From Bud to Boardroom

The Future of Hemp-Infused Beverages: Insights from a Legal Expert

In the final episode of this miniseries, Shipman partner Sarah Westby sits down with Michelle Bodian, General Counsel at Nowadays and outside counsel to the Hemp Beverage Alliance, to discuss her unique journey from environmental law to cannabis regulation. They explore the shifting regulatory landscape, the challenges of navigating the legal patchwork of state laws, and the future of hemp-infused beverages in a rapidly evolving industry.

Building Shangri-La: Multistate Cannabis Growth, Regulation, and Retail Realities

In this episode, Shipman partner Sarah Westby speaks with Nevil Patel, CEO of Shangri-La, a multi-state cannabis operator with retail, manufacturing, and cultivation operations across Missouri, Ohio, Illinois, and Connecticut. Nevil shares his journey from running convenience stores to leading one of the fastest-growing cannabis brands in the region. They dive into the challenges of launching in Connecticut, navigating zoning laws, regulatory inconsistencies across states, and what’s next for Shangri-La and the state’s maturing cannabis market.

Navigating Roadblocks – How One Transporter is Shaping Cannabis Logistics in CT

In Episode 4 of From Bud to Boardroom, Shipman partner Sarah Westby sits down with Justin Frytz, co-founder and CEO of The White Oak Bridge, Connecticut’s first operational cannabis transporter. Justin shares his unconventional journey from retail and real estate into cannabis, and how a regulatory curveball forced a hard pivot in his business model. He discusses the hurdles of operating in an evolving legal landscape, the importance of legislative advocacy, and how he's working to expand his business to include distribution of hemp-infused beverages.

Brewing a New Category – Crafting THC Beverages in Connecticut

In Episode 3 of From Bud to Boardroom, Shipman partner Sarah Westby talks with Gordon Whelpley, founder and CEO of Float House, Connecticut’s first non-alcoholic, hemp-infused beverage manufacturer. With deep roots in the brewing industry, Gordon shares how he transitioned from beer to cannabis, the regulatory headaches of launching a new product category, and why legislative advocacy is essential for growth. From licensing challenges to creative formulations, this episode offers an inside look at how Float House is redefining how we think—and drink—cannabis.

Building Fine Fettle – From Teach for America to Cannabis COO

In the second episode of From Bud to Boardroom, Shipman partner Sarah Westby sits down with Ben Zachs, COO of Fine Fettle, one of Connecticut’s largest cannabis operators. Ben shares his journey from education and finance to cannabis entrepreneurship, the challenges of launching in a regulated market, and the lessons he’s learned leading a 300-person company through rapid industry shifts. From zoning battles to supply chain issues and market expectations, this candid conversation offers insight into what it takes to create and grow a business in cannabis.