Saturday Sept. 12th 12-6pm
Focus: Cannabis Industry & Policy
Welcome Panel 12:30pm
Keynote Sponsor Welcome – Institute of Cannabis
Come listen and learn what the Institute of Cannabis is all about. NECANN’s programming partner will introduce you to what they do and how you can get involved through education and advocacy.
Keynote Speaker
Cara Crabb-Burnham
1:00pm – Alternative Cultivation Workshop
How do alternative cultivation methods and hardship growing work? Is it right for you? Led by policy experts & growing specialists, panelists will lead a discussion on requirements, procedures, and the process of this unique and important cultivation topic.
Dr. Keith Saunders, Ph.D.
Keith is a 5 term President of MassCann/NORML, and on the board of directors of the National Organization for the Reform of Marijuana Laws.
Dr. Uma Dhanabalan, MD, MPH, FAAFP, MRO.
With a Master’s in Public Health, Occupational and Environmental Medicine Residency and Fellowship from the Harvard School of Public Health in Boston, Dr. Dhanabalan is the Founder/CEO of Global Health & Hygiene Solutions, LLC. She is certified in Cannabis Medicine, doing Medical Marijuana recommendations at Uplifting Health & Wellness.
Ellen Brown
An instructor at New England Grass Roots Institute, Ellen has been a Cannabis Activist for over a decade, was named Nutritional Medicine Airmen of the year 2008, is a former Dispensary manager/cultivator of Nature’s Nexus in Northern CA (2010 -12),Co-Developed the 1st female grow seminar, and has served as a Radio Show Host.
Phil Hardy
Owner, The Hardy Consultants. In September 2014, Phil joined the team at Institute of Cannabis, installing the school’s mock indoor grow. He has become a well-known fixture in and around NIC and Uplifting Health and Wellness for his willingness to help the faculty, students, patients and with the cannabis community.
Ben Holmes
Centennial Seeds, founded by Ben in August 2009 to develop and produce high quality Cannabis seed for Colorado medical gardeners. The company was one of the very first of its kind in the U.S. Since 2004 Mr. Holmes has practiced and studied breeding and the process of cannabis seed production. Early on he recognized the value in preserving geographically isolated ‘landrace’ strains for use as breeding material.
2:15 – Cannabis Testing & Analysis
It’s extremely important to know what’s in your medicine and who’s checking it for you. We’ll have updates from the vital field of product testing (strength, purity, gene mapping) and lab experts discuss how the analysis process works and why it’s so crucial.
C.J. Schwartz
CEO and Founder, Marigene. CJ has a BS degree in Genetics and Cell Biology from the University of Minnesota and a PhD in Biochemistry from the University of Wisconsin. For the last decade Dr. Schwartz’s research has focused on the genetic differences that control flowering time. During that time he discovered that expression of a gene called Flowering Locus T leads to differential flowering time of plants and is dependent on their native locations.
Chris Hudalla
ProVerde Labs. A PhD analytical chemist with 25 years of research experience including chromatographic method development. Recognized worldwide as an expert in the field of Supercritical Fluid and Convergence Chromatography (SFC and CC) and an active leader in the development and implementation of the UltraPerformance Convergence Chromatography (UPC2) instrumentation
Scott Churchill
MCR Labs Director of Methodology and Compliance at MCR Labs. With over 18 years of professional experience in process engineering and pharmaceutical sciences, Scott provides ISO 17025 accredited laboratory testing for the cannabis community as well as research and development services. He earned his Bachelors of Science in Chemistry from Rivier University in 2005.
Arnold Heckman
CEO – Cannaline Custom Packaging. Since co-founding Cannaline in 2009, Arnold has helped the company design and manufacture many new types of packaging for the marijuana industry. He is widely regarded as an expert in flower, concentrates and edibles packaging.
3:30 – Medical Cannabis Legislation & Legalization
Even as dispensaries are finally opening in Massachusetts (and New England), the laws are still fuzzy and access is limited unless you know the do’s and don’ts. From caregivers to grow-at-home rights, possession of your medicine to procurement, it’s important that you know the facts. A panelist of veterans and experts will explain it all.
Jody Lehrer, J.D., M.P.A.
