Zoe Wilder grew up in Atlanta during the height of the War on Drugs, and has dedicated her life since the ‘90s to advocating, researching and promoting cannabis. She answered eight simple questions for NY Cannabis Insider’s ‘People to know’ series.
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What is your position and what do you/your company do in the cannabis space?
I’m a public relations professional and business consultant specializing in wellness, lifestyle, culture and entertainment. In addition to representing some of the most notable celebrities, artists and brands in the business, I’m founder of Liquid Culture, a community of artists and creators dedicated to preserving and furthering the psychedelic experience. I’m also an ambassador for Success Centers and Last Prisoner Project.
How long have you worked in the cannabis space?
Awareness of the plant and my interest in advocacy both started when I was growing up in Atlanta. My mother enjoyed cannabis openly and normalized the plant for me. I grew up in the late ‘70s and ‘80s, the height of the War on Drugs.
In the mid ‘90s, I attended 420 rallies in Piedmont Park with friends to show support for the movement. I’ve been promoting, researching and writing about the plant ever since.
What did you do before you were involved in the cannabis industry?
For over 20 years now, I’ve worked with hundreds of clients across these core sectors to develop and execute inventive promotional content and campaigns that capture the attention of tastemakers and influencers from around the globe. My team comprises over 40 years of forward-thinking and purpose-driven public relations expertise working with A-list celebrities, New York Times bestsellers, award-winning film, television, radio, music, and consumer products, critically acclaimed podcasts, top brands and business leaders, and publishing oversight for several of the world’s leading peer-reviewed medical journals.
What led you to the cannabis industry?
Although I’ve been an advocate since my youth, witnessing first-hand how cannabis can improve the quality of life in people who suffer from health issues crystallized my mission. While working for the American Thoracic Society, a non-profit organization responsible for the publication of some of the first favorable peer-reviewed studies on cannabis and lung health, I earned a master’s degree in social work from Fordham University.
There, I studied harm reduction approaches for substance abuse and quickly became disenamored by the way in which our Western society has a tendency to pathologize and overprescribe — personality traits, phases and cycles in our lives, you name it — without looking at ourselves holistically. Turned off by elements of the allopathic system as I watched patients suffering, repeating the same old patterns, stuck in the same old routines, I was inspired to dedicate my life to finding alternative ways for us all to thrive, live to our fullest potential and succeed in business.
Do you have any advice for someone looking to get into the NY weed industry?
Have a deep understanding of why this industry exists and know that it’s being built atop many who took incredible risks and have experienced profound suffering navigating the unregulated market, and this continues today, even in the regulated marketplace.
Know that there are many still imprisoned and they need your help to become free. There are many suffering that may benefit from your unique goods and services, especially when applied thoughtfully, with care and compassion. Educate yourself first and foremost, then assist and educate others, so, together, we build true sustainable and systemic change.
What do you think the NY cannabis ecosystem will look like in five years?
New York is unparalleled in so many ways. Heralded as the capital of the world and epicenter of U.S. fashion and culture, the race is on for cementing the biggest brands and most influential policy reforms in cannabis for the next hundred years. Despite some challenges, it’s inspiring to see how far New York has come in prioritizing those harmed by the War on Drugs. There’s more work to be done here, but no doubt this market will flourish well beyond its borders.
Do you use cannabis? If so, what’s your favorite method and why?
Yes, I love cannabis flower, and enjoy edibles and tinctures as well.
Who should contact you, and what’s the best method?