Genlizzie Garibay, PhD. (Polita Pepper)

Co-Founder/Director of CANNATIVA | Co-Founder of RELAMUCA

Genlizzie Garibay, PhD. graduated with honors from the National School of Anthropology and History (ENAH), she conducts research on indigenous cannabis-growing communities in Latin America. She is the co-founder and director of the civil association CANNATIVA, dedicated to education on entheogens and the development of social projects with diverse populations. A researcher, activist, educator, feminist, and content creator specializing in education on quality control, psychedelics, and social justice, she approaches her work with an integral and bioethical perspective. She is also the co-founder of the Latin American Network of Cannabis Women (RELAMUCA) and co-producer of the documentary Cannábicas.

cannativa.net
IG: @politapepper

Women, Self-Sustaining Communities, and Ancestral Wisdom in the Age of the World’s Unraveling

Buy Tickets | Back to Speakers

Dr. Miyabe Shields

Cannabinoid Pharma. Research Scientist | Queer Neurodivergent Stoner Scientist

Dr. Miyabe Shields, is a pharmaceutical scientist specializing in the structural biochemistry of the endocannabinoid system for the past 14 years, has academic, industrial, and personal experience with cannabis as medicine. Following their Ph.D., they co-founded a cannabis research startup, exploring heat-transformed cannabinoids and developing new extraction methods. In 2023, Miyabe co-founded the Network of Applied Pharmacognosy (NAP), a research nonprofit focused on studying natural product synergies and prioritizing lived experience.

Miyabe is passionate about public education and science advocacy, reaching over 6 million people through social media and podcasts, educating on the therapeutic benefits of cannabis and psychedelics for neurodivergent brains. They run a course/community called “The Neurodivergent Brain on Drugs” and have self-published a sci-fi novel in 2024 titled “High Hopes,” about a dystopian universe with similar biochemistry to our own. Additionally, Miyabe is a musician, blending alternative and folk punk with broadway musical influenced vocals.

Cannabis, Cognition, and Identity: A Neurodivergent Approach to Healing

Buy Tickets | Back to Speakers

Angelika Penuela-Ruiz

Head of Customer Success, Distru

Angelika Penuela-Ruiz is a dynamic and accomplished leader in the cannabis industry, bringing over a decade of hands-on experience across multiple verticals, including retail, cultivation, distribution, and manufacturing. With a Bachelor of Arts in Radio and Television Broadcasting Technology/Technician from San Francisco State University, Angelika combines her technical expertise with a deep understanding of compliance, operational best practices, and industry education.

For the past five and a half years, Angelika has been a driving force at Distru, a leading cannabis inventory management software company. As the Head of Customer Success, she leads a high-performing team of 14 professionals, collaborating with licensees nationwide to optimize operations, enhance efficiencies, and foster lasting partnerships. Her role frequently takes her on-site to facilities across the United States, where she works closely with clients to implement innovative solutions and drive success in an ever-evolving industry.

Angelika’s passion for the cannabis space, coupled with her strategic leadership and commitment to customer excellence, continues to make her a respected and influential figure in the field.

Mastering Distribution & Manufacturing in Cannabis: Strategies for Success

Buy Tickets | Back to Speakers

Chelsea Kossower

VP of Sales and Global, Puffco

Chelsea Kossower serves as the Vice President of Sales and Global at Puffco, a pioneering brand in cannabis technology. Joining the company as its first employee in 2013, Chelsea has been instrumental in shaping Puffco’s growth, building one of the industry’s top-performing sales teams, and driving the brand’s international expansion.

With a deep understanding of the cannabis community, Chelsea emphasizes authentic engagement and cultural alignment in her approach to sales and global strategy. Known for her resilience and advocacy for women in the industry, she continues to champion innovation while fostering meaningful connections across global markets.

Beyond her work, Chelsea is driven by a passion for Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, a discipline she’s actively pursued for years. An in-demand speaker at global conferences and on podcasts, she is committed to making cannabis more accessible and fostering a deeper understanding of its benefits.

