The Sira Spotlight series focuses on one of the most interesting aspects of Sira Naturals: our people. Each month, we’ll be highlighting members of our staff from across the entire organization.

As most of you are aware, Matt Radebach is interim VP of MA, as Spencer Knowles takes on new challenges in his national role. We had the pleasure to sit down with Matt and ask him some questions about what makes him tick.

1. 1. As a New England native and cannabis aficionado, did the pro-cannabis legislative boom surprise you? If so, why? If not, why?
   2. I have been surprised by the order that states have gone recreational and the time it has taken other states to follow what Massachusetts has done.  Massachusetts has one of the youngest medical programs in New England, but they have lapped everyone in terms of recreational.  I look at Rhode Island, where my father won a license in 2011 and opened in 2013, they are still 1-2 years away from approving adult use. 
   3.  
   1. What inspired you to pursue a career in the cannabis industry?
   2. What inspired me was a combination of the people I worked with and the people that I saw cannabis help.  I was involved on the dispensary side back in 2014 and saw how much help cannabis was giving people to live again.  I got to connect with so many people that had terminal illnesses or other serious medical issues that got a new lease on life from cannabis.  I talked to so many people early on in my career about how they were able to get off opioids and start living again because of cannabis.  I met multiple cancer patients able to walk their kids to the bus or got to a family/child's event because of cannabis.
   3. What also kept me going was the people I worked with throughout my whole career.  The people I have worked with are so passionate about what they do and the industry as a whole.  The people at all levels show such pride in their work and making sure the best possible products make it into the consumer's hands.  The people that I work with at all levels are what really keep the same going today and then taking these great people and creating every possible opportunity that there is for them.  I feel it is my job to help open as many doors for the great staff that I work with, and I will always do whatever I can to advance anyone's career that shows a desire and aptitude to move up.
   4.  
   1. What advice would you give to anyone wanting to pursue a career in the cannabis industry?
   2. I can say that there is so much opportunity for anyone that wants it.  This industry is still in its infancy and opportunity is everywhere if you want it, but you have to want the opportunities that are available.  Ayr is growing so fast and looking for so many talented people to grow with the company.  I suggest to let your manager know what you want to do and the career path you want.  If you are following all the standards set by your manager and being a great team player, opportunities will come to you if you make your intentions known.  It all starts with you though because I learned early on in my career that opportunities for career growth didn't come to me until I let my boss know what I wanted to do.