STAFF

California born and raised in hippie culture by parents who favored adventure and experiences over materialism, and a mother who was a wildlife & nature photographer. In 1975 his parents sold their home and purchased a travel trailer with the goal of living off the grid and the ability to move with a moment’s notice. By the time Aaron was 12, they had visited all lower 48 states and their national parks at least twice. Being avid backpackers, the family set out one summer to complete the Susquehanna Trail System through the Appalachian Mountains. At the ages of seven and five years old, respectively, Aaron and his sister remain the youngest documented male and female to have completed that adventure. Having experienced all of the connected 48 states, and a month-long trip to Hawaii, his parents made the decision to travel to Alaska in the spring of 1984. Although the trip was only scheduled for four months, it became clear that this would become their new home, and Aaron has resided here ever since.

He has raised two sons: Jayce, 30; and Noah, 24; both lifelong Alaskans.

Over the past 18 years Aaron has advocated for cannabis reform (both hemp and marijuana). He has extensive knowledge of, and a deep passion for, the therapeutic and medicinal properties known to exist within cannabis; and has shared that knowledge with countless individuals worldwide, including public officials (in Alaska and across the entire US), medical professionals, and anyone else who showed an interest.

In 2015 Aaron was convinced to start a cannabis business here in
Alaska by his best friend, Geneva Cowen. The Alaska Cannabis Exchange - aka ACE - was founded and brought to life, bringing Alaska’s first hemp-derived CBD products to consumers. The hesitancy of legislators and other officials to adapt to the legality of cannabis has caused many roadblocks along the way; and the tragic loss of our beloved Geneva in December of 2020 was a crushing blow, only seven months after opening the brick and mortar store. Although moving forward without her was difficult, ACE has prevailed and grown into the respectable establishment it is today.

Our #3 budtenders in the state in last year’s Alaska Press Picks! Chris was born in Marietta, Georgia but moved to Anchorage in 1974 where he was raised by wolves. He attended West Service and Bartlett High Schools back in the days before the internet and legal weed, and he is the proud father of a 20 year old son in his junior year of college. His favorite ACE strain is Purple Punch, and aside from enjoying our products (a LOT) Chris is passionate about almost any sport, and in particular likes to golf, fish, and coach Little League baseball in the summer.

Nick has always had a passion for Cannabis and is happy to have a job in the AK Cannabis industry finally. Some of Nick’s hobbies include Kendama, Skate boarding, snowboarding, dancing with microlights, and growing plants. Nick’s favorite ACE strain to smoke is green crack, and his favorite ACE strain to grow is blue Magoo!