Phoebe DePree, Founder & CEO at Goddess Growers- Interview Series

The landscape of the cannabis industry in Ohio presents a tale of transition and anticipation. While the state currently boasts a thriving medical cannabis sector, recent legislative strides have paved the way for the imminent arrival of recreational cannabis. Ohioans, long acquainted with the medicinal benefits of cannabis, eagerly await the forthcoming expansion, poised to embrace the broader accessibility and diverse market offerings promised by recreational legalization. With this evolution on the horizon, the industry stands at a pivotal juncture, poised to meet the demands of both medical patients and recreational consumers alike.

Amidst Ohio’s cannabis evolution emerges a key facet of consumption: cannabis edibles. Offering a discreet and convenient alternative to traditional methods, edibles have captured the interest of both seasoned enthusiasts and curious newcomers. Within this landscape, Phoebe DePree, the founder and CEO of Goddess Growers, enters the scene. As a trailblazer in the realm of cannabis-infused gummies, Phoebe’s vision extends beyond mere product offerings; it encompasses a commitment to providing consumers with meticulously crafted, high-quality edibles designed to elevate their experiences. Through Goddess Growers, Phoebe endeavors to not only redefine the edibles market but also champion a culture of wellness and empowerment within the cannabis community.

MyCannabis: Tell me about yourself, Phoebe, and how you entered the cannabis industry.

Phoebe: I’ve been involved in the cannabis industry for about four years now. Cannabis has been a part of my life for a long time, starting from more social occasions in my 20s to helping me relax after a stressful day in my 30s. However, it wasn’t until my 40s that I truly immersed myself in the industry. Initially, I applied for a craft grower license in Illinois, with the support of my cousin who owns a vertically integrated dispensary in Colorado. Although we faced significant delays in obtaining the license, it gave me invaluable time to study the market extensively.

MyCannabis: How did you develop your products, and what was the process behind it?

Phoebe: Developing our products involved extensive research and collaboration with experts. We wanted to create a blend of cannabinoids, terpenes, and flavonoids that promotes a feeling of calm without inducing drowsiness. This led to the creation of our proprietary blend of terpenes and flavonoids, which we call the “mother elixir.” Additionally, we focused on ensuring that our gummies were not only effective but also delicious and fast-acting. This involved working closely with food scientists to achieve even distribution of cannabinoids and to select fast-acting ingredients. We also paid attention to dosing accuracy, partnering with a company called Azuka to ensure precise dosing in each gummy.

MyCannabis: Would you say accurate dosing is the most significant aspect of your products?

Phoebe: Accurate dosing is undoubtedly important, but I believe our success lies in our holistic approach. In addition to precise dosing, we have developed a brand that resonates with our target audience. Our brand reflects our commitment to understanding and honoring the needs of our consumers, particularly women who often play a significant role in health and wellness purchasing decisions. Furthermore, our carefully crafted blend of cannabinoids, terpenes, and flavonoids appeals to both existing and potential consumers, making our products accessible and appealing to a wide range of individuals.

MyCannabis: Do you believe your brand is primarily targeted towards female consumers?

Phoebe: We’ve created a brand that resonates with women, who often make significant health and wellness purchase decisions for their families. While our focus is on providing a product that helps anyone seeking relaxation, our approach acknowledges the influential role women play in the cannabis market, where they constitute over half of consumers.

MyCannabis: Goddess Growers is currently focused on cannabis gummies. Why did you choose this product, and do you see yourself diversifying in the future?

Phoebe: I chose to focus on gummies because I wanted to offer a product that provides a sense of relaxation without necessarily inducing a strong high. Gummies seemed like the perfect vehicle for delivering this experience, as they are familiar and convenient. Focusing on gummies allows us to gauge the response from our target customers more effectively. While we may explore diversification in the future, for now, our focus remains on refining our gummy offerings to meet the needs of our consumers.

MyCannabis: As a female entrepreneur in the industry, have you faced unique challenges?

Phoebe: While being a female founder presents its challenges, I choose to focus on the opportunities it brings. The cannabis industry often underestimates the purchasing power and preferences of women, which I see as a greenfield opportunity. I’ve encountered instances where my gender has influenced perceptions, but I view these experiences as opportunities to challenge stereotypes and drive positive change within the industry.

MyCannabis: Partnering with BeneLeaves for statewide distribution is a strategic move. How has this partnership enhanced your presence in Ohio’s medical cannabis market?

Phoebe: Partnering with BeneLeaves has been instrumental in expanding our reach in Ohio’s medical cannabis market. BeneLeaves is highly regarded in the industry, with a reputation for quality and ethical practices. Beyond their expertise, BeneLeaves’ commitment to diversity and inclusion aligns with our values at Goddess Growers. This partnership not only strengthens our presence in Ohio but also allows us to reach a broader audience while staying true to our principles.

MyCannabis: What would you consider the biggest success or impact for Goddess Growers in the past four years?

Phoebe: Our upcoming launch in dispensaries marks a significant milestone for Goddess Growers. Additionally, securing a partnership with BeneLeaves was a pivotal moment for us, as it validated our brand concept and opened doors to new opportunities. Looking ahead, we are excited to expand into the Illinois market later this year, further solidifying our presence in the industry.

MyCannabis: Tell me about the Ohio market. What is the opportunity there?

Phoebe: Yeah, you know, I’m really excited to be joining the Ohio market at this time. It’s currently medical. And being in a medical market versus a recreational one is just a completely different environment. The voters voted overwhelmingly to legalize adult recreational cannabis in Ohio. And I think joining when we are, you know, there’s a big opportunity to educate consumers and to grow with the market. That is the biggest opportunity in my view..

MyCannabis: What’s next for Phoebe and Goddess Growers?

Phoebe: In the near term, we’re focused on our product launch and distribution in Ohio. Looking ahead to 2024, we’re gearing up for our entry into the Illinois market, which presents exciting growth opportunities for Goddess Growers. We’re committed to continuing our journey of innovation and providing consumers with high-quality, thoughtfully crafted products that enhance their well-being.

It was a great pleasure to have this conversation with Phoebe Depree, founder and CEO of Goddess Growers. Readers are encouraged to visit the Goddess Growers website to learn more about this unique brand.