2017 Presenters
Please note that all sessions and speakers are subject to change without notice.
Dale Roberts
CPA, NorthWestCannabisCPA
Dale Roberts
CPA, NorthWestCannabisCPA
Dale is the founder of NorthWestCannabisCPA.com. Dale worked as a Revenue Examiner for Sales, Use and Business taxes in the State of Alabama from 2003 to 2010. After moving on to greater challenges, Dale worked his way up the accounting ladder in private companies spending several years as an Accounting Manager in various industries designing, implementing, operating and improving accounting and administrative systems for new and existing companies. Seeking greater challenges, Dale earned his CPA in Alabama and started? NorthWestCannabisCPA.com to tap into the rapidly growing Oregon cannabis industry. Dale currently has an active CPA license in Alabama and Oregon. When it comes to the complex legal and regulatory environment of running a canna-business, having a CPA and an experienced prior regulatory auditor on your side is a valuable resource. Dale's comprehensive experience allows him a multi-dimensional perspective on your business.
Karen Sprague
President/ Owner, Karen Sprague essentials
Core Competencies:
- Former CEO/Owner of a multi million dollar cannabis extraction company
- Current business Karen Sprague Essentials ��� cannabis consulting firm
- Product development and marketing
- High-CBD cultivation and extraction of medical-grade cannabis oil
- Organic farming for Hemp, CBD, and THC specific strains
- Extraction equipment operation, design and modification for cannabis products
- Developing patient-specific therapies
- Advocate for keeping craft farming alive in Oregon
- Presented at International Cannabis Business conference in 2015 on Cannabis
- Spoke directly to the Oregon Senate on behave of cannabis companies
- Lobbied in Washington DC for fair taxation and banking in the cannabis industry 2015
- Sat on the OLCC rules advisory committee for testing in Oregon 2016
- Advisedo Oregon Health Authority on extracts in Oregon 2015
- Featured in Dope Magazine January 2016- Quality Company and Cultivation
- Featured in Oregon Leaf- 2014, 2015
Ben Wu
President, Kush Bottles
Ben Wu, President of Kush Bottles, has valuable experience in managing small, rapidly growing businesses. Prior to joining Kush Bottles, Ben served as a Vice President at Wedbush Capital Partners, a private equity fund focused on acquiring, professionalizing, and accelerating the growth of small entrepreneur-owned companies.
Ben is currently a member the packaging advisory committee for the Oregon Liquor Control Commission, and works in conjunction with The Washington State Liquor and Cannabis Board, as well as the Colorado Marijuana Enforcement Division. Ben also provides advisement for state officials in markets where cannabis has recently been legalized.
He is very familiar with a broad range of industries including manufacturing, distribution, branded consumer products and packaging.
Jon Norling
Attorney, Emerge Law Group
Jon is a renewable energy and corporate attorney representing developers, investors and lenders on matters related to the development and financing of renewable energy projects. Jon has represented developers on most every type of agreement in the development process, and has conducted legal due diligence on behalf of lenders and investors on all types of renewable energy projects. He has managed acquisitions and financing of solar, wind, biomass, and biofuel project companies, as well as cleantech venture companies. Jon has substantial in-house counsel experience and is adept at managing outside counsel. Nationally-recognized speaker on energy law issues. Also a decent tennis player and bluegrass/jazz fiddler.
Admitted to Practice
California
Oregon
Education
Lewis & Clark Law School, Juris Doctor, Law (1997)
Middlebury College, Bachelor of Arts (1991)
Robert Carp
Attorney, Carp Law Offices, LLC.
Robert Carp
Attorney, Carp Law Offices, LLC.
Robert Carp is a former High Tech Entrepreneur of the Year and a Harvard trained government scientist. Carp works as a practicing attorney in the Boston area, and is a frequent speaker nationwide on the subject of marijuana business operations, corporate structure and tax issues in the industry. Carp has written three books on the marijuana industry, including:
"The Marijuana Business Operations Guide";
"IRS 280E and It's Application to the Cannabis Industry";
"The Marijuana Business Licensing Guide".
Carp is a former IRS Enrolled Agent, and a retired law school dean.
Mario Ceretto
Founding Partner, CEO, New Era CPas LLP
Mario is the founder of New Era CPAs, LLP, and has been helping clients in the cannabis industry with litigation support, compliance, 280E strategy, and tax preparation since 2009. Mario has served as an expert witness in a medical marijuana defense case (People v. Jovan Jackson(2013)) and was appointed as the CPA for the first medical marijuana business to file Bankruptcy in federal court. Mario has spoken at numerous cannabis and accounting events including NCIA's Cannabis Tax & Law Symposium, CPA Academy, DispensaryNext, and Cannabis Finance Bootcamp. New Era CPAs LLP services the industry's leading producers, processors, and retailers in California, Oregon and Washington. Mario kicked off his career with PriceWaterhouseCoopers LLP in Portland, Oregon. Mario graduated from the University of California Santa Cruz with dual degrees in Business and Psychology and is licensed in California and Oregon with practice privilege extended to Washington.
Laura Shepherd
President, Noble Business Solutions
Laura Shepherd
President, Noble Business Solutions
I am a Certified Professional Bookkeeper/QuickBooks ProAdvisor/Trainer for many years. I became an advocate for this industry through personal experience and then dedicated my professional skills to support the sustainability of business herein.
Bill Griesar
Neuroscience Coordinator, nwnoggin.org (PSU, OHSU, WSU Vancouver)
Instructor, Psychology, Portland State University, Instructor/Outreach Coordinator, Neuroscience, WSU Vancouver, Behavioral Neuroscience, OHSU; Co-founder of arts-integrated neuroscience outreach nonprofit nwnoggin.org; PhD, Behavioral Neuro, OHSU
Ruby McConnell
Understanding Pesticide Regulation- OHA, ODA, and DEQ, Full Circle CO2 and Consulting
Ruby McConnell is a Registered Geologist with the State of Oregon and the author of A Woman's Guide to the Wild. Ruby has ten years of experience working with regulators on environmental cleanup and contamination and wetlands/water use projects.
