New England’s largest cannabis convention returns to Vermont for the second year on May 18-19, 2019 at the Champlain Valley Exposition. We’ve got two full days of exhibitions, educational seminars, and speakers on to medical marijuana, tax and regulate, industrial hemp, CBD wellness products, and the ever-growing New England cannabis industry. This event is brought to you by New England Cannabis Conventions and Heady Vermont.
Lt. Gov. Dave Zuckerman’s keynote speech at the Vermont Cannabis and Hemp Convention at the DoubleTree Hilton in Burlington on Saturday, May 12 2018. by Judd Lamphere/JAM Creative for Heady Vermont
The convention itself will take place at the Champlain Valley Exposition in Essex Junction, with 100+ exhibitors and vendors from all over New England, including CBD purveyors, medical marijuana dispensaries, home cultivation suppliers, advocacy groups, and a wide range of ancillary businesses related to the cannabis plant and industry.
Our keynote speaker on Saturday is Larisa Bolivar, M.A., founder and CEO of Bolivar Hemp Company, a hemp-based line of topical and skincare products. She has over 18 years’ experience in the cannabis space, leading in multiple capacities, and is a recognized industry pioneer in Colorado by Sensi Magazine. Check out our interview with Larisa from earlier this year, and Seven Days’ recent feature on Larisa in their cannabis issue.
Keynoting on Sunday is Vermont Lt. Gov David Zuckerman, a longtime progressive and a champion of cannabis reform in the Green Mountain State. During his two decades in Vermont politics, Lt. Gov. Zuckerman’s success has been in mobilizing and organizing grassroots support for progressive issues from same-sex marriage to GMO labelling to livable wages. Check out our 2016 interview with Lt. Gov Zuckerman on progressive politics, organic farming and all things cannabis.
PANEL 1 – Business Track: Tax-and-Regulate Startup Lessons From Legal States
Join a panel of experts with in-depth knowledge of the adult-use cannabis industry in legal states around the country as they talk about the process of going from an exclusively medical to a fully taxed and regulated market. They’ll offer firsthand insights into the opportunities and pitfalls inherent in a nascent legal industry.
Speakers: Jeremy Shaw, Vicente Sederberg; Chris Walsh, Grassroots Vermont; Aaron Bluse, Altitude Organic Vermont; Victoria Veldon, Seven Leaf Organics
2:30 PM
Demo: Securing Your Cannabis Crop ft. Vermont Security
Booth 106 Speaker: Jesse Harper, Vermont Security
2:45 PM
PANEL 2 – Medical Track: Using Cannabis for Medical and Therapeutic Purposes
This panel of distinguished medical experts will share information about the therapeutic use of cannabinoids and other compounds found in the cannabis plant. Learn how the plant’s synergistic botany works in conjunction with the endocannabinoid system to treat various ailments, and get insider information on new developments in the medical cannabis industry.
Speakers: Jessilyn Dolan, R.N., Vermont Cannabis Nurses’ Association; Dr. John Johansson, D.O., Champlain Sports Medicine; Lisa Powers, RN, MSN, American Cannabis Nurses Association
3:45 PM
PANEL 3 – Cultivation Track: Expert advice for Hobby Growing, Commercial Cultivation, and Outdoor Gardening
Share in the wealth of decades of growing wisdom from this panel of master cultivators. They’ll speak to the needs of commercial grow operations, and offer tips and techniques for cultivators operating both outdoors and indoors.
Speakers: Stephanie Waterman, White River Grow Pro; Ryan Podd, Northern Roots Nursery; Joe Veldon, Seven Leaf Genetics; Dominique Acilio, Grassroots Vermont
4:45 PM
PANEL 4 – Business Track: Professional Services for Cannabis Businesses
Nobody likes taxes or laws! But every business – whether it’s a start-up or well established – needs excellent legal, insurance, and accounting services. The cannabis industry in particular offers unique challenges, with important details that every business owner needs to know to insure themselves against unnecessary expenses or devastating financial loss and damage.
