Guests

Co-founders of The Hook Dispensaries in Watsonville and Capitola

President of Fitch Smash LLC

President and COO of Velvet

Owner of Holland Pharms

Author of Seed to Success

The Godfather of Weed

Writer and Producer of WeedWeek

Donnell grew up in Sandusky Ohio and moved to Sacramento California when he was 18. He always had a gift for writing and story-telling and used those skills to build a career in journalism. In his early years he covered local sports teams and then went on to write for all the major weekly publications from Chico to Orange County on topics important to California. After a stint at ESPN The Magazine he wrote a memoir called Ghetto Celebrity and contributed to TIME, KCRW & the Economic Hardship Reporting Project. He worked in Oregon on the Oregon Conversation Project, and went on to become co-host and eventually produce the WeedWeek podcast. Donnell presently writes the WeedWeek California newsletter.

PhD, Writer, Educator, Co-Founder of Mindful Cannabis Consulting 

Emily Earlenbaugh, PhD is a writer and educator focused on bringing scientifically backed cannabis education to the public. Emily regularly writes about cannabis science and culture for publications like Leafly, Cannabis Now Magazine, and SF Chronicle’s GreenState. In her spare time, she teaches mindfulness-based skills for working with emotions and educates cannabis users on the intricacies of cannabis’ many variables. Emily has a doctorate in the Philosophy of Science from UC Davis. Emily is also Co-Founder and Director of Education for Mindful Cannabis Consulting, where she teaches cannabis users how to find the options that work best for them – incorporating both scientific and mindfulness tools into her work.

President of Trilogia

In Spanish, Trilogía (TREE-low-HE-ah) means three stories. The three stories that are central to our brand are humans, nature, and cannabis. We believe that through cannabis experiences, it’s possible for people to feel more balanced with life. We understand that cannabis is still a taboo subject.  Because of this, we offer the highest-quality cannabis experiences as well as all-natural, holistic, plant-based healing that can deliver the promise of cannabis without using cannabinoids at all. We think this is an essential mission because there are so many preconceived notions around marijuana, CBD, THC, and the entire industry in general. Learn More About the Campaign: www.gofundme.com/masks-for-good

Deputy Director for  CA NORML

Ellen has been a pioneer and activist for marijuana in California since 1991, and now serves as Deputy Director for CA NORML. She began in Los Angeles where she helped plan quarterly rallies and volunteered for LA NORML, and has continued to work on improving the laws and rights that govern our industry.

CEO & Co-Founder of My Green Network

Inspired by tech incubators, Ken’s company offers expert guidance, essential business support, and access to an extensive network for cannabis start-ups. Ken is a seasoned entertainment and cannabis attorney with more than a decade of experience and leverages that expertise in the cannabis space. He has structured and obtained cannabis licenses in both Colorado and California, including navigating compliance and strategic planning. Through My Green Network, Ken aims to accelerate business growth and eliminate many of the headaches associated with building a cannabis business.

Founder of Cannabis for You & Me

Keiko created a Senior Workshop called Cannabis For You and Me: A Seniors Silver Lining, and another called CBD For You and Me.  She is a sought-after speaker on the topic of holistic health and travels all over the country to speak at conferences, as well as throughout California. Keiko is now a senior herself and she can relate to the changes a senior’s body is going through, from specific conditions like shingles and anxiety, to more common aches and pains. She focuses on making cannabis, better health, and well-being information easy to incorporate into a Senior’s daily life.

Senior Educator at Bud & Bloom

In addition to her work with Seniors, Kandice is an accomplished community leader, having founded the Orange County chapter of NORML in 2003. She continues to serve as the Executive Director holding monthly meetings, lobbying, speaking, and advocating. Kandice was named a High Times Freedom Fighter in 2012, and twice awarded one of Orange County’s 100 Most Influential People in 2014 and 2015. Kandice works with a wide range of events, expos, and conferences, and is keenly focused on The Medical Cannabis Conference for Seniors at Laguna Woods.

CEO of Jane Technologies 

As a former U.S. Army veteran and Apache helicopter commander, Socrates turned to cannabis to help re-acclimate to civilian life. Cannabis wasn’t legal at the time which forced him to rely on the black market with uncertain quality and access. That frustration led to the founding of Jane Technologies which is now in over 1300 dispensaries in 28 states.

