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.
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