2024 Faculty
Friday, September 27
5:00 – 8:00 pm - Reception New York Law School Rooftop Terrace & Lounge
Address For All Program Events:
New York Law School
185 West Broadway New York, NY 10013, USA
Saturday, September 28
8:30 – 8:45 am - Welcome Indigenous Blessing
Panel Description:
Mary Jane Oatman
Mary Jane Oatman is an enrolled member of the Nez Perce Tribe and descendant of the Delaware Tribe and proud mother of three beautiful people. She is the Executive Director of the Indigenous Cannabis Industry Association, founder of the Indigenous CANNabis Coalition (ICANNC), and publisher of THC Magazine. She enjoys being able to grow her passion both in her communities as well as across the nation as a traveling culture and events photographer. Mary Jane has found her true vibe capturing special moments with plants and people. Mary Jane has been dedicated to reclaiming Indigenous cultures and restoring pre-colonial economies in hemp and cannabis. She has worked for her tribe and other communities to advocate to state and federal agencies to protect tribal sovereignty and to ensure more effective government-to-government relationships are steered by building bridges between diverse stakeholders. In 2009, Oatman was the youngest member appointed by President Barack Obama to serve on the National Advisory Council on Indian Education, while also serving as the first Director of Indian Education for the state of Idaho. Mary Jane is on the founding board for the JUSTUS Foundation and currently serves as the president of the Idaho ACLU and on the board of directors for the Association of Cannabis Health Equity and Medicine (ACHEM). She has also served on the Minority Cannabis Business Association board. She is a certified fitness instructor and loves fishing, gathering, and chopping wood for the sweat lodge when she is not searching for stories that heal.
8:45 – 9:00 am - Introduction to Symposium Judge Mary Celeste (ret.)
Panel Description:
Judge Mary Celeste (ret.)
Judge Mary A. Celeste (ret.) sat on the Denver County Court bench 2000-2015. She was the Presiding Judge 2009-10 and the co-founder of the Denver County Court Sobriety Court. She is currently a law school professor teaching Marijuana and the Law at California Western School of Law and is considered a national content expert on the topic of cannabis. She is a former member of the Judicial Advisory Board for the Foundation for the Advancement of Alcohol Responsibility (FAAR); former Faculty for the National Association of Drug Court Professionals (NADCP) and the National Judicial College (NJC). She has also served as the past chair of ABA National Conference of Specialized Court Judges; the President of the American Judge’s Association and the Colorado Women’s Bar Association Foundation, and, as a National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) Judicial Outreach Liaison. She has written many articles and is a national speaker on the topics of cannabis; cannabis and drug impaired driving, drugged driving, and specialty courts.
9:00 – 10:00 am - (Pending) Keynote-
Gov. Kathy Hochul Illicit NY Marijuana Market
Gov. Kathy Hochul
Kathy Hochul is the 57th and first female Governor of New York State. She began her career in public service on her local Town Board, before serving as Erie County Clerk and as a Member of Congress for New York’s 26th Congressional District. As Lieutenant Governor, she chaired the statewide Regional Economic Development Councils, and served as co-chair of the State’s Heroin and Opioid Task Force, Women’s Suffrage Commission, and Child Care Availability Task Force. Since being sworn into office in 2021, Governor Hochul has led by establishing a bold vision for New York’s future. Governor Hochul has spearheaded comprehensive policies and initiatives to help New Yorkers and their families, while building an economy that is stronger and more inclusive than before. Governor Hochul is making historic investments in the people, places, and things to make that happen – from healthcare workers, small businesses, and working families to infrastructure, education, and workforce development. And in the wake of the U.S. Supreme Court’s reckless decisions to strip away abortion rights and strike down commonsense gun regulations, Governor Hochul led the charge in Albany to protect reproductive health care and strengthen gun safety laws, ensuring New York continues to stand as a beacon of hope and freedom for the rest of the nation. Governor Hochul was born and raised in Western New York. She and her husband, Bill Hochul, are the proud parents of two children and one granddaughter.
10:00 – 11:30 am - Panel Cannabis Uses and Risks
Panel Description:
Scott Gagnon
Scott Gagnon is a Certified Prevention Specialist, Associate Executive Director of AdCare Educational Institute of Maine, Inc., and Director of SAMHSA’s New England Prevention Technology Transfer Center (PTTC). Scott is a national presenter and trainer on cannabis policy and prevention, opioid prevention, and prevention workforce development. He is a board member of the Maine Recovery Coach Certification Board, previous Co-Chair of the Maine Opiate Collaborative, and previously served on SAMHSA’s Center for Substance Abuse Prevention National Advisory Council. Scott previously served on Maine’s Cannabis Advisory Commission, representing public health, and is a current cannabis policy advisor for the Massachusetts Cannabis Control Commission. Scott was a subject matter advisor for the documentary series, Voices of Hope: The Rugged Road to Recovery, airing on Maine Public television. Scott’s work has been recognized with awards from multiple organizations, including the Maine Alliance to Prevent Substance Abuse, Healthy Androscoggin, and the Maine Public Health Association. In 2017, Scott was the recipient of the Patrick J. Kennedy Outstanding Advocate Award from Smart Approaches to Marijuana.
Linda Hill
Dr. Hill, MD, MPH is a Distinguished Professor and Assistant Dean in the Herbert Wertheim School of Public Health at UC San Diego. She is the Executive Director of the Asylum Seeker Medical Screening and Stabilization Program. She is a Senior Staff Physician at San Diego Family Care, an FQHC. She is the Director of the UCSD Center for Human and Urban Mobility and the Training Research and Education for Driving Safety centers. Dr. Hill’s research focuses on displaced populations and transportation safety, such as fatigue, impaired driving, distraction, and medical conditions. Her team works across transportation modalities: passenger vehicles, commercial vehicles, buses and railroads.
Dr. Peter Grinspoon
Peter Grinspoon, M.D. is a primary care physician and a cannabis specialist at Massachusetts General Hospital and an Instructor in Medicine at Harvard Medical School. He is the author of the new book ‘Seeing Through the Smoke: A Cannabis Expert Untangles the Truth about Marijuana’. He is a TedX speaker, a certified physician life coach, a board member of the physician advocacy group, ‘Doctors for Drug Policy Reform’ and an advisor to 'The Parabola Center'. He is the author of the groundbreaking memoir ‘Free Refills: A Doctor Confronts His Addiction’. He is frequently cited in the national media as a thought leader on cannabis, psychedelics, drugs of misuse, and addiction, and has had bylines in TIME, Newsweek, CNN, Salon, TruthDig, Reason, The Nation, Psychiatric Times, STAT, The Boston Globe, The L.A. Times, and MedPage Today.
Russell Kamer, MD
With over 35 years’ experience practicing primary care Internal Medicine, Dr. Kamer is a Clinical Associate Professor of Medicine at New York Medical College and an Affiliate Physician in Medicine at Columbia University, College of Physicians and Surgeons. After serving as a Drug Testing Crew Chief for the National Collegiate Athletic Association and a Doping Control Medical Officer at the 1996 Atlanta Olympic Games, he co-founded Partners in Safety Occupational Medicine—a company specializing in workplace services such as fitness-for-duty exams and drug testing with a focus on the transportation industry. In addition to practicing primary care and occupational medicine, Dr. Kamer is certified in Cannabis Science and Medicine, and has researched the impairing effects of marijuana. His work on psychopharmacology, medical ethics, and marijuana impairment has been published in journals including the New England Journal of Medicine and JAMA-Internal Medicine.
10:00 – 11:30 am - Panel Cannabis Legislation & Regulations
Panel Description:
Karmen Hanson Moderator
Karmen Hanson, MA is a senior fellow in the health program at the National Conference of State Legislatures. NCSL is a bipartisan research organization that serves the legislators and staff of every state and territory by tracking legislation, providing technical assistance and other services to improve the quality and effectiveness of state legislatures. Karmen has been with NCSL for over 23 years and specializes in tracking and analyzing state health legislation and laws in the areas of behavioral health, state cannabis regulation, pharmaceuticals, cancer and others. Karmen has convened dozens of state policy meetings with legislators and health policy experts, and collaborated with numerous federal agencies, research and other national organizations. She has served as a policy advisor, subject ma*er expert and has testified for dozens of legislative committees and national audiences. She is also NCSL’s state liaison to the North Dakota Legislative Assembly. Karmen has over 29 years of experience in national nonprofits. She earned Bachelor of Arts degrees in psychology and sociology from the University of Colorado at Boulder and a Master of Arts in sociology from the University of Denver.
Dominique Mendiola
Dominique Mendiola serves as the Senior Director of the Colorado Department of Revenue's Marijuana Enforcement Division and Natural Medicine Division. She is also the President-elect of the Cannabis Regulators Association (CANNRA), a nonpartisan association of government agencies involved in cannabis regulation. She will start her term as President in June 2024. Mendiola began her work in marijuana policy and regulation in 2014, where she served as the Division’s Policy Advisor, then Deputy Director prior to her appointment to Senior Director in 2021. In January 2024, Mendiola’s role expanded to include the stand-up of the Department’s Natural Medicine Division and responsibility to support the implementation of a regulated framework for natural medicine services in Colorado, with an initial focus on psilocybin-based services. Mendiola received her political science degree from the University of Texas at San Antonio and her law degree from the University of Denver Sturm College of Law. Prior to joining the Department of Revenue, she practiced law in Texas and Colorado with a focus in civil litigation.
Melissa Moore
Melissa Moore is the Director of Civil Systems Reform at Drug Policy Alliance, where she focuses on advancing policies that dismantle the drug war and seek to extract its criminalization from our lives. Her work centers on how the drug war shows up in family policy, public benefits, housing, immigration, employment, and education -- tearing families apart and devastating the health and stability of communities. Her prior work at DPA centered on shifting New York’s approach to drug policy and repairing the harms that the War on Drugs has caused to individuals and communities, particularly through her work leading the Start SMART campaign to legalize marijuana through the Marijuana Regulation and Taxation Act (MRTA). Melissa's expertise and views on drug policy issues have been featured by CNN, the New York Times, The Hill, NPR, POLITICO, Newsweek, and more. In 2021 she was named one of Crain's NY Business 50 Most Powerful Women in New York.
