OCHBS - IX Center Cleveland, Ohio

Cannabis Investment Opportunities and Challenges in 2024

11 a.m. - 11:50 a.m.
BUSINESS TRACK
MAIN BALLROOM

Explore the evolving cannabis investment landscape and learn how the market has transformed in the past two years.

With expanding legalization and growing consumer demand, new opportunities have emerged across cultivation, retail, and product innovation. However, investors are now more cautious, prioritizing due diligence, risk management, and long-term viability over quick returns.

This session will feature insights from leading investors and industry experts on navigating these changes, identifying key growth opportunities, and understanding what investors are seeking today.

Whether you're an experienced investor or new to the cannabis space, gain the knowledge you need to make strategic investment decisions in this dynamic market.

Speakers:
Moderator: Jack Grover - Founder and CEO of Grove Bags
Colin Kelley - Operating Partner, Merida Capital Holdings
Colin Ferrian - Portfolio Manager, Poseidon Asset Managemen
Geoff Korff - CEO of Galenas
Kyle Ciccarello - Vice President Finance at Standard Wellness

How to Retrofit or Expand Your Cultivation Facility (While You Continue Operating)

11:30 a.m. - 12:20 p.m.
WORKSHOP
ROOM 7-LOWER LEVEL

As a cultivation business leader, one of the biggest challenges of transitioning to an adult-use cannabis market is expanding your capacity while you continue to grow and harvest plants.

When your facility is actively in construction, not only does your team’s attention get divided between the new and existing elements of your business, but it is easy to run into major issues with biosecurity, equipment installation, staffing, planning and other operational issues.

It takes a great deal of planning in order to minimize downtime, be cost efficient as possible, and mitigate risk to active crop cycles during expansion projects. In this session, Jeremy Shechter, COO of Bickel Consulting, will share best practices learned from successfully completing retrofits and expansions throughout the country so you can transition more smoothly and avoid costly mistakes.

Speaker:
Jeremy Shechter - COO, Bickel Consulting

Growing Your Own Cannabis Plants Outdoors or Indoors

12:00 p.m. - 12:50 p.m.
CONSUMER EDUCATION TRACK
MAIN BALLROOM

Whether you're a seasoned grower or considering cultivating cannabis for the first time, our panel of experts will share their knowledge, insights, and best practices for successful personal cannabis cultivation in Ohio’s adult-use market.

Attendees will come away with knowledge about:
- Ohio regulations regarding home cultivation
- How to select the right cultivars
- How to prepare your garden
- Understanding soil health, nutrients, and irrigation
- Natural pest control methods
- Harvesting tips and best practices

Plus, you’ll have the potential to exchange tips with fellow growers.

Speakers:
Moderator: Christine DeJesus - Director of Cultivation, Galenas
Demetrius Harrington - Cultivation Manager, Ascension Biomedical
Joshua Daniel Rutherford - Regenerative Seed Co./Dutch Blooms
Nick Risden - Grower and Breeder at Lyme Rising Farms

Navigating Social Equity Licensing in Ohio's New Adult-Use Cannabis Markets

12:30 p.m. - 1:20 p.m.
WORKSHOP
ROOM 7-LOWER LEVEL

As Ohio continues on its journey to build an equitable and sustainable adult-use cannabis market, the state has placed a strong emphasis on promoting social equity through its licensing process. In this session, attendees will gain critical insights into the legal requirements, application strategies, and compliance considerations essential for securing a social equity license, including:

- A breakdown of Ohio's social equity goals and the specific criteria for eligibility, including how the state defines disproportionately impacted communities.
- Guidance on the application process, with a focus on the documentation, partnerships, and community engagement strategies that enhance chances of success.
- A discussion of potential legal challenges, including navigating zoning laws, local opposition, and maintaining compliance with state and federal regulations.
- A look at the potential business opportunities for social equity applicants, as well as the challenges they may face in a competitive market

Speakers:
Samuel H. Porter, III - Partner, Ice Miller
Audrey Johnson - Executive Director, Maryland Office of Social Equity

Integrating Care: Prioritizing Medical Patients in Ohio's Emerging Adult-Use Cannabis Market

1:00 p.m. - 1:50 p.m.
CONSUMER EDUCATION TRACK
MAIN BALLROOM

In the forthcoming Ohio adult-use cannabis market, maintaining a strong focus on medical patients is crucial. These patients, the foundation of the industry, require continued focus in Ohio’s new adult-use cannabis landscape so they can continue to achieve the level of treatment and service they were accustomed to in a medical-only market.

