2023 Cannabis Industry Power Players

Mack serves as the president of Ayrloom and licensed entity Gen V Labs, LLC, located in Lafayette, NY. In August 2022, New York State awarded Gen V Labs one of the first cannabis processing licenses in the state. They currently cultivate, extract, manufacture and distribute THC-infused edibles, beverages, and vape products both under the Ayrloom brand and for contract customers. Mack also serves as the CFO of Beak & Skiff Apple Farms.

Do you think there is a stigma around working in the cannabis industry and if so how do you work to overcome it?
Unfortunately, the stigma around working cannabis still exists. However, we are fortunate enough to be affiliated with a 100-year-old, 5th generation, NY-owned and operated company, Beak & Skiff Apple Farms, to help educate customers and normalize this new industry.  In addition, our focus on THC-infused edibles and beverages allows first-time consumers to experience cannabis in more socially acceptable and session-able formats.

Where do you see the cannabis industry in New York 10 years from now?
I hope that we see the NY cannabis industry flourish and mirror the craft beer, wine, and spirits industry in here NY. An industry that focuses on small and medium-sized businesses with regulations that promote agrotourism destinations that allow customers to experience the seed-to-sip model we’re accustomed to with our farm breweries and wineries.

Jordan heads Marino’s industry leading cannabis strategic communications practice. A former advisor to the New York State Senate and the New York State Governor’s office, he has led award-winning strategic communications programs for a broad spectrum of clients up and down the cannabis supply chain. He is a regular contributor in various cannabis and policy media outlets offering public relations insights.

Do you think there is a stigma around working in the cannabis industry and if so how do you work to overcome it?
As a longtime cannabis advocate and enthusiast, I have always believed that the only way to overcome the stigma is to normalize cannabis both in terms of its usage and as a profession. We are making progress on both accounts, but have a long way to go. As a result, I continue to focus my efforts on educating New Yorkers about the utility of cannabis as a tool for wellness.

How can the cannabis industry work with health care and academic professionals to educate consumers about the benefits and risks of cannabis use?
It’s critical that the cannabis industry work to break down stigmas and educate the public about the reality of the cannabis plant. The industry, along with state and local governments, need to invest in massive education efforts in order to inform consumers about the  benefits of cannabis. Right now we need to focus on tackling the existential crisis facing that industry that is posed by the illicit cannabis shops.

Where do you see the cannabis industry in New York 10 years from now?
In 10 years, New York will have developed and launched at least five nationally known cannabis brands and will be the leading destination for cannabis consumption lounges.

Craig M. Johnson is the founder and chief executive officer of Long Point Advisors. He is regarded as an insightful leader and trusted counselor to individuals and businesses as they navigate the New York State government ecosystem. Craig has earned a reputation for being a skilled negotiator, accomplished lobbyist, seasoned political strategist, and savvy business evaluator who possesses a track record of accomplishments and success for his clients at various levels of government. 

Do you think there is a stigma around working in the cannabis industry and if so how do you work to overcome it?
The stigma of working in cannabis has lessened over the past several years, particularly due to the support at the highest levels of government and business. That should not be the concern. Instead, business owners and their investors who cannot achieve financial success in the industry will be attached to the stigma of being involved in a failing industry, which could be more damaging to their future financial opportunities. 

Where do you see the cannabis industry in New York 10 years from now?
If I have learned one thing from past work as a state senator and my current work as a lobbyist, it is never to make predictions about the future. I will say that while the past two years have been a challenge for cannabis in the state, I never bet against the dedication or zeal of those New Yorkers who are dedicating their lives to making it in this industry.

Jalen is a father of four, husband, and cannabis technology professional who specializes in supporting budding entrepreneurs as they enter the cannabis industry. For the past 18 months, Jalen has been fully dedicated to the New York market and empowering the initial subset of CAURD licensees. Having worked in more mature cannabis markets, he’s able to bring a unique perspective and understanding of the hurdles that these first-time operators will endure along their journey.

