Inside Benzinga Cannabis Capital Conference: Meet The Industry Leaders

The Benzinga Cannabis Capital Conference, scheduled for October in Chicago, is set to be a standout event in the cannabis industry calendar. This conference will feature an impressive roster of industry leaders and innovators, each bringing their own perspective to the forefront of cannabis investment and branding. Attendees can expect in-depth discussions and firsthand updates from some of the most influential voices shaping the future of the industry. Here are just some of the top industry voices you'll hear from.

Jim Belushi

Actor and comedian Jim Belushi has channeled his personal journey and passion into Belushi's Farm, a cannabis cultivation enterprise in Oregon. The farm is home to a variety of cannabis strains, including the rare “Captain Jack's Gulzar Afghanica,” known for its connection to “Saturday Night Live.”

Belushi's dedication to the cannabis industry is rooted in his belief in the plant's therapeutic benefits, shaped by his life experiences. Beyond cultivation, he is an active advocate for using cannabis as a natural remedy, particularly as an alternative to opioids, and supports initiatives that highlight its potential to improve well-being.

Charlie Bachtell

Charlie Bachtell is the CEO of Cresco Labs, one of the largest multi-state cannabis operators in the U.S. Drawing on his extensive legal background, Bachtell has been at the forefront of guiding Cresco Labs through the cannabis industry’s complex and ever-changing regulatory landscape.

Under his leadership, the company has expanded its footprint across multiple states, maintaining compliance with diverse legal frameworks while increasing its presence in the competitive market. Bachtell’s experience in corporate governance and regulatory compliance has been integral to Cresco's steady growth and operational success.

George Archos

George Archos, the founder and CEO of Verano Holdings, has grown the company into one of the most extensive cannabis operations in the U.S., with a footprint across 13 states and over 130 dispensaries. With a background rooted in logistics and restaurant management, Archos has successfully applied his operational expertise to the cannabis industry, overseeing Verano's broad network with precision. His dedication to quality and consistency has helped Verano earn its reputation as a trusted name in the cannabis market.

Ross Gerber

Ross Gerber, the co-founder, president, and CEO of Gerber Kawasaki Wealth and Investment Management, is a leading figure in financial and investment circles. His firm, known for its focus on diverse investment opportunities, including cannabis, manages a portfolio valued at $2.6 billion as of January 2024. Gerber's approach combines traditional financial management with modern technology and social media strategies, setting the firm apart in the industry.

Gerber's expertise in emerging markets and commitment to innovation is evident in his firm's early adoption of digital assets through a partnership with Gemini. His presence at cannabis events is a rare opportunity, so make sure you don’t miss out.

Dr. Chanda Macias

Dr. Chanda Macias is the CEO of Women Grow and National Holistic, a leading medical marijuana dispensary in Washington, DC. At National Holistic, she oversees both medical marijuana and CBD production, driving forward advancements in the cannabis space.

Her leadership extends to Ilera Holistic Healthcare, where she has facilitated a partnership with Southern University to support cannabis cultivation in Louisiana. Dr. Macias also contributes her expertise to the Minority Cannabis Business Association and the DC Medical Cannabis Trade Association and is an active member of Americans for Safe Access.

Kyle Sherman

Kyle Sherman is the founder and CEO of Flowhub, a well-known figure in cannabis retail technology. Sherman's initiative to develop a standardized API for cannabis data in Colorado has set a high standard for compliance and traceability.

Through Flowhub, Sherman provides dispensaries with software solutions that streamline operations and ensure adherence to regulatory standards. His work has been instrumental in advancing the integration of technology and compliance in the cannabis industry.

Sundie Seefried

Sundie Seefried, founder of Safe Harbor Financial, is a household name in addressing the financial needs of the cannabis industry. Understanding the challenges cannabis businesses face with traditional banking, Seefried established Safe Harbor Financial to offer compliant banking solutions tailored for this market.

Her extensive background in the credit union industry has been instrumental in creating financial services that meet the unique needs of cannabis operators. Safe Harbor Financial's innovative approach has made a significant impact, providing crucial support for businesses navigating the complexities of cannabis banking.

Tiffany Richardson

Tiffany Richardson, a leader at Crowe, brings almost twenty years of tax consulting expertise to her role. She is renowned for her adept handling of complex tax issues faced by multi-state cannabis operators.

Tiffany focuses on navigating the intricate tax regulations unique to the cannabis industry, ensuring compliance while also developing strategies to optimize financial outcomes. Her extensive background includes helping cannabis businesses streamline their tax operations, manage regulatory challenges, and enhance their overall financial performance.

Aaron Grey

Aaron Grey, managing director at Alliance Global Partners, is known for his thorough analysis of cannabis market trends and consumer behavior. His research has been featured in major financial publications, showcasing his deep understanding of market developments.

At Alliance Global Partners, Grey provides detailed assessments of market dynamics, helping to shape strategic decisions in the cannabis industry. His role involves tracking emerging trends and offering insights that are crucial for understanding the evolving market landscape.

Kevin Hart

Kevin Hart, founder and CEO of Green Check Verified, draws on four decades in enterprise software to address financial regulatory challenges in the cannabis industry. His extensive background includes executive roles in global software companies, leading two firms to successful exits and another to an IPO.

At Green Check Verified, Kevin has assembled a skilled team to address the banking and compliance issues that cannabis businesses face, establishing the company as a leading entity in financial services for this market.

Anthony Coniglio

Anthony Coniglio, CEO of NewLake Capital Partners, co-founded the company in 2019 and guided its merger with GreenAcreage in 2021. Before NewLake, he was CEO of Primary Capital Mortgage and a Managing Director at JPMorgan. Coniglio's career highlights include leading MasterCard's $5.3 billion IPO and managing significant transactions such as GMAC's restructuring. He has over 30 years of experience in finance and real estate.

Laura Bianchi

Laura Bianchi, co-founder of Bianchi & Brandt, is an accomplished attorney specializing in the cannabis industry. With over a decade of experience, she provides legal and business advisory services to clients across various stages of growth, from start-ups to established enterprises.

Bianchi has a strong background in mergers and acquisitions, successfully managing transactions valued in the hundreds of millions. Her expertise extends to license applications, compliance, and crisis management. Recognized as one of the top attorneys in Arizona and featured in major media outlets, she is also a recipient of the Stevie® Award for Female Executive of the Year.

Frank Segall

Since 2012, Frank Segall, co-chair of the cannabis practice at Blank Rome, has been an influential figure in cannabis law. He negotiates and structures major business deals, including mergers, acquisitions, and financing arrangements. His work includes representing leading cannabis operators in high-profile transactions, such as the sale of two major operators in a merger that created one of California's largest cannabis platforms.

Segall also represents ancillary cannabis companies and has helped secure substantial financings and acquisitions for the industry. Known for his networking abilities and business acumen, Segall's contributions have shaped the development of cannabis law and business.

Christine Smith

Christine Smith, CEO of Grön, transitioned from a successful career in architectural design to the cannabis industry. She founded Grön in 2014 and leveraged her design background to create a premium line of cannabis edibles.

Initially starting with a single dark chocolate bar, Grön has since expanded to offer a variety of products throughout the US and Canada. Smith's approach to product development is influenced by her architectural expertise, emphasizing both quality and visual appeal in her offerings.

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Cannabis rescheduling seems to be right around the corner. Want to understand what this means for the future of the industry? Hear directly for top executives, investors, and policymakers at the 19th Benzinga Cannabis Capital Conference, coming to Chicago this Oct. 8-9. Get your tickets now before prices surge by following this link.

Photo: Courtesy of Iryna Rahalskaya on Shutterstock