Annu Khot, an Indian American who runs a cannabis dispensary in Chicago, spoke with Hindustantimes.com detailing her entrepreneurial journey. Despite its wide use, cannabis remains a controversial topic of discussion. Its legality is often misinterpreted, although its recreational use is currently legal in 24 states in the United States.
Born and raised in India, Khot moved to the United States in 2008. After witnessing the medicinal properties of cannabis, Khot decided to launch one of the world’s first cannabis dispensaries opened by an Indian-American woman, known as the name of Socíale.
Speaking about the early days of her entrepreneurial journey in a field that is only beginning to gain recognition, Khot revealed the various challenges she faced as a woman of Indian origin. “As a cannabis entrepreneur, I felt like I sometimes heard the word “no” more than my own name! ” she says.
“Being part of the cannabis industry is not for the faint of heart: as an industry that is not federally legalized, we do not have access to traditional banks and cannot market through media social.”
“Overcoming these challenges has been one of the most difficult parts of owning Socíale. I always remind myself that I just need one ‘yes’ and not to worry about all the ‘no’s,’” she added.
Despite India’s rich cultural heritage surrounding cannabis use, Khot faced backlash from members of his own community. “Although cannabis has been part of traditional Indian medicine for decades, there are still major taboos around the plant. Some older family members and friends were skeptical of the idea…and wished we had pursued a more mainstream idea! » Khot remembers.
“However, three months after launch, they were baffled by our dispensary design, our regular customer base, and people of all ages who use cannabis.”
Khot, who has been in the cannabis industry for a long time now, also shared his advice for Indian-Americans trying to make it in the United States. “When I first moved to the United States, the learning curve was steep. In India, I was constantly surrounded by family and friends, but in the United States you have to create your own village,” she said.
“Community exists here – you just have to be more intentional in creating it.” When it comes to entrepreneurship, you have to go to people with a specific request: they will not guide you fully as is the norm in India. I was lucky to meet mentors who understand my ambitions and support them in achieving them.
“You have to be fiercely independent and really take risks to thrive in the United States, and I’m fortunate to have developed those qualities,” Khot concluded.
