The 2023 Session Selector Contest is now open for applications and we’re looking for creative, diverse ideas for workshops, panel discussions, demonstrations and more! If you want some inspiration for your application, check out a sampling of our 2022 winners below and then take your shot to be a featured Panel Presenter at NCF 2023:

Apply Today

2022 Policy Pavilion Winner

The Emerging Federal Consensus: How and When Will We legalize?

Hear from the leading advocates behind the MORE Act for a conversation on the emerging agreements and fault lines amongst the various proposals to end federal prohibition.  With so many aspects of policy needing to be addressed, spanning criminal justice to industry issues, these panelists are the ones who are “in the weeds” working with lawmakers and their offices on Capitol Hill every day, and they may-or-may-not have helped draft much of the legislative language that is in your favorite pending policy proposals. Bring your policy hat and questions!

Panelists:

Maritza Perez,  Director of the Office of National Affairs, Drug Policy Alliance

Terrell Mwetta, former congressional staffer and cannabis caucus organizer

Samira Damavandi, Legislative Assistant, Congresswoman Barbara Lee (CA-13)

Moderator: Justin Strekal, Founder, BOWL PAC

2022 Wellness Pavilion Winners

The Spiritual Connection to Plant Medicine

Our La Brujas Club mantra, “the journey is about becoming ‘the one’” will never change, even as we grow and evolve. In this new era, we are pushing the boundaries and tuning to our ancestral medicine for healing and community. Join us to learn how we use cannabis with spirituality to heal and connect with our ancestor’s stories and to reflect and envision a more equitable world. Learn about Indigenous healers and storytellers who focus on collective healing through de-colonizing plant medicine and spirituality. 

Panelists:

Miriam Aristy Farer, Founder of Bodycare-herbas

Samantha Martins, Wellness Educator, Yoga Teacher, & Writer

Rohan Marley, CEO, Lion Order

Mary Pryor, Co-founder, Cannaclusive & CMO, TONIC CBD

Emily Ramos,Founder, Bori Vida LLC; Founder, ¡High Mi Madre! LLC; Board chair and Member of the Advocacy Council, NYC Workers Cooperatives

Moderator: Nathalie Farfan, Community Organizer, La Brujas Club

Cannabis Labeling: What Do Patients Need and Consumers Want?

In nearly every legal jurisdiction, cannabis labeling is uninformative or difficult to understand. Doctors for Cannabis Regulation and ASTM International have teamed up to design best-in-class cannabis product labeling, including cannabinoid/terpene information, evidence-based warnings, and a universal symbol that is making history. This panel will discuss the needs and wants of consumers in regards to cannabis labeling. 

Panelists:

Deborah Miran, Former Maryland Cannabis Commissioner

Darwin Millard, Vice-Chair of ASTM International’s Cannabis Labeling/Packaging Subcommittee & Author

Moderator: David L. Nathan, MD, Distinguished Fellow of APA

2022 Culture Pavilion Winners

The Evolution of the Cannabis Reform Community

The cannabis industry is changing. Join our panel of business and advocacy leaders as we discuss how cannabis reform is tied to other national movements for justice, and how allied organizations can work together to continue to advance cannabis reform and justice for all.

Panelists:

Toi Hutchinson, President & CEO, Marijuana Policy Project

Kassandra Frederique, Executive Director, Drug Policy Alliance

Shaleen Title, Former Massachusetts Cannabis Regulator & Co-founder, The Parabola Center

Jason Ortiz, Executive Director, Students for Sensible Drug Policy

Moderator: Alex Langer, Manager of Development, Marijuana Policy Project

Cannabis Tourism: Navigating 420 Friendly Destinations as a Marginalized Person

How can women, people of color and members of the LBTQ+ navigate 420 friendly spaces? This panel examines how to use wellness techniques and plant medicine to manage travel anxieties as a marginalized person. Learn how to advocate for yourself as a medical cannabis patient from a certified cannabis nurse and advocate.

Panelists:

Mary Jane Oatman, Founder, ICANNC & Publisher, THC Magazine

Ashley Wynn-Grimes, MS, RN, Founder, Cannabis Nursing Solutions ™; Advisor, Cannabis Nurses of Color; and, Author

Brittany Wilson, Owner, MillenniHEAL, LLC & Reiki Master, Author, Herbalist

Moderator: Ayanna Lawson, Founder, Front Row Travels

2022 Grow School Winners

Natural Farming Concepts and Philosophies

Korean Natural Farming practices are gaining popularity in the Growing Community. Its core values empower the grower, by working in cohesion with nature to make its own garden inputs. Korean Natural Farming offers a low cost and resourceful way of growing  that facilitates nutrient availability through local biology. Join us for a conversation about Natural Farming practices and learn how they work in real-life when applied to a market garden and cannabis cultivation.

Panelists:

Philip Freiseis, Natural Farmer, National Cannabis Championship Hemp Flower Judge, Virginia Hemp Coalition Advisory Board Member

Colby Freiseis, Natural Farmer, National Cannabis Championship Hemp Flower Judge, Virginia Hemp Coalition Advisory Board Member

Intro to Home Cultivation

Does home cultivation sound like your jam but you don’t know where to start? Join us to learn all about the do’s and don’ts of growing at home. These experts will share their knowledge on everything from light and genetic selection to transplanting and harvesting flower. 

Panelists:

Alan Amsterdam, Owner, Capitol Hemp; Certified Ganjier; THC Flowers Finals Judge, National Cannabis Championship

Brandon Rossi, Owner, The Flying Scorpion 

Moderator: Carmin Ruggiero, Owner of Hawthorn Holdings LLC

In addition to the 4 categories listed above, Policy, Culture, Wellness and the Grow School, this year we are also taking applications for the Psychedelics Pavilion and the Culinary Pavilion. Don’t wait, apply today!