Seed to Solution: Science and Realities of MMJ Production
Saturday, Sept. 14 | 10:00 AM | Breakout Room D
Presented by Eric Evans, Director of Manufacturing for goodblend, From Seed to Solution: The Science and Realities of Medical Marijuana Production focuses on the processes involved in transforming cannabis plants into the highest medical-grade products in Texas. The presentation highlights the scientific methods used to ensure potency, consistency, and safety. It also addresses practical challenges, including state-specific regulatory compliance and quality control, offering insights into the complexities of bringing medical marijuana from raw material to finished product for Texans.
Eric Evans has a B.S. in Chemistry from Kennesaw State University and has spent 8 years in the cannabis field. He oversees all aspects of post-cultivation product creation and consistency to ensure goodblend provides high quality medicine to Texans.
Improving Outcomes: Cannabis Dosing and Titration
Saturday, Sept. 14 | 11:15 AM | Breakout Room B
This presentation will address cannabis pharmacology related to tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), cannabidiol (CBD), cannabigerol (CBG) et al., methods of administration (smoking, vaporization, oral), and dosing recommendations. Adverse events of cannabis medicine pertain primarily to THC, whose total daily dose-equivalent should be limited to 30 mg/day or less,
preferably in conjunction with CBD, to avoid psychoactive sequelae and development of tolerance. CBD, in contrast to THC, is less potent, and may require much higher doses for its adjunctive benefits on epilepsy, pain, inflammation, and attenuation of THC-associated anxiety and tachycardia. CBG is effective at much lower doses. Treatment initiation should commence at
modest levels, and titration of any cannabis preparation should proceed slowly over a period of as much as two weeks.
Particular conditions for cannabis therapeutics are addressed: epilepsy, cancer palliation and primary treatment, chronic pain, use in the elderly, Parkinson disease, pediatrics, with concomitant opioids, and in relation to driving and hazardous activities. Speaker: Ethan B. Russo, MD.
Expunction and Non-Disclosure in Texas
Saturday, Sept. 14 | 11:15 AM | Breakout Room D
Expunction and non-disclosure are legal processes that can remove or hide certain criminal records from public view, depending on the type and outcome of the case. This informational session presented by the Justice Reform Foundation will teach you how to seal and/or expunge your own criminal record in Texas, or how to assist others who need this service. You will learn about the eligibility criteria, the legal process, the benefits and limitations, and the resources available for expunction and sealing in Texas.
This session will be particularly helpful for those looking to expunge their own records, pre-law students and law students who would like to volunteer in future expunction drives, and practicing attorneys* who want to learn how to file expunction or non-disclosure petitions for clients.
The Justice Reform Foundation is a Texas non-profit criminal justice reform organization dedicated to providing resources for those facing criminal charges or trying to get back on their feet post-incarceration. The JRF is part of the Texas Clean Slate Coalition and is proud to support Clean Slate legislation in Texas. To learn more about the JRF, visit www.justicereformfoundation.org.
*The JRF will be seeking CLE credit for attorneys in attendance. CLE credit information will be given at the event or shortly thereafter.
Speakers: Brad Douglas and Judge John Delaney
Keynote luncheon w/ Senator José Menéndez
Saturday, Sept. 14 | 12:30 PM | Bethancourt Ballroom
Senator José Menéndez has been a champion for medical cannabis for nearly a decade. He was a co-author of the original Texas Compassionate Use Act in 2015 and has pushed hard for expansion ever since. For Senator Menéndez, this issue is personal. He has family members who benefit from cannabis and he believes this medicine should be available for all Texans. We agree! And that's why we've been working with him since 2016 when he filed the Texas Senate's first comprehensive medical cannabis bill.
He's an ardent advocate for a more inclusive Compassionate Use Program. We are honored to have him joining us for the conference!
Senator Menéndez is from San Antonio and currently serves as Chairman of the Texas Senate Hispanic Caucus. He's been appointed to several legislative committees including the State Affairs Committee, which has been tasked with making recommendations on the future of adult-use hemp in Texas.