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Robin has successfully worked with national, B2B and local clients in all aspects of marketing strategy by translating research data into actionable storytelling for clients. In planning for growth in the cannabis industry, Advance Local selected Robin to enroll in, and she completed, a 6-month Business of Cannabis certificate program through Syracuse University to further her knowledge in this ever-changing regulatory and entrepreneurial industry.  Robin continues to be a market resource for MassLive Media and other Advance Local affiliates.  Originally from St Louis, she is a graduate of the University of Missouri 

Kebra Smith-Bolden is a true trailblazer, a respected healthcare professional with the vision, purpose and drive to transform the nascent cannabis industry. A registered nurse, Kebra leveraged her medical knowledge and decades of professional experience to create CannaHealthTM, the first and only Connecticut cannabis business owned by an African-American. CannaHealthTM is a division of The Healing Choice LLC and HK Smith Enterprises, LLC. Its innovative community based business model offers disadvantaged communities disproportionately impacted by the war on drugs education about medicinal cannabis, as well as safe and legal access through medical marijuana program evaluations. An industry pioneer dubbed the “Marijuana Guru in CT”, Smith-Bolden is a medical marijuana (MMJ) expert on topics such as the use of cannabis as a therapy for emotional trauma and chronic disease, as well as dedicating her practice to the expansion and preservation of statewide MMJ programs.
In addition to her entrepreneurial ventures, Smith-Bolden is a prominent industry advocate, serving as a member of the National Executive Team for Women Grow, a networking organization that empowers women to become leaders and entrepreneurs in the cannabis industry. She uses her considerable platform and background in mental health to support disadvantaged communities by studying the use of cannabis in conjunction with therapy for those suffering from complex traumas. The presenting symptoms of people living in high-crime communities are similar to those seen in post combat war veterans suffering from Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). Smith-Bolden CO-Founded and serves as President of CURE, Connecticut United For Reform and Equity, an advocacy group whose purpose is to end the war on our communities, ensure those who have been harmed are made whole, and to create opportunities for our communities to thrive equal to other what other communities are being given. Other professional affiliations include The Connecticut Coalition to Regulate Marijuana, where she served as Co-Director. Connecticut NORML, where she served as Vice President of their board of directors, Minority Cannabis Business Association, where she served as a Member of the Health Committee, and National Cannabis Industry Association, where she is a member of the Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Committee. Smith-Bolden formerly served as Co-Chief Nursing Officer of the Steering Committee for Huerfano County, Colorado’s Faris Green Campus project to fight opioid addiction with cannabis.

Prior to joining the cannabis industry, Smith-Bolden worked as a psychiatric home care nurse, specializing in patients with mental health issues. She attended Morgan State University, is a graduate of Excelsior College and received a certificate of competency in the cannabis industry from Northeastern Institute of Cannabis. Kebra is currently studying to be an Advanced Practice Registered Nurse at Simmons College in Boston, MA. Kebra is also the recipient of the Nursing Leadership and Innovation award from her professional Honors Nursing Sorority, Sigma Theta Tau. A lifelong Connecticut resident, Smith Bolden is a proud mother and grandmother. She currently resides in New Haven, Connecticut with her family.

Jason Ortiz ’08 is SSDP’s Students for Sensible Drug Policy Executive Director. In addition to being a longstanding alumnus, Jason has been on the frontlines of the cannabis equity movement. Jason is a founder and President of the Minority Cannabis Business Association, where he led efforts to create model cannabis equity policies at the state and municipal levels.

While he comes with extensive drug policy expertise, Jason has experience organizing on numerous issues including his role as Director of Campaigns with Murder Victims’ Families for Reconciliation, where he worked to end capital punishment. He also served on the National Puerto Rican Agenda, where helped with Hurricane Maria relief efforts and continues to address issues of economic justice for his island.

