Shanita Penny, MBA is a cannabis advocate and entrepreneur with 20 years of experience helping world class companies and startups solve complex issues and improve business performance in multiple industries. As the founder and principal of Budding Solutions, a boutique cannabis business strategy and policy advisory consulting firm, she has achieved exceptional results while positively impacting the burgeoning cannabis industry and the greater community. Shanita is also cofounder of three state licensed cannabis businesses and cohost of two cannabis business and policy podcasts. Ms. Penny is the immediate past President of the Minority Cannabis Business Association (MCBA) and testified before the U.S. House of Representatives on the regulated cannabis industry's need to access Small Business Administration (“SBA”) services and unlocking the potential of small businesses in the cannabis industry.