Ellen Holland is an accomplished editor and writer based in Oakland, California, with over a decade of expertise in cannabis coverage. Holland is the author of two books—Weed: A Connoisseur's Guide to Cannabis and Weed: Smoke It, Eat It, Grow It, Love It. Holland has served as editor in chief of both Cannabis Now and High Times Magazine.
Holland has collaborated with Ed Rosenthal, a trailblazer in cannabis legalization and cultivation, editing and producing several notable books together. She has contributed to publications including the San Francisco Chronicle and Leafly. A sought-after thought leader in the cannabis sector, Holland has taken the stage as a moderator and panelist at events like SXSW and the Public Relations Association of America. Additionally, her insights as a cannabis expert have led to her to being featured on KPFA, the first community-supported radio station in the United States. Holland provides regular cultural commentary on Puff Puff Press, a weekly news podcast featuring four other noted cannabis journalists, Sara Payan, Brit Smith, Rachelle Gordon, and Jackie Bryant.
Jamie Evans is the founder of The Herb Somm, a culinary-meets-cannabis blog and lifestyle brand that's focused on the gourmet side of the cannabis industry. She’s a 4 x
published author, certified sommelier, entrepreneur, and writer specializing in cannabis, infused beverages,
wine/spirits, and the canna-culinary world. As a well-known cannabis and wine personality, Jamie is best known for her literary work and signature wine and weed experiences. She’s the co-editor of GoldLeaf's acclaimed cannabis Cooking Journal and author of the published books, The Ultimate Guide to CBD: Explore the World of Cannabidiol (Fair Winds Press, 2020), Cannabis Drinks: Secrets to Crafting CBD & THC Beverages at Home (Fair Winds Press, 2021), and High Times: Let’s Get Baked! The Official Cannabis Cookbook (Insight Editions, 2023). Her fourth book, High Times Cannabis Cocktails: Seasonal Sips & High Teas for Every Occasion (Insight Editions, 2024) launched in July of 2024. She's been featured in dozens of different articles and TV segments, including Food & Wine, Wall Street Journal, Entrepreneur, Forbes, Financial Times, Wine Enthusiast, San Francisco Chronicle, Los Angeles Times, ABC, and High Times.
Luke Scarmazzo is an entrepreneur and advocate for drug policy reform who served nearly 15 years in federal prison for opening a state-legal cannabis dispensary in California in the early 2000s. During his time in prison, Scarmazzo advocated for marijuana law reform and worked with organizations such as NORML and Mission Green. On February 3, 2023, US District Judge Dale A. Drozd granted his compassionate release motion, partly due to the changing legal landscape surrounding cannabis. Since his release, Scarmazzo has continued to speak out on the need for cannabis and criminal justice reform on behalf of Prophet Brands and various social justice organizations. He is the author of High Price: The Luke Scarmazzo Story, hosts the podcast “Joint Forces with Luke Scarmazzo,” and speaks at public events and to the media nationwide, sharing his story and advocating for change. Scarmazzo has drawn national attention and has become a symbol of the ongoing struggle for drug policy reform, criminal justice reform, and the need for social equity.