Afterparty begins at Nectar’s: 188 Main Street Burlington, VT 05401
SUNDAY, MAY 19
Time
Description
11:00 AM
Doors Open
11:30 AM
Sunday Keynote: Vermont Lt. Gov. David Zuckerman
12:00 PM
PANEL 5 – Cultivation Track – From Soil to Oil: Extraction methods, costs, and options for growers, product-makers, and consumers
How many ways are there to process cannabis for commercial production? This panel will take you from flower to shelf, and talk about potential outputs as you work to create value-added products from your harvest. Learn about techniques, costs, required investments, harvesting, processing, and extraction.
Speakers: Carl Christianson, Ph.D, Northeast Processing; John MacKay, Synergistic Technologies Associates
1:00 PM
PANEL 6 – Business Track – Successfully Launching and Marketing Your Legal Cannabis Brand
We’ve come a long way from the late 20th century “bongs’n’thongs” ads in High Times. There are numerous ways to market cannabis, and increasing normalization of cannabis use is lending itself to a wide spectrum of branding opportunities. We’ll delve into industry research, knowing your target demographic, successful branding case studies, the importance of analytics, and the nuances of marketing amidst a patchwork of conflicting state and federal regulations.
Speakers: Beth Waterfall, Elevate NE; Will Read, CannaPlanners; Samantha Madden, Luce Farm; Monica Donovan, JAM Creative
2:00 PM
PANEL 7 – Business Track – The CBD and Hemp Industry in Vermont: Challenges and Opportunities in 2019 and Beyond
With regulatory oversight of CBD transferring from the DEA to the FDA, hemp growers and makers are finding themselves in a legal grey area, and the transition will have a multitude of ramifications for hemp-based businesses. This session is intended to highlight regulatory changes, both in Vermont and on the federal level, and show how businesses can best prepare themselves for the upcoming shifts.
Speakers: Kathy Desmond, Vermont Hemp Company; Andrew Subin, Vermont Cannabis Solutions; Nicole Dehne, Northeast Organic Farming Association (NOFA-VT)
3:00 PM
PANEL 8 – Cannabis Analytics: What Consumers and Professionals Need to Know
Cannabis extraction and analytical testing, while complex, are crucial to creating accountability and transparency in cannabis business operations – as well as ensuring reliable, high quality products. This panel of innovative industry leaders will address staying compliant in the face of changing regulations, and how to navigate the various options available in testing and analysis.
4:20 PM
CLOSING TOAST ON SHOW FLOOR
5:00 PM
Show Closes
Show Map
Show Map
Explore the exhibition hall before you arrive, via the interactive map below!
Ms. Bolivar will be presenting on Saturday, May 18 at 1:00 p.m.
Larisa Bolivar, M.A., founder and CEO of Bolivar Hemp Company, a hemp-based line of topical and skincare products, has over 18 years’ experience in the cannabis space, leading in multiple capacities, and is a recognized industry pioneer in Colorado by Sensi Magazine.
Having previously owned and operated a dispensary pre-regulations after Colorado passed Amendment 20 legalizing medical cannabis, Ms. Bolivar has spent the last 10 years working on cannabis policy, helping clients with developing their businesses including licensing, organizational development, writing standard operating procedures, brand expansion and recognition.
Ms. Bolivar is passionate about consumer rights and in addition to launching nonprofit consumer advocacy group Cannabis Consumers Coalition in 2014, of which she is executive director, Ms. Bolivar serves on the Board of Directors of Colorado NORML. She has published articles in respected publications such as the Denver Post, and in 2017, she published the Cannabis Consumers Coalition: 2017 Report on Cannabis Consumer Demographics and Consumption Habits that was mentioned by Forbe’s, Now Weed, High Times Magazine, Entrepreneur and Investing News. A well-recognized global expert on cannabis policy, industry and business, Ms. Bolivar has been featured and quoted in multiple publications and speaks on a variety of cannabis business and advocacy topics at major conferences around the globe.
