Conference Program 2024 | CWCBExpo (2024)

Ajayi, Tosin

Senior Policy Analyst, Cannabis NYC

Tosin Ajayi
Senior Policy Analyst, Cannabis NYC

Tosin Ajayi is a strategic thinker dedicated to driving social change, with a strong focus on championing diversity, equity, and inclusion. She’s a passionate cannabis advocate, entrepreneur, and nonprofit leader, now serving as a Senior Policy Analyst for Cannabis NYC, an interagency hub dedicated to fostering a sustainable, equitable cannabis industry in New York. Tosin co-founded a CBD company in 2018 and established CannaPolicy at NYU Wagner in 2020 to promote responsible cannabis legalization. With a background in nonprofit fundraising and a commitment to making a positive impact, she’s a dynamic professional with an MPA from NYU and a degree in Public Health from Rutgers University.

Ballard, Mike

Vice President Sales, Leafwire Media

Mike Ballard
Vice President Sales, Leafwire Media

Mike Ballard has been in the cannabis space for more than a decade, starting in the cultivation world marketing fertilizer, soil, genetics and agriculture supplies – focusing on organic farming. Since 2021, Mike has served as VP of Sales for Leafwire Media, providing marketing services to a wide array of clients including brands, cultivation, extraction, and a variety of ancillary services providers, including banking, payment processing, funding, packaging, automation and many more.

Berke, Jeremy

Co-Founder & Editor-in-Chief, Cultivated Media

Jeremy Berke
Co-Founder & Editor-in-Chief, Cultivated Media

Jeremy is the founder and editor in chief of Cultivated Media, a newsletter bringing you inside the emerging cannabis industry. Prior to launching Cultivated, Jeremy was a senior reporter at Business Insider where he launched the cannabis industry vertical. His work has been widely published and syndicated across The Atlantic, Slate, The Independent, and more. He’s a widely sought after speaker and moderator on cannabis legalization, including issues related to finance, markets, public health, and regulation.

Beyond that, Jeremy is an MBA student at Columbia Business School. He completed a certificate program in cannabis pharmacology at the University of Vermont as a Cannabis Media Fellow, and graduated from Bowdoin College with a degree in Environmental Science.

Booker, Jeff

Founder, COO, CannaCoverage

Jeff Booker
Founder, COO, CannaCoverage

A 27 year veteran of the insurance industry, Jeff has worked with diversified businesses, private and public entities to provide tailored health benefits insurance and risk management consulting services. His diverse background, and experience within our organization allows him to leverage the right resources for an engagement while coordinating teams of specialized experts for the purpose of creating better financial outcomes.

Leveraging his extensive experience as political strategist & government affairs, Jeff is uniquely position to deploy the CannaCoverage team to help cannabusinesses protect their investment and enhance their profitability, with risk management at the forefront; and insurance services as a backstop.

Borchardt, Debra

Co-founder and Executive Editor, Green Market Report

Debra Borchardt

Co-founder and Executive Editor, Green Market Report

Debra Borchardt is the Executive Editor and Co-founder of the cannabis financial news website Green Market Report. Debra spent over 15 years on Wall Street with her last position as a Vice President at Bear Stearns. She received her Masters’s Degree in Financial Reporting from New York University and followed that with a 8-year stint working with Jim Cramer at The Street. Green Market Report was founded in 2017 and sold to Crain Communications in 2021.

Brevard-Rodriguez, Alyza, Dr.

D.Sc, Founder, CEO, The Other Side Dispensary LLC

Dr. Alyza “Beast” Brevard-Rodriguez
D.Sc, Founder, CEO, The Other Side Dispensary LLC

Dr. Alyza “Beast” Brevard-Rodriguez is an unassuming thought leader disrupting the cannabis & wellness industries. An NJ industry leader and one of the nation’s most diverse cannabis operators, Alyza has strategically maneuvered her way into the industry after departing the military and has been leading the way for others. Alyza began taking her entrepreneurial journey seriously in 2015, creating SW3AT, a brick-and-mortar wellness studio. What began as a fitness apparel lifestyle brand soon grew into multiple locations throughout Hudson County, NJ.

Alyza recently earned her doctorate in Leadership, Management, and Policy, after 10 years of honorable service in the protection industries. A former U.S. Navy military police officer and policy expert for the Metropolitan Transportation Authority, this 2x disabled combat Veteran used holistic wellness solutions and cannabis to materialize a soft life for herself after experiencing a career-altering injury on her final military tour. Alyza now leads multiple facilities, including her soon-to-open premium retail dispensary & consumption lounge named, The Other Side, in Jersey City Heights, Jersey City. She is a trailblazer as the 1st Black, LatinX, LGBTQ, Female, Disabled Veteran licensed cannabis operator in New Jersey.

A brand maven, Alyza has also developed various successful brands and hosts one of the leading industry podcasts called, “Coffee & Cannabis.” with over 80k streams per month. She is devoted to breaking the recurrence of generational adversity by empowering marginalized communities with ownership, resources, and inspiration.

Burnett, Solonje

Weed Auntie, Co-Founder and Chief Culture & Community Officer of Erven

Solonje Burnett
Weed Auntie, Co-Founder and Chief Culture & Community Officer of Erven

Solonje Burnett is the weed auntie, co-founder and Chief Culture & Community Officer of Erven – a data collaboration platform facilitating sustainable growth for brands + retailers through access to actionable insights. A Caribbean-American multihyphenate, creator, brand strategist, spaceholder and experience producer, she focuses on creating inclusive and intersectional containers for holistic wellbeing rooted in connectivity and care while amplifying marginalized + melanated practitioners, creatives, and entrepreneurs in cannabis and beyond. Solonje speaks, partners, and consults on brand education + marketing, social equity, sustainability, self care, sexual health, racial injustice, gender discrimination, and community empowerment.

She sits on the inaugural Advisory Board of CUNY’s new workforce development program, Cannabis to Culinary. Solonje was a member of the 2023 Clio Cannabis Marketing & Advertising Jury and an advisory board member for Broccoli Magazine’s Floret Coalition. She performs with the creative protest group Resistance Revival Chorus. Solonje has been featured in publications like Marie Claire, Forbes, High Times, Instyle, Refinery29, Girl Boss, Black Enterprise, Atmos, Well+Good and VICE.

Byrnes, Kymberly, “KymB”

Co-Founder and Chief Marketing Officer, TribeTokes; Podcast Host, “The Highest: In the Room”

Kymberly Byrnes, “KymB”

Co-Founder and Chief Marketing Officer, TribeTokes;
Podcast Host, “Highest: In the Room”

At TribeTokes, Kim Byrnes drives all the brand’s social and marketing strategy. She blends traditional marketing efforts, modern colloquialisms, and digital social culture to subliminally target customers and break into new markets in ways that many cannabis brands have yet to tap. Today Kym works with some of the most forward-thinking minds in the New York City cannabis scene: Kym sits on the Advisory Committee for the Cannabis World Congress & Business Expo, a business-to-business trade show event for the legalized cannabis industry. She volunteers and is on the committee for the NYC Cannabis Parade and Rally, one of the longest running cannabis events in the world. Kym is the NYC Ambassador for Women Grow, and frequently serves as a High Times Cannabis Cup Judge. KymB is also the host of a cannabis podast, “Highest: In the Room.”

As a Certified Pilates Instructor and Lululemon Legacy Ambassador, Kym merges her passion for health and cannabis through her “Plant-Based Pilates” CBD fitness platform. On the patient advocacy side, Kym works with Nugg MD to help New Yorkers get their medical marijuana cards. Kym is passionate about the future of cannabis and the potential impact of cannabis for women, health applications and the growth of the industry. When she’s not educating the world on cannabis, you can find Kym working out, exploring and traveling and of course consuming some of the best cannabis and CBD in the world.

Caruso, William J.

Partner, Archer-Greiner

William J. Caruso
Partner, Archer-Greiner

Bill serves as Chair of Archer’s Cannabis Group. Bill is one of the leading advocates and influencers for the cannabis industry, and served as an influential voice in New Jersey’s long battle to end cannabis prohibition. He is a co-founder of New Jersey United for Marijuana Reform, a group that laid the groundwork for the legalization movement. Bill was also a leader with the advocacy group, NJ CAN 2020, that spearheaded the November 2020 ballot initiative to legalize cannabis for personal use.

In his practice, Bill represents clients that are both veterans and new leaders in the medical and adult-use cannabis industries, including retailers, processors, growers and ancillary businesses. He provides guidance on marijuana-related business issues, including issues pertaining to strategic planning and transactions, banking and finance, taxation, labor and employment, land use and zoning, real estate, municipal law, and healthcare law.

Bill has a deep knowledge of New Jersey government and strong relationships with political and industry leaders in the state. Prior to joining Archer, Bill served nearly five years as the Executive Director of the New Jersey Assembly Majority Office in Trenton. He was responsible for developing and implementing the Assembly’s policy agenda, and, as top aide to the Speaker, served as lead staff negotiator on all policy matters and as liaison to the Governor’s office, Senate and state departments. He was responsible for daily management of approximately 30 policy research professionals and communications and administrative staff. During his tenure, Bill helped shepherd through numerous pieces of landmark legislation, including pension and health benefits reform.

Conway, Mike

VP Retail, The Travel Agency: A Cannabis Store

Mike Conway
VP Retail, The Travel Agency: A Cannabis Store

Mike Conway is a seasoned retail professional with over 18 years of experience, including 6 years in the cannabis industry. He served as the Director of Retail Operations at Curaleaf, where he successfully opened their New York medical stores. Later, he joined Ascend Wellness as the Regional Vice President, overseeing their Massachusetts and New Jersey markets. During his time at Ascend, Mike played a pivotal role in launching and converting their New Jersey medical locations to adult-use in April 2022.

In 2023, Mike joined Harbour and spearheaded the opening of The Travel Agency, the third adult-use dispensary in New York City. With a track record of success, Mike has expertise in various facets of retail operations, including P&L management, team recruitment and development, store design and operations, regulatory compliance, purchasing and visual merchandising, municipal coordination, and community relations. Prior to his cannabis-specific roles, Mike started his career at Walgreens as a District Manager, responsible for managing 16 Duane Reade pharmacies in the Gramercy/Kips Bay neighborhood of New York City.