Pending State Legislator/Regulator
WIP
Chris Alexander
Chris Alexander is the Executive Director of the New York State Office of Cannabis Management. In this role, he is charged with the implementation and oversight of New York's cannabinoid hemp, adult-use, and medical cannabis programs. He has previously worked as the Government Relations & Policy Manager for a multi-state cannabis company, as an Associate Counsel for the New York State Senate and the Policy Coordinator for the Drug Policy Alliance’s New York Policy Office. He has also worked as a staffer in the House of Representatives during the 113th Congress and has led political campaigns on the state and local level. He is the architect of the Start SMART NY campaign to end marijuana prohibition and the lead drafter of the Marijuana Regulation and Taxation Act. He received his B.A. from Syracuse University and his JD from the City University of New York School of Law.
Plenary Grab & Go Lunch Panel 11:30 – 1:30 pm - Panel The Admissibility of Oral Fluid Devices: You Be the Judge
Panel Description:
Judge Dineen Riviezzo
The Honorable Dineen Ann Riviezzo was first appointed to the New York State Court of Claims in December 2006 by Governor George Pataki and was re-appointed by Governor Andrew Cuomo. Prior to the Raise the Age Legislation, Judge Riviezzo presided for over four years over the youthful and juvenile offender part providing young adults with the opportunity for a disposition involving an alternative to incarceration for violent felony offenses. She has presided over cases involving the civil confinement of convicted sex offenders under Mental Hygiene Law Article 10 and has conducted numerous Frye hearings on diagnoses that formed the basis for mental abnormality findings. Her most recent assignment involved managing gun possession cases in four different Supreme Court Parts in New York County, Bronx County, Queens County, including her primary county, Kings County. Prior to her appointment to the bench, Judge Riviezzo served as the New York State Inspector General, appointed by Governor Pataki, heading the agency responsible for investigating fraud, corruption, and mismanagement within over 100 Executive Branch agencies and public authorities. Prior to serving as the Inspector General, Judge Riviezzo was appointed by Governor Pataki as Chair and Commissioner of the New York State Commission of Investigation, a bi-partisan law enforcement agency charged with investigating fraud and corruption within state and local governments. Judge Riviezzo began her legal career as an Assistant District Attorney with the New York County District Attorney’s Office ending her seven-year service in the Sex Crimes Bureau and Homicide Investigations Bureau. Judge Riviezzo then spent four years at Clifford Chance US LLP, as a senior associate specializing in white collar and reinsurance defense cases. Judge Riviezzo lectures frequently for the NYS Judicial Institute, is a member of the New York State Justice Task Force and the Advisory Committee on Judicial Ethics. She is an adjunct professor at the Benjamin N. Cardozo School of Law in the Lawyering and Legal Writing Program.
Dr. Marilyn Huestis
American Toxicologist Researching the effects of illicit drugs on the body, brain, and in utero. Professor Dr. Dr. (h.c.) Marilyn A. Huestis retired as a tenured senior investigator and Chief, Chemistry and Drug Metabolism Section, IRP, National Institute on Drug Abuse, National Institutes of Health in 2016 after 23 years of conducting controlled drug administration studies. She was an Adjunct Professor, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD from 1999-2017. Currently, she is a Senior Science and Policy Advisor for Pinney Associates Professor at the Institute on Emerging Health Professions, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, PA, Adjunct Professor, University of New Mexico, College of Pharmacy, Honorary Professor, Barts & London School of Medicine & Dentistry, Queen Mary University of London, England on the Smart Approaches to Marijuana (SAM) Science Advisory Board, and President of Huestis & Smith Toxicology, LLC. Her research program focuses on the neurobiology and pharmacokinetics of cannabinoid agonists, kratom/mitragynine, psilocybin, effects of in utero drug exposure, oral fluid drug testing, driving under the influence of drugs, and identification and quantification of drugs by mass spectrometry. She published 559 peer-reviewed manuscripts and book chapters and hundreds of invited lectures and abstracts were presented at national and international meetings. Professor Huestis received a bachelor’s degree in biochemistry from Mount Holyoke College, a master’s degree in clinical chemistry from the University of New Mexico, and a doctoral degree in toxicology from the University of Maryland. Professor Huestis received a Doctor Honoris Causa from the Faculty of Medicine, University of Helsinki in Finland. Other important awards include the 2023 CMCR Pioneer in Medicinal Cannabis Research Award, 2023 Mechoulam Award from the International Cannabinoid Research Society, 2021 American Association for Clinical Chemistry (AACC) Outstanding Lifetime Achievement Award, 2021 National Safety Council Distinguished Service to Safety Award, 2021 American Academy of Forensic Sciences (AAFS) Alexander O. Gettler Award, 2018 National Safety Council’s Borkenstein Award, 2017 Sir Kenneth Standard Distinguished Lecturer for the University of the West Indies, 2016 Victorian Institute of Forensic Medicine Orator, Melbourne, Australia, 2016 Marian W. Fischman Lectureship Award from the College on Problems of Drug Dependence, 2016 Saferstein Memorial Distinguished Lecturer at Northeastern University, 2015 Norman P. Kubasik AACC Lectureship Award, 2015 Distinguished Fellow from AAFS, 2010 The International Association of Forensic Toxicologists (TIAFT) Alan Curry Award, 2008 AACC Outstanding Contributions in a Selected Area of Research Award, 2007 International Association of Therapeutic Drug Monitoring and Clinical Toxicology (IATDMCT) Irving Sunshine Award, 2005 AAFS Rolla N. Harger Award, and 1992 Irving Sunshine Award for Outstanding Research in Forensic Toxicology. The journal Clinical Chemistry featured her as an “Inspiring Mind”. She currently serves on the World Anti-doping Agency’s Prohibited List Committee, and the National Safety Council’s Alcohol, Drugs and Impairment Division Executive Board. Professor Huestis served on the National Commission on Forensic Sciences. She is past president of the Society of Forensic Toxicologists, past Chair of the Toxicology Section of the American Academy of Forensic Sciences, and past president of The International Association of Forensic Toxicologists
Michael Naughton
Michael is an Assistant District Attorney at the Bronx District Attorney’s Office. He works in the Public Integrity Bureau, which investigates and prosecutes cases involving corruption committed by public servants, government employees and elected officials, along with allegations of excessive force or misconduct committed by uniformed public servants.
Chuck Deweese
Chuck DeWeese is the President of Connecting Clients Consulting, LLC, based in Saratoga, New York. He provides strategic consulting services in traffic safety, including initiatives targeting impaired driving, distracted driving, Commercial Motor Vehicle Safety, younger drivers, speed, pedestrian and bike safety, automated vehicles, traffic enforcement issues, and risky driving behaviors. He has over thirty years of experience in federal and state government, including 17 years as a Special Agent and Field Office Supervisor for the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) regulating the trucking industry. Most recently, Chuck served as the Assistant Commissioner of the New York State Governor’s Traffic Safety Committee from 2007-2022. Chuck was the Governor’s State Highway Safety Office director and administrator of the $60 million National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) grant program, administering over 500 grants annually in all 62 counties. He coordinated traffic safety grant activities of the 14 agencies comprising the committee and created, implemented, and evaluated the state’s annual Highway Safety Plan. He was additionally responsible for the $20 million statewide STOP-DWI program and the $3 million Office of Cannabis Management sub-allocation. In addition, Chuck served on the executive board of the Governor’s Highway Safety Association and was Chair from 2020-2022. Chuck currently is on contract with Responsibility.org and speaks at conferences across the country on the benefits of roadside oral fluid screening.
Steven Epstein
Steven Epstein is a founding partner at Barket Epstein Kearon Aldea & LoTurco, LLP and is the partner in charge of the firm's DWI and Vehicular Crimes group. Mr. Epstein has more than 30 years of experience in the field of criminal defense and is admitted to the New York State Bar, First Department, 1992; Connecticut Bar, 1992; United States Supreme Court, 1993 and United States District Court S.D.N.Y., N.D.N.Y. and E.D.N.Y, 1993. Mr. Epstein is a nationally recognized and much sought-after lecturer at continuing legal education seminars for other attorneys and has been relied upon as the principal instructor for the Legal Aid Society of New York City in DWI defense for over 25 years. In addition, he also does the training programs for most of the New York City area public defender offices, as well as CLEs throughout New York State and the nation on the topic of DWI defense and trial skills. In total, he has trained well over three thousand attorneys. He has also served as an adjunct professor of law at Elisabeth Haub School of Law at Pace University since 1998 where he teaches trial practice. Mr. Epstein is the author of numerous published articles relating to trial techniques, legal challenges to scientific evidence, legal updates and other criminal and DWI defense related issues. Mr. Epstein serves as the Co-Chair of the National Task Force for Trial Advocacy for the National College for DUI Defense as well as a Faculty Member, New York State Delegate and Northeast Regional Delegate. Mr. Epstein is Vice President of the New York State Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers and serves as the chair for their CLE committee. During the pandemic Mr. Epstein organized and ran over 60 CLE programs for the New York State Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers resulting in him being awarded the President’s Award by the organization in 2021 for outstanding service. Mr. Epstein has been named a New York metro area Super Lawyer every year since 2014.
1:30 – 2:30 pm - Panel Plenary Facilitated Reports & Discussion from Breakout Session 1
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Jenny Leis
Jenny Leis is a spark of enthusiasm for vibrant group process! Jenny has 25-years experience developing organizational systems for grassroots nonprofits, facilitating collaborative meetings and plans, managing volunteers, organizing campaigns, raising funds and hosting events. Building on decades of practical experience in learning what makes groups and individuals thrive, she is focusing skills, energy and experience on facilitating, teaching and supporting changemakers. Through her business, Your Enthusiasm Is Contagious (certified Women Business Enterprise in Oregon), she designs and facilitates meetings, retreats, strategic planning, peer learning cohorts, and organizational redesigns, and leads participation-based trainings on communication, conflict engagement, shared leadership, decision-making, social ecology and more. She specializes in consensus decision-making, visual thinking (translating ideas into folk graphics), facilitated reflection, and helping people thrive (even have fun!) as they navigate complex social and interpersonal issues.
2:45 – 4:00 pm - Panel The Business of Cannabis Business
Panel Description:
Rich Farley
Originally from Syracuse, NY, Rich graduated from SUNY Oswego with a B.S. in Accounting. He became a NYS Certified Public Accountant (CPA) in 2009. At Bowers & Company CPAs, Rich is a Tax Partner and leader of the Cannabis services team. Rich is also a member of the Construction Services and Not-For-Profit teams. His experience includes all areas of income tax preparation and planning with a focus on the complex taxation issues related to the Cannabis and Construction Industries, as well as years of experience helping our clients in the Not-for-Profit sector. Rich enjoys working with his clients to help them achieve their financial goals and save them tax dollars whenever possible.