Professionally, Ortiz has led over a dozen races for elected office as campaign manager and political consultant, and served as Executive Assistant to Minority Leader Wildaliz Bermudez of the Hartford Connecticut Court of Common Council, the city where he now resides.

Cannabis 101 Panel:  Pat Hannon, Brad Shepard (Squash Brothers), Janet Roberts (Green Eddies), Chase Rivera (first class gas), Jen Messore

Cannabis Basic information for the new recreational market.

1. Which strain? Strains for Pain, anxiety ect
2. What’s the best to consume to meet their needs how and what
3. Dosing
4. Differences between CBD, CBG, THC
5. Concentrates and how to use them
6. Resources (Dabbing Dad)

Burn and Learn Educational Booth:

Set Up:  Q & A the entire show and staffed by CT experts. We are going to u-shape 4-foot tables.   Can we get 10 chairs for the center space?   We have educational Videos we would like to show-Is it possible to get a TV from them?   With all the

• Edibles– DeCarbing methods, Magic Machine, candy molds, dosing chart etc.,
• Growing– Display Tent and nutrients, Fake plants (cloning)
• Concentrates Table- Types, ways to consume, rosin Press, Washing Machine, Green Oil Machine

Booth demonstrations (Oregano in place of flower)

• Pasta: Demonstration of how to make infused pasta with oil.  David Hamilton a top chef in New England.
• Decarbing: Magic Butter Machine
• Growing:
  • Cutting Clones
  • Low Stress Training (based on size of our Paper Plants)
• Dabbing 101- What it is types of rigs
• Green Oil Machine

I have been a patient advocate since 2017. This passion grew into opening up my own clinic months after the death of my husband. Giving people the option of plant based medicine without the stigma and with compassion, I feel is essential.
I have built my all female company myself, guided over 1000 Connecticut residents into getting their MMP card. Spoke at ECEU first Cannabis Educational convention. Numerous private practice mental health speaking engagements. Midstate Chamber of Commerce board member.. Partner at Himalayan High Recreational Dispensary slated to open March 2023

I am a CPA who is part of the nationally recognized group of accountants who specialize in Cannabis Accounting. I am a VIP Badge Member of DOPE CFO. I have been in accounting for over 8 years after switching careers from the construction industry. I am very passionate about the cannabis industry. I plan on talking about having rock solid audit ready accounting books. I will also be at NECANN Boston next month

Luis Vega – Owner of WEPA! Farms

Luis is a hemp farmer and operator of WEPA! Farms which is a hemp co-operative located in Connecticut. Luis runs or manages over 270 acres of hemp farmland, works with multiple cultivars of hemp, contracts with agricultural businesses across MA, NY, and CT, and sells everything from hemp face masks to CBD coffee online.

Luis was one of 109 growers awarded a license to cultivate hemp in Connecticut as part of the CT Department of Agriculture’s 2019 hemp pilot program. After obtaining a processing license, WEPA! was able to process its first harvest in the winter of 2019, and Luis and his team continue to do their own extraction and processing, crafting finished products that can be brought directly to consumers.

In addition to growing and processing high-quality hemp, Luis is an active member of the advocacy group CURE CT, the Minority Cannabis Business Association, and Minorities 4 Medical Marijuana. He is a founding member of the CT Cannabis Consultants, which works to establish a thriving industry of entrepreneurs in the United States, and the CT Cannabis Conference, an event dedicated to creating connections and encouraging social networking within the industry. Luis is also co-host of Cannabis Corner: New Haven on WNHH 103.5FM Community Radio. Luis received his B.S. in hospitality management and food service management from the University of New Haven.

I started StemClenz while studying environmental engineering at San Diego State University. The idea came to be when we realized how many single use plastic bags we were using to clean our glass. We knew there had to be a better tool for the job so we created it. As of this year the StemClenz kit has helped our customers save over 2 million plastic bags that would have otherwise ended up in a landfill. That invention has led us down a path of learning and growth that we never would have imagined from its inception. StemClenz has created a platform for us to educate the average consumer about the benefits associated with cannabis from proper use. A key piece of information generally not discussed is the potential negative health implications of using cannabis improperly. So a portion of our energy has been directed towards bringing light to this incredible plant while also being realistic and mindful that too much of anything is not a good thing.

