Becoming a Professional Stoner w/ Erick Khan
The High Rise Podcast, hosted by Erin and Derek, recently welcomed Erick Khan, a renowned cannabis content creator, for an in-depth discussion on his journey, challenges, and insights into the world of cannabis content creation. This blog post delves into Erick’s experiences, the evolution of his content, and valuable advice for aspiring content creators.
Setting the Stage
Erin and Derek, the dynamic duo behind the High Rise Podcast, set a welcoming tone as they introduced their special guest, Erick Khan. Known for his engaging and educational cannabis content, Erick’s presence on the show promised an enlightening conversation. The hosts highlighted their excitement and curiosity about Erick’s journey, setting the stage for an engaging and insightful discussion.
Erick Khan's Journey: From Texas to LA
Early Life and Move to LA
Erick Khan’s journey began in Texas, where he spent his formative years. About four years ago, Erick made the bold decision to move to Los Angeles, a move that would prove pivotal for his career. Initially, the adjustment to the LA lifestyle presented challenges, but it also offered unparalleled opportunities for growth and collaboration in the cannabis industry.
Content Creation Start
Erick’s content creation journey started during his high school years with gaming videos. Inspired by popular YouTubers like PewDiePie, Erick focused on gaming content, hoping to carve out a niche for himself. However, as he progressed, he found himself more drawn to documenting his cannabis experiences with friends. This shift marked the beginning of a new chapter in his content creation journey.
Transition to Cannabis Content
The transition from gaming to cannabis content wasn’t immediate. As Erick graduated from high school, he realized his interest in cannabis culture surpassed his passion for gaming. To avoid confusing his gaming audience, Erick decided to create a new channel dedicated solely to cannabis content. This strategic move allowed him to build a community that was genuinely interested in his new focus.
Content Creation Insights: The Importance of Equipment and Audience Reactions
Importance of Equipment
One of the first lessons Erick learned was the importance of having good equipment. He emphasized that a decent camera could significantly boost a content creator’s confidence. While starting with a phone is perfectly valid, investing in a good camera can make content creation feel more official and professional. Erick’s experience highlights how equipment can impact both the creator’s mindset and the audience’s perception.
Audience Reactions
Transitioning from gaming to cannabis content wasn’t without its challenges. Erick experienced a temporary loss of followers, but he soon gained a dedicated and engaged cannabis community. This shift underscores the importance of finding a niche and sticking to it. Erick’s story serves as a reminder that audience reactions may vary, but staying true to one’s passion and niche can lead to long-term success.
Challenges in Cannabis Content: Navigating YouTube’s Policies
YouTube Policies
One of the most significant challenges Erick faced was navigating YouTube’s strict policies on cannabis content. During the “adpocalypse,” many cannabis channels were deleted, causing widespread concern among content creators. Erick managed to avoid deletion, possibly due to his focus on educational content. This period of uncertainty underscored the precarious nature of cannabis content on mainstream platforms.
Educational Content
Erick found success by focusing on educational videos about cannabis. For instance, his videos on distinguishing fake from real vape cartridges provided valuable information to his audience. This approach not only helped him grow his channel but also positioned him as a trusted source of cannabis knowledge. Educational content proved to be a strategic way to navigate YouTube’s restrictions while offering real value to viewers.
Age Restrictions
To increase the reach of his videos, Erick developed strategies to avoid age restrictions on YouTube. He shared practical tips such as avoiding smoking in the first few minutes of a video, using pen rips instead of joints, and not showing cannabis logos. These tactics helped his content remain accessible to a broader audience, highlighting the importance of understanding and adapting to platform policies.
Monetization and Growth: Turning Passion into Profession
First Brand Deal
A turning point in Erick’s career was landing his first paid brand deal while living in Texas. This deal was a significant milestone, marking the moment he realized the financial potential of content creation. The excitement of earning money from his passion was a powerful motivator, encouraging Erick to pursue content creation more seriously.
Valuing Content
Erick spoke candidly about the learning curve involved in understanding how to price brand deals and collaborations. Knowing one’s worth is crucial in the content creation industry, and Erick’s experiences highlight the importance of negotiation and self-valuation. He emphasized that content creators must learn to market themselves effectively to secure fair compensation for their work.
Full-Time Content Creation
The decision to pursue content creation full-time was not without risks. Erick saved a few months of expenses before taking the leap of faith, leaving behind traditional job security. The initial anxiety was soon replaced by the rewards of full-time content creation. Erick’s story is a testament to the potential of turning a passion into a viable career with careful planning and dedication.