Hannah Weiser
With over ten years of teaching experience and multiple teaching awards, Hannah is currently a tenure-track Assistant Professor of Law with Bentley University with a research focus on cannabis law, employment law, and constitutional law. Hannah is a graduate of The George Washington University Law School in Washington, DC and an attorney, licensed to practice in the state of Maryland. Hannah also holds a Master’s Degree in Business Administration and a Bachelor’s Degree in Business Management from the Isenberg School of Management at the University of Massachusetts, Amherst. Prior to her academic career, Hannah was a Consultant for Deloitte Consulting, LLP in the Strategy and Operations division of its Federal practice. Hannah is the Founder and Sole Proprietor of Weiser Consulting, serving on advisory boards supporting business start ups, development, and strategic growth.
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Andrea Steel
Andrea is a partner in Frost Brown Todd LLP’s Real Estate Practice Group as well as a member of the Hemp Industry Team, focusing her practice on both affordable housing and cannabis business law. In the cannabis space, Andrea has deep rooted knowledge and experience with both hemp and marijuana regulatory and business law. Andrea’s cannabis business clients come from across the supply chain spectrum from cultivators to retailers, as well as distributors, testing labs and more. She advises on regulatory compliance, risk analysis and mitigation, hemp/medical marijuana licensing, cannabis-related business issues and contracts, product labeling/marketing, policy-making participation and real estate issues. Andrea frequently advises clients on issues unique to the industry, such as delta-8 and other novel cannabinoids, conducting state-by-state research and providing guidance and analysis on proposed laws to policymakers and others. She serves on the Executive Committee of the International Cannabis Bar Association's Governing Board as its Vice President of Operations, as well as co-chairs its Legislative Advisement Committee. She has also been a Vice Chair of the American Bar Association’s Cannabis Law and Policy Committee since 2021 and recently became a Texas Co-Director of Minorities for Medical Marijuana. Andrea is a sought-after speaker at industry events, providing insight into recently approved and proposed laws, rules and regulations and other cannabis business matters. At her prior firm, she successfully launched, led and grew their cannabis business practice group.
Colby Piper
Colby Piper joined RIPCO’s New Jersey office in 2016. Colby focuses on high street retail from Hunterdon County, NJ to Bergen County, NJ; investment sales such as value add deals; true NNN deals; and ground up-development. Most recently, Colby has become a cannabis real estate specialist, representing both tenants and landlords in this growing industry. Colby is currently accepted into the Ganjier Cannabis Sommelier program He is in the 2nd class and will be graduating 2022. Ganjier is the highest certification in the Cannabis field, similar to that of a Wine Sommelier. Colby has completed several notable deals around New Jersey. He completed 14 deals in 15 months in Englewood along Palisades Avenue. He also completed an 18,500 square foot Planet Fitness in Fairview, and a 9,800 square foot Dollar General. Some of the tenants that Colby current works with are Burger King, Popeyes, Taco Bell, and Metro Markets Convenience Stores. When not being proactive with clients, Colby enjoys spending time with close friends and family. He is a member of the International Council of Shopping Centers.
2:45 – 4:00 pm - Panel Cannabis & Immigration
Panel Description:
Marie Mark, Immigrant Defense Project
Marie has worked at IDP for nearly eight years. She led IDP’s defender support work through the Padilla Support Center and the organization’s resources and training for immigration and criminal defense attorneys. She managed the Hotline through significant growth, including the devastating panic from community members targeted by the Trump administration. Marie also led IDP’s work advocating for equitable and inclusive marijuana legalization in New York State. Marie began her legal career at Brooklyn Defender Services, where she advised community members of the immigration consequences of criminal convictions and worked collaboratively with defense attorneys on creative strategies for mitigating or eliminating negative consequences. She also represented immigrants with convictions in affirmative applications and defended immigrants from removal in detained and non-detained proceedings. She graduated from New York University School of Law where she participated in the Children’s Rights Clinic and Immigrant Rights Clinic. She received her undergraduate degree from Swarthmore College. She is originally from Brooklyn and a proud daughter of immigrants.
Nithya Nathan-Pineau
Nithya Nathan-Pineau is a policy attorney & strategist based in Washington, D.C. She focuses on federal legislative advocacy at the ILRC. Her work is focused on policies combatting criminalization of immigrant communities. This includes developing and cultivating partnerships with community-based organizations and elected officials, and providing legal education and training. Nithya brings nearly a decade of experience providing legal services to immigrants in Texas, Virginia, and Maryland. Prior to joining the ILRC, Nithya served as the Director of the Children’s Program at the Capital Area Immigrants’ Rights (CAIR) Coalition. She also worked at the Tahirih Justice Center and the South Texas Pro Bono and Asylum Representation Project (ProBAR). Nithya focused on removal defense and humanitarian-based immigration relief including affirmative and defensive asylum, special immigrant juvenile status, protection under the Violence Against Women Act (VAWA), DACA, and U and T visas. Nithya obtained her Bachelor’s Degree in Spanish and Political Science from Tufts University and she earned her law degree from Brooklyn Law School. Nithya is admitted to the bar in Texas and New Jersey. She is fluent in English and Spanish and conversational in Tamil.
(Pending Judge Richard Bailey)
WIP
Professor Talia Peleg
Talia Peleg is an Associate Professor of Law and the Co-Director of the Immigrant & Non-Citizen Rights Clinic at CUNY School of Law. She and her students represent non-citizens in all areas of the immigration system. Her scholarship and practice focus on combating the entanglement of the immigration and criminal legal systems, which has led to the devastating detention and deportation of hundreds of thousands of non-citizens. Professor Peleg and her students creatively advocate for their clients to be released from the grips of both the immigration and criminal legal systems so that they can live their lives free from governmental control and surveillance. Prior to teaching at CUNY, she was a Supervising Attorney in the Immigration Practice at Brooklyn Defender Services (BDS). Professor Peleg began her work at BDS as a staff attorney in 2011. In 2013 she was one of four attorneys in New York City to help implement and shape the New York Immigrant Family Unity Project (NYIFUP) – a groundbreaking, first-in-the-nation universal representation program for detained immigrants – funded by the New York City Council. NYIFUP is now a fully-funded program representing detained clients at the Varick Street Immigration Court in New York City in bond hearings, merits hearings on their defenses to removal, and appeals to the Board of Immigration Appeals. The program is being replicated in various localities throughout the country. At BDS, she represented hundreds of non-citizens, most of whom had prior or current interaction with the criminal legal system. Through her practice, she developed substantial knowledge of criminal-immigration law, humanitarian defenses to removal, and challenges to removability. She has represented non-citizens in federal court litigation challenging the legality of their detention. She has also represented clients before the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services in adjustment of status, citizenship, U-Visa, and other affirmative applications. Professor Peleg is a proud graduate of the Immigrant & Non-Citizen Rights Clinic and CUNY School of Law.
2:45 – 4:00 pm - Panel Cannabis & Social Equity: Righting the Wrongs
Panel Description:
Scheril Murry-Powell
COO of the JUSTUS Foundation and Chair of the Broward County Medical Marijuana Advisory Board Scheril Murray Powell, Esq. is an Agricultural, Cannabis, Dietary Supplement, and Trade Attorney at Doumar, Allsworth, Laystrom, Voigt, Adair, and Dishowitz LLP. Scheril is the Chief Operating Officer of 501(c)3 non-profit organization, the JUSTÜS Foundation (www.Justus.foundation) and Chair of the Broward County Medical Marijuana Advisory Board which advises the County on Marijuana related policies and positions. She is also the Chair of the Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Sub-Committee of the ASTM D37 Committee. Honeysuckle Magazine recognizes her as one of the Top 28 Black Shapers of Drug Policy, Cannabis, and Psychedelics. The Daily Business Review has named her one of the Top 12 Cannabis Attorney’s in Florida. In 2022, she was named one of High Times 100, an annual recognition of the industry’s top leaders and influencers. Her practice covers both the Marijuana and Hemp Industries, specializing in Cannabinoid legalization and UK Novel Foods registration. She is a Florida licensed Hemp Farmer and is a Research Farmer for the University of Florida. Scheril serves on the Board of one of the oldest Cannabis Advocacy Organizations, Patients Out of Time. She is the Executive Director of the African American Farmers Association. She is the former Executive Director of the Black Farmers and Agriculturalists of Florida and former Director of Federal Affairs for the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services. Scheril is on the Hemp Pilot Program Advisory Board for the University of Florida and serves on The Tamarac North Lauderdale Chamber of Commerce Foundation, and a Board Member of The Unprescribed.org (a non-profit focused on reducing Veteran homelessness and suicides). She was a Founding Board Member for the U.S. Hemp Builders Association.
Rob Mejia
Rob Mejia is a full time cannabis teaching specialist at Stockton University where he teaches the Introduction to Medical Cannabis, Social Justice and Cannabis, and Cannabis Internship Preparation courses. He also helped launch CHRIS- the Cannabis & Hemp Research Initiative at Stockton- as a hemp and non-medical research hub and cannabis education center. In addition, he is President of Our Community Harvest: A Cannabis Education Company which creates cannabis educational materials including online courses. He is also one of New Jersey’s most sought after cannabis and hemp speakers and presenters. His cannabis authorship includes The Essential Cannabis Book: A Field Guide for the Curious, The Essential Cannabis Journal: Personal Notes from the Field and the forthcoming Cannabis Careers: An Insider’s Guide to a Budding Industry. In recognition of his cannabis advocacy and education efforts, he is the recipient of the Inaugural Excellence in Cannabis Education Award for the state of New Jersey.
Tim Brown Jr.
