Charleen Caabay

Co-Founder & COO, The People's Dispensary

San Francisco

Charleen’s professional career started in the IT industry as a Technical Network Administrator. Following her entrepreneurial drive, Charleen pivoted and became a self-taught chef, culinary creative, and restaurateur in the Bay Area. A reality TV gem, Charleen is Food Network’s first Filipino-American to win Chopped, and has participated in other food competitions on national television, such as The Cooking Channel. She has opened two successful restaurants, a retail shop, an art gallery, and cannabis businesses across multiple states.

Charleen is the co-founder of The People’s Dispensary. She took on the role of Chief Operating Officer (COO) and transformed the culture and operating procedures into an equitable model for The People’s Dispensary. Charleen brings leadership, guidance, and quality standards to the currently existing establishment.

Charleen’s passion for the cannabis industry developed during her culinary career. She has proven techniques in the extraction of cannabis oil that lead to the creation of her healing edible line. Charleen’s edible line serviced a variety of clientele with chronic medical conditions and those who lack access to cannabis. High in demand, Charleen curated private cannabis consumption spaces that included dine-in food, and entertainment.

With proven experience, she brings years of business strategies, facility development, build out, and a distinctive vision for the future in cannabis.