Episode 240: Emerald Lane’s Stephanie Pow Talks Cannabis Hiring, Global Talent & AI

Recorded live at ICBC Berlin 2026, Chuck sits down with Stephanie Pow of Emerald Lane Recruitment to explore the people building the global cannabis industry.

Pow explains why human capital remains the foundation of every successful cannabis company and shares her unconventional journey from Canadian government and health care work to Humboldt County, cannabis recruitment, and international talent acquisition. She also reflects on the industry’s early “billion-dollar years,” when companies hired aggressively, and how today’s leaner market demands adaptable employees who can thrive in startup environments.

The conversation examines how Emerald Lane helps cannabis companies fill critical positions, conduct confidential executive searches, develop compensation plans, and enter unfamiliar markets. Pow discusses the importance of referrals, reputation, regional expertise, language skills, and ensuring that every placement works for both the company and the candidate.

The episode also explores Europe’s pharmaceutical cannabis model, the increasingly international supply chain, emerging opportunities across Asia, Africa, Europe, and South America, and Emerald Lane’s new fractional recruiter model. Pow concludes by discussing the recruitment technology and artificial intelligence tools already changing how talent professionals work.

🔥 Topics Covered

• Why people remain the foundation of cannabis companies

• Stephanie Pow’s journey from health care to Humboldt County

• The cannabis industry’s early hiring boom

• Recruiting in emerging and mature cannabis markets

• Identifying candidates who can thrive in startups

• Reputation, referrals, and specialized industry experience

• How Emerald Lane approaches critical and confidential searches