Seed to Building: The Future of Housing
Saturday, September 9 th , 12-1pm
Fire-retardant, energy efficient, mold-resistant, carbon-neutral housing in Humboldt? Hear
about a remarkable Indigenous-led project which is transferring this biobased French hempcrete
technology in collaboration with our European partners. Would it be possible that some day we
might be able to use biomass (stalks and stems) from our own farms to create “hempcrete” for
our future housing needs? There will also be physical samples to showcase this regenerative
material.
Ken Hamik, Moderator
Lisa Sundberg
Mary Jane Oatman
Robert Backman
Jeff Trirogoff
Maddy Hunt
The Healing of a Nation: Music, Cannabis and Culture
Saturday, September 9 th , 2-3pm
When forces challenged the acceptance and legalization of cannabis, the music and culture also
keep us dancing forward despite the odds. Hear music producers, musicians and the culture
leaders discuss the vibrant and important messages that brought us here.
Steve Gieder, Moderator
Brian Swislow
Gaurav Mehta (El Gee)
Jasmine Bigham
Martin Mills
Margo Lak
LGBTQ+BIPOC+THC
Saturday, September 9 th , 4-5pm
There is a human bridge of history between San Francisco and the Emerald Triangle. In the midst
of an AIDS epidemic, we feature one of the leaders who brought cannabis to his community and
changed politics forever. The LGBTQ and BIPOC cannabis stories are full and very relevant to not
only the politics, but also the culture.
Kiki Angus, Moderator
Terrance Alan
Ziyat Mahamaya
Laniakea Evans
Nicole Buffong
Kaelan Rivera
Jazzy Jane
Taking Flight: Humboldt’s Arteries of Travel (sponsored by Humboldt County Visitors Bureau)
Saturday, September 9 th , 6-7pm
As cannatourism matures, entire local economies benefit – hotels, restaurants, memorabilia,
and taxes. Cannifest embodies many ways to showcase cannatourism through the commerce,
education, networking, exhibits, music, food and even a parade! Come meet our Chambers of
Commerce, Visitors Bureau, tour operators, destination managers, historians, and plant experts
who will share the many ways of growing your experience.
Julie Benbow
Laniakea Evans
Eva Shepard-Nicoll
Michael Katz
Victor Pinho
Season
Yvonne Hendrix
Meredith Matthews
Nicole Riggs
Matt Kurth
Joyce Cenali
The Cannabiz: Myths & Legends
Sunday, September 10 th , 1-2pm
To understand the very different world of running a cannabis operation, these experts will
illuminate the many challenges and opportunities. Not only those in the industry, but also non-
cannabis businesses who will get a peek inside the many obstacles and strange rules we face in
these newly legalized markets. Panelists will offer solutions as we course correct for not only
business owners, but also for our patients and customers we serve.
Amber Davidson, Moderator
Beth Jacobson
Doryn Gremillion
Kimberly Roth
Leigh Vedas
Lindsay Kolterman
Save your Farmer: Down with Measure A (HCRI)
Sunday, September 10 th , 3-4pm
Between a rock and a hard place, the March 2024 Humboldt Cannabis Reform Initiative
(Measure A) is not about reform. It targets only cannabis farms and has generated much
disinformation and confusion. Even the County Planning & Building staff have formerly warned
about the consequences for our community if it passes. Humboldt Cannabis Growers Alliance
will lead this important discussion.
Natalynne Delapp, Moderator
Michelle Bushnell
Hannah Whyte
Ross Gordon
Nathaniel Whittington
Genetics: What the Future Holds?
Sunday, September 10 th , 5-6pm
Next to chocolate, cannabis is the most complex plant we consume. This panel of remarkable
experts bring science, technology, and legacy knowledge to discuss the innovations and proven
health benefits. From the endocannabinoid system to the natural terpenes, learn how this
medicine is changing how we think of the plant and study it.
Dominic Corva, Moderator
Eleanor Kuntz
Bill Graham
Halle Pennington
Natalie Stewart
Josh Hedberg
Ray Fowler
When the Lines Fade into an Interstate Market
Sunday, September 10 th , 7-8pm
Most of the states have now approved medical and/or adult use for cannabis. What happens
when Washington D.C. becomes one of the last dominoes to fall? What are the implications for
the proposal to move to Schedule III? This discussion will bring a national perspective to
Cannifest where the policy experts and industry analysts explore the implications for interstate
commerce. We will explore which scenarios would most benefit our industry and the consumers
who – in some cases – having been waiting a lifetime for normalization.
