Who’s Who: Meet 25 Influencers and Experts Attending NCF 2021
This year, we’re excited to celebrate the 5th anniversary of NCF with some of the most influential people in cannabis business, advocacy and culture. Keep reading for a list of the cannabis experts and influencers joining us in the Education Pavilions, Advocacy Village and Exhibitor Fair.
Alan Amsterdam, DC activist and force behind passage of initiative 71
Alan’s journey into the cannabis industry has been anything but simple. Spanning across oceans and continents, Alan’s first experiences with cannabis began locally and expanded to Europe. He took a trip to Holland, learning all he could about the semi-legal cannabis/coffee shop industry. In 1998, Amsterdam became the 1st all American owned coffee-shop in Amsterdam since the issuance of Cannabis licenses in 1996. In 2008, Alan and his business partners opened Capitol Hemp, a business that has withstood the test of time and police raids. Now based in Adams Morgan, Capitol Hemp is a must-visit stop if you’re interested in getting a little DC cannabis history. In 2021, Amsterdam became the sole owner of the Adams Morgan store. Meet Alan in the Policy Pavilion.
Amber Senter, Executive Director, Supernova Women
Amber Senter,social equity champion
A superstar in cannabusiness and advocacy, Amber has more than 20 years of experience in marketing and project management. A veteran, CEO, and Executive Director of Supernova Women, Amber has been empowering Black and Brown people in the cannabis industry through her multifaceted work. Her belief in and support of social equity programs have led to direct change in the Oakland community and beyond, and her passion for healing the wounds from the failed War on Drugs has proven crucial for affected communities around the country. Look for Amber in the Advocacy Village.
Antuanette Gomez, the pleasure professor
While working at a chronic pain clinic, Antuanette realized that many patients struggled to make their own decisions related to their health. She decided to look for solutions and delved deeper into the issues surrounding the health system, leading her to cannabis. The more Gomez learned about chronic pain, the more aware she became of women who suffered from sex-related discomfort and aches. Thus, “Pleasure Peaks” was formed. Pleasure Peaks’ mission is to provide women with easier access to high-quality natural products that have their health and interest at heart. Pleasure Peaks also offers mentorship and consultation services to other companies interested in Gomez’s work. Meet Antuanette in the Curaleaf Culture Pavilion.
Bernard Noble, criminal justice champion
The namesake of Fab Five Freddy’s non-profit, “B Noble,” Bernard spent seven years behind bars for carrying about two joints worth of cannabis. His case garnered the media attention of national news outlets and nearly 75,000 signatures on a Change.org petition for his clemency. People took to Twitter to call on then-President Barack Obama to issue a pardon, using the hashtag #freebernardnoble. Since his release, Noble has worked directly with Freddy to create B Noble, an organization that provides legal assistance to those impacted by cannabis legislation. Meet Bernard in the Curaleaf Culture Pavilion.
Dr. Chanda Macias, medical cannabis pioneer
In 2015, Dr. Macias founded National Holistic Healing Center, a dispensary in Washington, D.C. One of the city’s leading dispensaries, Dr. Macias’s influence can be felt all around the cannabis world. She is the CEO and Chairwoman of the Board of Women Grow. Since its inception in 2014, Women Grow has cultivated thousands of women-owned cannabis and hemp-centric businesses with a global educational reach. Beyond this work, she also was the Director of STEM Education in the College of Engineering, Architecture, and Computer Sciences at Howard University. Find Chanda at the National Holistic Healing Center booth in the Exhibitor Fair.
The Dank Duchess
The Dank Duchess, hashmaker extraordinaire
Known for her niche in hashish, The Dank Duchess is a consultant, public speaker, educator, writer, and cannabis cultivator, not to mention an artist and musician as well. Her social media presence has garnered over 40,000 followers, with content spanning from discussions on micro-dosing to elevated workouts. The Dank Duchess also boasts more than just an online presence, she has 18+ years of cultivation experience and has educated people about cannabis and hashish through almost every medium imaginable. The former managing editor of Skunk Magazine, she’s been featured in multiple publications and on VICELAND’s “Bong Appetit.” Join The Dank Duchess on August 26 for an exclusive, private workshop and meet her in the Grow School.
