Cannabis Farmers Alliance (CFA) Networking Event

Join us for an information-packed networking day designed

especially for the NYS legal craft cannabis cultivator

When: Monday, March 3rd, 2025, from 9:30 AM to 4:30 PM

Where: The Cornerstone at the Plaza, Empire State Plaza, Albany, NY

Conference Cost: $85.00

The conference cost is deducted from CFA membership if annual dues are paid at the conference. (This equals a free conference.) The cost of annual membership is $420 per year. Membership fees go directly to pay for our lobbying and legal work fighting for cannabis farmers.

The Main Goals of the Conference

• Help craft cannabis growers discover business strategies to survive and thrive in a market in which large, well-capitalized cannabis businesses are trying to dominate the marketplace.
• Provide conference participants opportunities to network with both sponsors and other small craft cannabis cultivators.
• Build a community with common goals.
• Many of the sponsors are providing discounted services to conference participants.

Networking and Conference Schedule

• 9:30 – 10:30 AM:
• Check-in and Continental Breakfast,
• Visit sponsors’ tables, and network.
• Join CFA at a $85 discount
• 10:30 – 11:00 AM: Welcome from CFA Board President Joseph Calderone
• CFA Attorney and Lobbyist ; Matthew Leonardo Hinman and Straub shares a few words and presents awards
• Cannabis Farmers Alliance awards will be presented to Senator Jeremy Cooney, Senator Michelle Hinchey, Assemblywoman Donna Lupardo and Assemblywoman Crystal Peoples-Stokes
• A few words from Colton Griffin of Flourish Software

• 11:00 AM – 12:30 PM: Panel discussion: Surviving and Thriving in the New York Market with Moderator Megan Jewett

Megan is an experienced sales and marketing leader in the cannabis industry. She is the creator of her own brand – Mainstream Mary Janes – and has collaborated with industry leading brands such as Select, Cannavative, and Florette Cannabis. Megan is passionate about advancing the cannabis industry through sustainable practices, innovative solutions, and strong community relationships.

Panelists:

• Ruben Lindo, Reuben is a visionary entrepreneur, Business strategist and advocate for social equity in the cannabis industry. As the leader of Black Mar Farms, he is dedicated to building a premium cannabis brand that prioritizes quality, innovation and partnerships with small businesses to uplift communities. With a deep understanding of the evolving cannabis landscape. Ruben has played a key role in policy discussions and market development, working closely with law enforcement and regulatory bodies to navigate cannabis laws in states like: New York, California, Arizona, Michigan and New Jersey. His expertise in compliance, business development, and consumer education has made him a sought after thought leader in the space.
• Paula Collins, Esq. Paula is a cannabis tax attorney who has championed the constitutional rights of those who have been subject to enforcement in New York. Collins holds the Enrolled Agent credential issued by the IRS and is a graduate of Brooklyn Law School. Collins is an adjunct professor of law at Elizabeth Haub School of Law at Pace University, where she teaches Cannabis Law and Policy.
• Ethan Waterman Ethan Waterman is a third-generation agricultural entrepreneur and the driving force behind cannabis cultivation at Waterman’s Greenhouse in East Concord NY. After securing the adult use conditional cultivation license in 2022 and the micro business license in 2024 Ethan has focused on producing small batch, craft cannabis of the highest quality. Passionate about education and community. Ethan is committed to sharing his knowledge with customers and fellow growers, helping to shape the future of cannabis in Western New York.
• Saladin Amir Saladin is an experienced urban farmer specializing in cannabis cultivation. Saladin is the Director of Operations at Black Cannabis Industry Association (BCIA), CEO of Just a Seed Consulting and Member of Black Farmers United. Saladin is the former chair of the tax, Revenue, and public benefit Subcommittee for the Albany Cannabis Advisory board. He is a graduate of the NYS inaugural Cannabis Compliance Training and Mentorship Program (CCTM).
• Rick Weissman Rick is the founder of High Falls Canna and High Falls Hemp NY located in New York’s Hudson Valley. High Falls produces a line of nationally recognized and award-winning CBD Wellness products. High Falls Canna is an Adult Use Conditional Cultivator that transitioned to a full cultivation and processing license. His flower and innovative tincture products can be found in dispensaries across the state. Rick worked for three decades on Wall Street in management positions that included managing a sales team of 50. Rick is a graduate of UPenn Wharton School and an MBA from Cornell University. He has attended over 250 Grateful Dead shows prior to 1996.
• Kate Miller Kate is the owner and farmer at Weather Top Farm in Sharon Springs, NY where they specialize in cannabis and certified organic herbs and berries. Kate’s cannabis company is Peregrine Toke, which will soon be opening a micro dispensary in Cherry Valley, NY . Kate has a MA in Sustainable Development with a concentration in Policy Analysis and Advocacy.