Jon Thompson
Dr., extraktLAB
Dr. Jon Thompson
Founder and Chief Science Officer
An expert in the field of separation science, Dr. Thompson has developed methods, systems, and technology for analytical chemistry used in bio-pharma and the chemical industries. Dr. Thompson studied chemistry and microbiology at the University of Minnesota-Duluth and received his Ph.D. in analytical chemistry from the University of Minnesota Twin Cities. Dr. Thompson has been responsible for designing major medical marijuana production facilities in the Midwest, East Coast, and Canada. Prior to entering the medical marijuana market, For over five years, Dr. Thompson has owned and operated United Science Corp., the parent company of extraktLAB.
Matt Walstatter
Founder, Pure Green
Matt Walstatter
Founder, Pure Green
Matt Walstatter is the founder and owner of Pure Green, which includes Pure Green Gardens and the Pure Green Retail Store. He has grown cannabis for more than 20 years and has been a patient under the OMMP since 2006.
Matt has a broad and diverse knowledge of all aspects of the cannabis industry. He has a Law Degree from Lewis and Clark Law School and a Bachelor's Degree in Journalism from the University of Oregon.
In addition to his work with Pure Green, Matt has established himself as a thought leader in the cannabis industry. He writes for several publications, including a regular column for Cannabis Business Executive and a regularly featured guest column for Marijuana Business Daily.
Matt speaks regularly at local, regional and national events. He is also active in politics, particularly around issues related to the cannabis industry. He is a founder of the Oregon Cannabis Association, Oregon's premiere cannabis industry trade association, and Co-Chair of the OCA PAC.
Ashley Preece-Sackett
Executive Director, Ethical Cannabis Alliance
Ashley Preece-Sackett
Executive Director, Ethical Cannabis Alliance
Ashley Preece-Sackett is co-founder of Cascadia Labs in Bend and Portland. She holds a degree of Horticulture Science from Boise State University. She previously launched Portland Chapter Women Grow and is now the Executive Director of Ethical Cannabis Alliance, a nonprofit setting national standards for labor and environmental best practices.
Tracy Ryan
CEO, CannaKids
Tracy Ryan
CEO, CannaKids
With a true focus on clinical research, Tracy Ryan has consulted with thousands of patients around the globe on cannabis use & education, and has treated over 500 patients in the last year and a half in California with her own line of CannaKids, Honey Gold cannabis oils. As a cancer mom, advocate, caregiver, cannapreneur and research pioneer, Tracy's fire is fueled by the desire to find her daughter a cure, and all of the patients behind her, the answers they need to help end their suffering.
Mark Hackett
Attorney, Emerge Law Group
Mark Hackett
Attorney, Emerge Law Group
Mark Hackett has practiced employment law in Oregon for more than twenty years. Early on, Mark devoted much of his time to litigation, defending employers in court and before administrative agencies. Over the years, Mark shifted his focus to employment law compliance, litigation prevention and training, particularly in the cannabis industry.
I believe in preparation and prevention. Putting effective employment policies and practices in place on the front end will prevent many of the mistakes that result in expensive litigation."
Mark's employment advice is well-grounded in real-world business experience. Mark operated a wholesale distribution business for several years, owned his own law firm and recently worked as Human Resources Director for a natural foods producer with more than 250 employees.
Mark attended Georgetown University and the University of California, Davis as an undergraduate, then received his law degree from Cornell Law School.
Paul Millius
Principal, CannaCruiter LLC
Paul Millius
Principal, CannaCruiter LLC
Twenty years experience recruiting executives, managers, and senior technical execs, for corporations, not for profits, and governement agencies. Will present a comprehensive method for finding the people a company needs in order to succeed.
Jim McAlpine
Founder, Power Plant Fitness and New West Summit, The 420 Games
Update Jim McAlpines bio: Jim McAlpine is on a mission to change the perception of cannabis and the people that use it via athletics and sports. This Silicon Valley entrepreneur is a father of two daughers and also the founder of “CannaDads”.Over the past 2 years McAlpine has become one of the most well known figures in the cannabis industry and known as the leading expert in the field of cannabis and athletics. “Everything in Moderation Except Sweat” For Jim this slogan is a motto he both preaches and also lives by. Jim’s message is simple and applies to a global audience- anyone and everyone whose lives can be improved with the health benefits.
Beau Whitney
Economist, Whitney Economics, LLC
Beau Whitney
Economist, Whitney Economics, LLC
Beau Whitney is one of the nation's leading cannabis economists. He has published a series of white papers examining the economics of cannabis in the USA. His work in analysis, forecasting and policy has made him a pioneer in cannabis economics.
Laura Rivero
Operations Manager, Yerba Buena Farms
Aside from managing the operations at Yerba Buena, Laura has over 6 years of dispensary management experience in a highly regulated seed-to-sale environment. Her business acumen in the industry is only outshined by her knowledgeable approach to accessing the medicinal powers of the plant. Laura has designed and implemented various business models using various best practices, and is committed to leading with her actions, setting the standard for the cannabis industry.
Eric Ogden
Cofounder, WeedTraQR
With decades of diverse expertise across multiple business functions including strategic planning, marketing, operations, sales, business development, partner relationship management, customer service, patents, insurance/risk management, and technology development and deployment, Eric Ogden is now Cofounder of WeedTraQR, a rapidly growing traceability compliance software provider for the legal cannabis industry. Founder David Busby and Eric share a passion for process automation and are guided by a vision of turning traceability compliance from burden to competitive advantage with innovative and performance driven software to help the fledgling cannabis industry thrive.
Eric has an MBA from Seattle University.
Doug Fish
President, Fish Marketing
A veteran of 30+ years in the agency business, Doug is the president and founder of Fish Marketing, a full service firm that provides strategy, creative advertising content and audience delivery services. With a staff of 20, Fish handles over 40 accounts throughout the U.S. including: Divisions of Subaru of America, Snowbasin Resort, Duckworth Boats and The State of Oregon. They also work with a growing number of Oregon cannabis brands.