Gretchen Gailey, Moderator
Ken Hamik
Lance Lambert
Michael Correia
Andrew Schnell
Nicole Fryer
Seed to Building: The Future of Housing
Saturday, September 9th, 12-1pm
Ken Hamik
Ken Hamik is an internationally renowned futurist working in Humboldt County for the past 12 years. He was part of Global Business Network, a premier futurist group known for “The Art of the Long View” bestselling book on scenario planning. He is currently an operating partner at the Ganjery, a premier Humboldt, California, cannabis retail store with distribution, and manufacturing licenses. He is the Board President of the Humboldt County Visitors Bureau, former Chair of the Arcata Chamber of Commerce and on College of the Redwoods’ Presidents Council. Ken has over 40 years of management and consulting experience across a wide range of industries and has presented and published internationally. He was Director of Strategic Planning at Pacific Gas & Electric overseeing a $3 billion budget. As a brand strategist he has been involved in memorable campaigns such as “Got Milk?” and work with Nike, Apple, Sony, Nintendo, and Coca-Cola. Ken has held a number of executive roles and also helped manage two of the top revenue-generating Trader Joe’s in the country. He did his M.S. work at the University of Houston's Strategic Foresight program and has a B.S. from the University of Nebraska. He has presented and published internationally on a wide range of topics, including a chapter in the 1992 book “Confronting Climate Change: Risks, Implications and Responses.” He is a co-founder of CommUnity Pride & Peace, a Humboldt County non-profit providing solutions to neighborhood problems.
Mary Jane Oatman
Mary Jane Oatman is the Executive Director of the Indigenous Cannabis Coalition and editor/publisher of Tribal Hemp and Cannabis magazine, Oatman is dedicated to helping Native American tribes all across the country break from stigmas of the past century and reclaim a heritage that for some tribes, like hers, has an oral tradition of more than 1,000 years telling of how they acquired cannabis seeds.
Lisa Sundberg
Lisa Sundberg is a Yurok Native and member of the Trinidad Rancheria Indian Community. Lisa is an accomplished visionary, political ninja & sales strategist, indigenous healthcare advocate, entrepreneur and tribal policy and sovereignty mastermind. Lisa is the President of the Indigenous Habitat Institute (IHI) a California non profit that is currently in partnership with the Global Hemp Innovation Center on a grant to transfer the French hempcrete technologies to Turtle Island (North America). Their focus is on making bio based building materials available for the professional building industry, with sustainability and attainable housing models coupled with work force training. She is a Human Rights Commissioner for Humboldt County and serves on the Humboldt Visitors Bureau, she is also the former Chair of the Tribal Advisory Committee to the National Institute of Health focusing on healthcare policy reform on plant medicine research. Service on local and state wide healthcare boards. Lisa was the VP for Indian Gaming for Game Financial Corporation, where she increased annual sales from $2M to over $70M nationwide in 3 years.
She’s active in her cultural revival and preservation.
Robert Backman
Robert Backman holds an associate's degree from CR and pursued physics at HSU before completing a master's in mechanical engineering and robotics at UC Merced. Alongside his academic journey, he co-founded three successful companies: Avametric, where he developed virtual try-on technology and secured Y Combinator funding; Made and Modern AR, which grew from a garage startup to a 30,000 sqft factory, producing furniture for Crate and Barrel; and Arcol, focused on collaborative parametric CAD tools for BIM. Currently, Robert is championing the FireBornTools.Community makerspace and hi-tech apprenticeships while managing a manufacturing business. His journey epitomizes innovation, entrepreneurship, and community building.
Maddy Hunt
Maddy served as project manager for the 1st hempcrete demonstration wall built at Cal Poly Humboldt’s Campus Center for Appropriate Technology. As a recent graduate of the Environmental Studies program, she is looking to advance climate resiliency efforts at the community level through transitions to renewable energy grids, circular economies, and natural building.
Jeff Trirogoff
Jeff Trirogoff is President of Elements of Earth and Energy, a California licensed General Building (B), Electrical (C-10), and Solar (C-46) contractor. As a Net Zero Developer, he specializes in energy efficiency, water conservation, renewable energy and advanced building performance. Passionate about food, energy and water, he is focused on protecting biodiversity, oceans and wild lands conservation, and earth’s natural resources, while sharing renewable energy technologies to protect and save our planet. His current project is developing a regenerative, 20 home eco village with urban farming systems that operate on or off grid, in the event of a natural disaster or threat.
