From Prohibition to Profit: How One Entrepreneur is Connecting Doctors and Cannabis Patients EP 197 Featuring Aspen Noonan
Episode Overview
Join us for a fascinating conversation with Aspen Noonan, founder of Elevate Holistics, a pioneering telemedicine company connecting healthcare providers with patients seeking medical cannabis recommendations across 18 states. Aspen pulls back the curtain on this highly regulated but often misunderstood industry, sharing insights about entrepreneurship in the cannabis space, the complex patchwork of state laws, and innovative ways healthcare providers can support their patients while creating new revenue streams.
Key Highlights
The Business Model: How Elevate Holistics streamlines the medical cannabis recommendation process with 2-hour turnaround times and comprehensive support systems
Regulatory Landscape: Why cannabis laws vary dramatically between states and how entrepreneurs must constantly adapt to survive
Recommendations vs. Prescriptions: The crucial distinction that affects liability, insurance coverage, and provider participation
Provider Opportunities: Affiliate programs and educational resources that allow healthcare professionals to help patients without directly handling cannabis recommendations
Industry Insights: Why Oklahoma has 2,000+ dispensaries and how medical cards create value even in recreational states through tax savings
Personal Stories: Aspen's journey from 10 years on ADHD medication to cannabis advocacy and the life-changing patient stories that drive her mission
Future Outlook: Potential for insurance coverage, employee benefits, and the role of states' rights in cannabis policy
Memorable Quotes
"Change is the only constant in my world. The ability to pivot in this industry has been what stands the test of time."
"Cannabis used to be the first thing you tried. You used to try plants first, and then you would go to science. Now it's the opposite."
"I think cannabis can be seen as a crutch. When you break a leg, you need crutches. But when you're introducing alternative medicine, you use it for a little while and see what else can I fix?"
"This industry is highly regulated, but not enforced. The blame goes to a lot of different places."
Closing
Aspen's work at Elevate Holistics demonstrates how entrepreneurs can build meaningful businesses while navigating complex regulatory environments and genuinely helping people access alternative healthcare options. Her insights into the cannabis industry reveal opportunities for healthcare providers to better serve their patients while exploring new revenue streams in this rapidly evolving space.
Bio:
Aspen Noonan is the CEO of Elevate Holistics, a telehealth platform connecting patients with medical cannabis recommendations across 18 states. Since becoming CEO in June 2024, Aspen has been driving the company's ambitious goal of helping one million individuals obtain legal access to medical marijuana. With deep expertise in cannabis industry regulations and a commitment to holistic health, she has positioned Elevate Holistics as a leader in making medical cannabis accessible through streamlined online services and comprehensive patient support.
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