2024 Speakers + Sessions

EFFECTIVE ADVOCACY: CHANGING LAWS IN TEXAS

Advocates cover the upcoming political timeline, the expected impact of elections, strategies for effective advocacy, and the crucial role of citizen participation in driving policy changes. Panelists share insights from local petition drives, personal testimonies to lawmakers, and mobilizing patients to lobby legislators.

Learn the importance of coalition building and uniting support across the political spectrum. Speakers include Kevin Caldwell from the Marijuana Policy Project, Daryoush Austin Zamhariri from the Texas Cannabis Collective, Chase Bearden from the Coalition of Texans with Disabilities, and Piper Lindeen, a caregiver and advocate. Watch here gain valuable knowledge and strategies for making a difference in cannabis policy reform in Texas.

Cannabis Consumer Education and Industry Responsibility

Cannabis cannot be used responsibly unless patients and consumers are educated. Children must be protected, and impaired drivers kept off the road. Speakers will cover essential facts for safe consumption and the industry's role in providing resources for more informed decision-making. And with the growth of the Texas Compassionate Use Program, doctors prescribing cannabis have a significant responsibility to educate patients on safe consumption practices.

Watch here to learn how both consumers and the industry can work together to promote safe and informed use of cannabis products. Speakers: Christine Adams, Liz Cross, Aaron Bloom, and Lindy McGee, MD.

Medical Cannabis: A Safer Alternative to Opioids

Watch distinguished speakers Matthew Brimberry, MD, Sue Sisley, MD, and Bryon Adinoff, MD discuss the potential of medical cannabis as a safer alternative for managing pain and combating opioid dependency. Medical cannabis is increasingly recognized for its ability to alleviate pain, with research showing that many patients significantly reduce or eliminate their use of opioids.

Given the known dangers and addictive nature of opioids, patients should have the legal right to choose safer alternatives under the Compassionate Use Program. Dr. Brimberry, a prescribing physician under the Compassionate Use Program, advocates for adding chronic pain as qualifying conditions. Dr. Sisley, one of America’s leading cannabis researchers, specializes in PTSD and chronic pain. Dr. Adinoff, who leads Doctors for Drug Policy Reform and has a background in addiction psychiatry, brings valuable insights from his work at the UT Southwestern Medical Center in Dallas. Moderator: Nishi Whiteley.

Litigation Affecting Cannabis Policy

Litigation has a pivotal role in shaping cannabis policy. While legislative advocacy is a primary method for effecting change, lawsuits have also been instrumental in challenging problematic policies. This session delves into several critical lawsuits that have influenced the Texas cannabis industry and highlight ongoing legal battles. Discover how legal challenges can complement legislative efforts to bring about meaningful policy reform. Watch here.

Speakers: Susan Hays, Lisa L. Pittman, Esq., and David Sergi. Moderated by Professor Scott Seder.

Keynote Luncheon w/ Ethan Russo, MD

Beyond THC: Product Innovation with Minor Cannabinoids and Terpenoids

Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) has been the primary focus of cannabis research for six decades with cannabidiol (CBD) garnering greater interest in the last 15 years. Other “minor cannabinoids” show great promise, with the benefit of being non-intoxicating. Tetrahydrocannabivarin (THCV) portends to be useful for treatment of obesity, Type II diabetes and metabolic syndrome. Cannabigerol (CBG) has demonstrated pronounced effects on anxiety, as an antibiotic and cancer treatment with efficacy for pain and treatment of a wide variety of other conditions. Cannabichromene (CBC), and the acid cannabinoids, tetrahydrocannabinolic acid (THCA) and cannabidiolic acid (CBDA) also

display unique benefits.

Cannabis terpenoids provide additive and synergistic benefits. Limonene, myrcene, α-pinene, linalool, β-caryophyllene are all flavor and fragrance components designated Generally Recognized as Safe (GRAS) by the US Food and Drug Administration. They may contribute meaningfully to the entourage effects of cannabis-based medicine for pain, inflammation, depression, anxiety, addiction, epilepsy, and cancer.

Speaker: Ethan B Russo, MD

Texas A&M Student Research and Advocacy

Friday, Sept. 13 | 2:00 PM | Bethancourt Ballroom

Discover the cutting-edge advancements in hemp research by Texas A&M students. Dr. Russell Jessup’s student research team is exploring various potentials of hemp, pushing the boundaries of this versatile plant.