Lt. Gov. Zuckerman will be presenting on Sunday, May 19 at 11:30 a.m.
Lt. Gov. Dave Zuckerman’s keynote speech at the Vermont Cannabis and Hemp Convention at the DoubleTree Hilton in Burlington on Saturday, May 12 2018. by Judd Lamphere/JAM Creative for Heady Vermont
Inspired in 1992 by then Congressman Bernie Sanders, David engaged in Bernie’s campaign and other local races. In 1994 while studying at UVM, he was asked to run for the Vermont House. He lost by 59 votes; he but came back two years later to become the fourth Progressive Party member ever to serve in Montpelier. David’s first campaign button was designed with red, yellow and green stripes symbolizing his support of cannabis reform. At that time, hewas motivated by the great injustices of the war on drugs, particularly on people of color and the poor, and frustrated by the growing number of people incarcerated due to cannabis violations.
David served for fourteen years (1997-2010) in the Vermont House of Representatives representing the City of Burlington in Chittenden 3-4. He served on the Natural Resources and Energy Committee (6 years), Agriculture Committee (6 years, 4 as Chair) and Ways and Means Committee (2 years). David’s leadership spans many issues including renewable energy, affordable housing, livable wages, cannabis reform, GMO legislation, universal healthcare, progressive taxation, marriage equality, and end of life choices.
David served in the Vermont Senate as a Progressive/Democrat for two terms, from 2013-2016. He served as Vice-Chair of the Senate Committee on Agriculture and on the Senate Committee on Education.
In 2016, David was elected Lieutenant Governor as a Progressive/Democrat. On January 5, 2017, he was sworn in as the 80th Lieutenant Governor of Vermont. In this role he focuses on advocacy and organizing for change. He regularly meets with constituents inside the State House and in their communities to share the work being done in Montpelier, hear their ideas and concerns, and encourage them to use their voice as a tool for change. As Lt. Governor he has continued his cannabis advocacy, supported legalization and is currently working with legislators, advocates and the grassroots community to support crafting of a responsible, regulated, local cannabis system.
Ms. Acilio will be presenting Saturday, May 18, at 3:45pm
Dominique Acilio is originally from New Jersey and attended Stockton University where she studied Environmental Sciences with a focus on Agriculture. After graduation, Dominque found a job that combined her education and passion and broke into the professional cannabis industry at Breakwater Treatment and Wellness in New Jersey. Starting as a trimmer, she worked my way up to being the first female assistant cultivator and now in Vermont, she continues her path in professional cannabis cultivation at Grassroots Vermont.
Timothy Fair
Mr. Fair will be presenting on Saturday, May 18 at 4:45 p.m.
Timothy Bryon Fair, Esq. is the founder of Vermont’s first cannabis law & consulting firm, Vermont Cannabis Solutions. Mr. Fair has been a vocal advocate for both cannabis and overall drug policy reform for most of his adult life. Since becoming an attorney in 2012, he has been fortunate enough to be part of the statewide movement to legalize cannabis in Vermont. Mr. Fair has been featured on a number of podcasts and radio shows, including: The Ganjapreneur Podcast, VPR’s “Vermont Edition”, “In The Weeds” radio show and Paris Marketing’s “Creative Warrior” podcast. Mr. Fair has also been quoted in multiple national media sources including: The Washington Post, Marijuana Business Daily and High Times magazine. Mr. Fair has spoken on the topic of Cannabis Law at numerous seminars and events across the country, and was recently tapped to help design and teach Vermont’s first continuing legal education course on Cannabis Business Law in Vermont. When not lawyering, Mr. Fair is an avid swimmer and occasional skydiver.
Sharon Grimes
Ms. Grimes will be presenting on Saturday, May 18 at 4:45 p.m.
