Join us for the 2024 Medical Marijuana and Hemp Law Symposium, where we delve into the latest updates and emerging legal frontiers shaping these industries. Hosted by the Pennsylvania Bar Institute and co-sponsored by the PBA Medical Marijuana and Hemp Law Committee, this event brings together leading experts to provide comprehensive insights into the evolving landscape of medical marijuana and hemp.
Sessions include:
Medical Marijuana and Hemp Law Update
Christine Brann, Judi Cassel, Micah Bucy
Legislative and litigation update.
Psychedelics
Dr. Sophia Brandstetter, Karen Smith, Judi Cassel, Micah Bucy
This session covers the emerging and astonishing area of law dealing with psychedelics including Pennsylvania-legal ketamine and newly considered psilocybin – mushrooms. Despite researchers finding substantial medical benefits in this psychedelic, most are still illegal under U.S. Law. However, much like cannabis, states are taking their own paths to the legalization of psilocybin. Both Oregon and Colorado have passed legislation legalizing the supervised use and research into mushrooms. With states starting to legalize this Schedule I drug, we look at the prospects of legalization in Pennsylvania. Will mushrooms follow the path of cannabis?
Don't Bogart That Job - Medical Marijuana in the Workplace
John McCreary
This session will review the employment problems and issues created by the Pennsylvania Medical Marijuana Act, and some suggestions on how to address them.
Growing and Dispensing Cannabis - Now and in the Future
Trent Woloveck, Barry Bosket, Shannon Hoffman, Antoinette Duncan
This session will discuss current trends, challenges, and technologies facing the cannabis production and distribution industry. The panelists will also discuss what is ahead for cannabis both in PA and nationally.
Criminal Issues
Patrick Nightingale, Francis Chardo, Keir Bradford-Grey
Explore criminal issues that arise with the use of marijuana.
Former Federal Prosecutor "Dishes" on "Federal-Marijuana-Momentum" & Answers the Question Which US President 'Owns' the War on Drugs?
Julie Werner-Simon
HEMP – We Thought the 2018 Farm Bill Would Make it Simple – Wrong!
Erica Stark and Michael Roth
With the passing of the 2018 Farm Bill, the hemp industry gave a collective sigh of relief. But that relief was premature. There are still numerous regulatory challenges, particularly for cannabinoid products. Products containing hemp are legal if used for construction, containment, clothing or fuel, but if you seek to produce a consumable product infused with hemp cannabinoids, be prepared for potential cease and desist letters and other legal concerns. But there is also a lot of promise. Especially on the fiber and grain side. PA Department of Agriculture has instituted performance based sampling and other program changes to make life easier. They also have been fostering grant programs to encourage innovation and investment in the hemp space. They have also been champions of positive change in the upcoming federal farm bill.
Keynote Remarks
Representative Ismail Smith-Wade-El and Senator John Fetterman
Recorded in April 2024.