10:45am - 11:30am
Dr. Marion McNabb
Cannabis and Harm Reduction
Description of Session:
Results from a 2023 Research Study and Policy Recommendations: This session will present results from a Cannabis Center of Excellence Research study conducted in 2023 asking cannabis consumers and patients if they were using cannabis to reduce the use of another substance including prescription drugs, opioids, alcohol, and tobacco. A policy memo and recommendations from the research study has been prepared by the study team and will be presented at the conference, Happy to also join a panel discussion if one is available about the topic. Learn more at: www.cannacenterofexcellence.org
Marion McNabb, DrPH, MPH Dr. McNabb is the Senior Director of Research and Learning at the United Way of Massachusetts Bay. Dr. McNabb is also the President of the Cannabis Center of Excellence, Inc a Massachusetts-based 501c3 nonprofit organization that conducts citizen-science-focused population studies and programs in the areas of community engagement, medical cannabis, adult-use cannabis, and social justice in the cannabis industry. The CCOE serves as a virtual resource & network of cannabis industry professionals, academics, policymakers, healthcare providers, consumers, and patients who aim to break the stigma and advance social justice in the cannabis industry. www.cannacenterofexcellence.org. Dr. McNabb is also the CEO of 510 Innovations LLC, a research, data science, and education company working with the healthcare innovations, cannabis, and entheogenic plant medicine industries. Dr. McNabb was the Cannabis Retail Appointee to the Massachusetts Cannabis Advisory Board from Oct 2021- Oct 2023, appointed by the Treasurer of Massachusetts. Dr. McNabb is the Principal Investigator of eight Cannabis research studies examining the reasons and impact of cannabis use among adult-use consumers and medical patients, veterans, and the impact of COVID on patients and consumers in Massachusetts and the United States, together with UMass Dartmouth. She sits on several academic advisory boards for academic cannabis educational and workforce training programs. Dr. McNabb has collaborated on Cannabis Research studies with academic partners UMass Dartmouth and Rider University in New Jersey and educational programs with Excelsior University, Holyoke Community College, BU, Wayne State University, and others. Dr. McNabb also has over 15 years of global public health experience working in the areas of digital health, HIV/AIDS, maternal and child health, and family planning, working primarily in Africa and Haiti. Dr. McNabb holds a DrPH from Boston University School of Public Health, an MPH from the Johns Hopkins University Bloomberg School of Public Health, and a BA in African and African American Studies from St. Louis University. Dr. McNabb currently resides in East Boston. You can learn more about Dr. McNabb through her LinkedIn page: https://www.linkedin.com/in/marion-mcnabb-drph-mph
11:45am - 12:30pm
Nova Dawn
Getting to know your Edibles
Description of Session:
In this enlightening speech, I will guide you through the intricate world of edibles, empowering you to explore and understand them better. We will delve into essential aspects such as determining the right dose for you, especially if you are new to this experience. I will shed light on different extraction techniques, helping you discover the one that resonates with your preferences. We will also explore the significance of flavoring in enhancing your edibles journey. Ultimately, our community strives for your utmost satisfaction and well-being. While taste plays a role, the key focus lies in THC Homogeneity, ensuring you receive accurate information to tailor your cannabis exploration effectively. I will emphasize the importance of safety in consuming cannabis by incorporating CBD to balance out the THC effects, promoting a harmonious experience. Together, we will address an intriguing question: why does the industry prioritize THC over Total Active Cannabinoids (TAC)? Join me in unraveling this industry concern and gaining valuable insights into optimizing your cannabis encounters for personalized well-being.
Nova Dawn is a visionary influencer and educator dedicated to destigmatizing plant medicine, specifically cannabis. With over 17 years of experience in the evolving cannabis events scene, Nova advocates for change and promotes understanding of the benefits of plant medicine. As a part owner of the Hashery in Windham, Maine, Nova promotes premium Artisan Hash Rosin edibles, focusing on quality, taste, and precise dosing for an exceptional experience. Her journey from caregiver cultivation to co-ownership of an edible company reflects her commitment to ethical practices. Nova actively supports women's groups in the cannabis community and strives to uphold core values in the industry. Join Nova in her mission to drive positive change in the cannabis world, prioritizing people over profit and fostering a legacy of empowerment and empathy. Let's dismantle stereotypes and build a future where plant medicine thrives.
1pm - 1:45pm
Ian Stuart
Comedy Hour
Ian Stuart is a comedian from Maine. He is known for his work on the popular webseries "Welcome to Maine" as "Mark" and as a personality on the WTOS Mountain Morning Show. Ian has opened and has worked with a number of high profile comedians including Dave Attell, Jay Mohr, Maria Bamford and Demetri Martin to name a few.
2pm - 2:45pm
Legislative Panel
Updates on legislation & and Q&A with
Eddie Dugay, Kristi Shaw and Catherine Lewis
Catherine Lewis
Catherine Lewis was born in Augusta Maine in 1969. She spent her younger years in Alaska then moved back to Boothbay, Maine where she met her now husband Glenn in junior high. Together they have two grown children and one grandson.