Session Objectives

Bring light to potential negatives of improper cannabis use and what that looks like.

He regularly represents family offices, private equity funds, hedge funds, venture capital funds and individual investors in connection with investments in the cannabis industry. His cannabis practice is nationally recognized by Chambers and Partners.

He represented a consortium of lenders in lending over $100 million to a cannabis company.

He represented a various family offices, private equity funds, hedge funds, venture capital funds and individual investors in investments in excess of $100 million in the cannabis industry in various opportunities, including sponsoring a REIT, investments in REITs, sale-leaseback of dispensaries, and investments in MSOs (multi-state operators), brands, cultivation facilities and other cannabis companies in the United States, Canada and Europe.

Session Summary

I would like to share the knowledge I have obtained through representations of investors what criteria they often and generally use in selecting an investment and what steps and processes must be in place in order to have a successful fund raise.

During my career, I have had the opportunity to work with a full spectrum of clients, including those opening their first retirement accounts to those on top of the Forbes wealthiest list and their Family Offices. Family Offices, usually reserved for wealthy families with an excess of $100 million, employ a dedicated full-time staff and CEO to handle their wealth management.

Every member of the office collaborates to ensure the family’s goals are achieved. My time working with the world’s wealthiest and supporting their Family Offices has created a desire to emulate this model as an outsourced CFO for your Cannabis business.

As a CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ practitioner, Chartered Financial Consultant®, and Enrolled Agent with the IRS I focus on bringing the collaborative planning delivered by Family Offices to the clients who work with our Dope CFO Certified Advisor team. This includes Rock Solid “Audit-Ready” Accounting, World Class Reporting, Improved Cash Flow Reports, Tax Management, Building a Premiere Company, and Peace of Mind.

I cherish the trust and confidence that clients place in me to provide guidance along the path toward financial and business success.

After 17 years in the financial industry, I came to realize that entrepreneurs in the Cannabis Industry are neglected by the legacy accounting providers that support so many other industries. I’ve decided not to wait for regulation and internal “cya” policies to dictate who obtains the best resources.

Instead, As a DOPE CFO Certified Advisor, I’ll dedicate my efforts to facilitating the future of Cannabis that we all believe has so much potential.

Session Objectives

Education current and prospective Founders and Executives in the space

My name is Shawn Magill. I am 23 years old, living and operating a hemp farm in Harwinton, CT. I received my bachelor’s of science in Medicinal Plant Chemistry from Northern Michigan University. Upon graduation I decided to move back home to Connecticut to build on my dreams with my best friend. I am now the CEO and CO-Owner of TheCBGGurus, LLC, a USDA certified organic hemp farm operating in northwestern Connecticut. At TheCBGGurus we practice a no-till, regenerative, permaculture style of agriculture and use solventless ice-water extraction to make the highest quality cannabis products possible. We are a uniquely vertically integrated farm that prioritizes sustainability and product quality. I would love to talk about my experience in starting a hemp farm, permaculture, no-till, Korean Natural Farming, cannabis, or ice-water extraction.

Session Objectives

The objective of this presentation is to help people learn about and understand that whether its on a small or large scale, growing cannabis or veggies, it is possible and not very complicated to design and employ a system that uses organic, sustainable, regenerative farming practices to produce extremely high quality crops.

Mark Mathew Braunstein is the author of six books, including Mindful Marijuana Smoking: Health Tips for Cannabis Smokers, published 2022. He has also written countless newspaper editorials and magazine articles about cannabis and medical marijuana.
You can read many of his writings at www.MarkBraunstein.Org

Session Objectives

Whether with rolling papers, handpipes, waterpipes, or herbal vaporizers, you will learn how to maximize the benefits and reduce the hazards of each method of cannabinoid delivery, and how to protect your health even before you take a puff. By following these many health tips, when you light up, you can lighten up..

