2023 Congressional Forum Schedule & Topics

Join us for conversations on cannabis policy at The Congressional Forum Thursday, April 20 — taking place at the Congressional Auditorium in the U.S. Capitol Visitor’s Center.

Download Agenda

2023 Forum Agenda

11:30 AM

Opening Remarks

Caroline Phillips, Founder and Executive Producer, National Cannabis Festival & National Cannabis Policy Summit

11:35 AM

The New Generation Of Conservative Lawmakers For Cannabis Reform

With Representative Brian Mast (R-FL) and Representative Nancy Mace (R-SC)

Moderator: Raj Chander, Cannabis Policy Journalist

Introduced by Toi Hutchinson, Marijuana Policy Project

12:00 PM

How Can the Federal Government PREPARE for Reform?

With Representative David Joyce (R-OH) and Senator John Hickenlooper (D-CO)

Moderator: Mona Zhang, Cannabis Policy Reporter, Politico

Introduced by Michelle Rutter Friberg, National Cannabis Industry Association

12:30 PM

Banking on Small Businesses: How Can Entrepreneurs Get Ahead?

With Senator Jeff Merkley (D-OR) and Senator Jacky Rosen (D-NV)

Moderator: Gerren Keith Gaynor, White House Correspondent, The Grio 

Introduced by Kaliko Castille, Minority Cannabis Business Association

12:55 PM

Special Remarks

Representative Barbara Lee (D-CA)

Introduced by: Queen Adesuyi, NCF Advocacy Co-Chair Emeritus

1:00 PM

Community Changemaker Award Presentation

Presented by: Caroline Phillips and Justin Strekal

1:05 PM

Action Needed: Expungements, Resentencing, and Immigration Relief

Featuring:

  • Maritza Perez Medina, Drug Policy Alliance (DPA)

  • Jeremiah Mosteller, Americans for Prosperity (AFP)

  • Cynthia Roseberry, American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU)

  • Diane Goldstein, Law Enforcement Action Partnership (LEAP)

Moderated by Natalie Fertig, Cannabis Policy Reporter, Politico

Introduced by: Stephanie Shepard of Last Prisoner Project

1:40 PM

How Federal Cannabis Policy Impacts the District of Columbia

Featuring: Congresswoman Eleanor Holmes Norton

Moderated & Introduced by: Patrice Sulton of DC Justice Lab

1:50 PM

Special Remarks

Representative Earl Blumenauer (D-OR)

2:00 PM

Special Remarks

Senate Leader Chuck Schumer (D-NY)

2:20 PM

Closing Remarks

Justin Strekal, Better Organizing to Win Legalization

Previous
Previous

National Cannabis Championship: The Results Are In!

Next
Next

Best Bet: Alternate Parking Options for NCF