Cannabis Market Spotlight: California – Anaheim, CA – Nov 12, 2024 (original) (raw)

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Benzinga Cannabis Market Spotlight: Anaheim CaliforniaMike Gair2024-11-11T23:33:03-05:00

Join the Benzinga Cannabis Market Spotlight

Market Spotlight: California

This targeted, one-day event offers a rare opportunity to talk, eat and network with the most important players in the California cannabis market. With the federal reclassification of marijuana on the horizon, many experts believe the shift could inject some much needed vivacity into the state’s cannabis market.

This November is the perfect time to gather in SoCal to reconnect with industry pros and discuss the market’s new outlook.

Market Spotlight: California

This exclusive event, centered on high-impact networking, provides an opportunity to forge lasting business connections. Interact with leading industry professionals through organized sessions and informal mixers, transforming each encounter into a potential business opportunity.

With the federal reclassification of marijuana, many experts anticipate a revitalization of the state’s cannabis market. Be part of this pivotal discussion. Join us.

Join us and discover:

house-of-blues

Tuesday, November 12

House of Blues Anaheim

Who should attend?

Are you ready to cultivate growth in the cannabis industry? Join us!

This event is the ultimate gathering for entrepreneurs, investors, and professionals looking to thrive in the cannabis market.

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November 12th Agenda

8:30am

Registration & Networking

9:20am

Opening Remarks

9:25am

Keynote

Speakers:
Kyle Kazan, Co-Founder, Chairman & CEO – Glass House Brands
Sahar Ayinehsazian, Partner – Vicente LLP

9:45am

Fireside TBA

Speakers:
Nicole Elliott, Director – California Department of Cannabis Control
Dustin Moore, Co-Founder – Embarc

10:05am

West Coast Cannabis As A Global Brand: The Power of California

This panel will feature leading cannabis executives sharing comprehensive best practices, business insights, and foresight into the industry’s growth strategies.

Speakers:
Jesse Redmond, Head of Cannabis – Water Tower Research
Laurie Holcomb, CEO – Gold Flora
Jocelyn Sheltraw, Co-founder & CEO – Budist
Chief Product Officer – Blaze
Drew Mathews, CEO – Green Life Business Group Inc.

10:35am

Capitalizing California: The Hard Questions Investors Need Answered

Speakers Dustin Milner, CEO – Talarya Brands
Dennis O’Malley, Founder and Principal – Echtrai Corp
Rachel Wright, Founder & CEO – Verdant Strategies
Steve Podell, CEO & Co-Founder, Hyroad; Operating Partner Cypress Ascendant Holdings, LLC – Cypress Ascendant Holdings & Hyroad

11:05am

International Expansion: Using Cultural Integration As The Guiding Force Behind Global Expansion

Speakers Chelsea Kossower, VP of Global Expansion – Puffco
Lauren Laplante, – Spokes Digital

11:20am

Consumer Segments: Cannasseurs, Wellness Buffs, Newbies: Where’s The Money for Retailers?

Speakers :
Lauren Fontein, Founder and Chief Compliance Officer – The Artist Tree
Caleb Counts, CEO & Co-Founder – Connected Cannabis
Dustin Moore, Co-Founder & Chief Strategy Officer – Embarc,
Director of Sales and Marketing – California Brand House
Annie Fleshman, – Flowhub

11:50am

How To Leverage Celebrity Brand for Mutual Sales & Marketing Lift

Experts will delve into retail and customer experience trends, offering best practices for maximizing profitability in the cannabis retail sector.

Speakers:
Lee Fraser, Chief Admin Officer – Planet 13
DJ Saul, CEO – Khalifa Kush
Abbey Higginbotham, Event Columnist – Benzinga

12:05pm

NETWORKING LUNCH

1:00pm

Infused, Donut Hole, Whatever: What’s Driving The Constant Need For Innovation?

Speakers:
Kendra Stocking, Director of Sales – Natura
Lisa Weser, Founder and CEO – Trailblaze
Ron Gershoni, Chief Executive Officer – Jetty Extracts
Guy Rocourt, CEO – GR Consulting
Devin Penhall, GM of California – Timeless Refinery

1:30pm

Opportunities After The Hemp Ban: Analyzing The Reconfiguration of The Sandbox

Speakers:
Teddy Cabugos, President – Sunstone Brands
Kenny Morrison, Founder – CQ Drinks
Raza Lawrence, Counsel – Zuber Lawler
Sierra Elaina, Chief Executive Officer – Lehua Brands
Nohtal Partansky, Founder & CEO – Sorting Robotics

2:00pm

Exclusive Fireside Discussion

Speakers:
Hirsh Jain, Founder – Ananda Strategy
Seth Yakatan, Co-Founder – Katan Associates

2:20pm

How Can Cannabis Retailers & Brands Collaborate to Drive E-Commerce Success

Speakers:
Anthony Green, EVP, Sales – Surfside
Rusty Wilenkin, Co-Founder/CEO – Old Pal
Tim Dodd, CEO/Co-Founder – Sweet Flower
Mark Simonian, COO – Haven
Angela Pih, Founder – BrandTrust

2:50pm

The Fiscal Impact of Cannabis Rescheduling in California

Speakers:
Tom Zuber, Managing Partner – Zuber Lawler
George Sadler, Co-Founder & CEO – Gelato,
Kendra Clark, General Counsel – Connected Cannabis
Paul Jacobson, CEO – Rove
Keith Cich, Co-Founder – Kanha

3:20pm

Crafting Success: How Can Local Farmers Thrive Against Corporate Giants?

Speakers
Laurie Parfitt, Founder & CEO – LKP Impact Consulting
Scott Vasterling, Founder – Humboldt Family Farms
Catherine Sidman, – Good Life Gang

3:40pm

Travel & Tourism as a Growth Engine for California Brands & Businesses

Speakers:
Brian Applegarth, Owner/Founder – Applegarth Strategies,
Scott Schmidt, Executive Director – Emerald Village West Hollywood,
Jerred Kiloh, President – UCBA,
Erin Warady, Founding Board Member – Travel Santa Ana
Maha Haq, Social consumption consultant; lounges and spaces – Maha Haq

4:10pm

Sorting Robotics: Pre-Roll Insights

Speakers:
Nohtal Partansky, Founder & CEO – Sorting Robotics

4:15pm

The Economics Of Strain Development: Are Hot New Cultivars Profitable? Or Will OG Kush Always Be King?

Speakers:
Chang Yi, CEO | Chief Legal Officer – Smoakland
Jason McKnight, Founder & CEO – Green Label RX
Manny , Co-Founder – High Tolerance
Sue Carlton, Owner of Ranchera Familia + Moon Valley Creek Ranch, Chief of Marketing Crockett Family Farms. – Ranchera Familia
Bill Levers, Co-Founder – Beard Bros. Pharms

4:45pm

From Glitter to Gold: Strategies to Stand Out in California’s Competitive Cannabis Market

Speakers
Jesse Burns, CMO – Grasslands
Wesley Hein, Head of Global Brand Initiatives & Public Policy – Mammoth Distribution
Eric Gutshall, Co-Founder & Chief Development Officer – Jointly
Austin DeAngelis, CMO – Final Bell | 14th Round
Matthew Shterenberg, CEO and Co-Founder – Deeproots Partners
Adam Banke, Co-founder and COO – Hyroad

5:15pm

COCKTAILS & NETWORKING

The Venue

House of Blues: Anaheim, CA

House of Blues, Anaheim California, is a premier entertainment venue known for its vibrant atmosphere and rich history in the music and entertainment industry.

Located in the heart of Anaheim, this iconic venue has hosted a diverse array of events, from live concerts to corporate gatherings. Its mission is to create a welcoming space that fosters creativity, community, and unforgettable experiences, making it the perfect venue for a Benzinga Cannabis Market Spotlight event.

Address: 400 Disney Way #337 Anaheim, CA 92802

Hotels

JW Marriott – 0.2 miles from HOB

Address: 1775 South Clementine Street, Anaheim, CA 92802
Contact: (714) 294-7800

SunCoast Park Hotel – 0.2 miles from HOB

Address: 1640 S Clementine St, Anaheim, CA 92802
Contact: (714) 598-0600

The Westin Anaheim Resort – 0.5 miles from HOB

Address: 1030 W Katella Ave, Anaheim, CA 92802
Contact: (657) 279-9786

Anaheim Marriott – 0.6 miles from HOB

Address: 700 W Convention Way, Anaheim, CA 92802
Contact: (714) 750-8000

Speakers

Tom Zuber,

Managing Partner – Zuber Lawler

Tom Zuber, founder and Managing Partner of Zuber Lawler, represents Fortune 500 clients and leading cannabis companies. Named a top cannabis influencer by High Times, his firm excels in high-stakes deals and litigation.

Tom Zuber

Tom Zuber is a founder and the Managing Partner of Zuber Lawler. Tom is the relationship partner for some 10 Fortune 500 Company clients of the firm, as well as funds and government entities. He has also represented leading cannabis companies since 2006. Zuber Lawler as a firm manages high-stakes deals, IP matters, regulatory work, and litigation for some of the biggest brands in global cannabis. Zuber Lawler has been named “Cannabis Law Firm of the Year” by Marijuana Venture Magazine, and Tom has been named one of the “100 Most Influential People in Cannabis” by High Times Magazine.

Seth Yakatan,

Co-Founder, Katan Associates

Seth Yakatan brings more than 30 years of experience as an entrepreneur, corporate finance professional and recovering investor.

Seth Yakatan

Seth Yakatan brings more than 30 years of experience as an entrepreneur, corporate finance professional and recovering investor. Actively supporting public and private companies in the life sciences, wellness and cannabis industries achieve corporate, financing and asset monetization objectives. This is carefully orchestrated through the successful structuring and management of strategic transactions and investments.

Sara Betesh, Founder and Head of Merchandising – Betesh Buying Group

Sara Betesh, a seasoned merchant with 12+ years in inventory and supply chain management, is a cannabis retail buyer and brand advocate. Based in Santa Monica, she excels in trend analysis, budget management, and supplier relationships.

Sara Betesh

Sara Betesh is a seasoned merchant based in Santa Monica, CA, originally from Philadelphia. She holds a Bachelor’s degree in Logistics, Materials, and Supply Chain Management from Penn State University and boasts over 12 years of experience in inventory management, trend analysis, assortment planning, and managing open-to-buy budgets.

Currently, Sara is a cannabis retail buyer and brand advocate. She collaborates with multiple cannabis retailers, enhancing their process excellence, budgets, supply chain operations, menus, negotiations, and supplier relationship management. Self-dubbed a “buyer for hire,” Sara’s passion for products and deep understanding of customer needs drive her to constantly engage with the market. She is a regular presence in stores, trade shows, and meetings with vendor partners, always eager to learn about their business, products, and objectives.

Sara’s keen eye for identifying market voids and future trends makes her an invaluable asset to any team. While she is open to full-time opportunities, she seeks to align with missions she believes in and offers her expertise to those who can benefit from her unique skills. Let’s connect!

Nichole West,

Director of Sales and Marketing – California Brand House

Nichole, with 15+ years in cannabis, is a specialist in business, agriculture, and efficiency. She currently works at Happy Fruit and advises multiple companies. She’s recognized for her expertise and achievements in the industry.