Authenticity and Advocacy: Global Trends in Cannabis Culture

Buy Tickets | Back to Speakers

Dasheeda Dawson

Founding Director, Cannabis NYC | Cannabis Regulators of Color Coalition (CRCC)

Dasheeda Dawson is The WeedHead™, a global cannabis advocate, award-winning Fortune 100 business strategist and bestselling author of How to Succeed in the Cannabis Industry featured across multiple outlets including Entrepreneur, The New York Times, and Essence. She has over 20 years of business development, strategic management and brand marketing excellence while leading dynamic teams for United Way, Target and Victoria’s Secret. Nearly a decade ago, she transitioned into the legal cannabis industry as a senior executive consultant, strategy expert and thought leader for multiple businesses, municipalities, and media outlets across the United States and abroad. 

Currently, Dasheeda is the Founding Director of Cannabis NYC, overseeing the development of the legal cannabis industry for the City of New York. Immediately prior, she was appointed the City of Portland Cannabis Program Manager overseeing all regulatory licensing, compliance, education and equity initiatives for Portland’s legal industry. She is co-founder of Comprehensive Health Equity Movement (CHEM) and serves as founding Board Chair of the Cannabis Regulators of Color Coalition (CRCC), a national non-profit membership organization for government leaders in post-prohibition cannabis policy and implementation. Dasheeda received her MBA from Rutgers University and an undergraduate degree in molecular biology from Princeton University.

The Lies & Long Money of Hemp

Buy Tickets | Back to Speakers

Ashley Asatu, MPA

Womb Wellness Specialist | Founder, The Yoni Day Spa

Ashley Asatu is redefining the landscape of feminine health, blending ancient healing traditions with modern wellness practices. A Stockton native and mother of two, she is the founder of The Yoni Day Spa and co-founder of HIO Collective, both dedicated to empowering individuals through holistic healing.

The Yoni Day Spa is an intimate sanctuary offering yoni steaming, womb therapy, and personalized treatments crafted from potent herbs and essential oils. Beyond physical healing, the spa integrates yoga and spiritually affirming rituals, fostering a deep connection between body, mind, and pleasure.

In 2016, Ashley Asatu launched The Yogasm Experience, The Yoni Day Spa’s signature workshop exploring the intersection of Yoga, Sensual Liberation, Womb-Based Wellness Rituals, and Plant Medicine. Since then, she has guided thousands of people—across the U.S. and internationally—in strengthening their bodies and deepening their orgasmic pleasure through her unique pelvic floor and womb-based workout techniques.

As a passionate advocate for wellness in communities of color, Ashley Asatu also co-founded HIO Collective, an annual cannabis-friendly retreat offering a sacred space for spiritual, educational, and social enrichment.

With a vision to expand The Yoni Day Spa into global wellness partnerships and to certify the next generation of yoni steam practitioners, Ashley Asatu continues to lead the charge in holistic reproductive health.

Stay connected and catch her on tour by visiting www.ashleyasatu.com and following @ashleyasatu on social media.

From Pain to Pleasure: Cannabis as a Tool for Menstrual and Sexual Health

Buy Tickets | Back to Speakers

Ashley Gaertig

Founder, ICExtract Equipment

Ashley Gaertig is the co-founder of ICExtract, a leading provider of high-end solventless extraction equipment. Her journey into the cannabis industry began over two decades ago in Michigan, where she and her husband, Eric, started cultivating cannabis for personal use. With the advent of medical cannabis laws, they expanded their efforts, becoming caregivers and supplying affordable medicine to patients. Their passion for quality led them to explore hash production, especially after a transformative trip to Amsterdam in 2013, where they were introduced to advanced vaporization techniques. This experience shifted their focus entirely to solventless hash, and they have remained dedicated enthusiasts ever since.

In 2014, facing challenges in sourcing quality extraction bags, Ashley and Eric decided to design and produce their own, tailored to the specific needs of hash makers. Their commitment to excellence was tested in 2015 when a raid resulted in significant personal losses. Undeterred, they liquidated their remaining assets, including vehicles and personal belongings, to fund the rapid development of ICExtract. This bold move was their “hail Mary,” and a decade later, ICExtract stands as a testament to their resilience and innovation.

Beyond her entrepreneurial endeavors, Ashley is recognized for her deep love of hash and her contributions to the cannabis community. She has served as a judge at prestigious events like The Emerald Cup, bringing her expertise and passion to the evaluation of top-tier solventless products. Under her leadership, ICExtract has expanded from producing extraction bags to offering a comprehensive range of non-solvent equipment, accessories, and apparel, all designed to enhance the efficiency and quality of ice water extractions. Her story is one of dedication, innovation, and an unwavering commitment to advancing the art and science of hash making.

