LEEF Brands Inc. (CSE: LEEF, OTCQB: LEEEF), a leading California cannabis concentrate company, announced on September 21, 2026 the appointment of Hirsh Jain as an independent director to its Board of Directors. Jain, founder and CEO of cannabis advisory firm Ananda Strategy, previously served as a strategic advisor to LEEF on federal and state cannabis policy. The appointment is part of a broader governance restructuring that investors may be watching as LEEF prepares for potential interstate commerce and international export opportunities.

Key Points

  • LEEF Brands Inc. (CSE: LEEF, OTCQB: LEEEF) is a California cannabis concentrate company powering some of the largest U.S. cannabis brands
  • Hirsh Jain appointed as independent director; Kevin Wilson resigned from the Board but remains Chief Financial Officer
  • Independent directors will now comprise three of five Board members, with Audit and Compensation Committees fully independent
  • LEEF has filed DEA registration applications across its California and Nevada licences and is building international market relationships

Board Restructuring Elevates Independent Oversight at LEEF Brands

LEEF Brands' governance reshuffle results in a five-member Board on which independent directors hold a majority — three of five seats. The company's Audit and Compensation Committees will each be comprised entirely of independent directors, while the Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee will be majority independent. Concurrent with Jain's appointment, Kevin Wilson stepped down from the Board while retaining his role as Chief Financial Officer. The release states these changes are designed to build a governance framework aligned with standards expected of companies listed on major U.S. exchanges.

Hirsh Jain's Cannabis Policy Background and Role at Ananda Strategy

Jain brings nine years of cannabis industry experience to LEEF's Board. As founder and CEO of Ananda Strategy, he has advised operators on regulatory strategy, competitive licensing, market expansion, and legislative matters. Since California's adult-use market launched in 2018, Jain has engaged directly with the Governor's Office, state officials, and dozens of local governments. Before entering cannabis, he served as Director of Government Affairs at Airbnb and as an Engagement Manager at McKinsey & Company. He holds a B.A. from UC Berkeley and a J.D. from Harvard Law School.

Interstate Commerce and International Export Ambitions Drive Strategic Context

The appointment directly supports LEEF's stated preparation for anticipated changes in cannabis market structure. The company has filed DEA registration applications across its California and Nevada licences and is actively developing relationships in international markets while working to meet destination-market operational standards. LEEF operates a comprehensive California supply chain with innovative manufacturing processes and a bulk concentrate portfolio. Investors may be watching whether evolving federal and state policy creates the cross-border commercial opportunities that LEEF's leadership has publicly referenced as central to its long-term strategy.