WIP
Tahir Johnson
Tahir Johnson is Founder and CEO of Simply Pure Trenton, one of the first Black-owned social-equity businesses awarded an adult-use cannabis license in New Jersey. He currently serves as President of the Minority Cannabis Business Association. Johnson's advocacy efforts are deeply personal and motivated by his own encounters with the criminal justice system, having been arrested for cannabis three times, which informs his dedication to combatting the impacts of the war on drugs. Previously his advocacy has seen him in leadership positions at The Marijuana Policy Project, United States Cannabis Council, and National Cannabis Industry Association. His work in these roles has focused on promoting social equity, diversity, and inclusion on both state and national levels. Before transitioning into the cannabis industry, Johnson carved out a successful career in Wealth Management. His resume includes prominent firms such as Morgan Stanley, where he contributed as a member of the Diversity Council. He majored in Marketing at Howard University, supplemented by a certificate in Power and Influence for Positive Impact from Harvard Business School Online. He further amplifies his influence through his popular podcast, The Cannabis Diversity Report. He is recognized as a leading voice in the cannabis industry, making him a sought-after guest for platforms like The Wall Street Journal, SXSW, Rolling Stone, NBC News Now, The NY Times, The Guardian, Forbes, CNBC, Black Enterprise, BET, among others.
Richard Washington
Richard Washington is the owner and primary attorney at the Law Offices of Richard J. Washington, P.C., a Labor, Employment, and Criminal Law practice. Richard has argued cases at trial and on the appellate level. He is admitted to practice law in the State of New York, the Eastern and Southern Districts of New York, the Second Circuit Court of Appeals, and the Supreme Court of the United States. Prior to starting his own practice, Richard was Associate Counsel for Labor Relations at the New York City Health and Hospitals Corporation, providing legal advice to city hospitals, nursing facilities and treatment centers. Before working at HHC, Richard worked in the Department of Education’s Administrative Trials Unit, where his practice was focused on teacher and employee discipline. Richard began his career as an Assistant District Attorney in Manhattan. As a prosecutor, Richard worked in the Office of Special Narcotics and the Special Investigations Unit. He prosecuted more than 200 felony cases in four years. Since entering private practice, Richard has handled civil and criminal matters. His office also serves as outside counsel to labor unions and charter schools throughout New York City; his cases have appeared in the Wall Street Journal, the New York Times, the New York Daily News, the New York Post, the New York Law Journal and the Brooklyn Patch. Richard has spoken at Community Board Meetings, Attorney Association Meetings, the Office of Administrative Trials and Hearings, and several high schools and churches throughout New York City on the laws governing police action, cannabis law and administrative litigation. He has published articles in the A.B.A. Student Lawyer Magazine, The Sweet Science, The Stride Newsletter and the New York State Criminal Law Newsletter. Richard is an active member the New York State Bar Association ("NYSBA"). He is the chairman of the Cannabis Law Section's Committee for Community Reinvestment and Social Equity, and he co-chairs the Strategic Communications Sub-Committee for the NYSBA Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Committee. He was recently appointed to the serve on the NYSBA Task Force on Homelessness and the Law. In 2021, Richard was a member of the Kings County Democratic Party's Judicial Screening Committee where he interviewed judicial candidates seeking endorsement from the Kings County Democratic Party. Richard received his Bachelor of Science degree in Criminal Justice Administration from Lincoln University, and his Juris Doctor from St. John’s University School of Law. While in law school, Richard studied International Business Transactions in Suzhou, China as a Kenneth Wang International Fellow. Richard lives in Brooklyn with his wife, Aneicia. They have two children, Cyrena and Nathaniel.
4:00 – 5 pm - Plenary: Facilitated Reports & Discussion from Breakout Session 2
Jenny Leis
Jenny Leis is a spark of enthusiasm for vibrant group process! Jenny has 25-years experience developing organizational systems for grassroots nonprofits, facilitating collaborative meetings and plans, managing volunteers, organizing campaigns, raising funds and hosting events. Building on decades of practical experience in learning what makes groups and individuals thrive, she is focusing skills, energy and experience on facilitating, teaching and supporting changemakers. Through her business, Your Enthusiasm Is Contagious (certified Women Business Enterprise in Oregon), she designs and facilitates meetings, retreats, strategic planning, peer learning cohorts, and organizational redesigns, and leads participation-based trainings on communication, conflict engagement, shared leadership, decision-making, social ecology and more. She specializes in consensus decision-making, visual thinking (translating ideas into folk graphics), facilitated reflection, and helping people thrive (even have fun!) as they navigate complex social and interpersonal issues.
Sunday, September 29
8:30 – 9:30 am - Keynote Dr. Joseph Rosado
“High” Stakes: Navigating Cannabis Addiction in Adolescence
Dr. Joseph Rosado
Joseph Rosado MD is a leading Physician as well as a well-respected Medical Director, educator, published author, and prominent public speaker. His extensive experience in the broad field of Integrative Medicine combined with his unique specializations ensure he can provide a comprehensive level of high-quality care for all members of your family.Dr. Joseph Rosado is one of the United States’ most well-respected scientists working with Medical Cannabis. He has been regularly featured on major US TV networks as a guest speaker. Dr. Rosado is fluent in English and Spanish. Further, he has been invited to speak all over the world educating doctors including but not limited to these countries: Fiji, Malaysia, Italy, and Costa Rica.
9:30 – 11:00 am - Breakout Session 3 Panel Cannabis & Vets
Panel Description:
Dr. Marion McNabb
Dr. McNabb is the Senior Director of Research and Learning at the United Way of Massachusetts Bay. Dr. McNabb is also the President of the Cannabis Center of Excellence, Inc a Massachusetts-based 501c3 nonprofit organization that conducts citizen-science-focused population studies and programs in the areas of community engagement, medical cannabis, adult-use cannabis, and social justice in the cannabis industry. The CCOE serves as a virtual resource & network of cannabis industry professionals, academics, policymakers, healthcare providers, consumers, and patients who aim to break the stigma and advance social justice in the cannabis industry. www.cannacenterofexcellence.org. Dr. McNabb is also the CEO of 510 Innovations LLC, a research, data science, and education company working with the healthcare innovations, cannabis, and entheogenic plant medicine industries. Dr. McNabb was the Cannabis Retail Appointee to the Massachusetts Cannabis Advisory Board from Oct 2021- Oct 2023, appointed by the Treasurer of Massachusetts. Dr. McNabb is the Principal Investigator of eight Cannabis research studies examining the reasons and impact of cannabis use among adult-use consumers and medical patients, veterans, and the impact of COVID on patients and consumers in Massachusetts and the United States, together with UMass Dartmouth. She sits on several academic advisory boards for academic cannabis educational and workforce training programs. Dr. McNabb has collaborated on Cannabis Research studies with academic partners UMass Dartmouth and Rider University in New Jersey and educational programs with Excelsior University, Holyoke Community College, BU, Wayne State University, and others. Dr. McNabb also has over 15 years of global public health experience working in the areas of digital health, HIV/AIDS, maternal and child health, and family planning, working primarily in Africa and Haiti. Dr. McNabb holds a DrPH from Boston University School of Public Health, an MPH from the Johns Hopkins University Bloomberg School of Public Health, and a BA in African and African American Studies from St. Louis University. Dr. McNabb currently resides in East Boston.
Eileen Fisher, American Legion NY
I was born and raised in the town of Cobleskill in Schoharie County, which is in a valley at the base of the Catskills in upstate NY. I am divorced with two grown children and a dog mom! I served in the US Army and US Army Reserve for 17 years, and medically retired in February 2008. I joined the Army in June of 1991, went to Fort Dix NJ for my basic training and my AIT was at Fort Sam Houston, TX. My MOS was a 91 Echo or dental technician. My first Active-Duty station was Fort Cambell, KY. I was in the 101st in the 326th medical battalion. We supported the First Brigade and every time they went to the field, we went also. Then I PCS’ed to Hawaii and into Dentac and worked in a dental clinic for the next three years with civilians. My next PCS was to Fort Gordon, GA, and again was in Dentac and worked in a clinic. In October 1998, I ETS’ed off of Active Army and joined the Army Reserve in Albany NY in the 364th/865th Combat Support Hospital. With this great unit, I did two med ready missions, one to Guatemala and the second to Ecuador. I attended Hudson Valley Community College in 2002 and graduated with an A.A.S. in Dental Hygiene. I practiced hygiene for the next 8 years, until an active army injury kept me from practicing, which led me to the best career path I have ever had in my life. In October of 2008, I was offered the position of Schoharie County Veteran Service Officer. This is the most rewarding and frustrating job, and I am blessed to have it! As I was already a member of the American Legion, I choose to get my accreditation through them which in turn is also with the VA. With the American Legion, thanks to a couple of amazing mentors, I have raised up through the ranks and now I am the Chairperson for the NYS American Legion Veterans Services Committee. I also sit on the National American Legion VA &R Commission; this appointment has been a goal of mine for over 8 years and finally came true 2 years ago!
Commander Shannon Sander, Disabled Veterans of American New York
Meet Shannon Sander, a distinguished Disabled Air Force Veteran and fervent legislative advocate, dedicated to serving her fellow veterans with unwavering commitment and compassion. With a career marked by unwavering resilience and a deep sense of purpose, Shannon embodies the spirit of service that defines the military experience. Beyond her remarkable military service, Shannon is also a devoted parent to Elsa, her cherished service dog and constant companion. Navigating life's challenges with grace and determination, Shannon is a shining example of strength and resilience. In collaboration with the Disabled American Veterans (DAV), Shannon tirelessly champions the rights and well-being of all disabled American veterans. Leveraging her extensive experience as a Department of New York Service Officer and Benefit Counselor, she is dedicated to ensuring that veterans receive the support and benefits they have rightfully earned. Shannon's unwavering dedication to her fellow veterans and their families has garnered widespread recognition and admiration. Her tireless advocacy efforts serve as a beacon of hope and inspiration, empowering veterans to overcome obstacles and thrive in their post-service lives. Join Shannon Sander and the DAV in their mission to honor the sacrifices of our veterans and ensure that no one is left behind. To learn more about Shannon's advocacy initiatives or to support the cause, visit DAV.org or DAVny.org for New Yorkers.
