Featured Speakers

Tuesday, January 14th Sanborn Campus

Daniela Vergara, PhD,

Emerging Crops Specialist Cornell Cooperative Extension

Topic Title: TBA

BIO:

“Dr. Daniela Vergara is an evolutionary biologist, data analyst, educator, scientific writer, and public speaker. In addition to her multiple publications, she founded and directs a non-profit organization, the Agricultural Genomics Foundation (AGF; AgriculturalGenomics.org). AGF aims to make hemp and cannabinoid science available to a broad public. Vergara has been part of e scientific teams at private companies including Steep Hill, Inc. who are a global leader in agricultural testing, and the biotech company Front Range Biosciences.

Dr. Vergara joined the Harvest New York Extension Team from Cornell University as an ‘Emerging Crop Specialist’ to help farmers with their crop in late 2021. Dr. Vergara’s scientific publications include the comparison of the cannabinoids by the federally produced Cannabis to that produced by the private market. These results were featured in news platforms such as The Atlantic, Science, and FiveThirtyEight. Some of her other scientific publications are a compilation of the existing genomic tools available for Cannabis research that was featured in Science, and the maternally inherited genomes (chloroplast and mitochondria). Vergara has authored these publications along with collaborators from the private sector in the Cannabis industry as well as academics from several institutions worldwide. Vergara is also an international consultant and policy advisor and has advised companies in the US and Latin America. Additionally, she has worked as an expert witness for multiple legal cases in the US and abroad.

https://vergarascience.com

Anna Schwabe, PhD.

Cannabis Scientist and Geneticist

Topic Title: Cultivating Knowledge: The Intersection of Cannabis Genetics, Cultivation, and Consumer Experience

BIO:
Dr. Anna Schwabe is a leading expert in Cannabis Science and Education, with a B.S. in Cellular & Molecular Biology, an M.S. in Biological Sciences focusing on Plant Population Genetics, and a Ph.D. in Biological Education and Cannabis Genetics. Her award-winning doctoral research, “A Multifaceted Approach to Investigate Genetic Aspects in Cannabis sativa,” has been published in multiple peer-reviewed journals. A lecturer at the University of Colorado, Dr. Schwabe co-teaches cannabis science courses, emphasizing evidence-based education and fostering informed discussions about cannabis. Based in New Jersey, she serves as an educator and consultant, working closely with the cannabis industry, policymakers, and consumers. She is dedicated to bridging the gap between academia, industry, and public understanding. A distinguished presenter, researcher, and educator, Dr. Schwabe is a prominent figure in advancing cannabis knowledge and policy.

https://www.annaschwabe.com/

Justin Esquivel,

CEO & Geneticist, Green Luster Phenos™

Topic Title:  Exotic Genetics & Cultivation Success funded by Solventless Extraction

BIO:

Esquivel, CEO & Geneticist, Green Luster Phenos™, has been an influencer and leader in the cannabis industry for fifteen (15) years.  Esquivel was the head grower and geneticist of an indoor commercial-scale cultivation operation back in 2012.  Justin has consulted with over 100 cannabis facilities, 72 of which operate commercial canopies.  Esquivel provides home growers with pest & bacteria resistant genetics in seed and breeders’ cut form on a global scale!  He brings standard operating procedures to a gold standard.  His one of a kind approach to plasticity breeding has sparked tons of interest across the globe.  Esquivel also specializes in Cannabis Tissue Culture & Selective Homozygous Breeding, enabling his company to bring exotic tailored offspring to growers globally!

Samuel Haiden

Topic title: “The key to cannabinoid diversity: unlocking fatty acid chain-length in cannabis trichomes.”

BIO:

Sam first got his start in agriculture and cannabis science as a licensed medical cannabis grower in the state of Maine, where he cultivated hemp and marijuana both indoors and out, before advancing his career into molecular genetics and breeding. Today, Sam is a PhD candidate and research assistant at the University of Connecticut working under Dr. Gerald Berkowitz. He was heavily involved in the development of UConn’s cannabis curriculum and has been a major feature in cannabis research at UConn’s Agricultural Biotechnology Laboratory. His research is focused on the molecular genetics of the control of flowering and cannabinoid production in cannabis.

