2023 Cannabis Industry Power Players

Jason is the co-leader of Barclay Damon LLP’s cannabis team. He primarily concentrates his practice on the nuanced processes of structuring, licensing, and maintaining compliant cannabis businesses at the federal, state, and local levels. He also loves solving complex tax and regulatory problems. Jason is the chair of the Policy Committee for the Cannabis Association of New York and the chair of the Tax Committee for the NYS Bar Association Cannabis Law Section.

Do you think there is a stigma around working in the cannabis industry and if so how do you work to overcome it?
As cannabis has become more available and as markets have matured, I haven’t experienced much stigma working in the cannabis industry, particularly as a service provider. In fact, the industry now attracts a lot of people who find it fascinating and exciting. As markets mature, hopefully more people who have been impacted by cannabis prohibition can benefit from the normalization of the cannabis industry.

How can the cannabis industry work with health care and academic professionals to educate consumers about the benefits and risks of cannabis use?
The cannabis industry can work with health care and academic professionals to educate consumers about the benefits and risks of cannabis use by advocating for and providing funding and resources to study cannabis and its benefits and risks. As long as cannabis remains a Schedule I substance, industry stakeholders will need to create avenues to research the benefits of cannabis so professionals can provide the best advice and guidance.

Where do you see the cannabis industry in New York 10 years from now?
Because of the mandates in the MRTA, New York will create a lot of successful small and midsize businesses and social equity owners. This approach should lead to a robust ecosystem that can create generational wealth for participants, particularly those from communities impacted by cannabis prohibition, as well as thousands of new jobs, and innovations in the cannabis industry.

Ben Kovler, founder, CEO and chairman of Green Thumb Industries, boasts 15 years of experience managing and investing in highly regulated and technical industries. Before starting Green Thumb in 2014, Kovler worked in private equity, honing his skills in building CPG brands and streamlining supply chain operations within the F&B sector. Green Thumb is now a leading national cannabis company, operating in 15 markets with a portfolio of brands, including Rythm, Dogwalkers, incredibles and Beboe.

Benjamin Kraim is the founder and CEO of Dumpling House Media and WeedFeed. His expertise ranges from digital media and brand development to content strategy and production. After 10 years designing and distributing products in partnership with studios such as WB, Cartoon Network and HBO, Ben made a professional shift and started Dumpling House Media. Ben studied digital media and international business in New York City, Shanghai and Costa Rica.

With 25+ years of experience in healthcare, Joann brings invaluable expertise to the cannabis industry. As CEO of Ravens View Genetics, her focus on positive corporate culture allows her to nurture her team and promote sustainable, ethical practices. As chairwoman of the CANY Cultivation Committee, Joann is actively involved with advocating for the best interests of cultivators. Joann’s passion for innovation and respect for regulation are driving forces behind RVG’s success in the evolving industry.

Do you think there is a stigma around working in the cannabis industry and if so how do you work to overcome it?
We must prioritize raising awareness and providing accurate information to combat misinformation and socioeconomic bias. We need to acknowledge the history of prohibition while promoting the medical benefits of cannabis through further research. Proper regulation is also essential for ensuring ethical practices and transparency across the industry. By working towards these goals, we can create a more informed and accepting society that values the potential benefits of cannabis.

How can the cannabis industry work with health care and academic professionals to educate consumers about the benefits and risks of cannabis use?
I strongly advocate for more research to determine the most effective medicinal and holistic uses of the plant, and for clear and accurate communication to the public. Educating consumers about the importance of choosing products that focus on the whole plant profile rather than the THC content is critical to driving conscientious cultivation practices as well as responsible and effective use. RVG is committed to establishing a medical advisory board to inform this educational mission.

Where do you see the cannabis industry in New York 10 years from now?
Currently, over a third of adults in NYC reportedly use cannabis, indicating significant potential for growth. It’s our goal to potentiate collaboration between businesses and regulatory entities across all sectors to create more job opportunities and drive economic growth throughout the state, particularly within disproportionately affected communities. I also envision a time when cannabis will be used regularly as a safe and highly effective substitute for opioids and other potentially addictive and harmful pharmaceuticals. 

Over seven years ago, Mitch co-founded Feuerstein Kulick LLP (FK), the first cannabis law firm established in New York City.  Prior to co-founding FK, Mitch was the General Counsel of Steep Hill Labs, Inc. (Oakland), the country’s first commercial testing lab.  Currently, Mitch’s practice is primarily focused on advising AUCC’s, AUCP’s, and CAURD’s (and investors) with respect to licensing and compliance, capital formation, and getting client’s businesses operational and the program off the ground.

