Bob Hoban has been a pioneering force in the cannabis industry for over 16 years, shaping policy, business strategy, and legal frameworks worldwide. Recognized by Forbes in 2022 as one of the top 42 cannabis industry power players, Bob has advised governments, businesses, and investors on the global cannabis market.
As a leading commercial cannabis attorney for nearly 17 years (Hoban Law Group, Clark Hill), Bob represented industry titans and developed strategies for market expansion and diversification. He has advised over 30 countries, 10 U.S. states, and numerous local governments on cannabis policy, including his current work with the Kingdom of Morocco.
Bob is a professor at UNLV’s Cannabis Policy Institute and has developed cannabis curricula at multiple universities. A regular Forbes cannabis columnist, he also hosted The Hoban Minute podcast, which produced 200+ episodes and won industry awards.
Today, Bob serves as a fractional Chief Strategy Officer/President for international cannabis companies through his consulting firm, Greenbridge Proven Strategies (GPS). He continues to influence the global cannabis industry through policy leadership, strategic consulting, and market innovation.

Jamie Pearson is a keynote speaker, writer, accredited investor, board member and highly respected leader in the cannabis industry. Jamie’s “in the trenches” operational success and deep, global relationships led her to be coined “Wonder Woman” in the 2023 Women of Influence issue of Cannabis Now Magazine and twice, one of the most influential women in cannabis by High Times.

Jamie has been a prosperous investor in global real estate on three continents. She studied German at the University of Wuppertal and has split her time between the two countries for over 25 years. She is generous with her time and knowledge and currently sits on the advisory boards of Dope Drinks, The Cannabis Summit, Marley One, Cellotex Dev Ltd, and the Global Cannabis Network Collective (GCNC).

Jamie founded and leads The New Holland Group (NHG), a global consulting firm serving clients with international business development & strategy, operations, branding & marketing, effective capital raising, executive coaching, cross-border IP licensing, celebrity partnerships, and financial turnarounds.

Before NHG, Jamie spent seven years, including three as the President & CEO, of Bhang Inc. [CSE:BHNG], one of the world’s most-awarded infused edible brands, famous for its infused chocolate bars. She led the company’s diverse executive team, managed the global expansion plan, ran the capital markets division, and was the face of the brand – catapulting Bhang from a California favorite to a multi-national phenomenon. When Jamie exited Bhang, the brand had been distributed in 7 US states and 10 countries through licensing deals with the likes of Trulieve [CSE:TRUL], Indiva [TSX:NDVA], and Origin House [CSE:OH] (now Cresco). Jamie served four years as the Vice Chairman of Bhang’s Board and served on the audit committee.

Jamie speaks in the areas of business trends in hemp and cannabis, leadership, global brand expansion, ESG, IP & brand licensing, win-win deal structuring, and celebrity partnerships.

Stuart Titus has been a pioneer in the non-psychoactive cannabis industry, having sold the first Dietary Supplement form of Cannabidiol, CBD products in 2011. Although US federal regulations considered CBD a Schedule 1 controlled substance at the time, Dr Titus and team created a pathway to market CBD through the US legal hemp foods category. Today CBD represents a $5 billion market in the USA and $7 billion worldwide.

Stuart went on to become CEO of America’s first publicly traded cannabis-related company, Medical Marijuana Inc, where they exported CBD to 47 countries internationally. Stuart sold the first medically prescribed CBD-only product in Brazil April 2014 and then second in Mexico (Feb 2016) – well prior to US FDA approval of a CBD-based drug.

Dr Titus has co-authored three studies on CBD and epilepsy and remains a consultant today within the cannabis, hemp and dietary supplement industries. Stuart has spoken before many regulatory groups including World Health Organizations, US FDA and supported the return of Hemp Agriculture within the US as well as CBD legalization via Congressional Legislation.

Heidi Whitman is a UK-based Global Strategist and Chairwoman of EmpowHer Cannabis Society; working with several companies across the international cannabis industry. With a focus on ethical growth, innovation, and ecosystem development, Heidi leverages her extensive, curated network to support companies committed to advancing plant-based solutions and setting new standards in patient- and consumer-centric care.

Her strategic work spans regulatory engagement, market expansion, and leadership advisory—always rooted in a mission to strengthen the global foundation of cannabis as a credible, accessible, and sustainable industry. Heidi is especially passionate about supporting ventures that prioritise wellness, education, and transparency, ensuring that the future of cannabis is built with integrity and inclusivity at its core.

