Ruben Lindo – Blak Mark Farms

Ruben Lindo

Founder and CEO, Blak Mar Farms LLC

Ruben Lindo – Blak Mark Farms

Ruben Lindo is the founder of Blak Mar Farms, a minority-owned and -operated, multistate cultivation operation. He is also the CEO of Phoenix Nutraceutical (Aminatu CBD beauty, Blitz CBD sports recovery products) and president and CEO of Herbn Couture, a luxury cannabis events company. As one of the first successful Black CEOs in the cannabis space, Lindo is an experienced voice of reason and strong proponent for social equity, who strives to create opportunities for those impacted by systemic racism.

Where do you see the cannabis industry in New York State in five years?
I see the cannabis industry fully underway, with a thriving marketplace that has a carveout for New York culture and New York-centric products. New York will also have ownership that matches the diversity that makes up the world’s largest consumer marketplace.

What attracted you to the cannabis industry?
The opportunity to participate in a verging industry, as well as the unbelievable medicinal benefits from the plant for those seeking alternatives to traditional pharmaceuticals.

Tell us one fun fact about cannabis!
The first time I ever consumed cannabis was with Mike Tyson.

Cannabis has clear value to people’s health. Tell us your favorite way to stay healthy and fit.
I eat right, find time to exercise, and consume cannabis for mental clarity.

Patricia Lynch

Owner and Founder, Patricia Lynch Associates Inc.

Patricia Lynch is the founder and owner of Patricia Lynch Associates, Inc. One of the few woman-owned lobbying firms, PLA/NY began as a two person start-up in Albany some 21 years ago. While the primary focus is still New York, the company has grown into a multinational organization representing iconic corporations in the entertainment, renewable energy, crypto, real estate, cannabis, sports, and healthcare industries. She has received numerous awards over the years.

Where do you see the cannabis industry in New York State in five years?
I see a very stable, robust industry that diversifies into a multitude of products, an industry that learns from the mistakes of other regions with taxes and regulation. New York will become the premiere region for cannabis in the United States.

What attracted you to the cannabis industry?
The ability to make a difference with social equity measures.

Cannabis has clear value to people’s health. Tell us your favorite way to stay healthy and fit.
Lean toward a vegan diet, swimming, and a personal trainer.

Michael Marini

Founding Partner, Canna Business Resources

Managing Partner Michael Marini leads Canna Business Resources 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.

Rosie Mattio – MATTIO Communications

Rosie Mattio

Founder and CEO, MATTIO Communications

Rosie Mattio – MATTIO Communications

Rosie is the founder of MATTIO Communications, the preeminent cannabis marketing agency representing over 60 clients in the industry. She helped usher in the New Cannabis Age, garnering global media coverage in mainstream publications, including the first cannabis article ever published in Oprah Magazine. Over the past year, her NY firm has grown alongside the industry, adding marketing and communications services for clients, including content, SEO, investor relations, event planning and influencer marketing. Rosie is considered a market-maker in the world of cannabis.

Where do you see the cannabis industry in New York State in five years?
New York’s cannabis industry will be huge and possibly one of the most diverse markets globally. It’s the fashion, media, arts, and financial capital of the world and its cannabis culture will reflect that.

What attracted you to the cannabis industry?
While living in Seattle when adult-use cannabis was legalized, I realized emerging cannabis brands could use my experience and skillset to meet their specific marketing needs and challenges.

Tell us one fun fact about cannabis!
You may think cannabis just comes in a few forms like flower, vapes, and gummies. But – spoiler alert – you can even find infused mac and cheese. I highly recommend it (pun intended).

Cannabis has clear value to people’s health. Tell us your favorite way to stay healthy and fit.
I’m a marathoner and avid biker, and recently finished my first bodybuilding competition – all while being a cannabis consumer and advocate. Cannabis is integral to my fitness and wellness routine.

Patrick McCarthy – Mercury

Patrick McCarthy

Managing Director, Mercury LLC

Patrick McCarthy – Mercury

Patrick McCarthy has lobbied cannabis and cannabis-related issues for 15 years, and played an instrumental role in establishing New York’s medical cannabis program. He’s been a lobbyist for almost 20 years, representing a diverse client list from sports betting and not-for-profits to energy and technology. Patrick also directs earned media efforts and communications strategy on behalf of his clients. He lives in the town of East Greenbush, New York, with his wife Erin and his three children.

