High stakes: 2024 election + next steps at MJBizCon

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October 17, 2024 l Sign Me Up

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No doubt, many aspects and regions of the cannabis industry have been feeling up Schitt's Creek without a paddle.

But the promise of a big win on the horizon with both presidential candidates supporting marijuana initiatives from legalization to rescheduling and banking reform.

Source: Schitts Creek via CBC / giphy.com

We're an aye for progress!

Join us Dec. 3-6 at MJBizCon to break down the DEA's Rescheduling hearing and the 2024 election results with industry experts. Learn what the outcomes mean for cannabis and hemp companies and how you can maximize growth in the wave of change.

Here are a few headlines to track in the meantime:

VP Kamala Harris pledges Black jobs in federal marijuana legalization
Legal challenge will loom over Nebraska medical marijuana legalization vote
How likely is passage of Florida's adult-use marijuana legalization measure?
Trump endorses Florida marijuana legalization, embraces rescheduling

For the latest election coverage, be sure to follow us @MJBizDaily and bookmark this election coverage page for ongoing updates and be sure to read our election issue of MJBizMagazine for a deep dive into candidates and ballot measures.

Scroll down for highlights on our State of the Industry keynote panel – complete with MJBizDaily's annual industry predictions – and session highlights throughout the week focused on the election aftermath, outlook for Rescheduling and the future of banking reform.

Important: Book your MJBizCon tickets by end of day TODAY to save up to $300! Rates go up tomorrow.

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MAIN STAGE

The State of Cannabis in 2024: Achieving Success While Navigating Industry Upheaval

Wed, Dec. 4 • 9:00 - 9:30 a.m.

The cannabis industry has experienced significant turbulence and transformation in 2024. This session is a must-attend panel discussion for anyone looking to stay informed about the latest challenges and opportunities in the cannabis industry. The panelists will provide a comprehensive update on key industry developments from the past year. Attendees also will hear a forecast about how the industry landscape will change in 2025 and how businesses can leverage new opportunities to chart a path to success.

Marcia Pledger

Florida State Director, Minorities for Medical Marijuana

A Whether it's playing a role in developing a cannabis conference in Ohio, or serving as Florida state director for Minorities for Medical Marijuana, Marcia Pledger is a freelance business journalist and editor based in Florida who firmly believes that people make better decisions when they're informed. She's the former editorial and engagement editor at the Florida Times-Union, where she was the first woman and first person of color in this key role in Jacksonville, Florida's largest city.

Chris Casacchia

Reporter, MJBizDaily

An award-winning journalist, editor and media consultant based in Los Angeles, Chris Casacchia has profiled some of the most influential executives and companies in the world in roles at the Orange County Business Journal and Phoenix Business Journal. His work has also appeared in MSN Money, Los Angeles Business Journal, California Business Journal, Sporting News and other major outlets. He earned a Master's degree from Arizona State University's Walter Cronkite School of Journalism, where he served as an adjunct professor.

Chris Roberts

Staff Writer, MJBizDaily

Chris has covered cannabis since spending a few months in Humboldt County in 2009, with bylines in The Guardian, VICE, Daily Beast, SF Weekly, Forbes.com, Leafly and many others. He won an investigative reporting award for a Curbed SF series revealing fraud at a radioactive U.S. Navy shipyard in San Francisco. He lives in New York City.

Omar Sacirbey

Magazine Editor, MJBizMagazine

Omar has been a professional journalist since 1998, covering everything from international business and Wall Street to politics and religion. His stories have appeared in Newsweek International, The New York Times, The Washington Post, USA Today and other major outlets. Omar graduated from the Columbia University Graduate School of Journalism in 1998, and before that, he was a Bosnian diplomat. He is based in Boston.

Kate Lavin – Moderator

Managing Editor, MJBiz

Kate previously served as editor of MJBizMagazine, which provides tips and actionable advice to marijuana business executives. She brings to the MJBizDaily team more than 20 years of editorial experience, including a decade managing a wine industry trade magazine in California. Kate graduated from the University of Colorado at Boulder with a degree in print journalism, and her career has seen her working in newsrooms of daily newspapers across the U.S.

View the MJBizCon agenda

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RETAIL + BRAND

How THC Brands Can Expand in Your State, New Markets and Canada

Thurs, Dec. 5 • 10:00 - 10:40 a.m.

This panel will delve into the intricate dynamics of acquisitions within the cannabis sector, featuring key insights from major players Acreage Holdings, Canopy Growth Corp. and Wana Brands. The discussion will explore their acquisition strategies, lessons learned and how they've managed to expand successfully both domestically and internationally. The panel aims to provide actionable insights and potentially breaking news relevant to the industry's future.

Joe Hodas

Chief Executive Officer, Wana Brands

Rebecca Kirk

Chief Operating Office, Acreage Holdings

Ron Gershoni

Co-founder & CEO, Jetty Extracts

BUSINESS SERVICES & POLICY

Now What? How Rescheduling Will Impact the Future of the Cannabis Industry

Thurs, Dec. 5 • 10:50 - 11:30 a.m.

As the landscape of cannabis regulation undergoes a transformative shift with potential rescheduling on the horizon, industry stakeholders are at a critical juncture. This panel discussion will explore the anticipated impacts of rescheduling on the cannabis sector and give strategic direction for advocates and industry leaders. Panelists will provide a clearer understanding of the Rescheduling process, its implications for the industry and actionable strategies to shape a more robust and resilient cannabis sector.

Aaron Smith

Executive Director, National Cannabis Industry Association

Rod Kight

Attorney, Kight Law

Debbie Tharp

Writer, NuggMD

BUSINESS SERVICES & POLICY

Navigating New Horizons: The Impact of the SAFE Act on the Cannabis Industry

Thurs, Dec. 5 • 3:40 - 4:20 p.m.

Passage of the SAFE (Secure and Fair Enforcement) Banking Act represents a significant milestone with the potential to reshape the industry landscape. Panelists will discuss how the SAFE Act – designed to provide legal clarity for cannabis businesses working with financial institutions – will influence various aspects of the industry. Join this insightful exploration into the SAFE Act's implications for cannabis banking, investment opportunities and overall growth.