b'Highest Health Collective values family, sustainabilityWomen-owned cannabis businesses are shifting the modelBy Trina KleistBeing a pioneer always takes grit.InDecember2019,HighestHealthCollectiveopenedits facility for storing, manufacturing, packaging and distributing cannabis products in Nevada City. It was among the first wave, a handful of such businesses, to receive city approval after such activitieswerelegalizedin2016.Thestill-smallbutgrowing operation, co-owned by Chief Financial Officer Laurel Gladish, is the fruit of many years of advocacy for the marijuana industry in Nevada County and across California. A lengthy permitting gauntlet, high taxes, strict regulations, an excruciating tracking process, surprise inspections and the weight of the unknown are some of the hurdles Gladish, her husband, Maxwell Gladish, and partners face.All this and having two kids, its been very intense, saysPhoto by Trina KleistGladish. Her daily ups and downs go from being on top ofHighest Health Collective Chief Financial Officer and co-owner Laurel Gladish, the world to, were not going to make it. But what helps keepcenter, runs the Nevada City business with the help of CBD Sales and Marketing her energized is the support she has found in Nevada CountysManager Alexis Rosenbaum, left, and Director of Operations Michelle Carroll.cannabis world. That includes the satisfaction of selling locallywrote values into their business plan: Trust, community, grown weed and high-quality marijuana-based products, allprofessionalism and innovation, a mindset of abundance and a while collaborating with local businesses wrestling with thecommitment to continual growth. When Director of Operations same challenges. Its a rigorous process, but were all in itMichelle Carroll read that during the process of applying for together, she explains The many women in the local cannabisa business permit, I kind of laughed to myself. No company industry bring a point of view that includes family needs, anddoes this, says Carroll, also a mom. But this has been my long-term thinking that seeks sustainability. The Gladishesexperience here.Continued on Page 28COSMETICSBOTOX LASERINJECTABLE FILLERSSKIN CARE PRODUCTSSKIN CANCER Sales SCREENINGConsignment SKIN CANCER Gunsmithing SURGERYExperienced and Ammo comprehensive Training medical and cosmetic dermatology to keep Classes your skin healthy and looking beautiful.Bryan Schaaf, Owner 530-272-230310893 Alta St, Grass Valley www.sierraderm.com(530) 477-6622 Visit us in our new building at:mustangfirearms.comsales@mustangfirearms.com 112 Catherine Lane, Grass ValleyBusiness 2020 25'