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V O L . X X I I I N O. X V I I I A U G U S T 7 , 2 0 1 7 30 won, and 2) her red-fl owered velvet pea coat, which convinced him that she could lead a creative depart- ment for his agency. A problem-solver by nature, Rosi says she wanted to go beyond helping ad clients sell goods, though she never expected to work in the cannabis industry. "I fell into it and started from the ground up. And I found my spot," she says. "I help people day in and day out. I'm advocating to make a diff erence for society." She says entrepreneurial energy and passion fuel the company, but she makes a point that the process and systems of growing and processing healthy medical marijuana products don't get in the way of being nimble and fl exible. A large part of her mission now is to educate and explain medical marijuana and its market. And she hopes that within a year the government will off er some clarity in all the regulations surrounding medical and adult use marijuana. Emerging issues Other issues emerge further down the line, for example, how to handle those who use medical marijuana in the workplace. "Workforce is a key topic being addressed by the Legislature, the Department of Labor and trade associations," she says. If companies test for drugs, employees can get a positive test a month after they've smoked a joint at the lake, she says. "People on cannabis aren't necessarily impaired," she says, pointing to how allergy medications can make an employee tired. "Businesses need a clear, company-wide protocol to diagnose impairment and have steps in place for it." She says more medical marijuana patients are leaning toward vaping or concentrates rather than smoking, as it's more discrete because the cannabis cannot be smelled as easily on the person taking it. "I hope in a year to have clarity on all regulations and still produce the best product possible. I hope to look back and say we made it and are a positive change to Maine communities," she says. " is has the possibility to be a big economic stimulus." L V, Mainebiz senior writer / content specialist, can be reached at @ . and @LV » C O N T I N U E D F RO M P R E V I O U S PA G E P H O T O / T I M G R E E N WAY Patricia Rosi, pictured in the Portland dispensery with Hijra Ugas, a member liason, is a problem solver by nature. She is seeking clarity on changing regulations. Come meet the 2017 Mainebiz Women to Watch Tickets are $45 per person. The Westin Portland Harborview 157 High Street, Portland September 14 5:00–7:00 pm PRESEN T ING SP ONSORS FOLLOW US @MBEVENTS #MBWTW17 For more info and to register, visit mainebiz.biz/WTW17 PATRICIA ROSI ELIZABETH HAYES DANIELLE M. CONWAY DEIRDRE WADSWORTH NANCY STROJNY

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