How Marie Saloum Turned a Personal Challenge into a Cannabis Empire

In the blink of an eye, life can take an unexpected turn. For Marie Saloum, that moment came after a car accident changed her husband’s life—and hers. While he was recovering, Marie discovered the powerful healing properties of cannabis, and it inspired a life-changing decision: to open GreenPharms Dispensary. 

Starting with her first location in Flagstaff in 2013, and expanding to Mesa in 2016, Marie has carved out a path as a trailblazing female entrepreneur in the male-dominated cannabis industry. In this exclusive interview with PVM Magazine, we dive into her incredible journey, the challenges she’s overcome, and her unwavering commitment to advocacy, community, and cannabis education.

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Marie, your journey into the cannabis industry is both personal and inspiring. Could you share more about how your husband's car accident influenced your decision to open GreenPharms Dispensary?

Absolutely, and thank you for the opportunity to share my story. My husband’s car accident was a turning point that profoundly influenced my journey into the cannabis industry. After the accident, he faced a long and difficult recovery process that involved managing significant pain and anxiety. We explored various treatment options, and it was through this journey that we discovered the therapeutic potential of cannabis. We were amazed by the positive impact it had on his well-being—both in terms of pain management and overall quality of life. This personal experience opened my eyes to the profound benefits that cannabis can offer, not just for pain relief but also for improving the quality of life for many people. 

Seeing the difference it made for my husband, I became passionate about advocating for cannabis as a legitimate and effective treatment option. This drive, and a desire to make a meaningful impact, led me to establish GreenPharms Dispensary. My goal with GreenPharms is to provide high-quality, compassionate care and to support other individuals who might benefit from cannabis, much like my husband did. Opening GreenPharms has been more than a professional venture; it’s been a deeply personal mission to ensure that others have access to the same relief and hope that we found.

Cannabis has been transformative for many people, including your husband. How did witnessing its healing properties shape your mission and vision for GreenPharms?

Witnessing the healing properties of cannabis firsthand had a profound effect on my mission and vision for GreenPharms. Seeing the tangible difference it made in my husband’s recovery was eye-opening. It wasn’t just about alleviating his pain; it was about restoring his quality of life and giving him a sense of normalcy during a challenging time. This personal experience shaped my mission to create a space where people could access the same relief and support. At GreenPharms, we are committed to providing high-quality, carefully curated products and compassionate care. 

Our vision is to not only offer effective cannabis solutions but also to educate and empower our community about the benefits and safe use of cannabis. We aim to create an environment where individuals feel supported and informed throughout their journey with cannabis. It’s about more than just business; it’s about making a meaningful impact on people’s lives, much like cannabis did for my husband. This personal connection fuels our commitment to excellence and to advocating for the transformative potential of cannabis.

You opened your first GreenPharms location in Flagstaff in 2013 and expanded to Mesa in 2016. What were some of the challenges you faced during this expansion, and how did you overcome them?

Expanding from our first GreenPharms location in Flagstaff to Mesa was a significant milestone, but it came with its fair share of challenges. One of the primary hurdles was navigating the complex and evolving regulatory landscape. Each location had its own set of local regulations and compliance requirements, which meant that we had to adapt our operations to fit different legal frameworks. Staying current with these regulations required meticulous attention to detail and ongoing communication with legal experts and regulatory bodies. Another challenge was maintaining the same level of personalized customer service and product quality across both locations. 

As we grew, we wanted to ensure that the same compassionate care and attention that defined our Flagstaff location would also be present in Mesa. Overcoming these challenges involved a combination of strategic planning, investing in technology and personnel, and staying adaptable to the changing landscape. Each obstacle was an opportunity for growth, and our focus remained on delivering the best possible experience for our customers, no matter where they visited us.

The cannabis industry is known for being highly competitive and male-dominated. As a female entrepreneur with Hispanic roots, what unique challenges have you encountered, and how have you navigated them?

Navigating the cannabis industry as a female, Hispanic entrepreneur has certainly presented its own set of unique challenges. One of the primary hurdles has been overcoming the industry's traditional male dominance and proving that a woman—and especially a woman of color—can lead and succeed in this space. There were moments when I had to assert my credibility and expertise more than my male counterparts, and sometimes that meant working harder to earn trust and respect.

Another challenge was dealing with the inherent biases that exist in a competitive industry. This included not only facing skepticism about my capabilities but also grappling with the underrepresentation of diverse voices in leadership roles. I found it crucial to leverage my unique perspective as a strength, bringing a different approach and fresh ideas to the table. 

To navigate these challenges, I focused on building a strong network of mentors and allies who could offer guidance and support. I also made it a priority to foster an inclusive and diverse work environment at GreenPharms, ensuring that our team reflects the broader community we serve. By demonstrating our commitment to excellence and leading by example, we’ve been able to build a reputation based on merit and integrity.

Ultimately, I believe that embracing and celebrating my background has been a significant asset. It has allowed me to connect with a wider range of people and bring a more nuanced understanding to our business practices. It’s about turning challenges into opportunities and using my experiences to drive positive change in the industry.

