The Joint Lounge
The Joint Lounge will be home to “Brand Stories” at MJBizCon. From manufacturing to retail, cannabis companies are sharing their stories – industry successes, challenges and lessons learned. Join professionals from SanLight, Cannabiotix, MITA, 40 Tons and more at the Joint Stage presented by CalyFx Full content schedule below.
Wednesday 10:45am-11:15am
Pest activity can have a devastating effect on your operation, whether you’re growing, processing, or retailing Cannabis products. Rentokil specializes in pest control in food & drug production and processing and can design a program to prevent these unwanted creatures from eating into your profits. We aim to prevent pests using the latest innovations, remote monitoring, and least toxic methods, to help you in your endeavor to create a safe product for your customers.
Marc Potzler, Technical Services Manager at Rentokil, Board Certified Entomologist, PCQI
Marc began his professional entomology career in 1998 and is currently a Technical Service Manager at Rentokil-Terminix. In his current role, Marc supports Rentokil-Terminix branches and their food production and manufacturing customers in the goal to create a pest-free environment through the use of Integrated Pest Management strategies.
Jason Bennett, National Account Executive at Rentokil
Jason is a pest professional who has worked in a variety of roles during his 21 years with Rentokil. Jason holds multiple licenses and is an associate-certified entomologist. He uses his passion for pest control and genuine interest in people and their businesses to protect brands and enhance lives.
Wednesday 11:30am – 12pm
Join CCELL Product Manager Mark Rotondi for a deep dive into the lessons learned from incorporating these systems into our hardware design. This session will touch on emerging trends within the vape sector, what we can learn from plants to address these issues, and an exclusive preview of CCELL 3.0, CCELL’s new bio-heating element developed through these innovative approaches.
Nick Kovacevich, Corporate Relations Director
Nick Kovacevich has been working with CCELL since May 2024, but his partnership with the company spans years. As the former CEO of Greenlane Holdings, Nick was pivotal in fostering a strong relationship with CCELL, driving innovation and success in the industry. Previously, Nick grew KushCo into one of the largest ancillary cannabis companies in the US, serving as Co-Founder, CEO, and Chairman of the Board. In his tenure at the helm of these two titans, Nick’s team sold hundreds of millions of CCELL devices.
Mark Rotondi, Product Manager at CCELL
Mark Rotondi is an experienced Product Manager, who, prior to joining CCELL, oversaw product development at a large vape manufacturer, beginning his journey in the cannabis industry in 2017 as a Brand Manager at Advanced Nutrients. He is a graduate of UMass Boston and Xiamen University, where he majored in Chinese studies.
Wednesday 1pm – 1:30pm
Moderated by Stanislava, a communications expert passionate about connecting people and ideas, this panel delves into the transformative role of celebrity-driven brands in shaping the industry. Joining her are DJ Bonics, official DJ for Wiz Khalifa and Brand Ambassador for Jardín Premium Dispensary, and Cedric Ceballos, former NBA All-Star and entertainment icon. This session explores how celebrity-backed brands drive innovation, connect with consumers, and set trends, offering practical takeaways for businesses and creators looking to make their mark.
Brandon “Bonics” Glova, Director of Strategic Partnerships at Jardin
DJ Bonics is an award-winning international radio and club DJ, best known as the official DJ for Wiz Khalifa. Based in Las Vegas, he holds multiple DJ residencies and serves as the Director of Strategic Partnerships and Brand Ambassador for the renowned Jardín Premium Cannabis Dispensary in Las Vegas, NV.
Cedric Ceballos, former NBA All-Star, On-Air Personality, Philanthropist
Cedric is no stranger to the world of sports and entertainment. Cedric is a former NBA All-Star who has played for the Los Angeles Lakers and the Phoenix Suns, later completing his on-the-court play with the Dallas Mavericks, the Detroit Pistons and the Miami Heat. Since basketball, Cedric is busy in the worlds of entertainment and philanthropy. He has host of radio show “Rebound Radio” with the Retired Players Association; and DJ’s for Foxxhole Radio. Cedric often travels throughout the U.S. and overseas as a motivational speaker to charitable organizations, fundraisers, youth camps, Fortune 500 companies, and at children’s detention centers.