Do you think there is a stigma around working in the cannabis industry and if so how do you work to overcome it?
Definitely! I can look back to the faces my family made when I told them I was transitioning to cannabis – “oh great, you’re a drug dealer now.” Personally, I like to lean into the stigma as much as possible and be an example of a high functioning stoner. A ton of the stigma is fueled by how we speak about consumption and our relationship with the plant, but our actions will always speak the loudest!     

How can the cannabis industry work with health care and academic professionals to educate consumers about the benefits and risks of cannabis use?
As consumers and patients we all deserve safe and easy access to cannabis. My biggest hope is that we’ll see validation on the horizon as it pertains to the healing properties of this glorious plant. With the more recent shift to focusing on the terpenes within a strain, we can really move to a point of more intentional use when consuming cannabis. This will create healthier relationships with cannabis consumption.  

Where do you see the cannabis industry in New York 10 years from now?
The New York market will be one of the seven wonders of the cannabis world. We will see upwards of 1,000 licensed retail dispensaries and a healthy supply chain that has birthed some of the strongest cannabis brands. I have the pleasure of engaging with most of the early operators that are building out the market, and there is a ton of innovation that is being brought to market very soon.

Boris Jordan is founder and managing partner of Measure 8 Venture Partners, an investment firm committed to the developing cannabis industry. Mr. Jordan has a long history of supporting emerging industries, experience that will prove invaluable to the cannabis businesses and entrepreneurs of New York. In addition to his role at Measure 8, Mr. Jordan also serves as the executive chairman of the board for Curaleaf, one of the largest cannabis companies in the nation.

Kristin Jordan is the CEO of Park Jordan, a commercial real estate brokerage and advisory services firm serving the cannabis industry. She is the founder and CEO of Mannada, a NYC-based cannabis professional event production company which produces The Maze Calendar, a weekly cannabis event listing newsletter, and the founder of the Asian Cannabis Roundtable. Most recently, Kristin joined LIM College as an adjunct professor, teaching undergrad and graduate regulatory cannabis compliance courses.

Do you think there is a stigma around working in the cannabis industry and if so how do you work to overcome it?
Open and honest discussions about cannabis consumption are important to my personal and professional journey. I try to normalize cannabis as part of a daily regime like taking vitamins or wearing eyeglasses. 

How can the cannabis industry work with health care and academic professionals to educate consumers about the benefits and risks of cannabis use?
It is incumbent on fellow educators and industry professionals to disseminate information rooted in facts, data, and science. To do so, we must eliminate the regulatory and compliance barriers that restrict access to cannabis products consumers are actually using so that research can inform the policy makers and healthcare providers.

Where do you see the cannabis industry in New York 10 years from now?
My hope is that the goals of the MRTA will be realized: an efficient supply chain comprised of small, diversely-owned and operated businesses supporting communities most affected by cannabis prohibition through tax revenues. I am also looking forward to seeing NY’s hospitality, tourism and fitness industries explore onsite consumption license opportunities. 

Elizabeth Kase is co-chair of RMF’s Cannabis Law practice group. She counsels clients seeking licensure in the emerging adult-use cannabis space pursuant to NY’s Marijuana Regulation and Taxation Act. Elizabeth guided entrepreneurs, businesses, and social equity applicants seeking to navigate NY’s ever-changing regulatory landscape. Elizabeth began her career as assistant district attorney in New York County and defended clients in complex federal and state criminal matters for more than twenty years.

Do you think there is a stigma around working in the cannabis industry and if so how do you work to overcome it?
I have never felt a stigma working in the cannabis industry. Rather, my work and interest in cannabis law is met with fascination, intrigue and abundant support by my colleagues, clients and the general public. As an attorney, I am able to translate the laws for those less well-versed in jargon and also assist entrepreneurs find a pathway to advance high-stakes business interests in a budding field.

