Cannabis is big business in Ohio.
The third annual Ohio Cannabis Health and Business Summit returns to the I-X Center on Oct. 6 & 7. With 100 exhibitors and 75 guest speakers, participants will be able to learn a lot about this fast-growing industry through a series of panel discussions, workshops, and networking events. The event runs from 10a-6p both days.
Launched in 2019 by founder and CEO Lenny Berry, the Ohio Cannabis Health and Business Summit is an amalgamation of growers, product suppliers, distributors and ancillary businesses showcasing the most innovative and advanced products and services in the industry.
“It’s not easy bringing together two different audiences, but there wouldn’t be any cannabis businesses without customers, and we are playing a key role in offering attendees an opportunity to expand their cannabis knowledge through presentations from industry leaders, doctors, and those at the forefront of innovation,” says Berry.
Ohioans will be able to purchase medical marijuana cards on-site. An expungement clinic is new this year, to assist in removing low-level cannabis convictions from public records.
Workshops vary a lot, ranging from Mushrooms; Colleges and Universities Going Mainstream with Plant Education; Unleashing the Bitcoin Potential; and Women in Cannabis, to discussions on Social Equity; Ancillary Business; a Patient Panel and much more.
This year’s keynote speakers include Andrew DeAngelo, a cannabis industry pioneer, global consultant and co-founder of the organization The Last Prisoner Project, whose mission is to provide legal assistance for those currently incarcerated for cannabis. DeAngelo was also a founding Board of Directors member of the California Cannabis Industry Association (CCIA) from 2013 to 2020. He is scheduled to speak at 2p Saturday, October 7 on Transitioning from Medical to Adult-Use Frameworks.
Roz McCarthy, Founder & CEO of Minorities for Medical Marijuana, which is the largest community-based national nonprofit helping navigate communities of color in the hemp and cannabis industries, is among the speakers. She also creates wellness products in partnership with cannabis operators in legalized states through her company Black Buddha Cannabis. McCarthy will speak Friday, October 6 at 2p on Cannabis Marketing and Compliance.
Attorney Tom Haren, a partner with Frantz Ward LLC and chair of its Cannabis Law Practice, will participate in a legislative panel discussion moderated by Tim Johnson, CEO at Cannabis Safety First Friday, October 6 at 3p.
Cleveland businesswoman Ariane Kirkpatrick, CEO of Harvest Ohio, will be among the panelists on the Executives in Cannabis discussion Saturday, October 7 at 1p.
“People need to be educated, whether they’re for or against use,” says Summit partner Marcia Pledger. “So far, 41 states legally offer medical marijuana, and 23 states allow medicinal and recreational use. If Issue 2 passes in the November 7 election here, Ohio could become the 24th state to also allow recreational use.”
Medical marijuana generated over $1.4 billion in revenue for the State of Ohio in 2022. The proposed Ohio measure - pushed by the Coalition to Regulate Marijuana like Alcohol – will allow recreational use of marijuana for residents 21 and older.
“Medical marijuana is still a mystery to many, while some have their own opinions – one way or the other. Our goal is to show all aspects of the industry through a two-day educational event,” says Pledger. “Whether you’re a patient, caregiver, someone in the cannabis industry or someone interested in the industry, we offer an opportunity to learn more about this amazing plant and opportunities in this fast-growing industry.”
Tickets for the Summit are $20 for a one-day pass; $35 for both days. Those who possess a medical marijuana card get in free, and have access to all programming sessions, as well as the exhibitor floor. Card holders must be 21 years of age, unless accompanied by a guardian. The I-X Center is located at 1 I-X Center Drive.
On Friday, October 6, a VIP networking mixer will be held at the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. Tickets for both events can be purchased here.
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