Business of Cannabis: A New Economic Engine for Central Massachusetts

A Special Forum of the Worcester Business Journal

The state's newly regulated cannabis industry has taken off like a rocket and is expected to generate in excess of $1 billion by its second year. Opportunities abound for local entrepreneurs and innovative businesses looking to grow new revenue streams by creating cannabis-related businesses or services to support this important new sector.

Whether you’re impressed or concerned by the rapid growth of the Cannabis industry in Massachusetts, and want to know more about how to profit from its expansion you’ll want to attend this special forum.

This summit brings together some of the industry’s leading experts to provide a fresh perspective for entrepreneurs, municipal officials and other professionals interested in the latest Cannabis trends and opportunities in our region.

KEYNOTE SPEAKER: Kay Doyle, Commissioner, Cannabis Control Commission, State of Massachusetts

KEYNOTE SPEAKER: Kris Krane, Co-Founder & President, 4Front Ventures: "The Economics and Future of Cannabis in Massachusetts"

PANEL BREAKOUT SESSIONS*

Breakout 1: Building a Successful Cannabis Entity

This session is designed for prospective cannabis business licensees in Massachusetts. Includes overview of license types, corporate structures, building a team, and financing.

Moderator: Beth Waterfall, Executive Director, Elevate Northeast

Panelists:
Tina Sprega, President & CEO, GFA Federal Credit Union (Safe Harbor of Massachusetts)
Jon Barooshian, Partner, Bowditch & Dewey
Julia Germaine, COO of Temescal Wellness

Breakout 2: Hemp and CBD in Massachusetts: Business Opportunities for Farmers and Entrepreneurs

This session brings together leading hemp farmers and business operators selling CBD products. Learn why hemp is different and why so many people are increasingly turning to hemp and CBD everyday as business and wellness opportunities.

Panelists:
Julia Agron, Outreach Coordinator, Northeast Sustainable Hemp Association
Bill Downing, Terrapin Farm (former president of MassCANN)
George Groccia, Organizational and Project Coordinator, Future Farm Technologies

Breakout 3: Community Relations: Changing the Conversation and Local Business Landscape
This session’s unique mix of panelists will shine light on the challenges cannabis businesses face in gaining community support and general acceptance of the region’s fastest-growing industry. With panelists from both sides of the community relations table, attendees will leave with essential do’s and don’ts for engaging a prospective host community.

Moderator: Aja Atwood, Co-Founder/CEO, Trella Technologies

Panelists to date:
Kyle Moon, Manager of Operations, Summit Lounge
Ross Bradshaw, Owner, New Dia
Phil Silverman, Counsel, Vicente Sederberg

Breakout 4: Social Equity, Inclusion and Your Bottom Line
The cannabis industry is being built on the backs of the victims of the War on Drugs. This session will explore the diversity requirements set forth for MA licensees and how businesses can partner with Economic Empowerment Applicants and other candidates to help create a diverse, inclusive, and financially successful industry for all.

Moderator: Dr. Marion McNabb, CEO, C3RN

Panelists:
Niambe McIntosh, Executive Director, Peter Tosh Estate & Brand
Kim Napoli of MA Cannabis Advisory Board,and Director of Diversity & Inclusion, NETA

Certified Economic Empowerment Applicants may attend this event at no cost. Contact kprosser@wbjournal.com with your EEA number to reserve your seat.

EVENT TIMELINE:

2:00PM Doors Open & Networking/Exhibitor Marketplace

2:30PM Welcome Remarks

2:45PM Keynote Speaker

3:10PM Panel Breakouts

4:10PM Wrap-Up Keynote Speaker

4:50PM Closing remarks

5:00PM Networking reception & exhibitor marketplace (incl. hors’ d'oeuvres & cash bar)

*This is a 21+ event.