Nichole West

Nichole is a Business, Agriculture & Efficiency Specialist with over 15 years of experience in the regulated cannabis industry dating back to her first certificate of occupancy issued for her Long Beach California-based dispensary in 2009. She is currently the Data Analyst & Senior Account Executive for Happy Fruit California – a rosin forward small-batch gummy company that is in over 300 retailers in California. She is also a business development advisor to Mountain Man Melts, Hash & Flowers and Rockstar Live cannabis companies.

Since the start of her career she has worked for large marketing companies like WeedMaps.com & Rosebud Magazine as well as developed and implemented systems for some of the largest plant-touching cannabis businesses in the nation like DNA Genetics, Coldfire and Rockstar Live.

Nichole has had success in 55+ cannabis business applications, has opened 30+ retail locations in four states, and has overseen as many as 400 employees at a time. In the way of cultivation, she has helped scale over 150,000 square feet of cultivation at a time and a total of over 500,000 square feet for different businesses around the US.

“Numbers don’t lie” she always says…. When she is using her superpowers to show people where they are losing money. Having hired over 400 people directly and trained 1000+ over her career in cannabis, Nichole is very focused on what a “good team” looks like in all facets of the industry.

Nichole’s Recognitions

Laurie Holcomb, CEO – Gold Flora

Laurie Holcomb, CEO and founder, has a strong track record in real estate and the cannabis industry. She led Checkmate, MasterCraft Homes, and founded BlackStar Financial and Gold Flora, excelling in executive management and sales.

Laurie Holcomb

Laurie Holcomb is an accomplished CEO and founder with a strong track record in commercial real estate and the cannabis industry. She possesses expertise in executive management, sales, distressed asset management, and mergers & acquisitions. Her entrepreneurial spirit led her to establish start-up companies in both real estate and cannabis.

With a bachelor’s degree in journalism mass communications, Holcomb rose through the ranks in finance, eventually becoming the chairman and CEO of Checkmate. Transitioning to commercial real estate, Laurie served as executive VP at MasterCraft Homes for nearly 20 years. Recognizing potential in the booming cannabis industry, she founded BlackStar Financial and later established Gold Flora, a successful woman-owned company specializing in indoor cannabis cultivation and high quality products. Holcomb’s ventures have positioned her as a leader in California’s cannabis market.

**Lauren Carpenter,**Co-Founder & CEO – Embarc

Lauren Carpenter is the co-founder of Embarc, a cannabis shop chain in California. Previously, she worked in government, regulatory, and community affairs, helping Fortune 500 companies.

Lauren Carpenter

Lauren Carpenter is the co-founder of Embarc, a family of neighborhood shops serving diverse communities throughout the great state of California.

Before embarking on this incredible journey in cannabis, Lauren was in government, regulatory, public, and community affairs. She spent a decade helping dozens of Fortune 500 companies build effective coalitions in California, learning a tremendous amount about creating win-win-wins between business, policymakers and the public.

Before co-founding Embarc, she was the Chief Strategy Officer for Sweet Flower, and Director of Government Affairs for Western States at MedMen.

Joshua Hirschey,

President – Timeless Vapes

Josh Hirschey is President of Timeless Refinery, overseeing operations and high-quality cannabis brands. He has 18+ years in general management, business development, and M&A, previously leading Amphenol Broadband Solutions.

Joshua Hirschey

Josh Hirschey serves as President of Timeless Refinery, a leading cannabis house of brands with operations in Arizona, California, Missouri, Oklahoma, and Ohio. Timeless is focused on building high-quality lifestyle cannabis brands including Timeless, NOIR, & Canary Vapes; Joilo pre-rolls, and Tumble infused pre-rolls. Timeless connects with their consumers by engaging on the pillars of culture, community, and legacy.

Prior to leading Timeless, Josh was SVP/General Manager leading Amphenol Broadband Solutions (ABS), a division of Fortune 500 Amphenol Corporation. ABS is an industry-leading RF and optical broadband connectivity supplier with a global sales, distribution, and manufacturing footprint. During his 9 years running ABS he led the growth of the business both organically and through numerous acquisitions from less than 200Mtoover200M to over 200Mtoover400M in revenues.

Prior to joining Amphenol, Josh ran a private manufacturing company and was Vice President and Sr. Analyst at two boutique investment banking firms specializing in middle market buy and sell side M&A advisory, and capital and debt financing.

Josh has more than 18 years of experience in general management, business development, global manufacturing, and mergers and acquisitions. He is a graduate of Arizona State University and enjoys spending time with his wife and their two sons. Additionally, Josh enjoys traveling and is a fan of classic cars and sports.

Jesse Redmond, Head of Cannabis – Water Tower Research

Jesse, Head of Cannabis Research at Water Tower Research, is a former hedge fund co-founder and cannabis collective leader, bringing deep investment expertise to the cannabis sector.

Jesse Redmond

Jesse is the Head of Cannabis Research at Water Tower Research. Prior to joining WTR, Jesse was the former co-founder of two hedge funds and a rising retail California cannabis collective. He began his career at Franklin Templeton, was an early employee of Fisher Investments, and spent a decade co-managing multiple hedge funds. In this role, he allocated more than $1 billion to hedge fund strategies and conducted more than 1,000 due diligence visits around the world. In 2016, he founded a dispensary outside of Santa Barbara, California, that went on to become number one in its region. In 2020, he founded Higher Calling Consulting, where he helped investors find the best cannabis investments. Through these experiences, Jesse brings a unique perspective on investing in cannabis.

Jesse holds a bachelor’s degree in Business Economics from the University of California, Santa Barbara.

Jerred Kiloh,

President – UCBA

Jerred Kiloh, President of UCBA and owner of several dispensaries, collaborates with lawmakers to support cannabis legislation and industry sustainability, while leading community-focused events and businesses in California.

Jerred Kiloh

Jerred Kiloh is President of the United Cannabis Business Association, owner of The Higher Path Dispensary, The Green Room, & The Other Path CBD store in Los Angeles, CA. He is the co-owner of Abide Dispensary in Napa, CA & Bluprint Group in Sacramento, CA.

Abide Napa recently partnered with Live Nation & BottleRock Music Festival in 2023 to provide legal cannabis products to festival goers. The Napa community was incredibly supportive! Jerred is also providing a community enrichment & private event space in LA called The Green Room on Ventura, which hosts cannabis friendly yoga, movie nights, seminars, bud-tender trainings & community events. Over 20 years in the industry have solidified his resolve to support the infrastructure of the cannabis industry as a whole through education, collaboration, & changing legislation.

Working with UCBA, Jerred has collaborated with various California State Senators, Assembly- members, & City Council-members to write & support new cannabis legislation, while also amending current legislation to support all actors in this industry. He has testified in front of the legislature relentlessly with the goal of supporting this industry and informing lawmakers on the struggles and successes cannabis business owners and customers are experiencing. California Cannabis has reached a tipping point where unregulated markets & over-taxation are squeezing law-abiding retailers & cultivators out of their own businesses.

Jerred Kiloh provides unique perspective from an association leadership standpoint, guiding hundreds of business owners & actors in the cannabis industry, while creating new laws to remain sustainable. His role as a business owner & CEO of over 50 employees allows Jerred to provide insight into the struggles of a small business owner. It is essential to communicate the needs of our industry and empower more stakeholders to become active in the policy-making of the industry we operate in.

Ophelia Chong,

Founder – Ask Ophelia

Ophelia Chong, founder of Stock Pot Images and AACE, reshapes cannabis and psychedelics discourse, advocating for legalization and diversity. Awarded Clio Advocacy Award, she judges for High Times and Emerald Cup.

Ophelia Chong

Ophelia Chong founded Stock Pot Images on 4/20/2015 and partnered with Adobe in 2017, the first stock photo and video agency featuring cannabis, hemp, psilocybin, and an extensive array of distinct strains. The agency is known for authentic portrayals of cannabis consumers without racial biases. She also founded Asian Americans for Cannabis Education (AACE) to educate the AAPI community and dispel misconceptions about these substances. Her mission is to reshape the discourse around cannabis and psychedelics, advocating for legalization and offering genuine representations of diverse communities; and the largest collection of distinct cannabis strains. Her work in Psilocybin and functional mushrooms has appeared in NatGeo and, as an advisor to Double Blind Media, has created original content since 2019. Awarded the Clio Advocacy Award in 2021, five-time High Times judge for flower, three-time judge for Emerald Cup, and the Golden Tarp at Wonderland Garberville.

Drew Mathews,

CEO – Green Life Business Group Inc.

Drew Mathews, founder of Green Life Business, leads the nation’s largest cannabis business brokerage with over 200 active listings in 21 states and 300+ transactions in 8 years.

Drew Mathews

Drew Mathews is the founder of the Nation’s Largest Cannabis Business Brokerage in the country, currently representing over 200 Active Exclusive Cannabis Listings on the market today across 21 states. For 8 Years, Green Life Business has done over 300 transactions establishing a strong footprint on the market and creating the Largest Platform for buyers and Sellers.

George Sadler,

Co-Founder & CEO – Gelato

George Sadler, co-founder and CEO of Gelato Canna Co., leads its rapid expansion in cannabis edibles, flower, pre-rolls, and concentrates across California and Michigan since March 2022.

George Sadler

George Sadler is the co-founder and CEO of Gelato Canna Co., a San Diego-based purveyor of cannabis edibles, flower, pre-rolls and concentrate serving California and Michigan. Founded in March 2022, Sadler has overseen Gelato’s swift expansion into new markets including tequila, retail and water. A born entrepreneur, Sadler is a force to be reckoned with, navigating every challenge with resilience, courage and a healthy dose of positive thinking.

Hirsh Jain, Founder – Ananda Strategy

Hirsh Jain, founder of Ananda Strategy, advises cannabis brands and serves as Vice Chair of the Cannabis Chamber of Commerce. He also sits on NORML California’s Board and holds degrees from UC Berkeley and Harvard Law.

Hirsh Jain

Hirsh Jain is the Founder of Ananda Strategy, a strategy consultancy which advises leading cannabis brands, retailers, ancillary technology businesses and venture capital funds in the United States, Canada and Western Europe. Hirsh also serves as Vice Chair of the Cannabis Chamber of Commerce, which aims to promote the common interests of cannabis businesses by advocating for sound public policy and facilitating collaborations between cannabis operators. In addition, Hirsh is on the Board of Directors of the National Organization for the Reform of Marijuana Laws (NORML) in California, which for fifty years has been working to reform California’s cannabis laws. Prior to working in cannabis, Hirsh was the Global Policy Lead at Airbnb in San Francisco. Before that, he worked as an Engagement Manager at McKinsey & Company in New York City. Hirsh has a B.A. in Philosophy from UC Berkeley, and a J.D. from Harvard Law School.

Kendra Stocking, Director of Sales – Natura

Kendra Stocking, Director of Sales at Natura, led 215% revenue growth and 200 new doors in 10 months. With 17+ years in cannabis, real estate, and action sports, she’s a strategic leader and passionate advocate.

Kendra Stocking

Kendra Stocking is a seasoned sales leader with over 17 years of experience in the cannabis, real estate and action sports industries. She excels at driving revenue growth, exceeding sales goals, and leading successful sales, marketing, and product development teams. Known for her strategic thinking and data-driven approach, Kendra thrives in highly regulated environments.

