Policy Pavilion

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 the proposal to reschedule marijuana, and the efforts to ensure those most harmed by marijuana criminalization are prioritized in federal marijuana policy reform.

• Maritza Perez Medina, Director of Federal Affairs, Drug Policy Alliance

• Kat Murti, Executive Director, SSDP

• Nithya Nathan-Pineau, Policy Attorney & Strategist, Immigrant Legal Resource Center

• Zachary Ruppel, Policy Analyst, JustLeadershipUSA

• 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, Political Director, 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, Social Impact Strategist

• Malik Sneed, Co-Owner, Corner Store Cultivation

• Moderated by Ashley McPherson, Founder, Lifted Libations + McFierce Experience and Beverage Director, The Whiskey Bar Anacostia

5:30pm

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

• Matt Rogers

6:15pm

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

7:00pm

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, Communications Coordinator, COSMIC

7:45pm

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.

• Trey Brown, Head of Operations, King Weedy

• Barry Doyle, Founder, Embers

• Robbie Martin, President, DC Cannabis Business Association

• Mark Nagib, Founder, Pink Fox