Mike holds a Bachelor of Science from East Carolina University and a Master of Science from City University of New York. Additionally, he will be sharing his industry knowledge by teaching a course on cannabis retail operations at NYU starting this fall. Outside of his professional accomplishments, Mike is an active leader in the LGBTQ+ community and resides in Harlem with his partner, Jonathan.

Davis, Chelsea

Assistant Secretary for Cannabis, New York State Executive Chamber

Chelsea Davis
Assistant Secretary for Cannabis, New York State Executive Chamber

Chelsea Davis is the Assistant Secretary for Cannabis in the New York State Executive Chamber. She previously served in various roles at the NYC Mayor’s Office including Chief Strategy Officer and Criminal Justice Advisor to the First Deputy Mayor, as well as Director of Health and Housing Initiatives at the Mayor’s Office of Criminal Justice. In City Hall, she focused on the plan to close Rikers Island, developing the plan to reduce opioid overdose in NYC and create overdose prevention centers, the Mayor’s Task Force on Cannabis Legalization, and COVID response initiatives. She joined the Governor’s Office after working as Chief of Staff at the Center for Policing Equity and a Director at HR&A Advisors, and previously worked at the Vera Institute of Justice. Chelsea earned her MPH from Columbia University and BA from Vanderbilt University.

Fettner, David

Co-Founder, Grow America

David Fettner
Co-Founder, Grow America

For over two decades, David wore two hats; he ran a commercial construction company and was also a zoning attorney and commissioner. In 2017 he combined those unique skill sets along with his passion for cannabis to co-found, Grow America, one of the only national Consulting+Design+Build firms working exclusively in the cannabis industry.

David’s vision was to create a company that would be a true one stop for any cannabis licensee; consulting, zoning, land development, architecture, engineering, interior design, and turnkey construction. That vision came to life via Grow America, and since its inception, David and his team have worked on virtually every type of cannabis facility literally from coast to coast. David and his team worked on over sixty dispensaries, twenty cultivation facilites, and multiple infusion and manufacturing facilities across fourteen states in almost every scope and capacity. In 2021, Grow America was selected as one of eight firms hired by the State of New York to design and build the first 150 dispensaries in the state; the first public works project of any kind in cannabis. In 2023, Grow America received the New Jersey Cannabis Insider award for Excellence in Cannabis Building Operations.

David earned his Bachelor of Arts at the University of Iowa and Juris Doctor at the University of Illinois Chicago School of Law, and currently sits on the National Cannabis Industry Association’s Facility Design Committee.

Finkelstein, Brett

Managing Partner, XIVIX Partners LP

Brett Finkelstein
Managing Partner, XIVIX Partners LP

Brett is the Managing Partner of XIVIX Partners LP. XIVIX is the cannabis focused investment company of a single family office. Brett is responsible for originating and executing on investments & acquisitions in cannabis. He has evaluated, and executed venture capital & private equity transactions for the company. He provides strategic advice, industry insight & guides the portfolio companies in capital formation, joint ventures, & commercial agreements.

Brett was a Founding Member & Managing Director of Phyto Partners LP. At Phyto Brett was primarily responsible for sourcing and structuring new investment opportunities, collaborating with senior management of existing portfolio companies on various strategic initiatives, fundraising efforts, and co- managing Phyto Partners portfolio of over 30 investments. Brett sits on the board and advises many companies in the cannabis and hemp sector.

During his 5 year tenure at Phyto Partners he has helped create Phyto Partners into one of the preeminent venture capital funds in the space, where Phyto Partners has been recognized as a Top Cannabis Investment fund by Forbes.

Some of Phyto’s notable investments are industry leaders Leaflink, Fyllo, Flowhub, Vangst, Mattio Communications, Wurk, GreenFlower Media & Lucid Green.

Brett was highlighted in Business Insider “as one of the rising stars of marijuana’s investment scene that everyone from Wall Street to Silicon Valley should know.” Brett was selected as one of the emerging leaders in cannabis and was given the honor of receiving the outstanding venture
investor by the Cannabis Dealmakers Summit.

Prior to Phyto Partners, Brett has over 20 years of accomplished deal performance and has been involved in close to a billion dollars of transactions involving a wide variety of mergers and acquisitions, debt and equity financing, turnarounds, licensing, branding over various sectors and financial cycles. He has also held executive roles and has been involved in founding, structuring, operating, funding & strategy at both startups and established companies.

Friberg, Michelle

Director Government Relations, National Cannabis Industry Association (NCIA)

Michelle Rutter Friberg
Director Government Relations, National Cannabis Industry Association (NCIA)

Michelle Rutter Friberg is director of government relations for the National Cannabis Industry Association. Prior to working for NCIA, Michelle was a research analyst at a government affairs firm in Washington, D.C., where she analyzed and tracked legislation on numerous issues. Michelle is a graduate of James Madison University, where she received her Bachelor of Arts degree in Political Science with a minor in History. During her studies, she held a year-long internship with Virginia House of Delegates member Tony Wilt (R). A native Virginian, Michelle currently resides in the Washington, D.C. neighborhood of Brookland with her husband, dog, and three cats.

Garcia, Eugenio

CEO and Founder, Cannabis Now Magazine

Eugenio Garcia
CEO and Founder, Cannabis Now Magazine

Eugenio Garcia is CEO and founder of Cannabis Now, a media group that offers reliable, compelling and creative content to today’s cannabis consumer by way of print, digital, broadcast and social mediums. At Cannabis Now, Garcia is closely involved with the editorial process and manages the sales/revenue, distribution, marketing and investment departments.

As a long-time entrepreneur and advocate, Garcia became interested in the space when consulting in the cannabis industry. Realizing the lack of a strong and balanced voice for today’s consumer, Cannabis Now became the solution by focusing on the most relevant news, political happenings, cannabis legislation, horticultural advancements, social change, economic trends and medical information available.

Launched in 2009, Cannabis Now has experienced unparalleled growth, with Garcia’s vision leading the effort in bringing the magazine’s social media reach to over 4 million followers to date, making its social media community one of the largest interactive cannabis communities in the world.

Under Garcia’s leadership, Cannabis Now Magazine has emerged as the first cannabis publication since the 1970s to be widely distributed coast to coast. Garcia has developed high profile retail distribution partnerships for the company’s digital and print expressions, making Cannabis Now the first cannabis magazine in the world to be available on iTunes and to be distributed at airports nationwide through Hudson News. In addition, Cannabis Now is the first nationally distributed cannabis magazine since 1974 to be accepted and sold at Barnes & Noble across the country.

Gittler, Jeffrey

Partner, PKF O’Connor Davies, Cannabis Co-practice Leader

Jeffrey Gittler
Partner, PKF O’Connor Davies, Cannabis Co-practice Leader

Jeffrey Gittler brings more than 40 years of accounting, auditing, and tax experience to PKF O’Connor Davies. Jeff is a Partner working in the Commercial Practice area with an emphasis on the cannabis industry.

Prior to joining the Firm, Jeff served as a partner in a regional firm’s quality control and accounting and auditing department. Over the years he worked for national and international accounting firms serving privately held and publicly registered clients. As technical manager at the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants (AICPA), Durham, NC, he chaired the Durham County Audit Committee. At the Institute, he oversaw peer reviews throughout the United States and was instrumental in converting the review process to a paperless environment.

Jeff continues to serve his community and the profession through active committee and board assignments. He graduated cum laude from Indiana University of Pennsylvania with a Bachelor’s degree in Management Information Systems.

Glaum, Colin

Co-Founder & Chief marketing Officer, Trimmr

Colin Glaum
Co-Founder & Chief marketing Officer, Trimmr

Colin Glaum has spent his career working at some of the world’s largest advertising agencies as executive creative director before starting his own consultancy group Benevolent Mercenaries. He was drawn into the world of cannabis/hemp by The Stanley Brothers, starting as a marketing consultant and becoming Executive Creative Director and then CMO of pioneering cannabinoid company, Charlotte’s Web. He has helped several cannabis companies maximize their profitability and is focused on helping even more do the same through Trimmr, a company he co-founded with two friends focusing on maximizing post-harvest outcomes.

Gora, Lisa

Attorney, Epstein Becker Green

Lisa Gora
Attorney, Epstein Becker Green

Health care providers and businesses turn to attorney Lisa Gora for advice on regulatory compliance and representation in corporate transactions. Lisa is also a leader in Epstein Becker Green’s psychedelic and cannabis practices, providing legal guidance to these highly regulated businesses in the evolving legal framework.

Lisa regularly analyzes federal and state statutes and regulations in connection with the federal Anti-Kickback Statute and Stark Law, New Jersey’s Codey Law and other state-specific self-referral laws, the federal False Claims Act, the New Jersey False Claims Act, Board of Medical Examiners regulations, licensing and reimbursem*nt issues, and other fraud and abuse laws. Her clients include health care professionals as well as group practices and other health care entities, such as hospitals, academic medical centers, ambulatory surgery centers, management service organizations, ambulatory care facilities, substance use treatment facilities, mental health facilities (outpatient and inpatient), and nursing homes, among others.

Lisa’s health care, psychedelic, and cannabis clients rely on Lisa for regulatory advice and to guide them through transactional matters concerning mergers and acquisitions as well as the formation and structure of such entities, including joint ventures, affiliation agreements, and management services arrangements. Further, Lisa frequently lectures on ownership in health care practices and cannabis entities (buying in and separating from) and the related considerations and challenges.

On the forefront of the burgeoning cannabis industry and with many years of industry experience, Lisa helps clients in the cannabis space navigate the industry’s complicated and ever-changing regulatory landscape. Her cannabis law practice includes the representation of alternative treatment centers within the medicinal cannabis industry as well as start-ups and multistate operators in the personal adult-use cannabis industry, such as cultivators, manufacturers, retailers, delivery services, distributors, and testing laboratories. Lisa advises clients in connection with licensing, ownership, and regulatory compliance pursuant to state laws, rules, and regulations. Lisa also advises clients on regulatory considerations associated with anticipated mergers and acquisitions. Additionally, she provides advice to physicians, hospitals, and others doing business in the legal cannabis market in New Jersey concerning issues related to recommending, authorizing, administering, and possessing medical cannabis.

