Spotlight on the Folx of Hashtag: Meet Eli Nickerson

By Christine Bryant Cohen, marketing & creative director

In honor of International Trans Day of Visibility, we sat down with Hashtag’s very own Eli Nickerson, Inventory Lead at Hashtag Seattle, to get a glimpse into what it’s been like working within Washington’s cannabis industry.

Why did you choose the cannabis industry?

I was a medicinal patient, pre-legalization. I enjoy it recreationally, but I am allergic to some of the most common painkillers available, and use it medicinally to relieve pain. 

Being able to work in an industry I was already very knowledgeable about makes retail quite a bit more manageable on a day-to-day basis. It makes a difference when you care about what you work with. 

If you could change or improve one thing in the cannabis industry, what would you choose? How are you hoping to see the cannabis industry evolve and/or grow?

Specifically in Washington state, I’d like to see more support and opportunities for POC growers & companies to create strong footholds in the cannabis industry. For far too long, POC have been unfairly targeted and punished for weed-related offenses and have had to pay very severe consequences for their “crimes.” It’s time to start finding ways to give back to communities of color that are more helpful than performative. 

Anything you would like to promote?

I’m really loving Pot of Gold’s Platinum Kush Breath phenos. He does such a good job of creating a distinct and quality product that doesn’t break the bank. 

Here’s information on Washington state’s Social Equity in Cannabis Task Force: https://healthequity.wa.gov/TheCouncilsWork/SocialEquityinCannabisTaskForce