As Director of Sales at Natura, Kendra has led her team to over 215% revenue growth and secured more than 200 new doors in less than 10 months. She develops go-to-market strategies, manages key accounts, and fosters retail collaborations. Previously, as Vice President of Sales at Cherry World, she successfully launched the brand into the CA recreational cannabis market.

At Old Pal, Kendra advanced from Territory Manager to Vice President of Sales, leading a team to generate over $20M in annual revenue. Her leadership was key in implementing cost-saving strategies and expanding the customer base. Her early career at C4 Distro and A-Team Agency earned her multiple Sales Rep of the Year awards.

Kendra’s passion for cannabis began with her paralyzed, cancer-surviving sister who found relief from nerve pain in cannabis. Together, they grew cannabis and created coconut oil supplements for a friend with stage 4 breast cancer. This personal experience fuels her dedication to the industry.

A SoCal native and mother of two young girls, Kendra is committed to breaking glass ceilings and serving as a role model in a male-dominated industry. Featured on podcasts like CED Connects, High Rise, and Elevate Your Grind, she is an influential voice in the cannabis sector

Jocelyn Sheltraw, Co-founder & CEO – Budist

Jocelyn Sheltraw, co-founder and CEO of Budist, has over 7 years in cannabis, previously at Headset. A recognized advocate, she’s a certified Ganjier, lecturer, and former CCIA board member with numerous awards.

Jocelyn Sheltraw

Jocelyn Sheltraw is the co-founder and CEO of Budist, the first professional review platform for cannabis products and brands. With over 7 years of experience in the cannabis industry, Jocelyn has established herself as a recognized entrepreneur, advocate, public speaker, and thought leader. Prior to founding Budist, Jocelyn spent 5 years at Headset, the leading data and analytics solution, where she played a pivotal role in the development and success of the company. She is one of the 300 certified Ganjiers worldwide, lectures at StartSe University, and has been actively involved in cannabis policy having served on the Board of Directors for the California Cannabis Industry Association from 2021 to 2023. Her contributions have earned her numerous industry awards and accolades including Leaf Magazines ‘2024 Impact List’, MG Magazine’s ’40 Under 40,’ and nominated as one of the ‘100 Most Influential People’ by Global Cannabis Times. Prior to cannabis, Jocelyn spent over a decade in the emerging mobile app industry, working on the agency side with global brands including Spotify, SoundCloud, Pandora, Flipboard, and Uber.

**Laurie Parfitt,**Founder & CEO – LKP Impact Consulting

Laurie Parfitt, a seasoned executive and coach with 20+ years of experience, leads LKP Impact Consulting, specializing in cannabis brand strategy and marketing. She’s a sought-after speaker and advisory board member, known for her innovative and results-driven approach.

Laurie Parfitt

Laurie Parfitt is an accomplished executive, leader, and coach with more than 2 decades of experience driving innovation and execution across various functional areas of start-ups and Fortune 500 companies, including Kraft Foods, Beam Suntory, Topco Associates, Mizkan America, 4Front/Mission Dispensaries, and LKP Impact Consulting. Through her company, LKP Impact Consulting, Parfitt works with cannabis and other disruptive, highly regulated categories as a Fractional CMO on brand strategy/design, consumer insights, public relations, content development and commercial go-to-market strategy. Her expertise and achievements have made her a renowned speaker at prestigious industry events such as the CBT Cannabis Conference, Benzinga, CannaReg Summit, Illinois Women in Cannabis, Tony P Cannabis Events, Headset Data Nights, Cannabis Drinks Expo, MJ Unpacked, MJ Bizcon, Lackawanna College, and The Hatchery. As Vice President of Marketing & Customer Engagement at 4Front/Mission Dispensaries, Laurie played a crucial role by leading marketing efforts and engaging with customers, and she also held senior positions in marketing, sales strategy, operations, and finance at Topco Associates, Walgreens, Beam Suntory, and Kraft Foods. Laurie’s educational background includes a Bachelor of Science degree from Michigan State University. Laurie serves on the advisory boards of EndoDNA, The Cannabis Hall of Fame, Cannabis Business Times-Cannabis Conference as well as The CannaReg Summit and has been a mentor, coach, and teacher for The Hatchery, Illinois Women in Cannabis, CIMA (Chicago Interactive Marketing Association), and Lackawanna College. Laurie’s outstanding vision, execution skills, and results-driven approach make her a sought-after leader who can inspire and take any business to the next level.

Brian Applegarth, Owner/Founder – Applegarth Strategies

Brian Applegarth, a trusted cannabis tourism expert, advises destinations and brands on attracting cannabis travelers. He co-produced the California State Fair Cannabis Awards and leads cannabis task forces for major travel associations.

Brian Applegarth

Applegarth is a CLIO award-winning travel innovator and visitor economy strategist. He is the Founding Chair of the Cannabis Travel Association International and is the sole advisor on first-ever cannabis travel audience research in the United States. Applegarth leads the Cannabis and Hemp Task Force for Destinations International, the world’s largest association of destination organizations with over 7,500 destination professionals from 26 countries and territories around the world. Applegarth also leads the Cannabis and Hemp Council for the California Travel Association, an association that serves 240 travel member organizations throughout California. He is a founding board member of the International Federation of Cannabis & Hemp Associations and co-produced the California State Fair Cannabis Awards & Exhibit, the first-ever state sanctioned cannabis exhibit and awards program. Applegarth’s work has been recognized by the Clio Awards, the Visit California Poppy Awards, US Travel ESTO Awards, and the International Federation of Fairs and Expos Awards. He is a Certified Ganjier cannabis sommelier and a certified Cannabis Therapy Consultant. Learn more at www.brianapplegarth.com

Chang Yi, Chief Legal Officer – Smoakland

Chang, CEO of Smoakland Group, expanded its wholesale and retail cannabis units across California, led vertical integration, and positioned the company as a value leader with plans to enter new markets.

Chang Yi

Chang brings extensive experience in business development, pharmaceutical development, and transactional law to TPH786 and its subsidiaries (“Smoakland Group”). From supporting WHO-recognized clinical trials in India under the Institute for OneWorld Health (iOWH now part of Path Global) to creating new, innovative public-private partnerships with Just Business Inc and the Not For Sale Campaign in Amsterdam and Peru, Chang is known for driving innovation and business development at the intersection of new markets and various business sectors. As Smoakland Group’s CEO, Chang grew Smoakland’s wholesale distribution and retail delivery units to scale servicing Northern California and Southern California markets. Under his leadership, Smoakland Group expanded into value-added manufacturing with the acquisition of Sublime Machining from Statehouse (formerly Harborside Group) in 2022. By leading the vertical integration of TPH786’s subsidiaries, Chang continues to drive unparalleled growth and value to TPH786’s Board and shareholders. Chang has cemented Smoakland Group’s value leader position in the California cannabis industry and is looking to expand the Smoakland Group into emerging markets like New York.

Teddy Cabugos

, President – Sunstone Brands

Teddy Cabugos, Owner of Sunstone Winery and Sunstone California, expanded into cannabis with infused products. A former VP at Radical Studios, he blends wine, cannabis, and entertainment into lifestyle experiences.

Teddy Cabugos

Teddy Cabugos is Owner and President of Sunstone brands including the Santa Ynez Valley’s premier destination winery, Sunstone Winery; and Sunstone California as a brand expansion into the CPG cannabis- and hemp- THC space.

Sunstone Winery has provided the Santa Ynez Valley with premium wines for over 30 years, as well as the Valley’s famously photographed “Tuscan-inspired” Sunstone Villa.

In 2023, Cabugos founded Sunstone California, releasing an exciting new cannabis- and hemp-derived infused product line into the market: the SUNSTONE SPRITZ TM sparkling beverage, the SUNSTONE SPLASH TM drink additive, and the SUNSTONE GEMS TM gummies.

Each product reflects Cabugos’ innovative spirit and dedication to crafting experiences that resonate with contemporary consumers.

Before wine and cannabis, Cabugos served for over a decade as Vice President of Radical Studios, a Hollywood-based, multimedia studio specializing in IP creation, publishing and film entertainment for global audiences.

Cabugos’s forward-thinking approach has not only elevated Sunstone from a respected wine brand to a lifestyle experience but has also positioned it at the intersection of entertainment, hospitality, and wellness.

A proud fourth-generation Santa Barbaran, Cabugos is deeply connected to his roots. He is an active member of the Vikings of Solvang and One805 nonprofit organizations, as well as the Santa Barbara County Farmstay Committee, and the Santa Barbara County Coalition for Responsible Cannabis.

Cabugos is married to his wife and business partner, Djamila Cabugos, with whom he has three young sons, Theodore (7) and Benicio (4), and Angelo (1).

Scott Schmidt , Executive Director – Emerald Village West Hollywood

Scott Schmidt is Executive Director of Emerald Village West Hollywood. A West Hollywood resident, Scott Schmidt is a communications consultant who has worked in destination marketing, the cannabis industry.

Scott Schmidt

Scott Schmidt is Executive Director of Emerald Village West Hollywood. A West Hollywood resident, Scott Schmidt is a communications consultant who has worked in destination marketing, the cannabis industry, community outreach, government affairs and political campaigns for more than two decades.

Lauren Fontein , Founder and Chief Compliance Officer – The Artist Tree

Lauren Fontein, Co-Founder of The Artist Tree, transitioned from corporate law to cannabis in 2009. She oversees operations, legal, outreach, and expansion, merging art with cannabis across California.

Lauren Fontein

Lauren Fontein, Co-Founder and Chief Compliance Officer of The Artist Tree, began her professional career as a corporate lawyer in Los Angeles. She transitioned to the medical cannabis industry in 2009 when she founded a cannabis edible manufacturing company. From 2009 to 2017, she headed operations and supplied edibles to medical dispensaries in the Los Angeles area. Lauren concurrently worked as legal counsel for medical dispensaries owned by brothers Avi Kahan and Mitchell Kahan. In 2018, Lauren partnered with Avi, Mitch, and Aviv Halimi to create The Artist Tree brand to promote the connection between art and cannabis. She launched the first Artist Tree location in West Hollywood in 2019 and has since opened several more The Artist Tree retail stores and one of LA’s only cannabis lounges. She is intricately involved in the day-to-day operations of all Artist Tree locations. She serves as the company’s general counsel, handles community outreach, and works on marketing campaigns. She also oversees The Artist Tree’s art program, using art as a voice for positive change and as a way to bring people together. In addition, she works on The Artist Tree’s expansion team, preparing license applications and working with local cities and counties to successfully obtain cannabis retail licenses in Riverside County, Los Angeles, West Hollywood, Oxnard, El Sobrante, Ventura, and Fresno. Lauren graduated with a B.A. in Psychology from Dartmouth College (2002) and a J.D. from UCLA School of Law (2007).

Erin Warady , Founding Board Member – Travel Santa Ana

Erin is a veteran marketing executive with experience in consumer, lifestyle, and entertainment industries, and serves on the boards of Travel Santa Ana and the Cannabis Chamber of Commerce.