Stanislava Ludmilin, Western Canada Territory Manager for Flash Pharmacy
Moderator Stanislava has a deep love for communication and the power it holds to connect people and ideas. She thrives on working in dynamic, fast-evolving industries like cannabis, tech, venture capital, and beauty, where creativity, health and strategy come together. With a knack for building meaningful connections and telling compelling stories, she’s driven by the energy of innovation, and the opportunity to help brands grow and stand out in competitive spaces.
Wednesday 1:30pm – 2pm
Join moderator Helain Lewis as she leads a dynamic discussion with Krista Krebs, CEO of Parea Biosciences, and Autumn Karcey, CEO of Artemis Co-Pack, two empowered women redefining the cannabis industry. Krista shares her personal journey, inspired by her father’s experience with PTSD, led to the creation of Pennsylvania’s first majority woman-owned dispensary and focus on patient care. Autumn highlights her 23-year career building Artemis Co-Pack into a leader in cannabis processing and packaging innovation. Together, they’ll explore their roles as women leaders in a competitive market, sharing insights on building impactful businesses, fostering community, and shaping the future of cannabis.
Krista Krebs, CEO and Founder of Parea Biosciences
Krisa Krebs is a visionary leader with over 30 years of experience in health and human services driven by personal experience. Krista witnessed the transformative benefits of cannabis for her father, a Vietnam veteran managing PTSD. This experience inspired her to open Pennsylvania’s first majority owned woman-owned and operated dispensary in 2018, laying the foundation for Hive Dispensaries and Parea Biosciences. Guided by a servant leadership philosophy, Krista fosters dynamic teams and a culture of purpose, accountability, and growth, driving positive change for patients and communities alike.
Autumn Karcey, CEO of Artemis Co-Pack
Over the past 23 years Autumn Karcey has established herself as a leader in the legal cannabis industry. As the CEO and Founder of Artemis Co-Pack, a 67,000-square-foot facility located in Lake County, CA, she has overseen the company’s growth into a premier provider of cannabis procurement, processing, and white-label packaging services. Artemis Co-Pack offers a full suite of retail-ready solutions, including vape cartridges, mylars, jars, prerolls, and vape pens. Ms. Karcey’s deep industry expertise and commitment to quality have positioned Artemis Co-Pack as a trusted partner in the ever evolving and highly competitive cannabis landscape in California.
Helain Lewis, Community Development SW Region for Steans Bank
Helain Lewis oversees community development in Steans Bank’s SW Region which encompasses UT, CO, AZ, NM, TX, and OK. With 20 years of cross-sector business development to lean in to, Helain has interfaced across the cannabis industry to foster community giving, create B2B networking connections, and provide critically required capital across the continuum for the past 10 years. With this experience, she is uniquely skilled in identifying service gaps, business & economic disparities, and strategic campaign design.
Wednesday 2:15pm – 2:45pm
Transitioning to cutting-edge lighting technology is quick and delivers notable efficiency gains, ensuring a swift return on investment. However, it’s important to consider the potential impacts on the rest of the existing system. What are the critical components of the system, and what expenses can be expected? These and other questions will be addressed by Martin Anker.
Martin Anker, CEO & Founder of SANlight
Mr. Martin Anker M.Sc.. invented his first LED grow light in the cellar of his parents house in 2012. Meanwhile SANlight, manufactures and sells Europe’s most trusted LED grow light world wide. SANlight owns two subsidiaries in South Africa and the US and just made an acquisition of the most famous European grow-tent brand HOMEbox and another lighting brand – hortiONE for homegrowers.
Wednesday 3pm – 3:45pm
As the federal government signals a potential reclassification of cannabis to Schedule III, the industry is at a critical crossroads. Will this shift propel the cannabis market forward, or will it widen gaps in equity, erasing the progress hard-fought by legacy operators and social equity advocates? Moderated by Axel Bernabe, former Chief of Staff for New York’s Office of Cannabis Management and a key architect of the state’s cannabis regulations, this dynamic panel promises a thought-provoking exploration of the implications of cannabis rescheduling, the nuanced debate around equity, and the varied visions for the industry’s future.