I work with growers and dispensaries to maximize tax savings and building a long term financial foundation

Session Objectives

How to save taxes and build your financial future

Co-Founded Deep Roots, inc. In 2018 To be a licensed microbusiness to cultivate and manufacture cannabis products. We negotiated and signed a HCA in Uxbridge, MA and occupied a 15k sq ft facility for over two years while we waited for the CCC to review our initial application. Unfortunately, that approval fid not come until July 2020, when Pandemic Financial conditions made it nearly impossible to raise capital for a “small” startup. Despite those challenges, we eventually found an investor to fully fund our buildout and commercialization… who then attempted to use predatory practices to steal our business. We called his bluff and sold the license.

Since then, we used the funds from the license sale to launch our Brand, through a partnership with a licensed manufacturer. Deep Roots pre-rolls hit dispensary shelves in January of 2023.

While all this was going on, I worked as a freelance consultant, doing everything from sourcing flower for operators to writing SOPs and facilitating license sales. My advocacy work has included founding the Massachusetts Social Consumption Advancement Coalition, speaking at dozens of lobbying days at the State house and other locations as well as always using my platform to support and advance Social Equity and Local Ownership causes. I also ran retail operations for RedCardinal and am currently serving as Wholesale Market Manager for Ethos Cannabis in MA and PA.

Session Objectives

Empower locals to enter the space, even if they can’t afford the millions needed to start a licensed op

Jeffrey Eleveld, CHT “Jeff the plant guy” a therapeutic horticulture therapist since 2009. Jeff has presented his horticulture programs in over 400 communities and at over 87 events in 2022 alone. Most recent presentations have been at The Home and Garden show Mohegan Sun, The Ct flower and garden show in Hartford, The NE Alzheimer’s conference, the CT Alzheimer’s conference, assisted living/skilled nursing facilities across Ct/Mass,/NE, garden clubs , he is listed in the CT federation of garden club’s speakers guide, libraries and schools. Jeff is funny, historic sometimes dramatic and otherwise quite entertaining. One of his most popular presentations is on the history of cannabis..
The People Pant Connection, LLC, owner website thepeopleplantconnection.com
The Li’l Pant Shop/Bus, Go2Garden LLC owner, website thelilplantshop.com
Author book “How to Kill a houseplant”
The Li’l plant bus website Thelilplantbus.com

Session Objectives

To learn a little of the history of cannabis with having fun

Kevin has spent his 20 year career in both corporate finance and fund management roles. Previously, he served as Chief Financial Officer at Bloom Medicinals, one of the largest, privately owned multi-state cannabis operators in the US. Kevin has been a featured speaker, presenting global investment strategy to investment professionals across the United States, as well as, to numerous banks, trading desks, and family offices throughout the Middle East and China.

Session Objectives

Educate attendees on banks’ changing perspective on cannabis, the risks and rewards of selling equity and the role of debt financing in the cannabis industry.

As a seasoned visionary David strategizes and produces innovative projects for brands & businesses all over the world. In the last 10 years David’s work has been focused in sports entertainment, immersive retail, and brand licensing. David’s keynotes and panels facilitate high value conversations that spark global change in brands.

Session Objectives

1. Position your brand as a monumental pioneer in the undeniable and foreseeable merge of customer experience and web3 integration.

2. Learn to gain and retain invaluable customer data through the 3D scan process, which is vital for strategic marketing campaigns.

