Steve Sakala is the co-founder and CEO of Mana Artisan Botanics, as well as the owner of Honaunau Farm. Steve has been a leader in the medical cannabis and sustainability movements for more than two decades. Over the last seven years he’s focused on CBD-rich (cannabidiol) hemp strains that have diverse and potent health benefits. He has served as the president of the local chapter of Hawaii Farmers Union United, part of the oldest agriculture organization in the country. He has also spent time lobbying for sustainable agriculture in Washington, D.C., and in the Hawaii state legislature. In his efforts to support sustainable hemp legislation and cultivation in the State of Hawaii, Steve’s company Green Hawaii Genetics was awarded the first contract to grow hemp for the state. Steve also is a co-founder of California public charity Wholistic Research and Education Foundation. He graduated from Humboldt State University with a bachelor’s degree in natural resources and city planning with an emphasis in appropriate technology.
