The International Women’s Cannabis Conference centers the voices of women and non-binary leaders shaping the global cannabis landscape. Through our Speaker Series, we spotlight diverse perspectives across education, business, healing, and lived experience. From grassroots activists to research scientists, our speakers reflect the full spectrum of cannabis engagement. Drawn from around the world, they invite audiences to step into their unique relationships with the plant—and the movements it inspires.
DIVERSE PERSPECTIVES
Our speakers represent a wide range of backgrounds, experiences, and expertise in cannabis. This conference amplifies voices often left out of mainstream industry events, ensuring a richer and more inclusive conversation.
COMPREHENSIVE EDUCATION
We center patient advocacy and community wellness while acknowledging business realities. Our content reflects the full spectrum of cannabis’ role in our lives—bridging healing, culture, and informed action.
COMMUNITY-CENTERED
Beyond industry trends, we focus on the people behind the plant—patients, advocates, and culture-makers. Our discussions highlight the role of cannabis in healing, justice, and collective empowerment.
COMPENSATED SPEAKERS
Expertise deserves recognition, and we prioritize paying our speakers for their time and knowledge. By valuing their contributions, we set a standard for equity in cannabis education and advocacy.
The Ones Who Nurture Us: Mothers, Caretakers, and Caregivers
May 4, 2025
This month, we honor the powerful force of nurturing — not as a passive or secondary trait, but as love in action. We’re spotlighting the women and non-binary individuals whose care has built bridges, healed wounds, raised generations, and sustained communities through crisis and change.
Whether biological or chosen, professional or intuitive, these nurturers hold space in ways that ripple far beyond the moment. They are doulas and nurses, aunties and elders, therapists and teachers, advocates and mothers — each with a story woven into the fabric of collective well-being.
This May, we’re lifting up those who have made care a calling and compassion a revolution.
Melodye Mims Montgomery
Dr. Callie Seaman
hashEESH
Brigitte Mars
Melodye Mims Montgomery
Co-Founder, T’Oakland Senior Canna Club
Melodye Montgomery, affectionately known as Mama Bear, is a respected cannabis judge and community advocate with years of industry experience. She has served as a judge for the San Francisco Patient’s Choice Cup, the SF Best Concentrate Cup, and spent five years as the Lead Industry Judge at Hemp Con, offering valuable insights into quality standards and consumer needs.
Melodye is the founder and CEO of TendaHead, an infused aloe vera topical, and Learn What’s Right for You, a personal medical cannabis consulting service. Her work and her product have been featured in Dope Magazine, the East Bay Times, and the YouTube documentary Auma’s Story. Dope Magazine honored her as “Oakland’s Cannabis Den Mother,” and she was named an Honorary Tribe Builder by Ganja Goddess Getaway. She was also recognized among the top 18 women internationally for her contributions to the cannabis movement.
An Oaksterdam University graduate, Melodye has consistently supported emerging cannabis professionals—annually opening her home to Oaksterdam students for what is now celebrated as DANKSGIVING. As co-founder and organizer of the T’Oakland Senior Cannabis Club, she has created a safe, inclusive space for often-overlooked elders in the cannabis community.
Melodye played a key role in lifting the ban on dispensaries in the City of Alameda through persistent advocacy and collaboration with city council members. She went on to be appointed as a commissioner for the City of Alameda’s Open Government Commission, where she remains active in shaping policy and increasing civic engagement.
Beyond cannabis, Melodye is a co-founder of Tri-Valley Haven for Women, a shelter supporting survivors of domestic violence, underscoring her lifelong commitment to justice, healing, and community empowerment.
Seniors, Cannabis, and Community
Jamila Hogan
CEO, Ebony Green
Jamila Hogan, known professionally as Jay Mills, is a trailblazing figure in the cannabis industry and the first woman of color to manage a cultivation center on the East Coast. She began her academic journey in marketing at Howard University’s School of Business as a freshman in 2003, laying the foundation for a distinguished career.
As the founder of The Green Life Learning Center, Jay has established an international reputation for setting professional training standards within the cannabis industry. She is also the author of the Cannabis Reference Manual, a comprehensive three-book series that delves into the science of cannabis, understanding archetypes, and cultivation basics.