Ed Rosenthal

Topic Title: “Cannabis History from the lens of a Legacy”

BIO:

Born in the Bronx, Ed Rosenthal became interested in plant science at an early age and was enrolled in classes at the New York Botanical Garden as early as High School. Rosenthal has long been a leading authority in cannabis horticulture, an educator, and a legalization activist. Reverently given the nickname “Guru of Ganja” by High Times Magazine, Ed has propelled the effort to legalize marijuana, leading the movement to “grow your own” marijuana for nearly 50 years. Ed Rosenthal, life-long cannabis expert, author, and advocate, is recognized worldwide as a leading authority on marijuana. The depth of his knowledge comes from years of personal experimentation along with his open and curious disposition, which has led him to gardens all around the world and alliances with a wide network of other brilliant marijuana minds. The recipient of numerous lifetime achievement awards. Much of what is known about cannabis cultivation started with Ed Rosenthal. He has written or edited more than a dozen books about cannabis cultivation and social policy that cumulatively have sold over two million copies. In his newest book, “Cannabis Grower’s Handbook” he shows how to grow using easy to understand instructions. The book also details new information found in no other “grow book” that will help experienced commercial growers improve quality and increase yield. Beyond the garden, Rosenthal views cannabis laws as a crucial social issue and has been active in promoting and developing policies of civil regulation “Ed holds the distinction of turning more people onto pot than Cheech and Chong.” –
Tommy Chong
edrosenthal.com

Nina M. Hicks M.D, MBA, FAAFP

Topic title: “The who, what, when and where of Cannabis”

Dr. Nina Hicks is currently a practicing family medicine physician at Delmont Medical Care in Franklin Square, New York. She is a clinical assistant professor at Zucker School of Medicine at Hofstra/Northwell. She not only provides medical cannabis care with her patients at Delmont Medical Care but also she provides medical cannabis recommendations and consulting through her company, Hicks Medical Consulting. She was inspired to help patients improve their quality of life with medical cannabis after seeing the benefits it offered her late husband, who had brain cancer.

Dr Hicks earned her M.D. from University of Kansas School of Medicine, an M.B.A. from Quinnipac University and a B.S. from UCLA. She completed residency training in Family Medicine at Bronx Lebanon Hospital

Mike Casacci (Licensed Cultivator Panel)

CEO/Founder House of Sacci

BIO:

Mike Casacci has had a passion for growing and advocating for cannabis since he was a teenager. At 17 years old Mike grew his first plants hydroponically, and began using cannabis regularly.  Over the years, Mike and his family waited patiently for NY to legalize cannabis. In 2015, The Casacci family applied to be an registered organization and advocated for early access for medical patients. The Casacci’s eventually set up a CBD processing facility and hydroponically grew CBD for seeds.  In 2022 they purchased a 45,000 sq/ft climate controlled greenhouse in WNY and started the brand “House of Sacci”. House of Sacci has a team of dedicated and experienced growers that are passionate about growing the best cannabis possible. Today House of Sacci is sold in about 1/3 of all NY legal dispensaries.

Dr. Jose Leme, Assistant Professor of Cannabis

Southern Illinois University

Topic title: Cannabis Production: The Gateway to Plant Sciences and Horticulture

Dr. Jose Leme graduated with his bachelor’s in Agronomic Engineering from Universidade Estadual de Londrina. For his master’s degree, he studied Precision Agriculture at Auburn University, followed by his Ph.D. at Virginia Tech with a focus on Plant Sciences. He started at SIU in Fall 2021, bringing his expertise in cannabis science and cultivation systems. He has a joint appointment in the School of Forestry and Horticulture and the School of Biological Sciences. The Cannabis Biology and Cultivation Systems lab focuses on areas of controlled environment agriculture, plant secondary metabolites, nutraceutical/pharmaceutical biology, phenomics, plant physiology, and growing practices. His team aims to determine how to leverage environmental controls (light intensity, duration, quality, temperature, and CO2), plant nutrition, biostimulants, and hormones to improve plant yield and quality. More specifically, the research group is developing techniques to optimize plant yields and quality based on key crop steering traits that increase sustainability and efficiency via plant physiological, biochemical, and agricultural approaches.

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jose-leme-ph-d-b94809138/

Website: https://www.drleme.com/

Stephanie Hua

author of the best-selling cookbook, EDIBLES: Small Bites for the Modern Cannabis Kitchen

Stephanie Hua is the author of the best-selling cookbook, EDIBLES: Small Bites for the Modern Cannabis Kitchen.  The book has sold over 160k copies worldwide, is a best-seller on Amazon, and has been translated into German.  Beautifully presented and informative, this book has done its fair share of knocking down that stoner stigma.

Stephanie also founded Mellows, gourmet cannabis-infused marshmallows handcrafted in San Francisco, in 2015. The finest in cannabis confections, Mellows were award-winning edibles made with premium, solventless ice water hash. 

In addition to making tasty edibles, Stephanie has been a food writer, recipe developer, and photographer for more than 16 years. Stephanie has a culinary arts degree from San Francisco Cooking School and is a graduate of Brown University. Her guilty pleasure munchies are expensive ice cream and cheesy poofs.

