Cannabis Industry Power Players

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.

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 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.

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.

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.

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!