2023 DRI Cannabis Law Seminar

May 2–3, 2023 | New Orleans, Louisiana

In a laboratory observing the effects of cannabis

Expand your Knowledge on the Emerging Cannabis Industry!

Wondering why cannabis is considered a Schedule I drug by the DEA and what efforts are being made to reschedule it? Or how the increased legalization and use of cannabis for medicinal purposes has paved the path for other drugs with potentially therapeutic qualities? What about how wholesalers, retailers, and consumers complete monetary transactions for a federally illegal substance in this age of digital banking?

If these are top of mind in your practice, then the 2023 DRI Cannabis Seminar is the place to be! Join us in New Orleans to listen to thought leaders from across the industry – from businesses to bankers to scientists to lawyers to insurers – as they present on exciting subjects such as recent efforts to research and reschedule cannabis; privacy concerns for businesses and consumers engaged in cannabis transactions; fintech infrastructure specific to cannabis transactions; insurance concerns facing those involved in the cannabis industry; cannabis toxicology; and evolving rules and regulations of psychedelic and psychedelic-adjacent drugs in light of success with medicinal cannabis. Plus, don’t miss the cross-seminar presentation with the DRI Employment Law Seminar on the state of cannabis in the workplace.

View registration information here.

What You Will Learn:

Updates on the current state of cannabis legalization across the country, the short-term and long-term changes on the horizon, and how this translates to legalization and regulation of other scheduled substances.
Crossover between more traditional legal subjects and the ever-evolving cannabis industry, including consumer and business privacy concerns, financial infrastructure, and employment law.
Insurance opportunities and concerns for clients on a state level across the country.
The science of cannabis intoxication and amplification by concurrent use of other substances.

Expand Your Network By:

Meeting a wide variety of people involved in every area of the cannabis sector, from industry leaders to scientists to lawyers to insurers.
Pre- and post-seminar opportunities to engage in a less formal setting, including the Premier Networking Reception on the Creole Queen following the seminar.
Cross-seminar opportunities, including a joint session with the DRI Employment Law Seminar.

Printing is supported on Windows, iOS and macOS. To save this page as a PDF, click on the "Print Brochure" button and under printer destination select "Save as PDF" or "Print to PDF".
For Android users, some or all browsers do not support printing.

Print Brochure

Share this page:

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Thank You to DRI's Committee Leadership
Registration Information
Agenda with Speakers
Headquarters Hotel Information
CLE Information
Sponsors
DRI Cares
On-Demand Programs Included
Other Information

Thank You to DRI's Cannabis Law Committee Leadership

Christopher T. Sheean — **Christopher Sheean**
Law Institute

Registration Information

	Member Pricing	Non-Member Pricing
Regular Registration*	$1,095	$1,395
Group Registration (Non-Sponsored)**	$695/person	$695/person
Government	Government members will receive the applicable government rate for the seminar upon login. If the government rate does not appear after logging in, please call DRI directly at (312) 795-1101 to receive the discounted rate. Invoices can be sent after purchase upon request.

*If your membership recently lapsed, please renew your membership prior to registering to ensure you receive your discounted member rate. If you would like to join DRI to receive the member pricing and see the benefits of becoming a member, click here to go to the Application page.

**Group registration is for registering 4 or more attendees, members and non-members. There is one free registration with every 10 registrations. You must lock in the rate three weeks prior to the seminar. If you want to register for the group pricing, please send an email to rstiner@dri.org (online registration is not available for this offering).

Networking Events

Premier Networking Reception | Creole Queen
Sponsored by: Barnes & Thornburg LLP, Dechert LLP, Faegre Drinker Biddle & Reath LLP, Greenberg Traurig LLP, Irwin Fritchie Urquhart Moore & Daniels LLC, Nelson Mullins Riley & Scarborough LLP, Nutter McClennen & Fish LLP, Tucker Ellis LLP, Ulmer & Berne LLP, Venable LLP

Date: Wednesday, May 3 from 6:00–8:00 p.m.
Pricing: Free when you register for the seminar (Guest tickets $100 each, available at check-out. A limited number of guest tickets may be available on site for $125 each.)
Location: Creole Queen, 1 Poydras St., New Orleans, LA

Join the Cannabis Law, Employment and Labor Law, and the Drug and Medical Device committees for a networking event as we savor a taste of New Orleans aboard the Paddlewheeler Creole Queen! Even though the Creole Queen would have been right at home among the steamboats of 1850's New Orleans, passengers of that era could never have conceived of a paddle wheeler with her luxury, comfort, and safety.

Please note the boat will remain dockside for continuous boarding, and there will be light appetizers and beverages available. The entrance to the Creole Queen is at the Poydras Street dock at Spanish Plaza, located behind the Hilton New Orleans Riverside Hotel.

