Interviews
Ricardo Guimaraes, Founder and CEO of RPG Cannabis Consulting – Interview Series
In the ever-evolving landscape of cannabis and CBD, Ricardo, the founder of RPG Cannabis Consulting and a Certified Cannabis Coach and Educator, has emerged as a trailblazer. His remarkable journey is not only marked by his expertise in the field but also by his successful partnerships with top athletes like Joana Faissal and Annie Seawright. Together with his team at RPG Consulting, he has championed the mainstreaming of cannabis and especially CBD while emphasizing its role in performance enhancement, recovery, and overall well-being. In this exclusive interview, we delve into Ricardo's insights, experiences, and the transformative impact of CBD in the world of sports and wellness.
As a Certified Cannabis Coach and Educator, you bring a unique perspective to the cannabis industry. Can you share some insights into your approach when it comes to helping businesses achieve rapid revenue growth and expand their market presence, particularly in the biotech and cannabis sectors?
Certainly, as a Certified Cannabis Coach and Educator with a focus on expanding the reach of businesses in the biotech and cannabis sectors, my approach is centered on a combination of education, strategic planning, and innovative solutions. One of the foundations of my approach is having an in-depth understanding of the biotech and cannabis industries. This knowledge allows me to identify opportunities and navigate the complex regulatory landscape effectively.
Another key strategy that I use is a market expansion strategy. Expanding into new markets, especially in the cannabis sector, can be challenging due to varying regulations and restrictions. My team and I have developed a proven business funnel that takes into account these restrictions. This includes understanding the legal frameworks in different regions, compliance with international standards, and developing strategies to meet the unique needs of each market.
Education is crucial in the cannabis industry, both for businesses and consumers. I place a strong emphasis on educating clients about the medicinal benefits of cannabis and the latest research in the biotech field.
Another strategy that I use include building strategic partnerships within the industry as a key to rapid growth. Whether it's forming alliances with research institutions, distribution partners, or local stakeholders, I work to create valuable connections that can open doors to new opportunities.
Lastly, I offer customized solutions to meet the unique needs of each business leveraging off a patient-centric approach.
The cannabis industry is highly dynamic and subject to evolving regulations. How do you seamlessly align sales, marketing, and product launch strategies for businesses in this challenging environment? Could you provide an example of a successful case where your strategies led to significant growth for a cannabis-related business?
Here are two.
Successful Case: Athlete Partnerships with CBD Products
One notable success story involves my partnership with top athletes, like Joana Faissal and Annie Seawright, to promote the benefits of CBD for performance enhancement, recovery, and overall well-being:
- Joana Faissal's Transformation:
- Joana Faissal, a tri-athlete legend in Brazil, was introduced to CBD oils three months before a challenging competition in Argentina.
- The CBD oils helped improve her training and overall well-being. Her coach noticed significant progress.
- Despite the harsh conditions of running in sub-zero temperatures on ice, Joana secured third place and credited her transformation to the introduction of CBD. The event is called Mountain Do Fim do Mundo, an international event held in Ushuaia, Argentina. She was hoping to achieve a podium spot in this prestigious event, which involves a 20-kilometer race in the snow. She got 3rd!
2. Annie Seawright's Chronic Pain Relief:
- Annie Seawright, a California-based 14 years as the Hermosa Beach IronMan champion, faced chronic pain, anxiety, and sleep disorders.
- Through a tailored approach, we introduced a combination of cannabinoids to address her symptoms effectively.
- Annie experienced relief from chronic pain, reduced anxiety, and improved sleep quality, enabling her to resume her athletic career with confidence.
These success stories illustrate how strategic partnerships with athletes and the targeted use of CBD products, backed by education and compliance, can lead to significant improvements in performance and quality of life. By aligning sales, marketing, and product launch strategies with the unique needs of athletes and the evolving cannabis industry, we were able to achieve remarkable results in enhancing athletic performance and well-being.
Public speaking is an integral part of your work. What key messages or lessons do you aim to convey when addressing audiences about the cannabis industry, and why do you believe public education is essential in this field?
One of the primary messages I aim to convey is the remarkable healing potential of cannabinoids, particularly CBD. Many people, like myself, were initially unaware of the extensive therapeutic benefits that cannabinoids offer. It's crucial to emphasize that cannabinoids, beyond just THC, have the power to bring about transformative changes in health and well-being.
Sharing my personal journey as a former athlete and THC user who transitioned to using CBD is a testament to the potential for personal transformation through cannabis. I highlight the significant improvements in physical, emotional, and psychological well-being that I've experienced since incorporating CBD into my daily routine.
I firmly believe that public education is fundamental in this field, as it reduces stigma, promotes safe usage, empowers informed choices, supports healthcare professionals, and contributes to the growth and responsible regulation of the cannabis industry.
The biotech sector has significant potential for innovation in the cannabis industry. What exciting developments or opportunities do you see on the horizon, and how can businesses effectively position themselves to capitalize on these trends?
Here are some three notable trends and opportunities that businesses in the cannabis space should be on the lookout for.
Exploring Lesser-Known Cannabinoids: The cannabis plant contains a vast array of cannabinoids beyond THC and CBD, including CBC, CBN, THCV, CBGV, and many more. These lesser-known cannabinoids are gaining attention for their unique therapeutic properties. Exciting developments in biotech involve in-depth research into these compounds to unlock their full potential in addressing various health conditions.
Targeted Therapies: Biotech research is enabling the development of targeted cannabinoid therapies. By understanding the specific effects of individual cannabinoids on the endocannabinoid system, businesses can create precise formulations tailored to address specific health symptoms and conditions.
Customized Medicinal Products: The future holds the promise of customized medicinal cannabis products. Patients may receive personalized treatments based on their unique genetic makeup and health profiles. Biotech advancements are making it possible to match cannabinoid profiles with individual patient needs.
Enhanced Delivery Methods: Innovations in biotech are also improving delivery methods. Businesses are exploring more efficient and effective ways to administer cannabinoids, such as nanotechnology-based delivery systems, inhalers, and transdermal patches.
Improved Bioavailability: Biotech research is focused on enhancing the bioavailability of cannabinoids. This means that a higher percentage of the administered dose reaches its target within the body, increasing the efficacy of treatments and reducing the required dosage.
As the founder of RPG Cannabis Consulting, you have likely encountered various challenges and successes in your career. What advice or guidance can you offer to individuals aspiring to make a meaningful impact in the cannabis sector or the broader biotech industry?
The first thing I would advise is to prioritize research and development. Your emphasis on investing in research and development (R&D) is paramount. Aspiring individuals should consider careers in R&D or seek collaborations with research institutions to contribute to the industry's growth. It is also important to be able to challenge the status quo. Be willing to question traditional pharmaceutical approaches and advocate for alternative, natural solutions. This may involve challenging entrenched beliefs and biases.
Educating others about the benefits of cannabis and advocating for open-mindedness are equally as important. Aspiring individuals can start by sharing knowledge through blogs, public speaking, or partnerships with educational organizations.
Lastly, remember that collaboration is key, as you mentioned with ANVISA's more open-minded approach. Engage with international partners, researchers, and organizations to leverage a broader knowledge base and promote global progress.
The road to making a meaningful impact can be challenging. Surround oneself with a supportive network of like-minded individuals, like you Lydia at My Cannabis Press! Engaging with mentors, industry experts, and organizations that share a passion for cannabis research and biotech innovation.
It was a great pleasure having this conversation with Ricardo Guimaraes.