Beau Whitney is the chief economist at Portland, Oregon–based Whitney Economics, a global leader in cannabis and hemp business consulting, data, and economic research. The firm regularly consults with private companies as well as state, national, and international governmental agencies, applying economic principles to create actionable policies and strategies. Beau is considered an authority on cannabis economics and the supply chain. Whitney Economics does not take a position on the legality of cannabis or on pending legislation.

Melanie Wentzel is a people person. She cares about authentic leadership, creating value, and making room for joy; and she believes in women, in people, and their communities.
She has committed her career to health system reform and the improvement of health and care for communities in Australia and abroad. She has a rare talent for the meaningful implementation of innovative, person-centred systems and technology, is fascinated by people and their behaviour, and by making what is transactional, transformational.

The author of Cannabis Queens, and #1 bestselling author of A Love Letter to Women in Business (from Women Making a Difference), Melanie is a recipient of the Women Changing the World Emerging Global Leader Award 2024, and has been featured in Forbes Magazine, MJBiz Daily, Leafie, Head Magazine, Loud Magazine, Cannabis Law Report, Mary Jane Universe, and Cannabiz, and was an invited panellist at the MJBizCon 2024 Women in Leadership Forum. She is also twice published in the Medical Journal of Australia.

A Bachelor of Psychological Science, she is an experienced Healthcare Strategist, Project- and Operations Manager, and a graduate of Griffith University, The Australian Institute of Company Directors, and the Harvard Medical School Executive Education Program.

Sara Payan is an internationally recognized, award-winning educator, writer, policy advocate, and strategic consultant with over fourteen years of cannabis industry experience and more than 25,000 hours guiding and educating the public. A stage III colon cancer survivor, Sara’s journey with cannabis as part of her healing process fuels her passion for expanding safe, compassionate access and education. She has worked directly with thousands of patients, helping them navigate cannabis as a therapeutic tool, and has trained healthcare professionals at leading institutions like Kaiser Permanente and UCSF on medical cannabis use, harm reduction, and patient communication.

Sara is Partner and Vice President of PR and Communications at Pulse Signal Agency, where she helps cannabis and wellness brands elevate their narratives through strategic storytelling and media engagement. She’s also the creator and host of the EMJAY award-winning podcast Planted with Sara Payan, where she leads insightful conversations with cultural icons and policymakers—including Rick Steves, David Crosby, Rep. Jasmine Crockett, Jim Belushi, and Little Steven Van Zandt—at the intersection of cannabis, culture, and policy. The show has become a trusted platform for industry thought leadership with a growing global audience.

Known for her expertise in consumer trends, product development, and education-driven sales, Sara has advised top brands and tech companies while shaping innovation across the industry. She serves as Vice Chair of the California Cannabis Advisory Committee, where she helps influence equitable policy at the state level. Featured in Forbes, Rolling Stone, High Times, and the San Francisco Chronicle, she was named one of the 100 Most Important Women in Cannabis. Sara offers a unique, multidimensional perspective rooted in compassion, science, and strategy, helping brands, patients, and professionals thrive in an evolving cannabis landscape.

Dr. Callie Seaman is a formulation chemist, plant scientist, and patient advocate with over two decades of experience in the cannabis and hydroponics industries. She is co-founder of Aqua Laboratories, manufacturers of Shogun Fertilisers, and director of Sunnyside Consultancy, supporting licensed cannabis producers with product development, compliance, and research.

As the previous co-chair of the UK Cannabis Industry Council, she plays a leading role in shaping national policy. A trustee of the charity Medcan Family Foundation, Callie brings a deeply entrepreneurial perspective to the sector, combining scientific expertise with lived experience as a patient.

Her work focuses on closing the gender gap in clinical research, particularly around hormonal health and reproductive needs, and she is a strong voice for women-centred cannabis innovation. She also advocates for product development and branding that educates, destigmatises, and empowers women to take control of their health through plant-based medicine.

Dr. Magnus Thorsson is the founder of Canna Curious Wellness and a Professor of Entrepreneurship at Johnson & Wales University, where he launched the world’s first Cannabis Entrepreneurship program in 2021. His academic and professional work bridges cannabis education, wellness innovation, and sustainable business practices.