Agenda with Speakers

*Schedule and Speakers subject to change

Click Here to View the Schedule

Tuesday, May 2, 2023

Time (Central)	Program	Location
6:00 p.m.	Registration
6:00 p.m.	Networking/Cocktail Hour
7:30 p.m.	Dine-Arounds Join colleagues and friends at selected restaurants for dinner (on your own). Sign-up for Dine-Arounds

Wednesday, May 3, 2023

Time (Central)	Program	Location
8:00 a.m.	Registration and Coffee Service
8:30 a.m.	Coffee & Conversations The early bird gets the most out of this networking session. Get to know the early risers in our group over a cup of coffee. Rise, shine, caffeinate and connect!
9:00 a.m.	Welcome and Introductions Christopher Sheean, Swanson, Martin, & Bell, LLP, Chicago, IL Patrick Price, King & Spalding LLP, Austin, TX
9:15 a.m.	Research and Efforts to Reschedule Cannabis 2022 was an eventful year in the federal cannabis law reform world. The Biden administration made the pardon announcement and asked the DOJ to reevaluate the scheduling of cannabis under the Controlled Substances Act. But perhaps the most important event was the passage and signing of the Medical Marijuana and Cannabidiol Research Expansion Act. Let’s explore the impact of these executive branch actions, along with what 2023 might hold for Safe Banking and other legalization efforts in the legislature. Oh, and prepare to get a healthy dose of dormant Commerce Clause discussion, too. Slates Veazey, Bradley Arant Boult Cummings LLP, Jackson, MS
10:15 a.m.	Coffee Break
10:30 a.m.	Privacy & Pot This talk provides an overview of the laws and regulations that govern data privacy with a focus on recent trends involving data tracking and how they affect the cannabis industry. In particular, we will discuss the regulators of data privacy in the cannabis industry—federal agencies (the Federal Trade Commission, the Department of Health & Human Services, and the Food and Drug Administration) and the states (California, Colorado, Connecticut, Utah and Virginia) with the most comprehensive data privacy laws. We will discuss the rules of the road, landmines to avoid, and best practices.
11:30 a.m.	FinTech Infrastructure in Cannabis Learn more about the history and current trends in cannabis retail payments, regulation of the same, and how companies are evolving their approach to the ever present problem of the traditionally cash heavy business of cannabis transactions. Jeff Foster, Salt Money, Aventura, FL Phil Margolin, Salt Money, Aventura, FL
12:30 p.m.	DRI Networking Lunch Join your fellow seminar attendees for a networking lunch.
1:45 p.m.	Evolving Use and Regulation of Psychedelic and Psychedelic-Adjacent Drugs This Continuing Legal Education Course will provide an overview of federal, state, and local laws regulating the possession, manufacture, administration, and distribution of psychedelics in the United States. The presentation will provide participants with an understanding of the policy reform movement taking place across the country at the state and local level, focusing on the state programs that are being implemented in Oregon and Colorado. At the end of the program, participants will be better able to discuss, explain, and provide generally guidance on the U.S. regulation of psychedelics. Courtney Barnes, Feldman Legal Advisors PLLC, Denver, CO
2:45 p.m.	The Combined Effect of Alcohol and Cannabis on Driving Impairment Alcohol or cannabis use alone are the most common and second most common detected drugs in fatally injured drivers, respectively. One in three traffic fatalities was attributed to alcohol in 2020 while the percent of motor vehicles crash fatalities positive for any cannabinoid increased from 9% in 2000 to 21.5% in 2018. Aside from co-use with tobacco, alcohol and cannabis are the most commonly co-used substances nationwide. The percent of motor vehicle crash fatalities involving both cannabis and alcohol steadily rose from 4.8% in 2000 to 10.3% in 2018. The effects of alcohol on driving impairment are well established with most studies reporting impairment at a blood alcohol concentration of 0.05%. Cannabis effects on psychomotor impairment typically occur in the first 2 hours after smoking and disappear within 3-6 hours. While alcohol and cannabis use alone are each associated with an increased risk of a fatal crash the concurrent use of both drugs confers a significant additive effect. In this presentation, the scientific literature supporting the additive effect of the combined use of alcohol and cannabis on driving impairment will be reviewed along with policy recommendations based on these findings. Michael Whitekus, PhD, DABT, Robson Forensic, Lancaster, PA
3:15 p.m.	Policy Exclusions, What to Look for so you Don’t Get Burned The cannabis industry is ever changing and so are its insurance coverages. Every year there are new companies entering the market, as well as current carrier’s expansion and coverage development. Making sure your clients have the proper coverage is of upmost importance. This session will look into the 5 major coverage areas. (1) Property and Casualty (2) Liability (3) Workers Compensation (4) Management Liability (5) Employee Benefits. Justin Shannon, HUB International, Ridgeland, MS
3:45 p.m.	Break
4:00 p.m.	Joint Session with the Employment Law Seminar The State of Cannabis in the Workplace For the past decade, the United States has experienced a “Green Wave” of states legalizing cannabis, resulting in 39 states and the District of Columbia legalizing it for adult use, medicinal use, or both. This has greatly impacted employers in three areas: (1) employers governed by federal law, under which cannabis is still illegal; (2) accommodating medicinal use; and (3) how to address an employee’s off-duty use. This interactive session will be divided into three parts. First, there will be a brief overview of how cannabis and THC affect the human body. Second, we will focus on the states’ cannabis legislation and the conflict for employers that are governed in part under federal law but are in states that have legalized cannabis use. Finally, you will hear guidance and best practices for employers relating to drug testing and accommodating an employee’s cannabis use. Sarah Turner, Gordon Rees Scully Mansukhani, Seattle, WA
5:00 p.m.	Adjourn
6:00 p.m.	Premier Networking Reception \| Creole Queen Sponsored by: Barnes & Thornburg LLP, Dechert LLP, Faegre Drinker Biddle & Reath LLP, Greenberg Traurig LLP, Irwin Fritchie Urquhart Moore & Daniels LLC, Nelson Mullins Riley & Scarborough LLP, Nutter McClennen & Fish LLP, Tucker Ellis LLP, Ulmer & Berne LLP, Venable LLP Click here for details.

