Grower Stories #94: Jathan Stitch

Tia Moskalenko, author of the AskGrowers blog, brings a unique blend of content to her readers. She is known for conducting insightful interviews with key figures in the cannabis industry, including brand representatives, manufacturers, and experts. In addition to her interview skills, Tia has a keen focus on CBD. She expertly curates product selections and reviews, offering her readers detailed insights into the various effects and benefits of CBD. Tia's ability to combine in-depth interviews with comprehensive CBD analysis makes her a valuable asset to the cannabis community, offering a well-rounded perspective on the industry.

Published

Jun 06 2021

Updated

Nov 11 2023

Interviews

347

6 min

Family Roots: An Interview With Jathan Stitch, CEO of Pacific Northwest-Based Grassroots Cannabis Brand Oregon Roots

It’s no secret that when it comes to naturally-grown, top-notch cannabis, the West Coast is the best coast. That’s where brands like Oregon Roots come in. This family-run, community-based cannabis brand is working hard to innovate and carve out its place in the ultra-competitive cannabis industry while sticking to its roots. That’s why AskGrowers caught up with Jathan Stitch, CEO of cannabis brand Oregon Roots about their origins, their custom strains, and the future of the legal cannabis industry. #growerstories

Tia (AskGrowers) : Tell us how you started Oregon Roots?

Jathan Stitch : We started Oregon Roots with one person in 2012 with three lights, an Oregon Medical Marijuana Card, and a dream. We since entered the recreational market with the 12th license issued in Oregon, and have since grown to over 25 employees.

Tia : Why and how do you think you differ from other brands similar to yours?

Jathan : Oregon Roots is a family. We are local, self-funded, and dedicated to our community. We were also one of the first brands to grow both indoors and outdoors at scale in the Oregon recreational market, providing high-quality flower for every budget. We've also been developing and bringing our own exclusive strains to market, including our MO'Bama (M.A.C. x Obama Kush & Scary Cherry OG (Night Terror OG x Cherry Pie) with more on the way. Lastly, we are releasing our full line of concentrated extracts on May 1st, providing yet another method to enjoy Oregon Roots.

Tia : How have your sales changed since the start of the pandemic?

Jathan : Sales during the pandemic initially soared as more people were finding themselves stuck at home with little to do. We also saw a direct correlation between the government stimulus checks and increased sales the two weeks following.

Tia : How has your operational activity changed due to the pandemic (dismissal of employees, optimization of processes, expansion/reduction of the range of products)?

Jathan : Operationally speaking we have faced many of the same struggles of mask-wearing, social distancing, quarantines, and testing that many other industries have faced. We were fortunate to be included in the essential business category and allowed to continue operating as long as we followed the mandated protocol, a small price to pay all things considered.

Tia : What do you think about cannabis delivery? How would it change the cannabis industry if it becomes as common as pizza delivery?

Jathan : It's proven to be a major factor in other markets, but the OLCC guidelines in Oregon have held it back from being as successful here. As our regulations continue to evolve I would expect the delivery business to grow here as well.

Tia : Has consumer behavior changed since legalization?

Jathan : It has! The cannabis industry is ever-evolving and the consumer knowledge base is growing right along with it. While there is still a lot of misinformation out there, as time goes on the education and experience follow. For example, we know that there are many factors that go into the consumer experience, and THC potency is only a small portion of that equation.

Tia : Has the stigmatization of cannabis and the people who use/work with it significantly decreased since legalization?

Jathan : Absolutely! We also think that the silent supporters or those that were indifferent to cannabis use feel safer now expressing their support for the industry and cannabis use in general.

Tia : How easy is it for you to interact with the government? (issues on licenses, regulation, taking out loans, etc.)

Jathan : Banking is still a major hurdle for the cannabis industry as a whole, but our governing body OLCC has an open pipeline for questions and answers and seems to really want the best for the industry. We are all in this together, you know.

Tia : What are the three main trends in the cannabis industry in 2021 for you now?

Jathan : In Oregon, it's all about collaborations and consolidations. With the limited number of new licensees and limited canopy sizes allowed, many brands are finding creative ways to join forces. I also think that we're seeing a trend towards more pre-packaged "designer" weed brands entering the Oregon market from states that don't have the deli-style retail allowances that Oregon does.

Tia : When do you think federal legalization will come?

Jathan : I think that decriminalization will likely come in the next three to five years, but there are still some major questions to answer before true legalization and interstate commerce can be rolled out. For example, how do you reconcile all of the different regulations between the states? What happens to those currently incarcerated if cannabis becomes "legal" and how will the government handle those cases? Who will govern & manage the national industry oversight?

Tia : Now let's dream. What are your wildest cannabis predictions for Oregon for the next five years?

Jathan : Hmmm... Let's see. I certainly think it's in the realm of possibilities that we will begin to see interstate transfers allowed to neighboring rec licensed states. I also wouldn't be incredibly surprised if Oregon allowed for either increase to production license canopy sizes, or a new export license could begin to be issued in preparation for a national demand.

Tia : Are there any brands in your state you appreciate and follow? And in the USA in general?

Jathan : Yeah, we actually have quite a few brands that we consider friends and/or have a lot of respect for. Meraki Gardens does great work with a great message, PDX Organics, Oregon, all great people with tons of experience and high-quality products.

Tia : Your top cannabis products to consume?

Jathan : We're flower producers so, naturally, we smoke a lot of flower. Personally, I love a good well rounded Indica dominant strain to relax with after a long day, our Obama Kush being the standard for me.

Tia : Your top strains to smoke? Why?

Jathan : For relaxation and sleep I haven't found anything that compares to our cut of Obama Kush. I'm also a huge fan of Tomahawk (Stardawg x GG4) which hits as hard as any strain I've ever smoked.

You can follow Oregon Roots at:

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Thank you so much, Oregon Roots team, for taking the time to do the interview. To learn more about them, head on over to their website.

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