Cannabis Capital Conference 2025
Cannabis Capital Conference 2025
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June 8-10th, 2025
Marriott Magnificent Mile - Chicago, IL

igniteit CANNABIS CAPITAL CONFERENCE ‘25

The Leading Cannabis Investment &
Branding Conference In North America

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DISCOVER . CONNECT . WIN

WHERE DEALS GET DONE

Join the Leading Decision-Makers in Cannabis This June in Chicago!

Be part of the conversation from June 8 to June 10 as we wrap up what could be one of the most pivotal six-month periods for cannabis entrepreneurs in recent memory.

Benzinga’s Cannabis Capital Conference   is the ultimate destination to raise capital, close deals, and find the perfect partners to take your business to the next level. With over 120 thought leaders—including industry giants like George Archos (Verano), Charlie Bachtell (Cresco Labs), Boris Jordan (Curaleaf), Tim Seymour (CNBC/Seymour Asset Management), and many more—this is your opportunity to network with the best in the business.

Don’t miss out—secure your spot today!
Buy Tickets

2025 Speakers

Kim Rivers
Kim Rivers
CEO
Trulieve
JoJo Simmons
JoJo Simmons
Co-Founder
3isFor
Zach Addy
Zach Addy
Owner and CEO
Lighthouse Dispensing Company
Susie Plascncia
Susie Plascncia
Co-founder, MOTA Glass & Founder, Latinas in Cannabis
Latinas in Cannabis
Thomas Winstanley
Thomas Winstanley
Executive Vice President
Edibles
Rachelle Gordon
Rachelle Gordon
Editor
GreenState
Ricky Williams
Ricky Williams
Founder
Highsman
Erica Rice
Erica Rice
Partner, Co-Chair -Business Department, Co-Chair - Cannabis Practice
Foley Hoag
Todd Harrison
Todd Harrison
Founding Partner, CB1 Capital Co-Founder, Mission [Green] Alliance
CB1 Capital
Steven Ernest
Steven Ernest
Director, Originations
Chicago Atlantic
Kelly D. Fair
Kelly D. Fair
Partner
Dentons
David Peck
David Peck
Founder & CEO
Headquarters
Dana Lambert, PhD
Dana Lambert, PhD
President & CEO
Andira Pharmaceuticals
Dr. Marcel Bonn-Miller
Dr. Marcel Bonn-Miller
Chief Scientific Officer at Charlotte’s Web, Board Member at DeFloria
Charlotte's Web
Dr. Orrin Devinsky
Dr. Orrin Devinsky
Chief Medical Advisor
Ajna BioSciences
Franny Tacy
Franny Tacy
Founder & CEO
Franny's Farmacy
Jared Stanley
Jared Stanley
CEO, DeFloria and Co-Founder, Charlotte’s Web
DeFloria
Joel Stanley
Joel Stanley
CEO, Ajna BioSciences and Founding CEO, Charlotte’s Web
Ajna BioSciences
Jesce Horton
Jesce Horton
Co-Founder
Grand National
Christine Hersey
Christine Hersey
Vice President of Investor Relations
Trulieve
Bill Morachnick
Bill Morachnick
CEO
Charlotte's Web
Michael Salaman
Michael Salaman
President & Co-Founder
GrowGeneration
Darren Lampert
Darren Lampert
CEO & Co-Founder
GrowGeneration
Kendra Stocking
Kendra Stocking
National Vice President of Sales
Bloom
Will Muecke
Will Muecke
Co-Founding Managing Member
Artemis Growth Partners
Nathan Davit
Nathan Davit
Co-Founder & President of Sales
Turn
Jenny Lamboy
Jenny Lamboy
VP of Strategy
Hybrid Marketing
Duncan Mackie, PhD
Duncan Mackie, PhD
Director of Pharmacology & Experimental Therapeutics
Bud & Mary's
Lucas Nelson
Lucas Nelson
Group President
Bud & Mary's
Michael Elkin
Michael Elkin
Founder
The CannaBrokr
Michael Villapiano
Michael Villapiano
Managing Director
Altmore Capital
Bran Noonan
Bran Noonan
CEO
OGeez!
Eric Kaufman
Eric Kaufman
Chief Operating Officer
FundCanna
Los Arias, JD
Los Arias, JD
Co-Founder, Chief Executive Officer
Green Horizons
Michael Meade
Michael Meade
Co-Founder and Chairman
Green Horizons
Tom Epstein
Tom Epstein
CEO & Founder
POLN8
Weldon Angelos
Weldon Angelos
Founder