Sharon Grimes has been in the accounting field for over 20 years working in various industries including manufacturing, health care, insurance, and construction. She recently turned her attention to the cannabis industry as there was an inherent gap of expertise and knowledge of the Internal Revenue Code 280E and the accounting requirements that help to minimize the penalizing effect of 280E.
Over the last 18 months, Sharon has focused her attention on opening her own practice called Sharon Grimes Accounting, LLC while attending several educational conferences on the topic of Cannabis and IRC 280E. Her goal is to help business owners navigate the financial side of this ever—growing industry.
Sharon earned her bachelor’s degree in accounting from the University of Florida. Sharon continued her education several years later earning her MBA in Business and Leadership and the IRS designation of Enrolled Agent.
Dr. John Johansson
Dr. Johansson will be presenting on Saturday, May 18 at 2:45 p.m.
Dr. John Johansson is an osteopathic physician, board certified in family practice, currently medical director of Champlain Sports Medicine and Vermont Center for Occupational Rehabilitation, located in Essex Junction, Vermont. His primary focus is acute and chronic neuro-musculoskeletal pain: diagnosis, treatment and management. Cannabis medicine has been a recent focus and has been successfully incorporated into his practice and has been instrumental in helping manage many of his patients.
John MacKay
Mr. MacKay will be presenting on Sunday, May 19 at 12 p.m.
Dr. MacKay founded Synergistic Technologies Associates, LLC that has helped many of the major brands optimize their extrication processes operations based on Six Sigma principles.
With the expertise and desire to spread the science throughout the industry, John has taken on roles as contributing journalist and science editor for Terpenes and Testing Magazine and was the editor of the first issues of Extraction Magazine and now is contributing journalist and scientific advisor. Synergistic Technologies Research is focused on the continuing education and source of examining new technologies and practices in the hemp market. He has also been appointed the Educator Assistant Professor on the Volunteer Pathway, Department of Pharmacology at the Robert Larner, MD College of Medicines.
He has provisional patent with Waters Corporation on the separation of enantiomers of CBD and THC, two with MIT for the extraction and purification of cannabinoids with escalating pressure and temperature of carbon dioxide, and several with Hydro Dynamics on in-line decarboxylation, hydrogenation, crystallization and with the throughput of 120 pounds of hemp per minute with and without solvent. John is a keynote speaker at many hemp events and teaches afast-paced class on the extraction of hemp.
Samantha Madden
Ms. Madden will be presenting on Sunday, May 19 at 1 p.m.
Samantha M. is a brand and marketing designer with experience working on marketing teams at Whole Foods Market and Boston Beer Co. Growing up in the state of Vermont, she feels fortunate to be able to participate in the state’s growing hemp industry.
Lisa Powers
Ms. Powers will be presenting on Saturday, May 18 at 2:45 p.m.
Lisa Powers is a nurse and cannabis caregiver, and a member of both the American Cannabis Nurses Association and the Cannabis Nurses Network. Lisa’s cannabis pathway opened when her son was diagnosed with epilepsy and no modern treatments were working. She was introduced first to CBD and then the journey began. Now she is a cannabis advocate, activist, supporter and educator for all.
Will Read
Mr. Read will be presenting on Sunday, May 19 at 1 p.m.
WillRead is the Founder and President of CannaPlanners, a full service creative design and web agency. After noticing a trend in the emerging canna-industry of poor marketing tactics and stigmatizing design, Read understood the importance branding and a more mainstream approach. CannaPlanners has grown into one of the premier design and web agencies in the Cannabis industry.
Andrew Subin
Mr. Subin will be presenting on Sunday, May 19 at 2 p.m.