Where do you see New York’s cannabis industry in five years?
New York’s cannabis industry will have a very deliberate start, but in five years it will be a model for stability and innovation. The marriage of smart policy, social equity, and industry leaders will make it a success story. 

What attracted you to the cannabis industry?
How many times do you get to start an entirely new industry? Cannabis can help people relieve pain, creates good-paying union jobs, and helps correct long-standing societal inequities. Who wouldn’t be attracted to that?   

Tell us one fun fact about cannabis!
The fun part of working on cannabis is challenging people’s longstanding – and incorrect – assumptions with facts. Never gets old.

Cannabis has a clear value to people’s health. Tell us your favorite way to stay healthy and fit.
Riding the Peloton, and talking about riding the Peloton.

Jen Metzger – CCB

Jen Metzger

Cannabis Control Board Member, Office of Cannabis Management

Jen Metzger – CCB

Jen is a long-time public servant and policy advocate in the Hudson Valley, whose work has focused on fighting climate change, supporting farming and food security, and promoting sustainability and social and economic equity. As a former state senator and agriculture chair, she sponsored the legislation creating New York’s cannabinoid hemp (CBD) program. She has a B.A. from Oberlin College and a Ph.D. from Rutgers in political science, and is senior policy advisor to New Yorkers for Clean Power.

Where do you see the cannabis industry in New York State in five years?
I see New York as developing a different kind of industry from other states – one that is much more diverse and equity-focused, and composed predominantly of small businesses (both new and legacy) as well as cooperatives. There will hopefully be urban-rural partnerships along the value chain, from cultivation to retail, and a more balanced mix of cultivation occurring outdoors, in greenhouses, and indoors, and not just in warehouses. I envision a thriving and sustainable industry ecosystem within the state, producing high-quality products for one of the largest markets in the country.

What attracted you to the cannabis industry?
I co-sponsored New York’s law legalizing cannabis when I was in the State Senate, and I’m thrilled to now play a part in developing a cannabis industry that is a model of social equity, restorative justice, public health, and environmental sustainability.

Tell us one fun fact about cannabis!
The plant is used for bioremediation to remove heavy metals and toxins from soils, literally cleaning the earth.

Cannabis has clear value to people’s health. Tell us your favorite way to stay healthy and fit.
I eat fresh, whole, and preferably locally-grown foods, avoid highly processed foods, and ride my bike as much as possible. And I love to dance.

Melissa Moore – Drug Policy Alliance

Melissa Moore

Director of Civil Systems Reform, Drug Policy Alliance

Melissa Moore – Drug Policy Alliance

Melissa’s experience with criminal justice reform, immigrant rights, and community-led development shape her role as director of Civil Systems Reform. Her work focuses on shifting New York’s approach to drug policy and repairing the harms of the drug war, particularly through the marijuana justice Start SMART campaign and EndOverdoseNY. Melissa was featured in Crain’s Business “50 Most Powerful Women in New York” and appeared in the New York Times, CNN, The Hill, NPR, Newsweek, and more.

Where do you see the cannabis industry in New York in five years?
I hope to see a thriving industry that actually reflects the demographics of the people and neighborhoods that were most harmed by the marijuana arrest crusade now building generational wealth, robust cooperatives, and sustainable cultivation.

What attracted you to the cannabis industry?
I’m focused on racial and economic justice. At the start of the marijuana justice campaign, tens of thousands of Black and Latinx New Yorkers were being disproportionately criminalized. Ending criminalization and reinvesting in communities drive me.

Tell us one fun fact about cannabis!
The human body having its own endocannabinoid system is fascinating to me – I hope with legalization and more opportunities for research we’re able to learn more about its role in our health.

Cannabis has clear value to people’s health. Tell us your favorite way to stay healthy and fit.
I enjoy being outdoors in all seasons and try to always keep moving to stay healthy.

