#40 - S5:E4 – Sara Payan: From Patient to Advocate, Marketer and Policy Leader in Cannabis

In Season 5, Episode 4 of Women in CannaBusiness, we’re joined by Sara Payan, award-winning educator, strategist, and one of the most influential voices in the cannabis industry today. With over a decade of experience and more than 20,000 hours guiding consumers, Sara has built a reputation for advancing education, shaping policy, and normalizing plant medicine through storytelling and advocacy. She is the host of the Emjay Award-winning podcast Planted with Sara Payan, Vice-Chair of the California State Cannabis Advisory Committee, and Partner & VP of PR Strategy at Pulse Signal Agency. In this episode, Sara shares her journey from corporate into cannabis, how her personal health experience shaped her path, and why education is the foundation of a responsible and thriving industry. We talk about the realities of working in cannabis today—from stigma and policy to community, mentorship, and what it really takes to build a meaningful career in this space. If you’re looking to better understand the cannabis industry, grow your network, or step into your voice as a woman in this space, this episode is for you. What we cover: Sara’s journey into the cannabis industry The role of education in consumer safety & industry growth Cannabis, health, and personal healing Challenges & opportunities for women in cannabis The importance of community, mentorship, and collaboration Advice for entering and navigating the industry The future of cannabis + normalization through conversation   Key Takeaways: Education is everything in cannabis—at every level Community creates opportunity and long-term growth Resilience and authenticity are key to success Normalization starts with conversation   Connect with Sara Payan: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/plantedwithsara/ Podcast: Planted with Sara Payan https://plantedwithsara.com/ Website: https://www.sarapayan.com    Follow Women in CannaBusiness: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/womenincannabusiness TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@womenincannabusiness LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/womenincannabusiness/    🎙️ Sponsored by OCM Digital Marketing OCM Digital Marketing is a full-service marketing agency helping brands grow through strategic storytelling, paid ads, SEO (including AI SEO), and multi-channel marketing funnels. From cannabis and CPG to B2B and local businesses, we help you build a brand that actually converts. Learn more: https://www.ocmdigitalmarketing.com  Keywords: women in cannabis, cannabis podcast, Sara Payan, cannabis education, women in business, cannabis industry insights, cannabis advocacy, plant medicine, cannabis policy, budtender education, women empowerment, cannabis community, normalization of cannabis, cannabis leadership