Andrew Subin, JD ’92, has practiced criminal defense, with an emphasis on cannabis defense, for over 25 years. Throughout his career, he has been a vocal advocate for cannabis law reform. In the early nineties, Mr. Subin was the first attorney in Washington State to employ medical necessity as a defense to charge of growing marijuana, representing a woman who was growing on behalf of a patient with severe glaucoma. Mr. Subin has published on the subject of civil asset forfeiture and its constitutional ramifications and argued (unsuccessfully) to the Washington Supreme Court that asset forfeiture in conjunction with criminal prosecution violates the constitutional prohibition of double jeopardy. In 2018, Mr. Subin relocated from Bellingham, Washington to Burlington, Vermont and joined Vermont Cannabis Solutions, the first cannabis business law firm in the state. Mr. Subin is currently working with individuals and businesses as they prepare for the imminent emergence of the regulated recreational cannabis market in Vermont.
Christopher Walsh
Mr. Walsh will be presenting Saturday, May 18, at 1:45pm
Christopher Walsh is a co-owner of Nectar’s, co-founder of Green State Gardener and Upstate Elevator Supply Co. Walsh currently is President of Grassroots Vermont a Medical Cannabis Dispensary in Brandon VT. Christopher has over 20 years experience operating regulated retail business in Alcohol, Cannabis THC/CBD and Hemp.
Beth Waterfall
Ms. Waterfall will be presenting on Sunday, May 19 at 1 p.m.
Beth Waterfall helps cannabis executives and companies grow through effective communications, strategic connections and unforgettable experiences. A member of the Boston Business Journal’s 2018 40 Under 40 list, Beth is founder and executive director of ELEVATE Northeast, managing director of the New England Cannabis Conventions, and founder of marketing consultancy Beth Waterfall Creative. She is a passionate educator dedicated to positive public relations for cannabis and the people who work with it, and is an ardent advocate for inclusion and diverse leadership and ownership in the cannabis industry. Beth has written for newspapers and industry magazines, and is a frequent speaker at cannabis industry and marketing events.
Stephanie Waterman
Ms. Waterman will be presenting on Saturday, May 18 at 3:45 p.m.
Stephanie Waterman is co-owner of White River Growpro, a full service organic grow store, specializing in cultivation, harvest, and processing equipment for cannabis growers of all sizes. A cannabis advocate and activist, she enjoys helping people get started and be successful with their home grow gardens.
FAQ
2019 Vermont Cannabis and Hemp Convention FAQ/Cannabis Policy
Q – Will there be plants at the event?
Yes. Industrial hemp plants with <.3% THC are allowed with proof of Vermont Hemp Registration as required by Vermont State Law; companies selling industrial hemp plants and clones must provide nursery license as required by Vermont State Law.
And Yes, we know that THC-dominant plants technically don’t have delta9 THC, but the rule is simple: Packaged and labeled CBD flower/products, live hemp plants with corresponding paperwork, and packaged seeds and are the only cannabis plant materials that may be exchanged or sold at this event.
Q – May I bring cannabis to the event?
Yes. Possession of cannabis in quantities under one ounce is now legal in Vermont, and at least two booths will be providing both table-top testing equipment demonstration and rosin-pressing demonstration at their booth. However, you may not consume THC cannabis on-site in any form at all.
Q – Will there be cannabis for sale?
Only legal CBD products will be available for sale. Sales of cannabis >.3% THC remains illegal under Vermont law. Packaged and labeled CBD bud/products, live hemp plants with corresponding paperwork, and packaged seeds and are the only cannabis plant materials that may be exchanged or sold at this event.
Q – Can I consume cannabis at the event?
No. Smoking and vaping THC at the Champlain Valley Expo is strictly forbidden and enforced by security staff.
Q – Seriously?
Yes.
Q – Like…Wink, Wink?
Nope. We are serious about this, folks — even though it is legal to possess cannabis in public, it is not legal to consume cannabis in public and this is a public venue and event. Public consumption may result in civil/criminal penalties and/or expulsion from the convention.
Q – How about my new, bad-ass CBD vape pen?
Sale and possession of CBD and hemp products containing less than 0.3 percent THC are allowed, so long as the CBD is extracted from hemp containing less than 0.3 percent THC. Exhibitors are encouraged, but not required, to display lab results alongside their products.
Q – Do I need a medical card to attend?