You’ve taken an active role in advocacy and community philanthropy. Can you tell us more about the causes you’re passionate about and how GreenPharms contributes to these efforts?

Absolutely, I’m deeply passionate about advocacy and community philanthropy, and GreenPharms has been a significant platform for driving these efforts. One of the primary causes I’m passionate about is expanding access to healthcare, particularly for underserved communities. We’ve seen how cannabis can be a transformative part of medical care, and it’s crucial to ensure that everyone, regardless of their background or economic status, has access to these benefits. Another cause close to my heart is promoting diversity and inclusion within the cannabis industry.

We actively support programs and organizations that work to create opportunities for underrepresented groups and provide mentorship and resources to aspiring entrepreneurs from diverse backgrounds. At GreenPharms, we make it a point to not only reflect these values in our hiring practices but also in the partnerships and community initiatives we support. Through these contributions and advocacy efforts, we aim to make a positive impact on our community and help drive meaningful change in the industry and beyond.

Cannabis education is a major component of your work. How do you ensure that patients and the broader community are well-informed about the benefits and safe use of cannabis?

Ensuring that patients and the broader community are well-informed about cannabis benefits and safe use is indeed a cornerstone of my work. Here’s how I approach it: Understanding that every individual has unique needs and backgrounds, I tailor my educational efforts to meet them where they are.

For patients, this means discussing how cannabis might interact with their specific conditions and medications. For the broader community, I focus on general benefits, safe usage practices, and debunking common myths. Partnering with healthcare professionals, community organizations, and advocacy groups helps amplify our message and reach a wider audience. 

I actively seek feedback from patients and community members to understand their concerns and questions. This feedback helps me refine and adapt my educational approach to better meet their needs and address any gaps in understanding. Providing clear guidance on these aspects helps mitigate risks and ensures that people can use cannabis responsibly. By combining evidence-based information with tailored, accessible resources and collaborative efforts, I aim to foster a well-informed community that can make educated decisions about cannabis use.

What are your goals for GreenPharms? Are there plans for further expansion or new initiatives on the horizon?

My goals for GreenPharms are multifaceted and centered around both expanding our impact and enhancing our service offerings. Here’s a snapshot of what I envision: One of my primary goals is to broaden our reach by expanding our physical locations and increasing our online presence. This will make it easier for patients and consumers to access high-quality cannabis products and educational resources, no matter where they are. We want to ensure that every patient feels confident and informed about their choices. Strengthening our ties with the community is crucial.

We plan to increase our involvement in local events and support community-based initiatives that promote health and wellness. Overall, our focus is on expanding our reach, enhancing our offerings, and reinforcing our commitment to education, sustainability, and community engagement. Through these initiatives, we aim to establish GreenPharms as a leader in the cannabis industry and a trusted resource for those seeking to improve their health and well-being.

What advice would you give to other women and minorities looking to break into the cannabis industry, given your experience and success?

Breaking into the cannabis industry can be both exciting and challenging, especially for women and minorities who might face unique barriers. Based on my experience, here’s some advice I would offer: Networking is crucial in the cannabis industry, as it is in many fields. Attend industry events, join professional organizations, and connect with mentors who can provide guidance and open doors. Building relationships with others in the industry can provide valuable insights and opportunities. Embrace your unique perspective and use it to bring fresh ideas and approaches to the industry. The cannabis industry, while growing, can still present challenges, particularly for underrepresented groups. 

Stay resilient and be prepared to navigate obstacles. Developing a strong sense of perseverance and adaptability will help you overcome hurdles and achieve your goals. Continuously work on personal and professional growth. Developing skills in areas such as negotiation, public speaking, and business management can enhance your effectiveness and open new doors. Recognize and celebrate your successes, no matter how small. Acknowledging your accomplishments can provide motivation and confidence as you continue to build your career. By leveraging your unique strengths, building strong networks, and staying informed and resilient, you can successfully navigate the cannabis industry and make a meaningful impact.

How do you balance the demands of running a successful business with your personal life, and what motivates you to keep pushing forward in this challenging industry?

Balancing the demands of running a successful business with a personal life is indeed a challenge, especially in a dynamic and evolving industry like cannabis. Here’s how I approach it: I make a conscious effort to prioritize tasks and manage my time effectively. By focusing on what’s most important, I can ensure that both business and personal needs are met. Establishing clear boundaries between work and personal time is crucial. 

I schedule dedicated time for family, hobbies, and self-care, and make it a point to disconnect from work during these periods. This helps me recharge and maintain a healthy work-life balance. Maintaining my well-being is a priority. I rely on my support system, including family, friends, and mentors. Their encouragement and understanding provide a valuable balance to the demands of my professional life. Additionally, having a reliable team at work ensures that responsibilities are shared, reducing the strain on any one individual. My motivation comes from a deep passion for the cannabis industry and its potential to improve lives. 

Seeing the positive impact of our work on patients and the community drives me to push forward. I’ve learned to be flexible and adapt to changing circumstances. Balancing business demands with personal life often requires adjusting priorities and being open to new approaches. This flexibility helps me manage stress and maintain a positive outlook.