With over a decade of teaching experience and a Ph.D. in Hospitality Management, Dr. Thorsson focuses his research on consumer motivations for cannabis and sustainability, developing curriculum that blends business theory with hands-on cannabis training. His efforts aim to prepare the next generation of cannabis professionals through practical, stigma-reducing education.

Through Canna Curious Wellness, he creates low-THC, cannabinoid-rich products designed for wellness-seeking consumers, emphasizing the entourage effect, transparency, and consumer empowerment. He is also active in policy advocacy, working to advance cannabis reform, encourage informed product development, and promote inclusive, evidence-based cannabis use.

Dr. Thorsson’s work reflects a lifelong commitment to education, innovation, and public service, helping shape a more responsible and accessible cannabis industry.

Jeff Lowenfels is the author of the award-winning quadrilogy known as the Teaming Series: Teaming With Microbes, Teaming With Bacteria, Teaming With Fungi, and Teaming With Nutrients. He is an internationally known leader in the organic/sustainability movement and his books have been translated into almost a dozen languages ranging from French, Spanish, and Dutch to Korean, Romanian, and Turkish.

Jeff is well known for his highly regarded and entertaining lectures. Give him one hour and he will convert the world to organic cultivation using humor and science. He also pens the longest-running garden column in North America (47 years) and hosts a popular weekly podcast, Teaming With Microbes.

Books by Jeff Lowenfels:

DIY Autoflowering Cannabis

Teaming With Microbes: The Organic Gardener’s Guide To The Soil Food Web

Teaming With Nutrients: The Organic Gardener’s Guide to Optimizing Plant Nutrition

Teaming With Fungi: The Organic Grower’s Guide to Mycorrhizae

Teaming With Bacteria: The Organic Gardener’s Guide to Endophytic Bacteria and the Rhizophagy Cycle

James Ochse is a seasoned cannabis industry professional with over twenty years of experience leading large-scale cultivation operations across diverse environments—from the high deserts of Northern Nevada to coastal California and tropical Jamaica. His career spans both regulated cannabis and industrial hemp, with a focus on developing efficient, scalable systems that produce high-quality, consistent crops.

He currently serves as the Head of Cultivation at Silver Lion Farms / True Harmony Company, overseeing production in the only Dutch-style glasshouse of its kind in North America. Previously, he directed international cultivation efforts for Mavuno Ltd. and held leadership roles at Canndescent, MedMen, and MJ Holdings.

With deep expertise in plant breeding, agronomy, and environmental control systems, Ochse is known for optimizing plant performance through precision crop steering, propagation, and integrated pest management. His background in plant physiology, pathology, and propagation systems supports his proven ability to align genetics with production environments, driving both operational excellence and product innovation.

At the forefront of modern hemp and cannabis breeding, he integrates classical and contemporary methodologies to develop climate-adapted cultivars. His work is particularly relevant to the development of cold-tolerant, day-neutral hemp for fiber and biocomposite applications, which he will address at this event.

Jim Pearson is the President of Mold Inspection Services, Inc. He started this business twenty years ago to augment his multi-line disaster restoration business. Now, he spends most of his time inspecting properties and providing expertise and services regarding mold. As a Certified Mechanical Hygienist, Jim is a specialist in Indoor Air Quality issues such as mold and chemical sensitivities.

Mr. Pearson co-authored IICRC’s S520, Mold Remediation Standard and Reference Guide in 2003 and has remained involved as the Chair of the Standard’s Consensus Body updating and editing the ANSI Certified International document for over 1 years. He is also a 12-year Standards Writer for ASHRAE.

Jim is a frequent presenter at national technical seminars and a speaker at international industry conventions. He served two terms as an Officer and Director of the Association of Specialists in Cleaning and Restoration, International (ASCR). He also served as the Chairman of the Environmental Council of this 65-year-old organization.

Jim is a Past Director and President of the IICRCA Council of Associations supporting over 50,000 technicians. He has been retained many times as an expert witness in remediation, restoration, and environmental legal matters.

He is a contributing consultant to industry magazines and has authored hundreds of nationally distributed newsletters and procedural guides.

Over the years, Mr. Pearson has had over a dozen feature articles published in ASCR’s Cleaning & Restoration Magazine, R&R Magazine, Alternative Medicine, & Claims Magazine.

Jim has a new book out on Amazon.com called “What’s all the Fuss about Mold?”