Erin Warady

Erin is a veteran marketing executive with a proven track record of award-winning work in the consumer, lifestyle, travel, tourism, and global entertainment industries. She currently serves on the boards of Travel Santa Ana and the Cannabis Chamber of Commerce. Prior to her board roles, Erin help the position of Global SVP at Citizen Relations, where she spent nearly two decades leading successful campaigns for high-profile brands such as P&G, Old Spice, Pampers, Sony, DIRECTV, Travelocity, Tourism Australia, and many others. Erin holds a bachelor’s degree in History and Political Science from the University of California, Los Angeles.

Caleb Counts , CEO & Co-Founder – Connected Cannabis

Caleb Counts, a pioneering cannabis entrepreneur, founded Connected Cannabis Co. in 2013, driving industry innovation and quality. His leadership shaped Sacramento’s cannabis regulations and expanded the brand’s reach.

Caleb Counts

Caleb Counts is a leading Northern California cannabis cultivator and entrepreneur whose pioneering innovations have defined the California cannabis industry and continue to drive its success. His career is dedicated to evolving the cannabis landscape, and he continues to thrive amid political and market turmoil. Caleb launched Connected Cannabis Co. in 2013 with a mission to transform the cannabis world by fostering collaboration and creating unity. His commitment to the highest standards for product quality and R&D put the company at the forefront of the industry, where the business excels in innovative strain development and consistent production.

Caleb’s clear vision for the future of the industry is highlighted by his leadership within the California cannabis community. His deep engagement with Sacramento civic leaders drove development of the city’s regulatory framework and established it as a leading cultivation hub. In 2017, he led the milestone acquisition of well-known brand Alien Labs to further his vision while achieving substantial expansion of Connected’s distribution reach and production capabilities. He is active in both the art and science of his business, from cutting-edge cannabis research and breeding processes, to strain naming and creative product development.

A proud California native, Caleb was born in Southern California and now calls Sacramento home. He enjoys traveling with his family to Costa Rica when time permits and testing his collection of hand-made chef’s knives when cooking at home. Caleb earned his bachelor’s degree in business management from California State University, Chico.

Jesse Burns, CMO – GrasslandsCannabis

Jesse Burns, former marketing director at Sweet Grass, is now CMO at Grasslands. He’s an award-winning marketer, mentor at CanopyBoulder, and serves on CU Boulder’s MBA Alumni Board and Cannabis Entrepreneurship Academy.

Jesse Burns

Jesse Burns is a cannabis marketing veteran who served as the longtime marketing director for Sweet Grass—Colorado’s leading edible in the baked goods category—before joining Grasslands as CMO in 2020. He believes that product design and a deep understanding of the customer journey are the driving forces for exceptional brands, and that marketers must strive to understand what emotions customers experience in order to craft a meaningful brand narrative and build lasting relationships.

Jesse has received multiple awards for marketing and product design, including Colorado’s THC Classic and a Gold Clio. He also serves as a mentor for the CanopyBoulder cannabis startup incubator. He sits on the MBA Alumni Board for the Leeds School of Business at the University of Colorado, Boulder, and is co-chair of the programmatic committee for the Cannabis Entrepreneurship Academy, an executive education program at CU Boulder.

Dustin Milner, CEO – Talarya Brands

Dustin Milner, CEO of Talarya Brands, led Cream of the Crop to become a Top 10 cannabis brand in California. With expertise in cannabis, business development, and leadership, he drives strategic growth and acquisitions.

Dustin Milner

Dustin Milner is a dynamic and visionary business leader currently serving as the CEO of Talarya Brands, a top California cannabis brand house. He brings a wealth of experience and innovative thinking to his role, driving the company’s strategic direction and growth.

With over a decade of experience in the cannabis industry, Dustin was an early mover in California’s cannabis market with the ultra-premium Cream of the Crop brand. Under his leadership, Cream of the Crop has today become a Top 10 Flower and Concentrates brand, marking a significant achievement in the world’s largest and most competitive cannabis market, California. This accomplishment highlights his exceptional business acumen and his ability to successfully navigate and lead in rapidly evolving industries.

Before leading Talarya Brands, Milner was CEO of Potentia Labs, a mental health startup, where he was the winner of a highly competitive grant from the U.S. Department of Veteran Affairs Center for Innovation, and through his work with Veterans, first learned of the healing potential of cannabis.

Milner’s educational background is in Economics and Finance, which he studied at Pacific Lutheran University’s School of Business from 2003 to 2007. His career reflects a strong commitment to innovation, leadership, and business development.

During his leadership at Talarya Brands, Dustin has led the successful acquisition and integration of three cannabis businesses including a sales and distribution operation, volatile extraction and distribution operation, and a cultivation operation. Dustin has exhibited excellence in negotiation, leadership, and problem solving throughout these acquisitions which included leading three separate foreclosures.

Annie Fleshman, VP of Marketing – Flowhub

Annie Fleshman, VP of Marketing at Flowhub, leads go-to-market strategy and brand development. With a background in B2B SaaS, she drives sustainable growth and advocates for cannabis education.

Annie Fleshman

Annie Fleshman is the VP of Marketing and founding marketer at Flowhub, where she leads all go-to-market strategy, brand development, and demand generation programs. Since 2016, she has been a strong advocate for cannabis education and retail empowerment through innovative technology solutions. With a background in early-stage B2B SaaS startups, Annie excels at building scalable, repeatable, and compounding marketing systems to drive sustainable organic growth. Before joining Flowhub, Annie served as Director of Marketing at Autopilot (now Ortto, the Customer Data Platform), where she took the company from pre-beta to over 3,000 customers by driving an experiential product-led acquisition model. Annie holds a BA in Peace and Conflict Studies from UC Berkeley.

Ron Gershoni, Chief Executive Officer – Jetty Extracts

Ron Gershoni, co-founder of Jetty Extracts, leads the company in product innovation and cannabis normalization. Jetty is known for solventless extraction and the Shelter Project, providing free cannabis oil to cancer patients.

Ron Gershoni

Ron Gershoni first realized the medical benefits of cannabis when his father found it to be the only effective treatment for his chronic back pain. Inspired by this, Ron co-founded Jetty Extracts in 2013 and has since overseen its growth from a local San Diego brand into a leading California extract company. Jetty products are now also available in Colorado, New Jersey, and New York. Focused on product innovation, cleanliness, and consistency, Jetty has achieved revenue growth in 10 out of its 11 years of operations.

Despite the constant challenges within the cannabis industry, Ron remains a strong advocate for normalization and a believer in the benefits of the plant for individuals and society as a whole. From its headquarters in Oakland, Jetty continues to advance the industry with its solventless extraction techniques and diverse product offerings. Jetty’s unique Shelter Project provides free cannabis oil to cancer patients throughout California and Colorado.

Jetty has consistently pushed for cleaner cannabis products. The company was the first to offer an uncut vape cartridge and now boasts the top-selling rosin vape in the country, as well as the first OCal (organic) vape cartridges and concentrates in California.

Prior to Jetty, Ron spent a decade as President of the natural deodorant brand Lavilin and managed a multi-family real estate portfolio. He has also worked at BlackRock Solutions and Accenture. Ron holds a BBA from the Ross School of Business at the University of Michigan, graduating in 2001.

Ron enjoys spending time with his wife, two children, and German Shepherd. His hobbies include mountain biking, music festivals, practicing yoga, skiing, and traveling.

Jason McKnight, Founder & CEO – Green Label RX

Jason McKnight, CEO of Green Label Rx, is a cannabis industry leader with 26 years of cultivation experience. Overcoming legal challenges, he now operates multiple facilities, promoting wellness and cannabis normalization.

Jason McKnight

Jason McKnight is Green Label Rx’s visionary founder and CEO, a premier cannabis brand dedicated to elevating wellness through innovative, high-quality products. With 26 years of cultivation experience, Mr. McKnight faced many legal obstacles, including raids, a prison sentence, family separation, and more. Despite all that he and his family had to overcome, Jason McKnight now operates multiple facilities across the U.S., has partnerships with top brands and celebrities, and is widely known as an industry leader.

Green Label Rx is California’s premier social-equity license grow facility and producer, supplying many of the brands you see on shelves today. Featured by prominent publications like the Los Angeles Times and Cannabis Business Times, Jason McKnight’s impact and journey are both awe-inspiring to many. Mr. McKnight aims to normalize cannabis use, promote its wellness benefits, and continue to set the standard for excellence in the cultivation, production, and advocacy of cannabis.

Dennis O’Malley, Founder and Principal – Echtrai Corp

Dennis O’Malley is the Founder of Echtrai Corp, advising cannabis and tech companies. He grew Caliva into a leading cannabis company and co-founded ReadyPulse, working with top global brands.

Dennis O'Malley

Dennis O’Malley is the Founder and Principal at Echtrai Corp, an advisory firm for cannabis and technology companies based in the SF Bay Area. In this role, Dennis advises CEOs, investors, and boards on go-to-market and technology strategies in addition to taking on interim CEO positions. Dennis began in cannabis in 2017, where as CEO he grew Caliva into one of the largest vertically integrated cannabis companies in California. Caliva was sold to The Parent Company in 2021, where he was the founding COO. Before entering cannabis, Mr. O’Malley had a track record of leadership roles in fast-growing technology companies in emerging markets. Most recently before Caliva Mr. O’Malley co-founded and led a venture-backed software company, ReadyPulse, that enabled brands like Red Bull, Nike, Adidas, The North Face, and Reebok to scale their revenue through ambassador marketing programs.

Rachel Wright, Founder & CEO – Verdant Strategies

Rachel Wright, MST, CPA, is the CEO of VERDANT Strategies & 420 CPA, providing global cannabis companies with financial services, tax planning, and consulting. She’s a thought leader and industry expert.

Rachel Wright

Rachel Wright, MST, CPA, is the CEO of VERDANT Strategies & 420 CPA, financial services firms with offices in Los Angeles, New York, and Nice, France. Rachel provides comprehensive accounting, tax, Fractional CFO services, and consulting to cannabis companies globally, supporting them in launching, growing, and achieving financial sustainability through a holistic approach that ensures growth and scalability.

With her CPA designation, a master’s degree in taxation, and a Graduate Degree in International Taxation, Rachel offers essential guidance on tax planning, entity formation, and regulatory compliance. She also has experience as an audit committee chairperson for a publicly traded cannabis company, demonstrating her deep industry expertise.

Rachel’s collaborative approach builds lasting partnerships with her clients, helping them navigate complex financial challenges with confidence. As a thought leader, she shares her insights at prestigious events such as Benzinga and the Cannabis Summit and contributes to publications like Bloomberg Tax, MJBiz Daily and the LA Daily Journal. She also serves on an international committee with the International Cannabis Bar Association and the advisory board of the Cannabis Summit, advancing the global cannabis sector and ensuring the financial success of the businesses she serves.

Lisa Weser, Founder and CEO – Trailblaze

Lisa Weser, founder of Trailblaze, leads bold cannabis marketing campaigns. A former AB InBev exec, she’s a PR veteran with multiple industry awards and recognized as The Cannabis PublicistⓇ.

Lisa Weser

Lisa Weser is the founder and CEO of Trailblaze, a creative communications agency that puts cannabis and lifestyle brands on the map. From cooking up the World’s Largest Pot Brownie to ushering Martha Stewart into the world of weed, Trailblaze is known for big ideas and bold campaigns that get attention and drive tangible business results.