Researchers, academic medical centers, teaching hospitals, pharmaceutical manufacturers, investors, clinicians, and other stakeholders interested in psychedelic substances trust Lisa to guide them through the legal and regulatory complexities of the emerging psychedelics field.

Lisa serves as the co-chair of the psychedelic subcommittee of the New Jersey State Bar Association. She is the past Chair of the Health Law Section and the past co-chair of the Cannabis Law Committee of the New Jersey State Bar Association.

Lisa is frequently featured on Epstein Becker Green’s health law podcast, Diagnosing Health Care, discussing developments in psychedelics and cannabis across the United States, and she tracks the shifting regulatory landscape on psychedelics across the United States. She was Editor-in-Chief of the first edition of Health Care and the Business of Cannabis: Legal Questions and Answers, a first-of-its-kind project published by the American Health Law Association, which offers insight into the interplay between medicinal cannabis and the health care industry, as well as related information on legal and practical considerations in connection with business opportunities surrounding medicinal cannabis and its by-products. She also co-authored “Medical Marijuana: State and Federal Law Thickets and Practical Implications” in the Health Law Handbook, published by Thomson Reuters in May 2020. Before joining Epstein Becker Green, Lisa was Co-Chair of the Cannabis Law team and a shareholder in the Corporate and Health Law teams at a regional law firm.

Gullickson, Sara

Founder, CEO, The Cannabis Business Advisors

Sara Gullickson
Founder, CEO, The Cannabis Business Advisors

Sara Gullickson is a multi-state cannabis license holder and CEO and Founder at The Cannabis Business Advisors and How to Open a Dispensary. At age 27, she founded her first cannabis venture before ultimately selling to a publicly traded company. Gullickson has presented alongside Tony Robbins in the U.S. and Canada, and has six cannabis licenses that are minority or women-owned. She has more than a decade of experience building and scaling businesses, including a tech platform and turnkey retail model tailored to the cannabis industry.

Gullickson has a proven track record in identifying new opportunities and infusing traditional business strategies into progressive markets. She has also consulted on an international scale in Canada, New Zealand, and Europe. Among her numerous business accolades, she has been recognized as a Women to Watch in Cannabis and one of the Top 20 Women to Dominate the International Cannabis Space.

Heise, Leah

Entrepreneur, Attorney & Pioneering Cannabis Industry Executive

Leah Heise
Entrepreneur, Attorney & Pioneering Cannabis Industry Executive

Hinson, Maurice

Founder, Director, MediRootz Medical Group; Hospitalist, Jamaica Hospital Medical Center

Maurice Hinson, MD
Founder, Director, MediRootz Medical Group; Hospitalist, Jamaica Hospital Medical Center

Founder/Director, MediRootz Medical Group; Hospitalist, Jamaica Hospital Medical Center; Medical Doctor, General Internist; Advisory Board Member, Healthmetryx; Founder and Chairman Youth Empowerment Services in Medicine; Founder and Advisor, Black and Latino Men in Medicine.

Hirschberger, Noam

CFA, CVA, Partner, PKF O’Connor Davies, Cannabis Co-practice Leader

Noam Hirschberger
CFA, CVA, Partner, PKF O’Connor Davies, Cannabis Co-practice Leader

Noam Hirschberger is a partner and practice leader of the valuation services group with 17 years of experience developing advanced financial models, including discounted cash flow, comparable security, and Black-Scholes analyses, used for valuation of businesses, loan securities, and derivatives.

Noam has an extensive background performing valuations for multi-state operators (MSOs), cannabis-focused private equity groups, and lifestyle brand companies.

Noam has reviewed and performed numerous valuations of investments for compliance with ASC 820 Fair Value Measurements and ASC 805 — Business Combinations. He has also presented lectures and webinars on best practices for performing valuations pursuant to GAAP.

Noam received his Master of Business Administration degree from the University of Illinois and his Bachelor’s degree in International Affairs with a concentration in International Economics from George Washington University.

Hurley, Ryan

Cannabis Practice Leader, Rose Law Group

Ryan Hurley
Cannabis Practice Leader, Rose Law Group

Ryan Hurley is Cannabis Practice Leader at Rose Law Group, a full-service real estate and business law firm representing top homebuilders, developers, solar companies, schools, businesses and cannabis companies across the United States. An experienced attorney with over a decade of cannabis industry experience, Hurley is chairman of the Cannabis Practice Group and focuses on a variety of legal issues including cannabis, psychedelics, blockchain, web3, AI, water, and development. Having previously served as an attorney at Rose Law Group between 2006 and 2017, he returned to the law firm in January of 2024.

In between his roles at Rose Law Group, Hurley served as general counsel for Copperstate Farms, a vertically integrated cannabis company and one of the largest greenhouse cannabis producers in North America. Hurley was an instrumental player in Copperstate Farms’ growth and development, positioning the company as a market leader through his careful compliance and risk mitigation. At Copperstate Farms, he managed compliance, HR, contracting, capital and debt raisers, joint ventures, mergers, acquisitions, special projects, risk management, litigation strategy, and more.

Referred to as Arizona’s “Father of Cannabis Law,” Hurley has been recognized as one of the Top 100 Lawyers in Arizona and as one of the 20 Names to Know by Phoenix Business Journal. He has been a part of the Arizona cannabis industry from its inception and played a pivotal role in the 2016 and 2020 initiatives to legalize adult-use cannabis in the state. A founding member and former board member of the National Cannabis Industry Association, Hurley is deeply entrenched in all aspects of the cannabis industry and a sought after expert on cannabis policy. Ryan Hurley was also a founding member of the Arizona Dispensaries Association and the organization’s former vice president.

A dedicated, passionate, and knowledgeable figure in cannabis, Hurley has presented at several conferences and seminars throughout the country and been featured in many interviews in television, print, and radio. His expansive background in policy has cemented his reputation as a reliable thought leader for all aspects of the industry.

Hurley holds a B.S. in environmental science from the University of Arizona and a J.D. from the University of Arizona’s James E. Rogers College of Law. Before emerging as a leader in the growing cannabis industry, Hurley was an associate attorney at Lewis and Roca LLP from 2005 to 2006, focusing on land use, zoning, water, and environmental issues.

Jordan, Kristin

Founder, CEO, Park Jordan; Adjunct Professor, LIM College

Kristin L. Jordan
Founder, CEO, Park Jordan; Adjunct Professor, LIM College

Kristin Jordan is the Founder + CEO of Park Jordan, a commercial real estate brokerage and advisory services firm serving the cannabis industry. She is also an adjunct professor at LIM College’s Business of Cannabis Undergraduate and Masters’ Degree Programs, real estate attorney, drug policy activist, and thought leader. Until recently, Kristin served as the Director of Real Estate at Acreage Holdings, selecting real estate sites for the company’s national footprint of cultivation, processing, and dispensary facilities, managing internal and external relationships, and negotiating and administering leases. Prior to her work in the cannabis sector, she practiced real estate law at several boutique firms and managed real estate portfolios for Kaplan, Inc., Morgan Stanley, and SoulCycle. She is a frequent speaker on real estate, cannabis regulations, and social equity and economic justice issues and in 2019 was distinguished by Forbes as one of “Fifteen Powerful and Innovative Women in Cannabis Right Now.”

Kristin’s passion for advancing cannabis reform has extended to a variety of professional and non-profit endeavors. She is the Founder and CEO of Mannada, a NYC-based cannabis professional event production company, which launched The Maze, a weekly cannabis event listing newsletter, as well as the Cannabis Summit Series including the Cannabis Media Summit, Cannabis Real Estate Summit, and Cannabis Law Summit. Kristin is also a co-founder of the Cannabis Cultural Association, a non-profit organization, and the founder of the Asian Cannabis Roundtable, a professional networking organization, both of which she serves as the President of the Board of Directors. Additionally, Kristin is a member of the New York State Bar Association Committee on Cannabis and is on the Advisory Board for Shoki Brands, and Drop Technologies, both women-of-color founded brands.

Kristin graduated from the State University at Albany with a BA degree and received her JD from the University of Richmond, T.C. Williams School of Law.

Kaden, John T.

President, Managing Partner, Navy Capital

John T. Kaden

President, Managing Partner, Navy Capital

John T. Kaden is President and Managing Partner of Navy Capital, LLC. Prior to joining Navy, Mr. Kaden was the Portfolio Manager and Chief Investment Officer for Northwoods Capital Management Partners, a TMT-focused global long/short hedge fund. Prior to joining Northwoods, Mr. Kaden was the Founder and Managing Partner of Cynthion Partners, LLC from 2006 through the end of 2013, a global macro thematic hedge fund. Prior to founding Cynthion Partners, Mr. Kaden worked in the Strategic Division of Blackrock. Mr. Kaden began his career as a macro strategist for The G7 Group, a global consulting firm that advises its clients on macroeconomic and political developments that affect financial markets. Mr. Kaden graduated Magna Cum Laude with an A.B. from Harvard University and a J.D. from Yale Law School.

Karnes, Matt

Founder, GreenWave Advisors

Matthew (Matt) Karnes
Founder, GreenWave Advisors

Matthew (Matt) Karnes is the founder of GreenWave Advisors (2014) which provides financial research, analysis, due diligence and other consulting services for the cannabis industry. Matt also founded GreenWave Capital Partners (2023), an affiliate partner of Stonehaven, LLC, a SEC Registered Broker Dealer and FINRA Member Firm. Stonehaven provides services to institutions with private placements, PIPE transactions, secondary market block trades, buy-side and sell-side and merger and acquisitions.

Matt has over 25 years of diverse finance and accounting experience. Prior to founding GreenWave Advisors LLC, Matt worked in equity research focusing on the Radio Broadcasting and Cable Television industries for First Union Securities. Matt also covered Satellite Communication at SG Cowen and in addition, worked with the top ranked Consumer Internet analyst at Bear Stearns & Co – this team was consistently recognized by the Institutional Investor’s “All America Research Team”. As a sellside equity analyst, Matt authored and co-authored numerous emerging industry research reports including such names as Google, Sirius, XM Satellite Radio, DIRECTV and EchoStar Communications.

