OUR MISSION
Advancing Cannabis EXPERIENCE Through Data, Chemistry, and AI
Little Dragon AI is a cannabis science and data technology company focused on transforming lab results into practical intelligence.
We believe cannabis retail should be driven by chemical truth, not marketing labels.
Why we built this:
Cannabis is a chemically complex plant. Cannabinoids and terpenes interact in ways that strain names cannot describe.
Little Dragon AI was built to model that complexity — and make it usable across retail, manufacturing, and consumer technology.
Meet OUR CEO
RUSS HUDSON
Russ Hudson is a cannabis researcher and educator known for his work in plant science, cannabinoid analytics, and cultivation methodology within regulated markets. His expertise focuses on understanding how genetics, environmental inputs, and post-harvest processes influence cannabinoid and terpene expression. Through research and industry collaboration, he has contributed to advancing data-driven approaches to cannabis production and product standardization.
Hudson’s work emphasizes measurable chemical outcomes over strain-name marketing, aligning cultivation science with laboratory validation and consumer transparency. His perspective strengthens advisory efforts centered on chemical profiling, reproducibility, and translating plant science into scalable, compliant commercial applications.
Our CHIEF OPERATING OFFICERS
ROSS FRANKLIN
Ross Franklin is co-founder and co-Chief Operations Officer of Little Dragon, and he is dedicated to technical communication, process optimization, and cross-functional collaboration. He initiates action as a leader with a proven track record of scaling cannabis industry startups.
Franklin was the Chief Executive Officer and co-founder of ERS Holdings, in which he co-invented, patented, and commercially developed a process that turns cannabis oils into a water-soluble powder. He co-authored seven additional USPTO-approved patents related to this technology. Franklin productively exited the startup ERS Holdings in a significant 2017 acquisition. As a successful cannabis founder, he possesses the strategic capabilities to anticipate future operational challenges and opportunities to produce and execute a business roadmap for Little Dragon that aligns with investor expectations and the overall business mission.
RACHEL FIGUERAS
Rachel Figueras is an inventor, innovator, and cannabis industry entrepreneur with the demonstrated ability to build scalable and efficient operations that support rapid business growth. Figueras is co-founder and co-Chief Operations Officer of Little Dragon, and she has committed to operational efficiency, maximizing market reach, and maintaining data privacy.
Figueras was co-founder, Director of Research and Development, and Chief Marketing Officer of ERS
Holdings, in which she co-invented, patented, and commercially developed a process that turns cannabis oils into a water-soluble powder. She has co-authored seven additional USPTO-approved patents related to this technology, and co-created the “Stardust” edible brand. Figueras’ marketing expertise resulted in Stardust being sold in over 100 California dispensaries. Figueras and her co-founders negotiated a successful acquisition of ERS Holdings in 2017.
MEET OUR
CHIEF TECHNOLOGY OFFICER
Brian Liu
A seasoned solutions architect and technology strategist with a decade of experience delivering complex SaaS, streaming, mobile, and ecommerce platforms. He has operated at the highest levels of innovation—partnering with global manufacturers and enterprise service providers to create scalable digital infrastructure and custom software solutions. Over the past four years, he has extended his expertise into the cannabis and hemp wellness space, serving as a contract CTO for multiple infused CPG brands. His leadership has helped launch compliant, infused edible products—from sauces to drinkables—while building digital systems that ensure traceability, ecommerce fulfillment, and community reach.
Scientific Leadership
in Cannabis Chemistry
& Data Modeling
Ethan Russo
Dr. Ethan Russo, MD, is a board-certified neurologist and internationally recognized cannabis researcher whose work has significantly shaped modern cannabinoid science. Formerly Director of Research and Development at GW Pharmaceuticals, he has authored dozens of peer-reviewed publications on cannabinoid pharmacology, terpene interactions, and clinical applications of cannabis-based medicine. He is widely known for advancing the scientific framework behind full-spectrum formulations and evidence-based therapeutic use.
Dr. Russo is best known for expanding the concept of the “entourage effect,” highlighting how cannabinoids and terpenes work synergistically to enhance therapeutic outcomes, as well as for proposing the Clinical Endocannabinoid Deficiency theory. His research bridges lab chemistry, clinical practice, and product formulation, bringing medical rigor and global scientific credibility to any cannabis-focused advisory board.
Ed rosenthal
Dr. Ed Rosenthal is a leading cannabis horticulture expert, educator, and author whose work has shaped modern cultivation practices worldwide. With decades of research and hands-on experience, he has published numerous books and columns focused on cannabis botany, plant science, and production optimization. His guidance has helped standardize cultivation techniques across both medical and commercial cannabis markets.
Recognized as a pioneer in cannabis education, Dr. Rosenthal bridges traditional plant science with modern regulated-market cultivation. His expertise in genetics, growing methodologies, and plant chemistry provides foundational insight into how cultivation variables influence cannabinoid and terpene expression—making his perspective especially valuable for organizations focused on chemical profiling, product consistency, and science-driven cannabis innovation.
Hands-On Algorithmic Development
Our distinguished Scientific Advisory Board doesn't just advise; they actively shape the core algorithms and data models behind the Little Dragon AI recommendation engine. Their direct involvement ensures our technology is grounded in the latest cannabis science.
Data & Chemical COMPOUNDS
Experts meticulously analyze cannabinoid and terpene data, refining the parameters that define chemical similarity and potential entourage effects for optimal product matching.
Algorithm Validation & Refinement
The board collaborates with our AI engineers to validate algorithmic logic, ensuring our models accurately interpret complex phytochemical interactions and predict outcome efficacy.
Translating Science to Retail Logic
They guide the transformation of intricate scientific data into clear, actionable retail intelligence, making advanced chemistry accessible and practical for dispensary staff and consumers alike.
