During this seminar the Panel will answer these questions:
- How I Got Here: Panelists briefly share how they pivoted from traditional industries (law, retail, finance, hospitality, tech) into cannabis.
- Relevance Through Reinvention: What makes a brand or professional voice stand out in cannabis today?
- Legal & Social Considerations: Navigating compliance, community trust, and equity as a new entrant.
- Scaling Smart: Avoiding burnout, understanding capital, and building a sustainable footprint.
- Authenticity vs. Hype: Standing out without selling out in an oversaturated and trend-driven market.
Calandra Revering, Attorney/Owner, The Good Zen
Calandra Revering, Esq.
Calandra is an accomplished attorney and justice advocate with over 22 years of experience in private
practice. She specializes in Criminal Defense, Family Law, Civil and Family Mediation, and conducting
neutral workplace employment investigations. In addition, she is a sought-after speaker on social equity
in Cannabis Law, actively engaging with public and political audiences on cannabis legislation and policy.
Recognized for her courtroom expertise, Calandra has successfully tried numerous high-profile criminal
cases in State and Federal Courts, thriving on the dynamic challenges of jury trials. She approaches her
work with dedication, patience, and open-mindedness, steadfastly advocating for equality, respect, and
justice for all community members. Practicing in courts across and beyond the Twin Cities, she brings a
comprehensive understanding of the interplay between law, facts, and cultural context.
Since 2002, Calandra has expanded her impact beyond private practice. She has served as an adjunct
professor, teaching legal courses, trial advocacy, and master’s-level classes in international politics and
law. She has also presented numerous CLE seminars on topics ranging from DWI practice to diversity in
the legal profession.
In addition to her legal career, Calandra is the owner of Good Zen, a dispensary located in Brooklyn Park,
and the co-founder of SLAY Beverage, a THC elixir brand created in partnership with her son. Both
ventures are dedicated to supporting minority and LGBTQ+ communities. She is the founder of CUJI-
Communities Unifying Thru Justice & Inclusion and Minnesota Association for Black Cannabis
Professionals (MABCP).
Her passions include mentoring law students and young attorneys, advocating for juvenile justice,
fostering entrepreneurship, and improving access to justice for underserved communities. Calandra is
deeply committed to ensuring equal and fair treatment for all, both within and beyond the courtroom.
Lance Asher, Co-host of Full Spectrum Cannabis
Lance Asher has spent years in the cannabis, craft beer, and beverage industries, building deep expertise and strong industry ties. As co-host of Full Spectrum Cannabis, he and Calandra offer complementary perspectives on the evolving cannabis scene in Minnesota and beyond.
Lance is the founder of Green Elevator, known for flavorful, aromatic gummies and clean, organic cannabis beverages. He lives by a “liquid to lips and gummy to tummy”approach—personally testing every product to stay connected to the consumer. A former Legacy operator, Lance returned to the cannabis world after two decades in corporate life, driven by a passion to reduce stigma and elevate the plant.
Mitchel C. Chargo, Partner RBC Gateway
With more than three decades of legal experience as both outside counsel and
corporate counsel, Mitch Chargo is a business lawyer with a practice focused
on commercial real estate, business transactions, and legalized cannabis. Mitch
recently served as General Counsel for a Minnesota-based licensed
manufacturer of medical cannabis, where he counseled on legal, compliance
and regulatory affairs, real estate management, corporate governance, and
human resources issues. He currently represents a variety of clients—tribal
entities, growers, and real estate companies—who are seeking to take
advantage of opportunities in the Minnesota cannabis and hemp spaces.
Mitch also represents clients in commercial real estate loan transactions and in
acquiring, disposing, and leasing retail, office, industrial and multi-family
properties. He advises clients in a wide variety of business and corporate
transactions, including purchasing and disposing of non-real estate asset
classes, executive employment agreements, commercial contract review, and
compliance.
Mitch excels within fast-paced and complex organizations, taking a thoughtful
and practical approach to solving his clients’ problems and managing risk, cost
and deadlines. As a seasoned compliance and regulatory professional,
commercial attorney, and former litigator, he is known for being a strategic
business partner with a results-oriented focus who leads with integrity and
transparency.
Prior to joining Hinshaw, Mitch was a partner in a mid-sized law firm and a
multi-state law firm owner.
Professional Affiliations
● Indigenous Cannabis Industry Association (ICIA), Board of Directors
● International Cannabis Bar Association
● Minnesota State Bar Association
● State Bar of Arizona
● Society of Corporate Compliance and Ethics