Matt was also Principal and Senior Equity Analyst at Bull Path Capital Management, a New York City based hedge fund, where he was responsible for investment strategies of emerging technologies primarily within the Technology, Media and Telecom sectors. Prior to his career on Wall Street, Matt held various finance and accounting positions at PriceWaterhouse Coopers and Deloitte as well as at Texaco Inc. where he worked throughout the U.S., Europe, The Caribbean and Asia. Additionally at Chase, Matt was responsible for implementing the bank’s corporate accounting policies on commodity, interest rate and foreign currency derivative products. Matt graduated from Fordham University with an MBA in finance and earned a B.S. Business Administration with a double major in accounting and finance from Miami University (OH). Matt is also a Certified Public Accountant.

Kaufman, Neil

Managing Member, Kaufman McGowan PLLC

Neil Kaufman
Managing Member, Kaufman McGowan PLLC

Neil M. Kaufman is the managing member of Kaufman McGowan PLLC, Long Island’s Corporate & Securities Law Firm ™ and Corporate & Securities Counsel to the Cannabis Industry™. He is one of the leading corporate cannabis lawyers in New York and the USA and a fixture of the New York and Long Island corporate and securities legal community.

Kaufman represents emerging growth, middle market and public companies and investment firms in their corporate, securities, financing, borrowing, merger & acquisition and other legal matters. Mr. Kaufman is particularly well known for advising clients with respect to SEC regulation, public offerings, private placements and mergers & acquisitions, as well as all types of commercial contracts. He is a frequent speaker on corporate, securities and cannabis law topics, and is an approved Vistage speaker on mergers & acquisitions.

Kaufman serves as:

Member of the Board of Trustees & Chairman of the Audit Committee of iCapital KKR Private Markets Fund, a closed-end private equity mutual fund.

Member of the Board of Trustees & Chairman of the Audit Committee of Two Roads Shared Trust, a collection of open-end alternative mutual funds.

Chairman Emeritus of the Long Island Capital Alliance, a not-for-profit organization devoted to assisting emerging growth companies.

Chairman of the Long Island Chapter of Financial Executives International.

Kaufman formerly served as:

Chairman of the Board of a Nasdaq-listed technology company.

Chairman of the Banking, Corporate & Securities Committee of the Nassau County Bar Association.

Kaufman received a:

J.D. from New York University School of Law in 1984, where he was a staff member of the Journal of International Law & Politics.

B.A. from Binghamton University in 1981 with recognition for outstanding academic performance.

He is admitted to practice law in the State of New York.

Kaufman:

has been named one of the top cannabis lawyers in the world by the Cannabis Law Report.

is a 2014-2022 SuperLawyer.

Keating, Ed

Co-Founder, Cannabiz Media

Ed Keating
Co-Founder, Cannabiz Media

Keatingis a co-founder of Cannabiz Media and oversees the company’s data research and government relations efforts. He has spent his career working with and advising information companies in the compliance space. Ed has managed product, marketing, and sales while overseeing complex multijurisdictional product lines in the securities, corporate, UCC, safety, environmental, and human resource markets.

At Cannabiz Media, Ed enjoys the challenge of working with regulators across the globe as he and his team gather corporate, financial, and license information to track the people, products, and businesses in the cannabis economy.Ed graduated from Hamilton College and received his MBA from the Kellogg School at Northwestern University.

Kesselman, Josh

Founder and CEO, HBI International / RAW Rolling Papers

Josh Kesselman
Founder and CEO, HBI International / RAW Rolling Papers

Josh Kesselman is an icon in the world of smoking accessories, and the founder and CEO of HBI International. HBI sells RAW Rolling Papers, a leading rolling paper brand. His plant-based rolling papers paved the way for a new era of smoking centered around unadulterated products that highlight flavor and quality. Kesselman began building the company in the mid 1990s and officially launched the RAW brand in 2005. From there, his brand has soared to new heights, sparking a global empire of rolling papers and smoking accessories that stay true to his ethos and reflect his charm and character. RAW papers are used around the globe and loved by all kinds of smokers, from roll-your-own tobacco smokers to the occasional toker to big-name celebrities.

Along with his entrepreneurial and innovative spirit, Kesselman is an activist who has used RAW’s success to bolster his many humanitarian passions. Through his RAW Giving program, Kesselman has contributed more than $3 million in direct cash contributions, as well as $200,000 of in-kind contributions to several different charities. These contributions have assisted in providing clean water to communities and to the Sisters of Mother Teresa hospitals in Ethiopia, helped homeless pets receive care and forever homes in no-kill shelters, and planted hundreds of thousands of trees to improve the environment.

A charismatic and down-to-earth entrepreneur, Kesselman has created several types of rolling papers under the HBI International name, including Elements, Juicy Jays, and Kingpin. His story is one of passion, dedication, and a never-ending commitment to improving what’s already out there. Kesselman has created a global ecosystem of smoking accessories and technology that all started from a tiny shop and a big dream in 1993. Genuine and empathetic, he has tapped into and dominated a market based on quality and an authentic connection to his wide customer base.

As a result of Kesselman’s hands-on and personable approach to business, RAW has proliferated into a cultural icon, with Wiz Khalifa dedicating a song to his products, as well as support being provided by MGK, 2 Chainz, and many other celebrity rappers. He continues to tap into his creative side several decades in, developing new products and finding ways to further improve the smoking experience and uplift the smoking world!

Kudrewicz, Joann

CEO, Ravens View Genetics

Joann Kudrewicz
CEO, Ravens View Genetics

As a seasoned executive with over 25 years of experience in the tightly regulated healthcare industry, Joann brings a wealth of expertise to Ravens View Genetics in the ever-evolving Cannabis industry. Joann’s commitment to developing a positive corporate culture allows her to invest in the growth and success of her team. Her dedication is reflected in the company’s commitment to sustainable and ethical practices. With her deep respect for regulation and a passion for innovation, Joann is a driving force behind RVG’s success.

Kudrewicz, Michael

Lead Cultivator, Ravens View Genetics

Michael Kudrewicz
Lead Cultivator, Ravens View Genetics

As the Lead Cultivator at Ravens View Genetics, Michael brings a wealth of experience and intuition to the company’s approach to Cannabis cultivation. Michael’s deep commitment to preserving pure Landrace Genetics differentiates RVG’s products and sets him apart. Michael has also developed a unique program to optimize the grow environment, preemptively responding to the plant’s needs to ensure the entourage effect of the whole plant profile is achieved, resulting in an end product that excels in aroma, bag appeal, terpenes, cannabinoids, taste, affect, and longevity.

Lardieri, Gaetano

Co-Founder, Future Entheogenic Medicines (F.E.M.); Co-Founder, THCBD

Gaetano Lardieri
Co-Founder, THCBD; Co-Founder, Future Entheogenic Medicines (F.E.M.)

Gaetano Lardieri has worked at several N.J. based Medical Centers and Hospitals in different capacities since 1978. He spent 26 years of his career in the field of Cancer Research in the Hospital Teaching Medical Center and Pharmaceutical settings.He has held several roles during this time. As a Research Assistant on one study he interviewed, collected genetic information and data on over 3500 patients and family members. As a Site Coordinator for a major Cancer Center in New Jersey he worked with a team of oncology specialists to identify and randomize several thousand patients to cancer clinical trials.

His work created the groundwork which lead to being a co-author on several papers on GI genetic diseases and many other peer reviewed publications.

In 1997 Mr. Lardieri started his career in the Pharmaceutical Industry. He has held permanent and consulting positions with several of the top pharmaceutical companies and CROs in New Jersey and New York. During his Pharmaceutical career he has earned certifications in Project Management and Lean Six Sigma. Mr. Lardieri was a project manager for a team which received FDA approval for a breast cancer drug.

In 2013 Mr. Lardieri transferred his Clinical Experience and Pharmaceutical skills to the Cannabis and Psychedelics Industries. He has advised many startups in the cannabis/psychedelics space and is co-founder of two companies focusing in the areas of: Medical Cannabis, Psychedelics, Advocacy, Education, Mentorship, Nano-Research, Clinical Trials and Aerospace Science.

He is the co-founder of THCBD LLC which has a current conditional license for cannabis production and manufacturing in New Jersey.

He is the co-founder of Future Entheogenic Medicines LLC (F.E.M.) which focuses on consulting in the areas of; psychedelic wellness, research/development, harm-reduction and education.

Mr. Lardieri is the New Jersey co-state Director for Minorities for Medical Marijuana-M4MM.

He serves as an advisor on several prestigious boards: Coalition for Medical Marijuana New Jersey-(CMMNJ), CannaCoverage, JUSTUS Foundation, UPENN Affiliate Scholars Board, HillView Med.

Mr. Lardieri has had many articles published over the years discussing cannabis/psychedelics research and advocacy. Mr. Lardieri has presented original research in the aerospace science field at NASA’s Langley Research Center and Committee on Space Research – (COSPAR). He has been named three times to the New Jersey Insider 100 Cannabis Power List, is a 2021 Black Wall Street people’s choice award recipient and sited on the 2019 New Jersey’s LGBT Power list.

Two recent major projects that he was instrumental in developing and leading:

1) he was an integral part of a global team of researchers who, in an historic first, launched a CBD nano-emulsion to the ISS-(International Space Station)-for analysis and research,

2) conducted an historic survey on psychedelics which included over 1200 participants.

Mr. Lardieri was born, raised and currently resides in Newark N.J.

Louie, Christopher

Co-Founder, Made in Xiaolin

Christopher Louie
Co-Founder, Made in Xiaolin

Christopher Louie, born in Brooklyn and raised on Staten Island, New York, has been a figure in the cannabis industry since 1996, initially in the legacy market. His journey took a turn in 2002 when he was incarcerated on Rikers Island, followed by a life-altering event in 2003 when he was shot in the back, leading him to explore cannabis for pain management.

A practitioner of Shaolin Kung Fu, Christopher embodies discipline and resilience, which he brings to his entrepreneurial ventures. In 2015, he and his wife, Chongsi, made a pivotal move to Colorado, where they founded Made In Xiaolin. Known for their luxury cannabis cigars, the brand blends innovation and tradition, offering a unique experience for cannabis connoisseurs. In 2024, they are expanding Made In Xiaolin into New York, marking another milestone in Christopher’s entrepreneurial journey.