No, this show is open to the general public. Medical patients and caregivers are encouraged to check out our MMJ-focused programming track with panels on both Saturday and Sunday!
Q – Is there an age limit for the event?
YES. 18+ unless accompanied by parent/guardian. No tickets required for age 16 and under.
Q – Is there a dress code for the event?
NO. Business casual or your Vermont best, whichever suits you!
Q – Is it extra to attend the programming tracks?
Admission to all programming tracks, convention floor and demonstrations are included in the ticket price. Enjoy!
Q – Can I buy tickets at the venue?
YES. A limited # of tickets will be available at the door.
YES – with conditions. VTCANN reserve the right to search all bags/backpacks and may refuse any bag to be allowed in. VTCANN will store rejected bags at registration desk. Food, beverages, and weapons are not allowed in the venue.
Q – Will food and beverages be available for purchase inside the show? Technically, no. There will be food trucks out in the lot, adjacent to the Expo Center.
Q – Can I leave and re-enter?
YES, attendees my leave and re-enter as often as they wish but MUST have their show pass on them for re-admittance. You will not be allowed back in without a show pass.
Q – Can I take pictures/video? Pictures & videotaping allowed on exhibit floor.
NO videotaping of speakers/programming allowed in ANY session.
Q – Do I have to bring my ticket to the event?
You will need a copy of the ticket, printed or on your phone.
Q – Do I have to bring my ticket to the event?
You will need a copy of the ticket, printed or on your phone.
Q – Is my registration/ticket transferrable?
Yes – anyone over 18 can use your ticket.
Q – What is the refund policy?
All sales final. No refunds.
DISCLAIMER
The 2019 Vermont Cannabis and Hemp Convention (“Event”) is produced by a partnership between the New England Cannabis Network (NECANN) and Heady Vermont (“Event Organizers”).
Please be advised that possessing, using, distributing and/or selling cannabis, or any part of the cannabis plant containing more than 0.3 percent THC, is a federal crime in the United States, and no information provided during the Event is intended to provide any guidance or assistance in breaking U.S. federal law. The Event programming provides a general educational overview of various aspects of the legal cannabis industry only. None of the Event programs or presentations constitute legal advice. To be fully informed of the laws applicable to cannabis in your area, please consult local legal counsel. Participants and attendees should not use any information from the Event to engage in activities illegal under state or federal law. The Event Organizers do not promote, condone or advocate licit or illicit drug use.
Participants and attendees of the Event must read and agree to the Event disclaimer. Participants and attendees understand that they may not use or possess cannabis or any part of the cannabis plant containing levels of THC greater than 0.3 percent, at this event. Cannabis will not be sold at the Event. Participants and attendees are advised that it remains illegal under Vermont law to possess, use or sell cannabis. It is illegal under Vermont law to drive while under the influence of cannabis.
Participants and attendees hereby agree to release, hold harmless, and indemnify the Event Organizers and their owners, partners, employees, directors, officers, agents, affiliates and related entities from any and all claims by or on behalf of participants and attendees arising directly or indirectly out of the Event. This release includes claims and liabilities arising from any cause whatsoever, including, but not limited to, any claims resulting from the illegal use of cannabis.
Parking
There is plenty of parking at the Champlain Valley Expo. Check out directions below!
While we know you’ll want to spend the bulk of your time at NECANN meeting, greeting, schmoozing, networking, and generally establishing your dominance in New England’s cannabis landscape, you may also want to take a quick break and explore a bit more of what the area has to offer.
While hardly a comprehensive list, this might spark some awesome adventures – or at least some light, non-convention pleasure. Have a great time – and welcome to the Green Mountain State!
Around Town
ArtsRiot Truck Stop: This free outdoor block Party in the heart of Burlington’s South End delivers delicious dishes from some of VT’s best food trucks, live DJs every week, outdoor entertainment, Citizen cider and Fiddlehead brews. Date: Friday, May 17, 2019. Location: 400 Pine Street, Burlington, VT 05401. Time: 5-10 p.m.
