The Future of Cannabis

Thursday, January 24, 2019
6:00 PM 8:30 PM 18:00 20:30

Branchfood 50 Milk Street Boston United States (map)

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The Future of Cannabis: Panel Discussion & Networking Event

If you weren't convinced that we are in the early stages of a cannabis boom unlike any other in history, then consider these stats:

In 2017, sales of medical and recreational cannabis in the U.S. were nearly nine times higher than Oreo cookies.
The Cannabis industry is on track to add as many as 340,000 full-time jobs by 2022.
In 2018, the marijuana industry created an estimated $28B-$34B in economic impact.
Total demand for marijuana in the U.S., including the black market, is around $52.5 billion.

At Branchfood we've seen plenty of new products making their way into the home. Cannabis is quickly advancing in both medicinal and leisure markets and some experts predict cannabis will develop into a craft industry similar to microbreweries and craft distilleries. Many options for infused food, drink, and personal care products made with cannabis derivatives like CBD and hemp are just the beginning. With so much innovation underway, 2019 will surely be the biggest year yet for industry development and maturation.

In continuation of our ongoing Future of Food panel series, we'll bring together leading industry experts for a discussion and networking event on the future of cannabis to understand the past, present, and future of the industry. Join us for this event and brush up on the latest on this fast-moving sector.

About the panelists

Charles Finnie

Chief Strategy Officer at Marimed Advisors

Charles Finnie leads corporate strategy, M&A, and investments at MariMed Advisors. MariMed designs, develops, finances, and optimizes the success of licensed medical cannabis cultivation, production, and dispensary facilities through its validated management. MariMed's team has developed or is in the process of developing state-of-the art regulatory-compliant facilities in Delaware, Illinois, Nevada, Maryland, Massachusetts and Rhode Island. MariMed's facilities are models of excellence in horticultural principals, marijuana production, product development, and dispensary operations. In addition, MariMed is on the forefront of precision dosed branded products for the treatment of specific medical symptoms. Prior to his work at MariMed, Mr. Finnie was Managing Director and Senior Research Analyst at Roth Capital Partners, covering consumer health and wellness, specifically focusing on cannabis. He was Wall Street’s only research analyst focused solely on cannabis where he researched every major cannabis company in North America and was involved in launching some of the industry’s biggest players. He has over 25 years’ experience as an analyst and investor in emerging technology and energy companies.

Katrina Yolen

Senior Vice President of Marketing at Curaleaf

Katrina leads all marketing initiatives for Curaleaf. Curaleaf, Inc. is the largest multi-state operator in the fast-growing U.S. cannabis industry. Vertically integrated in 10 states, Curaleaf is rapidly expanding across the U.S. in states wherecannabis is legal. With over 25 dispensaries, Curaleaf operates the largest branded retail network and dispenses its own brand of Curaleaf premium medical cannabis products. Curaleaf medical cannabis is known for quality, safety and innovation, and is available in multiple productformats to meet a variety of consumer needs. Curaleaf is an industry leader in cultivation,processing, product development, and advocacy. Katrina is a seasoned marketing executive with over 20 years of experience working in mid-sized and large consumer packaged goods companies, as well as in startups. Prior to Curaleaf, Ms. Yolen served as Vice President of Marketing at Dancing Deer Baking Co., Director of Marketing at Weetabix North America, and held senior marketing roles at GlaxoSmithKline and Kraft Foods.

Patrick Connolly

Partner at Foley Hoag

Patrick is a partner in Foley Hoag's Business Department. Attorneys in Foley Hoag’s cannabis practice have unique insight and experience to assist cannabis and cannabis-related operators and investors with all aspects of their business from corporate formation and transactions, employment matters, intellectual property matters including trademarks, banking and finance issues, FDA and FTC compliance, legislative issues, business and regulatory disputes, and real estate transactions. They have experience obtaining state licenses and local approvals. In addition, they have represented both buyers and sellers of cannabis businesses as well as investors. They also advise clients regarding industrial hemp and CBD products. Patrick maintains a diverse business practice, focused on advising entrepreneurs and emerging growth clients on early-stage business matters, angel and venture financing, commercial transactions and mergers and acquisitions. In addition to emerging growth company clients, Patrick has represented a variety of investors in venture capital transactions.

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