Conversations with Anthony Riley

Today we’d like to introduce you to Anthony Riley.

Hi Anthony, thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
My name is Anthony Riley, also known as Mastamynd. I started Ohio Cannabis Live in 2019 because I saw a need for reliable information about Ohio’s medical cannabis program. What began as a small social media project grew into a statewide media platform reaching hundreds of thousands of people through videos, live streams, interviews, and educational content.

Along the way, I’ve faced significant challenges, including a traumatic brain injury and ongoing health issues, but those experiences motivated me to keep building something that helps others. Today, I’m the founder of Ohio Cannabis Live, the Ohio Cannabis Expo, and Another Mastamynd Hit LLC. My focus remains the same as when I started: educating people, supporting small businesses, and giving Ohio’s cannabis community a voice.

Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
It definitely has not been a smooth road. One of my biggest challenges has been overcoming a traumatic brain injury and dealing with ongoing health issues, including chronic pain and chronic pancreatitis. There have been many times when I had to balance running a business, creating content, and organizing events while also managing my health.

Building Ohio Cannabis Live was also challenging because I started with very limited resources and had to earn trust and credibility over time. Like many entrepreneurs, I’ve faced financial obstacles, skepticism, and setbacks. However, each challenge taught me something valuable and helped me grow. Those experiences are a big part of why I continue pushing forward and working to create opportunities for others.

Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
I am a media creator, entrepreneur, and cannabis advocate best known as the founder of Ohio Cannabis Live. Since launching the platform in 2019, I have created more than 1,000 videos and built one of Ohio’s most recognized cannabis-focused media outlets. My work focuses on educating consumers, covering legislation, highlighting businesses, and giving a voice to patients, advocates, and industry professionals. Today, Ohio Cannabis Live has generated more than 1.4 million views on YouTube and over 1.7 million views on Reddit.

I am also the founder of the Ohio Cannabis Expo, which brings together consumers, businesses, lawmakers, educators, and advocates for networking and education. Beyond cannabis, I enjoy content creation, broadcasting, event planning, and helping small businesses connect with their communities.

What I am most proud of is building Ohio Cannabis Live from the ground up despite significant health challenges and disabilities. What sets me apart is my firsthand experience as a patient, advocate, media creator, and business owner. I don’t just report on the community—I am part of it. My goal has always been to educate, inform, and create opportunities for others while helping move important conversations forward in Ohio.

We’d be interested to hear your thoughts on luck and what role, if any, you feel it’s played for you?
I think luck plays a role in everyone’s life, both good and bad. I’ve certainly experienced my share of bad luck, including a traumatic brain injury at a young age and ongoing health challenges that continue to affect my daily life. At the same time, I’ve been fortunate to meet supportive people, build valuable relationships, and have opportunities to turn my passion into a career.

That said, I believe success is created more by persistence than luck. Ohio Cannabis Live wasn’t built overnight, and it wasn’t built by luck alone. It came from years of consistent work, showing up when others didn’t, learning new skills, and continuing to move forward even during difficult times. When opportunity comes along, you have to be prepared to take advantage of it. In my experience, what many people call luck is often the result of hard work meeting the right opportunity at the right time.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.ohiocannabislive.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ohiocannabislive
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ocllive/
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/anthony-rileyohio
• Twitter: OHCannabislive
• Youtube: https://youtube.com/@ohiocannabislive