As the former head of U.S. Marketing Communications at AB InBev, Lisa pivoted from beer to bud in 2018, establishing Trailblaze to bring a more sophisticated approach to cannabis brand-building. With over twenty years of experience, she is a marketing communications veteran who has worked with many of the world’s most recognized companies.

Known to the industry as The Cannabis PublicistⓇ, Lisa and her firm have been recognized with multiple marketing and PR awards including the Clio Awards, the SABRE Awards, the PRSA Silver Anvils, the Digiday MarCom Awards, and the Stevie American Business Awards. Lisa received a PR News Top Women Award in 2022, recognizing her achievements as an “Industry Innovator” in the cannabis sector.

Lisa holds a Master’s degree in Communications from Miami University, a Bachelor’s degree in Communications Studies and English from the University of Iowa, and an Advanced Management and Leadership Certificate from Washington University’s Olin School of Business.

Jamie Evans, Author & Founder – The Herb Somm

Jamie Evans, founder of The Herb Somm, is a cannabis and wine expert, author, and entrepreneur known for her cannabis-infused culinary work. She’s published 4 books and co-founded The Herbal Cocktail Co.

Jamie Evans

Jamie Evans is the founder of The Herb Somm, a culinary-meets-cannabis blog and lifestyle brand that’s focused on the gourmet side of the cannabis industry. She’s a 4 x published author, certified sommelier, entrepreneur, and writer specializing in cannabis, infused beverages, wine/spirits, and the canna-culinary world. As a well-known cannabis and wine personality, Jamie is best known for her literary work and signature wine and weed experiences. She’s contributed to POPSUGAR, High Times Magazine, MARY Magazine, and The Clever Root magazine specializing in lifestyle features for the modern consumer. Throughout her career, she’s been featured in dozens of different articles and TV segments, including Food & Wine, Wall Street Journal, Entrepreneur, Forbes, Financial Times, Robb Report, Wine Enthusiast, among many others. Her fourth book, High Times Cannabis Cocktails: Seasonal Sips & High Teas for Every Occasion, released in July 2024. Jamie is also the co-founder of The Herbal Cocktail Co., an elevated mobile bartending company specializing in cannabis drinks. Follow Jamie’s canna-culinary adventures on Instagram @theherbsomm.

Instagram: @TheHerbSomm | Website: www.TheHerbSomm.com

Dustin Moore, Co-Founder – Embarc

Dustin Moore, co-founder of Embarc and Embarc Events, leads cannabis retail and event concessions. He has 15+ years advancing legalization policies globally, including California’s adult-use cannabis law.

Dustin Moore

Dustin Moore is co-founder and Chief Strategy Officer of both Embarc and Embarc Events. Embarc is one of California’s leading cannabis retailers and Embarc Events is the nation’s pre-eminent cannabis concessionaire, responsible for integrating onsite sales and consumption into some of the world’s largest experiential festivals and events including Outside Lands, Cali Roots and the California State Fair, among many others. Dustin has spent nearly fifteen years working to advance legalization policies at the local, state, federal and international levels, having worked on both legislation and the voter-approved initiative to legalize adult use cannabis in California and assisting jurisdictions in developing and implementing regulatory and licensing programs in Canada, Mexico, Europe, and across California.

DJ Saul, CEO – Khalifa Kush

DJ is CEO of B&Y Ventures, managing Wiz Khalifa’s brands Khalifa Kush and Mistercap. Former CEO of ISL, he has extensive experience with Fortune 500 brands in digital marketing and tech. DJ is a World Economic Forum Young Global Shaper, angel investor, and tech advisor.

DJ Saul

CEO of B&Y Ventures (Khalifa Kush and Mistercap’s) — the core brands founded and owned by global superstar Wiz Khalifa. DJ focuses on corporate strategy, business development, partner and media relations, team management and growth. Prior to that role, DJ served as the CEO of ISL (a 2x AdAge Small Agency of The Year, acquired by WPP in 2016). He has worked with over 50 global Fortune 500 brands, with a focus on digital, experiential marketing, and emerging technology. DJ was a founding producer of the DC Tech Meetup (growing it to 20k members), is a member of the World Economic Forum’s Young Global Shapers, a member of NextGen Venture Partners (an active angel investor), and a three time Washingtonian “Tech Titan.” He also serves as an advisor to multiple startups, companies, and non-profits.

Scott Vasterling, Founder – Humboldt Family Farms

Scott Vasterling, founder of Humboldt Family Farms, blends health marketing expertise with local farming. He distributes Humboldt produce and cannabis, serves on cannabis policy committees, and is a dedicated thru-hiker.

Scott Vasterling

Scott Vasterling’s prolific career blends decades of leadership in health and wellness marketing and sales with his family’s thriving Humboldt farming, distribution and restaurant businesses. As founder of Humboldt Family Farms, Vasterling guides the vision and daily business operations of the Humboldt-based entity that supports regional family-owned farms, including his own.

His foray into Humboldt farming began in 2007 when he and his wife Alice formed Humboldt Family Farms to grow produce for their local cafes, The Beachcomber. Now, his main farming related business cultivates and distributes local produce and cannabis from the Humboldt region to the rest of the State. His depth of expertise in health and medicine, sales and distribution has proved to be a potent combination that benefits his businesses as well as local Humboldt farmers.

Vasterling spent two decades in the health and wellness industries working for leading global and Fortune 100 companies including Johnson & Johnson, and most recently Novo Nordisk, supporting rural medical staff and institutions with education promoting health and wellness. Through his tenure in healthcare, Vasterling successfully navigated the idiosyncrasies of these heavily regulated industries working day in and day out with the FDA.

In addition to his daily entrepreneurial duties, his commitment to policy is evident. Vasterling currently sits on CA DCC Cannabis Advisory Committee and previously sat on the Board of Directors of the Humboldt County Growers Alliance (HCGA) with over 200 state licensed cultivators, and the Cannabis Distribution Association (CDA), to support family farmers with a smooth transition into an incredibly regulated business environment.

Vasterling’s passion for his business is rivaled only by his passion for the outdoors. A seasoned “thru-hiker,” he has backpacked several monumental long-distance trails including the Appalachian Trail, the Pacific Crest Trail and the Arizona Trail.

Lee Fraser, Chief Admin Officer – Planet 13

Lee Fraser was Planet 13’s Chief Administrative Officer and Board member. He previously led finance at Fox Corp. and Warner Bros., overseeing the Harry Potter Tour and flagship stores.

Lee Fraser

Lee Fraser served on Planet 13’s Board of Directors from May 2023 through June 2024, and he joined the executive management team in February 2024 as Chief Administrative Officer. Lee has previously held financial leadership roles at Fox Corp. and Warner Bros. At Warner Bros. he was directly responsible for financial oversight of the worldwide Harry Potter Tour, and the Harry Potter Flagship Retail Stores.

Sierra Elaina, Chief Executive Officer – Lehua Brands

Sierra Elaina, a seasoned entrepreneur, leads Lehua’s cannabis product innovation and brand expansion in California and Canada. She previously launched Coda Signature and has worked with major global brands.

Sierra Elaina

Sierra Elaina is an entrepreneur, deal maker and business visionary with over two decades growing brands in regulated markets and blazing new trails with breakthrough products and go-to-market strategies that deliver results. She directs Lehua’s global portfolio of premium infused cannabis products with a focus on product line innovation and brand expansion in California and Canada. The Lehua house of brands has won numerous awards under her stewardship, including multiple honors at the 2024 California State Fair for REEFRESH Strawberry Lemonade (gold medal) and Olala Root Beer (silver medal).

An early pioneer in legal cannabis, Sierra launched the premium edibles brand Coda Signature in over 400 stores across California in less than 18 months. She became a leader in global market development working with multinational companies including Diageo and Maldon Salt, and as the head of her own strategic marketing agency, gained expertise navigating the complexities of three-tiered distribution systems. Originally from Oakland, Sierra has lived in several cities across the country while gaining personal knowledge of different major markets. She now calls Southern California home and enjoys working with her son—and colleague—Yorgi Spanos on Lehua’s expansion and development.

Chelsea Kossower, VP of Global Expansion – Puffco

Chelsea Kossower, VP of Global Expansion at Puffco, leads global growth, sales, and partnerships. Starting as Puffco’s first employee, she built top-performing teams and drives innovative sales strategies.

Chelsea Kossower

As VP of Global Expansion, Chelsea Kossower created one of the highest-performing sales teams in the US cannabis industry and is now focused on Puffco’s expansion into global markets. With relentless drive and ambition, she oversees revenue and retail strategy as well as business development and partnerships, specializing in innovative sales strategy and distribution. Tenacious from day one, Chelsea started in 2013 as Puffco’s first employee and has held many roles at Puffco including previously serving as Head of Sales. She has been instrumental in guiding tactical company growth, scaling and motivating her team and increasing profitability while maintaining Puffco’s core founding values and amplifying key voices in cannabis markets across the globe.

Driven both in her professional and personal life, Chelsea practices jiu jitsu outside of work—a sport she’s been active in since growing up on the East Coast. She is a sought-after conference and podcast speaker and is dedicated to advancing accessibility and understanding of cannabis.

Nicole Elliott, Director – California Department of Cannabis Control

Nicole Elliott is the Director of the California Department of Cannabis Control, previously serving as Governor Newsom’s Senior Cannabis Advisor and leading San Francisco’s Office of Cannabis from 2017 to 2019.

Nicole Elliott

Nicole Elliott is the Director of the California Department of Cannabis Control. Prior to becoming Director of the California Department of Cannabis Control upon its creation in 2021, Elliott was Governor Gavin Newsom’s Senior Advisor on Cannabis at the Governor’s Office of Business and Economic Development. Previously, she was Director of the Office of Cannabis for the City and County of San Francisco from 2017 to 2019. Before that, Elliott held multiple positions in the Office of San Francisco Mayor Edwin Lee from 2011 to 2017, including Director of Legislative and Government Affairs, Board Liaison, Director of Appointments, and Commission Liaison. She held multiple positions in the Office of San Francisco Mayor Gavin Newsom from 2009 to 2010, including Budget Office Policy Assistant, Director of Scheduling, and Deputy Board Liaison.

Maha Haq, Social consumption consultant; lounges and spaces – Maha Haq

Maha Haq, with over a decade in cannabis, is a board member of LA NORML, instructor at Oaksterdam University, and founder of Cannaclub. She leads social equity efforts and advises on consumption lounges.

Maha Haq

Maha Haq has dedicated over a decade to the commercial cannabis space. She has a proven track record of successful projects with multi-state operators and high-profile cannabis companies. Maha sits on the board of the Los Angeles chapter of NORML. She is also an instructor for cannabis classes at Oaksterdam University in Oakland, CA. Notably, Maha serves as a Head Coach for the Social Equity Development Program within the City of Los Angeles Department of Cannabis Regulations, where she guides social equity business operators as a resource for licensees. In 2018, Maha founded Cannaclub at UCLA, a collegiate organization focusing on cannabis education, advocacy, and opportunities for students. Under Maha’s leadership, Cannaclub expanded to over 40 universities across the nation.

Maha worked on the development of consumption lounges in CA, NV, and IL, which include advising on best practices for operations and ensuring compliance. She has also been an advocate for the social and cultural value of consumption spaces as part of her broader commitment to advancing the cannabis industry in ways that are inclusive, innovative, and responsive to the needs of diverse communities.