Judge Marcia Hirsch
Hon. Marcia P. Hirsch is the Presiding Judge of the Queens Drug Treatment Court, the DWI Treatment Court, the Mental Health Court, the Veterans Court, the Gun Diversion Court, and the Drug Diversion Court. She was appointed to the New York Court of Claims in March 2005 and was assigned to Queens Supreme Court, Criminal Term. She presided over hearings and trials before she was assigned to the therapeutic courts in October 2005. Judge Hirsch has lectured extensively on therapeutic justice, treatment courts, trauma-informed courts, and procedural justice. She has provided technical assistance to treatment court teams, law enforcement, behavioral health professionals working with justice populations, and more. She is a board member and the current president of the New York Association of Treatment Court Professionals. She is also the president of the newly formed New York Women Judges Association, Inc. She joined the faculty of the National Drug Court Institute in 2019 (now known as All Rise Treatment Court Institute). She is also a consultant for SAMHSA’s GAINS Center for Behavioral Health and Justice Transformation. Judge Hirsch is a graduate of Union College, where she was elected to Phi Beta Kappa, and a graduate of Syracuse University College of Law. She served for nine years on the Rockville Centre School Board and also was a member of her community’s Drug & Alcohol Task Force. Prior to taking the bench, Judge Hirsch was the General Counsel and Deputy Commissioner at the New York State Division of Housing & Community Renewal. Before that, she was in private practice for many years.
Jacob Skoda
Jacob “Jake” Skoda is a third-year law student at Albany Law, service-disabled Air Force veteran, and Veteran Service Officer. While serving as a jet engine mechanic in Germany, Jake broke his foot, was medically discharged, and now goes to law school on VA VRE benefits. As director of Albany Law School’s Veteran Pro Bono Project, he has learned that many veterans do not feel worthy of their benefits, and he advocates on their behalf against adverse VA determinations. He has also completed legal field placements at NYS Division of Human Rights, NYS Department of Veteran Services, and NYS Office of Addiction Services and Supports. Jake wants every veteran to know that because they survived their military contract, they should receive the benefits of the bargain of such contract, and that due process means veterans should receive remedies for harms associated with their military service. He believes every veteran should maximize their legal entitlements and use them in a way that honors the fallen who never had the same chance. He has worked on a host of relevant cannabis law issues such as: alleged discrimination against service-disabled veterans in NY’s cannabis licensing, restoring benefits to a victim of Military Sexual Trauma who was improbably discharged for using cannabis therapeutically, the genetic components of cannabis use disorder stemming from veteran genetic data, whether cannabis use disorder can be compensated by VA as a service-connected condition, and theories of harm reduction of cannabis compared to alcoholism and opiates.
9:30 – 11:00 am - Panel Cannabis & the Indigenous Community
Panel Description:
Mary Jane Oatman
Mary Jane Oatman is an enrolled member of the Nez Perce Tribe and descendant of the Delaware Tribe and proud mother of three beautiful people. She is the Executive Director of the Indigenous Cannabis Industry Association, founder of the Indigenous CANNabis Coalition (ICANNC), and publisher of THC Magazine. She enjoys being able to grow her passion both in her communities as well as across the nation as a traveling culture and events photographer. Mary Jane has found her true vibe capturing special moments with plants and people. Mary Jane has been dedicated to reclaiming Indigenous cultures and restoring pre-colonial economies in hemp and cannabis. She has worked for her tribe and other communities to advocate to state and federal agencies to protect tribal sovereignty and to ensure more effective government-to-government relationships are steered by building bridges between diverse stakeholders. In 2009, Oatman was the youngest member appointed by President Barack Obama to serve on the National Advisory Council on Indian Education, while also serving as the first Director of Indian Education for the state of Idaho. Mary Jane is on the founding board for the JUSTUS Foundation and currently serves as the president of the Idaho ACLU and on the board of directors for the Association of Cannabis Health Equity and Medicine (ACHEM). She has also served on the Minority Cannabis Business Association board. She is a certified fitness instructor and loves fishing, gathering, and chopping wood for the sweat lodge when she is not searching for stories that heal.(ICANNC) and publisher of THC Magazine. She enjoys being able to grow her passion both in her communities as well as across the nation as a traveling culture and events photographer. Mary Jane has found her true vibe capturing special moments with plants and people. Mary Jane has been dedicated to reclaiming Indigenous cultures and restoring pre colonial economies in hemp and cannabis. She has worked for her tribe and other communities to advocate to state and federal agencies to protect tribal sovereignty and to ensure more effective government to government relationships are steered by building bridges between diverse stakeholders. In 2009, Oatman was the youngest member appointed by President Barack Obama to serve on the National Advisory Council on Indian Education, while also serving as the first Director of Indian Education for the state of Idaho. Mary Jane is on the founding board for the JUSTUS Foundation and currently serves as the president of the Idaho ACLU and on the board of directors for the Association of Cannabis Health Equity and Medicine (ACHEM). She has also served on the Minority Cannabis Business Association board. She is a certified fitness instructor and loves fishing, gathering and chopping wood for the sweat lodge when she is not searching for stories that heal.
Judge Peter Boome
Upper Skagit Tribal citizen Peter Boome is a judge, mediator, and artist. Judge Boome is an Associate Judge for both the Tulalip Tribes and the Nisqually Tribe. He is a highly sought-after mediator with &fteen years of experience, having conducted hundreds of successful mediations. Peter practices primarily in Indian Country and is the creator of the mediation court Yehaw’ which is codi&ed and practiced in the Tulalip Court system. Judge Boome is the presiding judge of both Tulalip and Nisqually Tribe’s Healing to Wellness Court, of which Tulalip is a National Mentor Court. Judge Boome holds a Juris Doctorate from the University of Washington School of law, A Master of Environmental Studies from The Evergreen State College, a Bachelor of Arts from Evergreen, and an Associates of Arts from Northwest Indian College. In addition to his legal practice, Peter is an award winning, internationally renowned Coast Salish artist whose work is galleries, museums, and private collections around the world. Finally, Judge Boome regularly teaches several courses as an adjunct professor, including Law, Business, Environmental studies, Cultural studies, Art, and Political studie
Michael Kayser
Michael Anthony Kayser, a pioneering geneticist, is an esteemed member of the Eastern Band of the Cherokee Indians' Cannabis Control Board (CCB), leading the charge in regulating the tribe's medical cannabis industry. With a robust background in biotechnology and a fervent commitment to disruptive alternatives, Michael brings a wealth of expertise to his role. In his current role as a member of the Cannabis Control Board, Michael is instrumental in shaping the Eastern Band of the Cherokee Indians' medical cannabis program, ensuring that it prioritizes patient safety, public health, and regulatory compliance. His leadership and expertise are invaluable assets as the tribe embarks on this groundbreaking journey into the realm of medical cannabis regulation.
Chenae Bullock
Chenae Bullock, LPIM, an enrolled Shinnecock Nation citizen and descendant of the Montauk Tribe in Long Island New York. She is also African American. Appearances SXSW, Forbes, Rolling Stones, TEDx, Tribal Business News, Bloomberg, Conde Nast Traveler Indian Country Today, Yahoo Finance. Chenae is the founder & CEO of Moskehtu Consulting, a cultural and heritage preservation firm. With a background in regulatory, legal, lobbying, community outreach, and development work, she assisted her tribe in establishing a successful cannabis operation through financing, planning, and more. As a licensed Indigenopathic practitioner, Chenae focuses on promoting Indigenous healthcare participation and educating on ancient Indigenous wellness practices.
9:30 – 11:00 am - Panel Legal Status of Hemp & Psychedelics
Panel Description:
Scott Gagnon
Scott Gagnon is a Certified Prevention Specialist, Associate Executive Director of AdCare Educational Institute of Maine, Inc., and Director of SAMHSA’s New England Prevention Technology Transfer Center (PTTC). Scott is a national presenter and trainer on cannabis policy and prevention, opioid prevention, and prevention workforce development. He is a board member of the Maine Recovery Coach Certification Board, previous Co-Chair of the Maine Opiate Collaborative, and previously served on SAMHSA’s Center for Substance Abuse Prevention National Advisory Council. Scott previously served on Maine’s Cannabis Advisory Commission, representing public health, and is a current cannabis policy advisor for the Massachusetts Cannabis Control Commission. Scott was a subject matter advisor for the documentary series, Voices of Hope: The Rugged Road to Recovery, airing on Maine Public television. Scott’s work has been recognized with awards from multiple organizations, including the Maine Alliance to Prevent Substance Abuse, Healthy Androscoggin, and the Maine Public Health Association. In 2017, Scott was the recipient of the Patrick J. Kennedy Outstanding Advocate Award from Smart Approaches to Marijuana.
Joshua Bauchner
Joshua S. Bauchner is a partner at Mandelbaum Barrett, PC, where he serves as chair of the Cannabis, Hemp and Psychedelics Practice Group and in the Litigation and Bankruptcy practice groups. In the ever-evolving area of psychoactive substances, Josh was instrumental in co-hosting the inaugural Cannabis Symposium in New Jersey, attracting nearly a thousand attendees, with subsequent symposia continuing to garner attention. As a notable member of the New Jersey State Bar Association Cannabis Law Committee, the NORML Legal Committee, and the Amicus Committee, he received the New Jersey Law Journal’s Innovator of the Year Award. Josh’s strong dedication to regulatory evolution and legal clarity in key legal discussions. Josh has proudly filed a pro-bono amicus curiae brief in the case of Washington v. Barr, supporting the rights of former national and international professional athletes and challenging the federal government’s stance on cannabis regulation. Further emphasizing our commitment is an amicus curiae brief for the case of Dr. Sunil Aggarwal, MD, PhD; Advanced Integrative Medical Science Institute, PLLC v. U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration, cautioning against historical regulatory resistances and advocating for therapeutic advancements. National Interdisciplinary Cannabis Symposium Speaker Agreement 4
Professor Dustin Marlan
Dustin Marlan is an Assistant Professor of Law at the University of North Carolina School of Law, where his research and teaching interests include intellectual property, privacy, advertising, and bioethics. His work examines how the law, as a system of logic and reason, must adapt when regulating information containing intangible, irrational, and metaphysical subject matter. To this end, he has written extensively on topics including the role of metaphor in trademark law, the right of publicity’s application to emerging technologies, regulating novel forms of subliminal advertising, and, most relevantly here, the decriminalization of psychedelic compounds. Marlan’s scholarship has appeared in leading law reviews including the Boston University Law Review, William & Mary Law Review, Washington Law Review, Hastings Law Journal, Texas A&M Review, and Berkeley Technology Law Journal. His prior work on psychedelics law and regulation includes Beyond Cannabis: Psychedelic Decriminalization and Social Justice, 23 Lewis & Clark L. Rev. 851 (2019), and Psychedelic Capitalism and the Perceptual Threshold, 103 B.U. L. Rev. 643 (2023). Marlan attended the University of Pennsylvania Carey Law School where he was a senior editor of the Journal of Constitutional Law and graduated cum laude. He practiced intellectual property law at K&L Gates LLP and Wilson Sonsini Goodrich & Rosati PC and taught at the University of Michigan Law School and the UMass School of Law prior to joining the Carolina Law faculty. Marlan is also an Affiliated Researcher with the Project on Psychedelics Law and Regulation at the Petrie-Flom Center for Health Law Policy, Biotechnology, and Bioethics at Harvard Law School. He earned his undergraduate degree in Political Science from Indiana University—Bloomington.