Mr. Pearson is Certified by the Montana Board of Realty Regulation as an instructor on environmental issues. He offers regular continuing education classes about mold to real estate professionals.

Dustin Hoxworth is the unfiltered force behind Fat Nugs Magazine, an independent, culture-first cannabis publication that amplifies the voices corporate cannabis and mainstream media keeps trying to silence. A product of the South, a survivor of trauma, and a veteran of real grassroots hustle, Dustin doesn’t just publish stories, he lives them.

With a past shaped by poverty, pain, and plant medicine, he built FNM as a counterpunch to the sanitized, sellout version of cannabis media. Dustin’s work bridges authenticity, art, and activism as he leads the publication’s battle for caregiver rights, homegrow access, and the recognition of the people and communities who built the cannabis industry before billionaires bought in.

Derrall Peach is a U.S. Air Force veteran who served 16 years on active duty before retiring medically, where he developed the discipline, leadership, and adaptability that later guided his path in the cannabis industry. After five years cultivating and learning the plant from the ground up, he became Operations Director of a 30,000-square-foot facility overseeing large-scale production and compliance. Today, Derrall works as a cannabis photographer, capturing macro images of the plant and portraits that honor the people connected to it, with the goal of highlighting cannabis’s natural beauty and telling authentic community stories. Beyond his professional work, he is a husband and father of two, inspired by family and driven by a passion to help shape the conversation around legalization and the future of the industry.

Daniel is a writer, award-winning cultivator, and solventless extractor, but above all, a passionate advocate for quality cannabis. Affectionately known as the “Terpene Whisperer,” his 20+ years of cultivation and organoleptic expertise—shaped by experience in pharma, dairy, brewing, and organic farming—give him a sharp eye and refined nose for quality and connoisseurship. Since 2019, he has been at the forefront of innovation in the regulated cannabis industry, building on a cultivation journey that began during his college days in Winona, Minnesota. Beyond cannabis, Daniel is a father, mentor, coach, music lover, and community builder who believes in the power of connection and the importance of educating others.

Shahbaaz Kara-Virani (SKV) lives at the intersection of technology, revenue, sports, education, and cannabis. After seven years at Salesforce, he helped build top global cannabis companies including Lift & Co, Dutchie, KIND, and CannAcquire. He is currently Vice President of Growth at BLAZE, a leading Point of Sale platform in the North American legal market, and principal of SKVentures, which invests in and advises hyper-growth companies. In addition, he co-founded The New York Cannabis Collective, a community of executives shaping the state’s legal market. Shahbaaz has played a pivotal role in the legalization and commercialization of cannabis in both Canada and New York, using his voice and reach to highlight the benefits of legalization worldwide. Outside the cannabis space, he is a professional beach soccer player and co-founder of Canada Beach Soccer.

Aaron Justis is the owner and operator of Buds & Roses, one of Los Angeles’ most respected and award-winning cannabis dispensaries. A fixture in the California cannabis industry for over 15 years, he has shaped both medical and adult-use markets through retail operations, compliant cultivation, and policy advocacy. Under his leadership, Buds & Roses has earned 28 High Times Cannabis Cup Awards, many for its in-house veganically grown flower. Aaron’s cannabis journey began in 1998 when his brand J-Wear Hemp Clothing won Best New Hemp Product at the Cannabis Cup in Amsterdam, sparking a lifelong commitment to cannabis culture, business, and reform. Honored with the High Times Trailblazer Award in 2015, he later became the first licensed cannabis operator elected to the Studio City Neighborhood Council, where he received a Certificate of Recognition from the City of Los Angeles for his community service. Today, Aaron shares lessons from running a dispensary before legalization through to the modern retail era, offering insights for countries and communities preparing to launch cannabis frameworks.

Dr. Jan J. Slaski is an Expert Researcher with the Bio-Industrial Services Division of InnoTech Alberta, Vegreville, Alberta. He obtained a B.Sc. and a M.Sc. in agronomy from the Warsaw Agricultural University, Poland and Ph.D. from the Plant Breeding and Acclimatization Institute, Poland. In 1993 he arrived in Canada to continue his study as a postdoctoral fellow at the University of Alberta, Edmonton.

After successful completion of his university training in 1998, Jan assumed a plant-soil research scientist position at the Alberta Research Council (presently InnoTech Alberta).

