our mission

Compassionate Alternatives was founded with the pure intent and mission to bring medical and industry experts together in order to educate the public on the many benefits of plant medicine.

Our organization was the first cannabis educational nonprofit to exist in Ohio. Over the past six years we have led educational efforts through our live seminars & webinars with recognized medical experts, created safe spaces for authentic dialogue at our Canna-Network Socials, and engaged the general public at numerous community festivals & events throughout the region.

Compassionate Alternatives is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization founded in Columbus, Ohio in 2018.

Our mission knows no geographic boundaries, and we exist to support patients in communities everywhere.

Cannabis Education for Everyone

Medical cannabis is steadily becoming accepted across our society for the many benefits it offers patients in need. But despite the strides made over the past decade, much misinformation and stigma still remain in the public discourse.

Compassionate Alternatives provides educational bridges for the general public in the form of several programs:

  • Educational Seminars & Webinars
  • Social Events
  • Industry Expos
  • Our Curated Blog
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our team

Emilie Kelleher Founder and President

Emilie Kelleher | Founder & President

Emilie Kelleher is the Founder & President of Compassionate Alternatives. Emilie has spent the majority of her professional career in both the adult use and medical cannabis industries. Throughout this time, Emilie has been active within several political campaigns, action committees, and industry nonprofits.

Emilie’s experience lies in project management, manufacturing operations, dispensary management, marketing, cultivation, and processing of the cannabis plant. After Ohio’s medical cannabis program was approved, Emilie was responsible for the successful launch and operations of one of Central Ohio’s first medical cannabis dispensaries.

Emilie is the Vice President of BeneLeaves––a friends- and family-owned licensed cannabis processing business headquartered in Columbus, Ohio. BeneLeaves is a minority-led operation, and both the facility and operations are aligned with FDA standards.

Emilie is a member of the National Cannabis Industry Association’s Educational Committee. Emilie is also the Marketing Chair for the Ohio Cannabis Coalition (OHCANN).