Previously, Jay managed the Abatin Wellness (now known as Molecular Farms) cultivation center and served as the general manager at Herbal Alternatives, a DC dispensary. She further honed her skills in event coordination and networking as the director of events for Lemon Haze, a national corporate cannabis event company, where she organized large-scale, high-profile cannabis events that served the upper echelons of the industry.
Currently, Jay leverages her expertise under her Ebony Green brand as a cannabis license consultant and curates unique luxury cannabis-inclusive events and international vacation experiences that combine premium cannabis enjoyment with immersive cultural activities. With a robust social media following across social media networks, she is known for her engaging and viral cannabis reviews.
Understanding Archetype: The Genetic History of Modern Poly-Hybrids from Their Landrace Origins – Cultivars & Phenotype Families
Jenn Doe
Grower | Hash Maker | Cannabis Pioneer
Jenn Doe Hendricks is a pioneering cultivator, dry sift specialist, and renowned authority on all things hash. As the first—and still only—woman to win a High Times Cannabis Cup (2104) for a single-source hash entry, Jenn cultivated, harvested, and processed every stage of her award-winning extract herself, setting a bold new precedent in solventless hashmaking. Her signature style and commitment to quality have helped redefine the standards of modern hash production. With national and international experience as a grower, teacher, saleswoman, and advisor, she is widely sought after for her expertise, precision, and depth of plant knowledge.
Jenn’s impact, however, goes far beyond trophies and titles. She has known hardship, having navigated poverty, motherhood, and chronic illness, yet she continues to lead with grit, humility, and fierce dedication to the plant. A true educator at heart, Jenn consistently offers free demonstrations and generously shares her expertise in Facebook groups and online communities, providing access to people who might never have the chance to learn from a master of her caliber. She is a regular on Hash Church and a trusted consultant who has helped shape solventless strategies for top-tier producers while remaining deeply rooted in patient care and community wellness.
Jenn Doe represents the very spirit of this conference: uncompromising excellence, lived wisdom, and a commitment to making space for others. Her presence is a reminder that many of the freedoms and innovations we enjoy today were made possible by those who worked quietly, skillfully, and relentlessly before the spotlight ever arrived.
Rooted in Resilience: A Legacy Built from the Underground
Alice Reis
Psychologist | Educator | Hashmaker | Founder, Girls in Green
Alice Reis is a Brazilian psychologist, educator, and hashmaker who has spent the past decade working to destigmatize cannabis through science, community building, and cultural preservation. Her journey began in harm reduction at the age of 19, working in nightlife spaces and grassroots settings to provide education and care to substance users. This experience shaped her belief that education is the key to transformation—and it became the foundation of her work in the cannabis space.
As founder of Girls in Green and co-owner of Wooksauce Winery, Alice applies harm reduction principles to cannabis use, creating educational projects that promote autonomy, safer practices, and cultural awareness. She creates tools for patients and consumers—especially Portuguese-speaking audiences—to navigate cannabis with confidence, respect, and knowledge.
Her work bridges continents and communities, uniting tradition and technology in solventless extractions, while advancing conversations around mental health, sustainability, and gender equity. Alice’s mission is rooted in care, communication, and a deep love for the plant and the people who surround it.
Harm Reduction as a Perception: How to Apply the Mindset to Cannabis Consumption
Kelly Dragonfly
Co-Founder, Dragonfly Earth Medicine
Kelly Dragonfly is a respected cultivator, educator, and co-founder of Dragonfly Earth Medicine (DEM)—an internationally recognized platform dedicated to regenerative agriculture and conscious cannabis cultivation. Since 1991, she has practiced closed-loop, chemical-free farming, using her love for cannabis and gardening as a foundation for education, community building, and environmental stewardship. In 2007, alongside her partner of 33 years, Josh Dragonfly, she launched Dragonfly Earth Medicine to support cultivators in returning to natural, earth-honoring methods of growing food and medicine.
Under her leadership, DEM developed the DEM Pure Certification, a beyond-organic, community-driven standard that promotes ethical, small-scale cannabis cultivation. The DEM Pure Collective now includes over 300 members worldwide, representing growers, extractors, breeders, and plant medicine businesses committed to regenerative practices. Through this initiative, Kelly continues to foster a global network of cultivators dedicated to healing land, body, and spirit through intentional agriculture.