Amber Littlejohn, Esq., Strategics Regulatory Counsel at Ice Miller LLP
A nationally recognized policy strategist and advocate for equitable cannabis markets, Amber Littlejohn has advised lawmakers, businesses, and nonprofits for over 15 years. Known for her ability to navigate complex regulatory landscapes, Amber has testified before Congress on cannabis reform and small business access, cementing her reputation as a leading voice in the cannabis space.
Brandon Dorsky, Esq., Cannabis Attorney and CEO of Fruit Slabs
A seasoned cannabis attorney and CEO of the award-winning Fruit Slabs, Brandon Dorsky brings over 15 years of experience guiding businesses through every facet of the industry. A staunch advocate for progressive policy, Brandon has a unique ability to bridge legal expertise with industry innovation, ensuring a thoughtful approach to cannabis regulation.
Kimberly Tanami, CEO and Founder of HPI Canna
Kimberly is a visionary leader who turned personal tragedy into a mission to revolutionize cannabis healthcare. Under her leadership, HPI Canna has become the largest producer in New York’s cannabis market, housing top-performing brands like Dank and social equity pioneers like 40 Tons.
Wednesday 4:45pm – 5:15pm
We’re excited to announce the launch of a groundbreaking reality TV series focused on the cannabis industry and the unique challenges it faces. Our mission? To help struggling dispensaries turn their businesses around while showcasing the resilience, innovation, and passion behind the cannabis movement.
We’re seeking brands, cannabis entrepreneurs, and dispensaries in need of expert guidance to grow, thrive, or simply survive in today’s competitive market. This series aims to provide more than entertainment—it will educate and inspire a growing audience of the “cannacurious.” Join us to hear our vision, share your insights, and help shape this project. We’re open to collaboration and want your voice in making this show a true representation of the industry.
Todd Nelson
Todd Nelson is a seasoned television executive with over 30 years of experience in the industry. He has been instrumental in bringing several hit shows to audiences, including MasterChef with Gordon Ramsay, The Biggest Loser on NBC, and Bar Rescue, which boasts over 300 episodes. His ability to deliver compelling content has made him a key figure in shaping reality television as we know it.
Kevin Kay
Kevin Kay is a veteran television executive and producer with over 30 years of industry experience, known for shaping some of the most influential programming in modern TV. As the President of Paramount Network, Spike TV, CMT, and TV Land, Kay developed and launched hit series such as Lip Sync Battle, Bar Rescue, Ink Master, and the critically acclaimed Yellowstone, starring Kevin Costner, which became the highest-rated scripted cable series. Earlier in his career, Kay served as Senior Vice President of Development at Nickelodeon, where he played a key role in shaping the network’s golden era. He spearheaded the development of iconic animated and live-action series, including SpongeBob SquarePants, The Fairly OddParents, All That, Kenan & Kel, and The Adventures of Pete & Pete. Renowned for his innovative vision and ability to identify audience trends, Kay remains a pivotal figure in television, credited with delivering content that resonates across generations and platforms.
Jerry Millen
Jerry Millen is a trailblazer in Michigan’s cannabis industry and a former TV personality on CBS Sports, Extra, and E! News Live. He also served as Senior Vice President of PRIDE Fighting Championships, a Japanese MMA promotion based in Tokyo, Japan. Jerry’s expertise and forward-thinking approach have positioned him as a leader in both entertainment and the rapidly evolving cannabis market.
Thursday 10:45am – 11:15am
Join this intimate conversation between Cannabiotix co-founder Neema Samari and Weedmaps Vice President of Revenue Jackie Gonzalez-Becerra as they talk about the evolution of the Cannabiotix brand, what it takes to develop new products in a well-established market, what works and what doesn’t when it comes to marketing, and what the future looks like for the legacy cannabis brand.
Jackie Gonzalez-Becerra, Vice President of Revenue
Jackie Gonzalez-Becerra leads Revenue at Weedmaps and has grown in subsequent leadership roles during her 9+ years at the company. She received her MBA from Chapman University, and her Bachelor’s degree from California State University, Fullerton. She and her family are based in Orange County.
Neema Samari, CEO + Co-founder/Owner, Cannabiotix
Born and raised in Santa Monica, Neema Samari founded Cannabiotix (CBX) in 2014, and quickly garnered national attention as an elite cannabis brand. Today, Cannabiotix is California’s #1 selling flower brand, and includes new products “Powered by CBX” such as HIGHATUS Edibles, and Heirbloom Legacy Flower.
