Also, don’t forget about NCIA’s 8th Annual Cannabis Business Summit & Expo in San Francisco this July 20-22!

Brothers Anthony Jenkins and Cartier Jenkins share a similar experience with depression and anxiety/PTSD. Anthony was diagnosed with depression and anxiety after hitting a low point during the 2007 recession and Cartier was diagnosed with depression and PTSD after returning from military duty overseas. When they were prescribed medications, both found that the artificially made products made them feel worse and did not provide therapeutic relief. Thus, they felt hopeless about their conditions, that is, until they discovered the healing benefits of cannabis. Drawing from his interest in baking from a young age, Anthony began infusing his gourmet creations, providing a delicious (yes, absolutely drool-worthy) and discreet way to medicate without the stigma of other cannabis vehicles such as a blunt. Cartier, on the other hand, became passionate about the cannabis cultivation/distribution process and entered the industry as a broker, gaining invaluable knowledge and expertise on the plant itself. Thus, the origin of Next Level Edibles and their hand-crafted gourmet edibles infused with high-quality cannabinoids and terpenes, and in the process, the birth of their infused coconut oil. Now, asides from their critically-acclaimed baked goods, their cannabis oil provides the home chef a way to create their own infused delicacies.

Alvaro Portillo has worked in the legal California cannabis industry for the last 6 years. He fell in love with the cannabis industry after seeing all of the benefits and positive impacts that the plants have on the lives of patients, family, and friends. Alvaro has had the opportunity to help set up a company in the California legal market in operations and learn how to grow cannabis from a scientific standpoint. He was involved in the design of the facility and helped with the implementation of standard operating procedures from cloning and propagation to pheno hunting, flowering harvesting, curing, and packaging with compliance. And ensure that only the best products are taken to market time after time. Alvaro is currently working on his own business plan to fill the needs of an ever-changing cannabis market. In his new role as BALCA Latin America Director, he has the opportunity to create relationships in Latin America with like-minded companies and organizations in the cannabis industry.