Senator Deon Tedder
Senator Deon Tedder is a servant leader in our community and a fierce advocate for our children. A first generation college student, he graduated magna cum laude, from the Honors College at South Carolina State University with a B.A. in Political Science. Furthering his education, he graduated from the University of South Carolina School of Law with his Juris Doctor. Tedder has spent much of his life in public service. While a student at SC State, he secured an internship working in the office of the late Senator Edward (Ted) Kennedy, where he assisted on the Health, Education, Labor & Pension (HELP) Committee. He was very active on campus serving on Student Government. In law school, he served as a Guardian Ad Litem, representing the best interests of neglected and abused children. After law school, Tedder served as a Judicial law clerk to the Honorable L. Casey Manning in Columbia, South Carolina, which allowed him to gain a unique understanding of legal matters from both sides of the aisle. Tedder is an attorney at RPWB Law Firm where he focuses on personal injury, criminal defense and mass tort cases. He has been recognized as Top 40 under 40 with the National Black Lawyers, a 2022 Super Lawyer Rising Star, and Top 10 under 40 with the National Academy of Criminal Defense Attorneys. Tedder was elected to the South Carolina House of Representatives for District 109 in 2020, representing Charleston and Dorchester Counties. Most notably, he was recently elected to the State Senate for Charleston and Dorchester Counties, making him the youngest Senator in the state. He remains active in the community as he volunteers with various organizations and serves as a mentor for youth in the community. Tedder has been a leader in the fight for protecting public education, increasing affordable housing options and criminal justice reform. He is married to Dr. Jillian Broughton who is a dentist in the Charleston area. Tedder is an active and proud member of the Beta Kappa Lambda Chapter of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc
11:00 – 1:00 pm - Grab & Go Box Lunch - Plenary The Rescheduling of Marijuana: Now What?
Panel Description:
David Holland, Moderator
David C. Holland is a partner and a member of Prince Lobel’s Business Litigation and Cannabis practice groups. David is a highly sought-after civil and criminal litigation attorney who has an extensive background in representing a broad range of stakeholders in the cannabis industry. He is the Executive and Legal Director of Empire State NORML, the New York State affiliate of the National Organization for the Reform of Marijuana Laws (NORML). He is also a co-founder and President of the New York City Cannabis Industry Association (NYCCIA) and Vice President of the Hudson Valley Cannabis Industry Association (HVCIA). David is also a pro bono Legal Advisor to Last Prisoner Project (LPP) seeking clemency and habeas corpus relief for prisoners of the Drug War. Previously, David spent a dozen years serving Of Counsel to the late Michael Kennedy, Esq., an outspoken criminal defense and civil rights and cannabis advocate. Together, they successfully pursued President Obama with a group clemency petition on behalf of five elderly first time offenders serving at least one sentence of life without the possibility of parole for non-violent marijuana related offenses. During that time, David also provided Counsel to High Times Magazine handling all legal matters. He is a frequent information source for news media outlets and regular lecturer at many multi-disciplinary legal and media events regarding cannabis related issues. David has challenged the constitutionality of federal cannabis laws in several legal actions, submitted amicus curiae briefs to the United States Supreme Court in the case of Washington v. Barr and Musta v. Mendota Heights Dental Ctr., arguing that the Schedule I status of cannabis under federal law is unconstitutional. He has also brought a Declaratory Judgment action against the New York State Department of Corrections and Community Services on behalf of probationers who are being denied access to medical marijuana under the state’s Compassionate Care Act as well as representing a firefighter who was terminated from the Buffalo Fire Department for his lawful use of medical cannabis. David has been a leading voice in New York’s legalized cannabis laws and emerging industry rules and regulations. David was named a Top 100 Attorney of the Year in 2021 and a 2022, 2023, and 2024 Metro New York Super Lawyer, among other recognitions. David was admitted to the federal and state courts in New Jersey (1994), New York (1996), and Maryland (2004), as well as the U.S. Supreme Court and the 2nd Circuit Court of Appeals.
Dr. Peter Grinspoon
Peter Grinspoon, M.D. is a primary care physician and a cannabis specialist at Massachusetts General Hospital and an Instructor in Medicine at Harvard Medical School. He is the author of the new book ‘Seeing Through the Smoke: A Cannabis Expert Untangles the Truth about Marijuana’. He is a TedX speaker, a certified physician life coach, a board member of the physician advocacy group, ‘Doctors for Drug Policy Reform’ and an advisor to 'The Parabola Center'. He is the author of the groundbreaking memoir ‘Free Refills: A Doctor Confronts His Addiction’. He is frequently cited in the national media as a thought leader on cannabis, psychedelics, drugs of misuse, and addiction, and has had bylines in TIME, Newsweek, CNN, Salon, TruthDig, Reason, The Nation, Psychiatric Times, STAT, The Boston Globe, The L.A. Times, and MedPage Today.
Kevin Sabet
An affiliate of the Institution for Social and Policy Studies and the Medical School at Yale University, and dubbed by NBC News as the “prodigy of drug politics,” author, consultant, and advisor to three U.S. presidential administrations, Kevin A. Sabet, Ph.D., has studied, researched, written about, and implemented drug policy for 25 years. He is currently the President and CEO of the Foundation for Drug Policy Solutions (FDPS) and SAM (Smart Approaches to Marijuana), two non-profit organizations he founded with Congressman Patrick Kennedy. His latest book, Smokescreen: What the Marijuana Industry Doesn’t Want You to Know, is distributed by Simon & Schuster, won the Next Generation Indie Book Award in the Social Justice Category, and has been optioned for a documentary film by a Hollywood studio. His upcoming book, One Nation Under the Influence, will be published by Polity in 2024. He is the only person appointed by Republican and Democrats to work at the White House drug office, and he is a columnist for Newsweek. He received his doctorate from Oxford University and BA from the University of California, Berkeley.
Professor Robert Mikos
“Professor Robert Mikos is one of the nation’s leading authorities on cannabis law. He has published, consulted, testified, and lectured extensively on the competing approaches to regulating cannabis and the struggles among federal, state, and local officials for control of this quickly evolving policy domain. Mikos holds the LaRoche Family Chair in Law at Vanderbilt University Law School, where he teaches courses in federalism, constitutional law, and cannabis law and policy. Professor Mikos has also taught at the University of Michigan, the University of Notre Dame, and the University of California, Davis. He earned his A.B. cum laude from Princeton University and his J.D. summa cum laude from the University of Michigan. After graduation from law school, Mikos clerked for Chief Judge Michael Boudin of the U.S. Court of Appeals for the First Circuit
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Shawn Hauser
Shawn Hauser is a partner at Vicente LLP, where she co-chairs the firm's Hemp and Cannabinoids Department and Federal and International Law Group. She helps cannabis, hemp, and psychedelics businesses navigate the intersections between state and federal law and ensure compliance as laws evolve. Her practice focuses on regulatory compliance, licensing, general business representation, policy reform and strategic guidance to best position businesses for success at the state, national, and international levels. With more than a decade of experience in cannabis law and policy, Shawn is a go-to source for businesses, industry groups, governments, and reporters seeking opinions, analysis, and guidance. She has presented on cannabis law and policy to many local, federal, and international agencies, including the U.S. Food and Drug Administration and UK Parliament. Since directing Sensible Colorado's local government implementation team following the passage of Amendment 64, Shawn remains active in policy work with local and state governments in Colorado and Texas as well as advocating for federal reforms. She is passionate in supporting the development and implementation of cannabis, hemp, and psychedelics regulations that advance the industries responsibly and in support of public health. Active in the community, Shawn currently serves on the Board of Directors of United States Cannabis Council, and previously served on boards of the International Cannabis Bar Association and on the steering committee of the American Hemp Campaign—a project of Vote Hemp—which was instrumental in legalizing hemp in Texas in 2019. Well-regarded in her field, Shawn has received many accolades. She was named one of the top cannabis lawyers in the United States by Chambers and Partners and was recognized by her peers in The Best Lawyers in America® for her work in cannabis law. Additionally, Shawn has been listed in 5280 magazine's "Denver's Top Lawyers" list since 2015 and was included in Denver Business Journal's "40 Under 40" in 2021. After attending law school at the University of Denver, Shawn was an associate attorney at McAllister, Darnell & Gottlieb PC, one of the first marijuana-focused law firms in Colorado.
1:00 – 2:30 pm - Breakout Session 4 Panel Mock DRE Testimony
Panel Description:
Deena Ryerson
Deena Ryerson is a graduate of the University of Oregon, School of Law in 1998. She was admitted to the bar in 1998 and began working in civil litigation for two years. From there she went to the Washington County District Attorney’s office where she worked as a prosecutor for six years. During that time, she prosecuted countless DUII’s, both alcohol and drug related and helped to begin a county newsletter addressing DUII issues. During Deena’s time with Washington County, she conducted several trainings for law enforcement, junior prosecutors, and law clerks. She was selected as Oregon’s DUII Multi-Disciplinary Training Task Force Prosecutor of the Year for 2004. In July 2006, she became Oregon’s Traffic Safety Resource Prosecutor with the Department of Justice. As a Traffic Safety Resource Prosecutor, she assists prosecutors and law enforcement across the state with questions relating to DUII prosecution. She provides training for new and seasoned prosecutors, including updates to DUII case law and alerts prosecutors to issues that surface through the defense of DUII cases. She is a member of Oregon’s DUII Multidisciplinary Task Force, the DRE Technical Advisory Committee, the Oregon Ignition Interlock Committee, and a liaison to the Governor’s Advisory Committee on DUII. Ms. Ryerson also trains new recruits at Oregon’s Department of Public Safety and Standards Training department and law enforcement across the state about DUII case law. Ms. Ryerson reviews all DUII legislation and is instrumental in drafting and editing proposed DUII legislation. She is a resource to answer any impaired driving related questions for many disciplines. In addition to her work in Oregon, has trained law enforcement officers and prosecutors in other states and has given presentations at several national conferences including Lifesavers and the National DRE Conference. She was named a DRE Ambassador at the National DRE Conference in 2015.