AC Braddock
Chief Executive Officer, Eden Labs, LLC
AC Braddock
Chief Executive Officer, Eden Labs, LLC
AC Braddock is the CEO of the industry's most innovative and respected extraction technology company and a career entrepreneur. She has a keen eye for new trends, product placement, business strategy and creating a strong corporate culture and infrastructure for effective growth. These skills, along with her intense interest in botanicals as medicine and humanitarian issues, drive her in educating the industry and those it serves, in safe, healthful methods of producing concentrates.
In 2010, Ms. Braddock became CEO of Eden and proceeded to guide the company through exponential growth. She has developed a reputation as a thought leader in modern business practice, a unifier across industries, and an inspirational speaker in this emerging industry.
AC is a founding supporter of Women of Weed, Cannabis Women's Alliance and Women Grow. She is board member for National Cannabis Industry Association, National Cannabis Coalition and The Cannabis Alliance.
Justin Cooper
Owner, Green Planet Wholesale
Justin Cooper, Co-Owner of Green Planet Wholesale, Co-Owner of the largest privately owned hydroponics chain in Canada, Pacific Northwest Garden Supply. Justin has been in the industry for 25 years. During that time, he has built a manufacturing, wholesale, and retail location that service some of the biggest growers in the world.
He is also one of the hosts of Growing Exposed, the leading series about cannabis growing. Serving as a consultant for some of the biggest grows in North America, Justin is an expert grower with a huge expanse of knowledge behind the craft. Very few people are as involved and understand the industry on so many levels in the hydroponics world like Justin currently is.
Neil Yorio
V.P. Lighting Research - Agriculture, BIOS Lighting
Neil Yorio is the V.P. of LED Agricultural Lighting Research for BIOS Lighting, a company which has a focus on developing innovative solutions for the agricultural lighting market. He has participated in numerous agricultural lighting research programs with NASA's bioregenerative life support programs for over two decades, and is recognized internationally as an expert in electrical lighting systems and controlled environment crop production. He holds both a B.S. and M.S. in Cellular and Molecular Biology from Florida Tech. Neil is passionate about the energy savings as well as crop yield and quality improvements that LED technology offers this emerging market, and supports the unique integration challenges of LED technology with horticulture. His strong foundation of both plant-related lighting research and LED product design positions him in both understanding the plant lighting requirements and the manufacturing and performance for world-class product development.
George Stantchev
CEO, COMERG
Dr. Stantchev holds a PhD in Electromagnetics, MBA in Product Management, MS in Electrical Engineering Technology and has numerous patents granted and pending. He is specialized in start-up ventures, international business development, operational effectiveness, technology planning, and new product developments. He is currently the CEO and founder of Pure 5 which designs, manufacture cost and process optimized extraction systems and applicable post processing.
Michelle Moore
CEO, ADAPTIVE PLASTICS INC.
Michelle Moore is the second generation owner and CEO of the Adaptive Plastics, Inc., makers of: Solexx Greenhouses and Greenhouse Coverings and the revolutionary Grow4it, the Complete 4-Season Food Growing System. With 20 years of greenhouse experience, Michelle is a published author, Oregon State University Master Gardener and member of Garden Writers Association. Greenhouse growing and sustainability is Michelle's passion. She is a Fulbright Scholar and earned an International MBA from Thunderbird, School of Global Management and currently lives in Oregon with her husband, and their twin girls.
Cliff Thomason
President, Orhempco, Inc.
Cannabis
President and founder of Oregon Hemp Company
First farmer to plant hemp legally in Oregon in over 70 years
Co-Founder of the Oregon Industrial Hemp Farmers Association
Featured in an online National Geographic story in 2015
Statewide featured speaker on growing and cultivating industrial hemp in Oregon
Medical Marijuana Advocate
Advocate for affordable access to cannabis medication
Creator of Antidope, a natural high reducer from excessive cannabis medication and recreational marijuana usage
Politics
Lobbied successfully against HB2668 in 2015, a bill that would have severely limited industrial hemp growth in Oregon
Had sponsored, and lobbied successfully, for HB4060 in 2016, a bill that greatly enhanced industrial hemp growth in Oregon
Successfully won 2016 Independent Party of Oregon's gubernatorial primary in May, 2016
Was the 2016 Independent Party of Oregon's candidate for Governor
Advocate for the establishment of an Oregon St
Jonathan Cohen
Founder / CEO, Imagine Energy
Jonathan Cohen
Founder / CEO, Imagine Energy
Jonathan Cohen founded Imagine Energy in 2003 to change the way people think about and use energy. An aerospace engineer by training, he brings an engineering approach to provide better comfort, indoor air quality, and energy use in people's homes and businesses. In the cannabis industry, he's excited about bringing forward the latest dehumidification and indoor air quality technology to ensure consistent high quality product at the lowest cost per gram.
Derek Smith
Executive Director, Resource Innovation Institute
Derek Smith has been a leader in triple bottom line ventures in the public, private and nonprofit sectors for more than 15 years. Most recently, he founded and led Clean Energy Works, a nationally-recognized nonprofit organization that facilitates residential energy efficiency upgrades throughout Oregon and Washington. He has directed energy programs for the City of Portland Bureau of Planning and Sustainability, led Operations for a fast-growing green lifestyle start-up and served as Sustainability Director for a national retailer.
Jennifer Martin
Cultivation Consultant, Cultivation Sector Consulting
Jennifer Martin
Cultivation Consultant, Cultivation Sector Consulting
Jennifer Martin is the winner of the 1998 SF Bay Area Cannabis Cup, and is a pioneer in the US cloning industry, having been the primary provider of clones to Berkeley Patients Group and Harborside Health Center for many years. She is an independent cultivation consultant and regular speaker at west coast cannabis conferences. Her primary focus is on the optimization of indoor cultivation methods and creating systems and documentation that blend traditional cultivation methods with new technologies and formal business practices.
Casey Rivero
Lead Cultivation Manager, Yerba Buena
Casey Rivero is the Lead Cultivation Manager at Yerba Buena, one of the first 8 recreationally licensed cannabis businesses in Oregon. Casey is the mastermind behind Yerba Buena's impressive cultivation facility, which has been called the most state-of-the-art in Oregon by multiple leaders in the industry, and dubbed the "Cadillac of Grows" by the OLCC. Casey has 20 years of experience in cannabis cultivation and facility design, and has built out and run a variety of different grow systems.