This panel will provide insights from industry professionals as well as patients, who will share their heartfelt stories highlighting the profound impact of cannabis on their lives. Panelists will discuss ways to prioritize patient needs even as the market expands so the industry can create seamless experiences for both medical patients and adult-use consumers. They’ll also share ways to foster a more inclusive and comprehensive market that caters to diverse demographics and enhance customer satisfaction.

Speakers:
Moderator: Carolyn Alexander - Director of Business Development at Lighthouse Sciences
Chris Biggar - Research & Development Lab Technician- Product Development, Open Book Extracts
Nikki Lawley - Cannabis Patient and Advocate
Bonnie Rabin - Cancer Patient and Adjunct Professor, University of Cincinnati
Kelly Nicholas - Cannabis Advocate UBGood

Hemp and Cannabis Beverages: Navigating the Regulatory Landscape

1:30 p.m. - 2:20 p.m.
WORKSHOP
ROOM 7-LOWER LEVEL

Join Harry Bernstein, Executive Director of Verde Compliance Partners, for an insightful presentation on the evolving world of hemp and cannabis beverages. Drawing from over 30 years of experience in the alcohol beverage industry, Harry brings a unique perspective to this emerging market. This session will explore the current regulatory status, including federal stance and varying state approaches, with a focus on Ohio's new adult-use landscape. Attendees will gain valuable strategies for production, distribution, and retail, informed by parallels with alcohol regulation. Whether you're a seasoned professional or new to the industry, this presentation offers crucial insights on compliance, market trends, and future outlook for hemp and cannabis beverages.

Speakers:
Harry Bernstein - Executive Director, Verde Compliance Partners

Inside the Cannabis Legal Maze: Experts Weigh In

2 p.m. - 2:50 p.m.
GENERAL SESSIONS
MAIN BALLROOM

Legislators, attorneys, advocates, and business owners are coming together to dive deep into discussion on the national legislative landscape and how Ohio’s current medical and developing adult-use market fits into today’s still-federally illegal industry. From cannabis’ potential rescheduling, to state regulatory developments, social equity measures, public health impacts, and more–our panelists will be building upon the State of the Industry + Ohio Spotlight presentation to talk about the practical impacts these trends have on consumers, patients, and cannabis professionals.
They’ll be delving into the legal complexities of:

- The potential reclassification of cannabis under federal law and its implications for states and businesses.
- Updates to Ohio’s adult-use regulatory framework and compliance challenges.
- The effectiveness of current social equity programs, their impact on communities, and future policy directions.
- The rapid growth of the hemp-derived cannabinoid market, including regulatory challenges, market opportunities, and the impact on the broader cannabis industry.

Speakers:
Moderator: Tim Johnson - Founder, Cannabis Safety First
Jim Ickes - Attorney, Zuber Lawler
Jamie Callender - Ohio State Representative, District 57
Hirsh Jain - Founder, Ananda Strategy
David Waxman - Attorney, McGlinchey Stafford

How to Secure a Level 3 License and Compete in the Ohio Recreational Market

2:30 p.m. - 3:20 p.m.
WORKSHOP
ROOM 7- LOWER LEVEL

Day Arc Environmental Systems’ Garrett Greenlee will outline a comprehensive strategy to submit the best possible application in the upcoming Ohio Level 3 license award process. In this session, we’ll cover:
- An examination of the existing market and projections on where the recreational market is headed.
- The latest information from the Division of Cannabis Control on the rules for the upcoming award process.
- How to maximize scoring and submit a winning application.

Once a license is secured, Greenlee will also outline how to increase speed to market, compete with much larger and established growers, create a unique offering and establish a true “craft grow” market, as well as reduce operating costs and increase profits.

