Empire State of Cannabis

Senator Diane Savino, champion behind the Compassionate Care Act which established New York's medical cannabis program, joined us to talk about the shortcomings of the program and what needs to happen to improve it. 

With the medical program set to expire in July, Senator Savino discusses the urgency to extend it while improving patient access, affordability, and product offerings. She also gives us her thoughts on the ongoing adult-use deliberations and how medical could exist alongside an adult-use marketplace. 

Jason Klimmek is a Senior Associate and Head of the Cannabis Practice at Boylan Code, a Rochester-based law firm, and also serves on the Board of Directors for both NY Hemp Lab and Roc NORML. He is an expert in tax and shares his thoughts on what impacts the dueling proposed tax structures would have on product pricing, cultivators, and retail operations. 

We explore the differences in the Governor's proposal (CRTA) and the legislature's proposal (MRTA) in how they levy taxes, the rates, and also where that revenue is allocated. 

Joe Rossi is a seasoned political vet and lobbyist for the New York Cannabis Growers & Processors Association. He walks us through the process of getting the Hemp Extract Law passed in 2019, working with lawmakers on adult-use legalization, and what the prospects are in 2021. Joe also gives us a fascinating history lesson on politics in Albany. 

Renowned regulatory expert and D.C. lobbyist Tami Wahl joins us to lend her perspective on the future of hemp extracts and the FDA.

Will the FDA finally allow for CBD in supplements?

What could change under the Biden administration?

How do New York's new regulations influence decision making at the federal level?

New York's food scene is world-renowned for its intersection of culture, innovation, and experience. We dive into how the Empire State could change the way we think about and consume cannabis edibles.

Joining us is Ron Silver, NYC Chef and Chief Creative Officer at Azuca - a company that makes fast-acting ingredients for cannabis edibles, to talk about how the product category could reach new consumers, the opportunities for NYC restaurants, and more. 

Jim Castetter founded America's first hemp-infused wine in 1997 after spending time in Amsterdam. He tells us the story of how the wine came to fruition, it's meteoric rise and fall, and what his thoughts are on how the industry landscape has changed. 

Maria Perry, Founder of Miss Perry Farms, does it all. From selling commercial properties in Manhattan to running her second hemp harvest to developing a female-focused brand, Maria is the epitome of what it takes to be successful in this industry.

Join us as Maria describes the challenge of turning her old family farm into a successful hemp operation and why women leadership is critical to developing a female-focused cannabis marketplace.

Allan Gandelman, President of the New York Cannabis Growers & Processors Association and CEO of New York Hemp Oil, joined us to talk hemp regs and what the adult-use industry could look like here in New York.

Allan runs one of the largest hemp operations in the state but understands that in order for the industry to be successful New York needs to put craft operations first.

We caught up with Meg Southerland as she prepared to harvest her second hemp crop. Gardenworks Farm has been in her family since 1911, becoming a staple for locally grown produce, u-pick blueberries, a showcase for local artists, and a true "farm-to-table" experience.

What led to Meg's decision to incorporate hemp? Does cannabis cultivation have staying power in New York's agricultural communities?

Watch Meg answer these questions and provide insight that can only come with decades of experience.

Join as we have a fascinating conversation with Kristin Jordan, Director of Real Estate at Acreage Holdings and Founder of Mannada, about networking during the coronavirus.

Will online conferences become the norm? How are event focused businesses surviving?