Alexander McLain, President of Oneness Technologies – Interview Series

In an era where holistic healing with plant-based medicines is gaining widespread recognition, the integration of cutting-edge technology has opened up unprecedented avenues for therapeutic exploration. The marriage of ancient wisdom and modern innovation is reshaping the landscape of wellness, with an increasing focus on utilizing the inherent properties of plants for holistic well-being. Technology, such as the solubilization of plant extracts, is at the forefront, enhancing the accessibility and effectiveness of these therapies. And that is what Oneness Technologies is all about.

In this interview, the president of Oneness Technologies Alexander McLain demystifies the visionary company he leads, Oneness. As a Nashville native, Alex brings a wealth of experience from both Wall Street and Silicon Valley to the forefront of plant-based medicine.

MyCannabis: Who is Alex, and how did you find yourself in cannabis?

Alex: My name is Alexander McLain, and I’m originally from Nashville, Tennessee. I’ve been an entrepreneur since a young age, running various businesses from fourth grade through high school and into college. For a more formal business education, I moved to New York and attended NYU Stern School of Business. I started my career in the finance sector, specifically in hedge funds, and later worked for several tech startups. Eventually, I moved to Silicon Valley, working at LinkedIn until its acquisition by Microsoft (MSFT ).

Simultaneously, my personal and family life opened up to different possibilities involving plant-based medicine and spirituality. In my early twenties, a close family member struggled with alcohol addiction, pushing me towards exploring alternative treatments like plant medicine and psychedelics, particularly in the Bay Area. This led to a transformative two-week shamanic retreat in Ecuador, where traditional sacred medicines like ayahuasca and San Pedro played a pivotal role in my spiritual awakening.

This experience made me realize the potential of plant-based medicine to bring about profound healing. It shifted my focus towards exploring these tools for societal benefit and entrepreneurial opportunities. I then spent almost a year in India, delving into traditional yoga, meditation, and medicine systems. Upon returning to the United States, I met Dr. Neha, the founder of Oneness, at Sadhguru’s US ashram center. Our shared vision led to a deep connection, marriage in 2020, and a joint effort to grow Oneness.

After a successful engagement at the University of Connecticut’s Technology Incubation Program in 2021, I led Oneness to its first round of capital investment in 2021, securing funding from a prominent investment banking family in New York City at a pre-money valuation of $50M. Currently, I oversee business development, operations, company strategy, sales, and logistics at Oneness, contributing my wisdom, integrity, and vision to every aspect of the company.

MyCannabis: That’s quite a journey. So, what moved you towards cannabis specifically?

Alex: The turning point towards cannabis came through a personal experience with a close family member struggling with addiction. Traditional Western treatments were failing, leading me to explore plant-based solutions, especially in the Bay Area where the culture was receptive to such alternatives. This journey took me to Ecuador for a transformative two-week shamanic retreat, using ayahuasca and San Pedro.

This experience not only healed my family members but also marked a significant shift in my perspective. It made me realize the societal need for exposure to these healing tools. From an entrepreneurial standpoint, it presented an excellent opportunity to create value and new systems utilizing plant-based medicine.

After spending time in India mastering yoga, meditation, and traditional medicine, I met Dr. Neha, the founder of Oneness, at Sadhguru’s US ashram. We shared a vision of integrating cutting-edge science with traditional organic plant-based medicine. Our focus on hemp and cannabis was a deliberate choice due to their unique properties and their potential to pave the way for other powerful plants in the future.

MyCannabis: Fascinating. Can you tell me more about Oneness and the products and technology you offer?

Alex: Oneness is at the forefront of the non-alcoholic and functional beverage market, which is the fastest-growing category globally. Our flagship product is hemp-based cocktails, a groundbreaking development in adult beverage consumption. These alcohol-free beverages, flavored with fresh fruit juices and infused with organic hemp extract using Oneness technology, offer a fast-acting and efficient way to activate the endocannabinoid system, providing mood upliftment, energy, and promoting a positive social experience.

Our hemp-based cocktails, priced competitively at $8 in stores, have gained tremendous success, especially in nightlife and hospitality settings. We’re currently focusing on activating in nightclubs, restaurants, and bars in New York City, where we’ve witnessed phenomenal success.

While we initially started with THC beverages in the regulated marijuana markets, we shifted our focus to hemp and lower THC for wider distribution across the United States. Our belief is that the market for non-psychoactive products is more significant, catering to those who want the benefits of plant-based medicine without the psychoactive effects.

Regarding taste, our cocktails stand out. Leveraging our unique technology, we solubilize the entire hemp plant, including cannabinoids, terpenes, flavonoids, and essential oils, resulting in crystal-clear, shelf-stable solutions. To enhance taste, we incorporate fresh and potent ingredients like Florida-sourced lemon juice and imported lavender flowers for our lavender lemonade, and fresh lime juice and jasmine extract for our jasmine limeade. Collaborating with a top mixologist in Miami ensures our cocktails not only make you feel good but also taste like the best beverages on the market.

MyCannabis: Interesting. What about the price point of your beverages?

Alex: Our price point is very competitive with alcoholic options, particularly cocktails. Our drinks generally retail for $8 in stores, aligning with or being cheaper than comparable cocktail prices on alcohol menus at bars and restaurants.

MyCannabis: Your passion seems to extend beyond cannabis. Do you foresee Oneness exploring technology for beverages from different plants in the future?

Alex: Absolutely. In our next phases, we plan to incorporate powerful plants from India, such as Ashwagandha and Neem, into our products. Ashwagandha, known for its energy and hormonal balance benefits, will be a significant addition. Neem, with its antimicrobial and antibacterial properties, offers unique advantages. We aim to synergize these plants into different products, creating a balanced blend for various health benefits.

While hemp and cannabis are our starting point, representing the mother of all plants, we envision Oneness expanding its product range to include a diverse array of powerful plants in the future.

MyCannabis: Lastly, what do you see as the biggest impact that Oneness Technology hopes to make?

Alex: Oneness’s immediate impact lies in the alcohol replacement sector, particularly in non-alcoholic and functional beverages. We anticipate a significant presence in hospitality settings like restaurants, hotels, and nightclubs, where our products will become a central component of non-alcoholic and cocktail menus. By offering a positive social experience without alcohol, we aim to cater to those looking for inclusive and exciting options while out with friends or enjoying nightlife.

In the next few months, you’ll see Oneness prominently featured in various venues, especially in cities like LA and Miami. Beyond that, our potent products, like Bright Day Drink Drops and Deep Night Drink Drops, designed for daily mental health support and sleep aid, respectively, will contribute to our long-term impact. Additionally, our Perfume Topical Spray, leveraging our technology for effective topical application, addresses targeted physical relief.

As for what’s next, we encourage everyone to explore Oneness further by visiting our website at www.oneness.life. For any questions, feedback, or interaction, we welcome engagement through our social media channels on Instagram, where our handle is @IWantOneness.

It was an absolute pleasure to have this conversation with Alex. Visit their website to learn more about Oneness Technology.