The latest episode of Financing Your Cannabis Future, hosted by Rachel Wright of Verdant Strategies and featured on the Beard Bros Media Network, brought together prominent industry voices Luna Stower and Rachel Wright herself to discuss the evolving landscape of cannabis, from policy challenges to market opportunities and community-building efforts.
Rachel Wright opened the session by expressing gratitude toward the Beard Bros community and highlighting upcoming events, including the popular Friday Sesh Live in Los Angeles—an important gathering of legacy operators and industry pioneers. She then introduced her guest, Luna Stower, a passionate advocate, entrepreneur, and supporter of plant medicine, known for her energetic presence and commitment to the industry’s growth.
Luna Stower, a California native, shared her journey from early cannabis use in the Bay Area—home of the groundbreaking Compassionate Care Act—to her advocacy work in prison reform, early education, and policy. Her career spans roles at pioneering brands like Jetty Extracts and I Spire Vape, as well as extensive international advocacy efforts, including lobbying efforts in Sacramento, D.C., and Europe. Sauer emphasized that her work is rooted in human rights, medical sovereignty, and the transformative power of plant medicine.
The conversation highlighted the importance of resilience and adaptability, especially in navigating the shifting legal and regulatory landscape. Stower praised the innovative approaches of legacy operators pivoting into legal markets, such as hemp-derived products, and the emergence of new categories like mycology—mushroom-based products—showcasing the industry’s diversification.
Stower detailed her recent efforts curating the first-ever mycology section at the Champs trade show, where vendors offered everything from medicinal mushrooms to psychedelic-inspired products. She emphasized that mushrooms and cannabis share a long history as plant medicines and that education and normalization are central to reducing stigma. She also shared inspiring stories of individuals microdosing for health benefits and the ongoing push for decriminalization of entheogens.
Addressing the challenges of prohibition, Stower pointed out that community and grassroots activism are vital. She urged industry stakeholders to participate actively in advocacy, emphasizing that collective action, even at a grassroots level, can influence policy changes and market access. She highlighted the importance of professional organization, responsible marketing, and transparency, especially as social media platforms tighten restrictions.
Rachel Wright echoed the themes of community and strategic planning, stressing that success in cannabis requires not only innovation but also responsible business practices. She emphasized the critical role of financial health, proper legal structuring, and ongoing education for operators to thrive in a complex environment.
The discussion also touched on international markets, with Stower noting that countries like Spain and South American nations are watching U.S. developments closely. She pointed out that their progress is influenced by American industry practices, and that the U.S. has a responsibility to lead with integrity and responsibility.
Closing the session, Stower and Wright reaffirmed that the industry’s future depends on community resilience, education, and advocacy. They called on industry professionals to stay informed, organized, and proactive—reminding entrepreneurs and advocates that collective effort is essential in shaping a responsible and inclusive cannabis landscape.
Watch the full episode here.