Headquarters Hotel Information

The DRI room block at the Hilton New Orleans Riverside is now sold out on select dates. Please use the link below to reserve a room outside of the DRI block at the Hilton New Orleans Riverside or an available nearby hotel.

Find a Hotel

CLE Information

Earn up to 6.00 hours of continuing legal education hours (CLE) from this seminar.

Cannabis Law CLE by State

On-Demand

NEW in 2023 – Four Additional On-Demand Programs Included With Every Seminar!

CLE Credit will be sought from every state requiring CLE hours in elimination of bias/diversity and inclusion, ethics, substance abuse/mental health, and law practice management. The CLE grid will provide updated information concerning hours that have been approved by each jurisdiction and for which credits. For states not requiring these special credits, general education credits will be sought. Access to these on-demand programs will expire 30 days after the seminar ends.

View On-Demand Library

Diversity/Elimination of Bias in the Profession

Invisible or Mixed-Visible Diversity – Combatting Bias

Often diversity programs and initiatives are focused on visible traits such as gender or race, but bias exists related to sexual orientation, gender identity, and some disabilities that are not readily visible to the eye. This panel will discuss how to address these biases and to create an environment where those with invisible or mixed-visible diversity can operate at the highest level.

Stacy Douglas, Everett Dorey LLP, Irvine, CA
Gary Howard, Bradley, Birmingham, AL
Ronna Kinsella, Glassman Wyatt Tuttle & Cox PC, Memphis, TN

Law Practice Management Credit

Succession Planning: Failing to Plan Is a Plan to Fail

Succession planning is considered one of the most pressing issues facing not only law firms but also clients. Senior partners are working into their golden years and can sometimes be reluctant to engage in a succession plan, but clients want to know that there is a plan for the transition of their work without interruption. Join us to learn:

the importance of succession planning for the benefit both the law firm and its clients;
how succession planning impacts retention and continuity of the firm and client relationships;
how to approach the subject with senior attorneys; and
strategies for implementing a successful succession plan.

Marie E. Chafe, Conn Kavanaugh, Boston, MA
Matthew Cairns, Textron Inc., Providence, RI
Elizabeth M. Brotten, Foley & Mansfield PLLP, Minneapolis, MN
Meade Hartfield, Bradley Arant, Birmingham, AL

Ethics

Technology, Ethics & Remote Work: What You Need to Know Now

The Rules of Professional Conduct regarding competence and diligence require all lawyers to keep abreast of changes in technology. This webinar will provide you with tips and information on new issues related to technology and the practice of law, including the challenges of the remote work environment. You will learn the ethics and professionalism considerations when using technology in your practice and your ethical duties when it comes to “keeping abreast of changes” in technology.

Amber Garcia, Deutsch Kerrigan LLP, New Orleans, LA
Alyssa Johnson, Barron & Newberger PC, Milwaukee, WI
Clare Roubion, Louisiana Legal Ethics, LLC, Lafayette, LA

Mental Health & Attorney Wellness

Lessons for Lawyers from the Science of Well-Being

This presentation will focus on the practical steps that we can take as individuals to improve well-being, drawing on recent research from cognitive science and beginning with the preface that happiness can be learned and applied. Specifically, we will provide an evidence-based arsenal of practical tools that lawyers can apply in their own lives to improve their well-being.

Emma Ross, Goldman Ismail Tomaselli Brennan & Baum, Chicago, IL
Shayna Cook, Goldman Ismail Tomaselli Brennan & Baum, Chicago, IL

Other Information

If you have any questions or concerns regarding DRI programs, please contact DRI Customer Service at 312.795.1101 or custservice@dri.org.