Blockchain & Cannabis: The Power Couple

***this venue is close to the conference. We start with networking... Everyone is welcome!

In this session, industry experts and audiences alike will explore the 360 degrees of cannabis and blockchain synergies. Bring your questions and your expertise to the table for a stimulating discussion.

The legalization of cannabis requires this once entirely underground industry to step out of the shadows into the light. And where cannabis has come above ground, it has become a booming, multibillion dollar global industry. Parallels with the first application of blockchain technology - cryptocurrency - are obvious: Like cannabis, cryptocurrency is building its legal framework state-by-state.
And above all, both industries are positioning themselves for business and regulatory acceptance amidst breathtaking growth.

In addition, the cannabis industry could build most of its infrastructure from scratch, taking advantage of blockchain to address their needs in a future-forward way.

Consider this: even though cannabis is legal for either medical or adult use in most of the US, federally insured banks can’t support cannabis businesses, forcing cannabis operations to remain cash based.
This is the first obvious match: cryptocurrencies, like Bitcoin and Ether, provide an alternative to traditional banking and allow parties to transact directly and securely.

Indeed, just about every aspect of the cannabis industry could benefit from blockchain solutions:regulatory compliance with track & trace laws, medical requirements for research and safe access, and consumer expectations of quality. These overall operational efficiencies, and accompanying transparency, would support regulators and beneficiaries alike.

Blockchain and cannabis are emerging giants and indeed an exciting match. We’ve seen it before and we are witnessing it here again: when enabling technologies are in step with a trend that drives adoption, opportunities arise multifold.

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Pay 6$ as a signal of your commitment...we want to see you!
No-show-funds support one of the next meetups.
Fee doubles 24hrs before event. If you can't afford the fee please get in touch before May 10th.

Everyone is welcome. We never record events.

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Space, drinks and food are generously sponsored by:
CohnReznick

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Speakers:
• Jessica Versteeg, Paragon founded AuBox, an upscale medical marijuana delivery service and started Paragon in 2017 to drive the future of the cannabis industry through blockchain solutions.
Paragon is a seed to sale blockchain-based software solution for the legal cannabis industry that is focused on creating trust and ensuring transparency.

• Mary Amato, CPA & Partner CohnReznick and leading the tax practice efforts in the Cannabis Industry.
For COHNREZNICK she has been working with attorneys and applicants through the New York State Medical Marijuana license applications and advised on the Massachusetts Registered Marijuana Dispensaries

• Aron Dutta, CEO & Chairman VAPHR.co/CEO AMBIKA Inc. served 30 + years in operating and leadership roles focused on first mover next generation category killers.
VAPHR.co - a platform company for trusted commerce transactions focused on next generation infrastructure.

• Nushin Rashidian, Author, A New Leaf:The End of Cannabis Prohibition , co-founder Cannabis Wire, Research Lead - Tow Center for Digital Journalism.
CANNABIS WIRE provides independent coverage of the domestic and global billion dollar cannabis industry and policy and was awarded a grant from the NYC Mayor's Office of Media and Entertainment

• Kelly LeValley Hunt, Advisor to TaxMap
Over the past 20 years Kelly has worked in the technology industry and in 2017 Kelly invested in and joined BlockApps as Global Vice President of Sales.
TAXMAP is providing a blockchain based financial solution for the Cannabis industry focusing on sales tax compliance and reconciliation.

• Moderated by Thessy Mehrain, Women in Blockchain and Liquality.io/@Consensys