In each issue of Cannabis & Tech Today, the editorial team takes a moment to reflect on the last quarter’s cannabis events. Spring of 2022 was loaded with exciting, in-person gatherings celebrating a return to live networking. Check out a few of our favorites in this event wrap up.
Regenerative Cannabis Live
Let’s kick off these wrap ups at the United Nations building in New York City. Over 200 people from various disciplines and backgrounds from around the world came together to discuss how the cannabis industry can align with the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals.
Powerhouse speakers and panels with tons of star power were only eclipsed by the magnitude of being at the UN.
Considering all the history associated with cannabis and hemp prohibition around the world, it was powerful to see the focus shift toward solving worldwide problems and getting people out of poverty and prison.
Regennabis, an advisory and investment services firm, hosted the event. Learn more about its work in this issue’s ESG department (p. 32).
Emerald Cup Awards
The 18th Annual Emerald Cup Awards kicked off at the Ricardo Montalbán Theatre in Los Angeles, California.
Legacy farmers mingled with Hollywood celebrities to create one of the cannabis industry’s most anticipated events.
The event recognized dozens of top-quality growers and producers for their hard work establishing California’s cannabis marketplace.
The evening culminated in actor and activist Woody Harrelson receiving a “Willie Nelson” Lifetime Achievement Award for his decades of cannabis advocacy.
Athletes in Cannabis
The Athletes in Cannabis event in May was exactly what it sounds like — athletes and cannabis.
It was held at a cozy airport hotel, so getting to the show was a breeze.
There were a lot of compelling panels and talks by a variety of pro and college athletes.
Every attendee had access to the speakers and exhibitors and they even fed everyone pizza on the last day!
Jeff Walter puts on a great little show.
ExpoCannabiz Business Conference and Expo
One of Latin America’s premier networking events is ExpoCannaBiz.
Day one featured a cannabis investing forum for public and private investors seeking to expand their portfolios.
It offered educational opportunities and an investor pitch contest with some of the industry’s up-and-coming brands.
The historic port city of Cartagena along the coast of Colombia was the perfect backdrop to this event. The region is poised to become a leader in cannabis production for all of South and Central America.
This event was put on by Julian Tobar and keynote by Kevin Harrington. It wasn’t the biggest event in terms of attendance but the networking was top notch, and the exhibitors were ready to do business!
Speakers included Aunt Zelda’s co-founder Mara Gordon, Cannabis & Tech Today editor-in-chief Charles Warner, and former NFL player Marvin Washington.
The New York City Cannabis Parade & Rally
The NYC Cannabis parade was happening during a monsoon-type storm, but that didn’t stop National Cannabis Party (NCP) members along with NCP President Sephida Artis-Mills and Co-Founder Redman from speaking to a wet but enthusiastic crowd at the end of New York’s longest-running cannabis parade.
International Cannabis Business Conference Berlin
Europe is expanding its cannabis footprint as several countries are considering legalization over the next year. ICBC Berlin took place at a pivotal time for Germany’s evolving cannabis landscape and featured some of the country’s preeminent thought leaders.
Burkhard Blienert, Germany’s drug commissioner, keynoted day one. Day two featured insights from keynote speaker Lewis Koski, Metrc’s chief strategy officer.
Master of Ceremonies Ngaio Bealum brought his lighthearted brand of comedy to the proceedings that culminated in an after party featuring reggae sensation Morgan Heritage with Rocker T.
It was a grand experience conveniently held in one of the largest hotels in Europe, so getting to the show was easy. ICBC is truly a leader when it comes to content, networking, and epic after parties.
KushCon Tampa Bay
The Tampa Bay Convention Center hosted 150+ exhibitors and dozens of speakers for KushCon’s two-day event this August.
Educational sessions touched on frequently asked questions in the sector, ranging from cannabis and pets to brand development.
Athletes in Cannabis offered an insightful panel featuring former NFL players Ian Beckles and Lofa Tatupu.
Cannabis Efficiency Specialist Nichole West stopped by the Cannabis & Tech Today booth during the event. She was once featured in C&TT’s NACB department to discuss her cannabis-related incarceration.
West is the director of operations for LB Atlantis and spoke in three seminars during KushCon.
