What company do you work for?

Sound Cultivation

Why are you running for the board?

I care deeply about the work of and people in The Cannabis Alliance and its mission.

What hopes do you have for The Cannabis Alliance in the next three years?

I would like to see The Cannabis Alliance make the adjustment back to more in-person networking opportunities and strengthen our community of industry dedicated to a vital, ethical, equitable and sustainable cannabis industry.  I would like to increase our scope of work to more community engagement and education and seek 501C3 status.  

The Cannabis Alliance Board is a working board, how will you balance board commitments with other demands on your time?

Much of my work is in tandem with the work of The Cannabis Alliance.  I believe that as we move the industry forward, I am only as successful as the success of a robust cannabis industry.

What unique talents, experience, and expertise do you bring to the board table?

I have been working on cannabis policy since legalization in Washington State.  I have built relationships with legislators and regulators that serve the influence of The Cannabis Alliance to affect positive change.  

Do you have personal aspirations that could be enhanced by board service?

I would like to continue to work on shaping cannabis policy to account for equity, patients rights and the development of a diverse, thriving cannabis industry.  The Cannabis Alliance is a tremendous platform for continuing that work.

What is your motivation for being involved in the cannabis industry?

The reasons are expansive and continue to grow each year.  I came into cannabis while my mother was going through end-of-life with pancreatic cancer.  Navigating the medical system and utilizing cannabis medicine was an eye opening frustration.  Not long after, i502 presented a business opportunity I was excited about.  As many of us know, being a licensee quickly turned a business opportunity into a call to advocacy.  I have found a community of advocates I cherish and admire and a cause I believe in deeply.  As a consumer, patient family, and licensee, I still believe there is a chance to develop an ethical industry.  

What Company do you currently work for?

Washington Bud Company

Why are you running for The Cannabis Alliance Board?

I am running for the board because I feel as a licensee, I can contribute positively to the goals of creating an environmentally conscious and sustainable cannabis industry.

What hopes do you have for The Cannabis Alliance in the next three years?

My hope is that we can get some of our issues passed; the cannabis commission, relief for patients and sensible regulations.

The Cannabis Alliance Board is a working board, how will you balance board commitments with other demands on your time?

I am able to balance my time because we have gotten our business practices established and our crew is self-sufficient. My advocacy aspirations align with those of TCA and my board position with WASCA.

What unique talents, experience, and expertise do you bring to the board table?

What is unique is unique to me is that we were in the cannabis culture long before legalization so I understand the path that has taken in and have solutions to make it better. I know a lot of people and a lot of people know and respect me so I’m able to bring thought leaders together to discuss the difficult issues we face. I write for a national magazine and can highlight our unique issues on that platform. I’m the only person I know of that has belonged to the other trade organizations.I have a reputation for following through on tasks. I like to work with a team.

Do you have personal aspirations that could be enhanced by board service?

My personal aspirations for joining the board is to have further exposure for all of the issues that we face so that I can adjust our sails as the wind blows.

What is your motivation for being involved in the cannabis industry?

My motivation for being in the cannabis industry is to create a legacy family business that can live for generations. It’s the lifestyle we have chosen.

What Company do you currently work for?

Mt. Baker Gardens

Why are you running for The Cannabis Alliance Board?

To help influence and direct policy from the perspective of the marginalized growers and farmers.

What hopes do you have for The Cannabis Alliance in the next three years?

I hope the Cannabis Alliance can help implicate policy changes that have actionable outcomes as they have done in the past.

The Cannabis Alliance Board is a working board, how will you balance board commitments with other demands on your time?

I would be proud to sit in the Cannabis Alliance Board of directors and in such allow the highest of priority for Cannabis Alliance meetings and events. I balance and manage my schedule through a calendar and task strategy.

What unique talents, experience, and expertise do you bring to the board table?

I started working in Washington medical cannabis as a collective. I sold out harvest to medical dispenseries.

I owned a cannabis trim company and brokered bulk biomass for years throught I502. I have worked for a list of notable producers and processors in I502 from clone producers to industrial cannabis processors. I have developed and successful launched several cannabis brands and products.

I used to make and sell medical grade rosin in 2014 with a hair straightener, wood press and wax paper.

Do you have personal aspirations that could be enhanced by board service?

Ultimatly I want to help educate on the different methods of consumption to encourage responsible and positive cannabis usuage.

The world would be a better place if everyone consumed cannabis in one form or another. I would like to help people to discover the method for them!

What is your motivation for being involved in the cannabis industry?

My motivation started when I was able to get my mother off aist of opioid for her cancer. I watch how cannabis extended her quality of life and her expenadance. After watching her positive change, I felt that my best efforts to help is to put cannabis safely in to the hands of everyone of legal age and to promote safe consumption.

What Company do you currently work for?

Sax Capital (saxcapitalpartners.com)

Why are you running for The Cannabis Alliance Board?