Mission Green
Shaun Land
Shaun Land
CEO
Irvine Labs
Brady Cobb
Brady Cobb
CEO/Founder
Sunburn Cannabis
Cameron Forni
Cameron Forni
Founder & CEO
Adaptaphoria
Nathan Russell
Nathan Russell
Founder
Road Trip
Wes Shepherd
Wes Shepherd
CEo
Hoodie Analytics
Samuel Brill
Samuel Brill
Chief Executive Officer and Director
Ascend Wellness Holdings
Brad Lim-Senesac
Brad Lim-Senesac
CMO
Genuine Marketing Group
Greg Needham
Greg Needham
President and Chief Strategy Officer
Genuine Marketing Group
Jon Bond
Jon Bond
CRO
ILLICIT
James Brinkerhoff
James Brinkerhoff
CEO
Edun
Eliav Cohen
Eliav Cohen
VP of Expansion
Natura
Paul Jacobson
Paul Jacobson
President
Rove
Matthew Melander
Matthew Melander
President
Sun Theory
Ryan Guzall
Ryan Guzall
CEO
GreenGenes
Jamie Millar
Jamie Millar
Co-Founder
Rising Wellness
Kraig Fox
Kraig Fox
Founder
U-Bet Advisory
Bill Lofy
Bill Lofy
Co-Founder and CEO
Kria
Christine De La Rosa
Christine De La Rosa
CEO & Co-Founder
The People's Ecosystem
Ted Whitney
Ted Whitney
Chief Beverage Officer
Cheech and Chong's
Albert Schwarzmeier
Albert Schwarzmeier
Managing Partner & CEO
enua Pharma GmbH
Howard Schacter
Howard Schacter
Chief Communications Officer
MariMed
Jackie Gonzalez-Becerra
Jackie Gonzalez-Becerra
SVP of Marketing and Revenue
Weedmaps
Sarah Griffis
Sarah Griffis
CTO
Weedmaps
Robby Saady
Robby Saady
EVP ‑ Corporate Development and Partnerships
Holistic Industries
Tariq Cherif
Tariq Cherif
Co-Founder of Rolling Loud, Co-Founder of Pit Punch
Rolling Loud
David Fettner
David Fettner
Managing Partner
Grow America
Al Harrington
Al Harrington
Founder, Viola & Strategic Advisor, Tempters
Tempter's
Barrington Miller Miller
Barrington Miller Miller
President
Grove Group of Companies
David Leider
David Leider
President
Holistic Industries
David Bocchi
David Bocchi
Head Of Investment Banking
AGP
Emily Paxhia
Emily Paxhia
Founding Partner & Managing Partner
Poseidon Investment Management
Jeff Wells
Jeff Wells
Chief Visionary Officer
Metrc
Jim Kirsch
Jim Kirsch
President A.G.P
A.G.P./ Alliance Global Partners
John Salley
John Salley
Co-Founder
Deuces22
Lewis Goldberg
Lewis Goldberg
Managing Partner
KCSA
Lori Ferrara
Lori Ferrara
Co-Founder; President
Treehouse Global Ventures; Alexava Holdings
Lucas Nosiglia
Lucas Nosiglia
President
Avicanna LATAM
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October 8th Agenda
Wednesday, October 8, 2025
7:30 AM - 9:00 AM
REGISTRATION + NETWORKING
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
9:20 AM - 9:25 AM
Opening Remarks
 
 
Opening Remarks
Opening Remarks
 
 
 
 
9:25 AM - 9:45 AM
Profit by the Pallet: How You Can Build a Smarter, Leaner Cannabis Supply Chain With the Right Data Tools

In a market where margins are shrinking and inefficiencies are costly, data isn’t just a tool — it’s a profit center. This panel explores how cannabis operators are using real-time supply chain insights to reduce waste, optimize inventory, and increase throughput at every stage from production to retail. Learn how to turn operational blind spots into bottom-line gains with the right data strategy.

 
Profit by the Pallet: How You Can Build a Smarter, Leaner Cannabis Supply Chain With the Right Data Tools
 
 
 
 
 
9:45 AM - 10:15 AM
Tech Stack, Trimmed: How You Can Optimize E-Commerce Costs Without Sacrificing Customer Experience

With rising acquisition costs and shrinking margins, success in California cannabis e-commerce is no longer about having more tools — it’s about using them smarter. This panel explores how California operators can optimize their existing tech stack to deliver a seamless, engaging customer experience.

