Janani Nadesananthan is the National Director of Sales at the Independent Retail Cannabis Collective (IRC Collective), where she plays a critical role in shaping Canada’s independent cannabis retail landscape. At IRC Collective, Janani works to support 1,000+ independent retailers across the country with access to data-driven insights, exclusive opportunities, and sustainable business tools designed to keep them competitive in an increasingly consolidated market. Her mission is rooted in advocacy for small business, fostering collaboration, and cultivating a marketplace where care and community hold just as much value as scale.

Janani’s journey into cannabis began with a foundation in genetics, giving her a systems-level understanding of how complex structures thrive. This is a perspective she now applies to business development and retail operations. Before joining the IRC Collective, she gained experience working with both craft and corporate LPs in many capacities, giving her a firsthand view of both dynamics and the operational challenges retailers face on the ground. Her ability to bridge these two worlds has made her a powerful advocate for independent retailers, working to ensure they not only survive, but thrive.

For Janani, cannabis is ultimately about empowerment with her focus being supporting local businesses, breaking down stigma, and finding balance in both work and wellness. As the industry continues to evolve, she’s proud to help shape its future toward greater inclusivity, sustainability, and long-term success for independents.