The New Leaf of Cannabis Regulation Webinar
Recorded March 18, 2025 | On-Demand Webinar
Overview
This webinar bridges the marijuana and intoxicating hemp industries through policy questions exploring state approaches to regulation, the value of enforcement to support regulatory frameworks, and labeling. Panelists address the latest developments on marijuana rescheduling and draw parallels between reclassified marijuana and hemp. Stakeholders will learn best practices to navigate regulatory uncertainty while remaining competitive as market growth continues in these product areas.
Speakers
Pamela Nicole Epstein
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Terpene Belt Processing, LLC
Biography
PAMELA, stands at the forefront of innovation and leadership in the cannabis and hemp industry. Her current role as the Chief Legal & Regulatory Officer at Terpene Belt Inc., a distinguished hemp operator, speaks volumes about her unwavering commitment to shaping the industry’s legal and regulatory landscape. Pamela’s journey to this esteemed position includes a pivotal role as the Chief Licensing & Regulatory Officer for Eden Enterprises, Inc., a pioneering vertically integrated cannabis enterprise in California. Prior to that, she left an indelible mark as the Founder of Green Wise Companies – a visionary venture comprising Green Wise Legal and Green Wise Consulting. This dynamic constellation offered a comprehensive spectrum of services, encompassing legal counsel, consulting, business development, and application permitting, all within California’s dynamic cannabis milieu. With a rich tapestry of experience that extends across legal, land use, and environmental domains, Pamela has emerged as a guiding light for her clients and the broader cannabis community. Her fearless advocacy for cannabis and hemp businesses, meticulously navigating the intricate legal and regulatory currents, has earned her widespread acclaim. Recognized as a luminary in her field, Pamela’s eloquent and passionate insights find a platform as a featured speaker. Her discussions span a wide array of subjects, including the nuances of land use and zoning, the complexities of regulatory compliance, federal policy advancing a holistic cannabinoid industry and the vital importance of environmental stewardship. In her pursuit of excellence, Pamela serves as a trusted resource for local governments seeking to effectively regulate Cannabis Sativa l within their jurisdictions. Notably, she has assumed the role of Special City Attorney for the City of Hollister, providing invaluable expertise in shaping their Commercial Cannabis Ordinance. Beyond her client-centered endeavors, Pamela embodies an ethos of collaborative progress. She is honored to lead as in her second term as the President of the California Cannabis Industry Association’s (“CCIA”) Board of Directors, a testament to her dedication to industry growth and stability. Pamela is also an active member of the In-house Counsel Subcommittee of the International Cannabis Bar Association (“INCBA”), a distinction that underscores her commitment to legal excellence. Furthermore, she chairs the Committee on Standards within the American Trade Association for Cannabis and Hemp (“ATACH”), amplifying her role as an architect of industry best practices. Pamela Nicole Epstein, Esq., LLM, is not merely a legal and regulatory authority; she is a force driving transformation within the cannabis and hemp domain. Her endeavors epitomize the fusion of expertise, advocacy, and leadership, culminating in a profound impact on the industry’s trajectory. Connect with Pamela and witness the evolution she champions within the cannabis and hemp landscape.
John Harloe
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Village Farms
Biography
JOHN HARLOE is General Counsel for Global Cannabis Businesses at Village Farms (VF) on their executive team. Recently, he spearheaded VF’s role as a designated party in the ALJ hearing on marijuana rescheduling. John’s experience in cannabis began at VCU Medical Center’s department of Pharmacology and Toxicology in 2003. His research focused on the pharmacological effects of cannabinoids and endocannabinoids, particularly in the field of learning and memory. After graduating with his Ph.D. in 2008, John received his J.D. from SMU law school in 2011. He practiced drug and device litigation for 8 years before becoming general counsel to hemp company, Balanced Health Botanicals. The State of Colorado appointed John to the Colorado Hemp Advancement and Management Plan (CHAMP) and the SB 22 – 205 Task Force to advise Colorado legislature on ‘intoxicating hemp and THC products.’ These recommendations were adopted in SB 23 – 271. In 2023, he was appointed by Gov. Polis to the board of the Colorado’s Institute of Cannabis Research, which awards cannabis research grants using funds appropriated from marijuana taxes.
Jonathan Havens
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Saul Ewing LLP
Biography
JONATHAN HAVENS is the Managing Partner of Saul Ewing LLP’s Baltimore office, and serves as co-chair of both the firm’s Cannabis Law and its Food, Beverage & Agribusiness Practices. Companies in the cannabis, life sciences, food and beverage, and cosmetics industries turn to Jonathan for advice on how to get and keep their products on the market. Since 2019, Chambers USA has recognized Jonathan as one of America’s leading lawyers in cannabis law. In 2021, Law360 selected Jonathan as a cannabis law rising star. He is regularly interviewed by mainstream and trade press outlets, alike, and has been quoted by or authored pieces for The New York Times, The Los Angeles Times, Reuters, CNBC, WIRED, MarketWatch, Engadget, Law360, High Times Magazine, and Marijuana Business Daily. Jonathan began his legal career as a regulatory counsel with the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, and prior to law school, he served as a legislative aide in both the U.S. Senate and U.S. House of Representatives.
