Women to Watch: Mo Muzzey
Mo Muzzey has cultivated a deep connection to agriculture that has shaped her approach to the cannabis industry.
Raised on a Black Angus farm in Jefferson County, Muzzey credits her formative years in agriculture for instilling values that drive her today.
“Working on the farm taught me the importance of patience, hard work, and respect for nature. These early experiences shaped my approach to all forms of agriculture, including the cannabis industry. The values instilled in me—attention to detail, quality, and sustainable practices—continue to influence the way I work and the decisions I make at BeLeaf Medical.”
BeLeaf Medical, is a vertically integrated cannabis company that has been one of the most visible cannabis companies in Missouri’s rapidly growing cannabis market. “Our founders, with decades of combined experience, were pivotal in the legalization and regulation of cannabis in the state,” Muzzey explains. “This deep knowledge has been essential in building BeLeaf into what it is today.” The company operates 11 dispensaries, 3 cultivation facilities, and 2 manufacturing licenses, all dedicated to high standards of quality, compliance, and patient care.
Muzzey has been at BeLeaf since the early days of medical marijuana in the state, working her way through the company and building a knowledge base and understanding of the cannabis plant shared by few in her position. Muzzey began her cannabis career BeLeaf as a Harvest Technician at Sinse Cannabis. From there, Muzzey moved to a Product Specialist position at Swade, before being named Regional Sales Manager at Sinse. In 2023, Muzzey was named Director of Sales at Sinse. In January, she was promoted to Vice President of Sales & Procurement. Her career, like the plant and the cannabis industry, reflects growth and expansion, spanning years of hands-on experience and leadership.
As Vice President of Sales & Procurement, Muzzey is at the forefront of the company’s wholesale distribution across Missouri, as well as managing the procurement strategy for BeLeaf’s Swade Dispensaries.
“My focus is to ensure that our dispensaries are stocked with the best possible mix of products to meet the needs of our diverse customer base. This involves close collaboration with cultivation and manufacturing teams to ensure a seamless flow of inventory and product,” she notes. “My role also includes maintaining relationships with external partners and driving strategic decisions that position BeLeaf as a leader in the market.”
Muzzey’s commitment to quality is not just about managing logistics; it’s about the people behind the company. “When I first started at BeLeaf, I worked in the trim room, and Justin Sheffield took me under his wing, teaching me invaluable lessons about plant care and the intricate processes involved in cannabis cultivation. These early lessons have been instrumental in shaping my understanding of the plant and the industry. I also have a great deal of admiration for Katee Moore, whose relentless drive for improvement and dedication to her craft continues to inspire me daily. It’s the people at BeLeaf that make it such a special place to work and grow.”
However, like many companies and brands in the cannabis industry, BeLeaf has seen change and adversity.
“We’ve faced our share of challenges, particularly when it comes to anticipating market demands and ensuring that we consistently produce the highest quality flower,” Muzzey reflects. “The learning curve is steep, especially when we introduce new cultivars or launch a new product. Every time we try something new, we have to be prepared to adjust and iterate quickly.” Despite these hurdles, Muzzey credits the BeLeaf’s founders for guiding the company through these challenges.
“One of the most pivotal moments in our recent success has been the increased involvement of our founders. Their return to active leadership, particularly over the last year, has been critical in reinforcing the core values of the company. Their guidance ensures that we’re putting out products we can truly be proud of, maintaining the integrity of the brand, and staying connected to the roots of the business.”
Greenway Magazine recently sat down with Muzzey to discuss her success and her journey as one of the state’s most visible Women to Watch.
What makes BeLeaf special?
“BeLeaf Medical stands out because of the incredible talent and passion of the people who work here. I’ve had the privilege of working alongside some of the brightest minds in the cannabis industry, and it’s been a true pleasure to learn from them.”
In 2024, the company was recognized as Company of the Year, and you were recognized as Best Wholesale Salesperson. What does that mean for you personally, and broader, for the company?
“Being named Company of the Year is a profound honor, especially when it comes from our peers and customers. To be recognized for the hard work we’ve all put in is incredibly gratifying. At BeLeaf, everything we do is driven by our love for the plant, so to have that ethos recognized with such a prestigious award is truly meaningful.
“As for being named Wholesale Salesperson of the Year, it’s something I’m deeply grateful for. Wholesale can be a challenging and often thankless role, but to be acknowledged for my contributions is humbling. I owe a huge debt of gratitude to my incredible teammates and mentors who believed in me. There were many other outstanding nominees, and just being nominated was a privilege, so winning this award feels like the icing on the cake.”
How did you get into cannabis?
“I’ve always been a cannabis enthusiast, even from a young age. It was a dream of mine to be part of the industry, but at the time, I didn’t think legalization would happen in my lifetime. When the opportunity arose in 2020 to join BeLeaf’s post-harvest team, it felt like the perfect moment to step into the cannabis world. I was excited by the possibility of helping shape the future of this industry and contribute to its growth. It wasn’t just a job for me—it was a chance to turn a passion into a career.”
