2021 Cannabis Law Virtual Seminar Agenda

Time (Central)	Program
12:00–12:10 p.m.	Welcome and Introductions Michael B. Cohen, Edwards Maxson Mago & Macaulay LLP, Chicago, IL Christopher T. Sheean, Swanson, Martin & Bell LLP, Chicago, IL
12:10–12:25 p.m.	Budding Industry: State & Federal Regulation of Cannabis This talk provides an overview of (1) which states have legalized or decriminalized the possession and/or sale of recreational and/or medical cannabis; and (2) how federal agencies regulate cannabis. Marisa Maleck, King & Spalding LLP, Washington, D.C.
12:25–12:40 p.m.	Banking, Bankruptcy and Cannabis 2021: New Year, New Administration, New Opportunities This presentation will provide a brief background on the state of banking the cannabis industry in 2021 and an update on significant pieces of legislation, including the SAFE Act, the STATES Act, and the MORE Act, making their way through Congress in a new administration. We will also discuss the bankruptcy and cannabis problem and how the events of 2020 may lead to greater access to financial restructuring for cannabis-related businesses and those associated with them. Bill Hackney, SmithAmundsen LLC, Chicago, IL
12:40–12:50 p.m.	Break
12:50–1:20 p.m.	Marijuana and the Workplace in 2021 - Cannabis Employment Law State and federal marijuana laws are inconsistent and quickly evolving. Compliance issues—especially when a client operates in multiple states—are difficult and the answers are often unclear. This presentation will discuss the various legal issues and provide answers and practical pointers to some of the most frequently asked questions in this space. Evan Gibbs, Troutman Pepper, Atlanta, GA
1:20–1:50 p.m.	Tax Considerations for Cannabis Operators and Investors This discussion will highlight the tax considerations cannabis operators and investors should consider. From an operator perspective, we will discuss best practices and the harsh realities of Section 280E. From an investor perspective, we will discuss structures and tax considerations when considering an investment in a cannabis company.   Adam Fayne, Saul Ewing Arnstein & Lehr, Chicago, IL
1:50–2:00 p.m.	Last Prisoner Project Presentation (Cannabis Charity - DRI Cares)
2:00–2:30 p.m.	Equity in Cannabis Agriculture The agricultural sector of the cannabis industry is maturing in uneven, and often inequitable, ways. Professor Ryan Stoa highlights emerging areas of concern for cannabis industry stakeholders that frustrate efforts to make cannabis farming more equitable, including regulatory complexity, distribution of farmland, and migrant laborers and farmworker standards. Ryan Stoa, Visiting Professor of Law, Southern University Law Center, Baton Rouge, LA
2:30–2:35 p.m.	Break
2:35–3:20 p.m.	Insuring the Cannabis Industry: A Panel Discussion on Coverage, Risk Mitigation, and Claims This conversation between three experienced insurance industry professionals will include discussion of key insurance coverages for businesses operating in the Cannabis space and factors impacting the availability of coverage, notable policy exclusions and risk management principles, loss trends, alternative risk solutions, and lessons learned from the evolution of Canadian Cannabis legalization as applied to the insurance landscape. Moderator Michael B. Cohen, Edwards Maxson Mago & Macaulay LLP, Chicago, IL Panel Dianne Morrisson, Marsh & McLennan Companies, New York, NY Cory Verconich, Marsh & McLennan Companies, New York, NY Pat McManamon, Cannasure Insurance Services, LLC, Cleveland, OH
3:20–3:25 p.m.	Break
3:25–4:10 p.m.	Cannabis Company General Counsel (Panel Discussion) The COVID-19 Pandemic’s Effects on the State-Regulated Cannabis Industry The pandemic brought challenges to businesses across the nation, with outright state-driven shutdowns beginning in March 2020. While many industries are still reeling from these effects, the state-regulated cannabis industry thrived throughout 2020. We will analyze how we got there, what the industry learned, and what is to come for the state-regulated cannabis industry as the economy inches back towards normalcy. Moderator Darren P. Grady, SmithAmundsen LLC, Chicago, IL Panel Arun Kurichety, Petalfast, Irvine, CA Matthew Leeth, Jushi Holdings Inc, Boca Raton, FL
4:10–5:00 p.m.	Last Prisoner Project Q&A and Virtual Networking Event

The DRI Cannabis Committee is pleased to partner with the Last Prisoner Project as this year’s featured cannabis charity. The Last Prisoner Project is committed to remedying the fundamental injustice inflicted upon those who have suffered criminal cannabis convictions and the consequences of those convictions, focusing on three key reform initiatives: release, record clearing, and re-entry. Seminar attendees will have an opportunity to learn first-hand about the mission of the LPP and how to get involved.

Fundraising link for the Last Prisoner Project donations

Participate in this Raffle to Support Last Prisoner Project!

Want to be awesome and do good at the same time? Then please support the Last Prisoner Project by purchasing a raffle ticket! #DRICannabis and #DRICares is supporting the Last Prisoner Project, which focuses on social justice and drug policy reform and are committed to freeing every last prisoner of the unjust war on drugs, starting with 40,000 people in prison for cannabis offenses legal in most states.

The raffle winner will win a choice of Washington wine (white, red, or sparkling), donated by Melissa Roeder of Foley Mansfield. To participate, send your $10 donation to:

PayPal: harleysandheels@gmail.com
Venmo: @melissa-roeder-3