Do you think there is a stigma around working in the cannabis industry and if so how do you work to overcome it?
Since starting FK in 2016, the public opinion of cannabis has significantly improved. Certain former colleagues thought we were crazy and that we would wind up in jail for representing industry stakeholders and operators.  Instead, we have built a full-service cannabis law firm that has attracted Big Law attorneys looking to be involved in this once-in-a-lifetime movement. When you are doing what you love and what you believe to be right, stigmas don’t matter.

How can the cannabis industry work with health care and academic professionals to educate consumers about the benefits and risks of cannabis use?
Education is the key, whether it is through workshops, conferences, or webinars. I started in the industry at a quality assurance testing lab because I believe the key to a successful legal program is testing which provides valuable information to educate consumers and medical providers as to exactly what they are buying, consuming, and/or recommending. This is a key difference between the legal and illicit market: transparency, accuracy, and safety versus roulette.

Where do you see the cannabis industry in New York 10 years from now?
I’m not sure what the cannabis industry in NY will look like next year, but I think in 10 years it will look a lot like the alcohol industry. I believe that NY is going to have a robust consumption lounge scene and that infused beverages will be a major form factor.  Perhaps we will even be able to have a joint in one hand and an alcoholic beverage in the other – aka “Saturday Night.”

Jonathan Lasser currently serves as CEO of Hepworth Pura, a joint venture partnership between Hepworth Ag and Pura Industries LLC. Mr. Lasser is the founder of Pura Industries LLC and currently serves as CEO. Mr. Lasser is a seasoned expert in organic land management and the commercial operation of sustainable outdoor and mixed light cultivation with a focus on original heritage strains alongside the newest, best-in-class genetics available.

Jeffrey Garcia and Rolando Lantigua are the co-founders of the Latino Cannabis Association. The Latino Cannabis Association strives to empower social equity applicants to participate in the cannabis market, stay operational and become profitable by filling the gap between the policy vision of the MRTA and the realities of the regulated industry. The Latino Cannabis association is made up of highly competitive licensee applicants for New York’s adult-use cannabis industry, including established entrepreneurs within the Latino community and legacy operators.

Nikki Lawley is a leading voice in the medical cannabis community as an advocate for invisible illness. Nikki went from being a nurse, to a patient, to a patient advocate. Her journey in cannabis is changing hearts, minds and lives. Nikki suffered a traumatic brain injury while working as a nurse which changed her life in a second. She credits cannabis as saving her life.

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 and the harm of the War on Drugs is real. People are so afraid of being judged about admitting any association with cannabis. I was afraid to come out about my use initially as cannabis was not taught in nursing school. When I shared medicating with cannabis with doctors I was told it wasn’t medicine and I was just drug seeking.

How can the cannabis industry work with health care and academic professionals to educate consumers about the benefits and risks of cannabis use?
We need to talk about it. We need to shamelessly share our stories and the success of cannabis as medicine for so many conditions. The health care community must recognize cannabis is medicine. We must educate providers in a way they understand and recognize the harms of not allowing conversations about cannabis use.

Where do you see the cannabis industry in New York 10 years from now?
Cannabis in New York will blossom in every way, if those in political and influential positions recognize leaders in the space and actually learn from those that use cannabis as medicine. We need to work together to ensure the correct message is communicated to the masses.  Cannabis can be used for so many things to help us improve our quality of life. 

Ruben Lindo is the founder and CEO of Blak Mar Farms, a minority-owned and operated cannabis cultivation operation, and Herbn Couture, a luxury cannabis events company, and Phoenix Nutraceutical, a CBD company. As one of the first successful Black CEOs in the cannabis space, Lindo strives to create opportunities for those impacted by systemic racism. Lindo holds an MBA from NYU Stern School of Business and a B.S. in biology from University at Buffalo.

Do you think there is a stigma around working in the cannabis industry and if so how do you work to overcome it?
Yes, there is still a stigma around working in the cannabis industry. The only way to overcome the stigma is through education and persistence. We need to show those who doubt this industry that it is a viable industry and has a social and economic impact globally.

How can the cannabis industry work with health care and academic professionals to educate consumers about the benefits and risks of cannabis use?
It starts with the cannabis industry being willing to provide data to health care and educational institutions. The data from the cannabis industry will allow the institutions to gather enough information to establish research and create dialog that shows the efficacy of the plant.

Where do you see the cannabis industry in New York 10 years from now?
The New York cannabis industry 10 years from now will look very different than it did at its inception. In 10 years, we may have federal legalization which will minimize the ability for small businesses to thrive. The landscape of cannabis will most likely flat line and look a lot like big tobacco and alcohol. There will be a few large players dominating the market and everyone else trying to find their way in the industry.

Kristina Lopez Adduci is an entrepreneur, speaker, art collector, and curator. She’s the founder and CEO of House of Puff, a Latina-led and women-owned cannabis company based in New York City and available nationwide. House of Puff is revolutionizing cannabis consumption with a mission to make it chic, effortless, and inclusive.