Today we’d like to introduce you to Amber Langlois
Hi Amber, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start maybe you can share some of your backstory with our readers?
Originally from Seattle, I moved to Humboldt, California, in the fourth grade after my mom met my stepdad. It was a huge change, but it came with its own set of struggles. My mom was young—she had me and my sibling by the time she was 21—and to make ends meet, she worked nonstop. I spent a lot of my childhood with my grandparents because my mom was often working long hours to support us. Life wasn’t easy, and we lived paycheck to paycheck for as long as I can remember.
Things weren’t just tough financially; my relationship with my biological father was complicated. He struggled with severe mental illness, and growing up, I often felt like I was navigating life without the support many other kids had. It was hard, and it left me with a sense of abandonment. But I learned to keep going, and those tough experiences shaped me in ways I didn’t fully understand at the time.
Then, in a moment of unexpected opportunity, my parents became one of the first licensed distributors in California’s cannabis industry. My dad, with his background as a farmer, leaned on his network of friends, many of whom were farmers themselves. Together, they decided to take a chance and create a business. Cannatrust was born in our living room—literally. We spent countless late nights putting stickers on bags, getting the brand off the ground. It was scrappy, and it wasn’t glamorous, but it was ours. Over time, Cannatrust grew into a recognizable brand in over 500 shops, becoming a multi-million-dollar company.
Despite being immersed in the cannabis business, I knew I wanted to carve my own path. I wanted to explore my own identity outside of the family business. So, I decided to go to school and study supply chain management and sustainability. I wanted to learn how I could contribute in my own way, and I felt like pursuing a corporate career was the next step in discovering who I was.
Within my first two years in the corporate world, I was able to save my company over $10 million. I was even awarded Corporate Buyer of the Year, competing against huge companies like AT&T and American Airlines. It was a big moment for me. Not just professionally, but personally. It made me realize that my story, my past, my struggles—everything I went through—had equipped me with the tools to thrive in a space I never thought I’d be.
But, even with all the success, I realized I wasn’t truly happy in corporate life. The structure and rigidity didn’t align with who I am at my core. I’ve always loved being intertwined with people and nature, and that’s where my heart truly lies. So, I made a choice to leave corporate life behind and return to what I love. It was time to reconnect with my roots, my passions, and the world I felt most alive in.
Over the years, I’ve traveled to over 25 countries, lived in multiple states, and my friends like to joke that I’m the “woman of many faces and places,” always reinventing myself and creating a new life. I’ve learned the art of starting fresh and embracing change with open arms. My journey has been one of fluidity, always shifting and evolving as I grow, and I’ve learned to love the process of constantly starting anew.
Looking back on everything, it’s clear that my family’s journey shaped mine. From the early days of Cannatrust to my time in corporate, I’ve learned that success isn’t just about the destination—it’s about the path, the people you meet along the way, and how you grow from the struggles. Today, I stand proud of the work we’ve done, the growth I’ve experienced, and the woman I’ve become. It’s not a story of smooth roads or easy wins. It’s one of grit, hard work, and learning to believe in yourself no matter the odds.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
it definitely hasn’t been a smooth road. One of the hardest things I’ve had to face is breaking the generational cycle of poverty. I grew up in trailer homes, constantly moving from place to place. Money was always tight, and there was never a sense of financial stability. My mom worked multiple jobs to support us, but it was never enough. That constant stress about money and survival shaped so much of my childhood. I always knew I didn’t want to live like that forever, but it wasn’t easy to break free from that pattern.
I was also the first in my family to truly seek an education. Education wasn’t something that had been prioritized in my family, so I had to navigate that path on my own. There were times I felt lost and unsure if I was even capable of succeeding, especially when I didn’t have the resources or support others might have had. The pressure to prove that I could create a different life for myself was immense, and at times, it felt like I was fighting an uphill battle.
At 12, I was diagnosed with severe anxiety and depression. It was something that made everything feel even more challenging. I spent years in and out of doctors’ offices, trying to understand what was happening inside my own mind. My anxiety felt like a weight I couldn’t shake, and my perfectionism only made it worse. I pushed myself too hard, trying to meet impossible standards, and that constant pressure took a toll on me physically and emotionally. It was hard to focus on just being a kid when it felt like my mind was constantly at war with itself.
Growing up with a mentally ill parent added another layer of complexity. My dad’s mental illness created an unstable and chaotic environment. It was difficult to understand what was happening, and the unpredictability made me feel unsafe at times. There were moments where I had to grow up faster than I should have, dealing with things a child shouldn’t have to face.
Great, so let’s talk business. Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
At Cannatrust, we specialize in providing affordable, high-quality, sun-grown cannabis. Since 2015, we’ve been delivering cannabis you can trust, working closely with over 50 local family farmers here in Humboldt County. As a women-owned business run by my mom and sister, we’re incredibly proud of the legacy we’ve built. We believe in doing business the right way—creating products that are both premium and accessible while maintaining our commitment to the local community.
In an industry as challenging as cannabis, it’s not easy to survive, but we must be doing something right. We’re known for our dedication to quality and consistency. Our goal has always been to make sure that every product that leaves our farm or distribution center is something we can stand behind—affordable, sun-grown cannabis that our customers can rely on.
We work hard to support our local farmers, ensuring that they get the recognition and compensation they deserve for their hard work. As one of the first licensed distributors in California, Trusty Distro has grown into a trusted name, now serving over 500 dispensaries across the state.
We’re also incredibly proud of the people we employ—20 local residents in Humboldt who help make this all happen. By keeping our operations local, we’re able to contribute to the economy of our small community while creating jobs and supporting sustainable farming practices. Our business is built on the foundation of family, community, and a passion for cannabis.
What sets us apart from others is our authenticity. We’re not just a cannabis company—we’re part of the fabric of Humboldt County, where our story began. Whether it’s our commitment to supporting family farmers, delivering affordable products, or building a lasting legacy, we are truly a business built on values that matter.
When you choose Cannatrust, you’re choosing cannabis you can trust—quality products from a family that cares about the people they serve. We’ve been here since 2015, and we plan on sticking around for the long haul, passing this business down to our children and grandchildren. We’re proud of how far we’ve come, and we’re excited to continue to grow and serve our community for years to come.
Do you have recommendations for books, apps, blogs, etc?
many lives many masters (book), anything goes emma chamberlain
Contact Info:
- Website: https://trustydistro.com
- Instagram: @highemberlynn @lovecannatrust @buzzedcannabis @b.o.b.stash @trusty_distro
