Narith Panh, Chief Growth Officer for Dragonfly – Interview Series

When it comes to states with medical-only cannabis markets, few are in as unique a position as Utah. While adult-use legalization is likely still years away, the state maintains a fairly inclusive list of qualifying conditions for medical access, covering everything from Alzheimer’s and epilepsy to ALS and MS. However, much like in states such as Texas, there are very few licensed and operational dispensaries, creating significant accessibility hurdles for patients. Despite the market’s strictly medical status, local advocates continue pushing to expand both retail access and the roster of qualifying conditions.

To explore the deeply personal reasons behind his entry into the industry, the current state of the market, and what lies ahead for the Beehive State, mycannabis.com sat down with Narith Panh, Chief Growth Officer at Dragonfly.

What subjects did you study in school and how did those studies later benefit you with your role at Dragonfly?

I studied Business Administration, which gave me a strong foundation on how to operate a successful business. Cannabis is more than just touching the plant. To be successful you have to have a well rounded knowledge of business operations, finance, marketing, and sales.

When did you first witness the potential of cannabis-based products, and how did seeing it all in action inspire you to become involved in cannabis advocacy?

On April 20, 2019, my younger brother was involved in an auto pedestrian hit-and-run accident where he was severely injured, had a C6 spinal infusion and a metal rod placed in his femur. The doctors wanted to give him incredibly strong prescription painkillers, but that did not feel right for him. Throughout his entire 9-month recovery process, we only used 1:1 THC:CBD medical cannabis edibles to help him manage his pain. In fact, we still have the original benzo prescription that we were given by the doctor. I thought to myself, “How many other families may not have the knowledge, courage, or resources to try an alternative medicine like cannabis?” Utah was just defining its medical program then, and everything seemed to connect at once. 

Prior to joining the Utah medical cannabis industry, what Fortune 500 companies did you provide consulting services for? What were the most valuable lessons you learned during your experiences with those companies that you later applied to Dragonfly?

I worked in the automotive, technology, and CPG industry with clients such as VW, Hyundai/Kia, Honda, Samsung, Microsoft (MSFT ), P&G, etc. I learned how to integrate the voice of the customer into an award winning culture that prioritized patient first care. It also brought me invaluable experience into how some of the biggest brands in the world think about adding value to their customers and how important it is to listen to what your customers are saying.

What interested you about becoming involved with Dragonfly and entering the Utah medical cannabis space?

After my brother’s experience, I could not miss the opportunity to make a difference in the community that gave me and my family an opportunity to live the American dream. I’ve grown up in Utah almost my whole life and have seen legal prescription drugs devastate communities across the state. There are real solutions from the plant, and not just for pain or anxiety, but studies are starting to show that cannabis use can even help alleviate opioid dependency, which is huge.  I truly believe that medical cannabis is one of the many solutions that can help improve the quality of life of our neighbors.

What would you say are the most rewarding aspects of operating strictly medical-only dispensaries? How do you feel like your work at Dragonfly isn’t just business, but also further advocacy for medical cannabis?

We have a lot of patients that are looking to treat specific conditions, so it gives us the opportunity to talk about other product attributes than potency. That’s a common conversation in a lot of adult use dispensaries, but things are different in medical programs. We have lots of patients who seek low THC products, minor cannabinoids, and unique terpene profiles. At Dragonfly, we have a really unique opportunity to educate and advocate for the incredible properties of the cannabis plant.

Obviously, while respecting HIPAA privacy laws, of course, what are some of the most common reasons that Utah medical cannabis patients are utilizing cannabis products from Dragonfly?

Product quality and safety are one of the top reasons patients choose Dragonfly products. You can never be sure what is in your product when you purchase from the illicit market and even some adult use markets, because the standard and consistency of testing is not the same as Utah’s medical regulations. When you use Dragonfly products, you can be sure you know the potency of your products, it is free of pesticides, microbials, heavy metals, and residual solvents. That’s incredibly important to medical patients who might be seeking relief from autoimmune diseases, PTSD, pain or illness. 

What are still the most problematic regulations or rules that Utah medical cannabis providers must operate under? How do those regulations cause added issues or burdens?

One of the most challenging regulations is related to qualifying conditions that allow a patient to be recommended medical cannabis. For example in Utah, insomnia, anxiety, depression and many other health challenges are not qualifying conditions in which a patient qualifies for medical cannabis. This forces these patients to either a) lie about their conditions or b) purchase products through unregulated channels. Public access is the most important element to remove the barriers to safe and regulated medical cannabis. The more difficult we make it for a patient to get treatment, the more likely they will resort to using untested, illicit market products.

What are some great examples of advocacy work you’ve done with the Utah Patients Coalition? How does UPC keep advocating for expansion of the medical cannabis program and the rights of Utah medical patients?

Every legislative session, we work very closely with UPC to continue to improve our medical cannabis program rules and regulations. In addition, we support the Utah Patient Subsidy program by subsidizing the cost of medicine for hundreds of patients that are terminally and/or facing financial hardships. To date we have donated $600,000 on behalf of UPC. 

On the state legislative level, what would need to occur in order for Utah to have fully recreational cannabis? Do you see that ever truly becoming a possibility in Utah?

There does not seem to be any appetite for recreational cannabis in Utah because the state has taken a very strong stance on treating cannabis like a medicine. That means a medical provider and pharmacist is a part of the healthcare process so they can provide sound medical advice and provide direction on potential interactions with other prescription drugs.

What are some exciting future plans for yourself and Dragonfly? How do you plan on continuing your advocacy for medical cannabis in Utah and on the federal level?

We are excited at the opportunity of becoming one of the first DEA registered Schedule III medical cannabis operators that are producing GMP certified products that are ready for interstate commerce. This provides a new source of patient growth that allows us to maintain quality control of our manufacturing and the consistency of our products in each market. As an advocate for the plant as medicine, I will personally continue to volunteer my time service on grassroots committees that continue to fight for cannabis to be accepted as medicine.

Thank you for joining us, Narith! For more information on Dragonfly, please visit its website.