Los Angeles Conference Program

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A cutting-edge CLE workshop on cannabis business law in California and beyond, both lawyers and non-lawyers are welcome.  Those coming into the field as well as experienced practitioners will be provided the latest information on cannabis laws and regulations.  MCLE credits for attorneys (~5 hours) are pending.   All attendees receive a 3-Day Expo Pass.

You may attend the full day program without receiving CLE credits for $350.

10:00 AM
Opening Remarks
Ellen Komp, Deputy Director, California NORML

10:10 AM
The State of Cannabis Laws and Regulations
While state regulations will continue to develop over the next several years, the bulk of the heavy lifting is mostly over for those crafting, shaping and influencing. Now that the action has died down at the state level, what are the latest licensing developments and opportunities at the local level? What regulatory issues remain at the state level, especially with respect to METRC implementation and state cannabis tax regulations?

Moderator: Jesse Stout, Attorney, Greenbridge Corporate Counsel
Amanda Ostrowitz, Founder, CannaRegs
Pam Epstein, Co-Founder, Green Wise Legal, P.C.

11:00 AM
Cannabis Industry Consolidation: "Mergers, Acquisitions, RTOs and IPOs, oh my!"
Taking a cannabis company public, mergers and acquisitions, IPOs, and more will be covered in this session.

Moderator: Ellen Moy, Attorney, Greenbridge Corporate Counsel

11:45 AM
Status of Hemp CBD under CA Laws and Regs: "To infuse or not to infuse (with hemp CBD), that is the question."
The the 2018 US Farm Bill, opportunities have opened up for domestic hemp/CBD production and distribution. Find out the opportunities and pitfalls in federal, state and local law.

Moderator: Anne Van Leynseele, Of Counsel, Zuber Lawler & Del Duca LLP

12:45 PM
Lunch Break

1:30 PM
Evolution of California Social Equity Programs: Accessing Opportunity in California's Cannabis Industry
Equity programs are in place in several California cities, and state and local funding is opening up for such programs. Learn how to navigate the legal requirements for these programs and help equity applicants get started and stay in business.

2:15 PM
"Let me tell you where you can stick that warning!": A panel on Marketing, Advertising, Packaging and Labeling Laws and Regulations under MAUCRSA
This is a panel about the intersection of IP, consumer protection, youth prevention and regulation in California's cannabis industry. Panelists will cover and explain California statutes and regulations addressing compliant white labeling arrangements, compliant and non-compliant marketing and advertising, label warnings and disclosures, branding, packaging and other practical topics to help practitioners advise their clients in the cannabis industry.  

3:00 PM
Afternoon Break

3:15 PM
Local Bans, Deliveries and Consumption Lounges: Topics in Local Cannabis Zoning Laws and Regulations
What is the current state of the law / regulation around deliveries of cannabis? What kinds of laws should we be advocating for in these spaces?

Moderator: Khurshid Khoja, Founder, Greenbridge Corporate Counsel

4:00 PM
Employment Rights for Cannabis Consumers and Cannabis Industry Employees
Recent developments in the employment rights situation for cannabis users (medical and otherwise) have recently taken place nationally, both in legislatures and in courtrooms. These will be covered, along with steps forward for California and elsewhere.

Dean Rocco, Partner, Wilson Elser

5:00 PM
Cocktail Reception/Networking

This panel of experts will address the interplay between state laws legalizing recreational and/or medical marijuana uses and the Federal Controlled Substances Act; enforcement and application of other regulatory regimes governing the operation of marijuana-related businesses, such as banking and securities laws; and the ethical considerations for an attorney advising a client engaged in a marijuana-related business; as well as other timely issues.

Many people refer to the CBD retail market as the “Wild Wild West” and, because necessary national testing and dosing standards haven’t been established yet, it’s often difficult to know what to buy or how much to take. Experts will help you understand what to look for when purchasing CBD products in terms of testing benchmarks, certifications and efficacy norms.

This session will focus on strategies to minimize the impact of 280E. We will discuss the importance of entity selection and how those choices are applied across the industry. We’ll also discuss current positions of the IRS on businesses in the cannabis industry.

This panel will discuss how cannabis entrepreneurs and investors discover new business opportunities through social equity partnerships, global licensing & expansion, and multinational research.

Deconstructing AI – What is it? Why should you be using it? How can it be applied to your current business to create solutions and build sustainable customer relationships? Come hear just some of the areas AI is already being used successfully in the cannabis industry. This innovative presentation will cut through the AI noise and confusion and educate you on what is possible.

Hear Special Operatives tell their stories and discuss the need for alternative therapies.

Are you looking to enter the cannabis industry and are unsure what road is the best one to take? Then this class is for you! Quickly identify the national business opportunities, legislative parameters, associated risks, business models, regulations, due diligence and steps necessary to purchase, invest or open a cannabis business.