3. Better utilize paid talent, ambassadors, influencers, etc. to create a compelling omnichannel experience.

4. The importance of building digital hardware to enhance the customer experience for seamless web3 integration.

I LOVE CANNABIS for so many reasons. and can speak on subjects from Law, Legislation and Veterans to Social Equity, Banking, Reinvestment and Reparations, to my own multi-decade use of the plant instead of Pharma, but here’s my straight-up business info:
Erin Gorman Kirk, Esquire is Co-Founder and Managing Director of Cannabis Government Strategies (CGS), a boutique consulting firm founded in 2014, servicing the cannabis, hemp and CBD industries. CGS advises individuals, companies and elected officials on cannabis and hemp policy and provides strategy on business positioning, cannabis ballot initiatives, healthcare law, manufacturing and commerce, and, extremely importantly, Veterans and Social Equity issues. Erin is responsible for client engagement, interacting with government officials, researching state and federal commerce, banking and financing considerations, writing white papers, helping social equity candidates, networking, keeping abreast of new laws and compliance protocols, and all other facets of the business. Erin recently petitioned the Maryland State Bar Association to implement, and perhaps allow her to Chair, a Committee on Cannabis and Hemp. Erin and her partner, Patrick Gorman, recently were honored to curate and present the first ever Cannabis-related panel for the prestigious “Just Economy Conference,” which was the highest-attended event in the 25 year history of the NCRC Banking Conference: Cannabis And a Just Economy. (NCRC.org)
Erin meets weekly with elected officials at the local, state, national and international level, and regularly attends and curates meetings and conferences with stakeholders in the industry, including State officials, Social Equity Commissioners, cannabis professionals and ancillary service providers of all types. She has helped achieve success through branding, ad campaigns, canna-based events, and thought pieces, and is deeply knowledgeable about the industry and processes from Seed to Sale. Erin is keen to grow the Cannabis sector, particularly on the East Coast, and to continue providing pro bono assistance to our hero Veterans.

Session Objectives

Discuss how Policy, Banking, & Legislation have negatively impacted communities, but Reinvestment can also bring them back!

Alex Mazin is a serial entrepreneur with a background in the pharmaceutical industry . Alex is the President and CEO of Bud’s Goods & Provisions Corp, the first locally owned cannabis company in the Commonwealth to open three adult-use retail dispensaries. A Babson College alumni wi th deep roots in Massachusetts, Mazin understands how to operate a successful New England business ; his vision for Bud’s Goods draws inspiration from locally based businesses that achieve and maintain authentic brand loyalty.

As a seasoned cannabis industry operator, Alex recognizes the bottlenecks present in new and mature recreational cannabis markets. As a result, he has evolved Bud’s Goods’ primary business model into a B-2-B service to solve these bottlenecks. Alex’s expertise in navigating and predicting the evolving cannabis industry enables him to build sustainable and efficient business models that improve the profitability of fellow industry operators.

Session Objectives

Addressing bottlenecks in the cannabis supply chain.

Corey Finke of Phocas Seeds has been involved in farming and horticulture since 2013, and began working in the CT hemp industry in 2020 mainly breeding new varieties of hemp for cannabinoid and terpene production.

Session Objectives

Growing / Cultivation

I started in the cannabis industry from a plant pathology viewpoint doing diagnoses for plant problems on site and offering suggestions for improvements. My background, which includes a Master’s degree in Agronomy and another Masters and a Ph D. in Education, has allowed me to be a crop consultant for the state through the extension service in addition to a professor at UConn. This then led to developing the nation’s first cannabis course offered at a public four-year university at the University of Connecticut. With the continued robust student interest, I now offer both an introductory and an advanced level cannabis production course. This provides a scientific-based approach to cannabis production education, which is needed in the industry.

Session Objectives

Encourage scientific based education

Esquivel, President & Geneticist, Green Luster Phenos LLC, has been an influencer and leader in the cannabis industry for fourteen (14) years. Esquivel was the head grower and geneticist of a 20,000 sq. ft indoor commercial-scale cultivation operation out in Colorado back in 2012. Justin has consulted with 62 cannabis facilities, 34 of which operate commercial canopies. He brings standard operating procedures to a gold standard. Esquivel also specializes in Cannabis Tissue Culture & Selective Homozygous Breeding, enabling his company to bring tailored offspring to growers globally!