In addition to her work with DEM, Kelly holds a double degree and a Master’s in Women and Children’s Healthcare in Developing Nations from the University of Oregon. She later expanded her expertise through advanced training in naturopathic medicine, midwifery, and herbalism—skills she has applied in some of the most challenging environments across the globe. As co-founder of Mother Health International, an NGO launched in 2001, Kelly has helped establish four free birthing and health clinics in regions impacted by war and natural disasters. Through this work, she has assisted thousands of women and children in restoring their health and well-being in communities where support is most needed.
Kelly currently lives in the mountains of British Columbia on a beautiful homesteaded farm with her children and granddaughter, where she grows food and medicine in harmony with the land. She continues to consult internationally on plant medicine, soil health, and community resilience. Whether through her humanitarian work, cultivation practices, or dedication to education, Kelly remains a steady presence in the movement for a more just, regenerative, and health-centered world.
Living Soil, Living Intentions: Regenerative Cannabis for a Thriving Future
Brandi Hester-Harrell, M.Ed.
Cannabis Educator | Policy Strategist | Change Agent
Brandi Hester-Harrell, M.Ed., is a dedicated educator, policy strategist, and advocate with over 17 years of experience in both K–12 and higher education. Her work focuses on the intersection of cannabis education and social justice, aiming to create opportunities for communities disproportionately affected by the War on Drugs.
As a co-founder of Entertaining and Elevating with Cannabis (EEWC), Brandi seeks to transform perceptions and understanding of cannabis through innovative educational experiences. EEWC emphasizes reimagining consumption and fostering community engagement.
Brandi played a pivotal role in launching Blossoming Leaders of Our Cannabis Market (B.L.O.O.M. ROC), an initiative designed to support equity applicants in Western New York. B.L.O.O.M. ROC offers technical assistance and resources to individuals transitioning from legacy cannabis operations to the legal market, focusing on business development and compliance.
In her capacity as Chair of Black Cannabis Week, Brandi provides global vision and leadership to amplify Black voices in the cannabis industry. This platform offers discussions, workshops, and networking opportunities aimed at promoting equity and inclusion for Black cannabis professionals and enthusiasts worldwide.
Brandi’s academic pursuits include seminal research on how college cannabis programs can better align with industry needs while promoting equity, sustainability, and real-world impact. Her work emphasizes the importance of integrating social justice principles into cannabis education to prepare a diverse and competent workforce.
Through her multifaceted efforts, Brandi Hester-Harrell continues to be a transformative force in cannabis education and policy, championing inclusivity and equitable access within the industry.
Reparations Through Education: Pioneering New Pathways Where Drug Policy and Public Education Collide
Thabata Neder
Founder, Brazilian Club of Cannabis Phytotherapy (Club Brasileiro de Fitoterapia Cannabica)
Thabata Neder is a Brazilian entrepreneur and phytotherapist specializing in cannabis, known for her dedication to promoting the therapeutic use of the plant. As a therapeutic patient herself, she has extensively studied phytotherapy, cultivation, and processing of medicinal plants. Thabata founded the Brazilian Club of Cannabis Phytotherapy (Clube Brasileiro de Fitoterapia Canábica – CBFC), a non-profit organization that offers access to cannabinoid treatments in Brazil. Additionally, she established Nagual Cannabis, a conglomerate of companies focused on social impact businesses related to cannabis, grounded in principles of Deep Ecology and Circular Economy. Through resilience and determination, Thabata continues to advocate for cannabis education and accessibility globally.
In a recent podcast episode of “Segredos do Ramo,” Thabata discussed her professional dedication to cannabis, highlighting her cultivation practices and the mission of CBFC to provide access to cannabis-based therapies. She also elaborated on Nagual, her cannabis-focused holding company, and her efforts to unite women in the cannabis industry through initiatives like Irmandade Gaia.
Thabata has shared her expertise at events such as ExpoCannabis Brasil, where she presented on topics like “Cannabis, Fitoterapia e Farmácia Viva,” emphasizing the medicinal aspects of cannabis and its integration into phytotherapy and living pharmacy practices.
Through her multifaceted efforts, Thabata Neder remains a pivotal figure in advancing cannabis education, cultivation, and therapeutic application in Brazil and beyond.
