Monica Vialpando
The Power List 2021 – Processing Pros
Founder and CEO, Via Innovations, San Francisco, USA
Cannabis industry origin story: The merging of three very different yet complementary career trajectories brought me into this space. First, I am a pharmaceutically trained product development scientist with expertise in the formulation of poorly water-soluble compounds. Second, I had extensive inhalation development experience in pharmaceuticals and nicotine, where I was directly involved in the testing, safety review, and harm reduction education for the implementation of the Tobacco Products Directive in the UK. Finally, I had exposure to plant-based medicines through Ayurveda during my yoga teacher training.
The cannabis industry presented a perfect opportunity to merge these three streams and unlock my true scientific passion. Prior to that, I felt that my lifestyle and career were in constant conflict with each other.
Nominator comment: “Pharmaceutically trained formulation scientist elevating the cannabis-infused product market in regards to quality, safety, and efficacy.”
