In the ever-growing world of cannabis, the industry is expanded through the work of several key figures, people who dedicate their lives to the success of the cannabis industry. These innovators are the engine behind the new ideas which shape the future of cannabis. Cannabis products are always being improved and people are working every day to bring more awareness to the benefits of cannabis, as well as convincing the United States government that the people should have access to it. CloudBox has identified 6 of these people who we believe drive the industry forward in bold new directions.
1. Jeff Wells, Co-Founder of METRC
Jeff Wells is at the forefront of cannabis compliance and regulation. As the co-founder of METRC (Marijuana Enforcement Tracking Reporting & Compliance), he plays a crucial role in the seed-to-sale tracking systems required by many states to ensure legal cannabis production and distribution. METRC’s comprehensive platform helps ensure transparency and accountability, making it easier for governments to regulate cannabis businesses while keeping consumers safe. Wells’ work is instrumental in legitimizing the cannabis industry by enabling states to adopt efficient regulatory frameworks that help businesses thrive within the law.
2. Jason Raznick, CEO of Benzinga
Jason Raznick is a trailblazer in cannabis media and financial education. As the CEO of Benzinga, he has helped bridge the gap between cannabis entrepreneurs and investors. His media company provides critical financial news, analysis, and market data, helping cannabis businesses secure funding and informing investors about emerging opportunities. Raznick’s leadership in fostering cannabis capital markets has earned him a spot in the 2024 Cannabis Hall of Fame, solidifying his impact on the financial growth of the industry.
3. Tim Barash, CEO of Dutchie
Tim Barash is at the helm of Dutchie, a leading technology platform that powers dispensary operations. Dutchie has revolutionized how cannabis businesses operate, providing a comprehensive suite of tools for online ordering, point-of-sale systems, and inventory management. Under Barash's leadership, Dutchie has expanded to serve thousands of dispensaries, helping them streamline operations, improve customer experience, and grow their businesses. Barash’s focus on technology and innovation has made Dutchie a cornerstone of the cannabis industry’s retail infrastructure.
4. Doug Francis, Co-Founder and CEO of Weedmaps
Doug Francis is a serial entrepreneur and growth executive in the cannabis and tech sectors. In 2008, he co-founded Weedmaps alongside Justin Hartfield where they bootstrapped the company to critical mass. Francis served as the President & COO of Weedmaps from 2009 to 2016, when he took over the role of CEO, a position he held through March 2019. His background in tech and entrepreneurship allowed him to guide Weedmaps’s rapid growth, attracting major investors and scaling the company into one of the most important platforms in the industry.
5. Berner, Founder and CEO of Cookies
Berner, a rapper-turned-cannabis-mogul, has become one of the most influential figures in the cannabis world. As the founder and CEO of Cookies, a lifestyle and cannabis brand, Berner has created a multi-faceted business empire known for its high-quality cannabis products and strong cultural presence. Cookies is widely recognized for its premium genetics and strains, many of which are iconic in cannabis culture. Berner’s ability to combine cannabis with fashion, music, and lifestyle branding has set him apart as a true innovator, helping to elevate cannabis into the mainstream.
6. Boris Jordan, Founder and Chairman of Curaleaf
Boris Jordan is the driving force behind Curaleaf, the largest cannabis producer in the U.S. His leadership has propelled Curaleaf to the forefront of the global cannabis market, with operations in over 23 states. Under Jordan’s direction, Curaleaf has expanded its offerings to include a wide array of cannabis products, from medical to recreational use, and has invested heavily in research and development to improve quality and accessibility. Jordan’s strategic vision and focus on scaling operations have made Curaleaf a dominant player in both the U.S. and international cannabis markets, solidifying his role as a pivotal leader in the industry.
These six innovators exemplify the entrepreneurial spirit and forward-thinking approach that define the cannabis industry today. From technology and compliance to branding and production, their efforts are creating new opportunities and driving the future of cannabis toward greater acceptance and innovation. As the industry continues to grow, their contributions will no doubt shape its trajectory in exciting ways.