Janet Jackim, Partner – Zuber Lawler

Janet Jackim, named among the Best Lawyers in America®, is a cannabis industry expert handling acquisitions, disputes, and more. She serves on the Arizona Cannabis Chamber of Commerce’s board.

Janet Jackim

Janet Jackim, named one of the Best Lawyers in America®, is an experienced leader for all kinds of matters related to the cannabis industry. She handled the acquisition of cannabis operations across the nation and represented clients in relation to cannabis dispensary certificate applications, buyout transactions, business restructuring and partner dispute resolution. Ms. Jackim’s clients include multistate operators, dispensaries, producers, cultivators, investors, lenders, landlords, tenants and vendors. She serves on the Board of Directors of Arizona Cannabis Chamber of Commerce and in leadership roles on other notable cannabis-related organizations. Ms. Jackim obtained her J.D., cum laude, from Loyola University Chicago School of Law, and her B.A., with honors, from Indiana University.

Marijuana Venture Magazine, the #1 business magazine in cannabis, recently chose Zuber Lawler as “Cannabis Law Firm of the Year.”

Guy Rocourt, CEO – GR Consulting

Guy, Co-Founder and CEO of Papa & Barkley, led the company to $100M in sales and developed 50+ clean cannabis products. He now co-leads GR Consulting, supporting cannabis industry growth.

Guy Rocourt

Guy brings 25 years of experience in the cannabis industry as an advocate, cultivator, product formulator, Co-Founder, Chief Product Officer, CEO, and thought leader.

As the Co-Founder and CEO of Papa & Barkley, the company achieved $100 million in cannabis sales in California.

As P&B’s Chief Product Officer, Guy formulated a suite of more than 50 different SKUs, many of which are award-winning, clean cannabis products carried by approximately 900 retailers in California.

Guy has spearheaded the development of significant cannabis manufacturing facilities, totaling over 200,000 sq ft.

Most recently, Guy co-founded GR Consulting as part of his commitment to guiding and supporting others in the Cannabis industry who are also committed to unlocking the power of the plant to improve people’s lives.

Kai Kirk, Chief Product Officer – Blaze

Kai Kirk, a seasoned cannabis entrepreneur, leads product design, compliance, and management at BLAZE, ensuring top cannabis software solutions. His diverse experience spans tech, private equity, and cannabis.

Kai Kirk

Kai Kirk is a serial cannabis industry entrepreneur and executive leader with a wealth of experience operating in different roles across several industries. His time working in project management, engineering, information technology, private equity, and venture capital gives him the elevated base of knowledge necessary to understand and anticipate the needs of BLAZE customers. His many years in the cannabis sector—as a founder and advisor for cultivation, distribution, and manufacturing companies—also guide his work as he analyzes customer feedback, workflows, and particular compliance parameters in an on-site capacity.

Kai’s ability to synthesize different user perspectives is an integral part of BLAZE’s success as the industry’s leading cannabis software suite for dispensaries. His expert oversight of the design, compliance, and product management teams ensures that the company works as one to constantly advance its technology and user experience.

Originally from the Dallas-Fort Worth area, Kai now resides in Temecula, California, where he enjoys running, hiking, reading, and spending time with his family. He studied Mechanical Engineering at the Colorado School of Mines and Business Management at Dallas Baptist University.

Rusty Wilenkin, Co-Founder/CEO – Old Pal

Rusty Wilenkin, co-founder of Old Pal, champions accessible, quality cannabis with a brand inspired by communal 60s-70s values, now available in 12+ states and growing.

Rusty Wilenkin

Rusty Wilenkin has dedicated over a decade to cultivating his career in the cannabis industry. Originating in his home state of New York, he embarked on a mission to democratize access to cannabis across the country, eventually making his way to California. With a background in launching and scaling successful brands, products, and partnerships, Rusty has become a leader in the evolving landscape of legal cannabis.

In 2018, when recreational cannabis use became legal in California, he identified an opportunity in the market. Rusty, along with Jason Osni (co-founder of Old Pal), set out to make quality cannabis accessible by launching a brand that drew inspiration from the communal spirit of the late 60s and 70s. The name “Old Pal” encapsulates this ethos, echoing the era when cannabis was shared freely among friends, both old and new.

Since its inception, Rusty’s strategic vision has propelled Old Pal to remarkable heights. What began as a response to the exorbitant prices prevalent in the legal cannabis market has evolved into a brand available in over 12 states and counting. Looking forward, Rusty remains steadfast in his goal of solidifying Old Pal as a household name, ensuring that the brand’s timeless approach to cannabis enjoyment reaches individuals from all walks of life (above 21 years old, of course). His leadership continues to shape Old Pal’s trajectory, demonstrating a keen understanding of the evolving cannabis landscape while staying true to the brand’s roots in inclusivity and shared experiences.

Eric Gutshall, Co-Founder & Chief Development Officer – Jointly

Eric Gutshall, co-founder of Jointly and Haven Realty, has 20+ years in venture building across cannabis, real estate, and prop-tech, managing $3B AUM and pioneering SFR investment standards.

Eric Gutshall

Eric Gutshall has over 20 years of experience as a venture business builder, founder, and investor in the new media, real estate, and prop-tech sectors. Most recently, Eric co-founded Jointly, a consumer driven product data platform serving the legal cannabis industry. Prior to Jointly, from 2009 through 2020, Eric co-founded and directed the rapid growth of Haven Realty Capital, Haven Homes, and Haven National. In this role, and along with other early adopters of the nascent Single Family Rental (SFR) investment thesis, Eric was instrumental in pioneering the institutionalization of the asset class by helping to conceptualize, design, manage, and optimize best-in-class operational and investment standards in the sector. Over the past decade, the SFR investment model has become one of the largest institutionally invested asset classes in global real estate.

Under Eric’s leadership, Haven and its affiliates grew to an AUM of approximately $3 billion in deployed equity and debt, equating to

approximately 15,000 housing units located across 10 US states. As a deal sponsor, Haven has developed, capitalized, and managed over $1 billion across a broad spectrum of housing investments, including SFR, multi-family apartments, manufactured housing, small lot development, and Build-to-Rent for institutional debt and equity partners including Apollo Global, Deutsche Bank, Pretium Partners, True North, Mann Group, and numerous family offices.

Eric currently also is a Founding Partner and Managing Principal of Together Venture Partners, a thesis-driven real estate and venture investment firm, an investor and Board Member of Electric Monster Media, a developer of digital media properties in the kids and family entertainment space, an Advisory Board Member to Roofstock, a venture-backed Silicon Valley-based prop-tech marketplace, and an Advisory Board Member of non- profit ProCon.org, which was acquired by Encyclopedia Britannica in 2020.

Before beginning his business career, Eric was a professional baseball player in the St. Louis Cardinals organization.

Kenny Morrison, Founder – CQ Drinks

Kenny, founder of Venice Cookie Co. and CQ beverages, helped shape the cannabis industry with award-winning brands and co-founded CCMA to support California’s cannabis growth.

Kenny Morrison

In 2006 Kenny co-founded well-known medical cannabis collectives in Los Angeles and Venice Beach that were later sold to MedMen. In 2008, Kenny founded pioneering cannabis brand Venice Cookie Company. VCC entered the the beverage category in 2010 at the request of actor and Venice Beach resident Dennis Hopper, who was searching for a hot cannabis tea while terminally ill with prostate cancer. After creating a series of award winning infused brands over the years, the company focuses solely on beverage with CQ, California’s original RTD beverage formerly known as Cannabis Quencher. Today CQ is on shelves across the country in 7 state-regulated dispensary markets as well as the Farm Bill compliant hemp channel.

While serving his second term on the board of California Cannabis IndustryAssociation (CCIA) in 2015, Kenny founded CCMA (California Cannabis Manufacturers Association). He has been a steward of the industry’s evolution through nearly two decades of profitability. Visit DrinkCQ.com and CannabisManufacturers.org to learn more.

Tim Dodd, CEO/Co-Founder – Sweet Flower

Dodd co-founded Sweet Flower, California’s leading cannabis retailer, known for equity and diversity. Formerly, he led media strategy and investments for top firms, with roots in law and New Zealand.

Tim Dodd

Leader in California’s legal cannabis retail sector, co-founding California’s most trusted cannabis retailer. Since 2018, Dodd has created Southern California’s leading retailer and highest equity retail brand, launching more new stores in California’s most competitive markets than any other retailer.

Under Dodd’s leadership, Sweet Flower has won several of California’s most competitive and most stringent limited license processes, and has been recognized for the strength of its community engagement and its industry leading diversity and inclusivity program. Dodd is an experienced, hands-on operator and entrepreneur, driving Sweet Flower to over 100% annual revenue growth and assembling a best-in- class leadership team. An experienced industry founder, serial entrepreneur, M&A and corporate development expert, marketer and brand strategist, Dodd is one of the most successful leaders in the California cannabis industry.

Prior to Sweet Flower, Dodd lead strategy and development for some of the world’s largest media and entertainment companies, responsible for $1.5Bn in transformative acquisitions in visual effects, creative advertising and design studios and consumer premises equipment.

Dodd led venture investment at Technicolor Ventures, where he also served on the Management Committee and drove the company’s Drive2020 strategy, resulting in an expansion of revenue multiples, diversification of revenue sources and double digit stock growth during his tenure.

Dodd crafted and led Time Warner Cable’s technology strategy and policy platform, and was responsible for ground-breaking innovation among cable operators, technology providers Microsoft, Intel and Sony, and all major studios. At Warner Bros., Dodd drove a revival of the studio’s music licensing arm, led digital strategy and was responsible for the studio’s corporate venture investment fund.

Dodd is a graduate of Duke University School of Law and practiced in corporate and finance law in Manhattan for a decade prior to his career in media and entertainment.

A New Zealander by birth and proud American by choice, Dodd has been appointed Team Advisor to the New Zealand Olympic Committee for the LA2028 Olympic Games.

Raza Lawrence, Counsel – Zuber Lawler

Raza Lawrence is a leading expert in plant medicine law, specializing in cannabis and psychedelics. He advises businesses on regulations, M&A, licensing, and compliance across multiple jurisdictions.

Raza Lawrence

Raza Lawrence focuses on deals and regulatory work, particularly in relation to emerging industries and technologies. He has a particularly deep focus on the cannabis and psychedelics industries. Mr. Lawrence is widely recognized as a leading voice in plant medicine law. He has many years of experience advising plant medicine businesses on navigating local, state, and federal laws and regulations, mergers and acquisitions, licensing deals, intellectual property, employment matters, internal and governmental investigations, and succeeding in our dynamic global economy.

Lauren Laplante, Chief Growth Officer – Spokes Digital

Lauren Laplante, Chief Growth Officer at Spokes Digital, leverages 20+ years in corporate firms to boost cannabis brands through go-to-market strategies and growth hacking solutions.

Lauren Laplante

Lauren Laplante, Chief Growth Officer and Adviser at Spokes Digital has over 20 years experience in corporate firms, including Fortune 500 companies like IBM. In her career, she has twice grown services practices both domestically and internationally, across emerging technologies, operations and marketing.

At Spokes Digital, Lauren helps dispensaries and cannabis brands to grow their businesses through go-to-market strategies and growth hacking solutions.

