The Nebraska Healthy Alternatives Association is the preeminent trade organization for the hemp-derived healthy alternatives industry in Nebraska. We are comprised of retailers, farmers, manufacturers and distributors. We work tirelessly to protect the interests of our members and fight for the rights of Nebraskans. Our members are held to the highest standards, and we are committed to providing our community with safe, healthy, and affordable alternatives. The hemp-derived healthy alternatives industry protects over 300 acres of farms, $139,488,120 in direct revenue, 1,614 jobs, $64,807,575 in wages paid to Nebraskans plus $7,671,847 paid in state and local sales tax.* We are committed to ensuring that this growth continues!
We believe adults should have the freedom to choose healthy alternatives to big pharma’s products. To that end, we support reasonable age restrictions on the purchase of specific product categories. We also advocate for packaging restrictions to keep these products from being attractive or accessible to minors. We also believe in licensing hemp businesses so we can assure quality, compliance, consumer protections, and professionalize the industry to provide safe health and wellness products that Nebraskans are seeking in their daily lives.
Recent years have brought rapid changes to the cannabis industry, with many states legalizing cannabis for medical and recreational purposes. Yet, despite this progress, many states are banning federally legal, hemp derived products. As supporters of safe, responsible cannabis use, we believe it is time for the federal government to adopt an evidence-based approach to hemp and cannabis policy. Over half of all states have legalized cannabis in some form, demonstrating the medical potential and economic benefits of these healthy alternative products. Where legal, cannabis has offered individuals an effective alternative to Big Pharma products. We believe in securing these benefits for all Nebraskans.
*Based on a 2023 impact study, conducted by Whitney Economics.
Dr. Andrea Holmes holds a PhD in organic chemistry from New York University and was a National Institute of Health Fellow at Columbia University. She is a tenured Professor of Chemistry and conducted over 25 years of academic and industry research in nanotechnology, anti-biotic resistant biofilm infections, and the pharmacology of cannabinoids. As a Professor, she pioneered an internationally renounced cannabis curriculum at her University. She has created certificates for medical health care and science professionals for several universities in the United States. She is Chief Science Officer at KD Pharma and leads the infant formula ingredient project between two global partnering companies. She served as the global head of KD Phyto, the cannabinoid pharmaceutical business sector of KD Pharma.
Dr. Holmes has founded and co-owns several cannabis companies including testing labs and special formulation companies that focus on the synthesis of minor cannabinoids, and retail. She serves as a worldwide subject matter expert, expert witness, and consultant, including in the US, EU, Brazil, UK, and Thailand.
Dr. Holmes has given local, national, and international lectures and has published two cannabis textbooks, more than 50 peer-reviewed articles and cannabis textbooks on terpenes, endocannabinoid system, major and minor cannabinoids, extraction methods, niche markets like using CBD for the pet industry, and unique topics that involve the rapidly emerging cannabis industry.
Dr. Holmes is passionate about animal rescue and volunteers at Hearts United for Animals. She is a classical ballet dancer and uses cannabinoid-based products to help her pets and herself to prevent and treat injury from her dance.
Andrea Watkins is the co-owner of Kind+Life by CBD Remedies dispensary. She started Go Vapor in 2013 and co-founded the first CBD store in Lincoln, Nebraska in 2017. Andrea is a creative director and graphic designer by trade. She has a B.A. from the University of Nebraska. She has been a small business entrepreneur since 2011 and has started and ran over six different businesses including two clothing, design, and local art boutiques. She is also a commercial property owner that has launched and supported numerous entrepreneurs and small business startups. She was the creative director for a global company and oversaw the employment brand creation and global roll-out to bring all employees together into one common vision. Andrea is passionate about holistic healthcare and feels that diet and natural remedies are the best medicine. She has been an active animal rescuer and foster parent for numerous animals over the years. She enjoys playing pickleball and practices hot yoga in her free time.
Sarah Linden is a seasoned executive with over 20 years of experience in management, marketing, strategy, and entrepreneurship with expertise in a variety of industries: food and beverage, natural foods, personal care, infant care, fashion, B2B, vapor, and cannabis.
Currently, Sarah is the Founder and CEO of Generation V, a retail chain in the highly regulated vape industry, and Grateful Green, a retail chain with six hemp-derived cannabis dispensaries. Sarah has grown Generation V into the premier vape store in the Midwest, with 19 retail locations across Nebraska, Iowa, and South Dakota.
Sarah serves on the board of several state trade organizations. She founded and has served as President of Nebraska Vape Vendors Association for the past 5 years. After serving as President of Iowans for Alternatives to Smoke and Tobacco for 4 years, she now holds the position of Vice President. She previously served on the Board of Directors of the New York Chapter of the American Marketing Association (AMA) for 5 years in integral roles and has been a guest speaker and lecturer at several universities throughout the country. Additionally, Sarah holds an advisory position for several start-ups.
Sarah has a BS in International Business with a focus on international marketing from the University of Nebraska and graduated Summa Cum Laude from New York University Stern School of Business with an MBA in Marketing, Strategy, and Entrepreneurship.
Before founding Generation V, Sarah worked as a Brand Manager for large consumer packaged goods companies such as Nestle, ConAgra Foods, and Energizer.
Sarah was born and raised in Lincoln, Nebraska. She has lived all over the world to pursue her career including Japan, Australia, New York City, San Diego, and Los Angeles, but has since moved back for “The Good Life” and resides in Lincoln with her husband and two children.
A COPY OF THE OFFICIAL REGISTRATION AND FINANCIAL INFORMATION MAY BE OBTAINED FROM THE DIVISION OF CONSUMER SERVICES BY CALLING TOLL-FREE (800-435-7352) WITHIN THE STATE. REGISTRATION DOES NOT IMPLY ENDORSEMENT, APPROVAL, OR RECOMMENDATION BY THE STATE.
Registration #: CH73290
