Women's Wellness Warrior with Shuana Levy | Episode 10

In a world where stress and chronic pain are commonplace, finding solace in natural remedies has become increasingly appealing. One individual leading the charge in this endeavor is Shauna Levy, the visionary behind Madge and Mercer, a brand that stands at the intersection of wellness and cannabis. Shauna’s journey into the cannabis industry is as inspiring as it is revolutionary, driven by her personal struggles with chronic pain and the discovery of cannabis as a transformative solution.

A Personal Journey Into Cannabis

Shauna Levy’s entry into the cannabis space was not typical. With a rich background in design and a former career as the CEO of Designing Change, her pivot to cannabis came from a deeply personal place. Suffering from a chronic pain condition exacerbated by stress, Shauna found herself on a quest for relief that traditional medicine could not provide. Her skepticism towards cannabis changed when she discovered its benefits through a medical prescription, which opened her eyes to the wellness potential of cannabis beyond recreational use.

Crafting Wellness-Focused Cannabis Products

Motivated by her experiences and the lack of targeted products in the market, Shauna launched Madge and Mercer with the aim to cater specifically to women over 40 experiencing symptoms like anxiety, stress, chronic pain, and hormonal imbalances. Her approach is meticulous and thoughtful, incorporating the benefits of CBD with carefully selected terpenes and flavors to enhance wellness. The product line includes a lemongrass ginger CBD oil, designed not just for its benefits but also to please the palate, and a series of vapes with various CBD to THC ratios tailored to different needs—from immediate relief to assistance with sleep.

The Challenges of a Wellness Niche in Cannabis

Navigating the cannabis industry has not been without challenges. Shauna points out that the wellness segment within cannabis is vastly underrepresented in dispensaries, largely overshadowed by products boasting high THC levels. This lack of representation is compounded by regulatory hurdles and the difficulties in educating both retailers and consumers about the benefits of wellness-oriented products.

A Call for Broader Acceptance and Education

Shauna passionately advocates for a broader acceptance of cannabis as a wellness tool, similar to other natural supplements. The current retail environment, often focused more on recreational aspects, can overlook the profound impact cannabis can have on improving quality of life for those dealing with chronic issues. Education plays a crucial role here—both in helping consumers understand the potential benefits of wellness-focused cannabis products and in encouraging retailers to support this underexplored category.

Future Aspirations and Industry Impact

Looking ahead, Shauna is optimistic yet realistic about the path forward. She envisions a future where cannabis wellness products are more accessible across different platforms, not just confined to traditional dispensaries. Her work with Madge and Mercer goes beyond business—it’s about fostering a movement towards natural wellness solutions that empower individuals, particularly women, to lead healthier and more fulfilling lives.

In conclusion, Shauna Levy’s story is a testament to the transformative power of personal experience in driving innovation. Through Madge and Mercer, she’s not just selling cannabis products; she’s advocating for a shift in how we perceive and utilize this versatile plant. It’s a reminder that at the heart of every cannabis product should be a purpose, one that resonates with and enriches the lives of its users. As we continue to navigate the complexities of the cannabis industry, voices like Shauna’s are essential in steering the conversation towards more inclusive and wellness-oriented practices.

Ryan Lindsay Creator Of The Trades

Tom and Wes are also joined by Ryan J. Lindsay, the creator and executive producer of The Trades TV show now streaming on Crave. Ryan highlights the creative process as well as some of the unique challenges producing the show.