2024 ICIA Policy & Advocacy Summit Agenda
Wednesday, November 13 - Friday, November 15
The Long View Gallery
1234 9th Street, NW, Washington, DC
Wednesday, November 13, 2024
8:30am
Coffee and Breakfast Mixer
9:30am
Opening Remarks
Rob Pero, Founder and President, Indigenous Cannabis Industry Association
Mary Jane Oatman, Executive Director, Indigenous Cannabis Industry Association
10:00am
Legislation, Regulation, Practicalities, and Indian Country Cannabis
Right now, communities across Indian Country are building out tribal regulations and standards for cannabis and cannabinoids. What can we learn from the challenges and success so far? What commonalities and lessons can be drawn from the gaming industry and applied to this new marketplace?
Mary Jane Oatman, Executive Director, Indigenous Cannabis Industry Association
Samantha Skenandore, Partner, Patterson Earnhart Real Bird & Wilson LLP
Michael Decorah, Senior Intergovernmental Affairs Specialist, St. Croix Chippewa Indians of Wisconsin
11:00am
Networking Break
11:30am
West to East Coast Perspectives on Cannabis Rescheduling
Cannabis rescheduling has major implications for all cannabis business owners and patients. Learn about potential challenges and opportunities for Tribes and Tribally licensed & regulated programs across the United States.
Alicia Fall, Her Many Voices Foundation
Saydee Whitebird, Fond du Lac Tribe, Minnesota
Moderated by Rob Pero, Founder and President, Indigenous Cannabis Industry Association
12:30pm
Keynote Address: The Legalities, Science, and Testing of Hemp Derivatives Like CBD and Delta-8
This keynote will address the complex legal and regulatory challenges posed by the rise of CBD and cannabis derivatives like Delta-8 and Delta-10 following the 2018 Farm Bill. We'll explore the impact on law enforcement, workplace testing, and lawsuits related to mislabeled products — as well as the testing methods used for these substances.
Judge Mary Celeste, Denver, CO
1:00pm
Lunch
Please explore our list of recommended nearby restaurants on the Summit Location Page. Be sure to be back in time for afternoon sessions starting at 2:25pm.
2:25pm
Documentary Trailer: Bad Medicine
2:30pm
Using Data to Drive Policy
Discover how data-driven insights are transforming the policy-making process in the cannabis industry in this panel discussion. Learn how leveraging data analytics can improve decision-making, enhance public services, and address societal challenges more effectively.
Beau Whitney, Business Consultant, Economist, Policy Advisor, Whitney Economics
Matthew Klas, Senior Associate, KlasRobinson Q.E.D.
Kristi Kem, DOPE CFO Certified Advisors
Bonny Jo Peterson, Executive Director and Founder of the Industrial Hemp Association of WA
Moderated by Hunter Buffington, Director, Agriculture Policy Solutions
3:30pm
Research Spotlight: Known Risks of Cannabis Use & Ability to Test for these Threats
Join us for a talk highlighting the latest groundbreaking research results on the health impacts caused by improper cultivation, processing, product manufacturing, and testing regulations. Explore the latest findings on the impact of testing on consumer public health and consumer safety.
4:15pm
Unraveling the Connection: Exploring the Overlap Between PTSD and Clinical Endocannabinoid Deficiency (CED)
This presentation explores the overlap between Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) and Clinical Endocannabinoid Deficiency (CED), examining how disruptions in the body's endocannabinoid system may contribute to PTSD symptoms. It will highlight diagnostic challenges and discuss potential therapeutic implications for distinguishing between these two conditions.
Dr. Joseph Rosado, MD, International Medical Consultants, Inc.
5:00pm
ICIA Day One Closing Remarks and Reflections
Rob Pero, Founder and President, Indigenous Cannabis Industry Association
5:15pm
Happy Hour Reception
Join us directly after the conference program ends for the day for a happy hour reception and light appetizers!
Thursday, November 14, 2024
8:30am
Coffee and Breakfast Mixer
9:30am
Welcome
Rob Pero, Founder and President, Indigenous Cannabis Industry Association
Mary Jane Oatman, Executive Director, Indigenous Cannabis Industry Association
Joni Mcspadden, Membership Director, Indigenous Cannabis Industry Association
9:45am
Documentary Screening: The Green Buffalo
10:15am
Hemp & Cannabis Partner Updates
2024 was a historic year for hemp and cannabis policy in the United States. Join some of ICIA’s key partners for a round robin-style talk on the latest developments, collaborations, and strategic updates in the hemp and cannabis industries.
Morris Beegle, President, We Are For Better Alternatives (WAFBA)
Jason Ortiz, Director of Strategic Initiatives, Last Prisoner Project
Jonathan Miller, General Counsel, US Hemp Roundtable
Mike Lomuto, Board Chair, Minority Cannabis Business Association
Chelsea Higgs Wise, Executive Director, Marijuana Justice
Dominique Mendiola, CANNRA
Kristin Jordan, Asian Cannabis Roundtable
11:15am
Q & A Session
Forrest Parker, Director, Conservation & Community Outreach, Eastern Band of Cherokee
11:30am
Break
11:45am
Risk Management and Liability in Indian Country: Protecting Communities, Brands and Homelands
Experts will address the unique challenges of risk management and liability in Indian Country, focusing on safeguarding communities, brands, and tribal homelands. Learn strategies for navigating legal, cultural, and business risks while ensuring long-term protection and success.