“Hawaii” Mike (Monday Speaker)

Founder of Chef for HigherTM

Topic Title: Chef for Higher responsible consumption through proper dosing.

“Hawaii” Mike is a branding maestro and founder of Chef for HigherTM, a pioneering culinary and culture brand leading the exciting new era of Cannabis legalization. Chef for HigherTM specializes in creating Cannabis-infused products and hosting popular tastemaker dining events. For over 25 years, he’s been on the frontlines of music, media, and lifestyle, using Hip-Hop and Cannabis as conduits for pursuing his passions and refining his alchemy. Hawaii has worked with legendary Hip-Hop groups like Mobb Deep and consulted for global brands including Nike, Reebok, Estee Lauder, and Mountain Dew. As a talent manager he guided the careers of influential personalities Nigel Sylvester, DJ Clark Kent, and Jonathan Mannion. He founded LTD magazine, served as a lifestyle editor for The Source magazine, and was co-founder & editor-in-chief of tattoo publication INKED. He has been featured in The Wall Street Journal, Sports Illustrated, VH1, BET, and Forbes. He currently lives in Brooklyn, NY, and is available for Private HigherTM catering events, Cannabis-related thought panels, and speaking engagements.

Ed Wells

Cannatrol VP of Sales

Topic title: Cannabis Dosing and Product Selection Simplified

Dustin Sulak, D.O. is a traditional osteopathic physician and expert in integrative medicine. His clinical practice in Maine focuses on treating refractory conditions in adults and children. Dr. Sulak is an internationally-renowned expert in medical cannabis, the author of the first foundational text on its clinical use, Handbook of Cannabis for Clinicians: Principles and Practice, and a co-founder of Healer.com, a medical cannabis education resource. He is a passionate educator and leader in the field of medical cannabis, and serves on the board of directors of The Society of Cannabis Clinicians.

Dustin Sulak (Tuesday Keynote)

Healer.com

Topic title: Novel Cannabis Formulations and their Ability to Mitigate Severe Neurodegenerative Diseases: A Brief History & the Future of Botanical Medicines.

BIO

Akeem is  the CEO & Founder of Canurta, a leader in the future of Canadian life sciences and biotechnology. Five years ago, he embarked on a journey to impact health through hemp cultivation. His passion for botanical solutions to inflammation spurred Canurta’s early innovations forward.

A bold entrepreneur, he possess a unique combination of academic, athletic, and professional experiences to lead and create exceptional shareholder value. With dual degrees in Psychology and Philosophy and a Bachelor of Law, he strive to help my team grasp complex scientific concepts and navigate regulatory guidelines, IP, and patent strategy.

Akeem Gardner

CEO Canurta Inc

Bio

After 16 years in the HVAC industry, Ed transitioned into the Cannabis industry. Applying his previous industry knowledge with his experience at Cannatrol, Ed has become one of the leading industry experts of post-harvest environmental control and the science behind producing superior cannabis.

Megan Mbengue, MSMCT, BSN, RN

Founder & CEO, Trusted Canna Nurse

Topic title: TBD

BIO

Megan is the revolutionary force behind Trusted Canna Nurse.

Recognizing a gap in the healthcare system, Megan set out to bridge the divide between patients and the world of cannabis and CBD. With over 10 years of nursing experience in diverse fields like oncology, labor delivery, and hospice care, she brings a unique perspective to her practice.

Megan holds national certifications in three nursing specialties and holds a Master of Science degree in Medical Cannabis Therapeutics.

Beyond her qualifications, Megan is a respected voice in the field, having spoken at numerous events and has earned various accolades. She’s also an active member of notable organizations such as the Society of Cannabis Clinicians and Cannabis Nurses Network and serves on advisory boards of Pacific College of Health & Science and CannMed.

Maurice D. Hinson, MD

Founder & Director of MediRootz Medical Group

Topic title: Cannabis as a Bridge to Science and Spirituality

Bio

Maurice D. Hinson, MD is the Founder & Director of MediRootz Medical Group, a telehealth based primary care practice specializing in providing equitable access to high value primary care. He is also a Hospitalist at Jamaica Hospital Medical Center. Dr. Hinson received his Bachelors in Neuroscience from Johns Hopkins University, his Medical Degree from Drexel University College of Medicine, and completed his residency in Internal Medicine at New York Presbyterian Weill Cornell. Dr. Hinson is also Founder and Advisor of the Black and Latino Men in Medicine, a network of students, trainees, faculty, and hospital administrators created to combat the precipitous decline of Black and Hispanic male physicians. Dr. Hinson is the recipient of numerous basic science research awards, the 2015 Excellence in Public award by the U.S. Public Health Task Force, 2020 Drexel University 40 under 40, and was recently inducted as a Fellow in the New York Academy of Medicine. His most recent academic interests involve the clinical application of cannabis and psychedelics for the prevention and management of chronic disorders like obesity, heart disease, high blood pressure, diabetes, anxiety, depression, dementia, and cancer. Additionally, Dr. Hinson actively works to increase the number of underrepresented physicians by engaging with and empowering aspiring students in their journey into medicine. He believes that health equity will be best achieved once the face of healthcare’s physician workforce reflects the diversity of the patients it serves.

