1922 Community Series - Kristy Cameron (The Cronos Group)

Kristy Cameron is the Ontario Territory Manager for The Cronos Group (Spinach & Cove Cannabis). Kristy was one of the first reps to stop by the store and introduce herself when we first opened, and we liked her from the get-go. Her friendly, honest, and professional presence makes her easily one of our favourite reps in the industry. Not to mention, Spinach and Cove have been among our top 5 selling brands since day one at 1922!

Why did you get into the industry?

Until 2019 I had dedicated my sales career to the beverage alcohol industry, but I was ready to make a change. I was always extremely passionate about cannabis and its potential to improve people’s lives across several lifestyle touchpoints. After being part of an industry that was fully mature, the opportunity to transition to a sales role in a newly established recreational controlled substance was very exciting. I’m excited to be able to develop my cannabis knowledge and step into the industry on the ground floor.  

“How fantastic would it be to go to your favourite local restaurant for dinner and instead of having a glass of wine or a pint with your meal you could have a cannabis-infused beverage?”

What are some hurdles you had to overcome within the industry?

Being in the industry for such a short period of time I haven’t yet had to overcome any major hurdles. Prior to joining the cannabis industry, I dedicated 14 years in the beverage alcohol industry, with 10 of those years in a sales role. In my experience, the leadership positions were largely represented by older men, and the dynamics and overall culture of the industry did not leave much room for women to collaborate, present ideas, and vie for promotion. Ultimately, I decided to change my focus to the cannabis space. The cannabis industry celebrates a very diverse and inclusive group, has women in leadership roles who are recognized for their accomplishments.  There is a real sense of community and family here, a real sense of comradery.  

Any tips for women looking to get into the cannabis industry?

DO IT! There are fantastic opportunities for women in all areas of the cannabis space. From sales, marketing, retail, and medical sales, or joining the growing team, the opportunities are endless for progression and development. If you are passionate about getting into the industry but don’t know where to get started, I highly recommend networking through social platforms and connecting with your local retailers. We would benefit from a greater number of women represented in the cannabis industry. This industry is only getting started so we can learn and grow together. 

“We would benefit from a greater number of women represented in the cannabis industry. This industry is only getting started so we can learn and grow together.” 

How many other females work with you on your team?

Our Senior Leadership team here at The Cronos Group has an equal number of both women and men which was important to me when joining the Cronos family. I have seven amazing female colleagues on our National sales team here at The Cronos Group. I feel so fortunate to work alongside such a strong, educated, professional woman.

Do women in your profession have a hard time getting promoted?

I’m relativity new to the cannabis industry (18 months) but in my previous role where I spent over a decade in a sales role, there seemed to be a larger percentage of male promotions although the percentage of women outweighed men.  I’m very optimistic that a more diverse and progressive culture will produce an advanced equal opportunity space and will allow for women to have an equal share of voice.  Currently, women are underrepresented in the cannabis industry so I would encourage more women to join the industry so we can break some glass ceilings together. 

Whose work do you admire in relation to women's rights and equality?

I’m really inspired by Liz Plank (@feministabulous), Liz is an outstanding Canadian author and journalist, as well as the host of several critically acclaimed digital series at both Vox Media & MSNBC. What I find most inspiring about Liz is no topic is off-limits, whether it’s feminism, homophobia, or racism she has the honest conversations that need to be heard.  

“We have the power to make change together. This is our day, our year, our time!”

Where would you like to see the legal cannabis industry in 5 years?

Over the next five years, I think the industry has the opportunity to broaden its application into a number of different channels. One, in particular, would be the integration of cannabis-infused beverages in the on-premise channel and the opportunity for mixologists to create cannabis-infused cocktails. How fantastic would it be to go to your favourite local restaurant for dinner and instead of having a glass of wine or a pint with your meal you could have a cannabis-infused beverage? Selling cannabis in different outlets will help us not only connect and establish a different consumer but will continue to help change the perception of cannabis to be more positive

What’s your International Women’s Day message?

This is a day of sisterhood. It is a day to stand tall together and celebrate our accomplishments. It is a day to uplift each other and raise visibility. Let us band together, stand up for one another, and most importantly believe in ourselves and one another. We have the power to make change together. This is our day, our year, our time!

To learn more about Spinach & Cove Cannabis, and some of the cool things they’re doing check them out online or on IG @spinachfarms & @covecrafted

Interview by: Ke-Xin Richardson -1922 Community Marketing Specialist

Kristy’s Picks

Spinach - Blueberry | Indica (Hybrid)

Spinach - Diesel |Indica (Hybrid)



Cove - Rest (OG Pink) | Indica

Cove - Rise (Green Crack / Happy Feet) | Sativa