CRO of Paywana

Victor is the Chief Revenue Officer for Paywana. Paywana provides self-ordering kiosks and software solutions to cash-intensive industries. Leveraging its SaaS platform and ecosystem, Paywana helps cash intensive businesses by reducing customer wait times, increasing average ticket spend, reducing operating expenses, and minimizing or altogether eliminating the handling of cash by store personnel.

CMO of Airfield Supply Co.

Chris Lane is the Chief Marketing Officer for Airfield Supply Company   — a vertically-integrated cannabis dispensary in San Jose, CA. As CMO, Chris leads brand strategy, activation and growth.

Co-Founder/COO and Public Affairs Director of March and Ash

March and Ash has established their dispensary chain as premier in every sense, from beautifully designed stores to knowledgeable concierge services. One distinct feature is their utmost commitment to education for not only their budtenders, but young business entrants eager to learn and who will one day be contributing to and leading the cannabis industry.

Founder and CEO of Airfield Supply Company

Marc Matulich is the founder and CEO of Airfield Supply Company — a vertically-integrated cannabis dispensary in San Jose, CA. Their humble beginning started in 2010 to serve the medical market and then a rebrand in 2015, to become Airfield Supply Co. which has grown into one of the highest-volume, single-site recreational cannabis dispensaries in the United States. Marc shares the long road and his steadfast vision.

Chief Communications Officer at Shryne Group

Daniel is an accomplished communications executive with more than two decades of experience. A former staff writer for the Los Angeles Times, Daniel has led communication departments at the Port of Long Beach and Edison International. He helped MedMen become one of the most recognized brands in the emerging industry.

Cannabis Social Media Consultant at Get Hybrid Social 

Amy has been a social media consultant for 15 years, while building a following as a stand-up comedian and radio DJ. As a social media expert, she understands the differences between various social networks, including online etiquette. In 2014 Amy began working with cannabis clients to focus on compliance and to help build cannabis brands online. She has written for several cannabis publications including reviews for Dope Magazine. Her clients range from local dispensaries to international brands.

Co-Founder of mood33

Before entering the ancillary cannabis space, Michael launched a tech startup as part of a mobile hospitality point-of-sale software team called Breadcrumb Pro, who went on to be acquired by Groupon. Michael managed key B2B client relationships in New York with some of the nation’s top hospitality management groups. He led the east coast hardware/software implementation from the first beta clients to over 2000 brick and mortar cafes, restaurants, bars and clubs in two years under the new Groupon business unit where he spent countless hours in some of New York’s best kitchens, bars and cafes. It is here that he was inspired by molecular gastronomists and decided to start brewing cannabinoid infused teas and cocktails using modern techniques.

Scientific Advisor at Cannalysis

Swetha Kaul provides scientific guidance for testing processes and protocols for Cannalysis who is an ISO/IEC accredited cannabis testing laboratory that seeks to empower customers through technology integrations, big data analytics and access to information. Swetha has an MS in Pharmacology and Toxicology and a PhD in Analytical Chemistry from the University of Kansas. Her experience working in the highly regulated pharmaceutical industry provides valuable insight into the rigorous scientific practices required for compliance.

Co-Founder and COO of Dope CFO

Naomi has over 12 years of experience in both public accounting and industry accounting as part of the former “Big 4” accounting corporations. She has managed large global teams responsible for planning, performing and managing audits of financial statements and internal controls over financial reporting. Naomi recognized a void in the cannabis industry and co-founded DOPE CFO in order to bring proper accounting and bookkeeping practices to cannabusinesses.

Founder and COO of MontKush

Anthony John “Sully” Sullivan is an English producer and pitchman and best known for his roles in TV commercials. He is the founder and CEO of the Sullivan Productions, Inc. which produces commercial spots for brands such as OxiClean, Nutrisystem, and Arm & Hammer. Life for Anthony and his family took an unexpected turn when his daughter was born with a rare genetic disorder. The medications she was prescribed were causing more harm than good, so he did what any loving father would do to help his daughter. He started growing CBD.