• 12:30 – 1:30PM: Buffet lunch at The Cornerstone for sponsors, panelists and participants catered by Logan’s. Time for additional networking opportunities.
• 1:30-2:00 Brian Farmer Brian’s career is defined by innovation, advocacy, and hands-on experience in both policy and practice in the cannabis industry. Brian is a seasoned leader in cannabis regulation, sustainability certification, and regenerative agriculture with over 35 years of experience shaping ethical and environmentally responsible farming practices. Most recently at NYS OCM Brian was the Special Executive Assistant for Development at the Cannabis Hub and Incubator program. Also, he held the position of Deputy Director of Compliance at the New York Office of Cannabis Management where he developed compliance framework, sustainability metrics, and worker safety standards while overseeing statewide inspections. Currently, Brian Farmer is working on several projects with his company Farmer’s Table (farmerstableconsulting@gmail.com) and will continue his work in regenerative agriculture, compliance, and creating a community consulting certification space. Brian is committed to working with farmers to create a community of growers who use regenerative organic practices to produce their cannabis and food.

• 2:30 Hear directly from BioTrack on how to prepare for a smooth and successful seed-to-sale traceability rollout in New York. Get answers to key questions, including:

• What can cultivators/micros do now to prepare? Get practical tips on how to set yourself up for compliance success and avoid costly errors when entering and tracking products in the system.

• What mistakes should cultivators/micros avoid? Learn from rollouts in other markets and uncover common pitfalls that businesses won’t be able to “get away with” once BioTrack is in place—especially as regulators crack down on illicit activity.

Jason Herman is a seasoned professional with over two decades of experience in spearheading the implementation of enterprise systems within governmental agencies. His core expertise lies in streamlining processes and change management to enhance overall governmental efficiency.

As the Director of Project Management and Government Relations at BioTrack, Mr. Herman’s responsibilities encompass a broad spectrum. He plays a pivotal role in overseeing and managing all government-related implementations and system upgrades. Additionally, he is entrusted with the daily operational management of both seed-to-sale tracking systems and patient registry systems, ensuring their smooth and effective functioning.

• 3:00- 4:30 PM: Afternoon Networking and Community Building with Topic Experts. Meet with panelists, vendors and current CFA members to discuss constructive cannabis business strategies.

Topics:

• Compliance And Regulations
• NYS Track and Trace
• Business Strategies While Waiting For OCM Licensing
• cGMP Certification
• Payroll, Banking Programs And Services
• Marketing Strategies

• 5:00 – 7:00 PM: Taste of New York event sponsored by the New York State Farm Bureau, located at the Empire State Plaza Convention Center and free to all. The event features an abundance of New York State-produced food and beverages.
• 8:00 – 10:00 PM: After Party at The Argus, an elegant mansion and hotel located less than one mile from the Empire State Plaza with plenty of parking. Out-of-town guests may also book a room there. Join us for some delicious desserts, a nightcap and a puff or two (there’s an outdoor smoking patio). Tickets $20.00

Link for After Party: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/cannabis-farmers-alliance-after-party-at-the-argus-tickets-1242072214429?aff=oddtdtcreator

We look forward to seeing you at this exciting event!