A pioneer of the medical marijuana industry has been appointed to the advisory board of Santa Monica’s Marijuana Company of America, CNN Money reports.

Edward Manolos has been tasked by the cannabis marketing and distribution company with identifying and structuring strategic partnerships and product development.

Manolos opened the very first medical marijuana dispensary in Los Angeles County in 2004, called CMCA, and was also credited with starting L.A.’ first medical marijuana farmer’s market, The California Heritage Farmer’s Market.

He is also the founder of Everest Biosynthesis Group and Natural Plant Extracts USA (NPE), a leading producer of pharmaceutical grade cannabidiol, made from hemp oil, which holds the largest market share in the nation.