Thursday 11:30am – 12pm
Robin shares her lifetime experience within the cannabis industry; an inner look at the tapestry of what personal and professional threads create when harnessed. From the experience of working with over 20,000 individuals using various methods of cannabis healing and navigating the logistical aspects of business. Having formulated over 50 products for the cannabis industry, Robin has brought multiple products to the secular market. A passionate entrepreneur, Robin’s latest incarnation, Swan Apothecary, continues to illuminate the industry with authenticity and integrity.
Robin Swan, Lead Alchemist & Brand Creator of Swan Apothecary
Join Robin Swan on a journey through the wild tales of growing up in the cannabis industry—from the dark days of prohibition to the dawn of legalization. As a true pioneer in medical cannabis, Robin’s passion for plant medicine and her unwavering commitment to quality have made her a trailblazer in the field. With a diverse background in both business and science, Robin brings a unique approach to cannabis—a blend of alchemical artistry and entrepreneurial spirit that has shaped the development of Swan Apothecary. This is a brand built on the principles of healing, sustainability, and education, creating products that bridge the gap between nature and modern wellness.
Thursday 12:15pm – 12:45pm
How to be the Local SEO Main Event will help listeners understand the core principles of local search to show up organically for people looking for your products and/or services. Everyone will walk away with specific actionable insights about site optimization, content creation, and GBP optimizations based on real-world results and studies.
Dane Saville, Director of Brand Experience for SearchLab
Dane Saville, SearchLab’s Director of Brand Experience, is an international local SEO speaker who has built a career on crafting highly optimized content and large-scale strategies for a variety of small businesses across multiple industries. Outside of SearchLab, Dane has been moonlighting as a professional wrestler for the past 20 years, which helps drive his creativity in presentation.
Thursday 1pm – 1:30pm
Join NBA Hall of Famer Gary Payton and Josh Kesselman, founder and CEO of RAW Rolling Papers, for an engaging discussion on building iconic cannabis brands, moderated by the Founder of MITA, Demitri Downing. Gary brings insights from his health and wellness brand, Greater Purpose, blending athletic excellence with a mission to empower everyday consumers. Josh shares his journey of turning RAW into a global cultural phenomenon rooted in innovation, quality, and authenticity. With Demitri steering the conversation, this panel offers invaluable lessons on branding, creativity, and purpose in the dynamic cannabis industry.
Demitri Downing, Founder of MITA
Moderator Demitri Downing is a former prosecutor, industry lobbyist, and key leader in Arizona’s medical marijuana market, known for his role in drafting Prop 205, the 2016 legalization bill. Founder of MITA USA and MITA Unshackled Emjay Award-winning Podcast, Downing has helped shape the cannabis industry both locally and globally, advising on policy, compliance, and business development while championing diversity and inclusion in the sector.
Josh Kesselman, Founder and CEO of HBI International
Josh Kesselman is an icon in the world of smoking accessories, and the founder and CEO of HBI International. HBI sells RAW Rolling Papers, a leading rolling paper brand. His plant-based rolling papers paved the way for a new era of smoking centered around unadulterated products that highlight flavor a quality. Kesselman began building the company in the mid 1990s and o
Gary Payton, Hall of Fame Basketball Player NBA
Thursdays 2:30pm – 3:30pm
Join Ted Lidie (Founder of Alien Labs and Creative Director of Connected Cannabis Co.) and Caleb Counts (Co-founder and CEO of Connected Cannabis Co.) for the 9th and final installment in the 2024 “Ted Talk” series. In this unfiltered conversation, they’ll share the true story of how they inked one of the most successful licensing-turned-acquisition deals in cannabis history—and how patience, authenticity and loyalty to the consumer are key to powerful partnerships, licensing agreements and brand expansion.
Ted Lidie, Founder of Alien Labs and Creative Director of Connected Cannabis Co.
Ted Lidie is a veteran cannabis grower and the driving force for making the Alien Labs brand a nationally recognized cultural phenomenon. His entrepreneurism in cannabis combines technical expertise in pheno hunting with a savvy eye for bold product graphics and innovative tactics to build the brand’s fanbase.
Caleb Counts, Co-Founder and CEO of Connected Cannabis Co.