Session Objectives

Enhance & Educate

David has been in the cannabis industry since 2010. David speaks at various industry events and his industry insights and analysis are regularly featured in several media outlets (Google David Rabinovitz + Cannabis). With Stone’s Throw Cannabis, he is working to open a store in downtown Boston just a stone’s throw from South Station, the busiest commuter hub in New England. He is active in many cannabis projects and assists clients with their financial planning in developing northeast markets. He was the founding host of The Green Rush, a weekly cannabis business talk show on ProCannabis Media. He is a technical advisor to the City of Boston Social Equity program and past trainer for the Massachusetts Cannabis Control Commission Social Equity training program and former Director and Treasurer of MassCann (the Massachusetts Cannabis Reform Coalition). Connect with David on LinkedIn at https://www.linkedin.com/in/davidrabinovitz/

Session Objectives

Raising capital is a challenge for smaller operators. In this session we will explore how to create a winning presentation and will discuss an actual case study where the operator struck out several times until the found the obstacle and adjusted their approach to become oversubscribed. It was more discipline and following a plan than magic. Learn how to do it in a winning way!

Michelle Bodian is counsel at Vicente Sederberg LLP, a leading national cannabis law firm. She counsels tri-state (Connecticut, New York, and New Jersey) clients on all aspects of cannabis licensing and regulatory matters. Her clients include existing medical operators throughout the tri-state, as well as businesses and individuals seeking new adult-use, medical, and cannabinoid hemp licenses.

https://vicentesederberg.com/people/michelle-bodian/

Session Objectives

• Understand the licensing process and how to ensure you gather and upload the required documents correctly
• Identify why and how to keep up to date with regulatory changes
• Review changes that might be coming during the 2023 legislative session and regulatory updates from DCP and SEC
• Explain changes that may result from the license application lawsuits

Licensed HVAC pipefitter tech, weed connoisseur and adventurer

Session Objectives

I’m a doctorally-prepared Family Nurse Practitioner with over 10 years of experience in primary care and population health. I spent the first 8 years of my clinical practice working primarily with underserved, under-represented populations in FQHC-setting. In 2016, I became the lead medical provider of a Healthcare for the Homeless program, where I worked in 5 different homeless shelters/domestic violence shelters each week to provide acute & primary care services to those in need. It was during that time that I first recognized the many benefits of the cannabis plant and I soon became one of the first clinicians in our organization to begin certifying patients under the CT Medical Marijuana Program. This led me to pursue more education and training in the area of cannabis medicine and ultimately led to the creation of my own practice (Higher Med) in 2020. Higher Med is a health & wellness clinic specializing in Cannabinoid Medicine, cannabis education & coaching. Over the last 2 years, we’ve successfully certified over a hundred patients and held community-based events to increase awareness and education around cannabis as medicine.

Session Objectives

Uzma Zakir RPh is the Director of Outreach for Prime Wellness of CT, The Botanist Danbury and The Botanist Montville. She has been treating medical patients in CT since 2015 and is a firm believer in patient focused cannabis treatment plans. Uzma hosts a monthly virtual series on a variety of medical cannabis topics to empower patients on their brave choice to use marijuana as their medicine and to foster a compassionate cannabis community. She speaks extensively in CT on patient care and cannabinoid therapeutics.

Session Objectives

Michele Vallee, Family Nurse Practitioner and Certified Cannabis Practitioner, has over a decade of experience in hospital, school and community settings caring for patients of all ages. She started her own Nurse Practitioner ran primary care telemedicine practice in 2020, Advance Telemedicine.

After listening to hundreds of patients’ concerns, the growing need for additional access to medical marijuana services became increasingly clear. Michele Vallee expanded her practice to offer medical cannabis education, consultation and certifications.

