Luna Stower, Head of Impact at Ispire Technology, joined the conversation to discuss her role as a leader and advocate in the rapidly evolving cannabis industry. With a passion for social justice, regulatory reform, and technological innovation, Luna illuminated the path Ispire is forging to shape the future of cannabis. From groundbreaking partnerships with global icons to pioneering regulatory solutions, Luna shared insights into the company’s impact-driven mission and its commitment to inclusivity, quality, and transparency.
Luna began by highlighting Ispire's exciting partnerships with Afrobeats star Burna Boy and cannabis icon Snoop Dogg. These collaborations underscore the brand's commitment to cultural relevance and authenticity, leveraging the global influence of these artists to advocate for safe and responsible cannabis use. Luna emphasized how these partnerships reflect Ispire’s dedication to quality assurance and reliability, ensuring consumers have access to premium products while elevating cannabis as a lifestyle choice.
Ispire's strategic pivot to an asset-light model was a key focus of the conversation. Luna explained how this approach allows Ispire to expand internationally with agility, focusing on Africa and other emerging markets. This model also supports the company’s efforts to maintain efficiency while scaling its innovative product offerings to new regions. Luna expressed her excitement about the global growth opportunities and the chance to bring Ispire’s cutting-edge technology to underserved markets, fostering inclusivity and economic opportunity.
As the discussion turned to regulation and policy, Luna shared her perspective on the global cannabis industry’s challenges and opportunities. She emphasized the importance of understanding the distinction between legalization and commercialization, highlighting how the latter ensures tax control, regulation, and consumer safety. Luna also underscored the critical role of lobbying and media work in influencing lawmakers and shaping public perception of cannabis. She noted the threat posed by pharmaceutical companies, warning against the monopolization of the industry and stressing the need for a unified message around cannabis use.
The conversation touched on Ispire’s commitment to innovation in regulatory compliance, particularly its efforts to prevent youth vaping and expand the adult market. Luna highlighted the company’s advancements in age verification and identity verification technology, ensuring that cannabis products reach the intended audience safely and responsibly. She emphasized the importance of industry stakeholders working closely with governments to develop regulatory solutions, advocating for a universal framework that could include existing acts like the Cosmetic Act of 1930 for hemp-related CBD products.
Luna also shared her thoughts on the importance of fostering inclusive workplaces and empowering marginalized communities within the cannabis sector. She spoke passionately about the need for mentorship and networking opportunities for women entrepreneurs, as well as the value of having diverse voices in decision-making processes. Drawing on her work with the Indigenous Cannabis Business Association, Luna outlined her advocacy for social equity and her commitment to providing resources for marginalized communities to succeed in the industry.
The discussion also addressed the importance of supporting social equity licensees, with Luna calling for financial, legal, and business assistance from companies and organizations. She emphasized that these resources are essential for fostering a truly equitable industry and ensuring that opportunities are accessible to all. Luna’s advocacy extended beyond business operations, reflecting her belief that the cannabis industry has a unique role to play in addressing historical injustices and creating a more inclusive future.