Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in health and wellness but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Genifer Murray, Founder of PsyNaturals, located in Denver, CO, USA.
What's your business, and who are your customers?
My business is supplement/nutraceuticals- before and after supplements that aid in psychedelic journeys/experiences. Nothing illegal is in this product.
Tell us about yourself
Unfortunately, psychedelics are still highly misunderstood, not readily available for medicinal use, and can be hard on the body. All those things combined can make it very difficult for people to seek out psychedelics for treatment. This story is what inspired us to create PsyNaturals. Soren McCarty, one of my best friends, was diagnosed in January 2020 with stage 4 colon cancer at the age of 48. His tumor spread around his sciatic nerve and triggered the pain, anxiety, and depression that decimated his quality of life. He was self-medicating with 2 grams of cannabis concentrates a day and taking gabapentin on top of that to treat the pain, but it still wasn't enough to bring him any significant relief. Watching Soren suffer propelled me to research potential treatment options to help improve his quality of life, including pain management and mental health. As part of my exploration, a friend encouraged me to watch Fantastic Fungi, a show about how Johns Hopkins University was using psilocybin to help people manage pain, anxiety, and the fear of dying. This show leads me down a path of discovery in the world of psychedelics, reminiscent of my journey with cannabis.
Back then, my belief in the use of cannabis as a legitimate medical treatment led me to become a political advocate for cannabis education and medicinal use – fighting for patients who couldn't fight for themselves. Today, I feel compelled to fight for the medicinal use of psychedelics that could help patients and doctors alike who believe in the powerful benefits of psychedelics. A company to raise awareness and bring attention to a rising global mental health crisis, a mission to educate people about the medicinal properties of psychedelics in supporting mental health and other ailments, and products to help prepare and replenish the body and mind for an optimal psychedelic experience. I have watched so many people I know suffer from mental illness, including myself and others in my family. I have seen countless friends struggle with getting sufficient treatment and self-medicate with alcohol or other prescription drugs; sadly, some have ultimately died. This problem does not just apply to my own inner circle; it is a problem prolific among the general population and has especially affected veterans, 20 of whom kill themselves every day due to PTSD.
I believe in the use of medicines like cannabis and psychedelics to help people live happier and healthier lives. I will remain dedicated to this cause as long as I know I can help at least one person have an improved quality of life. Soren lost his battle with cancer on April 11, 2021.
What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?
I am an influential female leader in the cannabis industry with more than twelve years of experience. I founded one of the first analytical cannabis testing labs in the U.S. I lobbied for cannabis regulation, banking, and the 280E tax problem. I also served on the Governor's Task Force in Colorado, helping to implement Amendment 64 to end cannabis prohibition.
I am a leading advocate for legalization and responsible regulation, emphasizing the need for product safety, cannabis testing, and quality assurance. I have become a trusted resource for legislators, industry organizations, and the media. I have spoken internationally about the cannabis industry and how important testing is. My dedication to quality assurance led me to become the founder and CEO of Carbon Blue Consulting, which provides testing and consulting services for cannabis labs.
My advocacy doesn't stop at cannabis – I am also a major proponent of women's rights. My work with Women's CannaBusiness Network, which evolved into Women Grow, helped move women to the forefront of an industry that is historically male-dominated. As a cannabis health and safety champion, I have been a driving force in the development of a credible, safe medical marijuana industry in Colorado and across the U.S. I continue to be an active advocate for changing the way people think, see and interact with cannabis.
What's one of the hardest things that come with being a business owner?
Having the wrong business partner or investor. There wasn't any money being invested in cannabis in 2013. We needed investment; unfortunately, our investor was a criminal, and I lost the business. The cannabis industry has been extremely hard. The new industry (cannabis) and the lab business was the hardest sector of the industry. Now I am raising money for my psychedelic company when the market is terrible.
What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?
- Attorney and CPA - They make sure you have the proper foundation. Contracts and how to set up your business. If you have a partner, you and the partner need different attorneys, and the company needs its own attorney.
- Don't have a partner unless you need money and they have it, or their skill set is very different from yours.
- Find a mentor. Somebody that has a successful business and can guide you.
Where can people find you and your business?
Website: https://psynaturals.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/genifer.murray/
Instagram:
https://www.instagram.com/genifermurray/
https://www.instagram.com/psynaturals/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/genifer-murray-b22bb015/
If you like what you've read here and have your own story as a solo or small business entrepreneur that you'd like to share, then please answer these interview questions. We'd love to feature your journey on these pages.
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