By Courtney Scott

Dena Ladd's resume is long and impressive, but the path to her current role championing research on the medicinal use of medical cannabis was not linear. While she started her career working in luxury goods with Christian Dior, she made a huge switch to politics; working on the ballot initiative ensuring that any stem cell research deemed legal on the federal level would also be legal in the state of Missouri. Being involved in this campaign and the process of educating herself on the topic spurred Ladd's passion for medical research.

Ladd was thrilled when the late Dr. William Danforth asked her to be the executive director of The Missouri Coalition for Lifesaving Cures, now called Missouri Cures. "The goal of the organization is to protect and promote medical research in the state of Missouri," stated Ladd. "Some people are enamored with celebrities or sports stars. For me, it is researchers," laughed Ladd. "I am in awe of researchers who dedicate their lives to finding a cure for cancer, Parkinson's, and other devastating diseases.

Ladd remained in that role for over 10 years. Through it, she connected with researchers from all over the world. She was a founding board member of the Alliance for Regenerative Medicine based in Washington, D.C. She advised ARM on starting their national PAC and establishing their 501c (3).

Since leaving Missouri Cures last year, Ladd has started DSL Consulting Group, where she advises organizations on government and community relations. In 2018, when medical cannabis was on the horizon, Ladd worked with a small group to establish the Missouri Cannabis Trade Association (MOCANN) and is now the chair of the board, a role she was hesitant to take on at first. "It is a male-dominated industry. By being chair of the board, I thought I could help get more women to get involved in the industry," said Ladd. "Now the board is one-third women."

Ladd described the Missouri cannabis industry as "one of the most regulated industries in our state." She continued, "I really wanted to see how medical cannabis could help patients. That is what led me to be interested in alternative medicine research, which can be very difficult to do because there is not enough funding and strict regulations.”

"Missouri owners have done a great job developing the cannabis industry, and it has had a huge economic impact on our state," said Ladd. She notes that in 2021, one in 10 new jobs in Missouri was in the cannabis industry. Ladd noted, after recently attending a national cannabis conference, that attendees were impressed by how Missouri has developed its cannabis industry. “It is looked upon by other states as one of the best in the country, specifically for strict testing, licensing, and overall regulation.”

In November of 2022, Missouri voters approved purchase of cannabis by adults 21 years and older without a medical card. Ladd said in 2023, MOCANN is focused on policy issues, including the Safe Banking Act. They want to ensure cannabis companies are treated like other businesses with respect to banking and other business practices.

According to BDSA, a research and analytics firm in the cannabis industry, cannabis sales in Missouri in 2023 are projected to be $1 billion, the tax the state will receive will be approximately $54 million, with local governments receiving potentially $27 million. In February, the first month of recreational cannabis sales in Missouri, $103 million was sold. Per Ladd, “We are making national headlines because Missouri is going to be such a strong market.” However, she is most excited that cannabis companies can apply for a research license.

One of the areas Ladd has focused on regarding medical research and cannabis usage is its success in helping veterans with PTSD. She has met with veterans and said that "hearing their stories was heartbreaking." She said that some cite the use of medical cannabis with assisting them with addiction and depression issues. To date, the Missouri medical cannabis tax has already generated $27 million for veterans' health care.

Other successful uses of medical cannabis usage include treating Parkinson's or end-of-life care. Ladd noted that the Michael J. Fox Foundation released recommendations for usage last year and believes that is a promising sign for other organizations to support the use of medical cannabis. "Doctors still want to see more research, which is why I think it is so important to keep moving alternative medicine research forward," Ladd commented.

Ladd's latest venture ties her experience in fashion with her passion for research. She recently introduced a line of jewelry and accessories called Flora Jaine, featuring delicate gold and silver cannabis leaves. When asked why she decided to start this line, Ladd said, "It goes back to the research, which is largely privately funded. I was thinking about what I could do to move research forward, so part of the proceeds from Flora Jaine will go to fund research projects.” She wanted to create tasteful and subtle jewelry that combined showing support for the love of the leaf and for research.

Ladd recently launched a policy group, the Alternative Medicine Alliance, whose mission is to pass legislation encouraging research and education for alternative medicine for patients struggling with medical and mental health conditions. Unsurprisingly, her ever-growing resume will continue to expand as she leads the way in unchartered territory.

To shop Flora Jaine, visit florajaine.com.