Indigenous Cannabis Summit: Experts To Discuss Hemp, PTSD And Sustainability

Zinger Key Points
  • The Indigenous Cannabis Industry Association announced the agenda for its Nov 13-15 Indigenous Cannabis Policy Summit in D.C.
  • Sessions will address topics like the legal framework of hemp derivatives (CBD, Delta-8), health risks from improper cultivation and more.

The Indigenous Cannabis Industry Association (ICIA) announced the agenda for its third annual National Indigenous Cannabis Policy Summit – the first gathering of cannabis advocates in Washington, D.C. following the 2024 election.

Hosted by ICIA, the summit will take place November 13-15 in Washington D.C. and will bring together Tribal leaders, elected and government officials, businesses, healthcare professionals as well as veterans and advocacy groups. The intention is to seek solutions to the most pressing cannabis-related challenges and opportunities facing Indigenous communities.

The conference includes educational opportunities hosted by Judge Mary Celeste of Denver, Dr. Sherman Hom, Dr. Joseph Rosado of International Medical Consultants, Shinnecock Nation tribal member Chenae Bullock, chairman Mike Fairbanks of the White Earth Reservation and more.

"This is a pivotal time for making change in the cannabis industry and creating sustainable opportunities for Indigenous communities," stated Rob Pero, founder of the ICIA and Wisconsin-based hemp company Canndigenous. "We're proud to use this platform to amplify some of the movement's most prominent voices, laying the groundwork for a more equitable future of cannabis policy."

Educational panels will also cover industrial hemp, including discussions on building with hempcrete, regulatory needs, and sustainable practices for long-term growth in the cannabis and hemp industries. Tribal leaders, healthcare professionals, and advocacy groups will participate, aiming to create actionable policy recommendations for the incoming federal administration.

Read Also: Hempcrete Project Gets $6.2M EPA Grant To Develop Eco-Friendly Construction Materials

Get Benzinga's exclusive analysis and the top news about the cannabis industry and markets daily in your inbox for free. Subscribe to our newsletter here. If you're serious about the business, you can't afford to miss out.

Discussing The Plant As A Whole

Sessions will address critical topics like the legal framework of hemp derivatives (CBD, Delta-8), health risks from improper cannabis cultivation and the connection between PTSD and endocannabinoid deficiency.

"The Summit isn't only about increasing accessibility to plant medicine, although that is a very important topic of discussion for this year's conference, which will be the largest convening of cannabis policy advocates in D.C. post-election," Pero said "We will also discuss longer term environmental sustainable practices that position Indigenous communities to diversify within an industry that is already federally legal and growing exponentially. The conference will discuss the plant as a whole, and help bring the conversation into context with actionable steps and case studies."

Other areas of exploration during the summit will include applying practical lessons from the gaming industry to the cannabis industry, the implications of cannabis rescheduling for business owners and patients, using data to drive policy and much more.

Founded in 2022, ICIA focuses on increasing accessibility to plant medicine and creating sustainable economic opportunities for Indigenous people through policy, programming and outreach initiatives.

Earlier this year, the association participated in the cannabis rescheduling public hearing, where members advocated for the "liberation of plant medicines and an end to patriarchal policies that disrupt sacramental, ceremonial and health sovereignty."

In August, ICIA announced it is expanding its global presence by participating in the inaugural Andean Hemp & Cannabis Trade Forum in Peru.

Read Next:

Photo: Courtesy of 24K-Production via Shutterstock

Market News and Data brought to you by Benzinga APIs
Comments
Loading...
Posted In: CannabisNewsEventsChenae BullockICIAJoseph RosadoMary CelesteMike Fairbankndigenous Cannabis Industry AssociationpremiumRob PeroSherman Hom
Benzinga simplifies the market for smarter investing

Trade confidently with insights and alerts from analyst ratings, free reports and breaking news that affects the stocks you care about.

Join Now: Free!

Cannabis is evolving – don’t get left behind!

Curious about what’s next for the industry and how to leverage California’s unique market?

Join top executives, policymakers, and investors at the Benzinga Cannabis Market Spotlight in Anaheim, CA, at the House of Blues on November 12. Dive deep into the latest strategies, investment trends, and brand insights that are shaping the future of cannabis!

Get your tickets now to secure your spot and avoid last-minute price hikes.