Gia Morón – Women Grow

Gia Morón

President, Women Grow

Gia Morón – Women Grow

Gia Morón is the president of Women Grow. Her leadership focuses on the operations and strategic opportunities for the business. With over 25 years of corporate experience – having worked at Goldman Sachs Group, Inc., and The Fremantle Corporation – she began working at Women Grow headquarters in 2017 as director of communications after transitioning from the Women Grow NYC market in 2016. Gia is a board member of Minorities for Medical Marijuana, an advisory board member for the National Cannabis Roundtable, and an advisory board member for the Cannabis World Congress Business Expo.

Where do you see the cannabis industry in New York State in five years?
In five years, I see an incredible cannabis ecosystem inclusive of big and small businesses. Our 50% social equity licensees will be fully operational and thriving in our adult-use market, along with our micro-licensees and cooperatives. I see New York at the top.

What attracted you to the cannabis industry?
The business opportunities attracted me to this industry, then I learned about the medicinal benefits. It has helped me with my own medical needs. The business side still excites me every day knowing we are creating the blueprint for the next generation.

Tell us one fun fact about cannabis!
The largest consumer population are people 65 and older. Grandma and Grandpa are enjoying the plant too.

Cannabis has clear value to people’s health. Tell us your favorite way to stay healthy and fit.
Due to my knee pain from an injury, applying a topical cream and going for long walks has been a game changer. Since learning about the medicinal benefits, tinctures and topicals are a part of my daily life. I don’t leave home without them.

Walter Mosley – Mosley Advisory Group

Walter Mosley

President and CEO, Mosley Advisory Group

Walter Mosley – Mosley Advisory Group

Mosley Advisory Group is a full service government and community relations firm with a concentration on emerging markets within medical and adult-use cannabis, alternative energy, K-12 and higher education, and cryptocurrency. In addition, MAG provides assistance to local, federal and statewide elected officials. Mr. Mosley also serves as a board member and advisor to the New York State Cannabis Industry Association. Mr. Mosley, who served in the New York State Assembly (2013-2020), was co-chair of the Black, Puerto Rican, Hispanic, and Asian Legislative Caucus MRTA Task Force (2018-2020).

Where do you see the cannabis industry in New York State in five years?
I see the industry in New York thriving in a very creative and cutting-edge dynamic. Obviously, the statewide model must be driven by a redefined best practice of public policy, business inclusivity, strategic communications, and marketing.

What attracted you to the cannabis industry?
Rarely does one have the opportunity to be a part of helping shape a new statewide and emerging market – and for me to have this occasion in the private sector was a chance to seek a deeper understanding of the private-sector side of the industry.

Tell us one fun fact about cannabis!
The first thing ever bought and sold across the Internet was a bag of cannabis around 1971. Rumor has it Stanford students bought it from MIT students.

Cannabis has clear value to people’s health. Tell us your favorite way to stay healthy and fit.
I do pilates on a weekly basis and work out 4-5 times per week.

Katie Neer – Lantern

Katie Neer

General Counsel, Lantern

Katie Neer – Lantern

Katie is a cannabis attorney and the general counsel and vice president of industry affairs at Lantern, an e-commerce marketplace that facilitates cannabis home delivery. Headquartered in Boston, Lantern currently operates in Massachusetts, Michigan, and Colorado. Lantern runs incubators for social equity businesses in each of those states and recently launched the New Jersey Cannabis Project (New York Cannabis Project coming soon). Before Lantern, Katie gained in-house cannabis experience with a multi-state-operator, and was the chair of the New York Medical Cannabis Industry Association. She was heavily engaged in advocating for the Marijuana Regulation and Taxation Act.

Where do you see the cannabis industry in New York State in five years?
Fully launched, supporting hundreds of thousands of jobs with more than 50% of licensees being social equity businesses. New York can get this right.

What attracted you to the cannabis industry?
As a regulatory attorney, I have an affinity for pervasively regulated industries and policy. But more than that, it’s the opportunity to build an emerging industry that is equitable and inclusive for the communities that prohibition oppressed.

Tell us one fun fact about cannabis!
I heard the first thing bought and sold on the internet in the 70s was cannabis. Now, there’s Lantern!

Cannabis has clear value to people’s health. Tell us your favorite way to stay healthy and fit.
I used to dabble in triathlon, then I had a baby . . . so, indica, yoga, sleep!