposed the industry.

Who do you look up to or admire?

There are so many figures who have fought for the cause to get us to where we are today with legalization. Too many to name, because I admire and respect them all. However, for me, I look up to the pioneers, those who have started a business from scratch and who work hard to stay structured amidst the constant changing of rules and regulations, tax structures, and laws. It’s the Wild West right now and to stay afloat means being able to adapt and evolve quickly. I admire those who have put it all on the line to realize their dream of changing this business from a seedy under world to a professional market.

If you could change one thing about the way cannabis is viewed and/or treated right now, what would it be?

Who the people are that imbibe, they are represented in every class and culture, age range, gender and beyond. There’s no “typical” stoner. Success, motivation and intelligence have nothing to do with cannabis consumption.