Ones to Watch: Jeffrey Altmann
The inaugural Greenway Ones to Watch class were nominated by their peers as those will be some of the most responsible for setting the tone of Missouri’s newest industry. From activists to consultants to operators themselves, the following industry influencers are responsible for determining not only how the industry overcomes the obstacles of 2020, but how the industry will be better for it. The same questions were asked of all; submitted answers and related information edited for grammar and clarity.
NAME: Jeffrey Altmann
COMPANY: Botannis Labs, Inc.
OPERATING FROM: Springfield
TITLE: Lobbyist
BACKGROUND: President – Viceroy Government Relations
Why cannabis?
Advocating for proper regulations and requirements for testing is extremely crucial and essential to the future success of cannabis in Missouri. Everything from public health to economic stimulation plays a significant role in operations, and it’s genuinely an all-encompassing industry that’s ever-changing.
Firsts are exciting – and while this may be a first for Missouri, our experience in testing is anything but a first.
The industry itself is a powerhouse of opportunity for many, but we cannot have a cannabis industry without adequate testing. The testing component is crucial because that is how we assure that what patients receive in a dispensary is 100% safe and meets regulations. Without consumable products, this industry doesn’t exist. Here at Botannis, we have partnered with the cannabis industry’s foremost experts to provide comprehensive testing and quality assurance. With access to the latest advances and cutting-edge technology, Botannis offers the industry’s highest level of expertise, quality, and service. We are proud to use our state-of-the-art laboratories to verify that products meet and surpass the increasingly rigid and developing quality and safety standards – we look forward to providing the guidance necessary to take your product to market.
What is your vision of the industry in Missouri?
Missouri deserves to have a safe cannabis industry that reflects the success we want to see as a patient-focused, well-regulated sector. We need regulation that not only keeps people safe but also emphasizes ethical practices and standards. All medicine should be free from toxins, pesticides, herbicides, fungicides, insecticides, heavy metals, and microorganisms.
What opportunities does this industry create for Missouri?
The most significant opportunity is two-fold. First, the opportunity for our Missouri residents to break into an industry with so much potential while being able to partner with industry experts. The second opportunity is the invitation Missouri gave for experts with real-world industry experience to come to our great state and partner with those of us who stepped up to be at the forefront of this new opportunity. Missouri can significantly impact public health by providing well-regulated and tested medicinal marijuana products – produced and sold right here in our state, which will also lead to a boost in our economy and state revenue. Jobs and innovation will be plentiful and lead to more small businesses and young professionals choosing to begin their careers here in the Show-Me-State. The cannabis industry is all-encompassing and has the potential to create vast opportunities, starting with increasing the quality of life of our friends and neighbors.
What is one thing you wish all Missourians knew about cannabis?
It easy for people to criticize from afar, but I can tell you first hand that dealing with DHSS has been nothing but professional, timely, and without favoritism or bias. Step back for one second and contemplate the enormous task Director Fraker and his section undertook for the state – leading a from-scratch, constitutionally-framed program on a tight timeline.
People tend to forget that this is a medical industry and that with the medication patients need needs to have controls so it is not the wild west – the industry has one shot at making a great first impression. Everyone who competed in the application process had a chance to put their best plan forward and show the state how they would conduct themselves. Some succeeded, some failed, and some had mixed results. The appeals process is designed to correct any errors, and we need to give that time to work itself out. In the meantime, let’s take a solid step back and look in the mirror. We all know the risks and the rules of the game and chose to participate. If we didn’t get the results we wanted, it’s on us. It’s also on us to take this new industry as an opportunity to define modern business in a time when change is demanded.