During the last 23 years Jan has been leading research aimed at introduction and breeding of industrial hemp varieties that suit the needs of industries utilizing fibre, grain and cannabinoids-laden crop parts. Jan has also been leading extensive studies focused on the development of best management practices permitting sustainable hemp production under changing environmental conditions.

For over two decades Jan has been working for the hemp industry and with the hemp industry stakeholders to make this crop a viable, profitable and sustainable cropping option for Canada. To unlock the full potential of industrial hemp and assure whole crop utilization, Jan has assembled at InnoTech Alberta a program offering solutions from “Seed to Final Product“ that includes three domains: breeding/agronomy, analyses/processing and development of biodegradable, natural fibre-based products, including replacement for single-use consumer goods made from petrochemical feedstocks.

The latter research also involved evaluation of sustainability of hemp production (including quantification of carbon credits) and the life cycle assessment of hemp fibre products.

Since 2012, Jan has been serving the hemp industry as a director of the Canadian Hemp Trade Alliance and since 2021, as a director of research and academia on the Alberta Hemp Alliance board.

Dave Barton is a founder, comms consultant, and creative director at thermidor<, a content-focused creative agency working globally in the legal cannabis sector. He also sits on the board of CannCare, a UK non-profit that helps medical cannabis patients facing discrimination. With a passion for cannabis, tech, and storytelling, his work combines sharp creative with strategic insight, helping brands communicate authentically and resonate in a crowded marketplace.

Kristen M. Beury is the CEO and President of Medical Resource Association, Inc., where her visionary leadership reflects a commitment to continuous education and staying at the forefront of industry advancements. Since founding the company, she has been a passionate advocate and educator across the United States, particularly in promoting the scientific benefits and applications of plant-based medicines, including medical cannabis, as a first-line therapy. With over eight years of dedicated experience in the medical cannabis industry, Kristen has become a prominent voice for evidence-based practices and regulatory progress. Her leadership has been pivotal in shaping policies that support the safe and effective integration of cannabis into medical treatments, and her expertise offers valuable insight into navigating the evolving landscape of medical cannabis, from emerging therapies to regulatory complexities.

With a degree in Journalism from the University of Coimbra, Laura Ramos has a postgraduate degree in Photography and has been a Journalist since 1998. Winner of the Business of Cannabis Awards in the category “Journalist of the Year 2024”, Laura was a correspondent for Jornal de Notícias in Rome, Italy, and Press Officer in the Office of the Minister of Education of the 21st Portuguese Government. She has an international certification in Permaculture (PDC) and created the street-art photography archive “Say What? Lisbon” @saywhatlisbon. Co-founder and Editor of CannaReporter® and coordinator of PTMC – Portugal Medical Cannabis, Laura directed the documentary “Pacientes” and was part of the steering group of the first Postgraduate Course in GxP’s for Medicinal Cannabis in Portugal, in partnership with the Military Laboratory and the Faculty of Pharmacy of the University of Lisbon.

Meurig Murray is a cannabis cultivation and operations specialist with a deep-rooted background in both commercial growing and plant health sciences. Since 2018, he’s worked across a spectrum of legal Canadian cannabis facilities, from small-batch craft producers to large-scale international exporters. Holding leadership roles in cultivation, integrated pest management, fertigation/irrigation, and facility operations.

As an ISA Certified Arborist with TRAQ credentials and a background in propagation and plant healthcare, Meurig brings a unique, data-driven perspective to optimizing cannabis production.

He now works as a Cannabis Investment and Process Optimization Consultant, helping investors and owners evaluate facility risks and operational integrity before deploying capital. Drawing on firsthand experience across different cultivation models and regulatory environments including GPP, GMP, EU-GMP, and GACP.

Meurig is passionate about building a transparent, efficient, and sustainable cannabis industry. His work helps bridge the gap between boardroom decisions and production floor realities.

Lúdika is a young Reykjavík-based design and architecture studio. A fundamental rethink is needed in how building and designing is approached – our societal material culture has to change. In response they dedicate a significant part of their work to research, experimentation and teaching to this end. As a practice they rely on their practical experience to explore new opportunities. They strive to examine, interrogate and question what works, what doesn’t and what could be made better.

