House Bill 160, the Cannabis Regulation Act, sponsored by Representative Javier Martínez (D-Albuquerque) and Representative Antonio “Moe” Maestas (D-Albuquerque) to legalize and regulate the sale of cannabis products in New Mexico was introduced on the House floor in January 2020. If passed, the bill will grant the commercial sale of cannabis beginning in 2022. Pat Davis will give conference attendees an update on House Bill 160, the Cannabis Regulation Act answering questions from guest regarding the decision of the bill. Presented by Pat Davis, City Councilor District 6 and Chairperson of the Cannabis Legalization Working Group

Elizabeth Jensen, Health Educator and Martinik Gonzales, License and Compliance Program Manager of the NM Department of Health Medical Cannabis Program give an overview of the program and important department updates.

Cannabis and hemp legalization has yet to benefit the individuals and communities most damaged by the war on drugs as well funded, white owned operators (some of which who supported prohibition and the criminalization of POC) are trading on the stock market and expanding internationally. In a state like NM that continues to struggle from the criminalization of low-income POC, cannabis and hemp legalization must directly and immediately address how these industries must operate to ensure that New Mexicans are the first to benefit. Presented by Rosalie Flores Director of Cannabis Equity at Sozo Companies

We know about other systems in the body, circulatory, nervous, pulmonary, etc., but why don’t we know about the endocannabinoid system (ECS). We each have this system, and it is a key component that allows us to feel the therapeutic benefits of cannabis. Kelly will share research about this ancient system and how it effects every function in the human body including brain receptors, cannabinoids that we make in our bodies, basic functions of the endocannabinoid system, how cannabis interacts with this system and how we can care and feed it to keep us balanced. Presented by Kelly Butterman, Lead Cannabis Educator at Verdes Foundation

While there has been much discussion on gender equity in cannabis, the disparities still exist. This is especially true for women of color. Some demand entry into white male dominated rooms for a seat at existing tables while some of us are building our own. This presentation will focus on the latter. Presented by Clarenda "Cee" Stanley, CEO of Green Heffa Farms, Inc.

Dr. George will present recent results demonstrating the preclinical efficacy of CBD for the treatment of substance use disorders using state-of-the-art animal models of addiction and compare these findings to current FDA-approved treatment for alcoholism and tobacco use disorders. Presented by Dr. Oliver George Associate Professor, University of California San Diego

Leading with purpose and knowing what you have to offer is key to finding success in both marketing and management. Answering the question: Who are you? has the power to drive critical metrics around sales and retention. Creating a strong positioning statement by determining your target, frame of reference, and point of differentiation will help you connect with consumers in a deeper and more meaningful way while inspiring employees to do their best work. Reinforcing core values in the workplace will help to create a culture of belonging and feeling of purpose, thereby instilling within staff members a sense that they are an important part of a bigger plan. So, ask yourself three simple questions: Who do you serve? What do they need? And how can you provide that better than anyone else? Presented by Monique Jacobson Owner of Monique & Associates

Cannabis has become an increasing popular remedy, particularly for pain, and particularly amidst the country's opioid epidemic. But what does the research have to say about it and how does cannabis therapy actually measure up in the clinical setting? We'll review the current body of research on cannabis for pain relief and explore the clinical management of pain with cannabis. Presented by Dr. Jessica Knox, Co-Founder & CEO American Cannabinoid Clinics