 
Tech Stack, Trimmed: How You Can Optimize E-Commerce Costs Without Sacrificing Customer Experience
 
 
 
 
 
10:15 AM - 10:45 AM
The New Math: Adjusting Your Pricing, Strategy & Spend in a 19% World

With California’s cannabis excise tax rising to 19% on July 1, operators are facing tough decisions—this panel breaks down how to recalibrate pricing, streamline operations, and protect your margins in a tighter-than-ever market.

 
The New Math: Adjusting Your Pricing, Strategy & Spend in a 19% World
The New Math: Adjusting Your Pricing, Strategy & Spend in a 19% World
The New Math: Adjusting Your Pricing, Strategy & Spend in a 19% World
 
 
 
10:45 AM - 11:05 AM
Exclusive Fireside Discussion: Department of California Cannabis Control
 
 
Exclusive Fireside Discussion: Department of California Cannabis Control
Exclusive Fireside Discussion: Department of California Cannabis Control
 
 
 
 
11:05 AM - 11:35 AM
Quiet Momentum: Can Standouts Reignite Investor Confidence in California?

California’s cannabis market isn’t roaring—but it’s not dead either. As a few operators show real traction, this panel asks whether quiet momentum is enough to bring investors back, and what it takes to turn isolated success into renewed confidence.

 
Quiet Momentum: Can Standouts Reignite Investor Confidence in California?
Quiet Momentum: Can Standouts Reignite Investor Confidence in California?
Quiet Momentum: Can Standouts Reignite Investor Confidence in California?
Quiet Momentum: Can Standouts Reignite Investor Confidence in California?
 
 
11:35 AM - 12:05 PM
Rooted and Rising: How You Can Expand Beyond California While Thriving at Home

California brands are breaking into new markets — but growth beyond state lines brings the challenge of staying true to your West Coast roots. This discussion explores how you can scale nationally without losing the authenticity that built your brand, while also navigating the realities of your home market’s evolving economics.

 
Rooted and Rising: How You Can Expand Beyond California While Thriving at Home
Rooted and Rising: How You Can Expand Beyond California While Thriving at Home
Rooted and Rising: How You Can Expand Beyond California While Thriving at Home
 
 
 
12:05 PM - 12:50 PM
Lunch
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
12:50 PM - 1:00 PM
Support Butch's Healing Journey
 
 
Support Butch's Healing Journey
 
 
 
 
 
1:00 PM - 1:30 PM
Exclusive Fireside Discussion with Fiona Ma
 
 
Exclusive Fireside Discussion with Fiona Ma
 
 
 
 
 
1:30 PM - 2:00 PM
The Strategic Reset: How You Can Understand Market Shifts Through the Lens of Receiverships and Asset Realignment

Receiverships are reshaping the California cannabis landscape — but the real story is what comes next. This panel breaks down what operators, investors, and partners can expect as assets change hands, licenses move, and distressed businesses reset. Learn how these outcomes are influencing real estate, pricing, capital access, and the competitive map statewide.

 
The Strategic Reset: How You Can Understand Market Shifts Through the Lens of Receiverships and Asset Realignment
The Strategic Reset: How You Can Understand Market Shifts Through the Lens of Receiverships and Asset Realignment
The Strategic Reset: How You Can Understand Market Shifts Through the Lens of Receiverships and Asset Realignment
The Strategic Reset: How You Can Understand Market Shifts Through the Lens of Receiverships and Asset Realignment
 
 
2:00 PM - 2:30 PM
Compliance Theater? Rethinking Track-and-Trace in a "Complicated" System

Seed-to-sale tracking was built to ensure accountability—but as the industry scales, many are asking tough questions: Where are the blind spots? Are regulators using the data? And is the system evolving fast enough to keep up with reality on the ground?

 
Compliance Theater? Rethinking Track-and-Trace in a "Complicated" System
 
 
 
 
 
2:30 PM - 3:00 PM
Beyond the Drop: How You Can Unlock Growth Through Strategic Distribution in a Changing California Market

California’s distribution landscape is evolving — and understanding those changes is critical to unlocking growth. This panel offers a candid look behind the curtain at how distributors are adapting, where value is being created, and how your brand or retail operation can align for maximum impact. From shelf placement and market coverage to marketing budgets and fulfillment strategy, learn how the most effective partnerships are formed, what distributors are really looking for, and how you can position yourself to thrive alongside them.

