We had the good fortune of connecting with Shira Bettis and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Shira, how has your background shaped the person you are today?
I’m originally from Baton Rouge, Louisiana. Baton Rouge is very community-based, and my “village” definitely played a vital role in my upbringing. My parents instilled the values of hard work and integrity in me early on, and I still carry those with me today. Both of my grandfathers were small farmers, so my interest in agriculture was piqued as a teen. I also had aunts, uncles, and other extended family and close friends who inspired and encouraged me along the way.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
My cannabis dispensary specializes in hemp-derived products—Delta-8, Delta-9, THC-O, etc. I offer a variety of products, including gummies, candies, drinks, vapes, etc. I also host CannaCuisine dinner parties where guests are served food and cocktails infused with my products.

I got into the cannabis industry back in 2019, initially managing the laboratory and formulating products for LSU’s Medical Marijuana program as their Director of Manufacturing. That led to an opportunity with Southern University’s (an HBCU in Louisiana) Medical Marijuana program, where I assisted with setting up their research laboratory. During this time, I noticed how much formulations drive the industry—especially when it comes to consumable cannabis products (edibles, tinctures, drinks, etc.). I was inspired by the fact that the products I was making were helping so many people from all walks of life—veterans with PTSD, children with autism, a former Louisiana Governor who used our products as she was in hospice battling cancer. While I was happy to be improving people’s quality of life, I became disillusioned with the fact that most State-run medical marijuana programs’ products are grossly overpriced and often unaffordable to those who need them most. After doing extensive research on dispensary operations, I decided to open my own online Delta-8 cannabis dispensary in January of this year, specializing in consumable cannabis products.

It has not always been an easy road, but the bumps along the way have provided me with invaluable learning experiences. The biggest hurdles I’ve faced have been finding the right vendors, finding quality products, and finding innovative ways to advertise since cannabis is still federally illegal… The most daunting issue I face is removing the negative stigmas and preconceived notions that the public still has about cannabis.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I’d like to give a shoutout to my late son, Camron Bettis, who was my biggest cheerleader and source of encouragement. I’d also like to shoutout my late grandfather LeeNoah Bettis, Sr. He sparked my love of agriculture and my passion for plants.

Website: www.vintagecannabisco.com

Instagram: @vintagecannabisco

Image Credits
Trebreh Baaheth

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