Co-Founder and CEO of Hippo Premium Packaging 

Kary has over 20-years of award-winning print and packaging experience and has worked with some of the top global brands. She launched Hippo Premium Packaging to bring a higher level of craftsmanship, professional-level packaging, and brand building expertise to the emerging cannabis industry. She has been named “Cannabis Industry Woman of the Year,” and has been a featured speaker at numerous industry events. Kary also has a regular column in MG Magazine and is a noted thought-leader on topics relating to cannabis business building.

Marketing Coordinator of Planet 13 

Brandon joined Planet 13 in September 2018 before the grand opening. He previously worked in marketing with the Las Vegas Golden Knights for their inaugural season and on their run to the Stanley Cup Finals. He is experienced in Facebook Marketing Strategy, Digital and Social Media Marketing, and he holds a Bachelor of Arts degree focused in Marketing from University of Nevada-Las Vegas. Planet 13 is nothing short of the premier cannabis destination in the world. Thousands of people visit their cannabis entertainment complex every day.

CMO of Bhang Corporation 

Samantha is an award-winning brand marketer who has held leadership positions at Treasury Wine Estates for the 19 Crimes labels, a campaign that won a Super Reggie and revolutionized the way we tell brand stories. Samantha has a proven track record growing global brands across multiple demographics and geographies. She is responsible for Bhang’s global brand strategy, positioning, innovations and expansion.

Retail Operations Manager at New Generation 

Chelsea Hawkesby is an industry veteran with 11 years of expertise. She was instrumental in helping to open the Santa Ana dispensary in 2016. She is continuing to expand and grow her management role and will soon be leading distribution and purchasing for their micro-business license across Santa Ana.

Co-Founder of Social Equity LA

The mission of the Social Equity LA Program is to help those who were negatively impacted by the failed war on drugs. The program supplies eligible applicants the opportunity to obtain a priority application. They also provide technical and business assistance in navigating the licensing process. 

Owner of Talking Tree Farms and Satori Wellness Retail Store

Talking Tree Farms is a sustainable focused brand that produces single source cannabis and cannabis products from their permitted farms in Humboldt County, CA on approx. 2 acres. Talking Trees cultivates using only organic methods and never using pesticides. Their farms grow using mostly rain catchment stored water and permitted wells, not draining water from our natural streams, creeks or rivers.

Co-Founder of Dosist

As a Co-Founder, Jeremy has a unique vision for the future of cannabis consumption. His brand, Dosist’s tagline is “Delivering Health & Happiness” and they have a special process that drives the success of their products.

CEO of Wayv

Keith McCarty got started in the cannabis industry in 2014 as founder and CEO of Ease, a delivery technology platform providing safe and convenient access to marijuana. He is now leading a new company WAYV, an automated, on-demand supply chain logistics platform serving California. The technology streamlines the traditional B2B process, including transport, sales, and payment through a one-stop website that integrates regulatory and compliance checks.

Director of Government Relations for WeCann and Lead Advocate and Lobbyist for SACA

Melahat is a unique bridge between cannabis and policy guidance and advocacy for the regulated market. She has been recognized by the California Democratic Party, California State Assembly, and US House of Representatives due to her political work in the cannabis industry.

CDFA- California Department of Food & Agriculture

The CDFA is responsible for licensing and regulating commercial cannabis cultivators in California. CalCannabis, a division of CDFA, manages the state’s track-and-trace system, which tracks all commercial cannabis and cannabis products—from cultivation to sale.

VP of Sales at 3C Farms

With over 15 years of experience in the cannabis industry, including budtender, sales representative, and regional representative, Waylon understands the inner workings of the industry. He is the Vice President of Sales at 3C Farms,  a craft cannabis cultivation company in Los Angeles. Along with Director of Operations for Coast to Coast – Los Angeles, a licensed dispensary located in the Arts District. Waylon wears many hats at 3C Farms and his inner circle often refers to him as “The General”.

Founder and Principal at Freedman Strategic Consulting

Alex offers strategic guidance to those seeking cannabis licensing or those who are struggling in some aspect of licensing. He was previously General Council for the Department of Cannabis Regulations and has worked on laws for a massive licensing process for the city of Los Angeles.

Owner of the Higher Path and President of the UCBA

Jerred’s background is diverse to say the least!  He’s an investor, an owner, an advocate, a policy maker, and a visionary, and his influence touches nearly every corner of the cannabis supply chain. His leadership is visible with the UCBA, a trade association in Los Angeles CA that represents licensed cannabis retail at the state and local levels.

