Five Gently Infused Questions with Jeremy Zachary, CEO of Zen Cannabis

Traditionally, I don’t do articles or reviews on food or drink, and that’s somewhat ironic, considering that I’m a trained cook from the dish sink up and a mixologist of some renown. Perhaps I don’t want to sound like I’m the only authority on this topic (far from it), or I just like to stick to cannabis flowers and their ancillary product… I’m not quite sure exactly what’s accurate here. Only I haven’t taken on much in the way of cannabis infused products lately. At least not until I had a chance to interview Jeremy Zachary. He seems to fit my ethos and has a story to tell, even if it’s somewhat of a short dive into his world of cannabis-infused confectionery. Whatever the case, Jeremy is a fascinating individual, and I’m glad to share his story with you, my readers.

Thank you. WB

Warren Bobrow: Please tell me about yourself. Why cannabis?

Jeremy Zachary: I’ve always been an advocate for cannabis for both healing and pleasure. When my father was diagnosed with cancer, it helped comfort his final days. Cannabis is a much healthier way to relax, unwind, and heal yourself than many alternatives available.

WB: When did you discover the art of infused chocolate?

JZ: We’ve always understood the art of fine-crafted cannabis infusions, especially chocolate, and offer an array of chocolate products in various states, but we homed in on the health-conscious market here in our backyard and the need for Zero Sugar and a Vegan selection for our consumers.

WB: Please tell me about your company. Where are your markets?

JZ: ZEN Cannabis was created from the ashes of a failed partnership we had been working hard on over the previous seven years. The experience and technology we had in the wings for our product were (and still are) superior to most products on the market, leaning on food technology and business acumen to deliver a premium product at an affordable price point for our consumers. ZEN is now available in California, Oklahoma, Missouri, Massachusetts, and throughout Europe (as CBD products). We’re currently working on three new states to bring ZEN to market.

WB: What obstacles do you face? Six and twelve-month goals?

JZ: The cannabis market is fraught with challenges that will test your tenacity, patience, and will to survive in the market space. Our experienced team is what keeps ZEN on target for our growth projections. Over the next year, we’ll be turning on a few new domestic and international markets.

WB: Do you have a mentor or someone who influenced you?

JZ: Yes, there are several. The most important would be my father-in-law, whose grit, grind, and advice have helped shape my lens and the way I view our business.

WB: What book have you read recently? Any media influencers?

JZ: A few months back, I read Matthew Perry’s ‘Friends, Lovers, and the Big Terrible Thing’. A very interesting read and insight into someone whose life from the outside looking in was so successful. But the need to fill the void within drove him to his recent death.

WB: Do you have a favorite kind of food? Restaurant? Where?

JZ: Oh yes, chocolate, and good old-fashioned smoked barbeque! There’s nothing like old-world European chocolate…which is exactly the recipe we use for ZEN chocolate. It’s hard to eat just one! Horn BBQ in Oakland is a favorite of favorites, one of the few Michelin-starred BBQ joints in the country. When that savory meat touches your mouth, you know exactly why that is!

WB: Favorite chef?

JZ: Absolutely, hands down Anthony Bourdain. Not only for his culinary craftiness but also for his snarky narration and broader perspective embedded in his shows. He was able to showcase the culture and people around the food in his adventures, deepening the connection to his adventures.

WB: What is your passion?

JZ: ZEN Cannabis is truly my passion. When you get to wake up doing what you love daily, it’s not a job. It’s a lifestyle. I’m lucky to live the lifestyle I love.

Follow online: https://zencannabis.com/ca/#California

Photo courtesy Zen Cannabis