Steven Epstein
Steven Epstein is a founding partner at Barket Epstein Kearon Aldea & LoTurco, LLP and is the partner in charge of the firm's DWI and Vehicular Crimes group. Mr. Epstein has more than 30 years of experience in the field of criminal defense and is admitted to the New York State Bar, First Department, 1992; Connecticut Bar, 1992; United States Supreme Court, 1993 and United States District Court S.D.N.Y., N.D.N.Y. and E.D.N.Y, 1993. Mr. Epstein is a nationally recognized and much sought-after lecturer at continuing legal education seminars for other attorneys and has been relied upon as the principal instructor for the Legal Aid Society of New York City in DWI defense for over 25 years. In addition, he also does the training programs for most of the New York City area public defender offices, as well as CLEs throughout New York State and the nation on the topic of DWI defense and trial skills. In total, he has trained well over three thousand attorneys. He has also served as an adjunct professor of law at Elisabeth Haub School of Law at Pace University since 1998 where he teaches trial practice. Mr. Epstein is the author of numerous published articles relating to trial techniques, legal challenges to scientific evidence, legal updates and other criminal and DWI defense related issues. Mr. Epstein serves as the Co-Chair of the National Task Force for Trial Advocacy for the National College for DUI Defense as well as a Faculty Member, New York State Delegate and Northeast Regional Delegate. Mr. Epstein is Vice President of the New York State Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers and serves as the chair for their CLE committee. During the pandemic Mr. Epstein organized and ran over 60 CLE programs for the New York State Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers resulting in him being awarded the President’s Award by the organization in 2021 for outstanding service. Mr. Epstein has been named a New York metro area Super Lawyer every year since 2014.
Joseph Turoski
Trooper Joseph Turoski, previously a four in a half year veteran of the Town of Guilderland Police Department, was assigned to the Traffic Safety/ Stop DWI unit as an A-line officer working 11pm-7am. The Unit is responsible for aggressive enforcement of the vehicle and traffic law with a strong emphasis on the detection of criminal activity and impaired driving, hosting the county’s victim’s impact panel (VIP), datamaster maintenance, monthly reports to the county stop DWI program and the allocation of grant funding for traffic enforcement. On October 24th 2016, Trooper Turoski attended the New York State Police Academy. A basic law enforcement school for Recruit Troopers. The Academy is 28 weeks including studies in penal law, vehicle and traffic law, defensive tactics, physical training, standardized field sobriety tests, breath test operator, RADAR and firearms. Trooper Turoski has been assigned to Troop F, Zones 2 and 3 and is currently assigned to Troop T Zone 2 at SP Albany. Certified as a Drug Recognition Expert (DRE) Trooper Turoski has completed 137 drug influence evaluations since April, 2015. Trooper Turoski has had the opportunity to testify in different criminal courts. The courts include: Town of Guilderland Local Criminal Court (Albany County), Town of Wallkill Local Criminal Court (Orange County), Orange County Court, Albany County Court, Greene County Court and Schenectady County Court. Trooper Turoski was chosen to attend the DRE Instructor School on April 29th 2019. Instructor candidates were selected through an application process and video presentations. During the probationary instructor phase Trooper Turoski was supervised by senior instructors and the state coordinator teaching Advanced Roadside Impaired Driving Enforcement (ARIDE) classes and at the May 2019 DRE school hosted in New Hartford, NY. Trooper Turoski became a certified DRE instructor as of June 6th, 2019. In 2024 Trooper Turoski was selected to be a member of the NYS DRE Technical Adversary Panel (TAP) one of nine DRE Instructors in charge of NYS DRE standards and curriculum oversite. Additional instructor certifications include DRE course manager, lead NYSP SFST instructor, breath test operator instructor, DCJS general topic instructor, academy training officer (ATO), constitutional law instructor, and basic/advanced traffic stop instructor. Currently Trooper Turoski is assigned to Cooperstown NY, attending the canine handler basic school, training to be a narcotics detection handler based out of Troop T SP Albany. Trooper Turoski has been selected by the International Associations of Chiefs of Police to present on the topics of oral fluid testing, and highway interdiction at the 2024 national Impaired Driving and Traffic Safety Conference.
Judge Mary Celeste (ret.)
Judge Mary A. Celeste (ret.) sat on the Denver County Court bench 2000-2015. She was the Presiding Judge 2009-10 and the co-founder of the Denver County Court Sobriety Court. She is currently a law school professor teaching Marijuana and the Law at California Western School of Law and is considered a national content expert on the topic of cannabis. She is a former member of the Judicial Advisory Board for the Foundation for the Advancement of Alcohol Responsibility (FAAR); former Faculty for the National Association of Drug Court Professionals (NADCP) and the National Judicial College (NJC). She has also served as the past chair of ABA National Conference of Specialized Court Judges; the President of the American Judge’s Association and the Colorado Women’s Bar Association Foundation, and, as a National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) Judicial Outreach Liaison. She has written many articles and is a national speaker on the topics of cannabis; cannabis and drug impaired driving, drugged driving, and specialty courts.
1:00 – 2:30 pm - Cannabis & the Workplace
Panel Description:
Scheril Murry Powell
COO of the JUSTUS Foundation and Chair of the Broward County Medical Marijuana Advisory Board Scheril Murray Powell, Esq. is an Agricultural, Cannabis, Dietary Supplement, and Trade Attorney at Doumar, Allsworth, Laystrom, Voigt, Adair, and Dishowitz LLP. Scheril is the Chief Operating Officer of 501(c)3 non-profit organization, the JUSTÜS Foundation (www.Justus.foundation) and Chair of the Broward County Medical Marijuana Advisory Board which advises the County on Marijuana related policies and positions. She is also the Chair of the Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Sub-Committee of the ASTM D37 Committee. Honeysuckle Magazine recognizes her as one of the Top 28 Black Shapers of Drug Policy, Cannabis, and Psychedelics. The Daily Business Review has named her one of the Top 12 Cannabis Attorney’s in Florida. In 2022, she was named one of High Times 100, an annual recognition of the industry’s top leaders and influencers. Her practice covers both the Marijuana and Hemp Industries, specializing in Cannabinoid legalization and UK Novel Foods registration. She is a Florida licensed Hemp Farmer and is a Research Farmer for the University of Florida. Scheril serves on the Board of one of the oldest Cannabis Advocacy Organizations, Patients Out of Time. She is the Executive Director of the African American Farmers Association. She is the former Executive Director of the Black Farmers and Agriculturalists of Florida and former Director of Federal Affairs for the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services. Scheril is on the Hemp Pilot Program Advisory Board for the University of Florida and serves on The Tamarac North Lauderdale Chamber of Commerce Foundation, and a Board Member of The Unprescribed.org (a non-profit focused on reducing Veteran homelessness and suicides). She was a Founding Board Member for the U.S. Hemp Builders Association
David Holland
David C. Holland is a partner and a member of Prince Lobel’s Business Litigation and Cannabis practice groups. David is a highly sought-after civil and criminal litigation attorney who has an extensive background in representing a broad range of stakeholders in the cannabis industry. He is the Executive and Legal Director of Empire State NORML, the New York State affiliate of the National Organization for the Reform of Marijuana Laws (NORML). He is also a co-founder and President of the New York City Cannabis Industry Association (NYCCIA) and Vice President of the Hudson Valley Cannabis Industry Association (HVCIA). David is also a pro bono Legal Advisor to Last Prisoner Project (LPP) seeking clemency and habeas corpus relief for prisoners of the Drug War. Previously, David spent a dozen years serving Of Counsel to the late Michael Kennedy, Esq., an outspoken criminal defense and civil rights and cannabis advocate. Together, they successfully pursued President Obama with a group clemency petition on behalf of five elderly first time offenders serving at least one sentence of life without the possibility of parole for non-violent marijuana related offenses. During that time, David also provided Counsel to High Times Magazine handling all legal matters. He is a frequent information source for news media outlets and regular lecturer at many multi-disciplinary legal and media events regarding cannabis related issues. David has challenged the constitutionality of federal cannabis laws in several legal actions, submitted amicus curiae briefs to the United States Supreme Court in the case of Washington v. Barr and Musta v. Mendota Heights Dental Ctr., arguing that the Schedule I status of cannabis under federal law is unconstitutional. He has also brought a Declaratory Judgment action against the New York State Department of Corrections and Community Services on behalf of probationers who are being denied access to medical marijuana under the state’s Compassionate Care Act as well as representing a firefighter who was terminated from the Buffalo Fire Department for his lawful use of medical cannabis. David has been a leading voice in New York’s legalized cannabis laws and emerging industry rules and regulations. David was named a Top 100 Attorney of the Year in 2021 and a 2022, 2023, and 2024 Metro New York Super Lawyer, among other recognitions. David was admitted to the federal and state courts in New Jersey (1994), New York (1996), and Maryland (2004), as well as the U.S. Supreme Court and the 2nd Circuit Court of Appeals.
David Sergi
David Sergi has been practicing hemp law in Texas for the past decade. His firm is also active in criminal law, fraternity law, and Title IX. He represents primarily manufacturers and retailers. He has been at the forefront of litigation to keep hemp-based cannabinoids available to consumers in Texas and Florida. He has also consulted on cases in Alaska, Tennessee, and Nebraska. He will only represent those clients that adhere to the following business standards: 1. Age gate all cannabinoid products to those that are over 21 or over 2. Do not sell products that are attractive to children or sell products that resemble children's products. 3. Sell all Cannabinoid products behind glass or similar barriers. He works hand in glove with the Veterans Community and the Texas Veterans of Foreign Wars to allow veterans access to effective alternatives to Opioids and help them overcome the effects of PTSD.