CMO of Lucid Green

As CMO of Lucid Green, Marco Rullo empowers the consumer by providing trust and transparency to their cannabis purchase. Marco has over a dozen years of executive experience. With the past six years in the cannabis industry, Marco helps the Lucid Green brand manage their insights, social accountability, and more.

VP Strategic Development at Mindy’s Artisanal Edibles and Cresco Labs

Lisa builds and guides the strategy for Mindy’s Edibles and the future food and beverage products for Cresco Labs. She translates edibles through the eyes of award-winning chef, Mindy Segal, AKA the Mistress of Deliciousness!  Segal is the creative force behind Cresco Lab’s flagship edible line and it all started with chocolate (doesn’t everything good start with chocolate?)

President of LBCA and Founder of the Long Beach Green Room

Adam is a force in the Long Beach cannabis scene and lends his leadership to advancing cannabis as President of the LBCA. He is also the owner of Long Beach Green Room, The Station, and part of the Southern CA Connected dispensaries.

Owner of Delta 9 Dispensary & VP of UCBA

Javier is a consummate cannabis professional and leader!  He is the owner of Delta 9 THC retail store, an investor, an advocate, and he is involved in policy making for the state of California.  As a dispensary owner he sees first-hand how legislation affects business, and his policy work is helping to shape the rules for a more fair and prosperous industry.

Director of Strategy at Headset

Jocelyn, has had a 10-year career in app development for large enterprise companies and brings her strategic skill set to the cannabis industry. She focuses on retail adoption and bringing the retail space into the age of data. She is also involved in social equity Oakland, the Coachella Valley Cannabis Association, and she is the founder of Culture Committie to gather like-minded cannabis enthusiasts to nurture what is great about California cannabis.

CEO of Sweet Flower

Sweet Flower has two Los Angeles dispensaries, one in Studio City, one on Melrose, and two more opening soon in the Arts District and in Westwood. Tim’s group was the highest scoring applicant in Culver City. One of 6 winning applicants to receive licenses in Pasadena out of a field of 122. The Sweet Flower group is the largest independent cannabis retailer in Los Angeles.

Head of Compliance and Legal Government Affairs at Mammoth Distribution 

Wesley Hein works for Mammoth Distribution and they cover the entire state of California. Mammoth is one of the largest cannabis distribution companies and they carry well-known brands such as Heavy Hitters, Farm, Rad, Bae, Ash & Ember, Entire Health.

Executive VP & Director of Cultivation for Project Cannabis and 777

David Cali and Cameron Wald run the 22,000 feet of indoor cultivation in downtown Los Angeles called “Triple Seven”. They are known for their commitment to consistent well-crafted premium cannabis of many beloved and classic strains.

Head of Retail Operations at Genius Cannabis Boutique 

Dena Kleinrock focuses on packaging and products that provide both a luxury experience and yet meet a consumer’s practical needs. The newly opened Genius Cannabis Boutique is uniquely designed as part dispensary, part art gallery.

Chief Compliance Officer Born From Flora

Gary Seelhorst has 25+ years of experience in Life Sciences and has managed a variety of regulatory and compliance programs with Eli Lilly and Pfizer. He has expertise on the financial side including mergers & acquisitions, joint ventures, and strategic partnerships, and has also raised venture capital for startups. Gary sits on 7 different policy councils to help educate and guide the future of cannabis regulations.

COO Cresco Labs, CA Division

Alex manages the California division of Cresco, and oversees the cultivation, manufacturing, and premium brands. Cresco is one of the largest multi-state-operators in the US with a footprint in 12 states, 25 facilities, 35 dispensaries. Their brands include Well Being topicals, Mindy’s edibles, Remedi CBD, and Reserve premium flower.

Co-Founder & Health and Wellness Director for Kannabis Works Dispensary

Shelly is a dedicated and driven cannabis entrepreneur with 5+ years of cannabis experience, which ranges from Business Development, Investor, Product Specialist, Patient Support and Cannabis Coach utilizing product-knowledge guidance. She is deeply invested in medicinal research of cannabis with a focus on education and de-stigmatizing the plant.