12:00 PM, JANUARY 19
Room 304
Grow experts review the cultivator’s perspective on how to run a successful marijuana production facility. Adapting to changing laws, securing real estate, hiring a reliable staff and choosing efficient operating systems are all considerations that a grower must understand, and in this seminar, we will compare and contrast the most effective approaches of this challenging endeavor.
12:30 PM, JANUARY 19
Room 306
Due to the unique nature of cannabis regulation and legalization, we are seeing state-by-state regulation that often fails to utilize the expertise from the first states to create regulated cannabis markets. As a result, we are seeing a patchwork of regulation and serious differences in things like number of licenses issued, style of application and residency requirements. What lessons can these new states learn from those who have gone before? How can we work towards interstate communication, collaboration and cooperation as many of these pioneering businesses expand beyond state borders? This presentation is a mixture of policy and business law, intended for entrepreneurs in newly legal states to learn about what they might be facing in an uncertain future. Featuring Amy Margolis, Lance Rogers and Rachel Gillette.
1:00 PM, JANUARY 19
Room 304
Getting into the cannabis industry can be daunting, as the legal and logistical challenges can be expensive to navigate. During this in-depth panel, seasoned professional advisors and successful entrepreneurs will share their wisdom on what it takes to pursue your dream of running a legal cannabis business. Moderated by Debby Goldsberry and featuring Lauren Vazquez, Derek Davis and Steve Caprio.
1:30 PM, JANUARY 19
Room 306
Discussion on building media relations with experts in the field, including tips on pitching articles and ideas, how to practice responsible factual reporting in a heated political environment, the advantages of strategic sponsored content and how to place it, strong electronic press kit development, and creative input on journalism in the new age of the Trump administration. Moderated by Gaynell Rogers, an expert in national management, marketing and media relations. Featuring panelists Bruce Barcott, Ricardo Baca, Robin Abcarian and David Downs.
2:00 PM, JANUARY 19
Room 304
Maintaining the diverse production system that has allowed thousands of Californians to produce cannabis will be a challenge in this new age of regulation and capitalization. Experts discuss how small farmers can protect their way of life through collaborative actions and building collective bargaining groups, how appellations can preserve quality products and how to move forward and grow your small business. Moderated by Kyle Kushman and featuring Heather L. Burke, Kristin Nevedal, Adam Steinberg from Flow Kana and Chris Van Hook.
2:30 PM, JANUARY 19
Room 306
This panel will examine the issues veterans face and how cannabis helps them cope. Experts discuss how to expand access for veterans and programs to help them transition into new jobs in the industry. Featuring Grow for Vets USA members, including Roger B. Martin, Colin Zaremba, Mike Withers and Bobby West.
3:00 PM, JANUARY 19
Room 304
After a pesticide scandal caused extensive product recalls in Colorado, the industry has been examining safe uses for synthetic fertilizers and pesticides, while consumers are eager to identify certified all-natural producers. Cultivation experts will teach you how to lower the carbon footprint of your cultivation facilities and retail outlets, while also discussing third-party certification services for the greenest of grass. Moderated by Kyle Kushman and featuring Kristin Nevedal, Adam Steinberg from Flow Kana and Chris Van Hook.
3:30 PM, JANUARY 19
Room 306
Racist implementation of draconian drug war policies have affected minority communities disproportionately. In a newly legal space, how can businesses include minority partners and employees while also advancing their perspective? Discover the tools to encouraging minority-owned businesses and hire a diverse staff that reflects your customer base. Moderated by Amber Senter and featuring panelists Ophelia Chong, Virgil Grant and Ebele Ifedigbo.
4:00 PM, JANUARY 19
Room 304
Cultivation expert Skye Hanke will discuss the advances in cultivation technology including lights, hydro systems, air circulation and security for indoor grow operations. Learn how to make your growing business more efficient and advanced by integrating new technology into operations large and small.
4:30 PM, JANUARY 19
Room 306
Ever since Colorado and Washington became the first two U.S. states to legalize marijuana in 2012, the establishment press in America has myopically focused on the "green rush" aspect of this societal sea change, beaming out a steady stream of special reports on how a new breed of well-pedigreed professionals and far-sighted entrepreneurs have come riding in like the cavalry to "legitimize" marijuana and reap huge profits in the process. But what if instead of allowing mercenary corporate interests and Wall Street hustlers to come in and take over the cannabis industry, the weed heads ban together to keep out the greed heads? In this talk, which will reflect on the impact of successful legalization votes in eight U.S. states, Head of Content for HIGH TIMES, David Bienenstock will examine how the fall of cannabis prohibition offers a unique opportunity to create a new, progressive economy that can then be extended to other industries.
