OUR STORY
New York strives to become a national leader.
In 2015, Assemblymember Donna Lupardo (D-123) recognized the potential of hemp and moved to create the Industrial Hemp Pilot Program. As one of the State's first hemp operations, Kaelan and Jim worked closely with Lupardo to help cultivate a vision of the Empire State becoming a global leader for hemp.
To help businesses, regulators, professional services providers, and the public understand the constantly changing regulatory environment - the Castetter Cannabis Group was formed.
Our small but experienced team has quickly become a leader in ensuring fair policy was implemented, working closely with lawmakers, regulators, and the Governor's Office.
In 2019, we became founding members of the New York Cannabis Growers & Processors Association, a powerful voice in Albany on hemp and adult-use legalization.
OUR TEAM
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Aldous Loyd
Cultivation Analyst
Aldous is an expert in the genetic development and cultivation of cannabis. He has a lifetime of experience spearheading commercial growing operations throughout North America. His scientific knowledge combined with years of practical experience has honed his careful approach to the cultivation of industrial hemp. His insights are critical to forming analysis that affects cultivators and farmers.
Kaelan Castetter
Director of Policy Analysis
Kaelan has been in the New York cannabis industry since 2015 as the founder of Sovereign Vines: America’s Only Hemp Infused Wine. When the company received New York’s first hemp processing license, they were stymied by federal rulings on adding hemp extracts to alcohol. Kaelan successfully argued that those rulings were inconsistent with Administrative Rules Procedures and was able to secure the first wine label approval in New York State Liquor Authority history. Kaelan is also a co-founder of the New York Cannabis Growers & Association, a lobbying group heavily involved in discussions around adult-use legislation and helped to draft the landmark Hemp Extract Law in 2019.
Kaelan has become a trusted advisor to some of the top hemp companies, lawmakers, and organizations across the State.
Amman Weaver
Risk & Market Analyst
Amman began his career pioneering the design of operational risk scenarios at Barclays Investment Bank. Prior to that, he received his bachelor’s degree in Economics from the State University of New York at Geneseo. Specializing in corporate finance, business strategy & risk management, his skillset helps to advise clients in best practices for navigating the nascent cannabis industry. His input is valuable in shaping our analysis of how complex regulatory frameworks relate to operational risk.