LGBTQ+BIPOC+THC
Saturday, September 9th, 2-3pm
Terrance Alan
Terrance learned to grow from a Humboldt farmer in the 80’s, grew pot for Dennis Peron & arrested for it, lived through the death of his partner and many friends during the AIDS crisis, founded CHAMP, the first Prop 215 cannabis dispensary, led the SF State Cannabis Legalization Taskforce after Prop 64 was passed and owns the Flore Dispensary in the Castro neighborhood of San Francisco.
Kiki Angus
Kait “Kiki” Angus is a 2Spirit Cree/Mohawk activist, public figure, multimedia artist, and business owner based out of Humboldt County.
Zīyaṭ Mahāmāyā
Zīyaṭ Mahāmāyā is a Reiki II attuned yogi, Ayurvedic herbalist, published, nationally awarded poet, former Microsoft Product Manager, Ernst and Young National Finalist for Corporate Finance Woman of the Year, and Amsterdam Fluidics CEO, and founder of Zīyaṭ’s Herbals, lovingly making Ayurvedic Reiki charged smokable herbal tea blends featuring psychoactive and foraged herbs.
Laniakea Evans
Laniakea Evans has worked in the cannabis space for over 15 years. She is currently the General Manager of 365 Recreational Cannabis in Santa Rosa, California. Laniakea started her career in the legacy market as a trimmer and has gone on to manage farms, distribution facilities, and dispensaries throughout Northern California. Her passion is education and making cannabis more accessible to her community.
Nicole Buffong
Nicole Buffong is a Global Ambassador for Plants as Medicine; Founder, Purple Plant Magic; National Events Director, M4MM; National Brand Manager: Canalytics & Black Buddha Cannabis; Board of Director: Chamber of Cannabis (Nevada) & Association of Cannabis Health Equity & Medicine (ACHEM)
Kaelan Rivera
Kaelan "Papa K" Rivera is a Trans/Intersex disabled Navy Veteran. He is the Executive Director of Lost Coast Pride in Ferndale and community liason for the Eel River Valley and SoHum with Queer Humboldt.
Jazzy Jane
Musical artist Jazzy Jayne is from a small rural community in Siskiyou county located in Northern California . She attended Humboldt state university where she graduated with a bachelors degree in kinesiology , teaching and physical therapy . During her time there she lived in a van and spoke with CBS Sunday morning discussing the housing crisis in Humboldt along side Chante Catt who is the off campus housing liaison at HSU .
Now putting her focus solely on her music career Jazzy Jayne has opened for Grammy nominated artist Swae lee , performed at Northern Nevada Pride two years in a row ,and opened for Queer artist Wreckno. She believes her music can help bridge the gap between hip hop culture and the queer community .
The Healing of a Nation: Music, Cannabis and Culture
Saturday, September 9th, 4-5pm
Steve Gieder
Stephen Gieder is a visionary entrepreneur who founded Cannifest in 2015, Northcoast Horticulture Supply in 2001 after studying horticulture at Williamson Trade School in Media, PA. His innovative journey extended into Humboldt Wholesale, a nationwide manufacturer and distributor of specialty garden supplies, enabling him to import and eventually acquire House & Garden, a world-renowned nutrient line. With over a decade of being the sole distributor of H&G in the US, Stephen's dedication to local economies is evident through his employment of over 100 talented individuals. Beyond his commercial ventures, Stephen created Humboldt Green, a benefit corporation with a dual mission: cannabis consulting and fostering a sustainable, inclusive cannabis community. Humboldt Green Week, celebrating all things green during the confluence of Earth Day and 4/20, is a testament to his dedication to positive change in Humboldt County and beyond.