Dasheeda Dawson, “The WeedHead”
Dasheeda Dawson can’t be reduced to one title. A world-renowned cannabis business strategist, global cannabis advocate, bestselling author, and CEO, she embodies the type of excellence necessary to succeed in the world of corporate cannabis. With 20+ years of business experience, Dawson is award-winning at every level. Her company offers a variety of educational classes, talks, and consulting sessions. If that weren’t enough, she’s also the co-host of a weekly cannabis news and culture podcast, SheBlaze.
David Grosso, legal advisor and public servant
Former Councilmember-at-large, David Grosso, has shifted his focus to legal consulting. David was born in the District of Columbia, spent his early childhood on a farm in Northern Virginia, and lived in Petworth during his teenage years. While on the D.C. Council, education was a central focus of David’s work, including establishing and maintaining a high-quality public education system and an innovative public library system to help residents gain fruitful employment, attract newcomers, and make the city appealing to businesses. Now, David advises clients in the Real Estate, Hospitality, Education, Health Care, Arts, and Cannabis industries. Meet David in the Policy Pavilion.
Dr. David L. Nathan, researching for regulation
Dr. Nathan is a leading advocate for evidence-based changes in drug policy, following principles of public health and social justice. He is also the founder and Board President of Doctors for Cannabis Regulation (DFCR), the first national and international physicians’ organization dedicated to the legalization and regulation of marijuana. He has published numerous articles on cannabis for local, national, and international news outlets. He has also testified before the United States Congress and eight state legislatures. He is on the founding steering committee of New Jersey United for Marijuana Reform (NJUMR), which is a coalition of the New Jersey chapters of the ACLU, NAACP, and other organizations. Meet Dr. Nathan in the Wellness Pavilion.
Fab Five Freddy, Hip-hop Legend and cultural icon
Fab 5 Freddy, B Noble and “The Grass is Greener”
Visual artist and hip-hop legend, Fred Brathwaite, is a cannabis advocate and cultural icon. His 2019 Netflix documentary, “The Grass is Greener,” details the history of the criminalization of cannabis and the racial disparities between those incarcerated for cannabis-related crimes and those benefiting from the legal cannabis market. Initially exploding onto the New York scene as a graffiti artist, Fab has added filmmaker, TV host, writer, and many other titles to his resume over the years. His non-profit, “B Noble,” is currently partnering with Curaleaf to raise legal funding for those impacted by cannabis-related jurisdiction. Check out Freddy’s talk in the Curaleaf Culture Pavilion!
Gentleman Toker, ganja galaxy guide
The man with the (cannabis) plan, Gentleman Toker is your guide to the D.C. ganja galaxy. With over five years of curation experience, GT knows all of the hot spots in the nation’s capital. Beyond insider info, the Gentleman also provides unique discount codes and other benefits on his website and in his weekly newsletter. If you need any advice on the world of weed, Gentleman Toker is your go-to guy. Find the Gentleman Toker in the Exhibitor Fair or holding court in the VIP Lounge.
harry kelso, Cannabis justice advocate
Sent to prison on possession charges in 2010, Harry Kelso spent 10 years behind bars. Emerging to a new world, one in which many more Americans believe in legalization, decriminalization, and cannabis as medicine, Kelso has since become an advocate for cannabis justice and policy reform. He is featured on the Cruel Consequences webpage and has been a featured speaker at many cannabis reform events, including at a press conference for 2020 Presidential Candidate, Tulsi Gabbard, House Representative from Hawaii. Meet Harry in the Curaleaf Culture Pavilion.
Hope Wiseman, Mary and Main
Hope Wiseman, breaking the green ceiling
Talk about breaking the green ceiling! Hope Wiseman, at the age of 25, became the youngest Black woman dispensary owner in the country. Her dispensary, Mary and Main, opened in Prince George’s County in 2018. Driven to help end the stigma of cannabis consumption created by the government in the Black community, Wiseman is also a speaker and coach. Her mission is to encourage Black people to recognize their importance in the industry and take their rightful seat at the table when it comes to cannabis. Visit Hope at the Mary and Main booth in the Exhibitor Fair.
