Nico is currently a partner and the chief cannabis officer at HIGH TIMES. Nico has also served as our cultivation editor for the past 11 years as well as the competition director for all HT Cannabis Cup competitions since 2010.
In 2014, Nico founded the Cannabis Genetics Institute (CGI) in the Netherlands, opening a medically licensed R&D facility that same year in San Francisco. Currently working with notable labs such as Steep Hill in Berkeley, CA and the Cannabis Genomics Initiative at the University of Boulder, CO, CGI is at the forefront of genetic research aimed at reinvigorating the cannabis gene pool as well as developing ailment-specific, custom-bred genetics to the legal and medical marijuana markets. Nico also operates a private, seed-to-sale consulting business that helps build legal cannabis businesses within the North American cannabis industry.
Skye Hanke is a third-generation grower and over the past 15 years, he has worked with many companies in the indoor gardening industry doing brand development and product design with special focus on new technology development. His experience as an indoor horticulturalist and product designer has allowed him to identify and solve problems that occur in indoor gardens, and he has designed several custom processes that help growers increase productivity and consistency. Skye is optimistic about where technology and innovation is taking the industry and will continue to integrate technology and traditional growing techniques that help gardeners ensure that all their plants receive the personal attention they need.
Autumn Karcey is the President of Cultivo, Inc., an engineering and design firm specializing in industry specific solutions for indoor cannabis cultivation facilities and greenhouses. Cultivo’s innovations aim to streamline agricultural productivity without sacrificing quality. Cultivo, Inc. also manufactures state-of-the-art custom fabricated equipment and automation technologies specific to large-scale cannabis cultivation.
Kaiya Bercow is a co-founder at Utopia Farms, a California company focused on premium cannabis for the health-conscious consumer. Through his role as director of operations, Kaiya has the opportunity to oversee the strategic direction for Utopia’s cultivation and manufacturing divisions. Through a commitment to transparency, quality and higher business ethics, Utopia sets a strong example of a responsible cannabis company.
Daniel Peck is an industry veteran in the recruitment and staffing industry and has over 15 years of hands-on experience in nationwide & international recruitment and talent acquisition. Daniel is currently the president and managing partner of THC Talent Solutions, an executive search firm located in Los Angeles, CA, whose clients include both private and public companies in the recreational and medical marijuana industry. Prior to starting THC Talent Solutions in 2011, Daniel successfully ran Principal Search Partners, an executive search firm located in Los Angeles, whose clients included : Google, PayPal, Mercedes Benz, Aramark, Symark Software, Dish Network, DirectTV, Focus Media Solutions, Walla Media and many more. Daniel lives in Los Angeles with his wife and children and is an avid runner, fitness buff and cannabis aficionado.
Debby Goldsberry is a well-known activist and business leader, currently serving as Executive Director at Magnolia Wellness in Oakland, CA. In 1999, she cofounded Berkeley Patients Group (BPG), directing its growth for 10 years. Goldsberry has either founded or served on the board of some of America’s most influential cannabis organizations, including Americans for Safe Access (ASA), Cannabis Action Network (CAN), California NORML and the Marijuana Policy Project. Goldsberry was honored with the HIGH TIMES Freedom Fighter of the Year Award in 2011
Alice & Clark are the founders of High Hipsters, a lifestyle channel dedicated to discussing and exploring their passion for cannabis. By creating new, innovative content that connects millennial marijuana users with weed loving influencers and brands, Alice & Clark hope to lead a new generation of cannabis ambassadors into the modern world.
As chairman of the California Minority Alliance, Donnie Anderson brings a wealth of executive experience by leading market sectors within urban music, film/television and new media entertainment mediums for over 25 years. With over 10 years involvement with advocacy and activism in the cannabis reform movement, Donnie was appointed by Ms. Alice Huffman to chair the NAACP California/Hawaii’s Cannabis Task Force in 2015.
Don Duncan has served on the board of directors since he co-founded Americans for Safe Access in 2002. As the California director, he is coordinating the grassroots and grasstops campaign to fully implement the state’s medical cannabis laws, respond to federal interference and build a broader and more powerful coalition for medical cannabis in California. Duncan was instrumental in galvanizing grassroots resistance to federal raids and in seeding local self-regulatory alliances for medical cannabis providers statewide.
Angela Mazzanti is a model, cannabis enthusiast and social media personality who began her journey in the cannabis industry about three years ago, starting out as a budtender, then moving on to working as a booth model for cannabis events and eventually hosting cannabis events. Currently, she works for Cannabis Capitol, a media company, as well as a host for cannabis-focused events.
Susan is currently the Executive Director of C.A.R.E. (Cannabis Awareness, Research & Events). As a serial entrepreneur, she has worn many hats including expertise in digital media, marketing, social media, start ups, advertising, business development, public policy, market research, film production and cannabis cultivation.
When Dan Rocha started 420 Web Pros in 2009, little did he know, he would eventually be considered an industry leader. With his social media expertise and innovative spirit, Dan has gone on to create his own brands dabbado, Compassesh and Megasesh, and partnered with companies like Endocaps, Sauce and Jr. Doobs as lead brand developer. Dan has positioned himself as a major influencer in the cannabis space and is continually excited by industry prospects. @420webpros www.420webpros.com
The mission of Grow for Vets USA is to help reduce the staggering number of veterans who die each day from suicide and prescription drug overdose. We provide veterans with the knowledge and resources necessary to obtain or grow their own medical cannabis.
To date, Grow for Vets USA and its affiliated chapters have given away more than $1M in medical cannabis products to thousands of American heroes. Our purpose is to provide veterans with unique products, programs and services designed to assist them in living with injuries sustained while protecting our freedom.