Speaker:
Garrett Greenlee - Founder, Day Arc Environmental Systems

Executive Insights in the Ohio Cannabis Industry

3 p.m. - 3:50 p.m.
BUSINESS TRACK
MAIN BALLROOM

When it comes to navigating this challenging and competitive market, these cannabis executives have an intricate understanding of what it takes to carve out a unique place in the state’s landscape

Now, as adult-use cannabis is developing here in Ohio and is expected to generate more than $1 billion in sales by 2025 (according to MJBizDaily), these executives are discussing the opportunities and potential roadblocks ahead for cannabis operators throughout the state

Listen in for cannabis business insights surrounding:
- Regulatory changes
- Product-market fit
- Supplier chain relationships
- Investments, banking, and finance, and more

Speakers:
Moderator: Sheri L. Tarr, JD - Founder, ‘68 Partners
Christina Betancourt - CEO Standard Wellness Maryland
Rory McClain - Executive Director of Wholesale and Retail Purchasing, Trulieve
David Haley - CEO, Ancient Roots
James Haas - CEO, Supergood

Navigating Cannabis Marketing: Balancing Impact and Compliance

3:30 p.m. - 4:20 p.m.
WORKSHOP
ROOM 7-LOWER LEVEL

As the cannabis industry evolves, businesses must balance marketing efficacy with compliance to ever-changing regulations. Consumer protection attorney Chad Blackham will highlight major risks for cannabis marketers and share strategies from industry case studies to navigate this complex landscape.

Key topics include understanding regulators’ priorities, leveraging social media while staying compliant, crafting precise product claims, managing testimonials and endorsements, and proactive compliance strategies to protect your brand's integrity. Whether you're an experienced marketer or a budding entrepreneur, this session offers valuable insights and actionable steps for navigating marketing and regulatory compliance.

Speaker:
Chad Blackham - Associate, Mac Murray & Shuster LLP

2024 State of the Cannabis Industry + Ohio Market Spotlight

4:00 p.m. - 4:50 p.m.
BUSINESS TRACK
MAIN BALLROOM

From rescheduling news, to hemp cannabinoids, new markets coming online, and more–2024 has been a pivotal and dynamic year in cannabis here in Ohio and nationwide. To break it all down, leaders from Cannabis Business Times magazine and The Ohio State University will be presenting insights regarding the cannabis industry's current and future outlook, as well as a detailed snapshot of the Ohio market in this historic moment of adult-use legalization.

Attendees will gain takeaways on:

- Current industry trends and market growth
- Sales and tax revenue figures
- Employment data and job creation
- Major challenges and opportunities in the cannabis sector
- Nationwide legalization updates
- Insights from research on Ohio's cannabis market
- Medical market patient survey results
- Anticipated impacts of adult-use legalization in Ohio, including moratoriums, social equity, and more

Speakers:
Tony Lange - Associate Editor, Cannabis Business Times
Jana Hrdinová - Center Administrative Director, Drug Enforcement and Policy Center, The Ohio State University

Ancillary Business Opportunities in Ohio’s Cannabis Market

10:00 a.m. 10:50 a.m.
BUSINESS TRACK
MAIN BALLROOM

Uncover the diverse and profitable opportunities in the cannabis industry's ancillary sector. Led by experts with decades of experience serving plant-touching businesses in this still federally illegal market, the session will delve into the unique challenges and prospects that ancillary businesses face.

Our panelists will share insights on how to successfully navigate regulatory hurdles, build robust business models, and establish trust in order to thrive in this evolving landscape.

Whether you're looking to enter the industry or expand your current operations, this discussion will provide actionable insights and strategies for capitalizing on the cannabis sector's growth.

Speakers:
Moderator: Lance Lambert - Chief Marketing Officer, Grove Bags
Heather Leitelt - Manager (MRB Program), Wright-Patt Credit Union
John Baldiga - Vice President & Manager of Operation at. Platform Robotics
Austin Briggs - Founder of Cleveland School of Cannabis
Amit Chandna - President atHorticulture Lighting Group

The Art of Cooking with Cannabis

10:30 a.m. - 11:20 a.m.
CONSUMER EDUCATION SESSION
ROOM 7-LOWER LEVEL

This immersive panel discussion will explore the intersection of cannabis and culinary arts.

Our expert panelists, including chefs, cannabis formulators, and culinary innovators, will share their expertise, tips, and creative recipes for cooking with cannabis.