Ben Halley, COO, Honest Cannabis
Cat Packer, Director of Drug Markets and Legal Regulation, Drug Policy Alliance
Zach Wilson, CEO Waabigwan Mashkiki
Chairman Mike Fairbanks, White Earth Reservation
Moderated by: Caroline Phillips, Founder, National Cannabis Festival
12:45pm
Federal Cannabis Legalization Update and Q&A
With the election of a new federal government, our experts will discuss the latest updates on federal cannabis legalization efforts and the election’s potential impact on the industry. Join us for this Q&A session to ask key questions and explore how upcoming legislative changes could shape the future of cannabis policy.
Morgan Fox, Political Director, NORML
Michelle Rutter Friberg, Director, Government Relations, National Cannabis Industry Association
1:30pm
Lunch Break
Lunch is provided courtesy of ICIA Sponsors.
2:25pm
Documentary Trailer: Bad Medicine
2:30pm
The Landscape of International Trade, Commerce, and Banking in Cannabis and Hemp
This talk explores the rapidly evolving landscape of international trade and commerce in the cannabis and hemp industries. Gain insights into global market trends, regulatory challenges, and opportunities for businesses looking to expand across borders.
Jana Simmons, Partner, Ropers Majeski
Jake Bergmann, Iconoclast Ventures
Hector “Freedom” Gerardo, Farmer/Co-Owner SEAmarron Farmstead/ 1Freedom For All/ Venture Farming Institute
Jillian Reddish, Global Cannabis Network Collective
Renzo G. Mejia, Mejia Strategies
Moderated by Rob Pero, Founder and President, Indigenous Cannabis Industry Association
3:15pm
Lessons Learned from Patchwork State Hemp and Cannabis Regulation
How does the current fractured approach to cannabis regulation from state to state impact public health, consumer safety, and Tribal Sovereignty?
Dominique Mendiola, CANNRA
Hunter Buffington, Director Agriculture Policy Solutions
Moderated by Mary Jane Oatman, Executive Director, Indigenous Cannabis Industry Association
4:00 pm
What to Know When You're Ready to Build
The panelists will discuss their current hemp building projects and the building codes and standards that form the basis for legal construction. The panel will also consider what codes and standards are still needed or being considered to move hemp forward as a safe and long-term solution for building and construction materials for tribes.
Hunter Buffington, Director, Agriculture Policy Solutions
Chryss Wilson, Tribal Elder Hemp and Cannabis Advocate
Bonny Jo Peterson, Executive Director and Founder of the Industrial Hemp Association of WA
William Mitchell, Board Member, Prairie Band Bank, LLC
Moderated by Mary Jane Oatman, Executive Director, Indigenous Cannabis Industry Association
4:45 pm
ICIA Day Two Closing Remarks and Reflections
Mary Jane Oatman, Executive Director, Indigenous Cannabis Industry Association
7:30-10:00pm
2024 ICIA Awards Reception and Celebration
ICIA Summit ticket holders are invited to join us for an evening of celebration as we present the ICIA Awards to recipients in advocacy, business and tribal communities.
After dinner (see nearby options here), return to the Long View Gallery and make your grand entrance on the green carpet before you enjoy an unforgettable evening of music, dancing, a sumptuous dessert buffet.
Cocktail or business attire recommended.
Friday, November 15, 2024
8:30am
Coffee and Breakfast Mixer
9:30am
Charting a Regulatory Path Forward
Join ICIA experts for a lively discussion on historical attempts to protect Indian Country cannabis interests, legislation like the Blumenauer Bill and the draft of an ICIA Bill, and charting a regulatory path forward into the new administration in 2025 and beyond.
Mike Lomuto, Board Chair, Minority Cannabis Business Association
Mary Jane Oatman, Executive Director, Indigenous Cannabis Industry Association
Samantha Skenandore, Partner, Patterson Earnhart Real Bird & Wilson LLP
10:15am
Keynote Address: Confronting Multigenerational Trauma in the Global Indigenous Community
This keynote address will delve into the deep-rooted issue of multigenerational trauma within global Indigenous communities, examining its lasting impacts on health, culture, and identity. How can we foster healing and resilience while honoring the unique histories of Indigenous people?
Scheril Murray-Powell, Esq. , Founder, JUSTUS Foundation
11:00am
Networking Break
11:15am
Keynote Address
Dasheeda Dawson, Founding Director, NYC Cannabis
11:45am
Strategy Session
Cat Packer, Director of Drug Markets and Legal Regulation, Drug Policy Alliance
Samantha Skenandore, Partner, Patterson Earnhart Real Bird & Wilson LLP
1:30pm
ICIA Day 3 Closing Remarks and Reflections
Mary Jane Oatman, Executive Director, Indigenous Cannabis Industry Association
Samantha Skenandore, Partner, Patterson Earnhart Real Bird & Wilson LLP