Institute of Cannabis. Jody teaches courses on understanding medical marijuana regulations and on laws in New England relating to cannabis. Conducted graduate research on Chapter 369 of the Acts of 2012, the “Act for the Humanitarian Medical Use of Marijuana.”
Bill Downing
Bay State Repeal. Bill Downing has extensive experience as both a serial entrepreneur and as a cannabis tradesman, activist and researcher. Having served 13 years as President of MASS CANN/NORML, Bill is the founder of Yankee Care Givers, serving cannabis products to over 1,000 medical marijuana patients at costs well-below street prices for third-party tested cannabis products of all sorts delivered to your door with no delivery charge.
Bill Flynn
President, MASS CANN/NORML
Nichole Snow
Executive Director, MPAA. Massachusetts Patient Advocacy Alliance is the organization responsible for passing Question 3 in 2012 which legalized marijuana for medical use. MPAA represents and assembles patients, dispensaries, caregivers, medical professionals, and public health groups to advocate for medical cannabis and licensed registered medical cannabis dispensaries.
Daniel Glissman
Attorney, PRINCE LOBEL TYE LLP, Daniel Glissman worked closely with Patriot Care dispensary to secure it’s approval in Boston.
4:45 – Dispensary Showcase: A look inside, and the process for patients
While you might not have one in your neighborhood (yet!) they are now open and accepting patients. The process can still be a mystery however, so we’ve invited the dispensary and their staff to speak directly to you about the process of becoming an MMJ patient.
The Thomas C. Slater Center, Providence, Rhode Island
New England Treatment Access (NETA), Northampton and Brookline, MA
…More to be added, check back for updates!!
Sunday Sept. 13th 12-6pm
Focus: Medicinal Cannabis Products & Practices
Welcome Panel 12:30pm
Keynote Sponsor Welcome – Institute of Cannabis
Come listen and learn what the Institute of Cannabis is all about. NECANN’s programming partner will introduce you to what they do and how you can get involved through education and advocacy.
Keynote Speaker
Dr. Uma Dhanabalan, MD, MPH, FAAFP, MRO.
1:00pm – Growing & Packaging Workshop
So you want to grow your own cannabis, now what? From proper soil, lighting and ventilation, to high-end sophisticated drying and curing, our experts will provide insight and answers. They’ll also be on hand to discuss packaging. Whether or not you’re interested in being a supplier, caregiver or someday owning your own dispensary, packaging is an essential part of properly delivering and storing your medicine. Learn more about including scent-proof packaging, preservation aids, and humidity control with industry professionals.
Jeffrey Gamache
Institute of Cannabis
Ellen Brown
Instructor at New England Grass Roots Institute. Cannabis Activist for over a decade, Air Combat Command, Nutritional Medicine Airmen of the year 2008, Former Dispensary manager/cultivator of Nature’s Nexus in Northern CA (2010 -12), Instructor at New England Grass Roots Institute, Co Developed 1st female grow seminar, Radio Show Host, Cannabis panelist at multiple New England Cannabis Convention area shows, Cannabis Commentator
George Campbell
East Coast Business Development Mgr, American Green. American Green became the first publicly traded medical marijuana dispensary brand in the world, back in 2009. Since then, the company has developed retail, brand, and commercial cultivating solutions in partnership with licensed retail medical marijuana dispensaries nationwide, which are operated under the company owned brand, American Green.
2:15pm – Edibles, Extracts & Concentrates
The basics of extracts, concentrates, infusions and topicals will be covered in this diverse and relatively new form of medical cannabis delivery alternatives. Professional extractors and edible experts will discuss the highs and lows of successfully making and using these products.
Daniel Fung
Theraplant, In addition to his angel-funder role supporting TheraPlant’s business development initiatives, Dan is also its Extraction Engineer with responsibility for all aspects of extractions for medicinal use, including procuring extraction equipment, improving extraction process, researching extraction technologies and assessing all delivery technologies. He is the inventor of the MedTab, a brand new homogenized, dosable form of dry MMJ Flowers.
Dan Epstein
Institute of Cannabis
Shanel Lindsay
Founder & President, Ardent Cannabis. Shanel Lindsay is an attorney and medical cannabis advocate A founding member and Vice-Chair of the Northeast Cannabis Coalition, dedicated to improving public understanding of cannabis’ medicinal benefits.