Lauren holds an MBA from Carnegie Mellon University and a B.E. from Stevens Institute of Technology.

Kyle Kazan, Co-Founder, Chairman & CEO – Glass House Brands

Kyle is a seasoned private equity investor with 20+ years’ experience, pivoting to the cannabis industry in 2016. He’s an advocate for police reform and a guest professor at top business schools.

Kyle Kazan

A seasoned investor and expert manager of private equity funds with over two decades of domestic and international experience, Kyle has a track record of growing de novo companies to industry leadership in the fields of fund/asset management, property management and insurance. In 1991 he began investing in real estate, eventually launching a total of 23 Private Equity funds with a current estimated value of owned and managed properties that stands above $2.75 billion. Kyle also served on the boards of multiple international investment and hedge funds before pivoting in 2016 to the regulated cannabis industry, where he closed four funds and consolidated them to form the vertically integrated Glass House Brands. Since his early service as a special education teacher and law enforcement officer, Kyle has been a vocal advocate for police reform and ending the War on Drugs and its injustices, speaking on behalf of Law Enforcement Against Prohibition (LEAP) and appearing in many media outlets ranging from CNN to Fox. He is a frequent guest professor at NYU Stern School of Business, USC Marshall Business School, and UCLA Anderson School of Management, and Kyle is a graduate of the University of Southern California, where he played varsity basketball for Hall of Fame Coach George Raveling.

Paul Jacobson, CEO – Rove

Paul Jacobson, president of Rove, has led its growth since 2016, leveraging his experience in biotech, banking, and real estate to drive the company’s success in the cannabis industry.

Paul Jacobson

As Rove’s president, Paul Jacobson has led the organization’s evolution, growth and market expansion from its launch in 2016 to its multi-state, multi-product presence today. A career-long commitment to capital structuring led him from an early career in biotech and banking to cannabis and launching and leading Rove.

After an early career as a compliance-focused engineer in biotech, Jacobson moved into international banking where he led the acquisition and disposition of $5b in financial instruments. Working for a small German bank while based in Luxemburg, Jacobson structured loans with major institutions such as Credit Suisse and Deutsche Bank. A growing entrepreneurial interest led him back to the United States, where he began investing in commercial and residential real estate. Sensing room for opportunity within a then-emerging cannabis industry, Jacobon, together with co-founders Phil Hon and Joanne Jacobson, launched Rove in 2016.

As Rove’s President, Jacobson handles executive management functions, oversees company financials and structuring, and is the primary lead for regulatory compliance responsibilities.

When not working, Paul enjoys spending quality time with his wife and five daughters.

Mark Simonian, COO – Haven

Mark Simonian, COO of Haven, transitioned the company to recreational cannabis post-Proposition 64, focusing on efficiency, data analytics, and security through his company HVN Security LLC.

Mark Simonian

Mark Simonian, a senior level business executive, holds both a Bachelor’s and Master’s Degree in Electrical Engineering from UC Davis. In 2016, Mark joined a cannabis company on a contract basis. In 2018, after spending seven years employed by Intel Corporation he joined the company that would be rebranded as Haven. In this role, Mark was integral in the transition from a medical-use cannabis company to an adult-use recreational company upon the passage of the Adult Use of Marijuana Act (Proposition 64). Mark has successfully improved business outcomes and customer experiences through a focus on efficiency, effectiveness and innovation. Mark was key in implementing the use of data analytics in the day-to-day business operations, which greatly increased efficiency. Mark eventually assumed the role of Chief Operating Officer (“COO”) of all Haven locations, overseeing operations, legal compliance, application drafting and licensing, staffing and implementation of policies and procedures. In addition, Mark is the sole proprietor of HVN Security LLC, a BSIS-licensed Alarm Company Operator which installs, maintains, and monitors the state-of-the-art security systems and equipment utilized at all Haven locations, including surveillance systems, access control systems, and alarm systems.

Wesley Hein, Head of Global Brand Initiatives & Public Policy – Mammoth Distribution

Wesley leads Mammoth Distribution’s brand initiatives, oversees legal and government affairs, presides over CDA, and serves on boards like CCMA, with a background in high-growth, venture-backed industries.

Wesley Hein

Wesley heads Mammoth Distribution’s Global Brand Initiatives which includes handling the company’s partner relationships, legal, licensing and government affairs departments for its brands (Heavy Hitters and Almora) and for the Spacestation Beverage division. Wesley also serve as the President of the Cannabis Distributors Association (CDA) and is on the board of directors of the California Cannabis Manufacturers Association (CCMA). He is also active with Commercial Cannabis Industry Association’s various committees and head of the steering committees of LCCS — Legal Cannabis for Consumer Safety and finally is a member of the California Advisory Board of Americans for Safe Access (ASA). Past experienced involved founding numerous venture backed organizations in high-growth industries including co-founder & president of Enigma Records (acquired by EMI — now part of Universal), EVP Hollywood Records Division of the Walt Disney Company, co-founder Cinebase Software (merged into a division of Kodak), and co-founder Enigma Digital (acquired by Clear Channel Communications).

Pablo Zuanic, Managing Partner – Zuanic & Associates

Pablo Zuanic, equity analyst and founder of Zuanic & Associates, specializes in cannabis and psychedelics research, serving institutional investors with global insights and consulting expertise.

Pablo Zuanic

Pablo Zuanic is a well-known and highly rated equity analyst following the cannabis and psychedelics sector. Over the past four years he launched coverage of over 35 companies (MSOs, LPs, CBD, ancillary, psychedelics), kept close track of sectoral trends, and followed the reform process in the US and elsewhere. His firm Zuanic & Associates publishes equity research on the cannabis and psychedelics sectors, both from a macro/sectoral level in a thematic manner, as well as specific reports on listed stocks. The research service is aimed at institutional investors and corporations. The firm is also available for short term consulting and research advisory projects (www.zuanicassociates.com). At various points in his career, Pablo was II ranked and called as expert witness in industry investigations. He has a deep global background having covered stocks over the past 20 years in the US, Europe, Latin America, and Asia, across consumer sub sectors. Prior employers include JP Morgan, Barings, and Cantor Fitzgerald. An MBA graduate of Harvard Business School, he started his career as a management consultant, which brings a strategic mindset to his approach to equity research. Pablo can be contacted at pablo.zuanic@zuanicgroup.com.

Devin Penhall, GM of California – Timeless Refinery

Devin Penhall, GM of Timeless in California, leverages nearly a decade in cannabis and experience from Red Bull to drive growth and brand impact through strategic sales and marketing.

Devin Penhall

Devin Penhall is a seasoned sales and marketing leader with nearly a decade of experience in the cannabis industry, currently holding a key leadership position at Timeless, a pioneering brand in cannabis, as the GM of California. Throughout his tenure at Timeless, Devin has been instrumental in driving substantial growth and brand recognition by implementing strategic sales initiatives and forward-thinking marketing tactics that resonate with the evolving cannabis market.

Prior to joining Timeless, Devin honed his skills in high-impact sales and marketing roles at Red Bull North America, where he developed robust strategies that elevated brand presence and consumer engagement. This experience provided him with a unique perspective on brand-driven growth and consumer loyalty, which he now brings to the cannabis space.

With a blend of expertise from a leading brand like Red Bull combined with his extensive experience in cannabis, Devin remains a driving force in Timeless’s continued success and industry innovation.

Kendra Clark, General Counsel – Connected Cannabis

Kendra, General Counsel at Connected, has 24 years’ experience in cannabis, agriculture, and consumer products law, specializing in M&A, regulatory, and crisis management.

Kendra Clark

For the past 24 years Kendra has helped clients navigate the complex and ever-changing regulations governing the production, manufacture, and sale of cannabis, chemical, agriculture, and consumer products. Most Recently Kendra has served as General Counsel for Connected, a leading vertically integrated California cannabis company headquartered in Sacramento, California and prior to that General Counsel at Grupo Flor and VP and Associate General Counsel at Chiquita Brands International, Inc. and managed all of the legal affairs for Chiquita in North America and for their various entities such as Fresh Express and TransFresh.

Kendra has counseled public and privately held product developers, licensees, cultivators, dispensaries, product manufacturers, testing facilities, and technology companies at all growth stages. She also has significant experience leading companies though large M&A transactions, regulatory investigations, product withdrawals, recalls, and other corporate emergencies like media responses and crisis communications.

In 1997, Kendra received her B.A. with honors from Washington State University before

continuing her educational career at Santa Clara University where she served on the Law Review and received her J.D. in 2000. Kendra currently holds admissions to both the California State Bar and the Washington State Bar.

Anthony Green, EVP, Sales – Surfside

Anthony leads Surfside’s sales team, leveraging 20+ years in digital advertising to drive growth for cannabis brands across the US and Canada. Originally from Brisbane, he now resides in SoCal.

Anthony Green

Anthony currently leads the sales team at Surfside, an advertising technology company servicing thousands of cannabis retailers – and hundreds of cannabis brands – across the US and Canada.

He has over 20 years experience helping retailers and brands to acquire new customers and drive revenue via digital advertising and e-commerce. All that has changed is that now, instead of Nike, T-Mobile and Warner Bros., it’s Old Pal, Sweet Flower and Haven!

Originally from Brisbane, Australia, Anthony now calls SoCal home.

Nohtal Partansky, Founder & CEO – Sorting Robotics

Nohtal Partansky, ex-NASA engineer and CEO of Sorting Robotics, pioneers AI-driven cannabis automation to boost efficiency and profit margins across North America.

Nohtal Partansky

Nohtal Partansky is the Founder and CEO of Sorting Robotics. He is a serial entrepreneur and former NASA-JPL engineer. At NASA-JPL, Nohtal was a cognizant engineer on the MOXIE project; an instrument on the surface of Mars producing oxygen from the Martian atmosphere. After leaving NASA-JPL, Nohtal founded Sorting Robotics with his co-founder, Cassio Dos Santos Jr.

Since the company’s inception, Nohtal has led Sorting Robotics in building innovative equipment for cannabis manufacturers and vertically integrated brands. While building Sorting Robotics, he witnessed firsthand how the lack of automation in the cannabis industry disrupts the value chain and erodes profit margins. Today, Sorting Robotics is working to solve those problems with AI-driven machines deployed across North America. To learn more about Sorting Robotics, please visit https://www.sortingrobotics.com/. To learn more about Nohtal, you can connect with him on LinkedIn at https://www.linkedin.com/in/nohtal/.

Steve Podell, CEO & Co-Founder, Hyroad; Operating Partner Cypress Ascendant Holdings, LLC – Cypress Ascendant Holdings & Hyroad

Steve Podell, with 30+ years in consumer products and 10+ in cannabis, is Operating Partner at Cypress Ascendant and CEO of Hyroad, specializing in cannabis investment, acquisition, and marketing.

Steve Podell

Steve Podell brings over 30 years of expertise in managing and scaling family and private equity-owned consumer product companies across multiple industries, with more than 10 years of regulated cannabis experience. Currently, Steve serves as an Operating Partner and Co-Manager GP II at Cypress Ascendant Holdings, LLC, where he leads efforts in investing in and acquiring cannabis companies. He is also the CEO and Co-Founder of Hyroad, a leading cannabis sales and marketing agency in California.

