Cannabis professionals from 48 U.S. states and 29 countries gathered at the Westgate Resort & Casino in Las Vegas, Nev., April 1-3, for the third annual Cannabis Conference. World-renowned speakers, cannabis industry leaders, representatives of some of the most successful cultivation and retail businesses, and exhibitors showcasing state-of-the-art technology, services and solutions, made up the record-breaking crowd for Cannabis Conference 2019.
Cannabis Conference is produced by the award-winning publications Cannabis Business Times and Cannabis Dispensary. It is the only North American conference focused exclusively on cannabis cultivation and dispensary businesses. The conference is steered by an advisory board comprising cultivation and dispensary experts and featured more than 40 education sessions led by more than 90 industry experts. The 70,000-square-foot sold-out exhibit hall showcased technology and solutions providers serving cannabis cultivation and dispensary businesses and doubled as a networking space.
“The level of education was fantastic,” commented Emily Kowalski, director of cultivation for LeafLine Labs, who is also on the Cannabis Conference Advisory Board and moderated a session on how to “Lower Your Cost Per Pound While Maximizing Yield.”
William Morse of Total Health Cultivation said, “I was happy to see the heavy academic presence, and what I enjoyed even more was their interest in all of us cultivators who have been in the field for years, and all that we’ve learned from our experiences. This conference had the feel of cooperation, and of a genuine sense we all have to expand our knowledge about this miraculous plant, and all it can do for us, if we take care of it. … I look forward to attending this event in the future!”
Tina Gordon, founder and owner of Moon Made Farms, who spoke on a panel about Innovative Growing Techniques, said, “[Cannabis Conference 2019 was] an exceptional conference experience. Amazing presentations, deep connections and conversations.”
Here are a few highlights from the landmark event.
Jeremy Plumb delivered a heart-felt keynote—“Wayfinding: Re-Envisioning Cannabis Consumer Relationships for a Post-Prohibition Era,” on Tuesday, April 2—that brought audience members to tears. Plumb talked about educating consumers on the “ensemble effect”—a twist on the commonly referred to “entourage effect”—which suggests the plant’s many other cannabinoids and terpenes share an equal role with THC in therapeutic possibilities. Photo by Jake Gravbrot
Dominick Monaco of GB Sciences Inc. (left), Jeremy Sackett of Cascadia Labs (second from left), Jeremy Plumb of Pruf Cultivar (second from right) and Andrea Sparr-Jaswa of Farma led a discussion on “Science That Sells: Debunking the Sativa and Indica Myths.” Photo by Jake Gravbrot
Attendees asked questions at the end of the Welcome Keynote by John Cochran, COO of Harvest Health & Recreation. Cochran is the former CEO of Pabst Brewing Company, and former president and COO of Fiji Water Company. Photo by Jake Gravbrot
Attendees gathered together each evening at Cannabis Conference 2019 for a networking/cocktail reception in the exhibit hall. Photo by Katelyn Boyden
Dr. Brian Whipker, Professor of Floriculture at North Carolina State University, shared insights into nutrient management programs that ensure consistently healthy crops. Photo by Jake Gravbrot
The 70,000-square-foot exhibit hall included more than 120 companies providing solutions specifically for plant-touching cannabis businesses. Photo by Katelyn Boyden
Joy Hollingsworth of The Hollingsworth Cannabis Company (see cover story, p. 34) spoke on a panel, “Improve Your Environmental Impact,” along with Derek Smith of the Resource Innovation Institute and Jesse Peters of Mantis Growth Investments. Photo by jake Gravbrot
The Green Organic Dutchman’s David Bernard-Perron and Moon Made Farms’ Tina Gordon spoke along with Phantom Farms’ Edmund Funtanellas (not pictured) about “Innovative Growing Techniques,” such as dry farming, hügelkultur and living soil indoors. Photo by Jake Gravbrot