Lowen, Jon

Co-CEO and Co-Founder, Surfside Solutions

Jon Lowen
Co-CEO and Co-Founder, Surfside Solutions

JonLowencurrently is the Co-CEO/Co-Founder at Surfside Solutions Inc., a fully connected marketing platform that simplifies how advertisers and retailers onboard their 1st party data for media activation, audience segmentation and omnichannel measurement. Jon is a proven leader in the advertising technology industry, implementing strategies that deliver results across business operations and product development. Previously Jon was Chief Strategy Officer at SITO Mobile, where he was at the helm of growth strategy acquisitions and business development as he helped increase revenue 40x over his tenure to a market cap of over $250M. Prior to CSO, Jon was COO and led operations and product at multiple companies including: SITO, DoubleVision and Carbon Media Group (formerly Outdoor Hub).

Manoliadis, Bill

VP, Architecture, Tricarico

Bill Manoliadis
VP, Architecture, Tricarico

Bill has more than 25 years of experience in architecture and project management on a national scale. He is typically involved in projects from inception through completion, having a hand in architectural detailing, consultant coordination and construction administration. Presently Bill’s duties as Vice President include managing accounts and maintaining client relations while actively marketing the firm and assisting with business development strategies.

Marte, Coss

Founder, ConBud, Founder, ConBody

Coss Marte
Founder, ConBud, Founder, ConBody

In 2009, Coss Marte was sent to jail as the ringleader of a multi-million-dollar drug operation. Very overweight, he was warned by his physician that his current lifestyle, if left unchecked, would likely kill him. Faced with this grim prognosis, Coss started to get in shape using the tools he had — his prison cell and his own body weight. Within six months he lost 70 pounds and replicated his successful formula of body weight exercises with 20 other inmates. He then launched CONBODY, a prison style bootcamp that has gained over 70,000+ clients and has hired 50+ formerly incarcerated individuals to teach fitness classes. Coss is also the co-founder a non-profit organization called Second Chance Studios, which trains and helps employ formerly incarcerated individuals to become experts in AV skills and media. In 2023, he opened CONBUD, in the heart of the Lower East Side, blocks from where he worked and was arrested. At CONBUD they proudly employ justice-impacted individuals and serve NY’s finest products that represent NY Native-, BIPOC- and women- owned brands. You can find CONBUD and CONBODY on the corner of Orchard and Delancey.

Marzarella, Danielle

VP, Global Retail Development, SevenPoint Interiors

Danielle Marzarella
VP, Global Retail Development, SevenPoint Interiors

Mathews, Drew

Founder & CEO Green Life Business

Drew Mathews
Founder & CEO Green Life Business

Drew Mathews is the founder and CEO of the Nation’s LargestCannabis Business Brokerage, withGreen Life Business being awardedthe 2023 Best Business Matchmaker Award at theprestigious Benzinga Cannabis Awards.

Under Drew’s leadership, Green Life Business is committed to enhancing the public’s perception of Realtors/Brokers within the Cannabis Industry through continuous education, fully embracing challenges with dedication to transparency and ethical business practices.

At Green Life Business Group, Inc., it is not just about closing deals, it is about fostering growth, promoting integrity, and leading by example in the Cannabis Industry. Join us as we continue to pave the way forward, shaping the future of cannabis business transactions with expertise, trust, and unmatched dedication.

McKay, Joe

Retired FDNY Firefighter; Board Member, Clusterbusters

Joe McKay
Retired FDNY Firefighter; Board Member, Clusterbusters

Joe McKay is a retired FDNY firefighter who spends his time advocating for causes close to his heart. Joe is on the board of Clusterbusters, where he works to support people living with cluster headache, the most painful condition known to medicine. He also serves on the board of the Ray Pfeifer Foundation, helping 9/11 first responders with medical needs. Joe has advocated alongside fellow first responders to get 9/11 health and compensation bills passed by Congress in 2015 and 2019, and again with Burn Pits 360 to pass the PACT Act in 2022. Joe shares his story of healing his cluster headache, PTSD and opioid addiction with psychedelics to make these medicines more legally available.

Miller, Jacob

COO, Paybotic

Jacob Miller
COO, Paybotic

Jacob graduated from Vanderbilt University with a degree in the Communication of Science and Technology with a focus in scientific computing and corporate strategy. After graduating, Jacob worked as a management consultant for KPMG in their financial services practice where he advised top global banks and government-sponsored entities on payment networks architecture, business process automation, and enterprise software platform assessments and implementations. Prior to departing the firm, Jacob helped establish KPMG’s Cannabis Industry Group, which focused on advising state and local governments. In addition to being a founding partner of Paybotic, Jacob also serves as the Managing Partner of Millers Insurance Group, a full-service cannabis and hemp-focused insurance agency.

Morón, Gia

Founder and CEO, GVM Communications

Gia Morón
Founder and CEO, GVM Communications

Gia Morón is a multi-industry veteran business & PR consultant with over 30 years’ experience in corporate communications, public relations, brand strategy and business development. She is the founder and CEO of GVM Communications, Inc. (GVM), which serves clients across business disciplines and scopes from around the globe, ranging from small businesses to publicly traded firms, non-profits, entrepreneurs, and more. Since 2015, when GVM expanded its coverage to the newly legal cannabis and hemp industry, the company has consistently been ranked as a top Cannabis Public Relations company in leading industry publications such as Forbes, and Green Market Report. According to Green Market Report, Morón is ranked one of the leading professionals in cannabis for her work and professional accomplishments and advocacy. Due to her company’s unique approach, expertise and business relationships, her company continues to be one of the most sought after firms with cannabis and hemp experience by some of the industry’s leaders and businesses.

From 2019-2023, Morón also served as President of Women Grow, the largest professional network for women in cannabis and hemp (she joined the company in 2016). During her tenure, her leadership helped Women Grow establish significant partnerships with leading cannabis MSOs (multi-state operators), and she worked closely with federal and state agencies, higher education institutions, community organizers and other high-profile stakeholders. These groundbreaking partnerships helped to create programs and resources to support female and minority entrepreneurs and professionals in the industry (e.g., under Morón’s leadership, Women Grow partnered with Emmanuel Baptist Church in New York City in 2019 for the world’s first “Business of Cannabis Summit” hosted by a faith-based organization New York State Resolution; event is now in its fourth year and will continue with Morón under GVM Communications partnership).

Morón’s previous experience includes fifteen years at the global banking powerhouse Goldman Sachs Group, Inc. where she managed media for the firm’s various business entities and organizational areas, and five years at The Fremantle Corporation, a global television distribution and production company.

Outside of her professional accomplishments, Morón continuously works with a number of non-profit organizations and mentors up-and-coming women in business. She is a founding member of Safe4Equity, a cannabis industry group formed to help create equitable access to capital and a path to social and economic justice through reform. She sits on the board of Minorities for Medical Marijuana and is an advisory board member of the National Cannabis Roundtable (NCR), Cannabis World Congress Business Expo (CWCBE), and Lift&Co., and is a member of the Cannabis Advisory Boards of Lehman College and Borough of Manhattan Community College (BMCC).

Morón has long been recognized as one of the leading women in cannabis for her advocacy in legalization and supporting women in the industry, including in such publications as, Newsweek, Vox, Benzinga, and others.

To connect with her via email gia@gvmcommsinc.com or follow on social media Instagram & Twitter X: @Gia_Vm; LinkedIn: Gia Moron and Facebook: Gia Vm.

Morris, Dawne

CEO, Co-founder, PROTEUS Business Solution, PROTEUS420

Dawne Morris
CEO, Co-founder, PROTEUS Business Solution, PROTEUS420

Dawne Morris is the CEO and co-founder of PROTEUS Business Solution, Inc., an online enterprise resource planning (ERP) system for the cannabis industry. Dawne is a nationally-recognized cannabis entrepreneur named a Top Women to Watch in Marijuana Venture magazine and has decades of finance, digital marketing, and design experience under her belt. She previously helped grow and expand digital agency PIXELED.net and developed a successful hosting enterprise, Illuminated Hosting Service, LLC.

In 2008, Dawne pivoted her expertise to the cannabis market, partnering with her husband, David Morris, to establish PROTEUS420. Considered one of the first and most trusted cannabis seed-to-sale software systems, PROTEUS420 is focused on business growth and a streamlined user experience, while addressing the complexities of industry compliance. Dawne was instrumental in integrating her knowledge of internet marketing into the technology platform to help businesses scale successfully. As a market leading system, PROTEUS420 supports manufacturing, cultivation, distribution, and dispensary operators in markets throughout the U.S. and North America.

Dawne’s entrepreneurial drive coupled with her expertise in product and software development, has allowed PROTEUS Business Solution, Inc., and its industry-specific platform PROTEUS420 to thrive in the technology space and become an operational staple. Her intuitive understanding of business operations and supply chain needs has made Dawne a sought-after industry spokesperson specializing in branding and identity, marketing, software, web development and design, human resources, finance and management.

Naissant, Jessica

Founder, RENAISSAÑT BK

Jessica Naissant
Founder, RENAISSAÑT BK

Jessica Naissant is a visionary entrepreneur and dedicated cannabis advocate. She is the owner and CEO of Wake & Bake Cafe, LLC, the first woman-owned CBD dispensary in Valley Stream, NY. She earned a B.S in Biochemistry from SUNY Old Westbury.

Jessica’s deep-rooted passion for cannabis led her to create brands, products, and a lifestyle centered around cannabis education and justice. Her humanitarian spirit inspired her to volunteer as a relief effort worker in Puerto Rico in the aftermath of Hurricane Maria. In addition to her accomplishments, Jessica successfully founded and operates a waste management & recycling company, REPOT BOX, specializing in cannabis waste, showcasing her commitment to sustainability. It is worth noting that Jessica’s determination and transformative approach enabled her to receive A legal Dispensary license in NY. She is the Retail licensee and founder of her dispensary “RENAISSAÑT BK,” opening in Brooklyn, NY this summer!

Jessica is the co-founder of a cannabis education Non-Profit, “Community Cultivated Foundation INC, (CCF), which is focused on educating both children and elderly about cannabis. Her tenacity and grit are reflective of her journey from a justice-involved woman to a biologist, and serial entrepreneur, and to an inspiring role model in the New York cannabis industry.

