We had the good fortune of connecting with Michael Weinstein and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Michael, every day, we about how much execution matters, but we think ideas matter as well. How did you come up with the idea for your business?

My business idea came from hearing about some of the healing properties of hemp and cannabis, whether CBD or THC. I previously attended several Cannabis Cup Conventions (in legal states) with my dessert chips and salsa that I used to make. Originally I wanted to find a way to get those infused. The issue is that I live in Texas, and could not do that legally here. So I put the idea of adding cannabis to the dessert salsa on the back burner.

During this time, my dog, a Bull Mastiff named Harper, developed arthritis in his back legs. A friend in California told me about the CBD oil he was starting to produce, which is non-psychoactive. Thus, he sent me a sample, and I infused the CBD oil into some olive oil and started giving it my dog. Within two weeks I began to notice how it was so much easier for Harper to get up and down. This was the point when I realized how I might be able to make CBD products in Texas.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?

My current work involves being a chef and a scientist creating CBD products for my company Rebel Dreads Corp, LLC. For Rebel Dreads Corp, I have created three brands: the first brand is Dread Head Chef, which has dessert salsas, caramel candies, and tinctures. The second brand is Bada Wellness, which has Bada B topicals, and Bada V intimacy serum. The third brand is Harper’s, which has CBD pet elixirs for dogs and cats.

I believe what sets me apart from others is that everyone produces gummies in the cannabis/hemp industry, and I wanted to be different and not make those. Plus, I am the only one that makes a unique dessert salsa. I am also one of the few companies that make an intimacy serum for women. The other thing is that I use my chef background in developing flavors and what scents will work together.

So far, I am proud that I have gotten recognition from my peers and have already won awards in Texas for some of my products. I am most excited about seeing and hearing how my products are helping people. It is truly mind-boggling when people tell me that I have changed their lives with the products that I am making.

It has not been easy to get where my company is today because of cannabis/hemp laws, not being able to advertise, and banking has made it very difficult. Plus, the research and development were time-consuming, but all worth it to ensure that my products all have excellent quality. Getting a highly knowledgeable cannabis attorney that can assist and steer you in the right direction has helped me tremendously. I have overcome all the challenges by researching, working my butt off, and ensuring I do everything correctly.
I have learned and am still learning to be patient and do my research. Also, keeping a positive mindset will assist in going a long way.

I want people to know that I care and believe in what I do and that I have high-quality products. Not only that, but I also want to make sure that all the customers are delighted with everything and provide exceptional customer service. Also, when they see my brand, they know they are getting exceptional-quality products and know I have done everything in the highest regard. This means that I know my sources of where my hemp flower and oil come from and get every batch third-party tested.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.

When I have a friend visiting in town, one of the things I usually do is cook for them since I am a chef. The other is usually to go and check out music. My two favorites are the Granada Theater and Deep Ellum Art Co.

For someone coming to Dallas for a week, I would tell them to stay near downtown because there are more things to do, and it is easy to get anywhere.
During the day, some places to see are The Dallas Museum of Art, The Perot Museum, The Aquarium, the JFK memorial, and The Sixth Story Museum. There are some art galleries in the Design District as well.
At night time t the place to go to are the Bishop Arts Area, Lower Greenville, Deep Ellum (before 11 pm), and the Design District has some nice restaurants

Even take a trip to Ft. Worth during the day to visit the Kimbell Art Museum, The Water Gardens, The Ft Worth Zoo, and The Stockyards. At night in Ft Worth, go to Billy Bobs to say you have been. If one is a Cowboys fan and they can take a tour of AT&T stadium.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?

Shoutout to my wife, Robin Marco, who believes in what I do and the products that I make and supports me 100%

Shoutout to my parents, who stand behind me with my business venture

Shoutout to Eddie and Martha Velez of Oak Cliff Cultivators

Shoutout to Chelsie Spencer for assisting with all legal matters

Shoutout to Eric of Frosty’s Extracts in California helped me out immensely.

Shoutout to Jesse Kerns of New Bloom Labs

Shoutout to Russel Dowden of the Texas Hemp Reporter

Shoutout to Candis Dyer the host of Canna Corner and KM420 Radio

To all of the others that have taken their time to write and talk about my company.

Website: https://www.rebeldreadscorp.com

Instagram: Rebel Dreads corp

Linkedin: Rebel Dreads corp

Facebook: Dread Head Chef

Image Credits
Steve Visneau Jessica Turner

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