Dr. Brian Jackson, director of the Horticultural Substrates Laboratory at North Carolina State University, shared the latest cannabis-based research on soil and soilless substrates. Photo by Jake Gravbrot
Sjoerd Broeks (left), of The PHARM LLC and The Dutch Consulting Company, led a panel of world-class breeding experts—including (left to right): Mojave Richmond of BioAgronomics Group Consultants; Shane Yoakam and Ray Bowser, both of The Dutch Consulting Company; and James Loud of Loud Seeds—to share insights in the session, “Cannabis Breeding: Methods, Ethics and Desired Outcomes.” Photo by Jake Gravbrot
From left: Mojave Richmond, Shane Yoakam and Ray Bowser
The “Global Cannabis and Your Role” keynote panel featured (left to right): Cannabis Business Times’/Cannabis Conference’s Noelle Skodzinski as moderator; Washington’s Finest Cannabis’ Crystal Oliver; The Farm’s John Billings; Connecticut Pharmaceutical Solutions’ Rino Ferrarese and Thomas Schultz; and RD Industries/Rare Dankness’ Scott Reach. Photo by Jake Gravbrot
Dr. Raymond Cloyd of Kansas State University’s Department of Entomology presented a pre-conference workshop called, “Bugology: What It Takes to Succeed Using Biological Control.” Photo by Jake Gravbrot
John Scott, the Pesticide Section Chief of the Colorado Department of Agriculture (CDA), shared with attendees insights into how the CDA and other state agencies determine what pesticides may be applied to cannabis and how cultivators can ensure they are consistently compliant and up-to-date on pesticide regulatory changes. Photo by Jake Gravbrot
Attendees talked with exhibitors about how the technologies and solutions they offer can advance cannabis cultivation businesses. Photo by Jake Gravbrot
Dr. Nadia Sabeh of Dr. Greenhouse Inc. presented a session exploring tips and best practices for designing and operating a greenhouse for cannabis cultivation, including climate control, automation and more. Photo by Jake Gravbrot
Cannabis Business Times/Cannabis Conference Editorial Director Noelle Skodzinski moderated a session, “Avoid the Race to the Bottom,” where experts shared dozens of practical tips for combating market saturation and significant price declines and ensuring long-term profitability. Panelists were (left to right): Rare Dankness/RD Industries’ Scott Reach; Saints Cannabis’ Jesce Horton; Greatland Ganja’s Leif Abel. Photo by Jake Gravbrot
Anthony Winston III of Winston Engineering LLC shared his insights, along with co-panelists Shawn Fisher of Crump Wilson Architects and Autumn Karcey of Cultivo Inc., on “Indoor Facility Design,” which explored everything from maximizing efficiencies and yield through proper room and facility layout to designing HVAC and irrigation/fertigation systems, pest management and more. Photo by Jake Gravbrot
Attendees picking up their badges at the registration desk in the Westgate Resort & Casino. Photo by Jake Gravbrot
Agrios Global Holdings’ Andrew Lange (left) and Clade9’s David Holmes led a session, moderated by LeafLine Labs’ Emily Kowalski (not pictured), on how to “Lower Your Cost Per Pound While Maximizing Yield.” Photo by Jake Gravbrot
Puffin Farm’s Dr. Jade Stefano led attendees through lessons and insights into “Outdoor Workflow Efficiency for Large and Small Farms.” Photo by Jake Gravbrot
Cannabis Conference 2019 was held at the Westgate Resort & Casino in Las Vegas, Nev. Photo by Jake Gravbrot
Speakers spent time addressing attendees’ additional questions following the audience Q&A at the close of the sessions. Photo by Jake Gravbrot
The Welcome Keynote was delivered by John Cochran, COO of Harvest Health & Recreation. Photo by Jake Gravbrot
Dean Guske, CPA, Guske & Company Inc. and Rachel Gillette of Greenspoon Marder’s Cannabis Law Practice, spoke on a panel, moderated by Cannabis Business Times’ Eric Sandy (not pictured), on how to “Improve Your Tax Strategy.” Photo by Jake GravbrotClick Image to View Gallery
