Culture Pavilion

Friday, April 19

5:00pm

Innovative Mortgage Solutions for Cannabis Entrepreneurs

Explore the uncharted territory of mortgage loan products tailored for the legal cannabis industry, as Casey Hayes shares insights on navigating challenges and seizing opportunities. With over 98 lending partners and an arsenal of 200+ loan products, you’ll be empowered by unraveling unique financing possibilities that can transform your cannabis ventures. 

• Casey Hayes, “King of Approvals” Mortgage Broker 

• Dwayne Sylver, Mortgage Broker

• Sharen Sylvester, Real Estate Broker, Sharen Alicia Homes

• Moderated by: Nicholas Taylor, Mortgage Pro

5:45pm

How to Get Started in a Capital Intense Market: Cannabis by the Numbers

Are you getting started in cannabis and don't know where to start when it comes to getting your financial house in order? Let us help you think through strategy, planning and resources as you prepare to enter this new industry.

• Angelita Green, Founder, New Leaf EA        

• Erica Sloan, Franchise Owner, DOPE CFO Certified Advisor                                

• Kristi Kem, CXO, DOPE CFO Certified Advisor

6:30pm

How to Bridge Local, State, and National Efforts for More Equitable Outcomes: An MCBA Equity Policy Roundtable Workshop          

Consisting of multiple National, State, and community based cannabis social equity and industry organizations, the Equity Policy Roundtable, facilitated by the MCBA, has been conducting ongoing discussions and producing solution-oriented work products since early 2022. The Roundtable's mission is to provide sensible and workable regulatory solutions that keep diversity, inclusion, and equity at the forefront of the opportunities presented by the emerging cannabis industry. Join us for this conversation about our lessons learned, recommendations for pathways forward, with a particular focus on our work in New York and Minnesota. Gain insights into how to create and use collaborative efforts to accelerate the advocacy work needed for an equitable industry.

• Adrian Adams, Ed.D., NY State Director, Minorities 4 Medical Marijuana and CSO, VMA Worldwide Channel Mgmt        

• Frederika McClary Easley, MCBA Vice President, The People’s Ecosystem, Director of Strategic Initiatives Council for Federal Cannabis Regulation (CFCR) DEI & Access to Capital Committee Co-chair and Secretary   

• Anthony Newby, Owner and Operator, Cultivated CBD                     

• Mike Lomuto, MCBA Board Chair, Equity Workshop Tour Founder and Co-Founder, Dao Mastery

Saturday, April 20

12:30pm

Empowering People of Color in Cannabis through Policy, Justice, and Your Voice

Join us for a dynamic panel moderated by Christina B. Johnson of Standard Wellness Maryland, where cannabis policy and justice experts unveil strategies for empowering people of color in the cannabis industry. Discover how to navigate the complex legal landscape, advocate for equitable economic and justice policies, and use your voice to shape regulations. Learn to avoid regulatory pitfalls, protect your brand, and carve out a competitive edge. This session promises actionable insights for aspiring entrepreneurs and activists committed to fostering economic opportunity, justice and equity in the nascent cannabis sector. Don't miss this chance to transform your understanding and impact the industry.

• Christina Betancourt Johnson, CEO, Standard Wellness Maryland

• Tony Lewis, Author, Community Leader, Workforce Development Specialist, Re-entry Expert, and Champion for Children with Incarcerated Parents

• Sheba Williams, Nolef Turns, Inc.

• Patrice Amandla Sulton, Executive Director, DC Justice Lab

1:15

Cannatank Finals     

Join us as our Cannatank Finalists go head-to-head in a final pitch competition to win $1,000 in start-up assistance, strategy sessions with industry experts, and more!

Finalists: 

• Colin Fraser, UPLING App        

• Antonio ‘TONE’ Davis, Jr, Natural Elevation LLC

• Dr. Jannah Rasul, LHD, MSEd, NBC-HWC, Founder of Herban Holistic Healthcare & Higher Learning Publications

• Jon Sribnick, The Phytos Project             

Judges: 

• Amber Senter, Chief Executive Officer at MAKR House & Chairman of the Board and Executive Director of Supernova Women

• Rosemary Suggs-Evans, Interim Director for the DC Department of Small and Local Business Development (DSLBD)

• Danielle Walker, Director of Operations and Administration for Greater Washington Black Chamber of Commerce

2:00pm

Beware of Predatory Practices: Negotiation Tips and Tricks for Cannabis Industry Professionals 

Join our expert panelists for a lively discussion on predatory practices in the cannabis industry and how to negotiate deals that protect your business. Our panelists will provide practical tips and tricks to help you navigate negotiations with suppliers, investors, and other stakeholders. You'll learn how to identify and avoid predatory practices, how to negotiate fair deals, and how to build strong relationships with your partners. Whether you're a seasoned business owner or just starting out in the cannabis industry, this discussion will provide valuable insights to help you succeed in your negotiations. Don't miss this opportunity to hear from attorneys and consultants and gain valuable knowledge on negotiating in the cannabis industry.

