Lucas Nelson, group president of Bud & Mary's, had a busy 2024. Last year, the multi-generational family-owned company debuted in the Missouri market, introducing Batch brand botanical vape products to the territory in September. The MSO is also gearing up to launch its high-end flower, Curated, in Michigan in 2025. It also expects to launch new edibles in 2025.
Over the years, Bud & Mary's has experienced growing pains and big transitions, which are to be expected when you start as a team of about 10 and grow to a staff of roughly 150 employees stationed throughout various parts of the country. It takes work to bridge the company together and unify it.
"If we gave up so easily, we wouldn't be in this industry very long," Nelson says. "It's eating the elephant one bite at a time, trying to break off little things that we can do and then hopefully build on it from there."
Nelson says cannabis is in a transitional time as questions surround rescheduling, the hemp market and national legalization. Operators are always on edge, waiting to see what the next big change is going to be.
However, Nelson adds that the U.S. has never experienced more daily THC use—more people use cannabis products day-to-day than alcohol. As consumers enjoy the products, Nelson remains very confident that cannabis will be part of our world for years to come.
Nelson strives to be part of the solution, building upon a foundation designed to span generations. Whether it is serving niche parts of the industry, like creams and tinctures that fill big needs for few consumers, or participating in clinical trials researching the effects of cannabis use on neurodegenerative diseases, Nelson works every day to have an impact on the world and make it a better place.
The Cannabis Equipment News (CEN) team recently traveled to MJBizCon 2024 in Las Vegas from December 4 through December 6. At the show, we interviewed leaders from nearly every aspect of the industry. We didn't have time to interview everybody, so if we missed you, please reach out to [email protected]. MJBizCon 2025 is scheduled to be held from December 2, 2025, through December 5, 2025, at the Las Vegas Convention Center.
