Five Minutes with Maya Elisabeth, Founder of Om Edibles and CEO of Whoopi & Maya

by Rebecca Heaton

Maya is a cannabis industry veteran and self-proclaimed “ganjapreneur” (an entrepreneur in the business of selling marijuana in regions where it has been legalized). She founded Om Edibles, an all-female run collective dedicated to providing the highest quality of Medical Cannabis products to legal patients in California, in 2008 after working in a dispensary following her graduation from San Francisco State. In her latest venture with Whoopi Goldberg, she helped to create a Signature Line of medical cannabis products designed specifically for relief from menstrual discomfort. Check out the infused bath solution, topical rubs, tinctures and cannabis edibles at whoopiandmaya.com

What makes working in the cannabis industry different from traditional entrepreneurship?

Everything. First of all, it’s something that’s coming out of a prohibition, so it’s never been regulated legally before. These are the most uncharted waters.  

What initially drew you to pursuing a career in this industry?

Just a very deep love and passion for cannabis. One thousand percent cannabis love driven.  

What should people know about cannabis that they might not realize?

Well, everyone should look up the government patent on cannabis because right off the bat, you see that it’s patented by the government for having anti-oxidative properties and no protective properties. No protective properties is a large umbrella for protecting your brain, basically preventing you from having Alzheimer’s, dementia, MS, neurological problems. And anti-oxidative properties is an even broader umbrella because free radicals cause wrinkles and disease and anti-oxidants cancel out free radicals, so it is literally a cure all. It is our divine birth right to receive this medicine – we have receptors all over our body for it. 

Your company with Whoopi Goldberg, Whoopi and Maya, features a line of medical cannabis products designed specifically for relief from menstrual discomfort. How else can cannabis empower women?

First of all, a lot of women are working these days as professionals, and they get home and have to do their complete second shift. Which is cleaning the house, cooking and taking care of children. I mean, what stressed out person couldn’t use a medicated bath? Cannabis is a stress reliever and it helps people relax and most of the women I know, in fact all of the women I know these days, are pretty overworked and are carrying a great deal of stress. It’s also helpful for all types of pain and it’s a wonderful substitute for a cocktail of other things which are really not good for you. It’s much better for you than alcohol or other mind altering substances that can have negative side effects. 

What advice do you have for other women who want to stand out in their market?

Focus on your craft and don’t worry about the money. Worry about making the best product you can, and the money will be a side effect. 

What excites you the most about the future?

Everybody being able to access cannabis and finding a great balancing point where people feel comfortable working in this domain and creating the best medicine possible.