Maconha and Revolution: A Rebellious Worldview with Loving Anarchy as Its Motto
Ivanna Trilha
Cultivadora | Activista | Estudiante de la vida
Ivanna Trilha es una figura innovadora y pionera en el ámbito del cannabis en Paraguay. Con una versatilidad única, se destaca como atleta, productora de eventos, cultivadora, yoguista, humorista y educadora popular, habiendo enseñado a cultivar de forma gratuita a quienes buscan acercarse a este fascinante mundo. Estudiante de derecho y activista comprometida, defiende derechos y abre nuevos caminos en su entorno, mientras sueña con convertirse en empresaria en el sector. Su pasión por la rica historia de la cultura cannábica la impulsa a explorar sus orígenes y evolución, fusionando tradición e innovación. Su labor ha transformado no solo su vida, sino también el movimiento cannábico en Paraguay, posicionándola como una voz influyente y comprometida.
Ivanna Trilha is an innovative and pioneering figure in the cannabis industry in Paraguay. Uniquely versatile, she stands out as an athlete, event producer, grower, yogi, comedian, and popular educator, having taught cultivation free of charge to those seeking to explore this fascinating world. A law student and committed activist, she defends rights and breaks new ground in her field, while dreaming of becoming an entrepreneur in the sector. Her passion for the rich history of cannabis culture drives her to explore its origins and evolution, merging tradition and innovation. Her work has transformed not only her life but also the cannabis movement in Paraguay, positioning her as an influential and committed voice.
Panorama Legal del Cannabis en Paraguay: Estado Actual y Perspectivas
Nydia GanjaClergy
Sacred Medicine Advocate | Clergywoman | Spiritual Educator
Nydia Zamorano-Torres, widely recognized as Ganja Clergy, is a multifaceted healer and spiritual educator dedicated to integrating mysticism, science, and cannabis spirituality. As an ordained clergywoman through both the Universal Life Church and Pr Ntr Kmt, she serves as a sacred medicine advocate, facilitating transformative experiences that guide individuals and communities toward deeper connections with the sacred spirit of cannabis.
At the heart of Nydia’s practice is the “9 Puff Ceremony,” a signature ritual that combines conscious cannabis consumption with breathwork and meditation. This ceremony is designed to promote self-awareness, healing, and spiritual awakening, allowing participants to explore the profound interplay between mind, body, and spirit.
Beyond her work with cannabis, Nydia is an accomplished practitioner in various healing modalities. She is trained in sacred snake and frog venom therapies, integrating these ancient practices into holistic healing sessions aimed at facilitating deep transformation. Her certifications include being a death doula, Level 2 Reiki practitioner, I-Ching diviner, and certified acupressurist. Additionally, as an initiated Iyanifa in the Yoruba Ifa tradition, Nydia offers spiritual guidance rooted in ancestral wisdom.
Nydia’s professional journey encompasses a background in physical therapy, providing her with a comprehensive understanding of the human body’s anatomy and physiology. This foundation enriches her holistic approach to wellness, allowing her to bridge Western medical knowledge with Eastern and esoteric healing traditions. As the founder of UR Wellness LLC, she creates spaces where individuals can explore and embrace diverse healing practices, fostering personal growth and collective well-being.
Through her unwavering commitment to education, advocacy, and the integration of sacred medicines, Nydia continues to be a transformative force in the realms of spiritual healing and cannabis consciousness.
Smoke Signals & Peace Pipes: Reawakening the Sacred Spirit of Cannabis
Prempavee
Cultivator | Owner, 1st Ganja Cup
Prempavee is a pioneering Thai farmer and entrepreneur from Phon Bok village in the Esaan region of northeastern Thailand. As a young mother, she has dedicated herself to organic and natural farming practices, emphasizing the cultivation of rice and, following Thailand’s cannabis legalization in June 2022, cannabis. Her farm, located in Phon Sawan, Nakhon Phanom Province, spans four acres and primarily produces organic rice and cannabis.
In response to the legalization, Prempavee swiftly integrated cannabis cultivation into her farming activities, focusing on natural and organic principles without the use of synthetic fertilizers. She aims to produce cannabis that remains true to its natural form, expressing a belief that the plant should be free and accessible to all.
Beyond cultivation, Prempavee is the founder of Thailand’s First Ganja Cup, an event designed to celebrate and promote excellence in cannabis cultivation within the country. The competition provides a platform for cultivators to showcase their best strains and fosters a sense of community among cannabis enthusiasts and professionals.
