WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 24, 2022
1:05-1:25pm ET
KEYNOTE: THE FUTURE OF THE CANNABIS MARKET & WHAT TO EXPECT WITH THE EVOLUTION OF CANNABIS TECHNOLOGY
This discussion will consists of what to expect with the burgeoning legalization that’s coming upon us. What markets are ripe for entry, how to approach them. An overview of the interoperability of track-and-trace systems on what role they play in the cannabis technology ecosystem. The uniqueness of how cannabis is in comparison to normal retail. What will be the key factors on successfully entering the industry and what to expect from industry. The evolution of cannabis technology, how the pandemic accelerated the pertinence of online ordering.
Speaker: John Bachanov, Co-founder & CEO, Appspensary
1:25-2:10pm ET
PANEL: THINGS YOU PROBABLY DON’T KNOW ABOUT CANNABIS BANKING… BUT REALLY NEED TO
Whether you’re a financial institution or cannabis-related business, this session will provide the straight scoop on legal and regulatory compliance for banking cannabis-related businesses. Learn valuable insights and information from a cannabis banking leader featured in mainstream media and a cannabis regulatory audit and compliance specialist, both with over 20 years of hands on experience.
Moderator: Bruce Renard, President, Bruce W. Renard, P.A.
Panelists:
- Peter Su, Sr. Vice President, Green Check Verified
- Rita Ward, COO, Radd LLC
2:10-2:45pm ET
PANEL: LINGERING LEGAL LIMBO – CRYSTAL-BALLING US CANNABIS LAW & REGULATION IN 2022
This session will update the information provided at WeedTechUS2021 regarding efforts in DC to update/reform current federal law which classifies cannabis as a Schedule 1 prohibited substance, making it illegal under federal law to manufacture, possess, or use weed, despite the ever-growing legality of cannabis at the state level in the US. The presentation will specifically address current banking services’ challenges and opportunities, along with recent developments regarding authorized deployment of ATM terminals and enhanced enforcement against prohibited/illegal “cashless ATMs” in US cannabis dispensaries.
Interviewer: Dale Laszig, DSL Direct
Interviewee: Bruce Renard, President, Bruce W. Renard, P.A.
2:45-3:30pm ET
NETWORKING BREAK
3:30-3:50pm ET
KEYNOTE: OVERCOMING LEGACY CASH: LEVERAGING EMERGING TECHNOLOGY FOR CANNABIS PAYMENTS
Drawing on Christian’s long history in lending, payment processing and cannabis, this session will reveal new payment systems which leverage emerging technologies. These systems allow your customers to create more payment options, increase sales and reduce the compliance burden all cannabis businesses face. We’ll challenge longstanding assumptions, reveal new strategies, and give tips on avoiding common financial mistakes, including:
1. Credit Card Processing Hacks
2. Considering Crypto
3. Getting Legacy Cash into the Banking System
Speaker: Christian Gontarek, Founder & CEO, Thrmal Inc.
3:50-4:25pm ET
PANEL: THE FUTURE OF CANNABIS RETAIL
The cannabis retail ecosystem is rife with regulation. Traditional retail payment companies like Visa have also called out the misuse of ATM cash disbursements, putting legal dispensaries on high alert – considering how roughly half of the country’s cannabis retailers handle payments through point of banking, or cashless ATM, transactions. Yet, these challenges have only pushed the boundaries of creativity. This session will delve into the innovations in payments, ecommerce and other digital platforms fueling the rapid retail evolution of the cannabis industry.
In this session, panelists will discuss the long-term advantages of adopting modern and compliant payment solutions that ultimately benefit consumers, retailers and the industry at large. From emerging digital payment solutions to cryptocurrency, we’ll talk about how payment systems are being integrated into ecommerce solutions to create a one-click checkout process. Even morem, they’ll talk about how these innovations will become the benchmark for the cannabis industry and allow cannabis to extend outward into more traditional industries.
Moderator: Matthew Tharp, Vice President, Product, Flowhub
Panelists:
- Daniel Muller, Founder & CEO, Aeropay
- Kyla Sirni, Dispense
- Jennifer Snowden-McKay, High Road
4:25-4:45pm ET
KEYNOTE: GEORGIA’S FIRST DISPENSARY
After 13 years of combat with the US Army and CIA my ptsd was to a point that it was physically and mentally killing me. Finding cannabis not only cured my ptsd but enabled me to create a platform where I can raise awareness for many of the issues Veterans are struggling with. This journey led me all the way to the top of the world and we’re not done yet.
Speaker: Josh Garrison, CEO, Alpine Dispensary