Catherine studied nursing and in 1992 became a CNA at St. Andrews Hospital and home hospice aide for several years before leaving the field to work in business sales. Catherine was a founding member and President of the Hallowell Rotary where they helped build 3 libraries and feed hundreds in the impoverished areas of the Philippines. She was the first female commercial sales inspector for Modern Pest Control, was Presidents Club winner for ADP Payroll Services, 100% Club winner for Paychex Payroll Services and Director of Sales for Combined Management in 2011. In 2012 she started her own small business consulting firm Business Solutions of Maine LLC Where She Provides Payroll services, Insurance services and new business formations and Cannabis Licensing Set up.
Eddie DuGay
Harvest Consulting LLC, 31 Water Street, Hallowell, Me 04347-207-812-2074
Business owner and trusted advocate Eddie DuGuy has joined the Board of Directors of MMCM, bringing extensive government relations, economic development and coalition building experience to the Board.
As a former lawmaker, Eddie Dugay has a valuable insight into how public policy is shaped, especially relating to Maine’s medical marijuana industry.
Eddie has a proven ability to work collaboratively with lawmakers of both parties.
Eddie is a veteran, a former member of Maine’s House of Representatives, and has advised countless businesses throughout Maine through Harvest Consulting. He was also the Economic Director for the Passamaquoddy tribe.
More recently, Eddie has established two Medical Cannabis stores with a dozen employees. He knows first-hand the challenges facing the industry today and looks forward to working with MMCM to advance public education, state and federal legislation, and coordinated advocacy throughout the state.
Kristi Shaw
COO Northeast Growing Company
@WickedGoodFire
Founder, Maine Women's Cannabiz Council
Charter Member, Maine Cannabis Industry Association
Lifelong lover of the cannabis plant, culture and community.
3pm - 3:45pm
Catherine Lewis & Kristi Shaw
Ask your Caregiver - 101
Q& A
Kristi Shaw-Northeast grow co and Catherine Lewis Homegrown Healthcare of Maine.
Catherine Lewis
Catherine Lewis was born in Augusta Maine in 1969. She spent her younger years in Alaska then moved back to Boothbay, Maine where she met her now husband Glenn in junior high. Together they have two grown children and one grandson.
Catherine studied nursing and in 1992 became a CNA at St. Andrews Hospital and home hospice aide for several years before leaving the field to work in business sales. Catherine was a founding member and President of the Hallowell Rotary where they helped build 3 libraries and feed hundreds in the impoverished areas of the Philippines. She was the first female commercial sales inspector for Modern Pest Control, was Presidents Club winner for ADP Payroll Services, 100% Club winner for Paychex Payroll Services and Director of Sales for Combined Management in 2011. In 2012 she started her own small business consulting firm Business Solutions of Maine LLC Where She Provides Payroll services, Insurance services and new business formations and Cannabis Licensing Set up.
Kristi Shaw
COO Northeast Growing Company
@WickedGoodFire
Founder, Maine Women's Cannabiz Council
Charter Member, Maine Cannabis Industry Association
Lifelong lover of the cannabis plant, culture and community.
10:45am - 11:30am
Todd Dostie
Overcoming all Odds
I will be telling my story of being on dialysis for 25 years and how Cannabis has saved my life and how I was helped by a lot of people in the industry to keep me on the transplant list which I was able to receive a year and a half ago and I would like to tell my inspirational story about my trials and tribulations along the way and how Cannabis has helped me with all of my side effects from dialysis and chemotherapy
My name is Todd Dostie ,and I was on dialysis for 23 years and I somehow managed to get a kidney transplant even though I was 100% sensitized, which meant I rejected 100% of the kidneys that matched me so technically I should’ve never received a kidney, but I also wanna talk about how along my journey Cannabis help save my life my primary care saw that I was not doing well and actually said to me that I was dying in front of his eyes and he did not want to see it and asked me to try medical cannabis and that’s what my journey began and I would like to tell my story to other People and explained the benefits of cannabis and how they pertain to me.
1pm - 1:45pm
AWARDS Ceremony
Canna Cup and Community Awards
2pm - 2:45pm
Joint Rolling Contest
3pm - 3:45pm
David Abbecassis
Cannabis as a Technology Platform
The Bioplastics industry is exploding and so is the technology to support the changes in material replacements and additives. With industry revolutionizing sustainability options, Titan provides real insertable technology for companies looking to develop strong, earth friendly plastics from recycled plastics and bioplastics.
David Abecassis Bio Director of Technology Summary: David Abecassis is an interdisciplinary scientist with a degree in natural sciences and a bachelor’s degree in biological chemistry from the University of Toulouse France. He then went on to complete a Joint Master’s degree from Rutgers University where he studied biodegradation with Richard Bartha at Cook College. Upon graduation he worked in diversified polymer consulting which included a variety of polymer driven applications, everything from diapers to packaging to aerospace composites. He spent over 10 years in collaborative research in the field of thermoplastic nanocomposites with Stony Brook University and Brooklyn Polytechnic Faculty, which included novel flame-retardant packages, and eventually the world’s first mass produce-able organoclay. David Abecassis is a pioneer in adapting his cutting-edge knowledge to biodegradable materials and sustainable plastics. As Director of all Technology for Titan Bioplastics, he heads up R&D as well as IP efforts and implementation.