S2: E4 - Marianne Cursetjee: Blending Corporate Strategy and Personal Healing into a Cannabis Brand

In this episode, we sit down with Marianne Cursetjee, Co-Founder and CEO of Alibi Cannabis, a premium cannabis brand based in Oregon known for consistent, top-shelf flower and a systems-first approach to business growth. Marianne shares how her journey into the cannabis industry began during her own battle with cancer. After discovering the plant’s therapeutic value firsthand while undergoing chemotherapy and radiation, she and her husband purchased a farm in Oregon and began building what would become Alibi Cannabis. With a background in finance and tech, Marianne brings decades of corporate accounting and business operations experience into one of the most highly regulated industries today. We talk about how she’s transferred those skills into cannabis—navigating supply chain, distribution, dispensary relationships, and even the realities of running a family-owned business. In this episode, Marianne opens up about: Using RSO during cancer treatment and how it changed her mindset Her shift from the corporate world to cannabis entrepreneurship Systems, operations, and cash flow strategies that fuel long-term success The challenge of dispensaries not paying cultivators on time Teaching cannabis business courses at a university level Balancing work and family while co-owning a business with her husband How she approaches parenting and educating her kids about cannabis This episode is packed with wisdom for anyone interested in cannabis business ownership, patient advocacy, or building systems that scale in an unpredictable industry. 🎧 Listen now to hear Marianne’s full journey and the lessons she’s learned along the way. Follow Marianne & Alibi Cannabis: Instagram: @alibi.oregon Website: www.alibi.co LinkedIn: Marianne Cursetjee This season is sponsored by OCM Digital Marketing, empowering women-led brands in cannabis through strategy-first marketing and ads.