Oakledge Park: Right on the waterfront, access to the bike path, has places to picnic, and an all-people accessible tree house! Check outEnjoy Burlington for a listing of all parks, bike paths, and trails in the area.
The Scale Poke Bar: Craving some poke?! Hit up this amazing Williston joint featuring fresh signature bowls with salmon and ahi tuna, locally sourced meat and veggie options, açaí breakfast bowls and Hawaiian vibes.
Skinny Pancake: With multiple locations across New England, this Vermont-born, crunchy creperie with local flavor has locations near showgoers at BTV Airport and the Burlington waterfront. The waterfront location features a full menu and a bar with live music.
Many hotels in the area are booked as it’s a busy weekend in Burlington, and The nearby Inn at the Essex is fully booked. We recommend looking at hotels farther from Burlington and AirBnB for accommodation options.
There are plenty of camping options on site including 30+ full hook-ups with 50 AM, water, and sewer. We also have a dump site on location. Click for more info: http://cvexpo.org/camping/
Timothy Bryon Fair, Esq. is the founder of Vermont’s first cannabis law & consulting firm, Vermont Cannabis Solutions. Mr. Fair has been a vocal advocate for both cannabis and overall drug policy reform for most of his adult life. Since becoming an attorney in 2012, he has been fortunate enough to be part of the statewide movement to legalize cannabis in Vermont. Mr. Fair has been featured on a number of podcasts and radio shows, including: The Ganjapreneur Podcast, VPR’s “Vermont Edition”, “In The Weeds” radio show and Paris Marketing’s “Creative Warrior” podcast. Mr. Fair has also been quoted in multiple national media sources including: The Washington Post, Marijuana Business Daily and High Times magazine. Mr. Fair has spoken on the topic of Cannabis Law at numerous seminars and events across the country, and was recently tapped to help design and teach Vermont’s first continuing legal education course on Cannabis Business Law in Vermont. When not lawyering, Mr. Fair is an avid swimmer and occasional skydiver.
Sharon Grimes has been in the accounting field for over 20 years working in various industries including manufacturing, health care, insurance, and construction. She recently turned her attention to the cannabis industry as there was an inherent gap of expertise and knowledge of the Internal Revenue Code 280E and the accounting requirements that help to minimize the penalizing effect of 280E.
Dr. John Johansson is an osteopathic physician, board certified in family practice, currently medical director of Champlain Sports Medicine and Vermont Center for Occupational Rehabilitation, located in Essex Junction, Vermont. His primary focus is acute and chronic neuro-musculoskeletal pain: diagnosis, treatment and management. Cannabis medicine has been a recent focus and has been successfully incorporated into his practice and has been instrumental in helping manage many of his patients.
Dr. MacKay founded Synergistic Technologies Associates, LLC that has helped many of the major brands optimize their extrication processes operations based on Six Sigma principles. 
Lisa Powers is a nurse and cannabis caregiver, and a member of both the American Cannabis Nurses Association and the Cannabis Nurses Network. Lisa’s cannabis pathway opened when her son was diagnosed with epilepsy and no modern treatments were working. She was introduced first to CBD and then the journey began. Now she is a cannabis advocate, activist, supporter and educator for all. 
Will
Andrew Subin, JD ’92
Beth Waterfall helps cannabis executives and companies grow through effective communications, strategic connections and unforgettable experiences. A member of the Boston Business Journal’s 2018 40 Under 40 list, Beth is founder and executive director of ELEVATE Northeast, managing director of the New England Cannabis Conventions, and founder of marketing consultancy Beth Waterfall Creative. She is a passionate educator dedicated to positive public relations for cannabis and the people who work with it, and is an ardent advocate for inclusion and diverse leadership and ownership in the cannabis industry. Beth has written for newspapers and industry magazines, and is a frequent speaker at cannabis industry and marketing events.
Ms. Waterman will be presenting on Saturday, May 18 at 3:45 p.m.