Matt Maletis
Founder, Oregon HUB
Matt Maletis
Founder, Oregon HUB
Matt Maletis is deeply rooted in Oregon and was born and raised in the Portland area. Throughout his career Matt has operated, developed, and invested in a number of high profile projects locally; focused primarily on real estate, hospitality / entertainment, and controlled products. Over the past several years Matt has been a key player in the formation of Oregon’s emerging cannabis industry. He has served as an advisor to the agency tasked with the regulation of cannabis in Oregon, the OLCC and in addition has worked with a number of other state and local agencies.
He has been a leading voice in the responsible development of this new industry as it exits prohibition. He has joined groups including the Oregon Cannabis Association lobbying in DC for national policy changes that will support and normalize the industry. In addition to founding Oregon HUB. Matt is the director of The M. Maletis Company focused on real estate, investment, and services focusing on regulated / controlled industries and businesses.
Ryan Michael
CEO | Operations & Photography, KindTyme | Cannabis Marketing & Design
I'm a professional marketer, photographer, developer & designer with years of experience both outside and inside of the cannabis industry. As a co-founder of KindTyme, I spend my days improving Mary Jane's image one canna-business at a time.
John Morris
CEO, Morris Energy Consulting; Founder, Resource Innovation Institute, (see above)
John Morris is the Chief Executive Officer of Morris Energy Consulting, an energy firm with a focus on software as a service, electric vehicles, policy & regulatory affairs, cannabis and microgrids. John developed and facilitated the first ever utility working group on energy consumption by cannabis producers. He has deep working relationships with a majority of utilities in Washington and Oregon and has spent the last two years delivering education and outreach to utilities on power factor in indoor agriculture processes, including presentations at a number of utility conferences throughout the western United States. Previously, John was the Policy & Regulatory Affairs Director for CLEAResult where he managed energy efficiency policy in 14 Western States and Canadian Provinces. John currently serves on the boards of Northwest Energy Efficiency Council and Drive Oregon, for which he chairs the Utility EV Working Group, focused on Oregon and Washington.
Megan Marchetti
Co-owner, Oregon’s Finest
Megan Marchetti
Co-owner, Oregon’s Finest
Megan Marchetti practices magic as the HR Director for Oregon’s Finest by connecting people, their talents, and building teams to promote positive communities inside the workplace and out. A lifetime advocate for cannabis re-legalization and a professionally trained HR specialist, Megan combined these skills and moved to Oregon in 2008 and to participate in the cannabis movement. Megan focused her undergraduate studies at Boise State University on the Sociology of Drugs and her graduate studies were interlaced with sociological theory and human resources. Megan received her PHR in human resources in 2010.
Jill Trinchero
Founder, She Don't Know
Jill Trinchero moved to Portland in 1995, after college and a year as a ski bum, to work in Sales and Product Development. When her daughters were born, Jill turned her focus to full-time parenting, a small handmade jewelry business and community service, advocating for Arts in Education. She Don't Know, Jill's brand of delicious gluten free cannabis snacks, is the natural result of much love and lots of R&D. She doesn't take herself too seriously and she's not afraid to jump through fiery hoops. She Don't Know.
William Stewart
Med Scientist, Half Baked Labs
Bill Stewart, Med Scientist for Half Baked Labs, believes that cannabis edibles are food first, and that all of our clients are patients. He has been cooking & baking for fifty years, and has a degree in Chemical Engineering from Clemson University. He feels very lucky to have found a business where his areas of nerdyness connect. Bill began creating edibles for a friend with ovarian cancer, and his daughter Camille (who has cerebral palsy) is beginning cannabis treatment. With his roots on the medical side, Bill is dismayed by new legislative rules that are creating difficulty for patients, and is an activist to fight these rules (some legislators might prefer the term pain in the ass).
Steph Sherer
Executive Director of Americans for Safe Access (ASA)
Steph Sherer
Executive Director of Americans for Safe Access (ASA)
Steph Sherer is founder and Executive Director of Americans for Safe Access (ASA), Director of Innovations of the International Cannabis and Cannabinoid Institute (ICCI), and founding member of the International Medical Cannabis Patients Coalition (IMCPC). ASA is the largest national member-based organization of patients, medical professionals, scientists, and concerned citizens promoting safe and legal access to cannabis for therapeutic use and research. Steph has become the foremost international leader and expert on medical cannabis patient advocacy and, alongside the American Herbal Products Association (AHPA), has created the first industry standards in the areas of Distribution, Cultivation, Analytics, and Manufacturing, Packaging, and Labeling.
Aaron Smith
Co-founder and Executive Director, National Cannabis Industry Association (NCIA)
Aaron Smith
Co-founder and Executive Director, National Cannabis Industry Association (NCIA)
Aaron Smith is co-founder and executive director of the National Cannabis Industry Association. Prior to launching NCIA, Aaron distinguished himself as a public advocate for marijuana policy reform — first under the auspices of a California-based medical cannabis advocacy group, Safe Access Now, and more recently as the California state policy director for the Washington, D.C.-based Marijuana Policy Project. Aaron has successfully built coalitions with elected officials on both sides of the aisle.
Cy Scott
Co-founder and CEO of Headset, Inc. | Co-Founder of Leafly
Cy Scott
Co-founder and CEO of Headset, Inc. | Co-Founder of Leafly
Cy Scott is co-founder and CEO of Headset, Inc., bringing data driven insights to the cannabis industry. Headset helps companies in cannabis succeed by promoting better decision making via market intelligence offerings and operational insights in a sleek, intuitive and easy-to-use package. Prior to founding Headset, Cy cofounded Leafly. Since Leafly’s inception in 2010, Cy helped to grow the site into the world’s leading cannabis information resource, a model of a successful ancillary brand in this new emerging industry. Along with his work at Headset, Cy founded a monthly Cannabis Tech Meetup hosting cannabis entrepreneurs and technology developers, which has now expanded into multiple regions throughout the US. Cy’s favorite strain is Super Lemon Haze.