• Lauren A. Rudick, Managing Principal; Rudick Law Group        

• Scheril Murray Powell, Cannabis, Agricultural, Dietary Supplement, Trade, and Psychedelics Attorney and COO of The JUSTUS Foundation

• Jessica F. Gonzalez, Founder; Veridis Quo

• Fatima Afia, Cannabis Attorney at Rudick Law Group, PLLC

2:45pm

Greek Impact: The Divine 9 in Cannabis 

Black Greek Letter organizations, otherwise known as the Divine 9, have historically been at the forefront of community service efforts, educational pursuits and social change in the Black community. The stigma of cannabis has deterred many organizations, including the Divine 9, from incorporating the cannabis industry into their social action platform. Join Divine 9 cannabis advocates, entrepreneurs, lobbyists and patients as they discuss how their organizations can galvanize millions of members across the globe to effect social and political change in the cannabis industry.

• Kevin Ford, Jr., Founder, Uplift National, Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc,

• Gabriel Acevero, Maryland State Delegate (District 39), Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity, Inc.,

• Ashley Stafford, Founder, Elevated Events Group, Student in Masters of Medical Cannabis Science and Therapeutics Program, Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc.

• Melanie Julion, Founder, The Cannabis Doula, Inc., Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc.

3:30pm

Fireside Chat: The Life & Times of Redman

Get up close and personal with cannabis culture icon and advocacy hero, Redman! Hear never-before-told stories about his music career and his expansion from cannabis lover/consumer to passionate advocate as he speaks with Justin Tinsley, Senior Culture Writer for Andscape.

4:00pm

Blazing Rainbows: Exploring Cannabis in the LGBTQIA+ Community

This discussion will focus on cannabis use within the LGBTQ+ community and the unique challenges LGBTQIA+ people face. 

4:45pm

How Cannabis Legalization Can Drive Restorative Justice: Addressing Historical Harms and Building Equitable Futures

This discussion will delve into the intersection of cannabis and restorative justice, focusing on the historical injustices endured by Black and Latino communities in relation to the plant. It will shed light on the disproportionate impact of cannabis-related arrests on these communities and discuss reparations, advocating for meaningful initiatives to address these past harms. The panel will offer diverse perspectives from community leaders, activists, legal experts, and policymakers and highlight the importance of budget allocations towards rectifying the damage caused by previous cannabis enforcement policies. Speakers will also share their personal experiences of those affected by past cannabis enforcement policies, underscoring the pressing need for reparative measures.

• Pilar DeJesus, Founder, All That Jive, Board member, NYC NORML

• Héctor “freedom” Gerardo

• Naiomy Guerrero, CEO Co-Founder. Nube NYC

• Mustafa Sullivan

• Jorge Luis Vásquez, Jr., Founding Partner Vásquez Segarra LLP

• James Watts, Legacy Grower, Founder of Drop City Genetics

5:30pm 

Government Employees and Cannabis: Personal and Professional Impacts and How You Can Help

Come hear first hand accounts of government employees who confront personal and professional discrimination and live in fear of reprisal for using cannabis. Understand the basic legal and policy issues governing cannabis use by government employees, legislative efforts to protect government workers, and resources for information and support.

• Christopher C. Cano, M.P.A., Executive Director, Suncoast NORML

• Morgan Fox, Political Director, NORML

• Moderated by: Luke Jones, Director, Maryland NORML 
  

6:15 pm 

Latin Roots and Cannabis Leaves: Navigating Culture, Tradition, and Policy

Dive into the vibrant world of Latin culture and cannabis in an electrifying panel discussion where we weave through the rich tapestry of Latin culture and cannabis. We'll explore the nuanced dynamics between family traditions and the stigma surrounding cannabis, highlight the conversation around mental health and the therapeutic benefits of medicinal cannabis, and delve into the intricate relationship between cannabis and immigration policy. This lively and thoughtful exploration promises to shed new light on how cannabis intersects with cultural identity, health, and societal norms within Latin communities.

• Mariela Canabal

• Jesus A. Cruz

• Jessica Gonzalez, Founder, Veridis Quo

• Moderated by: Josh Alb