Discover how to infuse cannabis into a variety of dishes, from appetizers and entrees to desserts and beverages, while mastering dosage, flavor profiles, and cooking techniques.
This immersive panel discussion will explore the intersection of cannabis and culinary arts

Speakers:
Stacy Primack - Owner/Chef, Elevated Fork
Joel Fink - President, Fantasy Candies

Grower’s Panel: Commercial Cultivation Strategies to Serve Medical and Adult-Use Markets

11:00 a.m. - 11:50 a.m.
BUSINESS TRACK
MAIN BALLROOM

In this session, cultivation industry experts will cover best practices for optimizing yields, ensuring consistent product quality, and navigating complex regulatory requirements, all with a focus on growing profitably.

Panelists will discuss leveraging genetics to produce high-demand cultivars, emerging cultivation technologies, and innovative pest management solutions. Learn from their time-tested experience about how to implement sustainable growing practices and cost-effective scalability strategies to enhance efficiency and productivity.
Whether you’re an experienced cultivator or new to the industry, this panel will provide tangible takeaways to improve your operations and meet the diverse demands of Ohio’s current medical and emerging adult-use cannabis market.

Speakers:
Moderator: Cassie Tomaselli - Founder, Tomaselli Media
Matt Kispert - Director of Cultivation, Buckeye Relief
Adam Redding - Irrigation & Integrated Pest Management Manager, Certified Cultivators
Jason Wilson - Owner, Paragon Development Group
Justin Matherly - Director of Operations, King City Gardens

Psychedelic Assisted Therapies: The Current Landscape

11:30 a.m. - 12:20 p.m.
WORKSHOP
ROOM 7-LOWER LEVEL

Erik Vaughan from Epiphany Mushroom Company will lead a discussion on the mushroom industry – including the current state of edible and functional mushrooms, and the rapidly-evolving field of psychedelic-assisted therapies – with updates on the nation's first two state-regulated legal psilocybin programs (Oregon and Colorado) and a preview of what's to come for Ohio and the rest of the Midwest.

Speaker:
Erik Vaughan - Co-Founder, Epiphany Mushroom Company

Brand-Building and Go-To-Market Strategies in the Cannabis Industry

12 p.m. - 12:50 p.m.
BUSINESS TRACK
MAIN BALLROOM

Creating a successful brand in cannabis involves much more than designing a logo and selecting a snazzy color palette. It takes the right messaging, design, and distribution strategy to cultivate a dedicated following and garner retail attention in a competitive market like Ohio. Additionally, sustaining that brand power takes consistency, repetition, and the ability to navigate strict regulations.

Industry experts who have created resonant cannabis brands throughout the U.S. are here to share strategies around brand identity, product development, operational/sales alignment, distribution, and customer-base building.

Speakers:
Moderator: Jesse Burns - Chief Marketing Officer, Grasslands Agency
Lisa Buffo - Founder & CEO, Cannabis Marketing Association
Laurie Parfitt - CEO and Principal, LKP Impact Consulting
Jill Monus - Director of Sales and Marketing, UBGood

Navigating Cannabis Taxes and 280E

12:30 p.m. - 1:20 p.m.
WORKSHOP
ROOM 7-LOWER LEVEL

Join our expert panel as they delve into the complexities of cannabis taxation and Section 280E. This discussion will cover the origins and rationale behind 280E, its impact on cannabis businesses compared to other industries, and the evolution of state legalization. Discover how 280E affects financials and hear strategies from public companies challenging this tax provision.

The panel will also explore pivotal IRS rulings and landmark court cases that have shaped the landscape. Additionally, we’ll examine the potential impact of cannabis rescheduling on 280E and how changes in regulatory status could affect cannabis businesses. We’ll conclude with an interactive Q&A session, where you can gain direct insights from our experts.

Speakers:
Eric Grischow, CPA - Manager, HBK CPAs and Consultants
Jesse Hubers, CPA - Senior Manager, HBK CPAs and Consultants

Buyers’ Panel: What Dispensaries Are Searching for From Cannabis Brands

1:00 p.m. - 1:50 p.m.
BUSINESS TRACK
MAIN BALLROOM

Cannabis brands looking to break into dispensaries and develop longer-lasting relationships–we’re taking you straight to the source. Join us for an insightful buyers' panel where dispensary owners and purchasing managers share their perspectives on what they seek from brands to develop solid partnerships and capture consumer interest.

