2023 Cannabis Industry Power Players

Joe Lustberg is a leader in the fintech industry with extensive knowledge of financial products and the debt landscape. Joe’s experience and expertise is the main reason for his fast rise in the industry. His tenacious drive and deep network of relationships within the cannabis and lending industry have allowed for his success. He has been lending to the cannabis industry since 2014 and has a strong understanding of cannabis value and cannabis debt markets.  

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 definitely a stigma around working in cannabis. I would rather my employees smoke a joint after work than go out drinking. Hopefully, federal legalization will change the stigma around consuming cannabis and working in the cannabis industry. I am proud to work in the cannabis industry and love what I do, not many people can say that.   

How can the cannabis industry work with health care and academic professionals to educate consumers about the benefits and risks of cannabis use?
As a cannabis medical patient here in NY, education on the medical benefits of cannabis is a top priority. At Upwise, we educate through webinars and information on raising capital in cannabis   We already see cannabis professionals starting to teach cannabis classes at colleges in NY.  These classes teach students about different jobs and working in the cannabis industry.  We need more education, community involvement, cannabis lobbyists, and social responsibility from medical and academic professionals.

Where do you see the cannabis industry in New York 10 years from now?
I hope to see New York leading the cannabis industry in product innovation, genetics, ESG, and brand storytelling.  As a New Yorker born and raised in New York with a passion for cannabis, I will help shape and build the cannabis market in my home state. New York can be a leader in the cannabis landscape as it is in many other sectors as long as cannabis is accepted by more local municipalities. #LegalizeIt

Sean is the founder of Mottz Only, an adult-use dispensary license in Long Island. He’s co-founder and partner of Upwise Capital, a debt capital marketplace for the cannabis industry. Impacted by the war on drugs, Sean turned his passion into financing the industry in 2014. Upwise Capital’s platform connects cannabis operators with top lenders, facilitating transactions. Aiming to advance underwriting technology, they hope to hold value for major banks upon federal legalization.

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 around the cannabis industry is still present, but as legalization spreads across the country, it is becoming more normalized. To overcome the stigma, education and community involvement are essential. At Mottz Only, the focus is on educating communities and empowering them to drive impactful change. By serving individuals and organizations, we are committed to changing negative perceptions and promoting responsible use and ethical business practices.

How can the cannabis industry work with health care and academic professionals to educate consumers about the benefits and risks of cannabis use?
I feel the cannabis industry needs to collaborate in many ways with health care and academic professionals to help educate consumers about the benefits and risks of cannabis use. This can be achieved through research studies, funding clinical trials, educational materials, training sessions for healthcare professionals, support for regulation, and the development of educational programs. Working together, they can provide accurate information and promote responsible growing and use.

Where do you see the cannabis industry in New York 10 years from now?
New York has a lot of potential for growth and innovation in the coming years. I think the NY cannabis industry will influence the world when it comes to brands and retail. Projected as the 2nd largest US market by 2025, I’d expect it to be the largest in 10 years from now. Tourism and consumption levels provide further enhancement, the challenge lies in keeping the major corporations at bay.

Michael Marini, managing partner of Canna Business Resources, leads the company in its goal of providing a range of financial services to businesses entering the cannabis and CBD industry. After witnessing cannabis start-ups being taken advantage of by lenders, Mr. Marini understood the growing demand for a company that would prioritize client needs. The flexible services and client-centered approach of Canna Business Resources benefit individual businesses as well as the health of the cannabis industry in general.

After serving six years in prison as the ringleader of a multi-million dollar drug operation, Coss Marte founded CONBODY, a world-renowned fitness brand which employs formerly incarcerated individuals as instructors. With his latest venture, CONBUD –a Lower East Side dispensary also run and operated by justice-impacted individuals– Marte’s story of redemption, extraordinary hustle, entrepreneurship, and activism now comes full circle. 

Do you think there is a stigma around working in the cannabis industry and if so how do you work to overcome it?
The best way to create change –where stigma is involved– is to put a human face and name to an issue that challenges people’s preconceived notions and invites them to be a part of the solution. That’s what CONBUD is about.  We’re an opportunity for millions of cannabis consumers to come face to face with ex-convicts. You get premium cannabis. We get second chances. Society gets more accepting. We all rise together.