Gaurav Mehta (El Gee)
Gaurav, better known as G, originally hailing from just outside Chicago, found his true home in Humboldt back in 2003. With a diverse skill set and an entrepreneurial spirit, G dedicated five years to managing the renowned 6 Rivers Brewery before transitioning to Humboldt Wholesale. There, he excelled in sales and built relationships with local growers for six years, showcasing his industry expertise. In 2010, G's entrepreneurial spirit led him to establish Terp, an award-winning hash company, earning it multiple accolades, including 1st place at Ego Clash 2019 and Chalice 2017, as well as 3rd place at Kush Stock 2019 and High Times 2018. Fueled by his passion for music and entertainment, G launched his solo production company, El Gee Productions, specializing in Reggae entertainment and presenting captivating performances by renowned artists such as Black Uhuru, Kabaka Pyramid, Sizzla, B Real, Alborosie, Protoje, Jesse Royal, and Anthony B. Beyond his involvement in the Humboldt music scene, G took on the role of Road Manager for Grammy-nominated Blvk H3ro. When not on the road, he can be found at The Ganjery, a highly regarded dispensary in McKinleyville, where he shares his expertise as manager and board member, guiding community members to the best cannabis products for their needs. His strategic vision and exceptional relationship skills play a pivotal role in the dispensary's continued success. With an impressive track record spanning multiple industries, G is a multifaceted individual whose entrepreneurial spirit and passion for cannabis and the community continue to drive him forward. Follow along on his journey as he brings creativity, excellence, and a touch of Humboldt charm to the world.
Jazzy Jane
Stepping on the stage in her timberlands Jazzy Jayne uses a nineties style flow with a modern day esque to deliver true hip hop content from the soul. Growing up deep in the Northern California mountains from salmon river, Humboldt coast to the Sierras she infuses west coast hip hop with a deep blues tone to deliver a bar for bar message . Initially, Jayne attended college earning a bachelor's degree from Humboldt state university where she then found herself living in a van and exploring the coast. During that time she reconnected with her roots influences of Tupac , Living Legends and psychedelia and grew herself as a true authentic artist. So come feel the flow and vibe with Jazzy Jayne.
Martin Mills
Martin Mills is a seeker of music, a producer of Cannastock an immersive cannabis festival in New York, host of Radio Woodstock’s 420 Report, New York marketing and brand development for Woodstock Heritage Strains and Chief Operating Officer at Golden Unicorn a Magical Growth Company
Brian Swislow
Brian Swislow aka B Swizlo, is a keyboardist/bandleader/producer, co-founder of iconic lifestyle brand FATBOL Clothing, pioneering member of the Humboldt Hip Hop movement, and dedicated Humboldt County cannabis advocate and representative.
Marjorie Ribeiro (Marjo Lak)
Marjorie Ribeiro, a.k.a DJ Marjo Lak is originally from Brazil and first discovered the magic of Humboldt County in 2006 while studying at the Heartwood Institute outside of Garberville. Long story-short, DJ Marjo Lak met her husband and guitar player Andy B., and together they developed Organnabliss Farms located in Salmon Creek/Southern Humboldt. In 2018, the couple founded Humboldt Trim Company, a processing, distribution, packaging, and transportation cannabis company located in the heart of Eureka. Humtrim provides sales and services for over 300 local and state wide cannabis farmers. Currently, the couple is anticipating the opening of their retail dispensary, lounge, and cannabis brand Humboldt Nation. The Humboldt Nation Dispensary and Lounge will feature some of the region’s best Sungrown flower and cannabis products with an emphasis on craft and artisanal cannabis, sustainable and organic farming practices, as well as supporting Northern California small farm cannabis culture and communities. Follow us @djmarjolak / @humboldttrimcompany / @humboldtnationofficial / info@humtrim.com
Taking Flight: Humboldt’s Arteries of Travel
(sponsored by Humboldt County Visitors Bureau)
Saturday, September 9th, 6-7pm
Season George
Season George is Owner, Cultivator, and Curator of Five Sisters Farm, an educational demonstration destination farm located on the iconic Hwy 101 at the Southern Humboldt county line . Five Sisters Farm is an equity certified business holding two regenerative certifications. We have hosted 1000’s visitors on day tours and overnight farm stays from all over the world since 2017. FSF has designed consumer education outreach programs that promote sungrown and craft cannabis products the Emerald Triangle is known for.
Victor Pinho
Victor runs Emerald Farm Tours and Cannabis Bar Services. Blending his experience, passion and business acumen, he pioneers elevated cannabis journeys and serves up unforgettable tokes.
Nicole Riggs
Nicole Riggs is the Executive Director of the Humboldt Area Peoples Archive, a local nonprofit with a mission to collect, preserve and share rare stories of change in Humboldt from the 1960s to now. She is the founder of Manifesto Synergies, a consulting firm for non-profits and women-owned cannabis businesses in Humboldt County, an Affiliate Researcher with the Center for the Study of Cannabis and Social Policy (CASP), and Co-Founder of the Cooperative Agriculture Network (CAN). Nicole has also published two translations from the Tibetan.