5:00 PM, JANUARY 19
Room 304
As the cannabis business heats up, curiosity about different cultivars is at an all-time high. Discover what the differences in cannabis strains really are, as well as how to choose the best strains for your business, whether you’re creating extracts, oil tanks or edibles. Moderated by Harry Resin.
12:00 PM, JANUARY 20
Room 304
Looking to grow just a few plants at home? A new legal reality lets private citizens cultivate limited amounts of cannabis plants at home. Cultivation expert and HIGH TIMES Chief Cannabis Officer Nico Escondido will show you how to make the most of your personal grow so you can yield more than ever before.
12:30 PM, JANUARY 20
Room 306
Massive change is upon us, with new state laws on both medical and adult use of cannabis, along with a new face in the White House. This panel features a diverse group of experts on the leading edge of change, brought to you by Oaksterdam University, a dynamic, diverse and responsive academic institute dedicated to educating the global cannabis community, industry, regulators and government with the mission to provide attendees with the knowledge and skills needed to succeed in the evolving cannabis industry. Featuring Dr. Aseem Sappal, Ariel Clark, Meital Manzuri and Jeff Jones.
1:00 PM, JANUARY 20
Room 304
This panel of legal experts and business owners will discuss how to adapt to California’s Prop 64 initiative that recently legalized adult-use cannabis in the Golden State. Learn how to enter the industry as well as how to adapt your existing business to a new regulatory framework. Moderated by Omar Figueroa and featuring Allison Margolin, Heather L. Burke, Craig and Marc Wasserman and Cat Packer from DPA.
1:30 PM, JANUARY 20
Room 306
This panel discussion among some of the top social media mavens in the cannabis space will address how to effectively promote and build business through social media outreach. Moderated by Dan Rocha of 420 Web Pros. Panelists: Susan Soares (C.A.R.E.), Kieryn Wang (Van der Pop), Cindy Capobianco (Lord Jones), Alice + Clark (High.Hipsters) and Angela Mazzanti.
2:00 PM, JANUARY 20
Room 304
Medical marijuana in California has been changed by the introduction of the Medical Cannabis Regulation and Safety Act(MCRSA), which regulates cultivation, distribution and retail sales as never before. Learn from legal expert and medical doctors on how to continue your existing medical marijuana operation under these new rules, as well as how to continue to qualify for a medical recommendation and serve the patients who rely on this effective, affordable botanical medicine. Moderated by David Bienenstock and featuring panelists Don Duncan, Aaron Justis, Craig and Marc Wasserman.
2:30 PM, JANUARY 20
Room 306
Learn from industry leaders as they share their personal brand journeys, understanding the steps necessary to get to the top and what they are doing in order to stay there. Get insights on timelines, budgets and other practical matters. You will leave this session with a thorough understanding of what it takes to create a successful cannabis brand. Moderated by Kary Radestock, CEO of Hippo Packaging and featuring Kaiya Bercow of Utopia Farms, Pete Feurtado from Big Pete's Treats, and Michael Garganese from Lola Lola.
3:00 PM, JANUARY 20
Room 304
Cannabis-infused foods stand to capture enormous marketshare as weed goes legal nationwide. Learn from industry leaders, including HIGH TIMES Cannabis Cup champions, how to start a new business, navigate regulations and create tasty, potent pot food. Featuring Kenny Morrison, Rob Rosenheck from Lord Jones, Heather Hoffman from Pura Vida and Payton Curry from Flourish.
3:30 PM, JANUARY 20
Room 306
MMJ recruitment and staffing agency THC Talent Solutions discusses how to build an effective resume and write a great cover letter, how cannabis businesses choose new hires, how to get your foot in the door in the cannabis industry, and more. Presented by THC Talent Solutions
4:00 PM, JANUARY 20
Room 304
Looking at the current top celebrity brands in the marketplace, Andrew Pitsicalis, CEO of Purple Haze Properties will discuss how to take advantage of the Green Rush and Forbes Top 5 Celebrity Cannabis Brands including licensing of Bob Marley, Jimi Hendrix, Willie Nelson, Tommy Chong and Snoop Dogg. Learn about the strategy of each group and details on how the Jimi Hendrix branded products were created, leading to immense growth in just one year. Stressing the importance of packaging and branding, Pitsicalis will review examples of successful items.