How can the cannabis industry work with health care and academic professionals to educate consumers about the benefits and risks of cannabis use?
Progress and legitimization begin with knowledge, and in today’s world, we can educate and empower consumers very quickly, and en masse, through social media. To that end, we’re actually in the process of developing a creative content series called CONed in collaboration with experts in health care, academia, cultivation, and cannabinoid science.    

Where do you see the cannabis industry in New York 10 years from now?
New Yorkers consume more cannabis than any other metropolis worldwide, and this will only increase with the improved access, innovation, and near overnight social acceptance that legalization affords. So, I think it’s safe to say that New York’s industry will be booming in 10 years. The real question is whether it will be the regulated industry that’s booming, and that’s a question for the State.

CONBUD COO and co-founder, Junior Martínez is a New York hospitality mogul, real estate entrepreneur, nightlife pioneer, and cigar aficionado.  As president of The Hoodspitality Group, he oversees Beatstro, Bronx Drafthouse, Bricks & Hops Beer Garden, and Bodega Social. In 2006, he founded NYC Rooms For Rent, an apartment sharing agency that has served over 100,000 clients. He is also the founder of Papa Juan Cigar Room, known for its celebrity clientele and premium blends. 

Do you think there is a stigma around working in the cannabis industry and if so how do you work to overcome it?
When doing the right thing is the collective priority, old stigma becomes taboo. We recently threw a party to celebrate being awarded our CONBUD license, and our dear friend Michael Blake took the mic and shared a powerful sentiment: “Ya’ll didn’t show up tonight for cannabis.  You showed up for justice.” 

Rosie is the founder of MATTIO Communications, the largest cannabis-focused marketing and public relations agency in North America. Since launching MATTIO as a one-woman PR firm in 2004, she has redefined conversations around the emerging industry by garnering global media coverage in mainstream publications for clients. Today, MATTIO offers a suite of services, including content, SEO, investor relations, event planning, social media strategy, growth marketing and influencer marketing, for cannabis companies at each growth stage.

Do you think there is a stigma around working in the cannabis industry and if so how do you work to overcome it?
There is a double standard for women when it comes to cannabis use, so it’s hard for women to feel confident to dive into this space. For me, the best way to overcome it is being honest with people outside of work circles about what I do. It also helps “weed” out people I probably wouldn’t want to associate with anyway. Talking about it normalizes it and opens the path for other women to follow.

How can the cannabis industry work with health care and academic professionals to educate consumers about the benefits and risks of cannabis use?
Cannabis brands are partnering with universities to teach the next generation of leaders. In fact, I’m on the board of directors at LIM College, which offers a Business of Cannabis degree. Companies also need to fund research studies, create awareness campaigns, and aid patient access to medical cannabis. Collaborating with academics and healthcare professionals helps guarantee consumers are well-informed about cannabis use, thereby ensuring responsible usage and promoting the overall health and wellness of society.

Where do you see the cannabis industry in New York 10 years from now?
We’re not 10 years into any adult-use market at this point, so that’s hard to say, but New York always does things on a grand scale. Cannabis has already been an important part of the culture here, so I’m looking forward to it coming out from the shadows. I think we’ll see mega-retailers (and luxury retailers) in New York, industry-leading brands and some of the hottest consumption venues in the country here within 10 years.

Sarah McCandless serves as EVP, chief financial officer of Suffolk Credit Union. She oversees the finance, accounting, collections, compliance and facilities departments. Sarah has led the development of cannabis banking for SCU. McCandless graduated from Boston College with a B.S. in accounting and is a Certified Public Accountant. McCandless serves on the BOD for Girl Scouts of Suffolk County and is chairperson of the Audit Committee for Sag Harbor School District.

Patrick McCarthy is managing director and has been lobbying and providing communications guidance to clients for 20 years. He’s worked on diverse client issues, from legalizing medical and adult-use cannabis, assisting not-for-profits, energy, technology, procurement, economic development, and health care. Prior to lobbying McCarthy had extensive experience in NYS politics and government working in the State Senate and the Pataki Administration. Patrick lives in Rensselaer, NY with his wife Erin, and has three children.