One of my objectives for the next 12-16 months is to build the basic framework of a dynamic investment ecosystem for the cannabis industry. I’ve already connected with a Seattle-based family office that put together a $27 million fund for cannabis. I’m also collaborating with YPO, the WAC, and other organizations with wealthy patrons to bring more of them into the cannabis investing ecosystem.

Joining the cannabis alliance board will allow me to build the networks to make my vision a reality.

What hopes do you have for The Cannabis Alliance in the next three years?

I would like to see the Cannabis alliance become the pre-eminent association for the cannabis community by providing exceptional support to the members, working collaboratively with other local business associations, and creating a strong sense of community. If all goes well, the Cannabis Alliance may want to expand to cover the entire Greater Northwest (WA, Oregon, Montana, and Alaska).

The Cannabis Alliance Board is a working board, how will you balance board commitments with other demands on your time?

I have a team to support me (see saxcapitalpartners.com), and I love what I do.

What unique talents, experience, and expertise do you bring to the board table?

First, I hope to build the pre-eminent investment bank in the Greater Northwest (WA, Oregon, Montana, and Alaska) for the cannabis industry. As the founder and owner of Sax Capital, I also bring my network (I travel extensively around the country to attend cannabis events) and leadership skills (I’ve sat on other business association boards).

Do you have personal aspirations that could be enhanced by board service?

I want to be the most networked investment banker in the greater Northwest (WA, Oregon, Montana, and Alaska). I also would like to have expert-level knowledge of the cannabis industry in Washington state. Joining the Cannabis Alliance will enhance both of those objectives.

What is your motivation for being involved in the cannabis industry?

First, getting to know more leaders in the Washington cannabis industry is paramount for me. Second, continuing to be at the forefront of what is happening in the State’s cannabis industry is pivotal to meeting my objectives.

What Company do you currently work for?

i502 Cannabis

Why are you running for The Cannabis Alliance Board?

Would like to bring a fresh perspective and good vibes to the membership, along with continuing to forge important paths forward for the Cannabis industry as a whole…not just here in Washington State.

What hopes do you have for The Cannabis Alliance in the next three years?

Increased membership, increased market voice… via licensee membership and… getting connected with DOH to create an education program for healthy awareness.

The Cannabis Alliance Board is a working board, how will you balance board commitments with other demands on your time?

Organization is key to success, as with all things the proper time and energy will be given for said duties

What unique talents, experience, and expertise do you bring to the board table?

Savvy, industry licensee, though it is not too long… been involved with our recreational market actively since November 26th, 2012. Have successfully championed action items on “the hill” our State Capital for multiple causes.

Do you have personal aspirations that could be enhanced by board service?

Serving on the board is to help our industry and people advocating positive change for our industry…if the serving on the board in some way enhances what I can bring then so be it.

What is your motivation for being involved in the cannabis industry?

I am a licensee and think there is a lot of room for improvement

What Company do you currently work for?

Mountain West Distributors

Why are you running for The Cannabis Alliance Board?

I am choosing to run for the board because I think I can help further the cause and bring value to the organization.  

What hopes do you have for The Cannabis Alliance in the next three years?

I hope to see the Cannabis Alliance continue it’s work building a strong foundation for a fair, equal, and sustainable cannabis industry.  And help break down the stigma and prejudices of the past.  I would also like to see more standardized testing practices to ensure the safety for patients, and all cannabis consumers.  I don’t believe people should still be in jail because of this plant, and we all should be able to grow at home.

Lastly, Cannabis needs to be treated as an agricultural product.  A Cannabis Commission would not only help achieve this goal, but it would enhance the entire industry and help Washington become the state of reference for the nation.

The Cannabis Alliance Board is a working board, how will you balance board commitments with other demands on your time?

As a founding member and current board member I am very aware of the demands this role entails.  And my schedule is open to a certain level of flexibility if the need arises.

What unique talents, experience, and expertise do you bring to the board table?

This is always an uncomfortable question for me. I have to brag about myself, or at least that is what it feels like.  Well, I will try to keep this short.

Currently, I am the Board President of The Holly Beach View Community Club. (Volunteer elected position) The group is comprised or 31 lot owners on Hood Canal.  I have to juggle all of their needs along with managing the facility and the grounds.

My day job as an account manager for a distribution company is another balancing act in herding a few hundred cats.  And when it’s done right, it’s not a free for all, but a ballet.

During my long career, I have worked retail, distribution, and consulted for manufacturing.  Most of those years have been in sales and sales management.  Helping solve problems and bring people to consensus is a big part of my life. 

To sum it up, I can bring a unique perspective due to my experiences, and I hope a bit of wisdom.  

Do you have personal aspirations that could be enhanced by board service?

 No, none that I can think of.

What is your motivation for being involved in the cannabis industry?

My original motivation prior to regulation was to help heal, and it still motivates me today.  On an emotional level the war on drugs has hurt us all.  And so many are still paying the price, and that needs to change.  

