S1:E10 - Shannon Donnelly: From Early Colorado Medical Days as a Budtender to Cannabis Hospitality Professor, Non-Profit Organizer & More

In this episode of the Women in Cannabusiness Podcast, we sit down with Shannon Donnelly, a true pioneer and advocate for inclusivity in the cannabis industry. Shannon’s journey began in 2007 when she discovered the benefits of CBD for managing depression, menstrual cramps, and mental health challenges. From those early days as a budtender during the medical cannabis boom in Colorado, Shannon has built an impressive career spanning education, advocacy, and entrepreneurship. 🌿✨ Today, Shannon is the Executive Director of The Center for Social Equity Support, a nonprofit dedicated to fostering inclusivity and empowering social equity applicants in the cannabis space. With 16 years of experience, Shannon has played a pivotal role in shaping the industry, including licensing over 20 social equity applicants through Colorado’s Cannabis Cares program. She also serves as a Cannabis Hospitality Professor at MSU Denver, where she mentors the next generation of cannabis professionals. In this episode, Shannon reflects on her personal journey, the importance of social equity in cannabis, and how she balances her roles as an educator, nonprofit leader, and entrepreneur with her flower business, Betty’s Petals. Her story is one of resilience, passion, and vision for a more inclusive and innovative cannabis industry. Special thanks to our Season’s Silver Sponsor, Ispire Technology Where Innovation Meets Inhalation. Ispire Technology is a leader in the research, development, design, marketing, and distribution of branded e-cigarettes and cannabis vaping products. With over 400 patents globally, Ispire's e-cigarette products, sold under the Aspire brand, are distributed worldwide (excluding China and Russia). The company also partners with brands and retailers through ODM (original design manufacturing) relationships. Ispire’s cannabis products, sold under the Ispire brand, are available in the U.S., Europe, South Africa, and now in Canada and Latin America. We’re also proud to highlight Luna Stower, Ispire’s Chief Impact Officer, whose work continues to drive meaningful change in the cannabis industry. Check Ispire out at getispire.com and follow them on Instagram: @getispire. Follow & Connect with Shannon: Personal Instagram: @shannon.e.donnelly The Center for Social Equity Support: @socialequitysupport LinkedIn: Shannon Donnelly The Center for Social Equity Support: socialequitysupport.org Personal Website: borntosharecannabis.com 🎧 Listen now on Spotify and Apple Podcasts for an inspiring conversation about Shannon’s journey and her vision for a more inclusive cannabis industry. #WomenInCannabusiness #SocialEquity #CannaWomen #CannabisIndustry #EducationInCannabis #GetIspire #Podcast #WomenLeaders