GEORGE SCORSIS FLORIDA
ABOUT GEORGE SCORSIS
Former Florida executive, George Scorsis has experience in working in a number of highly regulated industries, ranging from energy drinks, alcohol, medical cannabis, and as of today, medical psilocybin. His experience has left him with a skillset that enables him to scale-up businesses despite stringent regulatory conditions.
Since February 2019, George has served as the executive chairman of Entourage Health, formerly known as WeedMD, a publicly traded company that produces cannabis products for both medical and recreational use.
Throughout his career, George Scorsis has also had multiple leadership positions, including the Managing Director of Red Bull Canada, Executive Chairman of Starseed, Chairman of Tassili Life Sciences, Chairman of Awakn Life Sciences, and Chairman of the Board of Directors of Scythian Biosciences Corp.
Between 2012 and 2015, George sat on the Board of Directors of the Canadian Beverage Association, a natural extension of his prior expertise from his executive career with Bacardi Canada and as the President of Red Bull Canada. He played an instrumental role in not only restructuring the organization but also growing the business to $150 million in revenue. Earlier in his career, he also had the opportunity to work closely with Health Canada on guidelines to regulate the energy drink market.
Today, George Scorsis is interested in the business opportunities within the clinical applications of psychedelics as well as plant-based medicines. He believes in the power of psychedelics, paired with proper treatment, believing they offer possibilities as alternative medical treatments.
He previously served as the Chairman of Tassili Life Sciences Corp., which intends to substantiate that measured and timely doses of Psilocybin+CBD will enhance the psychological effectiveness of Post-Concussion Syndrome, Post Traumatic Stress Disorder, and Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder treatments.
Most recently, George became a member of the board of directors of PlantFuel, a plant-based wellness company.
George Scorsis earned his Bachelor in Administrative Studies from York University in Toronto before receiving an MBA from Queen’s University.
Beyond his career, George Scorsis is actively involved in philanthropy, particularly in Toronto. He has contributed to the betterment of his community and has supported the efforts of a number of organizations in Canada.
When he can, he enjoys visiting his family’s place of origin, Rhodes, Greece. He is deeply connected to his roots and to his family, having had the opportunity to visit relatives in Greece throughout his childhood and as an adult. He enjoys traversing the countryside by motorcycle stopping to admire the stunning vistas, finding delicious cuisine, and interacting with the locals.
George Scorsis On The Highly Regulated Business Industry
George Scorsis has long worked within highly regulated industries.
As the executive chairman of Entourage Health, he has played a key role in the growth of the company.
The cannabis industry remains highly regulated thanks to the substance’s long history as an illegal drug — and the fact that it’s still illegal at the federal level in the US. This means that businesses operating in this space are subject to a complex web of laws and regulations at both the state and local levels. Failure to comply with these regulations can result in severe legal consequences.
As a result of this broader context, Scorsis understands that compliance is key. He has built a company culture at Entourage Health that prioritizes compliance and risk management. This means ensuring that all employees are fully trained and educated on the relevant laws and regulations, and that the company's operations are designed to minimize the risk of non-compliance.
Beating the competition
But it’s not just about avoiding trouble, either. Scorsis has learned that meeting and understanding regulations can also serve as a competitive advantage.
By ensuring compliance and transparency, businesses can build trust with regulators, customers, and investors, leading to a stronger reputation and a more loyal customer base. Those, in turn, lead to increased revenue and profitability.
Business ethics
In addition to these practical considerations, Scorsis also understands the ethical and social importance of highly regulated businesses.
For many people, the cannabis industry is still associated with criminal activity and social stigma. By operating in a highly regulated and transparent manner, businesses like Entourage Health can help break down some of these stereotypes, demonstrating that the industry can be a force for good.
This commitment to social responsibility is reflected in the company's focus on quality and safety. Entourage Health is dedicated to providing high-quality cannabis products and derivatives that are safe and effective for consumers and patients . This means adhering to strict quality control standards and using third-party testing to make sure that products are free of contaminants, meeting the highest standards of purity in the process.
Advocacy work
Scorsis also strives to improve highly regulated industries through his work with advocacy groups.
Previously working in Florida, George Scorsis is also a Director of Lyphe Group, which is dedicated to promoting the interests of the cannabis industry in Canada and Internationally. He also serves on the board of directors for the Cannabis Trade Association, which is focused on promoting best practices and advocating for sensible cannabis regulations in the United States.
These groups aid Scorsis in ensuring that Entourage Health is always operating in compliance with the latest regulations. It also means the company is positioned to take advantage of new opportunities as they arise.
Highly regulated industries require a mix of strategies for long-term success. But done right, the hard work can pay off.