Ice Dawson, “The Cannabis Socialite”
Ice Dawson is the Cannabis Socialite, an advocate, event producer, and influencer committed to educating the public about the health and wellness benefits of medicinal marijuana. Inspired by her late mother’s cannabis usage as part of her palliative care, Dawson decided to make dispelling myths and misconceptions about the herbal medicine and increasing access both in America and abroad her personal and professional mission. She is also the creator and executive producer of SheBlaze, an award-winning video podcast trailblazing content in the budding industry. Look out for Ice and Dasheeda in the VIP CannaCabanas and around the festival grounds!
Jenn Michelle Pedini, powerhouse for progress
The development director of the National Organization for the Reform of Marijuana Laws (NORML) and executive director of the Virginia branch, JM is a powerhouse of change in the cannabis community. Their work has led directly to the legalization of medical and adult-use cannabis in Virginia, and the establishment of the Virginia Legislative Cannabis Caucus and the Virginia Cannabis Control Authority. They also work closely with the Governor of Virginia and their current focus is on the Commonwealth’s continued effort to establish an adult-use cannabis regulatory structure that prioritizes consumer safety. Meet Jenn Michelle in the Policy Pavilion or at the NORML booth in the Advocacy Village.
Justin Strekal, federal Policy superhero
The current Political Director at NORML, Justin serves as an advocate to end the federal prohibition of marijuana. Before beginning his work at NORML, Justin focused on tax, wage, and campaign finance reform as well as managed electoral campaigns throughout the country for positions in every level of government. NORML has been fighting for cannabis reform since the 1970s, and now continues to lead the fight to reform state and federal marijuana laws. They also serve as an informational resource to the national media on marijuana-related stories. Check out Justin’s talk in the Policy Pavilion and visit him in the Advocacy Village.
Kebra Smith-Bolden, CannaHealth
Kebra Smith-Bolden, queen of connecticut cannabis
Kebra Smith-Bolden has been a key player in the cannabis space for over 22 years. A leading advocate for legalization in Connecticut, Smith-Bolden was able to start CannaHealthTM, the first and only Black-owned Connecticut cannabis business. CannaHealthTM is a division of The Healing Choice LLC and HK Smith Enterprises, LLC. Their innovative community based model offers communities disproportionately impacted by the war on drugs cannabis education, as well as safe and legal access through medical marijuana program evaluations. She is a member of the Connecticut Coalition to Regulate Marijuana a member of The Minority Cannabis Business Association. Meet Kebra in the Wellness Pavilion.
Leo Bridgewater, a voice for our vets
When Leo Bridgewater returned home from Iraq and Afghanistan, he knew that his experiences would stay with him forever. Suffering from PTSD, Bridgewater began using cannabis, discovering how beneficial the plant was for him and other friends with similar stories. He became a fierce advocate for medical cannabis, and even testified in a state Senate committee hearing to have PTSD added as a qualifying condition. In honor of his efforts, a dispensary in New Jersey, Harmony, even named a strain of cannabis after him. Meet Leo in the Policy Pavilion.
Linda Greene, champion for dc’s medical cannabis community
Linda Mercado Greene is the Co-Founder, Board Chair, and CEO/Owner of Anacostia Organics, a minority woman-owned medical cannabis dispensary in the District of Columbia and the first to open in DC to serve the most undercapitalized demographic population in the city. She gained national status in this new industry as Chair (now former) of the DC Medical Cannabis Trade Association, and she is the current Chair of the DC Cannabis Trade Association. Linda served as Strategic Advisor on the Executive Team of the Cannabis Trade Federation (CTF) and is the current Chair of the CTF Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Task Force. Comprised of the top civil rights leaders and advocates in the US, CTF is one of the largest cannabis national coalitions of industry-related businesses. She is the Host of a daily podcast, “Cannabis Conversations Podcast with Linda Mercado Greene,” on DCRadio.gov, 96.3HD4, and SoundCloud, which is the only DC government-funded cannabis broadcasting. Visit Linda at the Anacostia Organics booth in the Exhibitor Fair.
