Vanessa Cuccurullo, Founder of Leilala & Watson – Interview Series

Every cannabis professional and advocate usually has a deeply personal or impactful reason for their dedication to the plant. From surviving near-fatal health incidents to a fascination with this nascent industry, everyone in the field carries a unique origin story. Vanessa Cuccurullo, founder of the New York-based brand Leilala & Watson, has a particularly meaningful journey behind her “low dose, high trust” philosophy.

To learn more about her path and the brand’s mission, MyCannabis.com had the pleasure of speaking with Cuccurullo herself.

Becoming a cancer survivor taught me to pay close attention to how I actually feel in my body and in my life, not just how things appear on the outside. It changed my relationship with time and energy.

What industries and roles did you work in prior to cannabis? What were the most valuable skills in team and business management that you learned and acquired during those times?

My family affectionately calls me the CHIDO, the “Chef Holding It Down Officer.” I have a background in education as a former NYC public school teacher. I have also been a stay-at-home mom, a primary caregiver to older family members, active volunteer in my community, and I have been known to renovate a home or two.

All of those roles taught me strategic thinking, logistics, relationship management, and how to build systems that function smoothly without losing their humanity. Those skills translate directly into creating this company.

What did becoming a cancer survivor teach you about life and enjoying as much of it as you can?

Becoming a cancer survivor taught me to pay close attention to how I actually feel in my body and in my life, not just how things appear on the outside. It changed my relationship with time and energy. You stop assuming there will always be a later and start showing up more fully in the present.

It also taught me that enjoying life doesn’t have to be loud or extreme. Sometimes it’s about clarity, rest, connection, and being well enough to participate in the moments that matter. I’ve learned to be more intentional about where I put my energy and to prioritize experiences that support feeling grounded, present, and genuinely engaged with the people and life around me.

How did your cancer diagnosis inspire you to eventually open Leilala & Watson? How did you see the possibilities of cannabis through that harrowing experience?

I was diagnosed with an extremely rare cancer at 20 years old, and I have lived my entire adult life as a cancer survivor. More recently, I faced a breast cancer diagnosis. Those experiences shaped how I think about health, vulnerability, and trust, especially when it comes to what we put into our bodies.

During treatment and recovery, I became very aware of how limited the options were for support that felt both effective and functional. I started to see the potential of cannabis not as an escape, but as something that, when used thoughtfully, could support balance, presence, and relief without disconnecting you from your life.

That said, I also learned that there’s nothing wrong with wanting a little lightness now and then. Life is complicated, and people use cannabis for many reasons. What mattered to me was creating options that felt intentional, trustworthy, and flexible enough to meet people wherever they are.

Leilala & Watson grew from that realization. I believed cannabis could be approached with more care and transparency and designed in a way that people could confidently integrate into their daily lives. The company was born from that belief and a desire to offer products that feel supportive, approachable, and consistent for a wide range of adults.

How would you describe the process of receiving a cannabis license in New York? What did it require financially and paperwork-wise in total to receive the license?

The process is rigorous and highly detailed. It requires extensive paperwork, compliance planning, legal guidance, and a great deal of patience. While the license itself was not the most expensive part, bootstrapping the company and preparing to operate compliantly has been a significant commitment. Precision and persistence are essential.

In a market where high doses of potent THC are such a craze, why did Leilala & Watson want to focus on the “Low Dose – High Trust” model instead?

We noticed that a large group of consumers felt underserved. Many people were curious about cannabis but didn’t see themselves reflected in products designed around intensity or high potency. They were looking for something that felt supportive, intentional, and easier to integrate into everyday life.

Low-dose products create space for people to build a relationship with cannabis that feels thoughtful and personal. Our approach invites consumers to start low, understand how their body responds, and incorporate cannabis in a way that complements their daily routines. Trust is built through clarity, consistency, and thoughtful design, and that philosophy sits at the center of everything we create.

Why do you think the “Low Dose – High Trust” platform is great to introduce cannabis to new consumers? Why would you advise against new consumers using cannabis products that are incredibly potent?

Low dose creates a safer, more approachable entry point for people who are new to cannabis. It allows consumers to start gently, learn how their body responds, and build confidence over time. When the experience feels predictable and manageable, people are more likely to feel comfortable and curious rather than overwhelmed or anxious.

What is a processor type 3 model of operation in the New York cannabis industry, and why is that a beneficial model for a company like Leilala & Watson?

A Processor Type 3 license allows a company to focus on product development, formulation, and branding while working with licensed partners for manufacturing and extraction. It’s a model designed for collaboration, where each party operates within its area of expertise under New York’s regulatory framework.

For Leilala & Watson, this model allows us to prioritize quality, consistency, and thoughtful design without needing to build and operate a full production facility ourselves. It gives us the flexibility to work with experienced partners, maintain strict compliance, and stay focused on what matters most to us: creating intentional, low-dose products that consumers can trust.

Why do you think the New York market will be perfect for the brand? What is special about the New York market that will lead to success for Leilala & Watson?

New York is home. I was born and raised in Brooklyn, and this market reflects the values that shaped how I think about quality, transparency, and trust. New Yorkers are curious, discerning, and not easily swayed by hype. They ask questions, expect clarity, and value products that fit into real life.

It’s also a market where culture, creativity, and responsibility intersect. That combination creates space for brands that are intentional and thoughtfully built. Leilala & Watson was designed with that mindset from the start and bringing it to market here feels both natural and meaningful.

What are you most excited about for the Leilala & Watson brand, and what are some specific future plans you have for the brand in 2026 and beyond?

What excites me most is finally sharing what we’ve built and seeing it integrate into people’s everyday lives. So much care has gone into every detail, from formulation to design to compliance, and I’m excited to see the brand live in the real world and become something people return to with confidence and ease.

Looking ahead to 2026 and beyond, our focus is on thoughtful growth. That means expanding intentionally, continuing education, and growing alongside our community. Staying grounded in why we started building something that feels relevant, trustworthy, and lasting is what excites me most.

Thank you for joining us, Vanessa! For more information on Leilala & Watson, please visit its website.