Why cannabis?
“Cannabis has had a profound, positive impact on my life. I distinctly remember the first time I used it; for the first time, I felt a sense of peace—my mind was quiet, but I was also clear-headed. It was a feeling I had never experienced before, and it grounded me in a way I hadn’t anticipated. Cannabis has helped me better understand what’s truly important to me, allowing me to step back, gain perspective, and focus on the bigger picture. It’s not just about the plant; it’s about the personal transformation it’s supported me through.”
Cannabis is a family business for you – what’s that like?
“Working alongside my father has been one of the greatest gifts of my life. Tom and I have always had a strong bond, one that was forged during our time together on the farm. Growing up, he taught me the values of hard work, resilience, and the importance of treating others with respect. Those lessons continue to guide me in everything I do today. Having the opportunity to work with him in the cannabis industry is something I never take for granted. It’s special to share this journey with someone who has been such a foundational figure in my life.”
Do you ever feel you face additional scrutiny because your father is a renowned figure in cannabis as well?
“I definitely feel the weight of additional scrutiny because of my father’s position in the industry. I’ve always been aware of how my role is perceived, and I think it’s fair to say that some people may assume I’m here because of my last name.
“That being said, I’m proud of the path I’ve taken. Starting in post-harvest, working in packaging, and spending time in the Swade dispensaries allowed me to really understand the nuts and bolts of the business. I worked hard to build my credibility and gain the respect of my peers. I’m incredibly grateful for the talented colleagues I’ve had along the way who’ve seen my value and supported me.”
What is it like being a woman in your field?
“Being a woman in this field presents its challenges. It’s no secret that women often face additional hurdles, particularly with sexism in the workplace. In our industry, as in many others, when a woman is direct and confident, she’s sometimes seen as rude or aggressive, whereas those same qualities in a man might be regarded as assertive or strong leadership. That double standard is something I’ve had to navigate, but I’ve learned to rise above it and stay true to my values. It’s about finding the balance between staying assertive while still being authentic to who I am.”
What, if any, challenges have you faced that you feel men in the industry don’t generally deal with?
“I think one of the biggest challenges women face in the cannabis industry is the constant scrutiny of how they’re perceived. For me, being a young woman in a leadership role means being under a microscope at all times. People may pay more attention to how I look or whether I’m smiling too much, and those little things can be misconstrued when you’re just trying to do your job. Men, particularly in similar roles, don’t face the same level of judgment for their appearance or demeanor. It’s an added layer of pressure that women in the industry have to navigate, but I’m determined to overcome it by focusing on my work and proving my worth through my actions.”
What are you passionate about?
“My greatest passion in life is connection. I believe that understanding diverse perspectives is fundamental to personal growth and progress. I’ve never found value in being one-track-minded; instead, I’ve always sought out opportunities to learn from others. Whether it’s through conversations, experiences, or shared wisdom, I truly believe that deep connections are where real growth happens. I’m always striving to connect with people in meaningful ways because I think it’s key to both professional success and personal fulfillment.”
Where do you find inspiration?
“Most of my inspiration comes from the mentors, friends, and colleagues I’m fortunate to surround myself with. I’m continually amazed by what we can learn from the people around us—everyone has a unique perspective and set of experiences that can challenge or inspire us. The conversations I have with the people in my life push me to think differently, to dream bigger, and to keep evolving. I truly believe that growth doesn’t happen in isolation—it comes from collaboration and learning from the people who challenge and support you.”
What motivates you?
“A lot of my motivation in my career stems from the opportunity to change the narrative around cannabis. I believe that it’s possible to be an accomplished student, a dedicated partner, a reliable colleague, and a passionate advocate for cannabis all at the same time. For me, cannabis has been transformative in so many ways, and that personal experience fuels my drive. The ability to shift people’s perceptions and show them that cannabis doesn’t define someone’s potential or character is incredibly meaningful to me. Every day, I’m motivated by the chance to challenge misconceptions, foster open-minded conversations, and ultimately create a more inclusive and understanding environment surrounding cannabis use.”
What advice or encouragement would you give to other women in the cannabis industry?
“My advice would be to focus on your own growth and to care less about how you are perceived. The cannabis industry—like many others—can be challenging, and as women, we often face added scrutiny.
“It’s easy to get caught up in worrying about how we’re being judged, but I think the key is to keep proving our worth through action. Stay true to your values, continue to build your skills, and surround yourself with people who support you. In the end, your work will speak for itself, and the respect you deserve will follow.”
What do you consider your greatest professional accomplishment?
“I would say my greatest professional accomplishment so far has been taking the Sinse brand to new heights. It’s been a long road, filled with challenges and lessons along the way, but I’m incredibly proud of the team we’ve built and the progress we’ve made. Being part of a company that’s truly committed to quality and patient care has been an amazing experience, and I feel incredibly lucky to come to work every day alongside people who are passionate about the same mission. Building something meaningful and knowing we’ve made a difference in the industry is something I’ll always cherish.”