Mariana Larrea is a distinguished Mexican attorney with a specialization in Life Sciences, Cannabis, Pharmaceutical, Corporate/Contracts, and Consumer Protection. With a decade of professional experience, she has honed her skills at some of Mexico City’s most influential law firms. Mariana earned her law degree and a diploma in business law from the National Autonomous University of Mexico (UNAM), solidifying her expertise in efficiently delivering results to her clients across various legal domains.

As the founder of MLA Legal and Consulting Boutique, Mariana operates independently, running her own legal office and spearheading business development initiatives for the industries mentioned above. Her boutique firm offers personalized legal services tailored to the unique needs of each client, providing comprehensive support and strategic guidance throughout all stages of their ventures in México and LATAM.

Due to her exceptional knowledge in the Cannabis Industry, Mariana has been a featured speaker at numerous national and international conferences. Furthermore, she has contributed her insights to legislators in various international jurisdictions, aiding in the formulation of cannabis public policies and regulations, including Mexico’s ongoing evolution of the Federal Adult Use Cannabis Law.

Beyond her legal acumen, Mariana has played pivotal roles as an executive director in real estate development projects in Mexico. Currently, she leads a group of investors developing sustainable real estate projects, developing in Mérida, México.

Additionally, she shares her expertise as a professor of life sciences, government regulations, consumer protection, and cannabis matters at esteemed institutions such as the Tecnológico de Monterrey University, Escuela Libre de Derecho, Instituto de Investigaciones Jurídicas de the UNAM, and in the sanitary law diploma program at UNAM’s law school.

Mariana is deeply committed to facilitating business ventures between Germany and Mexico in the dynamic fields of life sciences and cannabis, leveraging her legal expertise to navigate the intricacies of international commerce and regulatory frameworks.

Rafal’s professional journey with hemp began with placing first CBD oil in Polish pharmacies.
In 2014 Rafal and his partner, former hemp activist Daniel Bajas, observed a potential natural synergy between hemp and bees.
In 2015 this observation led to relocating hives with the weakest bee colonies to a middle of 105-hectare hemp field in Ińsko, in northern Poland.
The effects were outstanding. The colonies grew, their immunity boosted and parasite infestation decreased significantly. The proof of above mentioned observation was that bee colonies survived the winter properly.
This breakthrough sparked a new direction in Rafal’s and Daniel’s work in investing in numerous semi-academic researches to explore the precise mechanisms of bees and hemp relationship.
In 2022 Rafal and Daniel partnered with Professor Aneta Ptaszyńska – academic pollinator researcher at University of Marie Curie Sklodowska (UMCS) in Lublin, Poland – and established Beemmunity Unlimited company.
The three year successful trials carried by University of Natural Sciences in Wroclaw, Krakow university and UMCS University supported by the Polish Agency for Enterprise Development and investor Andrzej Reszka resulted in 4 granted patents and implementation of 3 synergistic hemp derived products addressing causes of bees decline.

Associate Professor at Maria Curie-Skłodowska University (UMCS) in Lublin, Poland. She is a researcher who specialises in the protection of wild pollinators and honey bees in anthropogenic landscapes. Dr hab. Ptaszyńska’s research has resulted in two commercial implementations of her innovative bee preparations, bridging the gap between fundamental science and practical applications in pollinator conservation.

Research focus:

• Immunology of honey bee colonies
• Development of novel therapeutic substances against bee-pathogenic fungi (Microsporidia and Ascomycota)
• Investigating protective agents against pesticide exposure in bees
• Honey bee microbiome and disease management

Professional achievements:

• Inventor and co-inventor of six patents and five patent applications for innovative honey bee products
• Recipient of prestigious international awards, including the International Eiffel Prize (2018), a gold medal from WIIPA, and a silver medal from iENA Nuremberg
• Since 2023: Co-chair of the Task Force on the Protection of Pollinators from Pesticides, European Commission’s Biodiversity Platform (EUBP)
• 2023: Plenary speaker, representing Poland, at the 8ᵗʰ International Day of Women and Girls in Science at the United Nations Headquarters in New York
• Since 2020: Originator and coordinator of EU Green Week in Lublin

Leadership roles:

• Expert representative of Poland in the EU Biodiversity Platform Working Group on Pollinators (since 2022)
• Principal investigator of four pre-implementation grants under the ‘Incubator of Innovation’ programme (2017–2022)

Eike Jordan is a Homeopath and lives in Nova Scotia, Canada. Eike is an author and lecturer on health and natural medicine, co-authored two #1 Amazon Bestseller books with Dr. Bruce Lipton and Dr. Joe Dispenza, studied various medical-therapeutic modalities to heal, repair, align, and balance, plus has huge interest in hemp construction, soil remediation, food, nature, languages, sports, and research in general.