Meredith Matthews
Meredith Matthews loves everything local! She is the Executive Director of the Arcata Chamber of Commerce, currently serves as the Vice Mayor of Arcata, and is on the Board of Directors of Humboldt Made.
Matt Kurth
Meredith Matthews loves everything local! She is the Executive Director of the Arcata Chamber of Commerce, currently serves as the Vice Mayor of Arcata, and is on the Board of Directors of Humboldt Made.
Eva Shepherd-Nicoll
Eva Shepherd-Nicoll is a dedicated community leader, passionate about fostering innovation, entrepreneurship, and economic growth. As the Executive Director of Chicostart - an state designated GoBIZ Accelerate CA Innovation Hub (overing 20+ counties) , and Director of Chico State's Center for Entrepreneurship at the College of Business, Eva has made it her mission to support start-ups, small business, new industries, students, and professionals in Northern California.
Joyce Cenali
Joyce leads operations for Big Rock Partners, an investment and advisory firm serving cannabis, food, and hospitality companies, and also owns and operates Sonoma Hills Farm, a premium craft cannabis farm and organic culinary garden nestled on 60-acres in Sonoma Valley’s Petaluma Gap appellation, one of the nation’s premier wine terroirs. She recently co-founded the Cannabis Media Council, a trade organization which is dedicated to using the power of mainstream media to uplift wholehearted, people-centered advertising campaigns that show positive experiences with cannabis in order to normalize and destigmatize across generations
Yvonne Hendrix
Yvonne Hendrix has 25+ years marketing large music festivals, 6+ years as VP of Operations for a Cannabis Microbusiness, and now serves as Executive Director for the Southern Humboldt Chamber of Commerce & Visitors Center.
Julie Benbow
Under the leadership of Julie Benbow, the Humboldt County Visitors Bureau’s focus has shifted to promote the interconnectedness and mutual impact of tourism, the economy, and the quality of life for all residents. Julie serves as Chair of the multi-county North Coast Tourism Council, on the Rural Counties Marketing Committee for Visit California, and the Cannabis Tourism Committee.
Michael Katz
Michael Katz is the Executive Director of the Mendocino Cannabis Alliance and a Regional Chair of the Origins Council Regional Council.
Judi Nelson
Judi Nelson is the owner and operator of Sol Spirit Retreats, Chief Visionary officer of Sol Spirit Farm, board member of the Willow Creek Cannabis Alliance, a certified Ganjer, and environmental activist who wants all beings to live their highest purpose.
The Cannabiz: Myths & Legends
Sunday, September 10th, 1-2pm
Amber Davidson - Moderator
Amber has been using creativity as her moving force for almost 15 years. Whether it is in the television industry, event production or honing her crafts as an artist of various mediums she is always ready to take the plunge. Amber has assisted in building brands from start-up's to blossoming businesses. Her attention to detail and creative mind has made her an asset to Bleux. Amber gained the name Tough Mama for having been through it all and rising like a phoenix every time. Amber’s roots in cannabis started long before her endeavors in Sonoma County that landed her a sentence in Federal Prison for 70 months, but she gained her chops with some of the best of them. Amber’s experience brings a legacy approach to the way cannabis business should be handled, with integrity and transparency. Since her time in prison, Amber has gone on to become a business owner providing strategic business solutions for several cannabis events around the country and serves on the Board of Directors for one of the fastest growing small business accounting firms servicing the industry, Bleux Financial Solutions.
Beth Jacobson
Beth is an accountant and IRS registered tax preparer who has been assisting small businesses across the country with their accounting, compliance, and financial needs for 20 years. A natural entrepreneur with several successful endeavors to her credit, Beth understands the detailed needs of start-ups and has worked closely with many over the years. Beth helps business owners understand the financial aspects of their businesses in meaningful and relevant ways. Whether it be assisting a client through the audit process or forensic accounting for defense attorneys in civil forfeiture cases, Beth always offers her clients straight forward advice and undivided attention.
Kim Roth
Kim is an experienced CPA with many talents. Before joining Bleux Financial Solutions, Kim honed her skills in patience and discipline from over 20 years of training and teaching Martial Arts. She has worked with a number of different industries throughout her career in accounting - government, radio, retail/apparel, and for the last several years, she has been working in the cannabis sector. She brings the patience and discipline she has learned into all other aspects of her life.
