Strategies 64 partnered with the Cannabis Policy Institute at UNLV to host the inaugural Cannabis Policy Institute Symposium on December 5 at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas. The invitational event drew about 100 attendees from around North America, including current and former regulators, lawmakers and staffers, cannabis policy professionals, and a wide array of business leaders.
The event featured panel discussions on two policy areas that are pivotal to the future of legal cannabis:
The Future of Cannabis Hospitality
- Diana Eberlein, President, Cannabis Beverage Association
- Adriana Guzmán Fralick, Chair, Nevada Cannabis Compliance Board
- Dr. John Hudak, Director, Maine Office of Cannabis Policy
- Chris Laporte, Managing Partner, RESET
- Moderator: Jordan Wellington, Managing Partner, Strategies 64
The panel discussed how regulators and stakeholders across the U.S. are exploring various forms of cannabis hospitality and a wide range of associated regulations. Conversations have been predominantly focused on public health and safety considerations, but the inability of businesses to open or succeed in this sector has recently led to more discussion of business model viability.
Bridging the Marijuana and Hemp Policy Divide
- Pamela Epstein, Chief Legal and Regulatory Officer, Terpene Belt, Inc.
- Shawn Hauser, Partner, Vicente LLP
- Joe Hodas, President, Wana Brands
- Tyler Klimas, Principal, Leaf Street Strategies
- Mackenzie Slade, Executive Director, Cannabis Public Policy Consulting
- Moderator: Jordan Wellington, Managing Partner, Strategies 64
The panel explored the unsustainability of the status quo from a business and public health perspective; how states are regulating hemp-derived THC products and the implications for public health and safety; why and how some marijuana companies are looking to the hemp market for new business opportunities; and what can be done to bridge the policy divide between the two markets and level the playing field.
The event also featured presentations of research papers supported and/or produced by CPI and S64:
- Cannabis Marketing: Challenges and Path Forward
Dr. Marla Stafford, Director of Research and Professor of Marketing, Cannabis Policy Institute at UNLV
- Nevada Cannabis Policy Report: Background and Recommendations
Christina Dempsey, Executive Director, Cannabis Policy Lab
- A Review of the Present THC Beverage Market
Tyler Klimas, Principal, Leaf Street Strategies
- Cannabis Labeling and the Prospect of QR Codes (Final paper forthcoming)
Dan Smith, Vice President, Strategies 64
- Overview of the 2024 Nevada Cannabis Economy
Dr. Robin Goldstein, Director, UC Davis Cannabis Economics Group