Osborne, Tanya

Founder & CEO, The CannaDiva

Tanya Osborne
Founder & CEO, The CannaDiva

Tanya Osborne is a true Renaissance woman! From the Music Industry to Financial Services, Business Coaching and now…Cannabis. The common theme here is the connection…from being a champion for Women in the Music industry, sharing the importance of women investing in and for their future, Coaching women entrepreneurs and now contributing to changing the stigma of the plant and bringing awareness to the role of women in the Cannabis industry.

The Founder of CannaDiva, LLC, a brand committed to supporting women in the space from hosting Canna-events and shining a spotlight on women entrepreneurs and the soon launching of The CannaDiva Community. A passion for entrepreneurs, diversity, and women has led Tanya to the Cannabis industry which is positioned for exponential growth. Her goal is to educate, connect and support women leaders in this industry.

Pagni, Tony

Founder & Co-Owner Perfectionist Rolling Equipment, Managing Partner, Aephex, Automated Pre-Roll System

Tony Pagni
Founder & Co-Owner Perfectionist Rolling Equipment, Managing Partner, Aephex, Automated Pre-Roll System

Anthony Pagni has established a significant presence in the cannabis industry since 2014. He owned a medical marijuana dispensary in Arizona and ventured into the cannabis manufacturing business in Washington. Additionally, Anthony is a proud founder and co-owner of Perfectionist Rolling Equipment, a company known for manufacturing the cutting-edge high-speed Apehex Automated Pre-Roll System. His enduring passion for both cannabis and technology has played a pivotal role in the remarkable success of the Apehex. He is dedicated to advancing the industry by creating efficient and user-friendly pre-roll automation solutions.

Palis, Jack

VP, Risk Management, CannaCoverage

Jack Palis
VP, Risk Management, CannaCoverage

Jack Palis is a risk and sustainability specialist bringing best practices for risk mitigation and control to the Cannabis industry. For over 40 years, he has practiced as a professional engineer, site remediation manager, merger & acquisition consultant, insurance broker, and risk advisor across many industries including oil/gas, chemical/pharmaceutical, healthcare, real estate/construction, and manufacturing. Through it all and long before it became fashionable, Jack’s work assured protecting the environment, addressing stakeholder and social interests – such as employees, investors, owners, public safety, and health in the surrounding communities – and building business transparency.

As Vice President Risk Management for CannaCoverage, Jack now brings his problem-solving, safety, risk, and regulatory insights and innovations to the emerging and evolving cannabis industry to create customized risk management consulting with insurance solutions, designed to protect businesses from financial blindsides and breaking through operational bottlenecks. Through increasing efficiency, being proactive, and a focus on protecting people, he guides business owners in how to eliminate the frustrations, overwhelm, and feelings of constant fire-fighting so they have the peace of mind and confidence of being in control of their business. His work is guided by the principle that risk management is all about protecting people – businesses are made up of people who serve other people while living and thriving in communities of people.

Pierre-Louis, Rendhel, Esq.

Founder, CEO, Savage Gardens

Rendhel Pierre-Louis, Esq.
Founder, CEO, Savage Gardens

Rendhel Pierre-Louis is the founder and Chief Executive Officer of Savage Gardens LLC, a licensed New Jersey Cultivator based in Pleasantville. He also heads Savage Kollaborations, a real estate development company building a 20 acre cannabis campus.

Ren has over 10 years of professional cannabis experience. He founded his first company Savage Valley in Oakland, California as a medical collective. He has previously worked as a head cultivator, manufacturing lab director and most extensively as a bulk wholesale distributor.

Pinto, Ronit

Founder, Honeysuckle Magazine

Ronit Pinto
Founder, Honeysuckle Magazine

Ronit Pinto is the Founder of Honeysuckle Magazine. Honeysuckle Media is a Clio and journalistic award-winning, female owned print and digital publication focusing on cannabis and its intersection with pop culture. Since its inception in 2103, Honeysuckle has pioneered many initiatives in plant medicine in NYC across their multi platform offerings in print, digital, OOH, creative, email, social and more. Ronit also spearheads Honeysuckle Studios, high performing, end creative agency for corporate and creative work in — photography, videography, branded content, marketing assets. events coverage and film – with her partner Creative Director, Sam Long. @honeymagstudios

Prince, Kim

Founder, CEO Proven Media

Kim Prince
Founder and CEO, Proven Media

Kim Prince is the founder of Proven Media, a communications agency serving B2B and B2C companies throughout North America.

The business was named one of the Top 5 Most Powerful Cannabis PR Firms by the Observer, a top PR firm by the Business Journal, and dubbed Star Makers by NV Magazine. Prince is the founder of Meet the Cannabis Press events and was named a 2023 Notable Leader by the Green Market Report. She specializes in strategic marketing communications for privately held and publicly traded companies and has a strong background in corporate messaging and public relations strategies for corporations, brands, and C-level executives. She has a passion for helping clients succeed.

She has served as the director of public relations for the Marijuana Industry Trade Association-AZ (MITA-AZ), and as a former board member of the Arizona Cannabis Chamber of Commerce. Outside of the cannabis industry, she served non-profit board positions for the Foothills Community Foundation, the Foothills Caring Corps, Career Connectors, and the Carefree/Cave Creek Chamber of Commerce. She is the former membership chair of the Arizona Business Marketing Association and a graduate of Northern Arizona University.

She was awarded Entrepreneur of the Year and the Alliance All-Star Award from ASU West and the Phoenix Business Journal. She has been a panel moderator at professional conferences throughout the country and has been an invited speaker at marketing associations and colleges to teach others how to maximize their media exposure.

Robinson, Puma

Entrepreneur, Actor, Music Producer

Puma Robinson
Entrepreneur, Actor, Music Producer

Puma (born Puma Robinson) is a 10-season main cast member of the VH1 hit television show “Black Ink NY.” Puma is an accomplished Entrepreneur, music producer, tastemaker, and brand socialite. His influence spans across many fields of entertainment ranging from music to business to art. He is owner of Art2Ink, Tattoo studios and recipient of Vibe Magazines “First Rising Award”. Puma has recently been seen on “Celebrity Marriage Counseling/Season 11” on WE Tv; MTV’s “Ridiculousness/Season 16.

2023, we can expect to see Puma as he heads into venture capitalism in the cannabis industry also in the extreme sports arena as well as he continues to invest in business and entertainment. Catch Puma on VH1 “Black Ink NY.”

Rudick, Lauren

Managing Principal, Rudick Law Group, PLLC

Lauren Rudick
Managing Principal, Rudick Law Group, PLLC

A “recovering litigator,” Lauren practiced commercial litigation for ten years, during which time she successfully represented clients in a wide variety of business, intellectual property, and Internet/media disputes, while contributing to the Firm’s land use and zoning practice. With a trained and sensitive eye for keeping clients out of litigation and a penchant for deal-making, Lauren has refocused her career on start-up law, regulatory compliance, M&A, and commercial and secured transactions. Lauren has also developed a niche in running due diligence, salvaging deals that have turned south, mitigating against legal exposure, and identifying and remedying abuse or misuse of corporate power and form.

Prior to starting her own firm, Lauren was the co-founder of Hiller, PC’s cannabis law practice, having come to the cannabis industry through her mother’s end of life care. What started as a passion project in patient rights during a brief residency in California, Lauren has become one of the Nation’s preeminent attorneys providing legal services to cannabis industry players in the “Green Rush.” Lauren provides clients with the most up-to-date information necessary to operate and invest in successful cannabis and ancillary businesses. With a unique, interdisciplinary, and holistic approach to cannabis business licensing, Lauren has run successful applications in competitive medical cannabis states and adult-use markets alike. Lauren is also a member of the legal team that brought an action against former Attorney General Sessions and the federal government seeking, among other things, a declaration that the mis-classification of cannabis as a Schedule I drug is unconstitutional, on, among other things, due process, equal protection, free speech, and commerce clause grounds. With increasing frequency, Lauren has also been representing investors and start-up organizations in cannabis adjacent industries, including psychedelics and Ag Tech.

Lauren is an Expert Contributor to Marijuana Venture Magazine, a frequent speaker at national and local events, including, among others, the Emerald Cup, MJ Biz Con, the Cannabis World Congress & Business Exposition, the Women Grow Leadership Summit, BevNet, the International Cannabis Bar Association, and the National Cannabis Industry Association, and has provided pro bono legal and advocacy services to the Drug Policy Alliance, Compassionate Care New York, and the Cannabis Cultural Association. She has appeared on local and national television networks, including CBS, ABC, and Fox, has been quoted in numerous cannabis and non-cannabis publications including, among others, The New York Times, Crain’s New York Business, Inc., Rolling Stone, Forbes, HERB, Daily Cannabis Observer, Cannabis Business Times, Cannabis Business Daily, Leafly, the Weed Blog, Weed News, and the Fresh Toast. In 2022, Lauren was recognized by PoliticsNY as a Cannabis Industry “Power Player,” which organization which also named her as a Power Woman of Manhattan, also in 2022. For the past four years, Lauren has been serving on the Executive Committee and Board of Directors for the International Cannabis Bar Association, as the organization’s Treasurer. In 2021, Lauren was appointed as a Vice-Chair of the Cannabis Law and Policy Committee of the American Bar Association. And since 2021, she has been serving on the Board of Directors for Breeder’s Best, a private record-label style producer of unique cannabis genetics.

Saki Fenderson

Speaker, educator, community activist

Fenderson, Saki
Speaker, educator, community activist

Saki Fenderson is an award-winning speaker, cannabis educator and legacy community activist. Saki comes equipped with over a decade of experience providing information, resources and empowerment for individuals looking to explore the health and wellness benefits of cannabis plant-based medicine championing the ideology that “It’s A Medicine First”.

Saki combines her culinary talent and commitment to social justice by launching Tainted Love BK and TLBK, LLC, companies that provide interactive, experiential, hands-on cannabis education. However education cannot exist within its own bubble and Saki has been a consistent and active advocate working with other organizations, agencies, and government officials throughout New York to expand safe and legal access to the plant for vulnerable communities. As part of her educational efforts, Saki has hosted regular cannabis cooking classes since 2016 where the comfort of the kitchen and food are tools for introducing audiences to the diversity of the plant and its myriad applications including the interconnective medical, social, and spiritual aspects.
Saki was an active member of the Start SMART NY legalization campaign and led coalition organizing efforts to pass the Marihuana Regulation and Taxation Act (MRTA), New York’s current Cannabis Law. She was also a founding member of the post-legalization advocacy organization, New York Cannabis United; and is currently Director of Events for On the Revel, which aims to build a sustainable cannabis business community for all. Saki has been recognized with several recognitions and appreciations from her peers including an award for her incomparable approach to cannabis education by NYC NORML.