In this session, you'll gain valuable insights into:
- The importance of reliable product quality and consistency and service, and how these influence purchasing decisions and consumer trust.
- How a compelling brand story and alignment with dispensary values can enhance brand appeal and foster long-term relationships.
- The latest product trends that attract consumers and keep them coming back for more.
- The role of customer support and educational resources in building a strong brand-dispensary relationship.
- Identifying effective marketing strategies and collaborative efforts that drive consumer engagement and sales.
- PLUS! Don’t miss our Buyers’ Meet & Greet from 3 p.m. - 4 p.m. in Room 1 (Lower Level)

Speakers:
Moderator: Patrick Wurzbacher - Product Manager, Backroad Wellness
Jazmine Couch - Buyer, Sunnyside Dispensaries
Josh Large - Retail Inventory Manager, The Botanist
Marvin Andrew Keyes III - General Manager, Amplify Dispensary
Anthony Surace - Regional Purchaser, Bloom Medicinals

Post-Harvest Environment Taking Control and Increasing Profitability

1:30 p.m. - 2:20 p.m.
WORKSHOP
ROOM 7-LOWER LEVEL

What’s the difference between successful cannabis harvests and mediocre results? The drying and curing process.

The post-harvest phase is a delicate–and challenging–time for cannabis cultivators. Traditional HVAC systems are known to cause erratic conditions, which is potentially disastrous for products that need stable, controlled environments.

Attendees will gain an understanding of critical factors in post-harvest processing that affect saleable yield and product quality.

Speaker:
David Sandelman - Inventor and COO, Cannatrol

Women in Cannabis: Breaking Barriers and Building Careers

2 p.m. - 2:50 p.m.
GENERAL SESSION
MAIN BALLROOM

Join us for an inspiring panel discussion featuring influential women in cannabis.

From entrepreneurs and executives to activists and advocates, our panelists will share their stories, insights, and expertise on navigating the rapidly evolving landscape of this burgeoning industry

Discover how these trailblazers are driving innovation and championing diversity and inclusion in a traditionally male-dominated industry. (According to a 2022 MJBiz report, only 23.1% of cannabis businesses were women-owned.)

They’ll share insights into how you, too, can use your unique skill set to make a mark in this industry–whether that’s on the plant-touching or ancillary side of the industry.

Speakers:
Moderator: Hope Seavers - Co-Founder and CEO A Rae Of Hope
Christine Apple - CEO/Founder, Grön
Cherlene Erauda - Marketing Manager (Audience & Content), MJBiz
Emilie Kelleher - Beneleaves
Jenn Richards - Account Manager Klutch Cannabis

From Medical Only to Adult-Use: What You Need to Know to Be an Educated Cannabis Consumer in 2024

2:30 p.m. - 3:20 p.m.
WORKSHOP
ROOM 7-LOWER LEVEL

The transition from a solely medical to a combined medical and adult-use (also called ‘recreational’ or ‘non-medical’) market can be a confusing time for patients and new consumers alike.

With 15 years industry experience, Lighthouse Sciences’ lab director has been through this first-hand in California and in Colorado.

In this session, we will cover the types of new products likely to hit the market as well as products that are currently available–including the science and process behind them–as well as dive into what YOU need to know to be a well educated consumer.

Additionally, we will cover the challenges the current changing regulatory environment poses for processors and cultivators, and how we work together to improve the program for all.

We will end with an open Q&A to discuss any topics the audience would like to cover relating to the current program, emerging products and technologies, or anything cannabis related.

Speaker:
Alex Sandorf - Lab Director, Lighthouse Sciences

Better Budtending: Looking Beyond Discounts and Improving Service With Education and Loyalty

3:00 p.m. - 3:50 p.m.
BUSINESS TRACK
MAIN BALLROOM

Retailers serve a vital role in the legal cannabis industry. They are the intermediary between patients and consumers and cannabis brands.

When it comes to addressing customers’ unique product needs and preferences in our new adult-use market–Ohio’s retailers have an opportunity to develop shopping experiences that create deeper customer relationships that result in better retention.

As we’ve learned from other mature markets, in order to stave off price compression in this developing market, retail teams need to think outside the box of a discounts-only marketing program and more toward richer educational experiences and personalized offerings.

In this session, industry veterans with experience in merchandising, loyalty development, and budtender training will share their best practices for selling that leads to long-term market prosperity.

Speakers:
Moderator: Sandra Bergman - Founder, ESBE
Kurt Kaufmann - Co-Founder and CEO, Seed Talent
Lucas Gould - Founder and CEO, Spend
David Kooi - Co-Founder and CEO, Jointly