About Headset
Headset provides data driven insights and reports for the cannabis industry through retail analytics, developed by the same founding team that created Leafly -- the leading consumer app for cannabis. The Headset business intelligence platform provides retailers the tools necessary to optimize operations while the Headset market intelligence platform services provide companies actionable insights built on real-time, aggregate scan data enabling them to better identify trends, spot opportunities and make informed decisions.
Jeff Jackson
Senior Occupational Health Consultant, Oregon OSHA
Jeff Jackson
Senior Occupational Health Consultant, Oregon OSHA
As an emerging industry cannabis production and manufacturing presents many safety and health hazards. Oregon OSHA is currently developing policies regarding rules application to this industry. Oregon OSHA offers free and confidential onsite consultation assistance to Oregon employers without Enforcement involvement. Jeff will review the results of several recent Oregon OSHA consultations completed in the cannabis industry. This session will discuss the occupational health and ergonomic hazards associated with cannabis growing, processing and extraction processes. We will review the applicable Oregon OSHA regulatory requirements and best practices to establish for a safe and healthful workplace. We will discuss general OSHA administrative requirements applicable to all facilities. Additionally we review a case study of a butane extraction process including the results of explosive gas testing.
Camille Messina
Owner, Messina Bitters
It all started with plants. When I was kid, I would help out in my mother's garden, and in the summer the kitchen would be filled with hanging basil and other drying herbs. It smelled so good. One plant that particularly interested me was cannabis. My father was a strong advocate for legalization, and he used it to help him treat the pain from cancer when he was diagnosed with multiple myeloma. It inspired me to learn more about how plants could help people. My education in plants has lead me from rooftop gardens in Brooklyn NY, to organizing a permaculture project in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. In 2014, I began my journey to create the first legally recognized cannabis infused bitters company. After researching traditional medicine and working with a chemist, Messina Bitters was launched in May 2015. By 2016 demand from bartenders and chefs was incredible, and so we launched "The Virgin". Our virgin bitters have all the goodness of our original recipe without the cannabis.
Andrew Black
Founder/Certification Director, Certified Kind
Andrew Black
Founder/Certification Director, Certified Kind
Spent the past 11 years working for Oregon Tilth, the nation’s most trusted organic certifier. Completed hundreds of organic inspections throughout the US and Mexico. Started Certified Kind in 2014 to help create a market for truly organic cannabis.
Dan Gustafik
Founder, Hybrid Tech
Dan Gustafik
Founder, Hybrid Tech
Daniel Gustafik has 20 years of experience working on industrial power and controls, clean rooms, server centers and cannabis production facilities. He used his background in electrical engineering to found the engineering firm Hybrid Tech and obtain licenses in many states. He designed and built his first cannabis facility in 1997 and, with his team of engineering professionals, has completed hundreds of compliant cannabis projects throughout the U.S. and Canada.
Amy Margolis
Founder, Oregon Cannabis Association
Amy Margolis
Founder, Oregon Cannabis Association
Amy T. Margolis is a shareholder with Greenspoon Marder’s Cannabis Law practice group. Her primary practice areas are licensing, compliance and regulatory work in the cannabis industry, as well as continuing to represent clients charged with crimes in either state or federal court. She is also directly involved with the state’s policy discussion around implementation of medical and recreational cannabis and she has been tapped to serve on a number of rulemaking committees.
Philippe Thuillier
PhD, Orchard Grove
Philippe Thuillier
PhD, Orchard Grove
Philippe Thuillier is a Biochemist and Molecular Biologist with 20 years in biomedical research. He obtained his PhD in Biochemistry from Colorado State University, and has spent the last 20 years working on Cancer Prevention . His work is focusing on understanding the role of natural products and nutrients on health and disease prevention. He co-founded Orchard Grove with the mission to better understand the biochemical and beneficial properties of therapeutic plants and their active ingredients.
Vijay Balan
Science Chief at Orchard Grove, Orchard Grove
Vijay Balan
Science Chief at Orchard Grove, Orchard Grove
Vijay Balan obtained his Bachelors of Science in Biology and Masters of Science at the University of Oregon. Founder and Lead Scientist at Xplant Laboratory, Inc. since 2002. Worked for many years in clinical microbiology settings and as a mediator in the acclimation stage of micropropagation. Co Founded Orchard Grove in order to establish tissue culture conditions leading to consistent growth and quality of plant strains.
Ram Kandasamy
Behavioral Pharmacologist, Washington State University
Ram Kandasamy
Behavioral Pharmacologist, Washington State University
Ram Kandasamy is a behavioral pharmacologist at Washington State University interested in the analgesic effects of opioids and cannabinoids. Ram has studied pain and analgesia for nearly a decade and has garnered state-level funding for his work on the pharmacology of pain therapeutics. He has published many peer-reviews publications on this topic and has presented his work on national and international stages. Ram’s current research examines the therapeutic effects of ∆9-tetrahydrocannabinol against pain associated with primary headache disorders such as migraine. The goal of Ram’s research is to validate cannabinoid-based therapies for patients suffering from migraine, the most common neurological disorder in the world.
Meghan Walstatter
Founder, Pure Green
Meghan Walstatter
Founder, Pure Green
Meghan has been a cannabis grower for 15 years. She and her husband Matt own Pure Green, a medical marijuana dispensary in Portland, Oregon. She is a founding member of both the Oregon Cannabis PAC and the Oregon Cannabis Association. Meghan was a member of the Finance Committee for Measure 91, the ballot measure that legalized cannabis in Oregon. Recently, she was appointed as a member of the Retail Sub-Committee for Oregon’s recreational marijuana program. Meghan has a Masters of Urban and Regional Planning from Portland State University. She has also written articles for Marijuana Venture and the NCIA blog. Meghan wants to witness a greater acceptance of women’s intellectual insights and business savvy within the cannabis industry.
Jeff Leake
Co-founder, NW Noggins
Jeff Leake
Co-founder, NW Noggins
A California bay area native Jeff Leake holds a BFA from the San Francisco Art Institute and an MFA from UC Davis. Fascinated with the origin and nature of our inner landscapes he currently works with neuroscience faculty at Washington State University Vancouver and Portland State University to teach art and neuroscience there and around the Portland area. He is also the co-founder and art coordinator of NW Noggin an art and neuroscience outreach group. As part of this he has been all over the country lecturing and teaching neuroscience through art including several lectures on art and drugs for Science On Tap, the Portland Art Museum, and the Washington State Psychological Association. Along the way he has shown nationally and internationally, he now lives and works in sunny Portland Oregon with his wife kids and three dogs.
