The Notorious B.I.G May 21, 1972 – March 9, 1997. Image by Barron Claiborne for Rap Pages Magazine, 1997.
In honor of the enduring legacy of the late great The Notorious B.I.G., I pay homage by adapting one of his most well-known songs, the “Ten Crack Commandments” into the “Ten Canna-Commandments” tailored specifically for the cannabis industry. In this blog post, I delve into how these commandments can serve as a powerful business strategy for both cannabis influencers and businesses alike. The purpose of these principles is to equip us Hempstas to navigate the industry with finesse, and professionalism, and ultimately achieve success. Join me on this journey as we explore the “Ten Canna-Commandments” together to unlock the keys to success in the cannabis industry.
Canna-Commandment 1: Keep Your Hustle Low-key.
In a rapidly evolving industry, it’s crucial to maintain professionalism and discretion. Focus on growing your business rather than flaunting personal success because nobody likes a showoff. Let your results speak for themselves, and use your influence wisely to build a reputable brand.
Canna-Commandment 2: Guard Your Next Move.
Strategic planning is key. You can maintain a competitive edge by careful timing and revealing your business strategies and innovations. Keep your rivals guessing and surprise your audience with exciting new initiatives that set you apart.
Canna-Commandment 3: Trust, but Always Verify.
Partnerships are essential in the cannabis industry, but always conduct due diligence on everyone. Establish solid relationships based on transparency, reliability, and shared values. Verify the credibility of potential collaborators and build trust through open communication.
Canna-Commandment 4: Never Get Consumed by Your Own Supply.
As a cannabis entrepreneur, promote responsible cannabis use—separate personal consumption from business operations and decision-making. Keep it cool by focusing on delivering value, education, and insights to your audience. Please consume cannabis responsibly and respectfully.
Canna-Commandment 5: Separate Business From Personal.
Maintain clear boundaries between your personal and professional life. Operate within the legal framework, and avoid illegal or unethical practices. Protect your privacy, minimize conflicts of interest, and prioritize the growth and success of your cannabis business. Let your personal life thrive outside of the spotlight.
Canna-Commandment 6: Cash over Credit.
As a cannabis entrepreneur, financial stability is crucial. Prioritize all cash transactions over credit whenever possible, minimize debt, and build a solid financial foundation for your business by outlining the terms beforehand, enabling you to weather any storms that may arise. Leave nothing left to chance. That goddamn credit, dead it.
Canna-Commandment 7: Family and Business Don’t Always Mix.
While family is important, it’s crucial to separate family relationships from your business decisions. Objectivity is key to making sound judgments and maintaining professional relationships. The nature of business can be cutthroat and things can turn sour between family and friends. Keep personal matters separate from your entrepreneurial endeavors or find yourself in serious shit.
Canna-Commandment 8: Keep a Low Profile.
In a heavily regulated industry like cannabis, it’s essential to maintain a low profile. Avoid unnecessary attention and potential legal issues by adhering to local, state, and federal laws and regulations. Promote adherence to legal possession limits and emphasize responsible cannabis storage and usage practices. Operate with integrity and stay within the boundaries of legality for success. Always, protect yourself at all times!
Canna-Commandment 9: Know and Respect the Law.
This should have been number one however, be transparent, compliant, and seek legal protection. Educate yourself about the complex web of regulations governing the cannabis industry and ensure your business practices align with all applicable laws and ethics. By understanding and respecting the legal landscape, you can establish a solid foundation for sustainable growth within the cannabis industry.
Canna-Commandment 10: Your Stripes Must Be Earned Before Taking on B.I.G Challenges. Conclusion
“A strong word called, consignment strictly for live men, not for freshmen” goes a long way in life and business. Don’t push the cart before the horse or the chicken before the egg. Establish yourself as a credible and knowledgeable authority in the cannabis industry. Cultivate expertise, build a strong reputation, and earn the respect of your peers and audience. Embrace growth opportunities, collaborations, and ambitious ventures once you’ve solidified your position as an influencer. Focus on building your credibility, expertise, and reputation in the cannabis industry before engaging in high-level collaborations or business ventures.
Conclusion
The “Ten Canna-Commandments” were created as a homage to Biggie’s “Ten Crack Commandments” to navigate the industry with professionalism, responsibility, and long-term success. The cannabis industry thrives on innovation, passion, and ethical practices to make a positive impact and shape the future of cannabis for all to enjoy. As Biggie said, “Follow these rules you’ll have mad bread to break up.”