From a business stand point, I became involved because I wanted to see an industry that was open to all.  And help create an even playing field for all those involved.  The cannabis industry, in my opinion, can help change, and heal the world.  Leading by example, the cannabis industry can rewrite the rules of business and lead with purpose and compassion, and not simply greed.

What Company do you currently work for?

Eden Labs

Why are you running for The Cannabis Alliance Board?

I am running for The Cannabis Alliance because I believe this organization directly reflects the concerns and visions of the businesses it represents more than any other board on which I have served. This organization is highly effective in collaborating with other organizations, lobbyists, regulators and the legislative bodies. The board and the membership represent some of the most ethically, sustainably, social equity driven humans I have ever met. While we still have many challenges in the state, we have all been apart of building an industry that is by far the most sophisticated and health and wellness oriented than any other state in the country. I consider it an honer to serve on this board providing the scientific perspective of product development, product production, regulatory rule making and constantly reminding the political engine that this is a health and wellness industry supported by families and small businesses.

What hopes do you have for The Cannabis Alliance in the next three years?

We have reached a new plateau through years of political work. We have encouraged and supported local people to run for office or existing legislature, regulatory bodies and lobbyists to see the industry with more compassionate and educated eyes. We have matured into an organization with significant influence because of our dedication to the principles in DAVEES…Dedicated to the Advancement of a Vital, Ethical, Equitable and Sustainable industry. Doing the right thing, inclusively and passionately is difficult to fight against. From here, we can continue to unravel some of the legislation that has held back our state industry and be there to help create a stronger platform for all plant medicines. We are a beacon to many other organizations around the country and we will continue to help make change by being the change. The next three years will be pivotal as we continue to manage rules or the lack thereof, that hinder financial stability and access to broader consumer engagement. Many of these challenges are the same since 2012 and some are new. Examples are: Over taxation, home grow, testing, investment opportunity, the separation of the industry with the Farm Bill in 2018, the education of the general public and the medical industry on the most healthful consumables, THC restriction (extraction/production issues!), etc. The challenges keep coming and the Alliance is there to educate and protect our industries vision and wellbeing.

The Cannabis Alliance Board is a working board, how will you balance board commitments with other demands on your time?

Being on this working board has been a PLEASURE. The industry has many challenges, but because the entire board and its Adjuncts are so dedicated and organized, finding time to engage on a high functioning level is much easier and time well spent. Bottom line…people make time for the things they enjoy and working with this team makes time management far easier to accomplish.

What unique talents, experience, and expertise do you bring to the board table?

I have been an active member of the industry for over 14 years starting in the development of what was “the missing piece” between the plant and retail. Eden Labs and my position as CEO allowed me the unique opportunity to help the industry legalize on medical applications through the creation of safe and healthy methods to make and ingest medical grade cannabis concentrates. This process involved helping regulators, lobbyists, politicians, business owners and consumers understand and build an industry based in science and ethics. At this point, while I had hoped we would be building a national industry based in science, we are still struggling with business modeling based in disinformation in the development of healthy consumables and regulatory bodies who through their lack of knowledge in chemistry and botany continue to make rules that inhibit the growth of the industry.

I have served as chair of the board for the nations largest and most well established cannabis trade organization (NCIA) and have lobbied in Washington state and extensively Washington DC. As the industry continues to mature, my focus is to call attention to the sophistication of Washington’s cannabis industry as I believe it is the most sophisticated market in the country, if not the world. My network includes international connections and would it be wonderful to position Washington’s industry as a “go to” in the formation of a Federal market. Currently I am working with CFCR to provide the FDA with foundational definitions and regulatory platforms to avoid the many mistakes each state made as it legalized.

I am also connected to APHA and my company is actively involved (27 yers) in the extraction of a multitude of botanicals that will eventually be combined with cannabis and hemp in compounded formulations. This is another important focus…to jin the Natural Products industry with the Cannabis and Hemp industries for greater political power as we share many of the same challenges.

Lastly, I am involved in the next wave of plane medicine, psilocybin and other entheogens. Again, Washington state is in a unique position to be an example of how to create a unified industry based in the medicinal benefits of ALL plant medicines. Our culture is far more knowledgable and accepting of Integrative medicine and its benefits and we have learned a tremendous amount in what not to do as well as how import cooperative strategy is in creating a sustainable industry.

Do you have personal aspirations that could be enhanced by board service?

I define myself from my work and my drives as a human being defines my work. My personal aspirations are to help consumers make the connection that plants are food and medicine and that if they can make this connection, they will take better care of our environment, themselves and each other. This board is filled with people who are egoless, strategic, problem solvers who are some of the most wonderful human beings I have ever had the pleasure to know and they are an impressive and beautiful reflection of the membership. It is an honor on every level to be on this board.

What is your motivation for being involved in the cannabis industry?

See above. Sorry, but would have simply repeated much of what I have already expressed