Doryn Gremillion
Doryn began her career in Accounting at one of the largest distribution companies in California. While there, she was able to hone her skills in cash-based accounting and compliance requirements. Doryn's knowledge in audit preparation has afforded client's the ability to prepare for acquisitions and mergers. Her teamwork mentality and attention to detail is an asset to any company wishing to grow their business.
Lindsay Kolterman
Lindsay Kolterman is a vibrant entrepreneur specializing in financial solutions and business systems. She has a strong dedication to making businesses stable, grounded, and secure, with results of providing safer environments for the whole. Her purpose is to support humanity by creating and making strategic choices with diligence and integrity. She believes in upholding strong standards of excellence in order to thrive. Lindsay is the executive Director of operations at Teh Pari International, Chief Executive Officer at MDCM Investment Brokerage Firm, partner and owner at Nightwood Horticulture (a licensed, tier 3 cannabis farm in the state of Oregon,) and Chief Executive Officer at The Source Chiropractic Franchise.
Lindsay Kolterman
Lindsay Kolterman is a vibrant entrepreneur specializing in financial solutions and business systems. She has a strong dedication to making businesses stable, grounded, and secure, with results of providing safer environments for the whole. Her purpose is to support humanity by creating and making strategic choices with diligence and integrity. She believes in upholding strong standards of excellence in order to thrive. Lindsay is the executive Director of operations at Teh Pari International, Chief Executive Officer at MDCM Investment Brokerage Firm, partner and owner at Nightwood Horticulture (a licensed, tier 3 cannabis farm in the state of Oregon,) and Chief Executive Officer at The Source Chiropractic Franchise.
Save your Farmer: Down with Measure A (HCRI)
Sunday, September 10th, 3-4pm
Natalynne DeLapp - Moderator
Natalynne DeLapp is the executive director and co-founder of the Humboldt County Growers Alliance (HCGA).
Michelle Bushnell
Michelle Bushnell is the 2nd District Supervisor in the County of Humboldt. Michelle Bushnell has been an active member of the second district for decades having served as a school district trustee, a Rotarian and the president of the Southern Humboldt Chamber of Commerce.
Nate Whittington
Mr. Whittington has over 25 years of experience in the cannabis industry from beginning as a Prop 215 patient and caregiver to currently holding State Licenses for his demonstration farms LADYBUG HERBAL SANCTUARY in Humboldt County and the FLORE dispensary in San Francisco. His passion is to assist individuals, farms, and communities in leading the way to be stewards of our environment and its future.
Hannah Whyte
Hannah Whyte is the femme behind the flower at Emerald Queen Farms. She serves her community as board member and government affairs Policy Chair for Humboldt County Growers Alliance, and believes clean, local food & herbs is medicine for the busy modern life.
Ross Gordon
Ross Gordon is Policy Director with Humboldt County Growers Alliance, the trade association representing licensed cannabis operators in Humboldt County. He also serves as Policy Chair with Origins Council, a statewide research and advocacy organization representing 800 small cannabis businesses in Humboldt, Mendocino, Trinity, Nevada County, and Big Sur.
Cultivating Terps
Sunday, September 10th, 4-4:45pm
Michael Beck
Michael Beck is a dedicated product developer, ally to cultivators of all crops, and advocate for the industry at large. As Director of Marketing and Brand Development, at Royal Gold Soils, and Host of Royal Grown Radio, a Cultivation Industry Podcast, he has over 2 decades in Humboldt and more than 3 decades in cannabis cultivation and the cultivation industry.
Edward Berna
Edward Berna established Paradigm Gardens in 1999 in Omaha, NE and Madison, WI. Passions include integrating energy efficiency and enhanced agricultural processes for clients, in order to meet their intended crop goals to remain competitive. Expanding into new markets lead to the creation of GrowActive Solutions in Missouri, Immaculate Seeds and many hemp related projects throughout the Midwest.
Beau Bradley
Beau Bradley started his interest in gardening very early in life when he took his first course in Hydroponics in high school class of 2000. This personal interest and desire pushed him to start a position at Healthy Gardens and Supply. A couple years later he began managing all operations.In 2009, he opened a new venture in New Jersey called East Coast Horticultural Supply, one of the largest shops at that time. After Hurricane Sandy, he began to expand his knowledge by consulting local growers, which allowed him to expand his business and team building skills.In 2019, Beau helped create GrowActive Solutions, which allows him to help home growers, as well as commercial facilities with his decades of industry know-how. Beau is also a key member of the Immaculate Seeds team.
