Six students or graduates of the University of Maryland’s master’s degree program in Medical Cannabis Science and Therapeutics were among the first class of winners of the Higher Potential Scholarship, including for Top Award Winners.
Created by DaySavers, the most innovative and transparent smoking accessories company in the industry, the Higher Potential Scholarship, a first-of-its-kind initiative to help forge the next generation of cannabis business leaders.
More than 200 awards with a total value of over $25,000 were handed out to deserving, passionate students and professionals from around the country, including mentorships, industry access, financial assistance and tuition-free education and training, and one $1,420 cash scholarship awarded to one outstanding candidate.
Top Award Winners with degrees from the UMD Master’s Program are:
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Alexandra Arnett of Fresno, California, was awarded a mentorship with the Cannabis Ombudsman for the State of Connecticut, a mentorship and media package from Marijuana Venture magazine, and mentorships with scientists at the Network of Applied Pharmacognosy. Arnett is a researcher and educator and is currently the lead research assistant on a meta-analysis focused on cannabinoids for autism spectrum disorder at California State University, Fresno, where she is pursuing a Master of Arts in psychology;
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Delaney Borelli of Orlando, Florida, was awarded a membership to Women Employed in Cannabis, tickets to the Champs Florida trade show and a package from Ganjactivist that includes a media package featuring coverage and promotion as well as event access and experiences with The Legacy Project. Borelli is presently a dispensary manager and her ultimate goal is to found an assisted living facility specifically for adults with autism that use medical cannabis;
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Devonere Alexander of Decatur, Georgia, was awarded mentorships with scientists at the Network of Applied Pharmacognosy and a mentorship with Erin Kirk, Esq. from the Connecticut Office of the Cannabis Ombudsman. Alexander is currently enrolled in the UMD Medical Cannabis Science and Therapeutics program with plans to pursue a PhD in pharmaceutical sciences to continue researching the endocannabinoid system. His goal is to help develop safe, effective cannabinoid-based medicines;
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Carrie Miskill of Baltimore, Maryland, was awarded a 1-on-1 mentorship with Dr. Riley Kirk of the Network of Applied Pharmacognosy and tickets to the IgniteIt Cannabis Capital and Policy Summit in Washington, D.C. Miskill is a certified personal trainer who hopes to develop a business that offers hemp-derived cannabinoid products and wellness consultation services tailored to people with or trying to pursue active lifestyles;
Other Award Winning UMD Master’s Program Graduates are:
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Rheanna Koziol of Palm Harbor, Florida, was awarded consulting and mentorship with CEO and host of The Canna Boss Babes podcast; and
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Jennifer Joseph of Portland, Oregon, was awarded free seats in the Green CulturED Responsible Vendor Training Program and a specialized certificate program of her choosing.
Ranging from cultivators and creators to educators, advocates and policymakers, as well as scientists, researchers and directors, founders and executives, the Higher Potential Scholarship Coalition features 25 different businesses and organizations offering invaluable insights and awards, with more than half increasing their initial contributions to ensure that every candidate received the educational resources they deserve.
The Higher Potential Scholarship Initiative is part of DaySavers’ broader mission to advance cannabis education, equity and industry innovation. Founding sponsors include Custom Cones USA, the DaySavers family of brands, Ganjier, SUNY Niagara and Cannabis & Tech Today, among others.
“These awards will help provide potentially life-changing access to education about one of the fastest-growing and most exciting industries in the country, impacting both the lives of the students and the business of cannabis in general,” said James Valentine, DaySavers’ Communications & Content Marketing Manager and Scholarship Administrator. “This is an investment in people and in the future of the industry.”
Award recipients come from 30 different states, with every applicant receiving resources to advance their industry dreams.
Winners were selected based on their application and personal essay detailing their background, interests, passion and journey in the cannabis space. Location was also considered for region-specific prizes.
The Grand Prize of a $1,420 cash scholarship donated by DaySavers was awarded to Talia Romero of Winton, Calif.
Other Higher Potential Scholarship recipients received:
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Education & Resources: Tuition-free seats in cannabis programs from Ganjier, SUNY Niagara, Operator Academy, Green CulturED, Veterinary Cannabis Society, and resources from DaySavers, Sage Advice, Women Employed in Cannabis, and CannaSiteCo.
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Mentorship: One-on-one developmental mentorships and experiences with industry leaders Dr. Miyabe Shields and Dr. Riley Kirk (Co-Founders of Network of Applied Pharmacognosy), Harrison Bard and Fredrik Rading (Co-Founders of Custom Cones USA), Jessica Ferranti (Founder & CEO of The Mycelia Group), Erin Kirk, Esq. (Connecticut Cannabis Ombudsman), Ashley Manta (Creator of CannaSexual), Trinity Madison (Founder & CEO of Camp Laughing Grass), Ishqa Hillman (Founder & Host of The Canna Boss Babes), and M. Omari Jackson (Founder & CEO of Ganjactivist).
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Industry Access: Event access and editorial opportunities through Marijuana Venture, Cannabis & Tech Today, NECANN, IgniteIt Cannabis, CannaCon, The Cannabis Alliance, Fill-a Blunts, and Smoke Temple.