Hemp Beverage Alliance Board Candidate: Elizabeth Anderson Schmidt of Flying Cloud THC Beverages
HBA will elect three members to the board of directors in June. Each candidate has been invited to post information about their candidacy for voters to review.
I’m Elizabeth, founder of Flying Cloud THC Beverages and Fat Pants Brewing Company—but more than that, I’m a small business owner just like many of you. I’ve bootstrapped my way through this industry, learned the hard lessons in real time, and built everything from the ground up without a playbook or a war chest of capital. My journey has included late nights, tough calls, and figuring out compliance while cleaning kegs.
Today, my businesses include a taproom, restaurant, and a growing THC beverage brand that’s reaching into multiple states—but I never forget where it started: scrappy, passionate, and fueled by belief in the purpose, product and the people behind it.
I’m running for the HBA board to be a voice for the small, medium, and emerging brands that make this industry dynamic—but often go unheard. Not everyone has deep pockets or lobbying connections. Many of us are learning in real time, navigating complex regulations while building trust with consumers and retail partners from scratch.
I bring a pragmatic, roll-up-your-sleeves approach to problem-solving, backed by real-world experience. I know what it’s like to secure compliant production, fight for shelf space, and explain cannabinoids to skeptical retailers—while managing cash flow, employees, and evolving laws.
As a board member, I will advocate for:
Regulatory clarity that allows all responsible operators—not just the biggest—to compete and grow.
Support structures that help emerging brands gain retail traction, navigate compliance, and scale sustainably.
Industry unity through transparency, inclusion, and amplification of voices across business sizes and backgrounds.
I believe the future of this industry is powered by innovation, integrity, and access. If elected, I’ll bring my full energy to ensuring HBA champions a fair, informed, and resilient path forward for everyone.”
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