In the ever-evolving landscape of the cannabis industry, one pioneering figure has emerged as a driving force behind transparency and consumer safety. Meet Rowshan Reordan, an inspirational entrepreneur who has dedicated herself to revolutionizing the way we perceive and consume cannabis. Her brainchild, Green Leaf Lab, stands as a testament to her unwavering commitment to quality science, securing its position as the first cannabis and hemp CBD laboratory to receive license and accreditation from a state agency. 

Building upon her success and driven by an unwavering mission, Rowshan expanded Green Leaf Lab’s reach by opening a second laboratory in Sacramento, California. Since its inception in 2011, Green Leaf Lab has been at the forefront of championing the safe consumption of cannabis and hemp CBD products. As the nation’s first woman-owned cannabis lab, it has become an emblem of diversity and inclusion, firmly believing in a future where the market reflects the rich tapestry of the people it serves. 

Rowshan passionately expresses her belief in empowering fellow women entrepreneurs, stating, “As a woman-owned business, I am committed to uplifting other women.” Green Leaf Lab stands as a testament to this ethos, actively contributing to organizations such as Girls Inc, STEM initiatives, and other non-profits that are dedicated to fostering diversity, equity, and empowerment. 

Through her visionary leadership and steadfast dedication, Rowshan has positioned Green Leaf Lab as an industry trailblazer, leading the charge in setting new standards of transparency and safety within the cannabis and hemp CBD market. In the pages that follow, we delve deeper into the remarkable journey of this exceptional entrepreneur and explore the profound impact of Green Leaf Lab’s groundbreaking endeavors. 

Journey in Cannabis Advocacy 

With roots in the Pacific North West, Rowshan was raised within the cannabis community. The catalyst for Rowshan’s involvement in ensuring safe access to cannabis occurred when a close friend, who was also a medical cannabis patient, fought against HIV. Witnessing the limited availability of clean and tested cannabis, Rowshan recognized the crucial necessity for a safer alternative. This realization led to the establishment of the first analytical testing laboratory in Portland, Oregon. Venturing into the unknown, armed with minimal financial resources and a grassroots approach, Rowshan embraced a “sink or swim” mentality. 

During this period, the cannabis industry was predominantly focused on medical applications, and the concept of quality control testing remained unfamiliar to many. Green Leaf Lab emerged as the pioneering force that sought to legitimize the cannabis industry through the implementation of comprehensive quality control testing. Notably, when Colorado and Washington legalized cannabis, their regulations did not prioritize robust consumer quality control testing. 

By advocating for consumer safety and spearheading quality control testing in Oregon, Rowshan played a pivotal role in legitimizing the cannabis industry. The rules and standards employed by Oregon for quality control testing were subsequently replicated and expanded across the nation. Through their efforts, Rowshan and Green Leaf Lab elevated the importance of quality control testing, ensuring the well-being and satisfaction of cannabis consumers throughout the country.

Green Leaf Lab  

Green Leaf Lab holds the distinction of being the pioneering woman-owned cannabis and hemp CBD laboratory in the United States. Recognizing their exceptional contribution, Green Leaf Lab has received national certification as a Woman Owned Business from the Women’s Business Enterprise National Council (WBENC). This prestigious certification is attained through a rigorous and intricate evaluation process, adhering to WBENC’s national standard of certification. 

The certification serves as a testament to Green Leaf Lab’s unwavering dedication to upholding quality and excellence in their operations. It highlights their commitment to empowering women in the cannabis industry and further solidifies their position as a trusted and reputable laboratory. Green Leaf Lab’s achievement of WBENC certification underscores their ongoing pursuit of exceptional standards and their relentless effort to make a positive impact in the cannabis and hemp CBD sectors. 

Leading the Way in Cannabis and Hemp CBD Testing and Certification 

Green Leaf Labs is an independent third-party analytical testing laboratory that was established with a core mission to provide efficient and accurate testing services for cannabis and hemp CBD products. Alongside their testing services, they also prioritize educating the public about the misconceptions and misinformation surrounding the industry. 

Since its inception in 2011, Green Leaf Labs has achieved the distinction of being the nation’s first licensed and accredited cannabis and hemp CBD testing laboratory. Over time, their scope of services has expanded to include research and development testing, compliance testing, and more. They have successfully catered to the needs of clients in Oregon, California, and the national hemp market, steadily growing their clientele and refining their professional processes. 

Driven by a strong commitment to consumer safety, Green Leaf Labs has spearheaded the development of the Green Leaf Lab Certification Program. This program involves subjecting products to rigorous testing performed by an ISO 17025-accredited third-party analytical testing laboratory. Products that meet the necessary quality and safety standards receive the official Green Leaf Lab Certification seal. This seal acts as a clear and unmistakable indication to consumers that the product has undergone testing by a trusted laboratory and meets established safety criteria. 

Through their dedication, hard work, and emphasis on consumer safety, Green Leaf Labs has established itself as a leader in the industry. They continue to provide valuable testing services, contribute to research and development, ensure compliance, and offer a recognizable symbol of safety through their certification program. 

Empowering Tips for Aspiring Entrepreneurs in the Cannabis Industry 

Rowshan offers three valuable tips for aspiring entrepreneurs looking to start a business in the cannabis industry: 

• Be Heard: As a woman in a potentially male-dominated industry, it’s important to assert yourself and ensure your voice is heard. Prepare your points beforehand and deliver them concisely. If you get interrupted, politely interrupt back, acknowledge their expertise, and redirect the conversation back to your original points. If someone tries to claim your insights as their own, speak up and thank them for bringing up the point. Then, confidently expand on your expertise and add additional points to reinforce your credibility. 
• Build Your Network: Your network is crucial to your success and acts as your support system. Don’t limit your network to people of your own gender. Seek out mentors who have already achieved success in the industry and can provide valuable guidance. Surround yourself with a team of individuals who genuinely want to see you succeed and are committed to helping you achieve your goals. Your network and team will assist you in finding solutions to challenges you encounter along the way. 
• Practice Self-Care: Self-care is essential for maintaining your well-being and balance while navigating the demands of entrepreneurship. Define what self-care means to you personally and make time for it. Prioritize yourself and your needs. Remember that self-care is a continuous process that requires commitment. Regardless of what happens in your work life, stay dedicated to your self-care routine. Treat it with the same passion and importance as you do your business. Taking care of yourself will ultimately contribute to your overall success. 

By implementing these tips, aspiring entrepreneurs can navigate the challenges of the cannabis industry with confidence, resilience, and personal well-being. 

Future of the Legitimized Cannabis Industry 

Rowshan believes that cannabis testing will continue to play a pivotal role in the ongoing legitimization of the cannabis industry over the next 5-10 years. As the industry evolves and regulations become more stringent, quality control and safety measures will become increasingly important. 

Accurate and reliable cannabis testing ensures that products meet established standards for potency, purity, and safety. This includes testing for cannabinoids, terpenes, pesticides, heavy metals, residual solvents, and microbial contaminants. By ensuring that cannabis products are safe and accurately labeled, testing contributes to consumer confidence and trust in the industry. 

In the coming years, it is expected that cannabis testing will become even more comprehensive and sophisticated. Testing methods will continue to advance, allowing for more accurate and efficient analysis. Additionally, as new regulations and guidelines emerge, cannabis testing laboratories will need to adapt and comply with evolving standards.