Presented by:  Chloe Villano, President, Clover Leaf University

Who should attend: This class is for anyone in or interested in becoming part of the cannabis industry as a business owner, partner, investor or employee. 

• Module One will cover business opportunities, company structure, product development, and creating award-winning companies and brands.

• Module Two will discuss the best way to enter the industry. Is it best for an entrepreneur to partner with an existing licensee who is already profitable by investing directly in the business? Is it better to purchase the business, or compete for a license? This class will discuss the risks, the financials, the benefits, and the rewards, for each of these business opportunities. Learn the critical due diligence necessary to vet these companies properly, and what a successful business should encompass to be a strong candidate for purchase or investment.

• Module Three will cover the merger and acquisition process for cannabis businesses including values, timelines, and the transfer of ownership process.

Join us for this extensive four-hour course as we discuss all of these options on a national scale!

Learn how to appropriately scale into the business the best and fastest way possible. Once you have taken this class, you will understand the essential business fundamentals to get started in the cannabis industry.

Space is limited. Don’t wait. Sign up now!

This is a historically unique time where people can pursue the American dream. This business is set to produce billions of dollars in revenue next year. Get in on the ground floor of America's premier cash crop.

This workshop will address the fundamental terms, risks, and opportunities investors can consider when evaluating how to invest in the cannabis industry. From the private sector to public stocks, what does an investor need to consider for a successful investment?  Moderated by Noa Kahner, CEO of Kahner Global, learn about the cannabis investment ecosystem and meet some of the key players.

The National Hemp Association is proud to present this workshop which will provide attendees the opportunity to speak directly to those charged with developing Regulations at both the Federal and State levels. State experts will explain what the passage of the 2018 Agricultural Improvement Act (2018 Farm Bill) means for the hemp industry and the United States and will be using this Hemp Workshop as a listening session to gain insight from participants into the important issues effecting those in the hemp space. In addition, a wide range of topics will be discussed starting with the current legal landscape across the country and how it impacts the CBD, fiber and grain industries. An update on the latest from the FDA in regard to hemp-derived products – CBD, food products, cosmetics and animal feed will also be presented. Finally, hear from one that has lead one of the nation's most successful hemp companies – discussing taking products to market.

1:00 PM
Opening
Geoff Whaling, Co-Founder and President, Canopy HIP Developments LLC; Strategic Advisor, CBD and Hemp, Canopy Growth USA LLC; Chairman, National Hemp Association; President, Pennsylvania Hemp Industry Council
Erica Stark, Executive Director, National Hemp Association

1:30 PM
State of Federal and California Hemp Regulations
                Status of USDA regulations
                Status of FDA regulations
                Q & A / Listening Session

2:30 PM
Coffee Break

Moderator:  Christine Ianuzzi, National Hemp Association
2:45 PM
Federal Crop Insurance – Clifton Parks, AgriLogic
                Overview of the Program
                Listening Session

3:00 PM
THC Testing Considerations; Selecting Genetics and Understanding Certificate of Analysis (COA) 

4:00 PM
Hemp Cultivation: “How To” & “Best Practices”

5:00 PM
Q&A

This workshop will be an intense experience for the cannabis, hemp and/or CBD retailers looking for the next phase of retailing their products and businesses for success. Meet, network and from experienced business operators, industry retailers, and marketing professionals as they present retail and marketing topics that include:  

• What is the meaning of “the new showroom” for cannabis, hemp and CBD retailers?
• Getting additional and keeping shelf space for your products
• What are the new distribution channels to capture among fierce competition?
• How do you achieve “ubiquity of your brand” and ultimate brand recognition?
• What are the regulatory hurdles and how can you navigate them as the cannabis, hemp and CBD industries rapidly evolve?

All attendees receive a 3-Day Expo Pass.

12:00 PM
Welcome & Introductions
Calvin Frye, Owner, Compassionate Care Givers of Studio City (Cloneville)

12:10 AM
Distribution and Marketing for Your Cannabis, CBD, and Hemp Products
Getting Shelf Space for Your Products and Keeping It!  

1:00 PM
The Process of Progressive and Dynamic Marketing for Cannabis, Hemp and CBD Products
The Road to Ubiquity: Marketing Methodology for Cannabis, Hemp and CBD Products

2:00 PM
Taking Advantage of the National Opportunities that the Explosive Cannabis Industry Offers
Crossing Over: Interstate Marketing Opportunities for Cannabis, Hemp and CBD Products

3:00 PM
“Take Me to Your Leader”
Future Marketing Outlook for Cannabis, Hemp and CBD

4:00 PM
Cocktail Reception, Networking and Collaboration