Spotlight : Lyndsey Shaw
Lyndsey Shaw is the CEO of Brighterside Farms, a New Jersey based cultivator of organic cannabis. With over 25 years and 300 harvests in the rearview, she’s now leveraging digital media to move the industry forward.
How does it feel to be a part of the cannabis industry right now?
It is surreal. Cannabis has been stigmatized for so long, its story told by a lot of people with closed minds, so it feels great to be taking back a share of the public narrative.
Social media has given us the chance to tell our story directly to the people we serve – to educate on cultivation methods, genetic history and even medical benefits. It’s really empowering to finally celebrate the craft, the science, and the community behind cannabis cultivation in the open.
Talk to me about the challenges in educating the public on cannabis…
Well, there’s still pretty strict regulation around the space on social media. But beyond that, it’s still stigma. Even with legalization, many people still see cannabis through decades-old misconceptions. But through our podcasting, and organic posting on Instagram and Facebook, we’re showing how cannabis, when grown responsibly and used thoughtfully, can be a positive force for health and wellness.
It seems that Brighterside Farms is entering the market at a pretty convenient time with rising appreciation for all natural, organic soil grown products. What are your thoughts on that?
Absolutely, it feels like the market is catching up to our philosophy. Consumers today are looking for authenticity, traceability, and products grown with care for both people and the planet. Soil-grown cannabis isn’t just a marketing claim; it creates a richer, more nuanced product. I think the cultural shift toward organic and sustainable choices has opened the door for brands like ours to thrive.
What has your relationship with the development of your new podcast been like? (Bringing in guests, long-form content).
It’s been an exciting experience. The podcast allows us to have conversations that don’t fit in a 30-second social media clip. Bringing in guests, whether they’re advocates, or everyday consumers has opened up a space for honest dialogue about cannabis and wellness in New Jersey. It’s become a platform to educate and connect and, honestly, it’s a blast to record.
Talk to me about a success story through the medical application of cannabis…
We hear a lot of stories about severe anxiety. We have a customer who had been struggling with it for years and, while prescription medications helped, they came with side effects that affected their day-to-day life. They tried our flower as part of their wellness routine and shared that it gave them a sense of calm and control they hadn’t felt in years—without the side effects.. Stories like that remind us why we do what we do and we hear them all of the time.
What are your aspirations for Brighterside Farms?
To be a major player in the public paradigm shift on cannabis. We’re aiming to become New Jersey’s most trusted source for premium, organic, soil-grown product, yes, but it’s larger than that for us. We’re committed to quality, sustainability, and education, showing our community that cannabis can be part of a healthier, more balanced lifestyle.
Oh, and we’re launching skin care creams pretty soon! That’s simpler, but very exciting for us. We’ve been making them for a tight knit group of friends for years, but bringing the product to the market will give us the chance to reach an audience that might never smoke flower but is open to using a topical product for relief or relaxation.