Salman, “Hawaii” Mike

Founder, Chef for Higher

“Hawaii” Mike Salman
Founder, Chef for Higher

Hawaii Mike Salman is a branding maestro and co-founder of Chef for Higher, a pioneering culinary & culture company specializing in Cannabis-infused foods and popular tastemaker dining events. Chef For Higher launched their line of THC-infused products in New York’s adult use market in 2023, becoming the first culinary brand. For over 25 years, he’s been on the frontlines of music, media, and lifestyle, using Hip-Hop and Cannabis as conduits for pursuing his passions and refining his alchemy. Hawaii has worked with legendary Hip-Hop groups like Mobb Deep and consulted for global brands like Nike, Reebok, Estee Lauder, and Mountain Dew. As a manager, he guided the careers of influential personalities like BMX athlete Nigel Sylvester, DJ Clark Kent, and photographer Jonathan Mannion. He served as a lifestyle editor for The Source magazine, founded LTD magazine and was co-founder & editor-in-chief of tattoo publication INKED. Hawaii Mike has been featured in The Wall Street Journal, Sports Illustrated, VH1, BET, Spectrum1 and Forbes. He currently lives in Brooklyn, NY.

Santos, Nichelle

Founder and CEO, CannaCoverage

Nichelle Santos
Founder and CEO, CannaCoverage

Nichelle Santos is an entrepreneur, business development executive in the insurance industry, practicing risk mitigation from the CannaBusiness industry, to healthcare; environmental health and safety, public policy. She has practiced as a Safety Engineer & Risk Manager in the chemical/pharmaceutical industry, protecting employees and the surrounding community through Process Safety Management, Behavior Based Safety, hazardous waste remediation, and regulatory compliance.

As the CEO of CannaCoverage, Nichelle now brings her insurance and regulatory expertise to the CannaBusiness industry to create customized risk management consulting with insurance solutions, designed to protect businesses from failure. She believes with increased efficiencies and profitability of cannabusinesses, can build and cultivate sustainability for communities. Corporate Social Responsibility to maintain public safety & health; provide social justice in action; to impact the community and environment, is critical to the cannabis industry. CannaCoverage is licensed in 20+ states and scaling across the country.

Nichelle serves as a community leader and industry advocate, as the the M4MM State Director, NJ, to further her mission in Government Affairs for pro-cannabis policy, health and safety, GMPs, and industry standards; as well as to improve health outcomes with medical marijuana as an alternative treatment. She’s a member of the NJ CannaBusiness Association; National Cannabis Industry Association,serving the Risk Mgmt & Insurance Comm; and Board Member (BM) on the Coalition of Medical Marijuana of NJ; Greater Raritan Valley Workforce Development Board; the National Forum for Black Public Administrators; and National African American Insurance Association; and Founding BM of Elect Women NJ and Emerge NJ, to increase women as elected officials. Recognized as 2023 NY Cannabis Power Player; 2022 Insider NJ Cannabis Power List; 2023 & 2022 NJ Cannabis Insider – Minority Business of the Year, Woman Of The Year Honoree; Excellence in Consulting Honoree; Responsible 100, NY City & State.

Nichelle earned her B.S. at Rutgers University, Environmental Health and Occupational Safety, and has recently continued studies at Harvard T. H. Chan School of Public Health and at the Harvard Kennedy School, in Healthcare, Evidence, Leadership and Public Policy.

Scott, Cy

Co-Founder and CEO, Headset

Cy Scott
Co-Founder, CEO, Headset

Cy Scott is entrepreneur at heart, and has experience starting companies, working for startups and doing time at large organizations.

He is Co-founder and CEO of Headset Inc., an analytics company for the cannabis industry designed to help operators make informed decisions based on data. Headset focuses on operational and market intelligence, helping our customers make sense of this rapidly emerging and changing industry.

Cy started his career accelerating the adoption of legal cannabis as the Co-Founder of Leafly which he helped lead and build Leafly into a platform that serves 6M visits monthly with multimillion-dollar revenues. Leafly had a successful exit, sold to Privateer Holding a leading company in the cannabis space with backing from institutional investors, such as Peter Thiel’s Founders Fund.

Serban, Renata

Founder, CEO, Highly Elevated CPA

Renata Serban
Founder, CEO, Highly Elevated CPA

Renata Serban is award winning cannabis accountant. She is the founder and CEO of Highly Elevated CPA, she is Certified Public Accountant and Certified Management Accountant. She is the chair-woman of Cannabis Committee of NYS Society of CPAs, instructor at the cannabis training programs with both NYS Office of Cannabis Management and NJ Business Action Center. She is the winner of the 2023 Green Market Report Women’s in Cannabis Leadership Award, Emerging Leader Award by NYSSCPA, her team is a winner of NJ Cannabis Insider award and Emjays International Cannabis award, she is the honoree of 2024 NJBiz Leaders in Finance Award. Renata has been featured multiple times as one of the most important Women in NY Cannabis to Know. Renata has over 15 years of experience serving businesses in various industries with focus in cannabis for the past 4 years. Throughout her career Renata has had strong internal drive to help cannabis businesses to start, develop and grow. She has unique combination of private and public accounting experience. As a former controller she is successfully serving her clients’ needs and is always seeking to voice the issues related to cannabis businesses through state and global organizations.

Seymour, Tim

Co-Host, CNBC Fast Money, Portfolio Manager, CNBS Cannabis ETF

Tim Seymour
Co-Host, CNBC Fast Money, and Portfolio Manager, CNBS Cannabis ETF

Tim Seymour is founder and Chief Investment Officer of Seymour Asset Management (SAM). SAM provides both asset management and wealth management services for its clients, including direct investment and allocation to private equity and alternative assets. Tim is also the Portfolio Manager of the Amplify Seymour Cannabis ETF ticker: $CNBS.

Tim has over 22 years of investment experience as a portfolio manager, allocator and capital markets professional across multiple asset classes. Tim is a recognized voice within the investment community as a trader and market strategist on CNBC. For over a decade, Tim has been a primary investor voice on CNBC’s Fast Money. Tim is often cited as one of the top finance professionals on Twitter, including The Wall Street Journal’s “Top Tweets For Your Money.”

Tim was the CIO and co-founder of Triogem Asset Management where the firm’s flagship fund was a long short global emerging market equity strategy. Triogem’s investment approach was rooted in running a low volatility portfolio that managed top down risks while employing a rigorous research process to bottom up stock picking.

Prior to Triogem, Tim was co-founder and Managing Partner at Red Star Asset Management (Moscow, New York), where he ran a core strategy emphasizing low volatility, multi-strat fund investing across Russia/Eastern Europe. Before launching Red Star, Tim was a Partner and Managing Director at Troika Dialog, Russia’s largest investment bank in Moscow. Tim started his career at UBS in
New York, focusing on international macro. Tim completed the firm’s capital markets training program after graduating with an MBA in International Finance from Fordham University.

Tim lives in New York City with his wife and two children. When he is not with his family, Tim is playing drums and singing in his two bands.

Shen, Sandra, Dr.

Founder, ATMOSIScience Inc.

Dr. Sandra Shen
Founder, ATMOSIScience Inc.

Dr. Sandra Shen is a renowned serial entrepreneur and innovator in the field of humidity control technology. With a Ph.D. in Chemistry from Fudan University, Dr. Shen has spent over two decades spearheading significant advancements in humidity management. Her expertise has led to the development of more than 50 patents, showcasing her diverse range of applications from protecting herbal medicines, which is highly pertinent to the cannabis industry, to preserving oil paintings, artifacts, and advanced technologies in 5G towers and electric vehicles.

As the founder of ATMOSIScience Inc., a pioneering U.S. company in humidity control solutions, Dr. Shen has been instrumental in pushing the boundaries of this technology. Her company has made notable strides in integrating advanced humidity management systems across various sectors, including industrial, medicinal, and electronic industries. Under her leadership, ATMOSIScience Inc. has emerged as a key innovator, driving forward the standards of humidity control while maintaining a strong focus on practical and sustainable applications

Sperber, Jeremy

Account Executive, Genetec

Jeremy Sperber
Account Executive, Genetec

Jeremy Sperber is an Account Executive at Genetec, where he focuses on enabling and supporting physical security systems for companies in the cannabis, retail, hospitality and gaming sectors.

Stower, Luna

Chief Impact Officer, Ispire Vape Technology

Luna Stower
Chief Impact Officer, Ispire Vape Technology

Luna Stower is Chief Impact Officer at Ispire Vape Technology in Los Angeles (previously VP of Business Development). An experienced executive and thought-leader in the cannabis industry, she’s known for designing & manufacturing high-quality cannabis vaporization hardware for oil brands.

With over a decade of experience in the “Cannabiz,” Luna was named as one of the “Top 100 women in Cannabis” by Green Entrepreneur for her vital role building some of California’s most successful cannabis brands (Jetty Extracts, Click Spray), helping establish them as category leaders. Starting as employee #1 at both Jetty Extracts and Ispire, she played a key role in those companies’ growth and success.

A Bay Area native, she holds a Master’s degree from USF and a BA in Social Justice from UCSC, combining education & field experience to provide a unique perspective on the intersection of business & purpose. An internationally-recognized plant medicine expert, Luna is featured as a panelist, speaker, and moderator at B2B events, on podcasts, and at consumer expos, worldwide.

In recognition of her impact on drug policy and social equity advocacy, Luna has been named “Cannabis Culture Advocate of 2021” by the Cannabis Chamber of Commerce, “Best Activist of 2023” by the CA Cannabis Awards, “Most Important Woman in Weed” by Green Entrepreneur, and “Global Cannabis Legalization Honoree” by CannaPortugal for her instrumental work in advancing decriminalization.