Russell Pace
Russell Pace is the President of the Cannabis Horticultural Association (CHA). He has a B.S. in Geology with a focus on soil science and geochemistry. He is crafting the CHA as a trade group promoting sustainable, regenerative and organic management practices for cannabis. The CHA maintains an online horticultural resource center, conducts experiments, consulting, product reviews and disseminates this information through its workshops, publications and electronic media. The mission of the CHA is to conduct, promote and build all branches of this horticultural science to facilitate cooperation and knowledge transfer on a global scale through its research, memberships and scientific structure.
John Piccirilli
I am John Piccirilli founder of Cutting Edge Solutions in 2001. The story began smoking a joint in the Berkeley Rose Garden with my girlfriend watching the fog roll thru the Golden Gate Bridge. It was Santa Marta Gold. Soon I discovered the same seeds were being grown in Mendocino County. So I left to work in the field in 1978. In the early 1980s I had to know what makes bag appeal. I found a lab in Santa Clara to test soil and leaf tissue. Later I built my own lab. In the 1990s I realized the microbiology makes the chemistry available for the genetic expression of plant terpenes. In the 2000s flavonoids came into view as flavor and influencing effect. The passionate plant breeders I have come to know continue pushing plant profiles to new heights. These are exciting times.
Genetics: What the Future Holds?
Sunday, September 10th, 5-6pm
Dominic Corva - Moderator
Dominic Corva is the Program Director of Cannabis Studies at Cal Poly Humboldt; co-Director of the Humboldt Institute for Interdisciplinary Marijuana Research; Cannabis Policy Specialist for the California Center for Rural Policy at Cal Poly Humboldt; and Executive Director of the Center for the Study of Cannabis and Social Policy, a 501c3 research and education nonprofit he co-founded in 2013. He is also President of the Board of Directors for the Humboldt Area People's Archive (HAPA) and a member of the regional Countercultural History Coalition (CHC). He is the co-editor of The Routledge Handbook of Post-Prohibition Cannabis Studies (2021).
Halle Pennington
Halle Pennington, Products Executive at Humboldt Seed Company has been involved in all facets of the business since the beginning. Her educational and occupational background includes non-profit work, fisheries biology, botany and business. Learning about breeding from her father, Nathaniel Pennington, and having grown up gaining firsthand knowledge of the seed selection process through her participation in numerous phenotype hunts, she now helps to identify the strains of the future. Halle directs operations at the Eureka, California seed distribution hub, handles dispensary and licensed farm orders, oversees the Metrc seed-to-sale traceability system, as well as designing the company’s seed catalogs. With deep roots in Humboldt County, she is passionate about environmental justice and indigenous rights, and is very active with Humboldt Seed Co’s non-profit arm Nature Rights Council, a 501c3.
Eleanor Kuntz, PhD
Eleanor Kuntz, PhD, is a trained herbalist and geneticist bridging the gap between traditionalherbalism and modern science. She is the CEO and cofounder at LeafWorks Inc., a botanicalverification company using genetics to improve medicinal quality, sustainability andtransparency in the supply chain. She is also a co-founder at Canndor, the People’s Herbarium,the first herbarium committed to documenting and preserving cannabis cultivars and varietalsalong with the collective knowledge gained through community engagement.
Bill Graham
Bill Graham has been a cultivation industry fixture since opening grow stores, manufacturing and distribution in Florida and California over twenty-five years ago. In that time, he developed and introduced many items that are cultivation mainstays today, including early HID, CMH, fluorescent and LED grow lighting, controllers, lightweight carbon filters, and most recently, advanced propagation featuring tissue culture and viroid testing. Bill was among the world’s most traveled Grow Industry reps from 2002 to 2012, visiting grow locations, distributors, stores and hydroponic farms across the US, most of Canada, Australia, NZ, Japan, UK, and Europe and had been a pioneering influence in the Colombian and Thai, and South African industries going back to 2019. Bill's relationship with the show's promoters goes back to opening the grow stores Northwest Horticulture twenty years ago.
