Cannabis Industry Power Players

Matt has been CEO of Contract Pharmacal Corp for 20 years, one of the largest and oldest manufacturers of supplements and drugs in the USA. Under Matt’s leadership, CPC’s annual revenue has grown from $50 million to over $250 million. Matt brings vast experience in manufacturing, packaging, drug development, nutraceutical compliance, retail pharmacy, analytical testing, regulatory affairs, corporate development, FDA, DEA, and cannabis.

Where do you see the cannabis industry in New York State in five years?
New York will be one of the largest and safest global cannabis markets – supported by trusted third party testing and R&D organizations like Botannis Labs.

What attracted you to the cannabis industry?
Our company has been testing, developing and manufacturing herbal supplements for 50 years. Cannabis is a natural extension.

Tell us one fun fact about cannabis!
It grows like a weed.

Cannabis has clear value to people’s health. Tell us your favorite way to stay healthy and fit.
Daily morning workout with light weights that I can do anywhere.

Tremaine Wright is a native of Brooklyn, New York, who is committed to preserving the rich legacy of her community and building a strong foundation for the future. She served on her local community board for 14 years, organized a merchant’s association, owned and operated a coffee shop, was elected to and served as a member of the New York State Assembly, and then served as the first director of the NYS Statewide Office of Financial Inclusion and Empowerment. Her career has been dedicated to empowering and creating opportunities for neighbors and community.

Where do you see the cannabis industry in New York State in five years?
Our task is to construct an ecosystem where all aspects of the market are aligned and working together. When we are successful in our work, we will have built an equitable industry where we aren’t just delivering licenses to those from the communities most harmed by disproportionate policing, but have also constructed a full, supportive industry where their businesses can grow and thrive. In five years, I see a robust, thriving industry with partnerships across the private sector where we’re providing resources and support to deliver long-term success that grows generational wealth.

What attracted you to the cannabis industry?
Empowering New Yorkers and creating opportunities has always been at the center of my career – whether I was starting a small business in my community, representing my neighbors as a member of the New York State Assembly, or working to build a more inclusive banking and finance system. We are going to lead the nation in building an equitable, new cannabis industry here in New York that’s centered on delivering opportunity to the communities hardest hit by disproportionate policing during the prohibition era. That’s what I saw in the opportunity when the Governor asked me to assume the role of Cannabis Control Board Chair, and why I took it. For me, it’s a natural step in the career I’ve been building.

Tell us one fun fact about cannabis!
Like most plants, you can eat it raw. You won’t get high but you get the medicinal benefits.

Cannabis has clear value to people’s health. Tell us your favorite way to stay healthy and fit.
I’ve been roller skating this year, but I am still committed to Bikram yoga.

Tiffany Yarde is a wine specialist, tasting event producer and recovering B2B marketing and sales executive from the energy, infrastructure, and securities litigation space. She is the co-founder of SHOKi Bev, an award-winning Afro-Caribbean cannabis and beverage brand operating in New York and California. Tiffany’s mission is to be of service to this nascent industry and to hold space for others looking to embark on the journey. She creates brands that bend the lines of division in our global communities through wine, spirits, quality food, and stellar cannabis.

Where do you see the cannabis industry in New York State in five years?
In five years, New York will be a cannabis mecca infused with multi-cultural influences, tastes, preferences, and product innovations.

What attracted you to the cannabis industry?
I was attracted to this industry because of my overseas exposure to the joys and power of plant medicine and cannabis’ remarkable ability to both excite and support the healing of human experiences.

Tell us one fun fact about cannabis!
Terpenes and flavonoids are unsung heroes of the plant’s total benefit. Learn about them as you discover what works best for you! “Northern Lights” from New Jersey versus from New York may feel different because of the terpene profiles, even though they are the same plant.

Cannabis has clear value to people’s health. Tell us your favorite way to stay healthy and fit.
Cannabis is a wonderful defense against inflammation, so topicals are my daily go-to for post-workout recovery. Of course, evening cocktails infused with SHOKi after a long day of calls are also a regular part of my self-care routine.

Tuatara Capital is a private equity firm focused exclusively on promoting the continuing development of the cannabis industry. As founding partner and chairman of the company, Mark Zittman applies his 30+ years of financial experience to guide fundraising efforts and deal generation. Mr. Zittman previously worked as a senior managing director at Guggenheim Partners Capital Markets Group and Greenwich Capital before founding Tuatara in 2014.