With the election decided and Virginia’s political landscape reset, the question is: what comes next for cannabis? This session breaks down the post-election outlook, what pathways to legalization or expansion remain, and how businesses and advocates should position for potential movement in 2025.

The cannabis industry is at a crossroads, with regulation, market structure, and consumer behavior all in flux. This panel explores how investors are navigating this uncertainty — identifying emerging opportunities, influencing the market through strategic capital deployment, and positioning themselves for the next wave of growth. Learn how the combination of strategic patience, anticipation of regulatory pathways, and selective investment is shaping the industry’s evolution.

The cannabis sector has long been caught between fragmented regulation and institutional hesitation, but markers like rescheduling, SAFE Banking, and evolving state frameworks are beginning to shift the landscape. Hear directly from operators on how they are preparing to turn policy milestones into opportunity—and what that could mean for institutional confidence in the space.

As alcohol and beverage crosses over with the cannabis space, their influence is reshaping policy and market dynamics. This panel explores how these segments are driving reform, from regulatory priorities to shaping consumer expectations. Hear from industry experts on how to interpret these signals, anticipate changes, and strategically position your business to thrive as cannabis evolves alongside established beverage markets.

As federal and state policies continue to evolve, the future of cannabis retail depends on striking the right balance between consumer access, youth protection, and community trust. In this panel, retail experts share what they believe smart, responsible regulation should look like — and how government can move forward with policies that reflect both real-world retail experience and the needs of the communities they serve.

With federal rescheduling on the horizon, brands that wait could miss their window. This panel explores how smart operators are preparing now: fortifying compliance, expanding medical credibility, revisiting THC formulations, and building brand equity that can thrive under evolving regulations.

Decades of fragmented state-by-state rules and stalled federal action have made cannabis one of the most unique — and challenging — industries in America. As D.C. signals progress on rescheduling and banking reform, capital is shifting and consolidation is accelerating. This panel explores the strategies, risks, and opportunities ahead for investors and operators alike.

The Farm Bill created opportunity—and chaos. This panel tackles the loophole that unleashed intoxicating hemp on the market and sparked a regulatory crisis. Can cannabis and hemp coexist? What would smart, fair reform look like—and who’s willing to compromise?

Maryland’s cannabis market is one of the most promising on the East Coast — but it comes with a unique set of rules that can make or break an operator. From navigating five-year ownership retention requirements to finding compliant real estate, the barriers to entry are as real as the opportunities. Layer in a 9% excise tax, federal 280E restrictions, and tight competition, and it’s clear that success requires more than just capital. 

Reception at the hotel directly following the end of content on the main stage.