Pine Park and Future Projects: Building a Cannabis Media Collective
Pine Park Introduction
Pine Park, a media collective and cannabis brand, represents Erick’s vision for a comprehensive cannabis content network. Founded by Optic, a prominent figure in the gaming community, Pine Park leverages successful content creation models to build a robust cannabis brand. The collective focuses on creating engaging content, selling cannabis products, and merchandise.
Expansion Plans
Pine Park is rapidly expanding to states like Florida, Michigan, and Oklahoma. Erick discussed the strategy of collaborating with established local growers to ensure quality products. This expansion reflects Pine Park’s commitment to becoming a national presence in the cannabis industry, offering high-quality products and content across multiple states.
Content Strategy
Pine Park aims to be a comprehensive network for cannabis content, including podcasts, cooking shows, and vlogs. By diversifying their offerings, Pine Park engages a broader audience and provides multiple entry points for new viewers. This strategy positions Pine Park as a leader in cannabis content, blending entertainment, education, and product promotion seamlessly.
Advice for New Content Creators: Practical Tips and Insights
Avoiding Age Restrictions
For aspiring content creators, Erick offers practical advice on avoiding age restrictions. He suggests not showing smoking in the first few minutes, using pen rips instead of joints, and avoiding direct display of cannabis products. These strategies help maintain video accessibility and reach a wider audience, crucial for growth on platforms like YouTube.
Consistency and Niche
Erick emphasizes the importance of finding a niche and being consistent with uploads. Building a dedicated audience requires persistence and continuous experimentation to see what works. Erick’s journey illustrates that success often comes from sticking to a specific niche and consistently delivering content that resonates with that audience.
Personal Insights and Experiences: Balancing Life and Career
Balancing College and Content Creation
Balancing college and content creation was one of Erick’s early challenges. He managed both for a while until a pivotal moment led him to choose content creation full-time. Erick shares a story about missing a final exam due to a content opportunity, which ultimately influenced his decision to fully commit to his passion. This decision marked a significant turning point in his career.
Family Reactions
Initially, Erick’s family was skeptical about his career in cannabis content creation, especially given the legality issues in Texas. However, as they saw his success and understood the potential of his career, they became more supportive. Erick’s story highlights the importance of perseverance and proving the viability of unconventional career paths to skeptical loved ones.
Moving to California
The move to California was crucial for Erick’s content creation journey. California’s legal environment for cannabis provided more opportunities for collaboration and growth. This move allowed Erick to produce more diverse and engaging content, ultimately contributing to his success. The decision to relocate underscores the importance of being in an environment conducive to one’s career goals.
Pine Park House: A Content Creation Hub
Content Creation Hub
Plans for the Pine Park house include dedicated rooms for filming, podcasts, and cooking shows. Erick envisions it as a content powerhouse where creators can collaborate and produce high-quality content. The Pine Park house aims to be a central hub for cannabis content, fostering creativity and collaboration among content creators.
Advice on Neighbors
Erin and Derek share their experiences about the importance of getting along with neighbors to avoid issues with noise complaints. They suggest introducing themselves to neighbors and building a positive relationship early on. This advice is particularly relevant for content houses, where frequent filming and events can potentially disturb the neighborhood.
Looking Ahead
Future Collaborations
Erick expresses excitement for future projects and collaborations within the cannabis industry. He highlights the potential of Pine Park and its vision for becoming a leading cannabis content network. Erick’s enthusiasm for future collaborations reflects his commitment to continuous growth and innovation in the cannabis content space.
Encouragement to New Creators
Erick encourages new creators to pursue their passion, stay consistent, and find their niche. He emphasizes the importance of genuine engagement with the audience, highlighting that building a dedicated community requires authenticity and persistence. Erick’s journey serves as an inspiration for aspiring content creators, demonstrating that success is achievable with dedication and strategic planning.
Closing Remarks
The hosts thank Erick for joining and sharing his experiences. They express excitement for future collaborations and projects, looking forward to more engaging content from both the High Rise Podcast and Erick Khan. The hosts encourage listeners to subscribe, follow, and stay tuned for more content, reinforcing the importance of community and continuous support.
Final Thoughts
Erick Khan’s journey in cannabis content creation is a testament to the power of passion, persistence, and strategic planning. From navigating YouTube’s policies to building a media collective, Erick’s experiences offer valuable insights for aspiring content creators. His story highlights the importance of finding a niche, staying consistent, and continuously evolving to meet audience needs. As Erick and Pine Park continue to innovate and expand, their journey serves as an inspiring example of what’s possible in the dynamic world of cannabis content creation.