How can the cannabis industry work with health care and academic professionals to educate consumers about the benefits and risks of cannabis use?
Since 2014, I have worked with medical professionals, hospitals, nursing homes, and patients within the cannabis space. Medical professionals are risk adverse by nature and the lack of federal regulation surrounding medicinal cannabis leaves many physicians apprehensive to introduce this treatment modality. New York must initiate and encourage advanced research to foster doctor-patient participation.

Where do you see the cannabis industry in New York 10 years from now?
That’s a tricky question and the answer depends upon federal action. Should the feds decline to legalize or decriminalize cannabis, NY will continue to have a small business cannabis economy. As a demand-driven state NY will not generate enough product for licensed dispensaries. If the feds act and create interstate commercial opportunities, the NY marketplace will be driven by larger MSO’s with imported products from states that have over-supply (such as CA).

Neil Kaufman is the managing member of Kaufman McGowan PLLC, Corporate & Securities Counsel to the Cannabis Industry™ and the leading corporate cannabis law firm in New York. He represents cannabis companies, investors and investment banks in corporate, securities, financing, acquisition and contract matters and has participated in over $2 Billion of cannabis transactions. Additionally, Neil is audit committee chairman of two mutual fund families and chairman emeritus of the Long Island Capital Alliance.

Do you think there is a stigma around working in the cannabis industry and if so how do you work to overcome it?
No; only with some large banks.

How can the cannabis industry work with health care and academic professionals to educate consumers about the benefits and risks of cannabis use?
Much medical research has been done and is available, though due to legal restrictions little of it is at FDA clinical trial level. Federal law has recently been liberalized a bit so more research should be forthcoming.

Where do you see the cannabis industry in New York 10 years from now?
Dominated by the MSO ROs and a few brands owned by wealthy operators who can self-fund. The bulk of the equity licensees will have been wiped out or sold in distressed sales.

Nhi Kha is the co-founder and CEO of Sativa Remedy, a thriving hemp dispensary serving the Western New York community. Sativa Remedy offers consumers a curated selection of vetted and tested hemp cannabinoid products. Driven by her passion for teaching and serving the community, Nhi and her team provide expert-level education and guidance so consumers can better understand the plant and how to effectively utilize it for their unique health and wellness needs.

Do you think there is a stigma around working in the cannabis industry and if so how do you work to overcome it?
Unfortunately, even years after legalization, there are still false perceptions and stigma around working in the cannabis industry, largely due to many years of prohibition and criminalization of the cannabis plant. To overcome this stigma and normalize cannabis in the workplace, it’s vital to be rooted in education and advocacy.

How can the cannabis industry work with health care and academic professionals to educate consumers about the benefits and risks of cannabis use?
As the cannabis marketplace starts to take shape, it’s necessary for cannabis operators, stakeholders, and regulators to begin building bridges with health care and academic professionals. It’s vital that we begin to fill in the gap and elevate consumer knowledge of the cannabis plant. We can begin building these bridges through partnerships with community leaders and groups. Together we can ensure cannabis consumers are receiving the education needed to effectively and safely utilize the plant.

Where do you see the cannabis industry in New York 10 years from now?
In 10 years, I hope to see a thriving craft cannabis industry built on innovation, sustainability, inclusion, and diversity. I also hope that cannabis consumers will have better access to safe, quality cannabis that is accessible to all.

Kyle Kingsley, M.D, is the founder and chief executive officer of Vireo Health, a physician-founded, patient-focused company dedicated to providing best-in-class cannabis-based products and unrivaled care. Dr. Kingsley is a board-certified physician, serial entrepreneur, and inventor, who believes that cannabis-based products are a safer, less-addictive alternative to opioids, alcohol, and tobacco. Dr. Kingsley is focused on building the cannabis company of the future by bringing the best of medicine, engineering, and science to the cannabis industry.