Presenting on: Aspects of Health – Thoughts on Prevention and Curative Approach

Cynthia is the Founder and CEO of the international communications firm Asha Media Group, which is powered by the MediaSphere PR & Marketing AI technology platform. She is also the founder of the luxury cannabis-infused beverage brand House of Saka, as well as the Co-founder of the leading Spanish news and cultural publication based in Argentina, El Planteo, and the cannabis finance news publication Green Market Report, which was acquired by Crain’s Communications.

Asha Media Group works with international clients from across the supply chain operating throughout the United States, Canada, Europe, Africa, Asia, and South America.

KCSA Strategic Communications acquired her leading cannabis and hemp public relations firm, Salar Media Group, after being in operation for three years. She has sat on the Forbes Communications Council and currently sits on the Newsweek Expert Forum.

Cynthia has been named as one of the 15 Most Powerful and Innovative Women in Cannabis by Forbes, one of 20 Women Set to Dominate the International Landscape in Cannabis in 2019 by Benzinga, as well as one of the 20 Most Influential Women in Cannabis by High Times.

Cynthia received her degree in International Relations from the University of Pennsylvania, as well as a certificate in political journalism from Georgetown University.

Ian Rassman is an inventor, patent-holder, and entrepreneur with over 35 years of experience in technology, fintech, and strategic senior management. A seasoned expert in compliant banking and merchant services, he specializes in financial services that support cannabis businesses worldwide. As a Board Member for the Cannabis Chamber of Commerce and Founder of the European Cannabis Chamber, Ian leverages deep industry insight and regulatory advocacy to drive financial innovation in the sector. He also serves on the Board for California NORML and as Executive Director of Los Angeles NORML, where he leads efforts to expand compassionate access and reform cannabis laws.

Megan is the revolutionary force behind EntheaCare (Trusted Canna Nurse). Megan is a registered nurse with over 13 years of experience in nursing. In 2022, she founded Trusted Canna Nurse to bridge the gap between patients and the powerful benefits of cannabis as medicine and transitioned to EntheaCare in July of 2025. She and her team also crafted a therapeutic line of hemp products, including tinctures, edibles, topicals, and suppositories. After transforming her life through a microdosing program in 2023, Megan expanded her offerings to include microdosing programs. With a master’s degree in medical cannabis therapeutics, Megan is passionate about educating others on the healing power of cannabis and psychedelics, sharing her expertise both in person and online, and ending the stigma of plant medicine. Experience includes first author on a suppository study paper (currently in peer review), co-author on the largest to-date survey on cannabis hyperemesis syndrome, Medical Board at CannMed, Advisory Board at Pacific College, Medical Advisory Committee at S3 Collective, and Co-Chair of the Research Committee for the Society of Cannabis Clinicians.

Rebecca Abraham, RN, BSN, is the CEO and Founder of Plesio Health and a Registered Nurse recognized as one of the world’s leading experts in the clinical application of medical cannabis and the emerging specialty of cannabis nursing, recently adopted by the American Nurses Association. With 20 years of experience in emergency medicine, critical care, healthcare policy, case management, and utilization, she leads Plesio Health in bridging the gap in licensed care by combining AI-powered clinical tools with clinician-led services to integrate holistic therapies into personalized care. Her work on medical cannabis implementation has been published in leading journals such as JAMA and the Journal of General Internal Medicine, and she is an international speaker on cannabis science and nursing innovation. A doctoral student at Northern Illinois University, Rebecca deferred her studies to focus on scaling Plesio Health’s nursing-driven model for integrating cannabis and holistic therapies into traditional healthcare. She earned her BSN with a minor in Biology and Communication from Saint Xavier University, becoming the first in her family to graduate college, and is board-certified in critical care (CCRN). Honored with the Illinois Nurses Association’s 40 Under 40 Leaders in Nursing Award, she has also studied global health leadership through a National Nurses United scholarship at Rutgers University. Rebecca lives in Chicago with her husband, two children, and a pet turtle, and enjoys reading, traveling, puzzles, and supporting the arts.