Steve’s career began at E&J Gallo Winery, where he progressed from Sales into corporate leadership roles, working closely with the Gallo family. He later transitioned to senior positions in private equity-owned companies, specializing in turnarounds, acquisitions, and successful exits. In 2014, Steve launched a consulting firm focused on the cannabis industry, which led to the ownership and management of several cannabis businesses in the San Francisco Bay Area. His contributions to the cannabis sector continued with Grupo Flor, a vertically integrated cannabis company, where he established and managed multiple business units before taking on the role of CFO/EVP.

With a career spanning all C-Suite roles, Steve has hands-on expertise in developing and managing supply chain, sales and marketing, IT (e-commerce), and product development across the alcohol and cannabis sectors. He holds a B.S. in Finance and Economics from California State University, Chico.

Matthew Shterenberg, CEO and Co-Founder – Deeproots Partners

Matt, a cannabis industry veteran, has spent the last 10 years guiding marketing and sales strategies for cannabis retailers and deliveries across the country driving millions in revenue, currently leading deeproots partners, an SEO focused digital marketing agency.

Matthew Shterenberg

Matt, a cannabis industry veteran, has spent the last 10 years guiding marketing and sales strategies for cannabis retailers and deliveries across the country driving millions in revenue, currently leading deeproots partners, an SEO focused digital marketing agency.

Adam Banke, Co-founder and COO – Hyroad

Adam Banke, Co-founder and COO of HYROAD, excels in cannabis sales and strategy, with prior leadership roles at Petalfast, The Legion of Bloom, Heineken, and Molson Coors.

Adam Banke

Adam Banke is a seasoned leader in the cannabis industry, specializing in sales strategy, brand development, and operational excellence. As the Co-founder and COO of HYROAD, a California-based cannabis sales and logistics agency, Adam directs the company’s strategic and consultative efforts to connect and grow cannabis brands with retail partners, facilitating comprehensive sales and service solutions. His cannabis experience is further highlighted by his former role as VP of Brand Strategy at Petalfast, where he led his team by building strategic initiatives to scale their portfolio of brands. Adam began his career in cannabis as VP of Sales at vape and flower brand The Legion of Bloom, where he was instrumental in expanding the company’s presence within California’s competitive cannabis market.

Prior to his work in cannabis, Adam built a strong foundation in the alcohol industry, holding sales leadership roles at prominent global brewer Heineken USA, where he led sales in Northern California, driving substantial revenue growth, sales execution strategy, and market share expansion. Adam also served in numerous key sales leadership roles throughout the United States at global brewer Molson Coors, where he developed and led sales and marketing execution initiatives for many prominent distributor partners.

With expertise spanning cannabis and alcohol sectors, Adam excels in portfolio management, market analytics, and strategic leadership. He began his career in sports medicine as a Student Athletic Trainer at the University of Nebraska, fostering his skills in team collaboration and performance optimization—qualities that continue to drive his success in the cannabis industry today.

Angela Pih, Founder – BrandTrust

Angela Pih, an award-winning marketer, accelerates brands in cannabis and lifestyle sectors. Former CMO at CCELL, she’s led growth at CannaCraft, StateHouse, and serves on key advisory boards.

Angela Pih

Angela Pih is a brand accelerator with decades of experience in cannabis, fashion, beauty, wellness, and premium lifestyle brands. Angela excels at launching, scaling, and transforming brands at industry-leading companies with operational savvy. She served as the Global Chief Marketing Officer at CCELL and spearheaded marketing and innovation at CannaCraft and StateHouse. During her tenure at CannaCraft, Angela led a dynamic team across Marketing, R&D, and Scientific Affairs, launching two new brands and 70 products in 15 months while managing a portfolio of 12 brands. Her marketing leadership was pivotal in Papa & Barkley’s dominance in California and its national expansion.

Specializing in high-growth companies poised for national and international expansion, she takes a holistic omnichannel approach to solve business challenges, grow brands, and influence consumer behavior. She was honored with the Green Market Report’s 2023 Women’s Leadership Award in Science & Research and recognized among the Top 100 Most Influential People in Cannabis by Global Cannabis Times. Angela is a recipient of three Cannabis CLIOs for her work with CannaCraft Academy and Papa & Barkley in addition to being the Jury Chair in 2023.

Angela is an Emerald Cup judge and serves as its Strategic Advisor, she is also on the Board of Advisors at Lucid Green and is an Advisory Board member and Adjunct Professor at Loyola Marymount University’s School of Marketing. A nationally recognized marketer, she has been a keynote speaker at the American Marketing Association’s annual conference.

Rachelle Gordon, Editor – GreenState

Rachelle Gordon is the Editor of GreenState. An award-winning cannabis journalist, she has been featured in High Times, CannabisNow, Beard Bros, and many other industry publications. Rachelle is also a Budist critic, focusing on flower and extracts high in minor cannabinoids.

Rachelle Gordon

Rachelle Gordon is the Editor of GreenState. An award-winning cannabis journalist, she has been featured in High Times, CannabisNow, Beard Bros, and many other industry publications. Rachelle is also a Budist critic, focusing on flower and extracts high in minor cannabinoids. She has a particular interest in how cannabis can ease neurological conditions.

Sue Carlton, Owner of Ranchera Familia + Moon Valley Creek Ranch, Chief of Marketing Crockett Family Farms. – Ranchera Familia

Sue Carlton, Latina hemp genetics pioneer, leads Ranchera Familia, blending farming, fashion, and advocacy.

Sue Carlton

Sue Carlton is the first Latina in the U.S. to develop hemp genetics and serves as the Owner and Head Farmer of Ranchera Familia. As a CEO, cultivator, model, consultant, public speaker, activist, and fashion designer, she draws from a rich heritage of farming and ranching. As a third-generation female farmer, Sue has created strains that celebrate underrepresented cultures in the cannabis and hemp industry. Additionally, she designs fashion accessories that incorporatelive cannabis plants. Her community efforts include hosting women from around the world, organizing local workshops,

and speaking at cannabis and hemp events on topics ranging from native farming techniques to research on women in cannabis agriculture.

Keith Cich, Co-Founder – Kanha

Keith Cich, Co-Founder of Sunderstorm, leads Kanha gummies’ growth across states. Former Wall Street executive in fixed income, he also managed real estate projects in Northern California.

Keith Cich

Keith Cich is Co-Founder of Sunderstorm, a leading cannabis company that manufactures and distributes award winning Kanha gummies in multiple states. Mr. Cich spent more than a decade on Wall Street in fixed income sales and trading for Merrill Lynch and Barclay Investments. Mr. Cich moved to Northern California and managed commercial real estate projects. Mr. Cich has a B.A. in Economics from Stanford University and an MBA from New York University.

Abbey Higginbotham, Event Columnist – Benzinga

Abbey Higginbotham, Benzinga’s Events Columnist, covers the latest in cannabis, digital assets and fintech. Drawing from her print and broadcast journalism experience, she provides up-to-date event coverage.

Abbey Higginbotham

Abbey Higginbotham, Benzinga’s Events Columnist, covers the latest in cannabis, digital assets and fintech. Drawing from her print and broadcast journalism experience, she provides up-to-date event coverage.

Bill Levers, Co-Founder – Beard Bros. Pharms

Bill Levers, Co-founder of Beard Bros Pharms, a cannabis brand, advocacy, and media firm, combines 30+ years of cultivation expertise to offer top-tier products and consulting, and publishes “The Friday Sesh.”

Bill Levers

Originally hailing from Pennsylvania and Florida and now headquartered in Los Angeles Bill Levers is the Co-founder of Beard Bros Pharms a multi-state cannabis brand (MSB), advocacy and consulting firm, and grassroots media magnate whose highly sought-after products, no-nonsense knowledge base, and hard-earned expertise are boosting bottom lines for their business partners worldwide.

The company leverages their deep legacy cannabis experience at the intersection of the ever-evolving legal and regulated cannabis landscape via its co-founders and real brothers Bill and Jeff Levers to help their partners navigate the nuances of both established and emerging cannabis markets.

Beard Bros Pharms’ full spectrum of expertise in cannabis cultivation, manufacturing, operations, packaging, supply chain distribution, consulting, marketing, and media is unrivaled.

In addition to 30-years of top shelf cannabis production, Bill has operated in the legal cannabis market since 2011 (in the Prop 215/SB 420 medical market) and produced licensed recreational cannabis since 2018. Today you can find Beard Bros award-winning high-CBD and high-THC RSO (Rick Simpson Oil) products in popular dispensaries in California and Massachusetts, with more states and markets stocking up soon. In coming months, the brand plans to unveil even more wellness-oriented products including “RSO in a Bottle” (highly potent and effective tinctures), and RSO-based edibles and topicals.

Bill has also earned a reputation as outspoken advocates of the cannabis plant, its many benefits, and of the culture at its roots. With the launch of their own culture-based website in 2018 at www.beardbrospharms.com and corresponding weekly newsletter “The Friday Sesh”, the Bros are known and revered for the authenticity that accompanies their reporting on original news content, upcoming cannabis related events, brands to watch, and more.

Sahar Ayinehsazian, Partner – Vicente LLP

Sahar Ayinehsazian, a partner at Vicente LLP, specializes in corporate transactions, banking, and compliance for cannabis businesses, co-leading the firm’s Banking and Financial Services Access practice.

Sahar Ayinehsazian

Sahar Ayinehsazian is a partner in Vicente LLP’s Los Angeles office. As a leading member of the firm’s Corporate Department, she guides multi-state operators in the cannabis industry in their expansion into new markets across the U.S. and advises businesses, investors, and other law firms on the nuances of executing corporate transactions involving licensed and ancillary cannabis companies.

In 2023-2024, Sahar was recognized by her peers in the “Best Lawyers: Ones to Watch” list for her work in corporate law.

Prior to joining Vicente LLP, Sahar served as the director of regulatory and governmental affairs at a multi-state money transmitter servicing the cannabis industry, where she developed a comprehensive understanding of credit card flow, banking and cannabis compliance. Using her specialized knowledge, Sahar helped establish and currently co-leads Vicente LLP’s Banking and Financial Services Access practice. In addition to helping cannabis and cannabis-related businesses establish traditional banking relationships, she assists third-party payment providers with compliance related to state and federal cannabis banking guidelines.

As a member of the National Cannabis Industry Association’s Banking & Financial Services Committee, Sahar works on strategy and educational advocacy to enable state-licensed businesses to obtain accounts at depository institutions. She is a go-to source for businesses, industry groups, and reporters seeking opinions, analysis, and guidance on cannabis and hemp corporate, banking and financial services matters.

Sahar holds a Bachelor of Arts, with honors, from the University of California, San Diego, and a law degree from Loyola Law School, where she was a Loyola Scholar.

Ticket Pricing

General Admission – Come see the Who’s Who of the California cannabis industry as they gather all in one room. This ticket is for brands, retailers, dispensaries, manufacturers, and processors.

Free – This pass is for institutional and accredited investors ONLY, see below for criteria. In order to qualify for an Investor Pass, you must meet the following criteria:

1. Must represent a professional investment firm:
– Private Equity or Venture Capital Fund
– Family Office
– Hedge Fund
– Asset Manager
– Pension Fund
– Foundation
– Sovereign Wealth Fund

2. Must provide a corporate email address with an active URL connected to the firm represented.

If you qualify for a free ticket, please email registration@benzinga.com

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