Speakers

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Clay Abbott has served over 20 years as the DWI Resource Prosecutor for TDCAA, he has trained thoAndrea Baillo, PhDusands of prosecutors and police in over 40 states.  

Andrea Baillo, PhD is a former cannabis CSO and founder of Rooted for Success, bringing deep expertise in cannabinoid safety, risk management, and evidence-driven product development. 

In 2019, Adam Bazaldua 

 was elected to represent District 7 on the Dallas City Council, becoming the youngest person elected to the Council under the current form of government. Since then, he has been a driving force for equitable, people-centered policies 

across the city.

Chase Bearden serves as the Executive Director of the Coalition of Texans with Disabilities.  Founded in 1978, CTD has grown to become the oldest and largest cross-disability organization in 993. 

Eric Berlin leads the US and global Cannabis teams at Dentons, the world’s largest law firm.

Corey is the founder of Sky High Cannabis Co, a longtime advocate for hemp and cannabis. With decades of experience in cannabinoid science, he develops award-winning wellness beverages. 

 Liz Cross is a pediatric nurse practitioner and medical cannabis advocate who founded a Texas pediatric CBD resource clinic, helping families navigate safe and appropriate compassionate use care for their children.

 Drew Darby represents ten West Texas counties and chairs the House Energy Resources Committee. He also serves on Administration and State Affairs and is a leader on major energy

 policy issues. 

U.S. Army Iraq War Veteran. Awards include the Bronze Star and Combat Action Badge. Former Cedar Park Mayor Pro Tem and City Councilmember (2007-14).

Thomas Graham has led TABC as executive director since July of 2022, transforming the agency to operate more efficiently and transparently and with customer service a top priority. 

John Harloe is General Counsel for Global Cannabis at Village Farms International. Dr. Harloe also has a PhD in Pharmacology, where he studied cannabis and the endocannabinoid system.  

Karen Brooks Harper is a Mizzou Tiger who has covered Texas politics in Austin for nearly 30 years. She's also covered the cartel wars along the TX-MX border, 3 presidential races, and 6 hurricanes.  

Senator Nathan Johnson represents SD 16 in Dallas County. During the 89th legislature, he filed a comprehensive cannabis reform package to create a regulatory framework and decriminalize adult use. .  

Jason Kercheval is a native Texan, lawyer, and service-connected disabled veteran. He is a Family Law lawyer and has been licensed since 2011. 

Tyler Klimas is a former chief cannabis regulator who led Nevada into a billion-dollar market, helped found CANNRA, and brings deep experience in public policy, regulation, and federal advocacy. 

Shawna Seldon McGregor is a veteran communications leader specializing in cannabis and hemp, with nearly 30 years of experience guiding brands in highly regulated industries. 

Elizabeth is a former civil trial attorney and cannabis patient who advocates on behalf of Texans' civil liberties, including safe adult access to cannabis products. . 

Biotech and cannabis consultant with deep expertise in biosynthesis, extraction, and scale-up. Healthy alternative investor & advisor, helping founders on capital, licensing, operations, and expansion 

Chris Poirier serves as the Deputy Director of Policy & Regulatory Affairs at the Colorado Marijuana Enforcement Division, assisting in the Division's legislative engagement and rule making efforts.