Joshua Hedberg
Joshua Hedberg, an Oregon native born in Eugene, emerged from Central High School in 1997, embarking on a unique journey that intertwined his love for horticulture and his passion for cannabis cultivation. His green thumb found its first roots in his mother's backyard amidst the blackberry bushes, where he nurtured his initial pot plant in the late '90s, setting the stage for a lifelong devotion to growing. In 2002, Joshua embarked on a new chapter, teaming up with his close friend Rick Williams to manage the Indoor Garden Center in Salem, Oregon. Their partnership flourished for over 15 years, fostering a thriving community of growers until Rick's tragic battle with cancer. Joshua carried the torch, leading the store with his comrades until its closure in 2018. Joshua's expertise as a medical marijuana cultivator in Oregon began in 2006, evolving over the years to encompass consultancy roles in both medical and commercial cannabis and hemp farming. Notably, Dr. Robert Faust, known as Dr. Bob and the founder of BioAg, crossed paths with Joshua when he visited his store in 2005. A pivotal moment occurred as the Oregon Department of Agriculture scrutinized Joshua's product offerings, prompting Dr. Bob to reveal, "I sell that stuff to farmers in 55-gallon drums, and mine is registered." This revelation led to a partnership, and Joshua became the first retailer to introduce BioAg products to the public, making them accessible in smaller sizes without compromising their agricultural potency. In 2020, Dr. Bob and BioAg's new owner, Vic, recognized Joshua's expertise, enlisting him to contribute to their innovative line of biostimulants, cementing his legacy as a pioneer in the cannabis and horticulture industries.
Natalie Stewart
Natalie Stewart joined Green Leaf Lab in 2018 making the switch from cannabis cultivation and distribution management to analytical testing business development. Due to her extensive experience cultivating and genetic informational background, she can identify and evaluate environmental contamination and potential issues within the cultivation process as it pertains to testing requirements in the regulated market of the State of CA. Her background in genetic performance has been valuable for the laboratory and in assisting in identifying potential issues with poor quality within the cannabis cultivation process.
When the Lines Fade into an Interstate Market
Sunday, September 10th, 7-8pm
Ken Hamik - Moderator
Ken Hamik is an internationally renowned futurist working in Humboldt County for the past 12 years. He was part of Global Business Network, a premier futurist group known for “The Art of the Long View” bestselling book on scenario planning. He is currently an operating partner at the Ganjery, a premier Humboldt, California, cannabis retail store with distribution, and manufacturing licenses. He is the Board President of the Humboldt County Visitors Bureau, former Chair of the Arcata Chamber of Commerce and on College of the Redwoods’ Presidents Council. Ken has over 40 years of management and consulting experience across a wide range of industries and has presented and published internationally. He was Director of Strategic Planning at Pacific Gas & Electric overseeing a $3 billion budget. As a brand strategist he has been involved in memorable campaigns such as “Got Milk?” and work with Nike, Apple, Sony, Nintendo, and Coca-Cola. Ken has held a number of executive roles and also helped manage two of the top revenue-generating Trader Joe’s in the country. He did his M.S. work at the University of Houston's Strategic Foresight program and has a B.S. from the University of Nebraska. He has presented and published internationally on a wide range of topics, including a chapter in the 1992 book “Confronting Climate Change: Risks, Implications and Responses.” He is a co-founder of CommUnity Pride & Peace, a Humboldt County non-profit providing solutions to neighborhood problems.
Gretchen Gailey
Gretchen Gailey, is the founder of Panoptic Strategies and has worked in the cannabis industry for the past eight years in a communications and government affairs role advancing the industry through its data and the stories of those involved.\
Lance Lambert
Having grown up in NorCal, Lance is a longtime supporter of cannabis legalization. He has been on the legal side of the industry for a decade now. Lance is currently the Chief Marketing Officer at Grove Bags, a monthly columnist for MG Magazine, and a regular on the international expo circuit as a speaker.
Michael Correia
Michael Correia was the first full-time registered cannabis industry lobbyist in Washington, D.C. He has been lobbying for the cannabis industry the past decade and just recently formed his own lobbying firm, which will focus on cannabis advocacy. He previously worked on Capitol Hill for over a decade and has over 25 years in politics and advocacy.
Doc Ray
Cannabis Breeder and Cultivator with five decades of working knowledge and hands on experience in the traditional medicinal cannabis industry, since 1972. Genotype Select Pheno-Specific Cannabis Chemovar Breeder since 1984. Original Mendocino Green Mountain Growers group. Holistic compassionate caregiver in Northern California specifically in Mendocino and Humboldt counties since 1997.
Nicole Fryer
Nicole has been a holistic health practitioner and has held licensure and certifications in bodywork, wellness and cannabis for 2 decades. She has co-founded multiple businesses, including an award winning cannabis extraction company in Humboldt County. She is also a consultant and has written a cannabis curriculum for dispensaries and day spas."
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