Caleb Counts is a legacy Northern California cannabis cultivator and entrepreneur who has spent decades evolving his business to withstand political and market turmoil—and thrive. His exacting standards for product quality and R&D put Connected Cannabis Co. at the forefront of innovative strain development and consistent production. He also steered the 2017 acquisition of well-known brand Alien Labs, whose distribution reach and production capabilities expanded greatly in the partnership. He remains heavily involved in cannabis research and breeding processes, strain naming and the creative side of product development.
Ricardo Baca, Founder and CEO of Grasslands, will be introducing the panel
Ricardo Baca is a 20-year veteran journalist and cannabis futurist, widely respected in both modern media and drug-policy circles. Ricardo launched Grasslands: A Journalism-Minded Agency® in 2016 to work directly with business leaders in highly regulated industries, from cannabis and psychedelics to spirits and healthcare. In 2023, Colorado Gov. Jared Polis appointed Ricardo to the state’s first-ever Natural Medicine Advisory Board to contribute to policy development around the state’s eventual psychedelics framework.
Thursday 3:45pm – 4:15pm
Description of Session: Join Classic Events Founder James Bo Keyes in a retelling of his journey as a hemangioblastoma patient and survivor. Using cannabis to supplement the majority of pharmaceuticals, Keyes will speak to the medicinal power of the plant and share his mission to unite local communities and business through his Classic Events.
James Bo Keyes, Founder of Classic Events
Brain tumor survivor and legacy cannabis industry entrepreneur Bo Keyes founded Classic Events to raise awareness and funds for people with traumatic brain injuries (TBIs)
Dr. Sara Brittany Somerset, Director of Corporate Communications for Classic Events
Her nearly two decades of experience in plant medicine advocacy, especially for people with disabilities aligns with Bo’s vision.
Friday 12pm – 12:30pm
Join moderator Thomas Howard as he leads an informative session with Paris Davis, Commercial Lender at Stearns Bank, and Helain Lewis, Community Development Consultant, to explore the evolving landscape of cannabis industry funding. Paris will share her expertise in providing equitable access to capital and depository solutions for cannabis businesses, including those within sovereign tribal nations. Helain will offer insights on fostering community giving, identifying service gaps, and creating strategic B2B connections to drive industry growth. Together, they’ll provide actionable advice and resources for securing funding and supporting the development of sustainable cannabis enterprises.
Paris Davis, Commercial Lender Specialized in the Cannabis Industry
Paris Davis began her career in niche finance in 2010, thus launching a diversified foundation in consumer lend business development & lending, compliance, and high-risk portfolio management. Since joining the Stearns Bank team in July 2021, Paris has served as a beacon for trustworthy and knowledgeable commercial real estate lending for her Hemp and Cannabis customers both nationally and among sovereign tribal nations. As the cannabis industry continues to evolve, Paris strives to ensure equitable access to capital and depository solutions which contribute to the further development and enfranchisement of the industry.
Helain Lewis, Community Development SW Region for Steans Bank
Helain Lewis oversees community development in Steans Bank’s SW Region which encompasses UT, CO, AZ, NM, TX, and OK. With 20 years of cross-sector business development to lean in to, Helain has interfaced across the cannabis industry to foster community giving, create B2B networking connections, and provide critically required capital across the continuum for the past 10 years. With this experience, she is uniquely skilled in identifying service gaps, business & economic disparities, and strategic campaign design.
Thomas Howard, Managing Director Collateral Base
Licensed to practice since 2008, Thomas Howard has represented numerous cannabis businesses & financial institutions in litigation to enforce the security interests. Since 2018, he has helped numerous cannabis companies, from hemp farms to limited licenses, to navigate applications in the adult use cannabis industry.
Friday 1:30pm – 2pm
Tanis has been deeply involved in the cannabis industry for over five years, learning how to best support customers in this evolving market. As a market leader in gummy and jelly production for both candy and nutraceuticals, Tanis brings extensive knowledge and capabilities to large-scale production. However, the unique regulations and demands of the cannabis industry have led Tanis to refine its approach and adjust its portfolio to deliver precise, step-by-step solutions tailored for cannabis. This presentation will walk through the gummy-making process, showcasing how Tanis’ expertise helps overcome production bottlenecks while ensuring compliance with industry-specific standards.