In addition to her agricultural pursuits, Prempavee is a professional beautician specializing in face massage, offering treatments starting from 500 baht per hour. She welcomes visitors and collaborators to her farm, inviting those interested in organic farming, cannabis cultivation, or her beautician services to connect with her.
The Thai Ganja Renaissance: Cultivation, Culture, and Change
Priya Mishra Shetty
Educator | Environmentalist | Indologist
Priya Mishra Shetty is India’s first female cannabis activist, leading the movement for plant-based healing and legalization since 2016. After a successful nine-year career in the corporate, media, and Bollywood industries, Priya transitioned into cannabis advocacy by founding Hempvati, a brand that has become synonymous with India’s modern cannabis awakening.
Priya has played a pivotal role in advancing cannabis legalization across several Indian states—including Uttarakhand, Orissa, Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, Manipur, Jammu, and Himachal Pradesh—where she continues her policy work today. She is also the author of Kohinoor of Herbs, a groundbreaking guide that demystifies cannabis for Indian audiences, blending history, usage, and cultural context in an accessible format.
Through grassroots education campaigns across rural Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Karnataka, Rajasthan, and Uttar Pradesh, Priya has built cannabis literacy from the ground up. She was nominated as a speaker on women’s empowerment at the 2019 Kumbh Mela and serves as a global spokesperson for Motilal Banarsidass Publishers.
With a deep commitment to health equity, she has offered free cannabis consultations to over 21,000 patients—supporting both critical and non-critical illness treatments. She has also provided strategic guidance to cannabis-oriented businesses such as Vedi Herbals, GLM, IndusCan, IIHA, ItsHemp, and Elixinol, helping them navigate legal permissions, product development, and brand positioning.
Beyond cannabis, Priya is a passionate advocate for human and animal rights, actively supporting upliftment initiatives since 2015 through both individual efforts and NGO partnerships.
Kohinoor of Herbs – Vijaya / Cannabis / Bhang
Jodi James
President, FLCAN | Managing Partner, McKinney James Works | Dir. of Bus. Dev, CR World
Jodi James is a respected speaker, teacher, debater, strategic planner, thought-leader, and mentor with more than 25 years of experience in cannabis policy. She began as a patient volunteer in 1996, bringing a decade of business experience to the movement to change marijuana laws. By 1998, she had a staff position with the Coalition Advocating Medical Marijuana (CAMM) while volunteering for the newly formed Florida Cannabis Action Network (FLCAN).
Jodi served as the Executive Director for the FLCAN from 2011-2019, overseeing the development of their four-prong platform. During her tenure, the organization put together the first marijuana bill in Florida since 1978, introduced and eventually passed the legislation removing hemp from the Florida Controlled Substance Act, produced dozens of public education programs annually, helped patients earn medical necessity through the courts, and built a statewide constituency that influences lawmakers to this day. In addition to her work with FLCAN, Jodi spent three years with Law Enforcement Against Prohibition, an international speakers bureau of current and former law enforcement professionals.
Jodi has spoken at national conferences including the National NORML conference, the Marijuana Policy Project conferences, Patients Out of Time Conferences on Cannabis Therapeutics; and international events including the Drug Policy Alliance and MENSA. In Florida, she has shared her humor, wisdom, and experience with audiences from the Panhandle to the Keys.
Jodi is the managing partner for McKinney James Works, a private consulting firm, and Director of Business Development with CR World, a cannabis product company. Currently, she is serving as president of the Board of Directors while training a new generation to advocate for access to the Cannabis plant.
See and Be Seen – We Do Not Go Quietly into the Night
Tanya Osborne
Founder, NAHE, LLC | Founder, OGAM, Inc. | Founder, Bossie Budz
Nicole N’daiye is a trailblazing cultivator, educator, and community organizer shaping the future of cannabis and hemp in New York State. As the founder of NAHE LLC, OGAM INC, and BOSSIEE BUDZ LLC, she manages over ten hemp and cannabis farms, leading innovative multi-crop operations and fostering partnerships with Amish farmers to promote land stewardship and sustainability.
Born and raised in the Bronx, Nicole’s roots in community engagement run deep. She serves as Coordinator at Bathgate Community Garden and is an active member at Cooke’s Community Farm, where she grows and donates fresh produce to local markets. Her grassroots leadership has supported annual events that uplift and educate underserved communities of color through food, farming, and cannabis literacy.
