People to know in NY cannabis: Jalen Jones

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Jalen Jones is a senior account executive at Dutchie specializing in helping merchants navigate new and emerging markets. Jones answered eight simple questions for NY Cannabis Insider’s ‘People to know’ series.

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What is your position and what do you/your company do in the cannabis space?

I’m a senior account executive at Dutchie specializing in helping merchants navigate new and emerging markets. For the past year and the foreseeable future, I am exclusively serving the New York market. Dutchie provides compliant operating software to dispensaries through our point-of-sale, ecommerce, and cashless payment solutions.

How long have you worked in the cannabis space?

I entered the cannabis space through my work at Dutchie just under three years ago, but I’ve been an advocate for the plant my whole life.

What did you do before you were involved in the cannabis industry?

I’ve always had my hands within the technology sector. Prior to cannabis, I worked with some of your favorite restaurants during my time at DoorDash. In our earliest days, we were helping restaurateurs build their online presence and launch advertising and marketing campaigns. I learned a lot about what works – and what doesn’t work – for merchants and what it truly means to be customer first, lessons I’ve applied throughout my time at Dutchie.

What led you to the cannabis industry?

Initially, it really was simply my interest in the plant. I knew I could be an early contributor to an emerging industry. Now, I understand that we’re literally making history as Dutchie helps open new markets like New York, shapes public policy, and is at the forefront of advocating for legalization at the state and federal level. There’s a strong sense of pride and camaraderie that keeps me here.

Do you have any advice for someone looking to get into the NY weed industry?

Find your tribe! With cannabis being such a communal plant, the industry follows suit. It’s almost like you enter “the zone” when you find your peeps that also have an affinity for the plant.

What do you think the NY cannabis ecosystem will look like in five years?

I believe that we’ll see some consolidation in the ecosystem but hopefully a lot of new opportunities as well. Dutchie believes in a strong and vibrant marketplace with lots of merchants of all sizes offering unique experiences to consumers, and we’re empowering merchants through technology to differentiate in those ways. I’m hopeful that we’ll see federal policy fully embrace cannabis commerce as not only legal but medically and ethically valuable, and that federal normalization will bring new energy and ideas into the space.

Do you use cannabis? If so, what’s your favorite method and why?

I am a daily consumer. Flower has always been my go-to. I opt for edibles, but there’s something truly therapeutic about rolling a joint.

Who should contact you, and what’s the best method?

Anyone that is interested in operating a licensed cannabis dispensary or microbusiness should reach out. Email is the best way to get in touch; jalen.jones@dutchie.com. I’d love to connect on LinkedIn as well: Jalen Jones.