Our Board

President - Benjamin Doyle

One of the visionaries behind the Cannabis Education Project, Ben Doyle has spearheaded many of the Cannabis Education Project actions and efforts. He was instrumental in creating community connections with the San Diego artist community, leading to many art shows and community events focused on the travesties of the war on drugs.

Our fearless leader of direct community action, Ben can be found directly in the communities, spreading the word through direct canvassing and public outreach. Ben's passion is one of inclusion of those communities and persons most impacted by the war on drugs in the emerging legal cannabis marked.

Today, Ben continues to chronicle the travesties of the drug war on his blog: https://danktownesfinest.com/

Treasurer/Secretary - Shelby Huffaker

Shelby Huffaker is a lifelong San Diegan, a public health researcher specializing in implementation science and substance use, and Chair of the San Diego chapter of Americans for Safe Access. Shelby is passionate about cannabis and harm reduction and is driven by the principles of restorative justice, collective empowerment, and decolonization. In her free time, she enjoys running, yoga, traveling, reading, and crafting.

Vice President -

Armando Gudiño

Armando Gudiño is a political scientist. For more than 20 years, he has worked in journalism and public policy, in places such as Mexico, Venezuela, Colombia, the Middle East and Southeast Asia.

Over the last several years Armando has worked on key California legislation including the historic marijuana legalization initiative Proposition 64, civil asset forfeiture reform, deferred entry of judgement (retroactive), equalization of penalties for crack and powder cocaine, Proposition 47, and the state’s 911 Good Samaritan Law.

Board member at Large - Amber Kae Niuatoa

Amber Kae Niuatoa is a professor of Socialogy teaching Justice Studies at MiraCosta College. She is a lifelong Oceanside resident and mother of two. She attended Cal State San Marcos to earn her BA in Sociology: Critical Race Theory and her MA: Sociological Practice.

Amber Kae has served the community at organizations including the Brother Benno’s, Girls Inc., and Amity Foundation. She is current and active in several local organizations, including the Sierra Club. She assigns Service Learning projects to her students to help them discover their power to make a difference.

In Memory

Mentor - Dion Markgraaff

Dion Markgraaff was an instrumental supporter who made the work of the Cannabis Education Project possible for many years. He was a visionary in his support and drive for marijuana legalization and regulation in Latin America. He was a tireless promoter of hemp, driving education efforts around the globe. Our Cannabis Villages at Earthday, acres of educational booths, captivating speakers, and musical performances for marijuana normalization and regulation, was his original vision.

Rest in peace, Dion. Thank you for making so much possible.

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