Nicole’s advocacy extends to policy as a member of Black Farmers United and Chair of the NYC Committee for the New York Cannabis Growers and Processors Association. Since entering the hemp industry in 2018, she has been instrumental in New York’s industrial hemp research, product innovation, and regulatory navigation—culminating in receiving her Adult Use Conditional Cultivation license in 2022.
An honors graduate with degrees in Computer Engineering Technology and Business Management, and a Master’s with Distinction from Long Island University Brooklyn, Nicole also holds certifications in construction, safety, and solar energy. She has traced COVID-19 outbreaks, taught Cannabis Cultivation 101 at Medgar Evers College, and continues to model what resilience, equity, and environmental justice look like in action.
Land, Labor & Liberation:
Building Cannabis Partnerships Across Communities
Season George
Owner, Five Sisters Farm | Cultivator | Curator
Season George is owner operator of Five Sisters Farm, a certified regenerative destination located in Southern Humboldt County. Season is a pioneer in the cannabis tourism space , tours offered are featured in the 101 things to do in the north coast , listed as a unique lodging experience with CTAI , also a super host on Hip Camp for the last seven years . Utilizing her background in community gardening she has turned her licensed cultivation space into an educational consumer outreach opportunity. Five Sisters Farm demonstrates the meaning of Craft Cannabis with heritage cultivars grown in living soil, among a diverse polyculture, showcasing beneficial plant guilds, Hugelculture mounds, using rainwater catchment and closed loop inputs. Five Sisters Farm has overcome the challenges of being in a remote location of the Emerald Triangle removed from her customer base by creating an inviting and enriching space to connect with consumers, while offering an unforgettable brand buy in experience.
Creating Unforgettable Customer Connections through Education
Aviva Vuvuzela
Producer | Cannabis Activist and Commentator | Entertaining Educator
Aviva Vuvuzela is a dynamic force in Georgia’s cannabis community, blending her talents as a musician, activist, educator, and innovator to champion the benefits and potential of hemp. Over two decades ago, she recorded “Cannabis Car” with her band, Aviva and the Flying Penguins, marking the inception of her journey as a cannabis advocate. Through her organization, the Georgia Hemp Economic Revival Organization (GA HERO), founded over a decade ago, Aviva has fostered community engagement via grassroots events and legislative field trips aimed at revitalizing Georgia’s economy through a thriving local industrial hemp market.
Beyond activism, Aviva is pioneering “Hempcreate,” an eco-friendly hemp plaster technique with diverse applications. Her commitment to sustainable building was showcased in 2019 when she utilized hemp products to repair a playhouse at the Wylde Center in Decatur, Georgia, demonstrating hemp hurd’s effectiveness as a building material.
Aviva’s multifaceted efforts continue to inspire and drive the conversation around hemp’s role in economic development and environmental sustainability in Georgia and beyond.
Hemp and the Environment: Fuel, Phytoremediation, and Plaster Art
Dr. Pepper Hernandez, ND, PhD
Naturopath | Speaker | Writer | Journalist | Cannabis Educator
Dr. Pepper Hernandez, ND, PhD, is a distinguished naturopathic doctor and holistic health practitioner with over two decades of experience. She holds dual board certifications and has been recognized with awards such as Best Educator, Best Speaker, and Most Environmentally Conscious. As a Certified Natural Health Professional and Live Food Nutritionist, Dr. Hernandez integrates a comprehensive approach to wellness, offering her services globally through telemedicine.
In addition to her clinical practice, Dr. Hernandez is a renowned speaker, writer, journalist, and cannabis educator. She founded the Cannabis Holistic Institute in Humboldt County, California, serving as its Educational Director. Through this institute, she emphasizes the therapeutic benefits of sun-grown, organic, whole-plant cannabis medicine sourced from regenerative small farms, advocating for the traditional craft farmers of Humboldt County.
Dr. Hernandez’s dedication to holistic health extends to her role as CEO and Director of Natural Medicine on the Plaza, a holistic health practice in Humboldt County that was awarded “Best of Humboldt: Holistic Health Category” in 2019. Her practice focuses on improving patients’ health through emotional shifting, positive lifestyle changes, spiritual coaching, and cannabis therapy.
