Caitlein Ryan holds a PhD from Arizona State University, with a focus on arts education, qualitative research, and social justice. Caitlein has been the director of the Washington State Cannabis Alliance since 2020.

She is a leading advocate for sensible adult-use cannabis policy, collaborating with businesses, lawmakers, regulators, and community stakeholders to shape Washington State’s cannabis industry and support national reform efforts.

Under her leadership, The Cannabis Alliance is focused on expanding patient access, legalizing home cultivation, creating pathways for cannabis hospitality and social use, and ensuring small and independent businesses can thrive. The organization also champions sustainable practices, equitable licensing, and science-based regulation, while pushing for fair enforcement and more transparent governance.

Nathan Marsh started his journey into Cannabis Activism in 1993 after his father lost his life in a drunk-driving accident. He was passionate that access to cannabis is a civil right and that society should be able to benefit from its positive impacts on both the mind and body. Living in Denver, Colorado, at the time, he committed to doing anything he could to spread the word about the benefits of cannabis and promote legalization and decriminalization. Nathan later moved to Oregon and Washington and was involved in several nonprofits dedicated to cannabis activism. In 2015, when Oregon legalized cannabis, he produced the Oregon HEMPFEST, one of the first to be licensed by the Seattle HEMPFEST, a 501(c)(3) federal nonprofit organization, and became the only licensed HEMPFEST in Oregon. That same year, he started the Oregon Growers Cup, a Cannabis Cup that has grown to be Oregon’s largest and oldest cannabis competition. Today, he also produces Cannabis Cups in Arizona, Missouri, New York, California, and New Mexico.

Medical Cannabis to manage the symptoms of liver disease. CC Ryder is a cannabis patient in the California Bay Area, a mother and housewife who enjoys music and dancing. She is active online and in her community and uses cannabis to help her address her daily challenges with stage four liver disease.