NCF's Policy Pavilion: Legalize it! Don't Criticize it!

Legalize it, don’t criticize it! This year’s Policy Pavilion is all about the future of pot politics, from the local to the federal level. Panelists range from activists to entrepreneurs, but all have one common goal: to create and advocate for fair and just cannabis laws and industry.

The first panels of the day address tough questions facing cannabis consumers. Our veterans will speak on the challenges of accessing medical marijuana, while panelists Alan Amsterdam and Paul Zukerberg will open up the conversation on the future of cannabis policy in Washington, DC. Since Mayor Bowser proposed The Safe Cannabis Act, residents and the city council have the opportunity to vote on one of the newest cannabis policy proposals circling the docket. Paul and Alan will break down the challenges and benefits of creating a more robust cannabis industry in the nation’s capital. 

“Join panelists as they discuss their activism and understand the efforts they’re making towards a brighter bud future.”

Exciting new legislation is also being introduced on Capitol Hill, potentially shifting the tide towards ending federal prohibition and criminalization. Grounded in justice, reform, and open to government regulation, the new federal bills being proposed will radically transform the way this country thinks about cannabis. Join panelists as they discuss their activism and understand the efforts they’re making towards a brighter bud future. 

If you’re a fan of Shark Tank, make sure you don’t miss out on the CannaTank Contest Finals sponsored by Weedmaps. Pot-trepreneurs will compete for start-up funding and more. The winner will be crowned on the day of the festival, and we’re so excited to see what they’ve come up with. 

“The afternoon promises three more panels on crucial aspects of canna-policy, including…the unique ways that Indigenous communities have been impacted by laws surrounding legalization.”

The afternoon promises three more panels on crucial aspects of canna-policy, including the road to reform in the Mid-Atlantic and the unique ways that Indigenous communities have been impacted by laws surrounding legalization. The day concludes with a critical panel discussion on how opportunities for those impacted by the justice system must expand to meet the growing acceptance and normalization of marijuana.

We can’t wait to dig in on these topics with you at NCF on 8/28. Check the full schedule here.