Kenny Morrison is the Founder and CEO of CQ Drinks, California’s original cannabis beverage. He launched the company in 2008 as Venice Cookie Company (VCC), which quickly expanded into multiple product categories. In 2010, the company pioneered cannabis beverages–at the request of actor and Venice Beach resident Dennis Hopper, who was seeking a cannabis-infused tea while battling cancer

Under Kenny’s leadership, the company evolved from a single-state operation with a 45-person team into an asset-light, IP-driven business with multistate licensing and consulting partnerships. Today, CQ Drinks operates in more than 15 states, reaching consumers through both alcohol and dispensary channels.

Kenny has helped shape the evolution of cannabis from grassroots collectives to a regulated national industry. His journey officially began in 2006 as co-founder of two of Los Angeles’ earliest medical dispensaries–later acquired by MedMen. During his second term on the board of the California Cannabis Industry Association (CCIA) in 2015, he co-founded the California Cannabis Manufacturers Association (CCMA) alongside leading brands like Kiva and Jetty, advocating for the state’s top plant-touching operators.

Kenny’s expertise in cannabis smokeless alternatives spans product development, brand strategy, market entry, supply chains, policy navigation, and regulatory compliance. Whether through licensing or consulting, Kenny brings unmatched insight to every engagement, helping companies move from concept to commercialization in some of the world’s most challenging and heavily regulated environments.