Luna is a moderator for the Emerald Cup Harvest Ball Speaker Series, Hall of Flowers Podcast guest, and judge for ‘Oscars of Weed,’ competitions “The Emerald Cup Awards,” & Mila Jansen’s (‘The Hash Queen’) “Dab-a-Doo.”

Luna’s passion for the plant and people as a lifelong advocate has led her to nurture the stability & success of widely-recognized legacy brands, spearheading their social responsibility actions and nourishing brand loyalty. Luna’s roots in community activism anchor her to a higher purpose, with a rich historical perspective and expansive professional network of sophisticated, trusted operators — making a significant impact as a powerful female voice for justice, and an influential, driving force for positive change.

Suchoff, Sandy

Founder, CEO, The Canna CPAs

Sandy Suchoff
Founder, CEO, The Canna CPAs

Sandy Suchoff CPA is the founder and CEO of Lefstein Suchoff, CPA & Associates, LLC d/b/a The Canna CPAs. Immersing herself in extensive research on the medicinal potential of cannabis for a family member battling autoimmune ailments, Suchoff strategically tailored her CPA, CFO, and Advisory services in her practice for the cannabis industry. Merging her fervor for the plant’s healing properties with her professional expertise, she forged a remarkable synergy between vocation and devotion.

Suchoff’s extensive recognition spans premier media platforms, including appearances and interviews on MSNBC, FOX News, Tune In Business Talk Radio, PBS TV, Chasing News on FOX & WOR, KRQE-13, Cannabis Radio, Purple Haze Radio, Cannabis Tech & Today, MMJ Radio, National Marijuana News, Marijuana Venture, CPA Trendlines, and Snoop Dog’s Merry Jane website. Co-authoring Write-off$ to the Rescue, Suchoff contributed a chapter exclusively dedicated to cannabis tax strategies, while her new book, “How to Run a Profitable Cannabis Business–A Savvy Guide to Increasing Your Profit Margins & Cash Flow,” was released in 2023. Nominated for the California Cannabis Awards in the CPA category, she also earned recognition as one of the top nine accountants in the State of NJ by njbiz.com, alongside acknowledgment within the list of the top 50 most influential accounting firms.

An acclaimed national speaker, Suchoff has presented extensively across various states in the country at prominent events such as MJBIZCON, CWCBE, USCC, RAD Expo, MJ Unpacked, NJBIZ, Indo Expo, NECANN, Canna Tech, Canna-One, Athletes In Cannabis, NJ Canna Business, Lucky Leaf, CannaCon, THC-The Hampton Cannabis, and others. Additionally, The Canna CPAs have organized comprehensive full-day Cannabis learning events, where Suchoff has been a featured speaker alongside other industry experts. Suchoff’s distinguished profile encompasses not only her roles as a Certified Public Accountant but also as a Certified CFO, Profit First Professional, Clear Path to Cash Professional, Certified Tax Planner, Certified Exit Planner Strategist, and even a former part-time law student. Her unwavering passion and commitment to ongoing learning reflect her dedication to providing exceptional service to her valued clientele.

Tantalo, Britni

Co-Founder and President, New York Cannabis Retail Association; Co-Founder and President of Flower City Dispensary

Britni Tantalo

Co-Founder and President, New York Cannabis Retail Association
Co-Founder and President, Flower City Dispensary

Britni Tantalo is a woman minority New York State CAURDand SEE applicant looking to obtain a retail dispensary license as Flower City Dispensary. She is also the co-founder and President of the New York Cannabis Retail Association, an organization that aims to createeducational pathways in cannabis and ensure access to resources in order to create a sustainable, equitable, and inclusive cannabis industry.

Britniis also the co-founder of Flower City Hydroponics, a retail grow store located in Fairport, NY. Flower City Hydroponics provides all equipment and supplies needed for indoor and outdoor cannabis cultivation. Additionally, she is the co-founder of MetaVega Corporation, a manufacturer, wholesaler, and distributor of indoor growing equipment and cannabis extraction products. MetaVega Corporation services hydroponic retail stores and smoke shops throughout the country.Britni holds a bachelor’s degree from Rochester Institute of Technology (RIT) in finance and economics and an MBA from St. John Fisher University in accounting.

Tantalo, Jayson

Co-Founder & COO, Metavega Corp., Flower City Hydroponics, and Flower City Dispensary; Co-Founder & VP of Operations, New York Cannabis Retail Association

Jayson Tantalo
Co-Founder & COO, Metavega Corp., Flower City Hydroponics, and Flower City Dispensary; Co-Founder & VP of Operations, New York Cannabis Retail Association

Jayson Tantalo has been in the cannabis industry for over 28 years. Jayson beat the odds as a legendary operator who experienced poverty and faced numerous hardships due to his father’s absence and a drug-addicted mother by funding his college education through illegal financial transactions from drug-related activities.

Jayson was an indoor cannabis cultivator since 2001 and a gorilla commercial grower for over 10 years. Jayson is the Co/founder of Metavega Corp., Flower City Hydroponics, Flower City Dispensary and is the COO of all 3 companies. In pursuit of his dispensary license Jayson took the initiative to help build a community with its sole purpose to form unity in the retail sector of the industry.

Jayson is one of the Co/founders & VP of Operations of the New York Cannabis Retail Association formerly known as the New York CAURD Coalition. His motto has amplified into an industry standard throughout out the entire industry as “Collaboration over Competition”. Jayson aspires to guide legendary operators toward success by sharing the knowledge acquired in college and the lessons learned by persevering through difficult times.

Tarr, Sheri

Founder and Chief Advisor, ’68 Partners

Sheri Tarr, Esq.
Founder and Chief Advisor, ’68 Partners

A multi-disciplinary professional, Sheri Tarr, is the Founder and Chief Advisor of ’68 Partners ,a global consulting firm helping CBD, hemp, and cannabis brands, license applicants, and licensed operators, build sustainable businesses that have a transformative impact on consumers and patients. A former Big pharma sales and marketing executive who commercialized FDA regulated products worldwide, Sheri has over three decades of real-world experience operating in highly regulated environments. After working for Fortune 500 pharmaceutical and medical device companies including Pfizer and Baxter, Sheri flipped the script and became an attorney who spent a distinguished career in the courtroom holding these companies accountable for deceptive marketing, defective manufacturing, and other regulatory violations.

Since 2018, Sheri Tarr has been deep in the cannabis industry, serving clients from early stage to established CBD, hemp, and cannabis brands; to prospective cannabis licensees; to retailers, cultivators, processors, and other licensed operators; to C-suites, investors, law firms, and regulators. specializes in full service, tailored license application preparation; fractional C-suite support for licensed operators; seamless product commercialization; profitable business plans and brand strategies; best compliance practices; and advocacy.

before legislators, investors, and other critical audiences. Sheri’s regulatory consulting and licensing experience spans multiple states including New Jersey, Illinois, New York, Georgia, Virginia, Pennsylvania and beyond. Sheri has direct experience with virtually every aspect of license application preparation, from regulatory compliance and navigation, to translating regulations into compelling narratives, to drafting SOPs and business and operating plans, to preparing full spectrum compliance plans, to forging relationships with strategic partners in academia, the local community, and the business sector.

A University of Michigan alumni and Chicago-Kent College of Law Illinois Institute of Technology graduate,

Sheri serves on Boards of cannabis companies, and is a Director of Cannabis Advisory Group. A frequent speaker and commentator, Sheri is also an avid hiker, traveler and published photographer.

Weinberg, Ken, MD

Founder, CEO, Cannabis Doctors of New York

Ken Weinberg, MD

Founder, CEO, Cannabis Doctors of New York

Kenneth R. Weinberg, MD was one of the earliest adopters among practitioners when the Compassionate Care Act went into effect in 2016. He is the Founder and CEO of Cannabis Doctors of NewYork and has seen, treated and certified hundreds of patients since. He is an emerging thought leader who has spoken around the state at numerous events and conferences including last year’s Cannabis World Expo in NYC. He has been featured on television, radio and print – is soon to publish a book about doctor/patient relationships based on his over 35 years of experience on the front lines of medicine.

Wright, Tremaine

Chair, New York State Cannabis Control Board

Tremaine Wright

Chair, New York State Cannabis Control Board

Tremaine S. Wright is a former member of the New York State Assemblywhothereafter, served as the first Director of the DFS Statewide Office of Financial Inclusion and Empowerment. Ms. Wright is an attorney, entrepreneur, and activist who is a second-generation Bedford Stuyvesant resident invested in preserving the rich legacy of her community and building a strong foundation for the future. She has dedicated her career to empowering and creating opportunities for her neighbors and her community.

Zaytsev, Michael

Academic Director at LIM College

Michael Zaytsev
Academic Director at LIM College

Michael Zaytsev, often known as Mike Z, is a best-selling author, educator, and creative leader in the Cannabis community. He serves as the Academic Director at LIM College, where he spearheaded the launch of New York’s first accredited Bachelor’s and Master’s programs in Business of Cannabis.

Zaytsev authored “The Cannabis Business Book” and founded High NY, one of the world’s largest Cannabis education and networking groups, renowned for its fun and impactful events that connect industry professionals.

Outside of academia, Zaytsev is a top-tier business coach and executive advisor, providing guidance to high-performing clients at Fortune 500 companies, tech startups, and throughout the Cannabis industry. On “The Cannabis Business Coach Podcast,” he delivers valuable insights and fosters engaging discussions with Cannabis industry leaders.

Recognized as a “Cannabis Industry Power Player” by Politics NY in 2023 and 2024, Zaytsev remains committed to empowering the Cannabis community through education, events, and executive coaching.

Michael Zaytsev began his career at J.P. Morgan and Google, where he developed a robust foundation in asset management and business development. He’s a proud alumnus of Stuyvesant High School and Claremont McKenna College, holds an MBA, and is currently pursuing a doctorate in education.

Zhang, Mona

States Cannabis Policy Reporter, POLITICO Pro

Mona Zhang

States Cannabis Policy Reporter, POLITICO Pro

Mona Zhang is the states cannabis policy reporter for POLITICO Pro. Previously, she was the founder and editor of the cannabis newsletter Word on the Tree. She also spent four years covering the cannabis beat as a freelance journalist for Forbes, The Outline, High Times and more. Before that, she served as Social Editor for Adweek and worked in various roles for Mediabistro.