Lessons in Capital, Cannabis, and Community with Dr. David Cunic at NECANN Boston 2025

 

At NECANN Boston 2025, real conversations continued to take center stage at Justice Row. This time, 40 Tons sat down with Dr. David Cunic, founder of UCS Advisors, for a direct and honest look at raising capital in cannabis, the importance of professional networking, and what it really takes to move with intention in this space. Hosted by Corvain Cooper, the conversation stayed grounded in lived experience and community-centered impact.

This episode is part of the 40 Tons Justice Row Executive Interview Series, powered by HPI Canna.

About the Episode:

In this episode of the Justice Row Executive Interview Series, Corvain Cooper speaks with Dr. David Cunic, founder of UCS Advisors, about what it takes to build real business skills in an industry that is still evolving. The discussion focuses on helping justice-impacted founders become investor ready, the difference between advisors and consultants, and why having unbiased guidance can make or break a cannabis business.

The Importance of Real Networking

Dr. Cunic opens with a reminder that cannabis is still a people business. “It’s called networking. You got to work. You got to put in the effort. You got to practice,” he says. With more than 20 years in the industry, including operations in Vegas, Denver, and New Jersey, Dr. Cunic understands what consistency looks like over time.

No More Hype Money

As the cannabis industry matures, the days of hype and fast capital are mostly gone.

“There’s no more dumb money. You got to bring your A game,” he says.

That’s a key theme of the episode—accountability, preparation, and execution over vibes and vision boards.

The Advisor Mindset

Dr. Cunic makes a clear distinction between consultants and advisors. “A consultant, you bring in to work on a specific problem retroactively. An advisor works on both short-term and long-term goals using a multi-disciplinary approach but also has real life experience,” he explains. It’s a role he takes seriously and one that comes without strings. “We don’t take any equity. We are 100 percent unbiased.”

Guest Spotlight:

Dr. David Cunic is the founder of UCS Advisors, a firm focused on helping founders and business owners raise capital and build sustainable strategies. With a background in physical therapy, business operations, and the cannabis space, Dr. Cunic brings a no-fluff approach to growth. He’s helped over 70 companies secure investment offers over the past two years, without compromising ethics or transparency.

“If you’re going to have a brand, make sure you reach out and talk to the people. Provide something to them. Pay it forward.” — Dr. David Cunic

Dr. David Cunic of UCS Advisors. at NECANN Boston 2025, on 40 Tons’ Justice Row 

Key Takeaways:

Real Advice Beats Fluff:
Corvain calls out how many people jump into cannabis with no real experience. “You got the license, but have you ever run a business? A store? A retail operation?” This episode doesn’t sugarcoat the gaps—it names them.

Bias-Free Guidance Matters:
UCS Advisors doesn’t take equity or shares in the businesses it supports. “Now we can be that voice of reason,” says Cunic. That unbiased lens is rare in a space where investor advice often serves investor interests.

Tools That Actually Help:
Dr. Cunic shares tools created for real cannabis founders. “We offer a free investor-ready quiz on our website. It gives you a little bit of a reality check on how prepared you truly are,” he says. That kind of simple but actionable resource is why UCS stays aligned with 40 Tons’ mission.

“It’s all we’re saying. Before you step foot across this bridge to get into this game—educate yourself.” — Corvain Cooper

Listen to the Episode:

🎧 Listen to the full interview on YouTube

Join the Conversation:

Did you catch something in this episode that made you think? Let us know in the comments. Share this post with someone stepping into the #cannabisindustry who needs to hear the truth about preparation, support, and staying ready.

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About Justice Row Executive Interview Series:

Produced by 40 Tons and powered by HPI Canna, this series features conversations with founders, advocates, and entrepreneurs from across the #cannabis space. Every interview focuses on impact, equity, and the real work being done to change the game.

Sponsors of 40 Tons Justice Row at NECANN Boston 2025:

Title Sponsor: HPI Canna

Film & Edited by: Stoner Shenanigans 

Contributing Sponsors: Alibi Cannabis, New Leaf EA, New Holland Group, On Point Power

Written by the 40 Tons Team. For press inquiries, partnership opportunities, or to get involved, visit https://40tons.co or email info@40tons.co.

If you’d like to sponsor one of our Justice Row Events, please reach out via email.