ROOTED IN PURPOSE: How Ancient Roots CEO David Haley Is Leading Ohio’s Craft Cannabis Renaissance

Interview by: Anthony W, Gaines II

Photography by: Will Baldon & Anthony W, Gaines II

“Just the fact that we saved one person—one veteran—I’m incredibly proud of that.” – David Haley, CEO of Ancient Roots

In the heart of Ohio’s evolving cannabis industry, one company has been making a name for itself—not through flash or hype, but through integrity, intention, and care. Ancient Roots, founded in 2017 by David Haley, has emerged as a trusted cultivator of high-quality, craft cannabis with a distinctly medicinal mission.

But Haley’s journey into cannabis wasn’t the result of a lifelong dream or trendy investment move. It was a leap of faith—driven by a desire to create something meaningful and healing for those who need it most.

We sat down with David Haley to talk about the birth of Ancient Roots, what craft cannabis means to him, and how purpose continues to power the company’s mission.

Q&A WITH DAVID HALEY, CEO OF ANCIENT ROOTS

OH-HIGHYO!: What inspired you to start Ancient Roots, and how has your mission evolved since 2017?

DAVID HALEY:

I came out of the medical device space—I owned an orthopedic distributorship with surgical implants. Back in 2016, I was really just looking for some passive income. I started looking at different franchises and business ideas. I’d always believed in cannabis as medicine, on and off throughout my adult life, and when Ohio announced legalization for medicinal use, something clicked.

Honestly, to this day, I still don’t know what ultimately pushed me to risk what I did. I had to pay someone to write the application because I was new to the industry. You’ve got to have a location, a team, and you're spending a lot of money upfront, without any guarantee of getting a license.

Five different companies told me, “You’re too late.” I was defeated. But I called a sixth one— and I must’ve nailed the pitch or convinced them I was serious. They brought me on, and I worked harder than I ever have in my life to get that application in.

“I didn't have to create a new product or service—I just had to produce it better than others.”

Part of it was a business opportunity. You don’t often get to legally serve a billion-dollar market that already exists. But the deeper motivation? I wanted to help people—especially veterans and those suffering from PTSD. That purpose has been my compass from day one.

OH-HIGHYO!: You’ve always viewed cannabis as medicine. Where does that mindset come from?

HALEY:

My background was always about helping people—from sports medicine to orthopedics. I didn’t serve in the military, and maybe it’s guilt, maybe it’s respect, but I’ve always wanted to do something for veterans. Cannabis became that “something.”

I’ve had friends in combat. I’ve seen the toll PTSD takes. I knew if I could create a high-quality, natural product to help them, that would be my contribution. And it’s worked—I've had people come up to me and say, “Your product saved my life.”

That never gets old. It’s humbling. It reinforces why we do what we do.

OH-HIGHYO!: What does “craft cannabis” mean to you, and why is it so central to Ancient Roots?

HALEY:

It’s everything. In Ohio, I went for—and was awarded—a Level II cultivation license. That means I started small. But starting small also meant starting focused. Craft cannabis is about attention to detail, about growing with intention. It’s about the love that goes into every plant and every decision.

“Craft cannabis is about intention. It’s about staying small enough to care, but big enough to matter.”

We’re not trying to be the biggest. We’re trying to be the best—especially for patients. Our goal is consistent: help people heal. That only happens when you obsess over quality. We’ve built a reputation by being precise, listening to patient feedback, and never cutting corners.

Closing Thoughts

OH-HIGHYO!: Looking back, what has been the biggest lesson or moment of pride in this journey?

HALEY:

There’s been a lot. But if I had to choose one, it’s hearing that our product has saved lives. That’s not marketing. That’s humanity. That’s impact.

We get emails. We get messages. People say, “Your product helped me sleep for the first time in months,” or “It helped with my anxiety or pain.”

One veteran told me it kept him from taking his life. That’s real. That’s what this industry should be about.

OH-HIGHYO!: Where do you see Ancient Roots heading next in Ohio’s rapidly changing cannabis landscape?

HALEY:

The future is exciting. We’ve built trust. We’ve built a team. Now we’re expanding, but still with the same care and intention.

As adult-use unfolds in Ohio, there’s a lot of noise in the market. But we’re going to stick to our roots—pun intended. Our focus will remain on medicinal quality, even as we enter the recreational space. People deserve cannabis they can trust, no matter how or why they use it.

We’re also looking into partnerships, educational initiatives, and supporting legislation that protects both patients and craft operators. We’re here for the long haul.

“We’re not trying to be the biggest. We’re trying to be the best—especially for patients.”

In an industry often overshadowed by hype and profits, David Haley and Ancient Roots stand as a reminder of what cannabis can truly be: healing, intentional, and rooted in service. As Ohio enters a new era of legalization, it’s the craft operators—those who start with care and stay with purpose—that will define its future.

For Haley, this isn’t just business. It’s a mission. And it’s only just beginning.