As founder and executive director of the Indigenous Cannabis Coalition (ICANNC), and editor/publisher of Tribal Hemp and Cannabis magazine, Mary Jane Oatman is dedicated to helping Native American tribes nationwide break from stigmas of the past century and reclaim a heritage that for some tribes, like hers, has an oral tradition of more than 1,000 years telling of how they acquired cannabis seeds. Oatman formed the ICANNC after noting that tribes were completely left out of the 2014 Farm Bill that began the hemp legalization process. She previously had worked in the Obama Administration as part of the National Advisory Council on Indian Education and when she relocated to Idaho, she realized a need for increased advocacy.
Dr. Wise received her PhD in chemistry from UC-Berkeley and a B.S. in Chemistry from University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point. Previously, she led the scientific endeavors for 2 years at Avitas Grown, a licensed cannabis producer and processor in Washington and Oregon.
Before the cannabis industry, Dr. Wise worked for over 8 years as a chemistry professor and researcher at Chicago State University, Argonne National Labs, Asian University for Women, San Francisco State University and University of California-San Francisco. Her work and research experience spans the areas of biological materials chemistry, environmental analysis, risk assessment, toxicology, science policy and chemical education. She is active in the cannabis science community and participates in the American Chemical Society’s Cannabis subdivision, Washington State’s Cannabis Alliance Science and Standards Committee and has helped organize the Seattle area Cann-STEM group.
When she’s not doing science, Amber enjoys volunteering as a Master Gardener (ask her about growing anything OTHER than cannabis!), sewing, cooking and enjoying the beauty of the PNW.
She is excited to lead Medicine Creek Analytics and maintain the high scientific standards already established here. In the future, she hopes to expand the capabilities and opportunities for data collection and research within this facility and also to help raise the scientific bar across the cannabis industry, ensure science is kept at the forefront of policy and regulations, and help ensure patient and consumer safety.
The cannabis plant has an amazing history, amazing chemistry we’re only beginning to understand and it’s exciting to be part of its future that can help those suffering from a variety of ailments while also creating jobs and invigorating local economies.
Willapa Bay Enterprises was incorporated in 2007 by the Shoalwater Bay Indian Tribe to build a stronger base for their economic development goals. The WBE Board is a 5 member board of tribal members with business experience devoted to furthering the diversity of our Tribe’s business ownership. Since its creation, Willapa Bay Enterprises has taken over management of the Georgetown Gas Station and the Shoalwater Bay Casino. More recently, WBE has acquired the Tradewinds Motel & Conference Center, opened the Smoke N’ Spirits Liquor Store, opened the Willapa Bay Oyster Co., and opened WBE Consulting. Each business created by WBE incorporates tribal preference as a strategy to support our tribal members and proudly employs 85 – 125 people annually based on seasonal demand. Recently, we have also developed an entrepreneur grant program to assist our future business leaders of our Tribe and began the management of a public services grant program to assist our surrounding community.
Kami has been involved in the cannabis industry since 2015, her humble beginnings started at a trim table before transitioning to cannabis retail where she found her passion! Kami spent 5 years as the Director of Operations for a chain of dispensaries in Whatcom and Skagit county. She helped new stores launch and established stores grow, ultimately growing the brand to a multimillion dollar business before her departure in early 2022. Kami’s professionalism, experience and extensive cannabis knowledge, paired with intense drive and ambition made her a great fit for the General Manager position at 210 Cannabis Co, The Stillaguamish Tribe’s newest enterprise business. Kami had the privilege of being involved with the dispensary project and worked closely with the Tribe’s Business Development team to successfully launch 210 Cannabis Co in September 2022! You can find Kami at the dispensary working hard to build the gold standard in cannabis retail.
Ray is the owner of Purple Ink Solutions, a small company dedicated to helping individuals and groups design their future.