Licensee Highlight: From Cancer Survivor to Cannabis Entrepreneur
Download MP3In this episode of Joint Session, host Herb Barbot is joined by Vanessa Cuccurullo, founder of Mrs. C Botanicals and the woman behind Leilala and Watson, a cannabis brand built around the idea of “low dose, high trust.” A two-time cancer survivor, Vanessa shares how her experience first as a caregiver for her grandmother and later as a patient herself changed her relationship with cannabis and ultimately inspired her to enter the industry. The conversation explores her journey from navigating New York’s licensing process to developing a clean, solventless, low-dose product designed for people who want greater control over their cannabis experience. Vanessa discusses the gap she saw in the market for consumers who are cannabis-curious, returning to cannabis, or simply looking for an alternative to higher-dose products, as well as the challenges of getting a new brand onto dispensary shelves. She also shares her thoughts on breaking the stigma around cannabis, the importance of education and transparency, and her plans to expand into new low-dose products while using the brand to support causes close to her own experience with cancer.
Joint Session: Diverse Voices in NYS Cannabis is produced by Herb Barbot, with executive production and marketing by Simlev Media.
Joint Session: Diverse Voices in NYS Cannabis is produced by Herb Barbot, with executive production and marketing by Simlev Media.
Please contact us at herb.jointsession@gmail.com if you have any questions or comments, including topics to cover.
Follow the show on Instagram at jointsession.pod, on BlueSky at @jointsessionpod.bsky.social and on LinkedIn at Joint Session Podcast.
If you enjoy the show, leave us a rating and review on your favorite podcast platform. It helps new listeners find the show.