"Let the plant science guide policy"

This encapsulates Steve Philpott's motivation for pursuing a career in cannabis research and opportunity creation within his community.

Steve is a former US Marine, graduate student and cannabis researcher at Chicago State University and Co-Founder for the Illinois Minority Growers Association. Here, their mission is to close the disparity gap by addressing socio-economic related barriers for minorities. They're educating growers by providing information services and partnerships that afford them increased access to Illinois’ agricultural industry.

Steve's story is filled with:

- His experiences growing up in Chicago in the aftermath of the war on drugs

- Stories of camaraderie and loss in uniformed service

- His own struggles with opioids and cannabis alternatives

- Intentional opportunity-creation within his community

- Technical knowledge about cannabis breeding and cultivation

- Examples of the disconnect between cannabis plant science and public policy

Find out how Steven left Chicago a scared 19-year old kid and returned with a renewed sense of purpose and drive within agriculture.