As an advocate for holistic cannabis usage, Dr. Hernandez has contributed extensively to cannabis education and research. She has written numerous articles on topics such as managing pain and inflammation with cannabis, the interaction between cannabis and the endocannabinoid system, and the differences between full-spectrum and isolated CBD in promoting wellness.
Dr. Hernandez also hosts the “Quantum Alignment Series” podcast, providing a platform to explore various healing modalities and empower listeners on their holistic health journeys. Her commitment to integrating science and spirituality is evident in her research interests, which include neuroscience, neuroplasticity, and quantum physics.
Through her multifaceted work, Dr. Pepper Hernandez continues to inspire and educate individuals worldwide, promoting holistic health practices and advocating for the responsible use of cannabis in healing and wellness.
Strain Specific Medicine: The Importance of Cannabinoids and Terpenes for Different Body Systems
Maya Elisabeth
Founder, OM | Co-Founder, Whoopi & Maya
Maya Elisabeth is a pioneering and visionary force in the cannabis industry, celebrated for her deep reverence for the plant, her unmatched talent for formulation, and her unwavering commitment to holistic healing and women’s empowerment. With over 15 years of experience as a cannabis entrepreneur, educator, and activist, Maya has become one of the most influential voices in the movement toward plant-based wellness.
In 2008, under California’s Proposition 215, Maya founded Om Edibles, an all-female-run collective based in the Bay Area, rooted in the mission of delivering high-quality, consciously crafted cannabis medicine to legal patients. From its inception, OM has focused on merging cannabis with other healing herbs, adaptogens, and superfoods to create products that do more than relieve symptoms—they support true holistic well-being. With offerings that include tinctures, topicals, infused bath salts, and edibles, Om Edibles has established itself as a gold standard in the cannabis wellness space. The company holds 24 Emerald Cup awards, a testament to Maya’s dedication to excellence and innovation.
Maya treats cannabis not just as a medicine, but as a superfood—a sacred and multifaceted plant with the power to nourish, soothe, and transform. Her guiding philosophy, “if we wouldn’t put it in our mouths, it doesn’t belong on our skin,” is woven through every aspect of her product design. This attention to integrity and intention has made OM one of the most trusted brands in California’s cannabis scene and beyond. With both THC and CBD formulations, the company reaches customers worldwide, bridging access to plant medicine in both regulated and wellness-focused markets.
In 2016, Maya expanded her mission with the co-founding of Whoopi & Maya, a groundbreaking partnership with actress Whoopi Goldberg. The brand was designed specifically to address menstrual discomfort—an area often overlooked in mainstream cannabis product development. By centering women’s needs and experiences, the collaboration broke barriers and opened up important conversations about cannabis, pain relief, and reproductive health.
Known for her “super palate”, Maya is also a seasoned flower and concentrate judge, with a keen sensitivity to terpenes, strain profiles, and energetic signatures of cannabis cultivars. Her intuitive understanding of the plant is as refined as her technical knowledge, and her formulations are infused with this rare combination of artistry, science, and spiritual connection.
Beyond the realm of product development, Maya is a passionate educator, public speaker, and thought leader. She regularly shares her knowledge through interviews, podcasts, panel discussions, and workshops, offering insights into formulation, infusion, terpene synergy, and the role of cannabis in enhancing health, comfort, and pleasure. Her work helps demystify cannabis for new users while deepening the understanding of seasoned consumers and industry professionals.
Throughout her career, Maya has served as a trailblazer and advocate for women in cannabis, creating space for feminine leadership and healing perspectives in an industry that has often been dominated by masculine energy. Her leadership style is collaborative and heart-centered, and her influence continues to inspire a generation of women to engage with cannabis not just as a commodity, but as a path to empowerment, creativity, and wellness.
Whether formulating award-winning products, championing small regenerative farms, or educating communities on the healing potential of the plant, Maya Elisabeth stands as a beacon in the global cannabis movement. Her legacy is one of devotion—to the plant, to the people, and to the promise of a more conscious and compassionate cannabis culture.
Cannabis Self-Care For The Mind, Body & Soul
Abi Roach
Founder, Hotbox | Founder & Chief Visionary Officer, Jane Dope
Abi Roach is a pioneering figure in Canada’s cannabis industry, with over two decades of experience in entrepreneurship, product development, and brand strategy. In 2000, she founded the iconic Hotbox, a cannabis lounge and retail space in Toronto’s Kensington Market, which she operated until its sale in 2020.
