Cannabis Business Stories Archives -

Alexis Berends Women's Cannabis Chamber of Commerce

May 30, 2023Cannabis Business Stories, Cannabis Businesses, Women Owned Cannabis Businesses, Women Who Inspire

Alexis Berends Chief Visionary Officer

Alexis Berends job title is Chief Visionary Officer at Union Chill Cannabis Company llc. In Lambertville, NJ. The title fits her.

Alexis has lived in Lambertville, NJ, (Nishowmensa, Lenapehoking) most of her life. At best calculation, her son is the seventh generation to call her beloved river city home. Hailing from a line of activists, musicians, and artists, she deeply believes in inclusivity and change, and that the fledgling NJ cannabis industry can be utilized as a catalyst to shape our collective future.

After receiving a Bachelors of Honors in Globalization, Development and Human Rights from Arcadia University in 2009, Alexis continued on to pursue her Masters in International Peace & Conflict Resolution. Her studies brought her to the Middle East where she studied the plight of the Palestinian people in the context of environmental justice. Her research was focused on water access and indigenous rights through the lens of international law. After a series of divine interventions – including a vision quest with an AWOL Israeli soldier and a kidnapping in revolutionary Egypt – her life path was forever altered.

Upon returning to the United States, Alexis promptly moved to St. Croix in the United States Virgin Islands. During her time in the USVI, Alexis began to immerse herself in the Rastafarian culture and their deep relationship with cannabis. After leaving the USVI, Alexis found her way to Humboldt County, California where she was introduced to the cultivation side of cannabis. Not dissimilar to the USVI, in California Alexis gained an intimate glimpse into the lives of many of our Native American brothers & sisters who have been so negatively impacted by the war on drugs and industries at large.

It is Alexis’ goal to create a cannabis industry that honors the First Nations Peoples of the world and a shared commitment to sustainability and environmental stewardship, as well as one that offers sincere equity to the communities most impacted by the War on Drugs.

Alexis Berends is also a Divemaster, Master Shark Diver, Yoga Teacher, and Reiki Master. She enjoys anything related to vampires, the ocean, and the spacetime continuum. Of her revolving titles at Union Chill Cannabis, Chief Visionary Officer seems to best encompass her passions and vision. She deeply believes in the medicine of cannabis, especially in treating PTSD in conjunction with mindfulness and intention.

Laurie McHugh Women's Cannabis Chamber of Commerce

May 30, 2023May 30, 2023Cannabis Business Stories, Cannabis Businesses, Women Owned Cannabis Businesses

Laurie McHugh Setting the Standard

Laurie McHugh had a vision to bring high quality safe cannabis to the New Jersey recreational market and employ a diverse staff. She believes employees should have a living wage, benefits, and be supported in volunteering their time to community organizations. Laurie’s vision is a reality. Laurie is the co-founder and CEO of Union Chill Cannabis Company llc, 204 Union, Lambertville, N.J. It is Laurie’s goal is to be the Gold Star standard of dispensaries in New Jersey with a curated inventory of quality products and strains.

Laurie is an active part of her community. She is well known in her community for founding Bucks County Dragon Boat Association, a competitive club that competes on the world stage and is dedicated to easing food insecurity. She is committed to healthy living, and she has first-hand experience with the benefits of cannabis use.

She also currently serving her second term as elected member of the New Hope Borough Council, where she serves as a liaison to the community at large, businesses, and state government. Prior to her involvement in the cannabis industry, Laurie served as the Vice President of an international real estate investment firm and as VP of her family’s industrial manufacturing company.

Laurie brings her passion for the plant, commitment to her community and educational background to Union Chill Cannabis Company LLC.

Laurie holds an Associate of Science degree in Business Administration and Management from the Lansdale School of Business in Pennsylvania. Laurie received a Certificate of Completion at the Cannabis Training University covering cannabis cultivation, cooking and extractions, cannabis laws and regulations, bud tending, dispensary operations, delivery service operations, medicinal cannabis, cannabis business training, and cannabis careers. She also received Certificates of Completion from Stockton University’s Continuing Studies program in risk management and insurance for cannabis businesses, cultivation, law, research in medical and adult-use cannabis, and general cannabis studies.