Policy Pavilion
Legalize it.
The Policy Pavilion is your hub for all things related to cannabis legalization and policy. Join us for substantive discussions on state and federal law. See our 2025 schedule below. All sessions in the Policy Pavilion will have ASL interpretation.
2025 Schedule
Friday, July 18
4:30pm
Breaking the Block: The Harris Rider & Advocacy in the DMV
Learn how the Harris Rider blocks D.C. from regulating cannabis sales — and what you can do about it. This workshop breaks down the impact of the Harris Rider and shares tools to effectively lobby lawmakers and push for real cannabis reform.
Pamela Wexler, Co-Founder, Plant Medicine Peer Network, Inc
5:00pm
Overdose Training & Harm Reduction Tools with SSDP
This workshop is for any one who wants to learn more about harm reduction and the role you can play in overdose prevention! Participants will learn the basics of naloxone, the dos and don’ts of its use, the technicalities of consent as part of the process, and other harm reduction techniques. Please come prepared with questions as there will be time to hear from the SSDP Team! All those who complete the workshop will receive one of our new SSDP HOPE Kits.
Merryn Spence, Elected Board Member, SSDP
Naomi Shifman, Harm Reduction Specialist, SSDP Alum
5:45pm
Speak Up, Spark Change: How to Lobby for Cannabis Reform
Want to make a difference in cannabis policy? Learn how to effectively engage with legislators and shape the future of cannabis policy through informed, strategic advocacy. Explore the do’s and don'ts of lobbying, how to share your story, and how to push for real change—whether you’re a patient, advocate, or business owner.
Morgan Fox, Political Director, NORML
Michelle Rutter Friberg, Director of Government Relations, National Cannabis Industry Association
6:15pm
High Stakes: Congress and the Future of Federal Cannabis Law
Over the past decade and half, 24 states legalized marijuana for adult use, yet it remains illegal at the federal level and Congress may even be on the verge of recriminalizing hemp derivatives, such as Delta 8 products.This panel will provide an overview of various marijuana-related bills in Congress, an update on Biden’s proposal to reschedule marijuana at the federal level, and ips on how the public y can get involved to make sure federal marijuana reform prioritizes those who have been most harmed by criminalization.
Nina Patel, Senior Policy Counsel, ACLU
Morgan Fox, Political Director, NORML
Zachary Ruppel, Policy Analyst, JustLeadershipUSA
Maritza Perez Medina, Director of Federal Affairs, Drug Policy Alliance
Kat Murti, Executive Director, SSDP
Moderated by Michael Liszewski, Principal and Founder, Enact Group
7:15pm
Free Market Cannabis: The Case Against License Caps
This panel tackles the question, "Should state governments limit the number of Cannabis business licenses or grant licenses to anyone with a viable business plan?" Speakers discuss arguments for and against license caps. Speakers promote free market cannabis and cottage industry producers (home-based businesses).
Luke Jones, Director, Maryland NORML
Nicholas Patrick, Co-Founder and President, The Maryland Healthy Alternatives Association
Saturday, July 19
2:30pm
Record Sealing, Expungement, and a Second Chance
The Second Chance Amendment Act is helping DC residents get their record sealed or expunged so that they can move forward with their lives. We will inform the audience how DC has taken a huge step forward by helping people convicted of most misdemeanors and some felonies receive an opportunity for record relief.
Nye Winslow, Policy Counsel, DC Justice Lab
Kaila Harris, DSCC IE Special Projects Director
3:15pm
Cannabis & Civic Engagement: Igniting Change
This panel discussion will explore the evolving landscape of cannabis policy and the role civic engagement plays in shaping equitable regulations. Industry Leaders, Cannabis Business Owners, and Advocates will discuss strategies for community-driven reform, social equity, and expanding legal access.
Devin Alexander, CEO, Rolling Releaf
Tauhid Chappell, Executive Director of NJ Dept. Of State’s Cannabis Training Academy
Tahir Johnson, Owner, Simply Pure - Trenton
James Jackson, Founder, Yerrr.us
4:00pm
Legalization Under Fire: Emerging Threats to Progress
This discussion will put a spotlight on the increasing number of attempts to repeal or roll back cannabis policy reforms in states across the country. Panelists will illustrate how these threats are interconnected, how they aim to jeopardize past reform achievements and future prospects, and what advocates are doing to push back.
Lauren Daly, Interim Executive Director, Marijuana Policy Project
Kevin Caldwell, Southeast Legislative Manager, Marijuana Policy Project
Morgan Fox, Director of Communications, NORML
Mariah Bond, 117 Consulting
Pepper Peterson, President and CEO, Montana Cannabis Guild
4:45pm
Protect the District
Explores how D.C.’s fight for statehood and home rule is tied to cannabis justice. Learn how congressional interference blocks local control and how advocates are pushing for equity, autonomy, and restorative justice in the nation’s capital.
Kelsye Adams, Director, DC Vote
Teej Dargan, General Manager/Head of Cultivation for Sun Valley Farms/Green Dragon
Shelby Fountain, Founder, Blunt Sluts Cannabis Club
Ty Hobson-Powell, Cannabis Cultural Historian and Activist
Malik Sneed, Co-Owner, Corner Store Cultivation
Moderated by Ashley McPherson, Owner, McFierce Experience
4:45pm
The Next Frontier: Opportunities and Challenges in the South
A robust discussion on the opportunities and challenges facing cannabis advocates in the South.
Kevin Caldwell, Southeast Legislative Manager, Marijuana Policy Project
5:30pm
From Boots to Bud: Veterans & Cannabis Access
Veterans are turning to cannabis for relief from pain, PTSD, and more. This session explores how vets across the country are accessing plant medicine and advocating for policy change and holistic healing.
CJ Cowgill, Director of Operation 1620, Balanced Veterans Network
Deborah Snow, Owner and Chief Operations Officer at Dank Poet Dispensary LLC
Lance Lambert, CMO, Grove Bags
Jennifer Bailey, Founder/CEO - Homegrown4Heroes
6:15pm
Workforce Development - Employment Protections for Cannabis Consumers
This panel will address the origin of cannabis prohibition and how it still permeates the modern workplace. We will work to educate attendees on best policies they can take back home to advocate for that will end discrimination of cannabis consumers in the workplace.
Christopher Cano, Director of Political & Legislative Affairs - SEIU Local 500
Justin Strekal
7:00pm
Capital Cannabis
DC's medical cannabis program is rapidly expanding. Join licensed DC entrepreneurs for a conversation on the past, present, and future of weed in the Nation's Capital.
Robbie Martin, President, DC Cannabis Business Association