Peter Barsoom, CEO of 1906

What do you/your company specialize in?

1906 is on a mission to bring cannabis back to the mainstream. Our unique and innovative line of edibles combines great taste, superior ingredients, and rapid-delivery formulations in a range of experiences that bring the benefits of cannabis and plant medicine to health-conscious adults for whom indulging has to compliment – not deter – a healthy lifestyle. Our lineup delivers unique experiences that promote sleep, energy, arousal, relaxation and a happy mood, all in safe and predictable formulations using single-strain organic cannabis. 

What prompted you to enter the cannabis industry?

I got into the cannabis industry because my wife and I were enthusiasts of smoking flower, but we were concerned about the health impacts of smoking. Edibles didn’t seem like a viable alternative because they were too unpredictable, they tasted bad, and they had a lot of unhealthy ingredients. We also were fascinated by plant medicine from Ayurveda, Chinese medicine and other traditions, and then of course, cannabis is one of the most widely-used medicines in history. We saw a major opportunity in the market – to blend the functional benefits of plant medicine with the longstanding benefits of cannabis, and combine those in a healthy, delicious and safe edible. That’s how 1906 was born.

What do you consider to be your most significant business accomplishment?

I am most proud of the fact that 1906 is impacting people in pretty simple and yet profound ways. We are there for intimate and vulnerable moments in people’s lives–we’re there when they want to sleep, or have better sex, or relax after a hard day, and it’s such an honor to be able to help them in these moments. Part of what I’ve learned in this work is that so much of the American population is suffering around these issues. We want to give people permission to seek out a better experience–around sex or sleep or hanging out with their mate after the kids go to bed. We don’t have to suffer. We have lots of plant-based allies, and, as a company, we’re proud to bring them together in an accessible, safe, reliable product.

What do you consider to be your most significant business failure?

Our first packaging design was too big, white, and too subtle. 

What is your next business goal?

We will be expanding operations for cannabis chocolates and other edibles to additional states in the next two years. We’re also branching out into new products including beverages and other form factors. This month, we will be introducing 1906 Drops in the Colorado market. People are desperate alternative remedies to the pharmaceuticals and over-the-counter drugs they’re taking. We set out to provide a plant-based alternative giving rise to a whole new category of products. 1906 Drops are pressed tablets (or pills) with the same plant medicines as our chocolates that are fast-acting, portable, zero calories and optimal remedies for health-conscious adults without the side effects of pharmaceuticals.