The High-Lite is a series created by the High Exposure Agency to shine a light on the advocates, founders, farmers, legislators, dispensary owners, processors (and more) who are building the New York cannabis market.
Meet Emmanuela Venus Isichei, a cannabis career coach for the Borough of Manhattan Community College’s Cannabis Workforce and Business Development Program. Venus, as she is commonly known, spent several years in the legacy market and brings that expertise to the legal side of cannabis.
What called you to cannabis?
A childhood friend introduced me to an underground cannabis delivery company. I later became Chief Human Resource Officer, seeing how a larger-scale legacy operation functioned with over 40 employees. That experience showed me the challenges legacy operators face when transitioning to the legal market.
What’s one question you wished people asked about what you do? And what is your response? What does it really take to do this work?
It takes more than passion. New York’s cannabis market is evolving, and even institutions like BMCC’s Center for Continuing Education are adapting as they integrate over 30 years of workforce development expertise through the Cannabis Workforce and Business Development Program. This program offers no-cost to low-cost cannabis training, as stipulated by the MRTA law, to provide incubators for aspiring professionals. So far, we have enrolled over 100 students, with our next cohort in April 2025. It has been remarkable considering how intense the industry can be.
Many business owners and executives are learning as they go, which leaves them vulnerable to financial, legal, and operational challenges later down the road. The work can be overwhelming, and having spaces for advocates and professionals to recharge is just as important as the work itself. These gaps inspired me to create my own company, Hi-Impact, which focuses on filling workforce and training gaps with restorative justice practices in the center.
It helps me to keep in mind, “You cannot catch all the droplets of rain,” and that “seeing the forest among the trees” is necessary for real progress. We should not just want to collaborate with one another. We must – and there is room for all of us. There is no industry cannabis does not touch. The only sustainable way forward is through shared knowledge, collective action and a commitment to uplifting those historically excluded from the industry.
What is your message to New York’s consumers when it comes to cannabis?
Cannabis is a wellness enhancer, and consumers should feel empowered to make informed choices. Despite market challenges, purchasing regulated products ensures safer and more reliable cannabis. It strengthens small businesses and guarantees reinvestment into our communities as outlined by the MRTA.
What is your favorite strain?
Purple Hindu Kush: A heavy indica with earthy spice and floral sweetness that helps me unwind after a long day.
What is your favorite form of consumption?
Live rosin vapes like Bloom and tinctures for controlled dosing, but a nicely packed joint always hits right. And when I am feeling nostalgic, a nice wrapped blunt.
Colleges Offering Free Cannabis Courses and Resources
New York’s cannabis industry is just getting its bearings and there are various ways to get a foot in the door. Thankfully, some colleges and universities offer free courses and resources for those who’d like to explore what the industry has to offer before they take the leap.
Borough of Manhattan Community College
BMCC’s Cannabis Workforce and Business Development Program lowers the barrier for entry into the cannabis industry for those seeking a career in security solutions, retail management, or manufacturing. Guest speakers include cannabis industry experts. Upon satisfactory completion of the coursework, graduates are invited to attend a job fair.
Columbia-Greene Community College
Columbia-Greene Community College is able to offer cannabis education students financial assistance—including partial and full scholarships—via a SUNY Workforce Initiative grant. Interested parties can learn more about the program and requirements here.
Cornell University ILR and WDI
The Cornell University’s Cannabis Workforce Initiative offers a free virtual 15-hour Cannabis Career Exploration and Worker Rights certificate program and job board. The program covers topics including an overview of legalization, basic cannabis science, jobs on the plant-touching and ancillary sides of the industry, compliance, workers rights and more.
Lehman College, CUNY on the Concourse
Lehman College’s School of Continuing and Professional Studies supports new cannabis entrepreneurs in the legal market, in NYC, via the Cannabis Workforce and Business Development Program. The program includes foundational business advising, a shared workspace, focused networking, plus access to free information sessions.
