Olivia Castaldy, Owner of OCM Digital – Interview Series

As the American cannabis industry and consumer preferences evolve in unpredictable ways, partnering with experienced marketing agencies that understand every facet of the sector has become vital for many brands. One such firm helping businesses navigate these regulatory and advertising hurdles is OCM Digital.

For a deeper look into effective cannabis marketing and a preview of a worthwhile podcast, MyCannabis.com had the pleasure of speaking with Olivia Castaldy, owner of OCM Digital.

“Cannabis marketing is highly regulated, which makes it incredibly strategic and creative. When it comes to technology, cannabis brands usually have a disadvantage because like marketing, those in the industry have to use other systems to get around regulations.”

So what subjects in business administration and marketing did you mainly study while attending Colorado State University? What certificates did you receive from Colorado State?

At Colorado State, I focused on core marketing and business subjects like strategic marketing, consumer behavior, leadership, analytics, branding, and digital marketing. I earned certificates in Data Analytics and Branding & Communications, which helped shape the way I approach both strategy and creative work.

I also took a Google Ads seminar and a digital marketing seminar that covered practical skills like website building, basic HTML, SEO, keyword research, and paid advertising. Those hands-on experiences were invaluable because they gave me technical skills that I still use every day with clients.

One of the things that really stood out about CSU was its strong focus on the philosophy of “business for a better world.” Ethics and community impact were woven into the curriculum, and that mindset has stayed with me throughout my career.

What in particular interested you about returning to Colorado State for your MBA?

After several years working in both corporate marketing and the cannabis industry, I wanted to deepen my strategic and leadership skill set. The MBA at Colorado State gave me the opportunity to focus on bigger-picture topics like finance, operations, organizational leadership, and long-term strategy.

Another reason I chose to pursue my MBA is that I eventually hope to become a cannabis marketing professor. Education and mentorship have always been important to me, and I’d love to help shape the next generation of marketers entering this industry.

What were your regular duties during your internship with the Fauquier County Department of Economic Development?

During my internship, I worked on research, business outreach, and data analysis projects, including foreign direct investment research and census data analysis.

One of the most important takeaways was seeing how small businesses lacked affordable resources to help them grow, especially with digital marketing. The most successful communities were the ones where local government, business leaders, and economic development teams were aligned around a shared vision.

What caught your attention about working in cannabis software?

What drew me in was the complexity of the industry with the mix of tech, which I have always had an interest in from a young age as a Gen Z kid. Cannabis marketing is highly regulated, which makes it incredibly strategic and creative. When it comes to technology, cannabis brands usually have a disadvantage because like marketing, those in the industry have to use other systems to get around regulations. For example, payment processing, website hosting and SMS marketing are all examples on top of social media that I like to be a part of helping solve.

My interest in the plant goes back to high school. At 16, I was prescribed antidepressants and benzodiazepines and began researching natural alternatives. That led me to cannabis, and it genuinely changed my life. Since then, I’ve been a strong proponent of the plant and had a mission to work in the industry.

What inspired you to create OCM Digital Marketing?

I started OCM Digital because of the needs I saw small businesses struggling with during my internship in my hometown. Many didn’t have access to affordable, effective digital marketing resources.

At the same time, social media and paid advertising were evolving quickly, and I wanted the opportunity to apply my skills more strategically. When I entered the cannabis space, I saw a major gap, many brands didn’t understand compliant ads or how to navigate challenges like shadowbanning on Instagram. That led me to work with local businesses and cannabis brands, eventually growing into a full agency.

What are the most useful services OCM offers?

Our most valuable services are full-funnel strategies that combine paid ads, email marketing, social media, and website optimization. In cannabis, you can’t rely on just one channel, so multi-touchpoint strategies are key.

The approach changes depending on the product and state regulations, so every strategy starts with compliance and builds from there.

What are the most common advertising issues cannabis brands face?

Many brands rely too heavily on a single platform, usually Instagram, without paid traffic or email funnels.

Compliance is another major challenge, as restrictions change frequently. There’s also often a lack of clear positioning, which makes it hard for brands to stand out in a crowded market.

Why did you create the Women in Cannabusiness Podcast?

I created the podcast to highlight the stories of women doing meaningful work across the industry and to build community.

It was also personal. When I was younger and interested in the cannabis industry, I had no idea where to start. The podcast gives people insight into how others entered the space and what their career paths looked like.

How rewarding is serving as a Flash Mentor at CSU?

Serving as a Flash Mentor has been incredibly rewarding. It allows me to connect with students and share real-world insights. I feel the same way about employing interns through my company, OCM Digital and podcast.

We were all that student eager to learn and get their start in the real world. Programs like this help bridge the gap between classroom learning and professional experience.

What are some exciting future plans?

I’m focused on expanding the Women in Cannabusiness platform into live events and larger community experiences in Colorado (where I live) and beyond.

For OCM Digital, the goal is continued growth with mission-driven brands, especially in cannabis, hemp, and wellness. Personally, I’m excited to keep building at the intersection of marketing, community, and emerging industries through robust marketing campaigns.

Thank you for joining us, Olivia! For more information on OCM Digital, please visit its website.