Nellie Brown

Director of the Workplace Health and Safety Program of Cornell University’s School of Industrial and Labor Relations

BIO: 

Nellie Brown is the Director of the Workplace Health and Safety Program of Cornell University’s School of Industrial and Labor Relations.  Nellie also provides expertise for the Cannabis Workforce Initiative. A certified industrial hygienist (Board for Global EHS Credentialing, Diplomate of the American Board of Industrial Hygiene), biologist and chemist, Nellie earned a master’s degree in a multidisciplinary program in natural sciences and applied science from the State University of New York College at Buffalo. Nellie also provides industrial hygiene services for the Center for Occupational and Environmental Medicine – Western New York, a clinic funded by NYSDOH for diagnosis and treatment of occupational injuries and illnesses. 

Nellie provides virtual and on-site training and technical assistance on a wide range of occupational safety and health hazards including chemicals, biological agents (including COVID-19), ergonomics, occupational stress, shift-work and long hours of work, crisis and violence prevention, hazard analysis techniques, and indoor air quality for employers, labor unions, and the public. She is the author of numerous occupational health hazard manuals, training programs, and articles; her publications on Cornell University’s DigitalCollections@ILR e-Library have been downloaded over 290,000 times in over 180 countries.

Chelsea Bugsch (Monday)

 Gummy Production Manager, Gen V Labs / ayrloom

As Gummy Production Manager at ayrloom, Chelsea Bugsch brings her passion for food, baking, and creativity to the heart of ayrloom’s product line.

Chelsea’s journey began in Tacoma, Washington, where her love for baking blossomed in her mom’s kitchen. She honed her craft at the Culinary Institute of America, earning a Bachelor’s in Baking and Pastry Arts Management.

Her career has spanned from rustic baking at Seattle’s Macrina Bakery to creating elevated Southern desserts at Kiawah Island Club in Charleston, SC. Chelsea also developed healthy meals for children, was a corporate trainer in the coffee industry, and as Pastry Chef at Syracuse’s Café Kubal, crafting creations inspired by her Pacific Northwest roots.

Since joining ayrloom in 2023, Chelsea has drawn on her experience to craft standout gummies like her favorite Sour Peach Hibiscus. Her thoughtful approach and commitment to quality ensures every ayrloom gummy delivers a top-tier experience for customers.

Tom Szulist (Cultivator Panel)

Founder of Innocence Cannabis LLC

BIO

Tom Szulist’s career spans diverse realms. A former industrial engineer who became a Wall Street financial advisor that raised over 100 million dollars in venture capital for small business startups, to becoming an advocate and educational leader in the CBD industry. By sharing his insights into the human cannabinoid system and the transformative benefits of cannabis, he changes lives and perspectives on a daily basis. As a licensed cultivator here in Niagara County, Tom has just harvested a cannabis crop of over 1,000 plants that will be processed and sold to licensed dispensaries in New York under the brand name Innocence Cannabis.

Necole Hines (Monday)

Founder of Faded Living

BIO:

Necole Hines  a cannabis educator, chef and advocate who’s passionate about celebrating the plant through food and connection.

She’s the founder of Faded Living where she brings cannabis into everyday life with low-THC cooking workshops, infused dining experiences, and educational events. Inspired by her Jamaican roots, Necole’s dishes are full of bold flavors and highlight the wellness benefits of cannabis in a way that’s approachable and fun. Whether she’s hosting a workshop, recording a podcast, or sharing a meal, Necole focuses on breaking down stigmas and creating meaningful moments. With plans to launch culinary and spiritual retreats, she invites everyone to explore a “faded” lifestyle that’s all about mindfulness, creativity, and community.

Tremaine S. Wright

Chairwoman of the NYS Cannabis Control Board

(This is a BIG deal! She is not our keynote, but is giving opening remarks on both days)

Bio: 

Tremaine S. Wright is a former member of the New York State Assembly who thereafter, served as the first Director of the DFS Statewide Office of Financial Inclusion and Empowerment. Ms. Wright is an attorney, entrepreneur, and activist who is a second-generation Bedford Stuyvesant resident invested in preserving the rich legacy of her community and building a strong foundation for the future. She has dedicated her career to empowering and creating opportunities for her neighbors and her community.