 
Beyond the Drop: How You Can Unlock Growth Through Strategic Distribution in a Changing California Market
Beyond the Drop: How You Can Unlock Growth Through Strategic Distribution in a Changing California Market
 
 
 
 
3:00 PM - 3:40 PM
Efficiency Equals Survival: How You Can Increase Yield and Stay Lean in a Compressed Cannabis Economy

In California, efficiency is survival. Join leading cultivators as they explore how to boost yield, streamline operations, and build a compliant, cost-effective workforce to stay competitive in a high-pressure market.

 
Efficiency Equals Survival: How You Can Increase Yield and Stay Lean in a Compressed Cannabis Economy
 
 
Efficiency Equals Survival: How You Can Increase Yield and Stay Lean in a Compressed Cannabis Economy
 
 
3:40 PM - 4:10 PM
Selling Your Product Without Selling Your Soul: Authenticity, Culture & Profit in Cannabis

In a market where consumer trust is everything, culture matters. This panel features creators and founders who’ve built brands rooted in authenticity—without compromising values. From viral storytelling to grassroots loyalty, they’ll break down how staying true to your voice can drive real revenue.

 
Selling Your Product Without Selling Your Soul: Authenticity, Culture & Profit in Cannabis
Selling Your Product Without Selling Your Soul: Authenticity, Culture & Profit in Cannabis
Selling Your Product Without Selling Your Soul: Authenticity, Culture & Profit in Cannabis
 
 
 
4:10 PM - 4:40 PM
Customer at the Core: How You Can Build Consumer-Led Cannabis Brands in a System Built for Everyone Else

In this panel, key service providers share how the most successful operators are staying consumer-focused while navigating inefficiencies, compliance hurdles, and pricing pressure. Learn how to apply proven strategies across the supply chain that keep the end customer in mind without sacrificing business performance.

 
Customer at the Core: How You Can Build Consumer-Led Cannabis Brands in a System Built for Everyone Else
 
 
 
 
 
4:40 PM - 5:00 PM
Origins Council: A Community Driven Study
 
 
Origins Council: A Community Driven Study
 
 
 
 
 
5:00 PM - 5:05 PM
Closing Remarks
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
5:00 PM - 6:30 PM
Cocktail Reception
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
PLATINUM Sponsors
Alliance Global Partners
Gold Sponsors
The Cannabis Chember of Commerce
The Girls
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SILVER SPONSORS
Crowe
Dickinson Wright
dutchie
Grow Generation
MariMed Inc
Sweed
Bronze SPONSORS
Advance Flower Captial
Associated
Cheech & Chongs
GOODWIN
MAGAZZU LAW FIRM
PHARMACNN
POLN8
Sponsors & Participating Companies
Leaf Brands
Leaflink
Leafwell
Legacy
LKP Impact Consulting
Melt To Make
mGo
New Holding Group
New Lake Capital Partners
OG
Order co
Pay Botic
Star
Three If For
und Canna
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Trusted Partners
Arcview Ventures
Atach
Beard Bros Pharms
Beverage Testing Institute
Bipocann
Blunt Brunch
Budsfeeds
Canna Bella Lux
Cannabis Business Solutions
Cannabis Collective
Cannabis Distribution Solution
Cannabis Marketplace
Cannabis Now
Cannabis Tech Today
Cannabiz Media
Canna MGT
Cann Intelligence
Cash Color Cannabis
CashOM
CB1 Capital
Empow Her
Fat Nugs Magazine
Forty Tons
Freedom Grow Org
GLG
HYDE
IWC
Jews In Ween
KAI
Kentucky Norml
Latinas in Cannabis
Leaf Wire
Mass CBA
MCBA
Mission Green
MITA
MjBizCon
MocannTrade
National cannabis Industry Assocation
NC3
Next Titan Capital
Nine Studio
Nomad
Oniracom
Poseidon
Realm Of Caring
Seed Talent
Smoke Show
The Cannabis Chember of Commerce
The Girls

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The World's Leading

Cannabis Dealmaking Conference

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Marriott Magnificent Mile
Chicago, IL, USA
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June 8-10th, 2025
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June 8-10th, 2025
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