Keith Chapman
Laboratory Consultant
Keith Chapman
Laboratory Consultant
503-616-1753
[email protected]
BS Chemistry, St. Mary's College of California,
MS Inorganic Chemistry, Bowling Green State University of Ohio
31 years experience in Wastewater and Drinking Water Analysis
Retired Lab Director for the City of Salem's Willow Lake Laboratory in Salem, OR: In charge of drinking water, wastewater and stormwater testing for 25 years.
Small Laboratory Advocate for The NELAC Institute (TNI) from 2009 to 2011
President of Oregon Environmental Laboratory Association 2006 to 2016
Member of Oregon Environmental Laboratory Accreditation Program (ORELAP) Advisory Committee 2005 to 2012
Consultant with MRX Labs, LLC, 2015-2016
James Knox
James Knox, CEO Savant Plant Technologies | VP Public Relations Co-Owner Santiam Organics aka: Myco Fusion. Global Sales & Distribution | CEO Samurai Grower Supply Albany & Corvallis Locations | CEO KLRfarms
James Knox
James Knox, CEO Savant Plant Technologies | VP Public Relations Co-Owner Santiam Organics aka: Myco Fusion. Global Sales & Distribution | CEO Samurai Grower Supply Albany & Corvallis Locations | CEO KLRfarms
Born in Corvallis Oregon in the heart of the Willamette valley to a blue collar family who held one of the largest rhododendron and azalea hybridization and production nurseries in Oregon in the 70’s and 80’s. I am son to a Mother who is a botanist, professional azalea hybridization specialist, professional Landscaper, and food crop production specialist. I am a son to a father who is a retired forest service worker who spent his lifetime in the National Forests. I also am blessed to have a grandfather who owned and ran a construction company and a grandmother who served our family as an accountant and was one of the two that lead, and worked the rhody and azalea nursery. This is all relevant as my peers and immediate environment shaped me as a child and was kind enough to instill in me the Blue-Collar work ethic and teach me the skills that have allowed me many successes in my adult life. I personally have been growing and cultivating cannabis for nearly two decades. During this time, I ran my own Landscaping company for 12 years, and a construction company for 4 years. When the economy collapsed in 2008 landscaping and construction work nearly vanished overnight. I then opened a Hydro Store: Samurai Growers Supply in Albany and Corvallis Oregon. From 2008 to present time I have added to the list by opening Savant Plant Technologies commercial services and Sub distributor of elite horticultural products and greenhouse systems, taking on a role and co ownership at Santiam Organics aka MycoFusion, and starting KLRfarms. In my free time, I enjoy spending time with the family and intensively growing food crops in my 30’x96’ hobby greenhouse…. Lol.
George Zimmer
Founder and Former CEO of the Men’s Wearhouse, Chairman, CEO, and Founder of Generation Tux
George Zimmer
Founder and Former CEO of the Men’s Wearhouse, Chairman, CEO, and Founder of Generation Tux
George Zimmer is Chairman, CEO and Founder of Generation Tux, an online rental platform for tuxedos and suits. He is also the founder and former CEO and Chairman of the Men’s Wearhouse - the largest retailer of men's tailored suit and dress casual clothing in the U.S. and Canada. A lifelong advocate of servant leadership as the most effective business management model, he is also an advocate for "conscious capitalism" to address income inequality and excessive CEO pay. He is the father of four children and self-described in his LinkedIn profile as a “Business Warrior Monk who roots for the underdog.” George serves on the Board of Directors for the Institute of Noetic Sciences, and the Oakland Zoo.
Anya Gordon
CEO, GroTec Builders
Anya Gordon’s entry into the cannabis industry has been somewhat unconventional given that she spent the bulk of her professional life in health care. Consistent with her non-traditional entrance Anya brings a fresh, forward-looking point of view to the industry. She has delivered innovative ideas and concepts while running her own business for nearly a decade. Later, she assisted her husband, Ian, in the management of his general contractor’s business -- which once the cannabis industry was legalized -- grew exponentially. That steep growth trajectory resulted in Anya’s ascension to her position as company CEO. Anya's background has taken a wide swath but her interests have always been rooted in public policy and social change. Anya has made it her life's work to be the bridge between the status quo creating and new opportunities…a mission that aligns well with the multitude of possibilities offered by the cannabis industry. Anya and Ian live in Corbett, OR with their two children and many animals.
Sam Walker
Sr. Program Manager, Energy Trust of Oregon
Sam Walker
Sr. Program Manager, Energy Trust of Oregon
Industry and Agriculture, joined Energy Trust of Oregon in 2015. Sam holds a degree in mechanical engineering from Oregon State University and has over 10 years of commercial & industrial energy efficiency experience, ranging from industrial energy audits, to public utility energy efficiency program management. He has also worked as a consulting engineer in HVAC design and in the delivery of strategic energy management. At Energy Trust, Sam’s primary responsibilities include contract and program management for the Industry and Agriculture program, including custom projects and SEM.
Marco Materazzi
Attorney, Emerge Law Group
Marco is a shareholder with Emerge Law Group. He is a general business lawyer with a practice focused on emerging growth companies, mergers and acquisitions, corporate finance and a range of other business matters.He has significant experience advising clients with respect to securities offerings, corporate governance, intellectual property protection, regulatory compliance, entity structure, shareholder agreements and general contract negotiation.
Prior to joining Emerge Law Group, Marco was a partner at Tonkon Torp LLP. He also previously worked in London and Hong Kong for Herbert Smith LLP, where he represented corporate clients and investment banks in a range of business transactions, including public securities offerings and mergers and acquisitions.
Marco received his J.D. in 2005 from the UCLA School of Law and his undergraduate degree from Cornell University.
