JAINE®’s 2026 Canna Biz Expo
Job seekers and those looking to grow their current careers gathered in Columbia, Missouri, for JAINE®’s 2026 Canna Biz Expo, a free event focused on industry connections and professional development. The expo, held on March 15, 2026, from 11 am to 6 pm at The Atrium on Tenth, brought together cannabis brands, companies, and professionals from across the state.
Here’s an overview of their event and why it all matters.
About JAINE® and Their Event
As Missouri’s cannabis industry grows, women remain underrepresented in leadership and often face inequitable treatment. JAINE®, which became a nonprofit in 2021, works to address this by creating opportunities for mentorship, education, and networking. Its board brings together women from across the state committed to advancing equity, inclusion, and diversity in cannabis.
Their 2026 Canna Biz Expo featured panel discussions with cannabis experts and opportunities for professional headshots and resume reviews. It also allowed attendees to introduce themselves and have conversations with others, have a front-row seat to the top cannabis brands, and learn about the industry’s future.
Cannabis Industry Discussions and Insights
The expo featured a series of panel discussions led by professionals across Missouri’s cannabis industry.
11:30 am How to Successfully Launch a Brand: Stephanie O’Donnell, Director of Sales at Amaze Cannabis; Kate Ransom, VP of Marketing at Proper Cannabis; Rebecca Readon, Founder of Perfect 10 Cannabis; and moderator Brie Howard.
12:30 pm Careers in Cannabis Cultivation: Sarah Moore, Propagation Manager at Scout & Seed; Justin Santana, Director of Cultivation at Vertical Cannabis; Kaylee Finazzo, Vegetation Cultivation Manager at Proper Brands; and moderator Tammy Puyear.
1:30 pm Intricacies of Cannabis Marketing and How to Strategize Effectively: Kristen Williams, Founder of Hempsley; Tammy Puyear, Founder of TPP Consulting; Jordan Loudon, Marketing Associate at Stash House Distribution; and moderator Brandon Dunn.
2:30 pm Cannabis Job Market in the US and Beyond: Christy Essex, Founder of Se7en Staffing; Alice Moore, Vice President of Human Resources at Proper Cannabis; Corey Bix, Director of Business Development at Silver Star Protection Group; and moderator Tammy Puyear.
3:30 pm Cannabis Operators Roundtable Discussion: Adam Hodge, CEO of Stairway Cannabis; Mo Muzzey, VP of Sales and Procurement at Since Cannabis; Peter Seay, CEO of Cúrador; and moderator Brandon Dunn.
Annie Macheca Represented JAINE® and Monarch
Monarch Waste Co.’s Co-Founder and COO, Annie Macheca, is a board member of JAINE® and Co-Chair of its Membership Committee. Annie staffed the JAINE® membership table with fellow committee members, spent time throughout the event connecting with attendees, and represented both JAINE® and Monarch.
“It’s always valuable to be in a room where people are having real conversations about where the industry is headed,” said Annie. “Events like this create opportunities that extend well beyond the day itself.”
Committed to a Stronger Cannabis Industry
Being a JAINE® Small Business Member is just one way Monarch Waste Co. is helping to shape a more inclusive future for Missouri’s cannabis industry.
Our team is dedicated to ensuring cannabis businesses have the resources they need to operate responsibly. With compliant and sustainable cannabis waste management practices, we are proud to serve licensed cultivation, manufacturing, dispensary, and testing facilities across Missouri.
Contact us today to learn how our solutions can support your business.