From A College Cannabis Rally To A Major Industry Advocate: Ross Gerber's Journey Into Cannabis

Ross Gerber, the co-founder and CEO of Gerber Kawasaki Wealth and Investment Management, is known for his influence in the world of finance. However, his connection to the cannabis industry dates back much further than his investment endeavors. Gerber's entry into the cannabis space started during his college days when a chance meeting with an activist inspired him to take up the cause of legalization.

A Rally That Sparked a Passion

Gerber's involvement in the cannabis movement began in the early 1990s while he was attending the University of Pennsylvania. He recalls meeting Jack Herer, a legendary cannabis activist, and being inspired to advocate for legalization.

"I met this guy named Jack Herer who was running this thing called NORML, and he was this crazy guy," Gerber shared. "Honestly, I smoked a jay with him in Venice Beach, and I was a kid, and he kind of inspired me to, like, take up this idea of legalization."

This encounter led Gerber to organize a cannabis legalization rally on campus, which turned out to be a pivotal moment for him. "We followed all the rules and applied for the permits, and did everything. And the day came, and sure enough, six trucks full of hippies and Jack Herer show up for this thing right in the middle of campus," he said. The rally, which drew around 5,000 people, became the largest cannabis legalization rally in the history of the University of Pennsylvania, says Gerber.

A Lifelong Advocate for Cannabis Legalization

Gerber's belief in the absurdity of cannabis prohibition has remained a constant throughout his life. Over the years, he continued to view cannabis not just as a recreational substance but as a medicine that helped him with sleep and stress. "I've more than determined that cannabis is medicine, and it's not extremely strong medicine, but it definitely works for things like stress and sleep," he noted.

His early experiences with the cannabis movement eventually dovetailed with his career in finance. As the cannabis industry moved toward legalization, Gerber saw an opportunity to not only support the movement but also invest in it. His personal beliefs and professional interests aligned, leading him to become a vocal advocate for cannabis reform and a key investor in the industry.

Advocating for Change at the Benzinga Cannabis Capital Conference

Gerber's journey from college activist to cannabis investor will be one of the topics he addresses at the upcoming Benzinga Cannabis Capital Conference in Chicago, October 8-9, 2024. As an industry advocate, Gerber will continue to push for federal reform and encourage others to recognize the potential of cannabis as both a medicine and an economic opportunity.

For Gerber, the fight for cannabis legalization is not just a business endeavor — it's a deeply personal mission that began with a simple rally on a college campus and has grown into a lifelong commitment to change.

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