Employee Spotlight: Hosea Evans, Cultivation Manager

At Vireo, we strive to create an inclusive workplace for our employees. So, it brings us great pride to be one of the most diverse cannabis companies in the country today.

As our company continues to grow and expand our national footprint, we aim to continue bringing in team members who will contribute new and different perspectives and experiences to our team. While we are proud of our diverse representation, we know that we can, and must, always find ways to improve.

In March 2019, Vireo entered Arizona’s medical cannabis market, operating as Arizona Natural Remedies. Most of Vireo employees in Arizona, as well as in nearby New Mexico, are of Hispanic heritage.

One such employee is Hosea Evans, who works as our Cultivation Manager in Arizona. Hosea started working in the cannabis industry in 2015.

Hosea really enjoys the freedom of being outside in the sun and fresh air while doing important work that he knows is making an impact and getting to grow a plant he truly believes can change lives. He sees himself being a part of the cannabis industry for many years to come and looks forward to growing the highest quality cannabis for Vireo.

Hosea is also an accomplished musician – playing drums, guitar, and saxophone. He sees a correlation between writing music and growing cannabis, saying “you are taking something that is available to everyone and presenting it in a way that’s unique to you, in a way that you hope will make a positive, lasting impression.”

We recently caught up with Hosea to hear more about his experiences at Vireo Health and in the cannabis industry.

When did you start working in cannabis and at Vireo Health?

Hosea: I started in October 2017 with Elephant Head Farms, which was then acquired by Vireo in March of last year. I am the Cultivation Manager on our cannabis farm!

What made you interested in the cannabis industry?

Hosea: I have always had a passion and belief in the cannabis industry — both its massive potential in business and its amazing healing properties in its many forms. When it became medically legal to produce in Arizona 10 years ago, I became very interested in the industry.

What do you like about working at Vireo?

Hosea: What I love about working for Vireo is the ability to have a tangible impact on the medicine we produce, to be able to help patients find relief, and the company’s commitment to constantly creating a better product.

How does it make you feel to help patients find relief?

Hosea: It makes me feel incredibly fulfilled to help patients find relief from chronic pain and other illnesses.

Any other quotes or stories you’d like to share?

Hosea: One of my favorite quotes is by Thomas Edison, but it has been said many different ways by successful individuals: “Happiness is the progressive realization of a worthwhile dream.” This is part of my motivation to come to work every day!

What are some of your favorite activities outside of work?

Hosea: Outside of work I enjoy playing and writing music, as well as outdoor activities like hiking.

Anything else about your personal life you wanted to share?

Hosea: I am very grateful for my position at Vireo and the stability it provides in these uncertain times. I believe that in crazy times like this, it is important to be optimistic and focus on the things that connect us to each other.