Clay Moore is developing novel anti-cancer pharmaceuticals with phytochemicals derived from Cannabis sativa L. and other plant sources to potentially replace harmful chemotherapy drugs. Josh Van Dyke is analyzing fiber uses in cannabis, distinguishing between bast fiber for textiles and hurd fiber for paper and plastics. Ian McGrath is developing an organic, terpene-based pesticide for effective insect control. Meredith Clay is conducting breeding traits focused on harvest depending on end use. Watch here to learn about these innovative projects and the future of hemp research.

A Universal Cannabis Product Taxonomy

Demystifying Cannabis: A Universal Product Taxonomy for Informed Choices

The cannabis plant is rich in active compounds, including the well-known phytocannabinoids Delta-9 (Δ-9) THC and CBD, which are synthesized by all cannabis plants as acids (Δ-9 THCA and CBDA). While THCA and CBDA are the most dominant cannabinoids, cannabis also generates a variety of minor phytocannabinoids throughout its growth cycle. Beyond these plant-synthesized molecules, our bodies produce endocannabinoids that, along with phytocannabinoids, interact with cannabinoid and other receptors in our bodies and brains, resulting in diverse therapeutic effects. However, the current cannabinoid market resembles a wild west of unvalidated claims and unnecessary synthetic hemp derivatives, creating risks and confusion for both consumers and regulators.

This situation underscores the urgent need for a universal cannabis product taxonomy—a standardized and transparent system that categorizes products based on their true active ingredients, rather than relying on outdated labels, strain names, or indica versus sativa designations. Implementing such a system is crucial for ensuring consumer safety and supporting informed decision-making. Watch here.

Presented by Jokūbas Žiburkus, PhD.

Federal Policy: Legislative Prospects For reform

This session focuses on federal policy changes on the horizon, with speakers Bryon Adinoff and Lisa L. Pittman, Esq. discussing legislative and regulatory proposals to reschedule or outright legalize cannabis. While many states have established their own regulations, federal changes could significantly impact the growth of the cannabis industry and our ability to study cannabis for consumable and industrial purposes.

Watch here to explore the potential federal policy shifts and their implications for the future of cannabis in the United States. Moderated by Professor Scott Seder.

Cannabis Research: Challenges and Opportunities

Watch "Cannabis Research: Challenges and Opportunities," featuring leading cannabis researchers Dr. Sue Sisley and Dr. Ethan Russo. Dr. Sisley, known for her groundbreaking work on PTSD and chronic pain, and Dr. Russo, a neurologist and psychopharmacology researcher, have both navigated the complex regulatory landscape to advance cannabis research.

These medical cannabis researchers understand the significant challenges posed by government red tape and will discuss the potential impact of the federal government's consideration to move cannabis to Schedule III on research efforts. Moderated by Nishi Whiteley.

Navigating the Cannabis Industry

Watch moderator, Nkem Okeke, co-founder of Uniwyze & Adendox for an insightful session featuring key industry players Tony Gallo, Sapphire Risk Advisory, and Hans Enriquez, Lazy Daze Coffee Shop as they share their expertise and experiences in navigating the dynamic cannabis sector. This session offers a comprehensive overview of critical aspects shaping the industry today, focusing on security, research and development, and retail operations.

This session provides valuable perspectives and practical takeaways for professionals across the cannabis industry, from security experts and researchers to retailers and entrepreneurs. Join us to connect with industry leaders and explore the latest advancements and best practices shaping the cannabis industry today.

Texas Compassionate Use Program Update

Established in 2015, the Texas Compassionate Use Program (TCUP) was expanded in 2019 and again in 2021. While thousands of Texas patients have joined the program, many are being left behind by condition restrictions, THC caps, and high prices. Three businesses have been licensed to grow, process, and sell medical cannabis, but they have struggled to overcome unreasonably high licensing fees and unfair competition from the hemp industry.

This session features members of the TCUP Working Group, which was established by DPS to provide feedback and suggestions for improvements to the program. Watch here.

Speakers: Kristopher Kem, Chase Bearden, Liz Cross, NP, Susan Hays, Nico Richardson, Michael Gorby, MD.

Conference Day 1: Speakers and Sessions