Alex is a passionate advocate and seasoned professional in regulated cannabis. With twelve years of experience in one of the most highly regulated industries, he has developed a profound expertise in navigating complex regulatory environments, ensuring operational compliance, and leading strategic business licensing initiatives.

Alex’s journey in the cannabis industry began in 2012 during the early days of Colorado’s cannabis legalization. Growing up in a nomadic family, he experienced various cultures and communities, which instilled in him a deep appreciation for diversity and adaptability. At fourteen, he moved to Minnesota, where he embraced the region’s values of ingenuity, work ethic, and resilience.

These Midwestern values have been instrumental in shaping Alex’s approach to the cannabis industry. The determination and resourcefulness he cultivated in Minnesota have prepared him for the challenges of working in such a highly regulated field. His strong ties to the state further fuel his commitment to making a positive impact as Minnesota rolls out its adult-use program this summer.

Alex’s dedication to the cannabis industry extends beyond Minnesota, as he aims to support and grow the industry on a national and global scale, driven by the principles and perseverance that his diverse background and Minnesota roots have instilled in him.

Academically, Alex holds a Bachelor’s degree in Sociology from the University of Wisconsin - La Crosse and a Master’s degree in Sociology from the University of Connecticut. He additionally pursued doctoral studies at the University of Colorado - Boulder, focusing on drug control policies and early cannabis legal reforms. While a PhD student, Alex found life-changing relief from a chronic health issue upon becoming a medical cannabis patient. This experience ignited a profound passion for the plant, leading him to choose it as the topic for his doctoral research. He studied the cultural conflicts created within Colorado’s medical cannabis industry with the passage of the state’s adult-use Amendment 64. Concurrently, he taught undergraduate courses on drug control policy and criminal justice reform.

Although he chose to leave his CU-Boulder program at the "All But Dissertation" stage, to dive into Colorado’s burgeoning cannabis industry, the knowledge and experiences Alex gained have been instrumental in shaping his later career.

After leaving his doctoral program to pursue a career in cannabis, Alex worked for licensed cannabis operators in several states in various regulatory compliance and operations roles. Today, he is skilled in comprehensive cannabis business licensing, operational compliance oversight, SOP development, botanical extraction methods, cannabis product infusion, R&D and QA batch sampling, PPPA-compliant packaging and labeling reviews, seed-to-sale and ERP batch-tracking, retail sales, and distribution coordination.

Throughout his career, Alex has closely collaborated with industry stakeholders, regulatory agencies, and third-party partners, underscoring the critical role of knowledgeable and dedicated compliance professionals in sustaining legal and successful business operations. This collaborative approach, combined with his analytical skills and attention to detail, positions him uniquely to contribute to and thrive in environments that demand high standards of compliance, risk management, and operational excellence.

At The Cannabis Current, Alex's goal is to provide valuable insights, thought-provoking discussions, and practical guides to help you navigate the complexities of the cannabis industry. Whether you are a seasoned professional or just starting your journey, he hopes to offer the knowledge and tools you need to succeed.

Thank you for visiting his site. Alex looks forward to connecting with you and exploring the ever-evolving world of cannabis together.