Beyond her entrepreneurial ventures, Abi has been a steadfast advocate for cannabis law reform and she has represented Canada at international conventions and lobbied for policy changes at various government levels.
In 2020, Abi joined the Ontario Cannabis Store as a Senior Category Manager, focusing on concentrates and accessories, where she leveraged her extensive industry knowledge to enhance consumer experiences.
Currently, Abi serves as the Founder and Chief Visionary Officer of Jane Dope Inc., a cutting-edge cannabis lifestyle brand emphasizing herb, cosmetics, and apparel.
Her ongoing commitment to innovation and advocacy continues to shape and elevate the cannabis landscape in Canada.
From Hotbox to Headlines: Scaling Ideas in a Legal Market
Queenee Gonzalez
Dab Educator | Cannabis Content Creator | “Unqualified with Queenee” Podcast Host
Queenee is a leading cannabis educator, content creator, and advocate specializing in cannabis concentrates and dabbing education. As the CEO and Lead Educator of House of Queenee, she is dedicated to breaking stigmas around dabs as medicinal and helping consumers make informed choices in New York’s legal cannabis market.
With 25 years of experience as a registered medical assistant, Melodie has worked in trauma, cardiovascular, orthopedic, neurosurgery, and pulmonary health. Holding a bachelor’s degree in Health Services Administration, she bridges her medical expertise with cannabis education, emphasizing the therapeutic benefits of cannabis extracts.
As a dab educator and brand activation specialist, she trains budtenders and dispensary staff, enhancing their product knowledge and customer engagement strategies. She also curates immersive dab bar experiences, showcasing premium solventless concentrates from both the legal and legacy markets.
Queenee is also the creator of A Dabber Is Born, a unique event series celebrating dabbing culture, and the host of a cannabis education podcast, where she shares insights on concentrates, consumption methods, and industry trends. Her engaging social media content on Instagram, TikTok, and podcasts blends humor, entertainment, and education, attracting a loyal community of concentrate connoisseurs.
Outside of her cannabis advocacy, Queenee enjoys journaling, meditation, and fitness. She is currently training for a 5K and embracing a plant-based, organic lifestyle as part of her wellness journey through endometriosis and perimenopause.
HOST
The Dank Duchess
Hashish Consultant | Cannabis Cultivator | Global Educator | Public Speaker
The Dank Duchess is an internationally recognized Hashish Consultant, Cannabis Cultivator, and Public Speaker with over two decades of expertise in cannabis. Trained by some of the best hash makers, she has built a global reputation for hashish production, judging elite competitions, and educating millions through media, writing, and public speaking.
Duchess has consulted with cultivators worldwide, optimizing hash production for both small-scale artisans and large facilities. Her expertise has made her a featured judge at prestigious cannabis competitions such as Emerald Cup and Masters of Rosin, ensuring the highest standards in hashish are upheld.
A dedicated educator and advocate, Duchess has made multiple media appearances, including VICELAND’s Bong Appétit (Seasons 1 & 3), and has reached millions online through her YouTube streams, social media content, and cannabis education initiatives. She has shared her expertise as a guest speaker at the University of British Columbia, the University of Barcelona, and Medgar Evers College, and her writing has been published in Weed World UK, Cannabis Now, Skunk Magazine, and Ed Rosenthal’s books. She has also contributed chapters to Stephen Gray’s How Psychedelics Can Help Save the World and Ed Rosenthal’s This Bud’s for You.
Beyond her work with hash, Duchess is committed to diversity and representation in cannabis. She founded Mocha Mary Jane, an online community supporting Black and Brown female growers and hashmakers, providing mentorship and industry education. She also serves on the boards of the Network of Applied Pharmacognosy (NAP) and the Association for Comprehensive Health Equity in Medicine (ACHEM), furthering cannabis research and health advocacy.
In collaboration with Method Seven, she represents a line of eyewear tailored for cannabis cultivators, merging function with style.
Whether judging the world’s finest hashish, consulting cultivators, speaking on global stages, or producing educational content, The Dank Duchess remains a driving force in hashish culture and cannabis advocacy, living by her mottos: “Cannabis flower fuels my power” and “My Niche is Hashish.”
Host