Lisa M. Casa
Lisa M. Casa is a partner in the Employment and Labor practice group. She concentrates her practice in the areas of employment and labor law, sexual harassment and discrimination law, overtime and failure to pay wages law, union/management issues, and litigation. Her articles, “The Cost of Silence: Sexual Harassment Claims in the #MeToo Era,” “Ban the Box: An Equal Playing Field but More Regulations for Employers,” and “EEOC v. McDonald’s: Reasonable Accommodations under ADA for Job Applicants,” were published in the Nassau Lawyer. Her article, “New York Family Leave is Here – What Employers Need to Know,” was published in The Suffolk Lawyer and most recently, her article, “Are Agents, Brokers and Salespersons Independent Contractors?” was published in the New York Real Estate Journal. Previously, Ms. Casa was an associate at a commercial litigation law firm located on Long Island and a boutique matrimonial law firm. Prior to working at those firms, Ms. Casa served as a law clerk to the Hon. David J. Issenman, Superior Court of New Jersey. As a law student, Ms. Casa interned for Hon. Esther Salas, United States Magistrate Judge, and with the United States’ Postal Service Employment law Division.
Sunday 2:30 – 2:45 pm Break
2:45 – 4:00 pm - Breakout Session 5
2:45 – 4:00 pm - Panel Cannabis & Driving
Panel Description:
Dr. Thomas Marcotte
Dr. Thomas Marcotte is Professor of Psychiatry at the University of California, San Diego, and Co-Director of the Center for Medicinal Cannabis Research, which has conducted clinical trials of cannabis for over 20 years and has an active, ongoing portfolio exploring the effects of cannabinoids (plant-based, synthetic) in various medical/psychiatric conditions. He is the principal investigator on studies addressing the effects that cannabis (including commercially-available products) has on driving performance, as well as methods for detecting cannabis-related driving impairment. He previously was the principal investigator on an NIH-funded take-home study of cannabis for the treatment of pain, and a co-investigator on cannabis studies addressing pain, as well spasticity in multiple sclerosis. Dr. Marcotte has served on the editorial boards of Neuropsychology and the Journal of the International Neuropsychological Society, was co-chair of the Research, Data and Technology subcommittee of the State of California Impaired Driving Task Force, and a member on the California Office on Traffic Safety Impaired Driving Blueprint Roundtable. He is co-editor of the book Neuropsychology of Everyday Functioning, 2nd Edition (Marcotte, Schmitter-Edgecombe & Grant)
Linda Hill
Dr. Hill, MD, MPH is a Distinguished Professor and Assistant Dean in the Herbert Wertheim School of Public Health at UC San Diego. She is the Executive Director of the Asylum Seeker Medical Screening and Stabilization Program. She is a Senior Staff Physician at San Diego Family Care, an FQHC. She is the Director of the UCSD Center for Human and Urban Mobility and the Training Research and Education for Driving Safety centers. Dr. Hill’s research focuses on displaced populations and transportation safety, such as fatigue, impaired driving, distraction, and medical conditions. Her team works across transportation modalities: passenger vehicles, commercial vehicles, buses and railroads.
Katie Mueller
Katie Mueller has been a safety advocate for over 20 years. She specializes in developing and implementing evidence based countermeasure programs for transportation. Since joining NSC, Katie has worked in the Impairment Practice Area as the SME for cannabis and now as Senior Program Manager on the Roadway Mobility Safety Team. Prior to NSC, she worked for the State of Oklahoma in transportation safety and policy. Katie served as the assistant director for the Oklahoma Highway Safety Office. She has served as a member of the Governors Highway Safety strategic communications committee, the Chair of the Oklahoma Occupant Protection Assessment Committee and as a delegate for NHTSA Region 6 committee on best practice in impaired driving adjudication.
Joseph Abrusci
Joe retired from the Mt. Olive Township Police Department in New Jersey after 30 years of full time service. He served as a member of the IACP Technical Advisory Panel, is a past a chairman of the DRE Section and past President of the New Jersey DRE Association. He helped to get the DRE program established in NJ in 1991 and has been involved with the program since and is still certified as a DRE/DRE instructor. He is the Drug Evaluation and Classification Program Eastern Region Project Manager for the International Association of Chiefs of Police.
2:45 – 4:00 pm - Panel Student Panel
Panel Description:
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Shawn Hauser
Shawn Hauser is a partner at Vicente LLP, where she co-chairs the firm's Hemp and Cannabinoids Department and Federal and International Law Group. She helps cannabis, hemp, and psychedelics businesses navigate the intersections between state and federal law and ensure compliance as laws evolve. Her practice focuses on regulatory compliance, licensing, general business representation, policy reform and strategic guidance to best position businesses for success at the state, national, and international levels. With more than a decade of experience in cannabis law and policy, Shawn is a go-to source for businesses, industry groups, governments, and reporters seeking opinions, analysis, and guidance. She has presented on cannabis law and policy to many local, federal, and international agencies, including the U.S. Food and Drug Administration and UK Parliament. Since directing Sensible Colorado's local government implementation team following the passage of Amendment 64, Shawn remains active in policy work with local and state governments in Colorado and Texas as well as advocating for federal reforms. She is passionate in supporting the development and implementation of cannabis, hemp, and psychedelics regulations that advance the industries responsibly and in support of public health. Active in the community, Shawn currently serves on the Board of Directors of United States Cannabis Council, and previously served on boards of the International Cannabis Bar Association and on the steering committee of the American Hemp Campaign—a project of Vote Hemp—which was instrumental in legalizing hemp in Texas in 2019. Well-regarded in her field, Shawn has received many accolades. She was named one of the top cannabis lawyers in the United States by Chambers and Partners and was recognized by her peers in The Best Lawyers in America® for her work in cannabis law. Additionally, Shawn has been listed in 5280 magazine's "Denver's Top Lawyers" list since 2015 and was included in Denver Business Journal's "40 Under 40" in 2021. After attending law school at the University of Denver, Shawn was an associate attorney at McAllister, Darnell & Gottlieb PC, one of the first marijuana-focused law firms in Colorado.
Rob Mejia (Moderator)
Rob Mejia is a full time cannabis teaching specialist at Stockton University where he teaches the Introduction to Medical Cannabis, Social Justice and Cannabis, and Cannabis Internship Preparation courses. He also helped launch CHRIS- the Cannabis & Hemp Research Initiative at Stockton- as a hemp and non-medical research hub and cannabis education center. In addition, he is President of Our Community Harvest: A Cannabis Education Company which creates cannabis educational materials including online courses. He is also one of New Jersey’s most sought after cannabis and hemp speakers and presenters. His cannabis authorship includes The Essential Cannabis Book: A Field Guide for the Curious, The Essential Cannabis Journal: Personal Notes from the Field and the forthcoming Cannabis Careers: An Insider’s Guide to a Budding Industry. In recognition of his cannabis advocacy and education efforts, he is the recipient of the Inaugural Excellence in Cannabis Education Award for the state of New Jersey.
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JOSEPH A. BONDY, ESQ.
Named one of America’s Top 100 Attorneys and one of the Top 100 Criminal Trial Lawyers by the American College of Trial Lawyers, Joseph Bondy is an internationally-recognized expert in criminal litigation. With over 28 years of superlative trial and federal sentencing experience, Bondy has advised thousands of clients in complex criminal defense, cannabis business and advocacy, and crisis management matters. The New York Times has described him as “eloquent and armed with the serene demeanor of a surgeon,” saying that “his oratorical intensity hovers at the evangelical.” High Times dubbed Bondy “one of the nation’s preeminent cannabis attorneys,” and his outstanding talent for defense strategy has been hailed by such outlets as CNN, Politico, and the New York Law Journal, as well as legal analysts from around the world. Bondy’s unique approach to criminal defense and public media strategies were particularly praised on a global level while he represented Lev Parnas, a Guiliani associate connected to the Ukraine scandal leading to Donald Trump’s first impeachment. Bondy and Parnas’s interview on The Rachel Maddow Show (MSNBC) was its highest audience-drawing episode of all time, earning an Emmy nomination; and a subsequent feature on Anderson Cooper 360 was one of that program’s most-viewed episodes of the year. Bondy serves on the Board of Directors for the National Organization for the Reform of Marijuana Laws (NORML) and is a Vice President and Board Member of the Cannabis Cultural Association (CCA). A graduate of Columbia University and Brooklyn Law School, Bondy was a key member of a team of attorneys on the seminal case Washington v Barr (2019), originally Washington v Sessions (2017), an action brought against the Department of Justice with the aim to legalize cannabis federally. He is the founder of In the Know 420, a well-known early radio talk show and live-stream on cannabis law, policy, and industry. Bondy is also a lifetime member of the National Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers and serves on the faculty of Cardozo Law School’s Intensive Trial Advocacy Program (ITAP).
DANIEL A. JOHNSTON
Dan Johnston is an innovative and aggressive attorney with proven success on both sides of personal injury, insurance defense, breach of contract, fraud, complex commercial, and trade secrets litigation. These results have included representing seriously injured plaintiffs, pursuing novel applications of RICO and fraud statutes, representing insurance companies in high-exposure claims, pursuing and defending defamation claims, and more. Dan also has developed a highly sought-after practice as one of the leading cannabis attorneys in the State of New York for both litigation needs and business consulting. Dan has been featured as an expert on New York Cannabis Law in a variety of mediums, including speaking engagements at multiple industry conventions, Newsday, the Nassau Lawyer, and in a variety of podcasts and blogs. Dan’s varied background and experience open the door to cost-effective, successful approaches to case resolution both within and beyond the courtroom. Prior to joining Bell Law Group as Of Counsel, Dan was Principal Attorney for Johnston Law LLC. In his practice, Dan frequently obtained outsized results for his clients against much larger and well-funded opposition. Dan has also practiced as a criminal prosecutor for Nassau County, and has worked with well-regarded litigation boutiques.
4 – 5 pm - Plenary: Facilitated Reports & Discussion
Panel Description:
Jenny Leis
Jenny Leis is a spark of enthusiasm for vibrant group process! Jenny has 25-years experience developing organizational systems for grassroots nonprofits, facilitating collaborative meetings and plans, managing volunteers, organizing campaigns, raising funds and hosting events. Building on decades of practical experience in learning what makes groups and individuals thrive, she is focusing skills, energy and experience on facilitating, teaching and supporting changemakers. Through her business, Your Enthusiasm Is Contagious (certified Women Business Enterprise in Oregon), she designs and facilitates meetings, retreats, strategic planning, peer learning cohorts, and organizational redesigns, and leads participation-based trainings on communication, conflict engagement, shared leadership, decision-making, social ecology and more. She specializes in consensus decision-making, visual thinking (translating ideas into folk graphics), facilitated reflection, and helping people thrive (even have fun!) as they navigate complex social and interpersonal issues.