Proud to Represent 23rd State on the NCIA Board of Directors for 2026–2028
There are moments in building a brand that feel bigger than the brand itself. Joining the National Cannabis Industry Association (NCIA) Board of Directors for the 2026–2028 term is one of those moments. As an advisor for 23rd State — a Minnesota-based cannabis beverage company redefining what intentional, ingredient-forward THC consumption looks like — being named to the NCIA board is both a personal milestone and a meaningful step for our company's mission.
This isn't just an honor. It's a responsibility we're ready to meet.
What Is the NCIA — and Why Does It Matter?
The National Cannabis Industry Association (NCIA) is the largest and most influential cannabis industry trade organization in the United States. Founded to advocate for a responsible, legitimate, and equitable cannabis market, NCIA works at the intersection of policy, education, and business advocacy — pushing for sensible regulation, fair banking access, and an industry that works for operators of all sizes.
The NCIA Board of Directors plays a critical role in shaping the association's strategy and priorities. Board members represent businesses from across the regulated cannabis marketplace — from cultivators and manufacturers to retailers and brands like 23rd State. For the 2026–2028 term, NCIA welcomed seven new board members alongside three returning directors, selected through a member-informed nomination process designed to ensure the board reflects the evolving needs of the legal cannabis community.
According to NCIA's announcement, both the association and the broader cannabis marketplace are entering a consequential period. Federal policy discussions are accelerating, regulatory approaches across marijuana and hemp are increasingly intersecting, and the national cannabinoid economy continues to expand in complexity and scale. At moments like this, industry alignment and credible, diverse leadership aren't optional — they're essential.
23rd State and the Cannabis Beverage Movement
To understand why this appointment matters to us, it helps to understand what 23rd State is building. We're a Minnesota-based cannabis beverage brand focused on THC-infused enhancers made with real ingredients — the kind of products that give people an intentional, elevated experience without compromising on quality or transparency. Products like SHAKE, our Infused Edible Glitter Drops, aren't just novel. They represent a larger shift in how consumers are thinking about cannabis: as a lifestyle choice, a wellness tool, and a genuine alternative to alcohol.
The cannabis beverage and hemp-derived THC category is one of the fastest-growing segments in the broader cannabinoid market. As more states regulate adult-use cannabis and hemp-derived products continue to reach consumers across the country, brands like 23rd State are at the forefront of a meaningful cultural moment. But growth without advocacy is fragile. That's why being at the NCIA table matters so much.
We believe that the brands building the future of cannabis consumption have an obligation to also help build the regulatory frameworks and industry norms that protect consumers, support small businesses, and create lasting legitimacy for this industry. That belief is a core part of who we are at 23rd State — and it's exactly why joining the NCIA board feels like such a natural fit.
Joining a Board Built for This Moment
The 2026–2028 NCIA Board of Directors is a remarkable group. New members joining alongside Kasey Kollross of 23rd State include Allison Disney of MixMix, Jamie Pearson of New Holland Group, John Murray of Sustainable Innovations, Jordan Isenstadt of Marino, Dr. Roz McCarthy of Minorities for Medical Marijuana, and Samuel Rockwell-Shear of Mission Mountain Holdings. Returning directors Adam Stettner, Benjamin Larson, and Naomi Granger continue their service, bringing deep institutional knowledge and continuity to the board's work.
The board officer slate includes Adam Rosenberg as Chair, Amy Larson as Vice Chair, Naomi Granger as Treasurer, Jordan Isenstadt as Secretary, and Adam Stettner as At-Large Executive Committee Officer. Together, this team brings broad expertise from cultivation and retail to finance, media, equity advocacy, and brand innovation.
What strikes me most about this cohort is the intentionality behind it. NCIA's nomination process is designed to ensure the board reflects the full range of the cannabis ecosystem — not just the loudest voices or the largest operators. That commitment to breadth and representation is something I deeply respect, and something I hope to contribute to.
What I'm Bringing to the Table — and What I'm Here to Learn
My work at 23rd State has given me a ground-level view of what it looks like to build a cannabis brand with intention — navigating evolving regulations, educating consumers in an emerging category, and telling authentic stories that connect people to real products made by real people. I've seen how much the regulatory and policy environment shapes what's possible for brands at every stage of growth, and I've seen the direct impact that advocacy — or the absence of it — can have on operators across the supply chain.
On the NCIA board, I hope to bring that perspective forward: the voice of a mission-driven cannabis beverage brand operating in the Midwest, advocating for clear and workable regulations around hemp-derived cannabinoids, and pushing for policies that protect consumers while enabling responsible innovation. The cannabis beverage and THC enhancer space is still relatively new territory for many regulators, and having brands like 23rd State represented in national policy conversations matters.
At the same time, I'm going into this with genuine humility. There is so much to learn from the other board members and from the broader NCIA membership community. The challenges facing cannabis operators vary enormously depending on state, business model, and market segment. Part of effective advocacy is listening — and I'm here to do that.
A Pivotal Time for the Industry — and Why We All Need to Be Engaged
It would be hard to overstate how much is at stake for the cannabis industry right now. Federal rescheduling discussions continue to evolve. The regulatory landscape for hemp-derived THC products is being actively shaped at both state and federal levels. Banking access remains a persistent challenge for cannabis operators. And consumer education is still a critical, ongoing need as more people discover cannabis as a genuine lifestyle alternative.
NCIA's mission — to support a safe, equitable, and economically vibrant cannabis industry — has never been more urgent. The 2026–2028 board will help guide the association through a period of significant change, and I'm honored to play a part in that work.
For those who aren't yet engaged with NCIA, now is the time. Whether you're an operator, advocate, or consumer who cares about how the cannabis industry develops, NCIA offers real ways to get involved — from committee participation and lobbying days to education resources and membership networking. The more voices at the table, the stronger the advocacy.
Gratitude and What Comes Next
I want to take a moment to express genuine gratitude — to NCIA for this appointment, to the 23rd State community for building something worth representing, and to everyone in the Minnesota hemp and cannabis ecosystem who has supported this brand and this work. The relationships and experiences that got me to this moment are not mine alone, and I carry all of them into this role.
The next two years will be consequential for this industry. I'm ready to show up, do the work, and make sure that the cannabis beverage brands, the Midwest operators, and the community-first companies building this market have a seat at the table where it counts.
To learn more about the full NCIA 2026–2028 Board of Directors, visit the official announcement here. And if you're not already following 23rd State's journey, stay tuned — we're just getting started.