Bobby Nuggz
An award-winning extract artist, cannabis activist, and journalist, Bobby team won an award at 2013 Secret Cup finals in Denver and has judged cannabis cups all across the United States. In 2014 he was nominated for local male activist of the year by MassCann/NORML, and organized the “Focused Concentration” seminar in 2015. His writing has been featured in ReLeaf Magazine, Cider Mag, High Times.
3:30pm – Cannabis Media, Marketing and PR
Take a look inside the legalities and challenges of marketing and promoting the medical cannabis industry. Media professionals and journalists will talk about strategies and pitfalls, and what consumers should be aware of. From products to services, to advertising and promotions, the rules are different when it comes to medical cannabis.
Mikey Adams
WEEI, host of the “Planet Mikey” show. One of New England’s most well known broadcast personalities, Mikey is a graduate of the Connecticut School of Broadcasting with over 40 years of on-air experience in TV and radio. He has won 3 Emmy Awards, been named Boston’s Best Sports Anchor twice, and his unuique sense of humor makes him an in-demand host and MC for charity & fundraising events across New England.
Marcus Johnson-Smith
Kush Groove. Marcus is the co-founder of the Kush Groove lifestyle brand, a Boston based 420 clothing and accessories company bringing a multidisciplinary background in lifestyle entrepreneurship, writing and non-profit organizational management. He is also the founder and principal for Clearwater Branding Company, where he works with clients to develop actionable strategies to advance business growth. .
Mike Crawford
The Young Jurks, Dig Boston. Former President of MassCann/NORML and long time successful Boston MMJ activist, Mike is both a local radio host, and weekly “BLUNT TRUTH” Columnist at DigBoston.
Scott Bettano
WeedShare. Co-founder & CEO of Weedshare™ , a social media mobile application for the Cannabis Community. which lets you search for other members by geographic location and/or strain preference, connect with others in your area to meet up, match, swap strains and share good vibes.
4:45pm – Medicinal Use & Medical Applications
Take a look inside the legalities and challenges of marketing and promoting the medical cannabis industry. Media professionals and journalists will talk about strategies and pitfalls, and what consumers should be aware of. From products to services, to advertising and promotions, the rules are different when it comes to medical cannabis.
Dr. Uma Dhanabalan, MD, MPH, FAAFP, MRO.
With a Master’s in Public Health, Occupational and Environmental Medicine Residency and Fellowship from the Harvard School of Public Health in Boston, Dr. Dhanabalan is the Founder/CEO of Global Health & Hygiene Solutions, LLC. She is certified in Cannabis Medicine, doing Medical Marijuana recommendations at Uplifting Health & Wellness.
Andrew Mcintyre
Andrew is a pediatric advocate and caregiver and a spokesperson for reduced psychoactive uses of cannabis. He is a survivor of childhood epilepsy and a graduate of Pre-med Biology from Merrimack college. His life experiences led him into advocating for children with similar ailments to his own. He was one of the first CBD breeders in Maine to achieve 20:1 in state produced phenotypes from lower CBD origins. He brought the first baseline testing equipment (gas Chromatography) to Maine for pro bono use in supporting producers identify CBD rich strains in their breeding programs. He has donated his research or consulted on extractions, formulations, and genetics to many legal producers in New England to help them better serve their patients.
Dr. Gary Witman
CannaCare Docs. Educated at Brown University, Yale and Rutgers and board certified in Massachusetts, Connecticut, Rhode Island, Dr. Whitman is the author of numerous, peer reviewed research studies on oncology and the endocannabinoid system. He was also educated, in Massachusetts, at the Good Samaritan Hospital in Brockton, MA. In 2010, Dr. Witman survived a life altering accident and is now coping with the complexities of a major spinal chord injury.
Deana Martin
Mass. Private Caregiver
Panel Moderators:
Eve Marie Santana
Committed to the future of the cannabis in her community through advocacy work, including the Cannabis Chemistry Committee that is working towards becoming a division of the American Chemical Society.
Chris Faraone
Dig Boston, BINJ. News editor at Dig Boston, Chris is an award winning investigative journalist and author of three books. His work has also appeared in Boston magazine, In These Times, The American Prospect, and Esquire.com. He is also an instructor at the Institute of Cannabis, and the founder of the Boston Institute for Nonprofit Journalism.