Jerry Wallis
CEO, Co-Owner, Tozmoz, LLC and Claywolf, LLC
Jerry Wallis
CEO, Co-Owner, Tozmoz, LLC and Claywolf, LLC
Originally a custom home builder, Jerry transitioned into the legal cannabis arena through the production design of cannabis facilities in Oregon. He quickly became known for his creation of turn-key production facilities which successfully combined new technologies with compliant cannabis cultivation. His knowledge and experience, coupled with the efforts of fellow business partners, led to the formation of Tozmoz and Claywolf. Both companies specialize in extraction and processing; Tozmoz has established itself as a large-scale producer of top-shelf CO2 oil while Claywolf has focused on developing and producing high end BHO shatter and wax products.
Joel Klobas
CFO, Partner, Tozmoz, LLC and Claywolf, LLC
Joel Klobas
CFO, Partner, Tozmoz, LLC and Claywolf, LLC
Joel made his transition into the cannabis market in 2010, choosing to leave a successful career in commercial industrial refrigeration and energy management. Over the course of the next few years he honed both his construction design and cultivation skills, successfully establishing himself at the forefront of cannabis production and processing. His efforts and strategic relationships led to the formation of Tozmoz and Claywolf, both cannabis processing companies. The first, Tozmoz, has made a name in the industry for providing top shelf CO2 oil, while Claywolf has created a loyal following of its BHO shatter and waxes.
Jeannette Ward
Director, Data & Marketing, MJ Freeway
Jeannette Ward
Director, Data & Marketing, MJ Freeway
Jeannette Ward is the executive director of data and marketing at MJ Freeway Business Solutions, the world’s market-leading cannabis software company. Before coming to MJ Freeway, Jeannette spent 15 years in the corporate sector in senior management roles in marketing, data and communications for companies including The Coca-Cola Company, The Home Depot, and UPS.
MJ Freeway Business Solutions is the cannabis industry’s market leading software and small business services company with clients in 23 states and 5 countries. Jeannette’s team owns all marketing and public relations domestically and internationally, and she also owns MJ Freeway’s data products division which harnesses the power and insights of the cannabis industry’s largest POS data repository.
In addition to her role at MJ Freeway, Jeannette served as founding Vice Chair of the Minority Cannabis Business Association, a national nonprofit dedicated to creating equal access and economic empowerment for cannabis businesses, their patients, and the communities most affected by the war on drugs.
Tom Lauerman
Farmer Tom
Tom Lauerman
Farmer Tom
Tom Lauerman, more affectionately known as Farmer Tom, has had his hands in the ground since the tender age of 12, when he started landscaping and planting. He eventually owned his own landscape construction business, and that business thrived for 28 years. The “groundwork” was set, and so was his passion for all things natural. He went on to manage an organic seed farm, wild crafting herbs, for the pharmaceutical and herbal industries, and he also held the title of Director of Manufacturing at Pacifica, a natural beauty brand, where he was responsible for sourcing and developing new products.
A lifelong surfer and champion downhill mountain bike racer, Farmer Tom’s life mission is all about clean living and embracing an organic, natural lifestyle. He not only lives that mission, but he also farms it. Farmer Tom’s organic and bio-dynamic farming techniques raise the bar for all farmers, and he has become a role model and advocate for the independent and small grower. An expert in his field and the owner of ‘The Garden of the Green Sun’ Farm in Vancouver, Washington, Farmer Tom has welcomed students from around the world to his farm to learn organic growing techniques for fruits, vegetables, and medicinals. He teaches in small, intimate settings, where students have the opportunity to experience a “hands on” education. Likewise, Medical Marijuana Patients have benefited from Farmer Tom’s expertise in growing Cannabis and in the extraction processes used in Cannabis based herbal remedies. A popular speaker at Cannabis and Hemp related Events, Farmer Tom is also a guest blogger and contributor to numerous publications such as ‘The Columbian;’ ‘Cannabis Chronicles;’ and ‘The Cannabis Daily Record.’ Farmer Tom is the most recognizable Organic Cannabis Farmer in the industry, where his brand and likeness embody a clean, outdoor living and organic lifestyle – fulfilling his life mission. He is a passionate activist, a member of the Washington State Cannabis Commission Formation Committee, and he has worked with WA state LCB to legalize all concentrates. He is an advocate for creating standards in the cannabis industry to ensure safety and efficacy, and he is the first farmer to work directly with any federal agency (NIOSH ).
Earl Blumenauer
Congressman
Earl Blumenauer
Congressman
Earl Blumenauer was born and raised in Portland, Oregon, and has been a life-long resident of Oregon's 3rd Congressional District.
Through his years as a local official in the Oregon Legislature, Multnomah County Commission, and Portland’s City Council, Earl developed a national reputation for his advocacy for public transportation, land use planning, environmental protection, and school funding.
As a state legislator, Blumenauer supported the Oregon Decriminalization Bill of 1973, which abolished criminal penalties for possession of small amounts of marijuana. Elected to the US Congress in 1996, he has been a strong advocate for changes to federal drug laws and has championed several legislative efforts to protect medical marijuana patients, allow the federal government to tax and regulate marijuana, and normalize taxes and banking for marijuana businesses in states where it is legal.
Blumenauer received the National Organization for the Rationalization of Marijuana Laws Award for Outstanding Public Leadership in 2010 and the National Cannabis Industry Association’s Legislative Leadership Award in 2013. He currently serves on the Ways and Means Committee.
Anthony Johnson
Director, New Approach Oregon
Anthony Johnson, a longtime cannabis law reform advocate, is the director of New Approach Oregon, working to effectively implement the cannabis legalization system while protecting small business owners and the rights of patients. Johnson served as chief petitioner and director of the Measure 91 campaign that legalized cannabis in Oregon. He sits on the Oregon Marijuana Rules Advisory Committee and fights for sensible rules at the legislature, before regulatory bodies, and at city councils and county commissions across the state.
He also helps advise the Oregon Cannabis of Retailers Association (ORCA) on policy matters and consults cannabis businesses through Duff Johnson Consulting, which he owns with his wife, and fellow experienced advocate, Sarah Duff. You can read his blogs on marijuana policy at www.WeedNews.co.
Reid Block
CO-Manager, Oregon International Holdings, LLC
Reid Block
CO-Manager, Oregon International Holdings, LLC
Accomplished management and operations professional offering 22 years of relationship building, raising capital, teambuilding, management consulting, and negotiations experience rooted in leadership and strategic vision.