“I strongly believe this medical option should be available and accessible to all who qualify and can benefit from it. I designed the practice to provide flexible hours for patients while providing the same quality of care at an affordable price,” says Michele Vallee, APRN.

Michele Vallee is passionate about staying up to date with the changing laws. She is involved with local cannabis groups throughout her home state of Connecticut as well as a member of the American Cannabis Nurses Association (ACNA). She presented at the ACNA national conference in Albuquerque, New Mexico in 2021.

Session Objectives

Educate the public of the advantages of the Medical Program

Brian Essenter RPh is a graduate of Northeastern University, a Pharmacist and Dispensary Pharmacist in Connecticut since 2015. Brian founded MM Consult CT in 2018 where he counsels patients on the effects and side effects of medical cannabis, possible interactions with other medications, and consults for businesses. Brian has been a strong voice advocating for medical cannabis patients, and equality in the cannabis industry at local, state, and national levels.

Brian works for John Patrick University (JPU) on their Master of Science in Lifestyle and Functional Medicine with a concentration in Cannabis. Along with being a Dispensary Pharmacist for Fine Fettle in Stamford, CT.
As a consultant Brian has been involved in the planning, build out, and opening of a new medical dispensary in Connecticut. Brian has also consulted for multiple businesses in and out of the cannabis industry.

Session Objectives

Educate the public of the advantages of the Medical Program

Award-winning marketer and corporate media executive with a long-standing experience in print and digital publishing.

Following an experience of civil injustice, Christina launched The Emerald™ as a media outlet to advocate for the positive uses of cannabis and its decriminalization.

She has spoken at numerous conferences and expos and has established The Emerald™ as a nationally recognized brand that is a trustworthy ally and voice for the cannabis industry.

Session Objectives

All the steps in starting a business: name, logo, state filing, website, mission statement, identifying target audience/demographic, networking, connections, sourcing, branding, marketing, advertising, distribution

As a PTSD-focused therapist and survivor, Cannabis is key.. Providing evaluations for PTSD and Certification Services for the CT MMP since 2015. Psychotherapy services provided for individuals of all ages and backgrounds since 2004. EMDR/Trauma therapy practitioner since 2016. CT MMP Patient since 2015. LGBTQ-affirming, dog-loving, crystal healing, reiki healing, cannabis medicine specialist.

Session Objectives

Destigmatizing Cannabis and PTSD/Mental Health through education, exposure, and open dialogue.

Mike McQueeny has been recognized by numerous publications as a leading voice on cannabis and hemp cannabinoid issues.

As counsel in Foley Hoag’s national Cannabis Practice, Mike has provided trusted counsel to start-ups and multi-state operators alike on issues associated with legislative/regulatory development and compliance. Michael has assisted clients in drafting and securing competitive state cannabis permits, having worked on winning applications in multiple states. Michael counsels clients on complex issues of regulatory compliance, including through advising companies on regulatory considerations associated with anticipated mergers and acquisition.

Mike has frequently been consulted as a point person for developments and insight for several national and local media outlets including CBS News, News 12, Cheddar TV, ROI-NJ, Fortune, the Washington Post, Benzinga, the Star-Ledger, NJ Cannabis Insider, NJBIZ, and the New Jersey Law Journal. Mike has also been the recipient of several honorary awards, including his selection by New Jersey’s largest newspaper as one of eighteen honorees as part of a series focused on the people that helped shape the cannabis industry in New Jersey in the lead-up to New Jersey’s adult-use cannabis referendum. More recently, Mike was selected for inclusion on the “Insider 100: Cannabis Power List,” which recognizes leading influential voices in the long battle to end cannabis prohibition.

Session Objectives

A review of license types in CT, limitations of license types, social equity licensing, entity structure, 208E, operational efficiencies.

Dylan Lowery, co-founder of Cantrip, Inc and Almanac Partners Group, is a sought after cannabis professional who has extensive experience in building organizations from the ground-up. The financial acumen coupled with his strong background in operations makes Dylan’s experience invaluable for new and existing operators in the cannabis space.

