Sara Payan is Partner and Vice President of PR & Communications at Pulse Signal Agency, where she helps cannabis and regulated-market companies translate complex industries into clear market narratives that drive growth. Working alongside Pulse Signal’s proprietary AI platform, ReceptivIQ, she integrates predictive data intelligence with strategic communications to help brands reach decision-makers and investors in highly restricted advertising environments.

A longtime industry leader and policy advocate, Sara currently serves as Vice Chair of the California Cannabis Advisory Committee, advising the Governor and state regulators on cannabis policy and market development. She has also trained healthcare professionals at institutions including Kaiser Permanente and UCSF on medical cannabis and patient communication.

Sara is the creator and host of the two-time EMJAY Award–winning podcast Planted with Sara Payan, where she interviews cultural icons and leading voices in cannabis science, business, and policy, giving her a front-row perspective on emerging trends shaping the global cannabis economy.