Meet Derek Cumings, Co-Founder and R&D Leader at Medically Correct
Derek Cumings, Helping To Pave The Way for The Nation's Cannabis Industry
Over 10 years ago, at the onset of Colorado medical cannabis legalization, Medically Correct was born with a mission to make cannabis products safe and accessible to patients in need. We launched the incredibles chocolate bar line and our early focus on consistency and quality propelled us to the top of the Colorado edibles market. We’ve since grown into the highest volume edibles company in the state! Our success and longevity are a true testament to our incredible leadership team.
We connected with our Co-Founder and R&D Leader, Derek Cumings, to hear more about his journey within the cannabis industry and Medically Correct. This is what he shared with us.
Q&A with Derek Cumings
Derek, what inspired you to join the cannabis industry?
About 22 years ago, I became my first patient after a fall that broke both of my legs and compressed discs in my lower back. Early on, I decided I didn’t want to take part in the treatment plan put forth by the doctors who were backed by pharmaceutical companies. After several legal issues as a young man for cannabis possession and use, I was pretty much forced to quit. However, just a couple of short years later, medical cannabis laws were passed in Colorado and California. In the midst of hating my current medical situation, I was given a joint by a friend for nausea and that small reintroduction opened my eyes.
I thought the possible long-term effects from pills were much worse than any problems I had with cannabis and I didn't want to treat lifelong ailments with something that had such harmful potential. I began using more and more cannabis in different ways, simultaneously taking fewer and fewer pills. My quality of life increased 10x. I then convinced my parents of the safety and efficacy of cannabis, and once they understood, I didn’t care what anyone else thought. I was able to actively go out and push for Colorado's changes and cannabis laws. As I joined local patient groups, I realized I already obtained more knowledge and experience than most; the people within the places I looked to for answers were much further behind. So, I began helping them.
About 15 years ago, I owned one of the first ten dispensaries in Colorado, Harmony Wellness in Windsor. After that, I pushed my way through the industry on multiple levels through edibles and concentrates, and this is when I met Rick and Bob.
How did you learn to create cannabis oil, then edibles, and other infused products?
Making the jump from smoking to edibles was huge in my personal treatment plan. Edibles were outrageously overpriced and equally inconsistent. Using the 'caregiver' providers available at the time was the only option for cannabis products other than flower, or occasionally water or scissor hash. I was determined to bridge the gap because there needed to be a better answer. At the time, trim was a liability for growers, so I began turning waste into wonder.
In a pre-Youtube world, I was taught by an elderly patient about rudimentary solvent extractions. After nailing down procedures for making ultra-potent, solvent-based concentrates, I was able to put it in almost anything. I moved quickly to cakes, chocolates, ice cream, olive oil, pizza, drinks, and the crown jewel of the time -- hard candy. I swapped ideas with some of the only people in the game at the time, and that was when the first true product lines were born.
What in your current position are you most passionate about?
I’m most passionate about my presence in cannabis. I grew complacent over time and I’ve realized it’s time to stop taking that for granted.
There’s a buzz about your new upcoming brand, Zelō. What can you share with us about it, Derek?
Introducing people to cannabis for the first time has always been one of my favorite motivators. And while those opportunities are few and far between, compared to a decade ago, I’m excited for the possibilities of the new projects reaching fresh faces. Cost and confusion have long been two of the barriers to entry for patients and customers looking to try edibles for the first time, and we’re hoping to change that with Zelō. Zelō is for the people.
Connect with Derek Cumings, Medically Correct Co-Founder and R&D Leader
It’s easy to see how Derek’s contributions over the years have played such a big role in our success and we sure are grateful for him. Reach out to connect with him on Instagram and keep in touch with Medically Correct by entering your contact information here.
We’d love to stay connected!
Meet Rick Scarpello, Co-Founder and CEO of Medically Correct
Serving Patients and Shaping The Cannabis Industry
Just over 10 years ago, at the onset of Colorado medical cannabis legalization, Medically Correct was born with a mission to truly help people. Along the way, they ended up helping to shape industry regulations in the state and across the nation, too. Rick Scarpello, Bob Eschino, Derek Cumings, and Josh Fink launched the incredibles chocolate bar line, and before it was even mandated, they began lab testing and labeling products with activated milligrams of THC and nutritional facts. The early focus on consistency and quality propelled us to the top of the Colorado edibles market and into the highest volume edibles company in the state!
We had such a fun time chatting with our CEO and CO-Founder, Rick Scarpello, a food expert with truly innovative and cutting-edge ideas. His leadership has been a driving force behind developing a handful of businesses and industry-leading products and processes throughout his career. In addition to co-founding Medically Correct, LLC, licensed in Colorado, Rick founded Ma Hua, LLC, a natural remedies company, and most recently Data Correct, LLC, a new specialized ERP software company. We asked him about his journey thus far and here’s what he shared with us.
How did your professional background look before cannabis, Rick?
I started managing people when I was a 19-year-old in college, and haven’t stopped managing people since. It was around 30 years of working for someone else before I began owning my own businesses, so I had all the experiences I needed to figure out what it takes to be successful. I’ve run commercial bakeries to bowling alleys to full-scale marketing and website development businesses, and in the early 90s, I created one of the first online bookstores. Throughout my career, I’ve always been compelled to take an existing idea and make it better, to re-think it from the beginning and turn it into something new.
Rick Scarpello, tell us: what inspired you to enter the cannabis industry?
It was more like who than what, the who being Tom Eschino, Bob’s brother. Tom was making pot cookies for his grandmother so she could feel better and they really worked for her. Long story short, Tom’s efforts were the original inspiration for Medically Correct. He convinced Bob, Bob convinced me, and everything else came together when we founders all merged our individual expertise.
What sorts of challenges has Medically Correct faced during the pandemic?
One challenge we didn’t face during the pandemic was the City of Denver, which was a surprise. Typically, there is so much involved in modifying anything on the premises, but once COVID hit, they said to just do whatever needed within the manufacturing facility to protect our staff. Around 90% of our staff isn’t able to work remotely, so we had to work hard to figure out ways to keep everyone safe.
What's coming next for the company?
We have a lot in the pipeline but now that Nové has launched, we have a new brand that’s going to be born soon that will feature traditional types of products and some that you haven’t seen yet.
Of all your career accomplishments, what are you most proud of other than Medically Correct?
You know how Denver is the gluten-free mecca of the country? That was me. It took me nearly two years, but Rick Scarpello invented Udi’s Gluten-Free Bread, the #1 gluten-free bread in the world!
Mr. Scarpello, what piece of advice would you give to aspiring cannabis entrepreneurs?
I’d give very different advice to someone looking to invest in the industry versus someone who just has an idea and is starting from the bottom. But for both, I’d tell them to surround themselves with people that are going to help you get to where you want to go. You must have perseverance and especially passion. Without those, you’re dead before you start. And always go with your gut. If you trust your gut, you’ll be right more than you’ll be wrong.
Connect with Rick Scarpello, Medically Correct Co-Founder and CEO
Rick lives in Morrison, Colorado, with his family and is a new proud grandpa of a beautiful baby boy. Head over to Rick’s website to check out his career accomplishments or connect with him on LinkedIn. And be sure to try our new Nové luxury chocolate line and other Medically Correct products from your local dispensary.