Deep knowledge of Balanced Scorecard/Monitoring/Analytics implementation methodologies and best practices. Seasoned at Business Intelligence and Corporate Performance Management turn-around projects.
Specialties: Business development, Management Consulting, Operations, Teambuilding, Balanced Scorecard, Business Intelligence, Office of Strategy Management (OSM), Program Management Office (PMO), Business Intelligence Competency Centers (BICC) Scorecards, Dashboards, Strategy Management, Startups, Corporate Performance Management, Business Performance Management, Building and Maintaining Strategic Relationships
Anne van Leynseele
Founder, NWMJ Law PLLC
Anne van Leynseele
Founder, NWMJ Law PLLC
Anne van Leynseele, with a JD and an International MBA, is the consummate corporate cannabis lawyer. She views legal issues through a commercial lens and becomes a trusted legal and business advisor to a variety of cannabis entrepreneurs.
Don Morse
Director, Oregon Cannabis Business Council
Don Morse
Director, Oregon Cannabis Business Council
In 2010, Mr. Morse began working with Human Collective as a volunteer, and later as a manager and director. Although Mr. Morse does not use cannabis, he was drawn to it after his wife was diagnosed with a debilitating disease. It provided great relief for her symptoms, and to this day allows her to go about her daily life more comfortably. Not finding many choices for safe access to the medicine, Mr. Morse was inspired to help develop The Human Collective further. It has now become the State of Oregon’s model for medicinal marijuana dispensaries. He, along with Sarah Bennett, worked tirelessly throughout 2012 and 2013 to help enact HB 3690. This bill requires the State of Oregon to license and regulate medical marijuana dispensaries for patients.
Since August 2014, Mr. Morse has served as director of The Oregon Business Council and has been an important part of negotiating and passing this year's legislation. As director, he works to further the needs of the Cannabis Industry after harvest.
Justin Jones
Denver Consulting Group
Justin Jones
Denver Consulting Group
Justin is well known in the cannabis industry. He is one of the only people that has successfully operated a grow facility, a dispensary, a consulting company, a canna-real estate business, and a compliance software company, He knows compliance.
Darrin Farrow
Owner, Green Mile Consulting
Darrin Farrow
Owner, Green Mile Consulting
Founder of an investment firm, Darrin has over 25 years of experience developing retirement plan software solutions for companies in a variety of industries, helping participants and employers mitigate risk and maximize their investment potential. He also is partnered with a premium cannabis company with locations in 4 states that specialize in cultivation, extraction, manufacturing edibles, and several retail operations.
Michael Lindars
Design Director & Owner, Lucid Design
Michael Lindars
Design Director & Owner, Lucid Design
Michael has over two decades of experience designing for some of the worlds top brands. He has taken this real world experience to cannabis design, packaging and identity systems and has had a key role in the maturing landscape of cannabis branding.
Dave Kopilak
Attorney, Emerge Law Group
Dave Kopilak focuses his practice on business and corporate law. He has extensive experience assisting clients with business structuring, entity formation, mergers and acquisitions, corporate securities, equity incentive plans, and all types of commercial contracts.
Dave was the primary drafter of Oregon Ballot Measure 91 and has a unique understanding of the corporate law challenges that cannabis businesses face.
Prior to co-founding Emerge Law Group, Dave was a shareholder at Schwabe, Williamson & Wyatt, P.C., Oregon's second largest law firm. He also worked on-site at Intel Corporation where he drafted and negotiated numerous contracts. For eight years, Dave was an adjunct professor at the University of Oregon School of Law, where he taught a mergers and acquisitions lab class. Dave has also served as an Executive Committee Member of the Oregon State Bar Business Law Section.
Dave received his J.D. from University of Oregon School of Law in 1994.
Alex Tinker
Attorney; Co-Chair, Tonkon Torp LLP Cannabis Industry Group
Alex is an attorney with Tonkon Torp, LLP, where he co-chairs the firm's Cannabis Industry Group. Tonkon Torp was among the first leading business firms in Oregon to embrace the cannabis industry. Alex's practice focuses on resolving business disputes in and out of court. He represents individuals and companies on a variety of claims, including contract disputes, business owner disputes, and business torts. He has helped Tonkon clients win on motions to dismiss, on summary judgment, and at trial, in addition to negotiating numerous favorable settlements. Since 2014, Alex has navigated litigation issues unique to the cannabis context on behalf of cannabis industry clients and individuals and companies doing business with them. Alex was named an Oregon "Rising Star" in business litigation by Super Lawyers in 2016.
Scott Jordan
Director of Business Development, Dynamic Alternative Finance
Scott Jordan
Director of Business Development, Dynamic Alternative Finance
Scott Jordan is Director of Business Development for Dynamic Alternative Finance. He has arranged over $25 million in loans and equipment leases for cannabis business owners this past 2 years. Scott is a commercial finance expert known throughout the marijuana industry. He has been interviewed by local TV and radio stations, authored articles and been a featured speaker at national conferences. Reach him at 303.754.2050 or [email protected]
Shango Los
Podcast host and cannabis business strategist, Shaping Fire
Shango is a cannabis business strategist and host of the popular Shaping Fire: Cannabis Innovation podcast. Before he departed to found Shaping Fire, Shango was founder and host of the Ganjapreneur.com podcast and produced 54 episodes interviewing cannabis luminaries about cannabis business and cannabis as medicine. The show was listened to by tens of thousands every week. Shango was also Director of Content and Brand Strategy for Ganjapreneur.com.
He is also founder of the Vashon Island Marijuana Entrepreneurs Alliance cannabis trade organization and has worked tirelessly to create new markets for cannabis health products produced on Vashon Island.
Preston Greene
General Manager, Yerba Buena Farms
Preston Greene is the General Manager for Yerba Buena Farms, one of the first recreationally licensed cannabis businesses in Oregon, and is a board member of the Oregon Cannabis Association. As a company leader to one of the leading cannabis businesses in Oregon, Preston's combined knowledge and experience with business, law, and community relations make him a well versed and valuable addition to the ever growing and changing cannabis industry