Mary Jane Oatman, ICANNC
Mary Jane Oatman, indigenous community activist
Mary Jane Oatman is the founder of the Indigenous Cannabis Coalition (ICANNC) and “Tribal Hemp and Cannabis Magazine” (THC)and comes from the Nimiipuu people of Idaho’s Nez Perce Tribe. Her advocacy work has been largely motivated by her investment in the revitalization of Indigenous communities and practices. One of the largest aspects of her work is related to cannabis destigmatization in the Indigenous community and beyond. She started ICANNC not only to work on the preservation of indigenous cannabis stories but to take them externally to other non-native-serving cannabis organizations. Meet Mary Jane in the Policy Pavilion.
Morgan Fox, cannabis communications innovator
With over 10 years of experience as a cannabis advocate, Morgan Fox is a key player in the cannabis reform space. He’s the Media Relations Director for the National Cannabis Industry Association, a position that has put him directly involved in dozens of successful state ballot initiative campaigns as well as legislative victories at both the state and federal levels. NCIA is an organization that works to protect the interests of the emerging cannabis business sector while employing values such as education, community, and inclusion. Since joining NCIA two years ago, Fox’s continued dedication to cannabis reform and equity is visible in all of his work. Meet Morgan in the Policy Pavilion when he judges the Cannatank Finals!
Parisa Mansouri-Rad, champion for parents and patients
Parisa Mansouri-Rad is President of 420Skincare and Medibles. Her experience as the mom of a special needs child propelled her into the industry. When spinal fusion surgery to correct scoliosis left her 15-year-old daughter with a rare, life-threatening condition characterized by chronic abdominal pain, Parisa’s search for palliatives led her to Cannabis (Medicinal Marijuana). After witnessing her daughter’s dramatic improvement, Parisa decided to leverage her marketing experience to re-brand the maligned Cannabis industry through ongoing advocacy and education of the public on the benefits of medicinal marijuana. Meet Parisa in the Curaleaf Culture Pavilion.
Pink Fox, d.c. tastemaker
D.C.’s premier cannabis lifestyle clothing line, Pink Fox, was started in 2014 after Initiative 71 passed. Known for their retail items, Pink Fox clothing comes with a twist. From baby bibs to ball caps, their designs reflect their D.C. pride and belief that adults should be able to safely enjoy recreational cannabis in a safe, responsible community environment. You can check out Pink Fox’s apparel online or at the festival. Visit the Pink Fox team in the Exhibitor Fair.
Queen Adesuyi, Drug Policy Alliance
Queen Adesuyi, cannabis policy badass
A policy manager at the Drug Policy Alliance’s National Affairs office in Washington, D.C., Queen is a champion of legalization and decriminalization. While at the DPA, she introduced the Marijuana Justice Act, Congress’ first marijuana reform bill that addressed racial justice and justice reform issues. Her accomplishments don’t end there. A co-leader of the Marijuana Justice Coalition, she helped to introduce and eventually pass the historic Marijuana Opportunity Reinvestment & Expungement (MORE) Act by the U.S. House of Representatives in the 116th Congress. She also is focused on racial justice, harm reduction, and is an advocate in the D.C. community. You can find Queen at the festival in the Policy and Culture pavilions.
Tee Marie Hanible, warrior for weed
How often do you see the words “marine” and “reality star” together? Tee Marie Hanible truly does it all. After retiring from the armed services after 19 years, she became the only female military expert on the new Fox Network, reality-based competition show, “American Grit.” Her organization, Operation Heroes Connect, connects at-risk youth with service members and veterans as full-time mentors. She has won a plethora of awards, and in 2019 also became a published author for her book, “The Warrior Code” 11 Principles To Unleash the Badass Inside of You.” Meet Tee Marie in the Wellness Pavilion.