Do you think there is a stigma around working in the cannabis industry and if so how do you work to overcome it?
When my colleague Lisa Reid and I first started working on legalizing medical cannabis, it wasn’t taken seriously. We heard a lot of jokes, from being called the “Mary Jane Twins,” to parking the “Mystery Machine” from Scooby Doo. That changed as policy makers realized there was a smart regulatory structure to build a safe ecosystem, and hear stories of relief from pain and suffering from constituents. That also carried over to AU efforts.

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 gratifying to see higher ed embracing cannabis more openly. It wasn’t that long ago many administrators kept cannabis at arm’s length and were unwilling to offer classes. Many things need to happen to make sure cannabis thrives in New York. Having health care and colleges provide training and (eventually) research helps a great deal. UFCW has done a great job in advancing the cause. They saw career-making opportunities in cannabis from the beginning.

Where do you see the cannabis industry in New York 10 years from now?
Once the different cannabis voices recognize there’s more we agree than disagree on, there’s a better chance to grow, create jobs, and provide the best products in the country. How often does New York get to create an industry from the ground up? There are going to be growing pains. Once cannabis figures out how to work together, the sky is limitless. I’m excited to be part of the effort. It will be worth it. 

Gia Morón is president of Women Grow. Under her leadership, she formed significant partnerships with leading businesses, state agencies, higher education institutions, community organizations and event producers to create programs and resources for women-owned businesses. She currently sits on the board of Minorities for Medical Marijuana (M4MM), Advisory Board Member for the National Cannabis Roundtable (NCR), Cannabis World Congress Business Expo (CWCBExpo), and Borough of Manhattan Community College (BMCC) & Lehman College Cannabis Advisory Board.

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 is not as intense as it was a few years ago and I credit that to the education being shared in communities. While there is still more work to be done dismantling the stigma, we are slowly overcoming past harsh perspectives. People are beginning to understand the benefits of having a legal industry. As long as the education continues and we are consistent, I believe we will shift beliefs.

How can the cannabis industry work with health care and academic professionals to educate consumers about the benefits and risks of cannabis use?
We must have an accurate and unified approach in educating consumers. The key is working together in partnership. Creating an alliance of professionals from each sector will help dispel the myths around the stigmas and give further insight to its medicinal benefits. Consumers need to hear from professionals in all fields to have a more cohesive understanding about this plant.

Where do you see the cannabis industry in New York 10 years from now?
A decade from now we have students graduating with bachelor’s and master’s degrees in cannabis from CUNY and SUNY. This next generation of leaders will be our powerhouses in cannabis research, healthcare, canna-tech and more. Neighborhoods and people most harmed by the war on drugs will have the services and resources available to them as promised in the MRTA. New York will be a thriving market.

Brett Novey is the CEO of PharmaCann, one of the nation’s largest privately held, vertically integrated cannabis companies. He joined PharmaCann in 2016 and became CEO in 2019. Earlier in his career, Brett was the global head of financial planning and analysis for KCG Holdings, Inc. He also worked for KPMG and Arthur Andersen. Brett holds a BA in accounting and finance from Indiana University and an MBA from Northwestern’s Kellogg School of Management.

Do you think there is a stigma around working in the cannabis industry and if so how do you work to overcome it?
There is still a stigma but it’s decreased substantially over the past few years. When I came to PharmaCann in 2016, cannabis was not remotely in the mainstream media and certainly not a part of the national conversation. Things have changed a lot in the past seven years. Through education, widespread information, and advocacy efforts, we’re overcoming the stigma more and more each day. Cannabis is a CPG industry now, we’re out of the shadows. 

How can the cannabis industry work with health care and academic professionals to educate consumers about the benefits and risks of cannabis use?
The regulated legal medical marijuana program in New York requires a pharmacist to be on staff at every location. This ensures that patients are getting the right product for their needs and no contraindicated medication is taken.  Requirements like these–where education and healthcare professionals are part of the regulated cannabis ecosystem–are critical to ensure that patients and consumers are properly educated about cannabis and receive proper guidance to ensure safety and efficacy. 

Where do you see the cannabis industry in New York 10 years from now?
New York should be the second largest legal cannabis market in the world in the next 2-3 years and will be a top four market upon full legalization along with California, Texas and Florida.