In 2020, Dylan and his business partner, realized there was a need for mass-appeal cannabis beverages. Working diligently together, Cantrip Seltzer was brought to life in 2021 in the licensed Massachusetts cannabis space. At the same time, Dylan departed his tenured position at a vertically integrated multi-state operator, Temescal Wellness, to pursue cannabis consulting. Dylan has worked on cannabis licenses and entities 5+ states including, Illinois, Michigan, Utah, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, and Maryland.

Bringing Dylan’s prior tech background, which included a successful exit to Groupon, and his cannabis experience (+5 years) uniquely positions him along with his teammates to provide best-in-class service to consumers, local officials, and regulators.

Session Objectives

Provide information around the licensing process, entity structure, and operational needs to have a successful cannabis business in CT.

High level strategic planning, operations and financial experience, largely gained in health care. Educated at Harvard College, Harvard Business School and trained at McKinsey & Co. One of my key industry goals is to share this knowledge and experience with industry entrepreneurs in order to help them compete against billion dollar companies.

Session Objectives

To share a valuable and effective analytical technique with attendees

I am a partner at WithumSmith+Brown PC, a top 25 CPA firm that specializes in all aspects of cannabis, including cultivators, manufacturers, retailers, distributors, testing labs, and ancillary businesses. I have 6+ years of cannabis experience and work with about 50+ cannabis companies across 10 states. I strive to be creative with my clients and be a resource to them as they navigate capital raises, entity structures, IRC Section 280E, inventory costing, expansion into new states, and all other changes they can run into. I have helped many cannabis companies through their start-up phase in MA, MI, RI, NH, PA, FL, and other states, and can bring this knowledge and experience to applicants in the CT market. I also understand the pitfalls that can hold a cannabis start-up back, or can make / break the deal. In my presentation, I plan on speaking about the ‘deadly sins’ of cannabis start-ups. This includes approaching the equity or debt raise properly, choosing proper entity structure (C-Corp vs. LLC vs. S-Corp), and keeping accurate and timely accounting records. These deadly sins were developed from our own experiences, but also from the various tax court cases that have often shook up the cannabis tax landscape. Namely, the Harborside case and the Lord case have significantly molded our positions and recommendations we are making with clients. I am excited to bring this to the CT market.

Session Objectives

Provide information around the licensing process, entity structure, and operational needs to have a successful cannabis business in CT.

Hempologist John Dvorak has studied cannabis hemp and its prohibition for more than 25 years. JD developed the Cannabis Curriculum to encourage research into the beneficial aspects of industrial hemp and medicinal cannabis and the devastating effects of marijuana prohibition. His Traveling Hemp Museum includes raw materials, artifacts and finished products made from hemp. He’s written articles for numerous publications and websites while providing advice, guidance and counseling for those entering the cannabis hemp space.

Session Objectives

Learn about hemp’s history and how to make hemp’s future bright

Mr nice guy CTs #1 grow shop back for year 2 ready to rock the mic

Session Objectives

Explain the use and importance of sustainable agriculture practices and teritary cannabis cultivation avenues i.e composting and bio remediation.

I am a breeder, organic gardener, hash maker and teacher. I have been in the industry my entire adult life and have owned and operated facilities all over the country.

Session Objectives

Consumer Education

Takisha is certified in cannabis advocacy, education, coaching, interpening, consulting, extractions/concentrates and expert witnessing. I specialize in cannabis assessing as a sommelier and infusing as a cuisinier. The first High Chef for HIBNB in the US, and NECANN’s 2022 CT Cannabis Activist of the year award recipient. Currently a Graduate Mentor at the Cannabis Coaching Institute. The founder of Native Nubian Wellness, and Black Women Who Blaze.

Session Objectives

Consumer Education, Components of the Plant, Conscious Consumption