Brasco and SRĐA, Partnerships and Events Manager at Travel Agency.. discussed the establishment and growth of their social equity cannabis businesses in New York.

SRĐA explained how their partnership with the DOE fund, which supports individuals transitioning from former incarceration, homelessness, and other issues, has been instrumental in their expansion. They have opened three stores in Manhattan and Brooklyn, with plans for more.

SRĐA highlighted the importance of their non-profit partnership, which provides infrastructural support and fosters relationships with community leaders. They also emphasized their commitment to hiring formerly incarcerated individuals and legacy operators, providing them with opportunities to thrive in the legal cannabis industry.

Jim Higdon, co-founder of Cornbread Hemp, discussed the implications of California's hemp regulations, which ban hemp products with any detectable THC. He criticized Governor Gavin Newsom for aligning with the House Freedom Caucus and issuing strict regulations without legislative approval. Higdon highlighted the need for federal regulation through the Farm Bill, noting delays and potential negative amendments.

He praised Senator Ron Wyden's Cannabinoid Safety Regulation Act and Senator Rand Paul's Hemp Economic Mobilization Act, which the latter could raise THC limits to 1%. Cornbread Hemp recently launched USDA-certified organic THC gummies, available in 49 states, emphasizing responsible sales practices.

Jonathan Robbins discuss the Florida cannabis industry and the upcoming vote on Amendment 3, which could expand Florida's cannabis program from medical to adult use. Robbins, Chair of Akerman's Cannabis Practice, highlights the well-funded pro-Amendment 3 campaign led by medical marijuana treatment centers, contrasting with Governor DeSantis's opposition. He notes the need for 60% voter approval and the potential tax revenue increase from $2 billion from $500 million annually. Robbins also addresses the regulatory challenges, including enforcement and social equity, and emphasizes the importance of responsible industry practices.

Ryan Thomas, Director of Marketing at Aeriz, shares the company's journey to success in the competitive cannabis market. He emphasizes the importance of consistent branding, a passionate team connected to cannabis culture, and a diverse product line featuring live rosin batter, live resin vapes, hash drops, and edibles. Aeriz's commitment to quality has earned them recognition, including being named one of Marijuana Venture's 40 under 40 and securing awards for their products, like the Jenny Kush strain and Lucid Blue live resin, in the New Times Best of Phoenix edition.

Thomas highlights the company's unique approach to marketing, building an in-house agency over the past seven years. This allows for greater creative control and agility, fostering a strong brand identity. He discusses the challenges of navigating the evolving cannabis market, including pricing strategies in light of awards and seasonal fluctuations.

Kyle Neathery, CEO of Samson Extracts, discussed their significant growth, extracting and processing over 1.5 million pounds of biomass in 2023, aiming for 3 million in 2024. They are expanding domestically and exploring international markets, particularly in Europe and South America. Neathery expressed concerns about the expired 2018 Farm Bill and its impact on the industry, highlighting the need for regulation to ensure product quality and safety. Samson Extracts focuses on GMP-certified operations and advanced extraction techniques, aiming for high purity and affordability. They also launched a skincare line, Wiregrass Wellness, to diversify their product offerings.

Vanessa Yee-Chan, owner of Alta, the first legal cannabis dispensary in Chinatown, NYC, shares her journey of launching the business rooted in her family's history with the building. The dispensary emphasizes supporting local businesses and integrating with the community through educational outreach and partnerships, particularly targeting newer generations of Asian Americans. Alta focuses on women's health, offering products designed for menstrual pain and anxiety in a boutique-inspired store. The aesthetic features a pink, white, and gold design, and products are organized by mood. Vanessa also highlights the importance of community engagement and plans for future in-store events, all while adapting offerings based on customer feedback.

Dr. Monica Werkheiser, a leading cannabis advocate and former pharmacist, discussed her transition from traditional pharmacy to cannabis advocacy. She highlighted her efforts in Pennsylvania to include anxiety as a qualifying condition for medical marijuana, citing studies showing cannabis's benefits for anxiety, sleep, and pain. Dr. Werkheiser emphasized the importance of dose control and education in cannabis use. She also detailed the design and community-focused approach of her new dispensary, Canna Remedies, in Ewing Township, New Jersey, which aims to provide a welcoming, educational environment for customers. The dispensary offers a range of products, including flowers, edibles, and concentrates, and hosts community events and classes.

Elisabeth Chambry, a media professional and product developer, discusses her journey of creating a unique, concealed smoking apparatus. Inspired by a desire for both form and function, she designed a bong disguised as a decorative object, emphasizing discreetness and timeless design with Mantelpiece. The manufacturing process, which prioritizes sustainability and fair labor practices, is detailed, including the challenges of finding a suitable factory and the use of high-quality materials like borosilicate glass.

Elisabeth also outlines her plans for product line expansion, patent acquisition, and strategic promotion through partnerships and media outreach. The limited-edition nature of the first release, featuring a unique engraving, is highlighted, alongside a commitment to donating a portion of the profits to the Last Prisoner Project.