Women in Cannabis | Karin Spinks Chester Q&A

By Antonio DeRose

Karin Spinks Chester is an experienced cannabis activist and event producer with a strong background in community organization and a commitment to furthering cannabis law reform. Living in Hillsboro, Missouri, Karin was heavily involved with the legalization movement, having served as the Outreach Coordinator for New Approach Missouri since 2016. New Approach Missouri was the leading campaign behind the passing of Amendment 2, which legalized medical cannabis in the state just last November.

She now works as Vice President for MoCannTrade (Missouri Medical Cannabis Trade Association) and is the Executive Director of Greater St. Louis NORML. She is also the Founder and CEO of her own company, Midwest Canna Expos, who recently produced Missouri’s largest medical cannabis conference, MoCannBizCon+Expo. Midwest Canna Expos produces educational events, conferences, and expos both independently and in partnership with cannabis industry trade associations. In addition to all of this, Karin spends what little spare time she does have as the Founder of The Missouri Patient Project, a photographic and biographic documentation of current and potential cannabis patients in the state of Missouri. We were able to get in touch with Karin to learn more about her story and what she hopes to accomplish now that Missourians will have access to medical cannabis.

HOW WOULD YOU DESCRIBE YOURSELF AND WHAT YOU’RE DOING?

I primarily consider myself an activist and an event producer second. Ensuring the passage of Amendment 2 was a primary goal for so long, and now that we have a legal system established in Missouri, my focus has shifted to event production. I’m going to be doing more cannabis and hemp conferences, as well as producing educational events for patients and physicians. Spreading credible knowledge about the medicinal benefits of this plant is something I’m very passionate about, and I have several plans to do that through events.

HOW DID YOU GET INVOLVED IN THE CANNABIS INDUSTRY?

I started off in cannabis as a patient and activist working on signature collection in 2016 for the medical program for Missouri. I was the Outreach Coordinator for New Approach Missouri where I helped with volunteer recruitment, training, fundraising, and event planning. That year we did not make the ballot but we continued fighting until we got it passed in 2018.

WHAT CAN YOU TELL US ABOUT YOUR COMPANY?

My company, Midwest Canna Expos, was really born out of me being an activist. I started planning events and conferences as a way to raise funds for the Amendment 2 campaign, and found I had a knack for it. After legalization, it was a natural segue for me to continue doing so, but under my own banner. I have assembled an amazing team of people who share my passion for cannabis and education, and we plan to continue spreading knowledge and awareness through our events.

WHAT MAKES YOU SO PASSIONATE ABOUT CANNABIS EDUCATION?

I am passionate about cannabis education because when people are presented with the facts about cannabis, how it improves the quality of life for so many people, and they can see the truth of it, they are always convinced. I truly believe educating people about the plant is the most important thing we can do as advocates and as industry professionals.

WHAT ARE YOUR FUTURE AMBITIONS?

My hope is to grow my company to the point where we are the premier cannabis education company for conferences and events. MoCannBizCon+Expo was such a successful educational conference, it attracted over 2200 attendees in just 2 days. That’s an incredible number of people, which goes to show how many people are wanting to learn more. We already have other events in planning stages, and the prospects for the future look good. A big part of my business plan is being able to use money the company makes to further education on all levels, including education for patients and physicians.

WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU GIVE OTHER WOMEN WANTING TO START THEIR OWN BUSINESS?

I think for women breaking into an industry, it is really important to make connections with other strong women who want to lift each other up. Even when it gets hard, you have to focus on the positive. It isn’t easy, but I’m fortunate to be involved with groups and people who value what I have to offer. I think women have a much better shot in the cannabis industry than in other industries. I think people in the cannabis industry tend to be more openminded and more freethinking than other people, and in many ways, have moved past stereotypical thinking. Of course, one of the best ways to connect with other strong women is by getting involved and attending events!