From Raid to Revolution: The Grit and Grind Behind ICExtract Equipment

Buy Tickets | Back to Speakers

Candice Massaro

Organic Hemp Geneticist | Cultivator | Founder, CQG Farms

Candice Massaro is the visionary founder and operator of CQG Farms, a fully organic and sustainable hemp farm in Florida dedicated to high-quality CBD cultivation and holistic health education. With 11 years of hands-on cultivation experience and 7 years as a seed maker, she has established herself as a leader in organic cannabis breeding, specializing in regenerative agriculture and patient-focused solutions.

At the core of Candice’s work is a commitment to empowering patients to reclaim their health through education and access to clean, potent plant medicine. She believes that CBD and hemp-based healing are catalysts for community collaboration and holistic well-being, and she works tirelessly to ensure that individuals have the knowledge and tools to make informed decisions about their health.

Candice’s expertise extends beyond cultivation; she is deeply knowledgeable in predictive breeding processes, troubleshooting cultivation challenges, soil health, permaculture, and apothecary practices. Her holistic approach integrates sustainable farming with the science of plant medicine, ensuring that each step of cultivation—from soil preparation to final product—aligns with nature’s regenerative principles.

A passionate advocate for veterans’ wellness, Candice also dedicates her efforts to developing CBD strains tailored to support veterans, helping them manage stress, pain, and other health concerns through natural, plant-based remedies.

Through CQG Farms, Candice continues to push the boundaries of organic, sustainable, and patient-focused cannabis cultivation, blending science, tradition, and advocacy to create a lasting impact in Florida’s cannabis landscape.

Beyond the Bud: The What, Why, and How of Hemp Cultivation

Buy Tickets | Back to Speakers

Julie Chiariello

Owner & Editor-In-Chief, SKUNK Magazine

As a woman in business for the last 26 years, Julie Chiariello has enjoyed bringing green, cutting-edge products successfully to market and empowering others to succeed. She is a medical cannabis user, a certified herbalist and believes in the use and protection of herbal medicines in all their forms. She is a champion of new style business that upholds the tenets of sustainability, empowered consumerism, philanthropy and a more intelligent use of our collective resources. She has successfully built and led the sales teams of various companies within the yoga, health and wellness industries and entered the Cannabis market in the vaporizer manufacturing segment 18 years ago, where she was blessed to cultivate a global network of friends and activists. In her travels, she has heard stories that have touched and enraged her and have moved her to action in her work as Owner and Editor-in-chief at SKUNK Magazine in empowering small businesses to succeed and giving a voice to the unseen and unheard that continue to suffer and be torn apart by this heinous public crime. She is devoted to a green renaissance, not a green/greed rush and she is just one in the midst of millions who are banding together globally to tear the ugly plague of cannabis prohibition down, creating healing and empowerment for the people and the planet.

The Green Renaissance: Cannabis, Hemp, and Our Sacred Healing Connection

Buy Tickets | Back to Speakers

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.”

We Are the Leaders We Have Been Waiting For

Buy Tickets | Back to Speakers

Noxolo Mhlongo

Cannabis Enthusiast | Lifestyle Educator | Faculty @ the Gordon Institute of Business Sciences

Noxolo “Noxy” Mhlongo is a dedicated cannabis educator and advocate who has been actively involved in the South African cannabis industry since 2019. Her passion for natural wellness and healing drives her commitment to sharing knowledge about the therapeutic benefits of cannabis.

At Cheeba Africa, the continent’s premier cannabis academy, Noxolo conducts workshops aimed at educating individuals about various aspects of cannabis cultivation and use. In addition to her role at Cheeba Africa, she serves as part-time faculty at the Gordon Institute of Business Science (GIBS), where she teaches the “Cannabis Lifestyle” module within the Business of Cannabis course.

Noxolo is also a prolific digital content creator, utilizing platforms like Instagram to disseminate information and engage with a broader audience. Her online presence reflects her belief in the power of education to transform perceptions and promote the acceptance of cannabis as a natural alternative for health and wellness.

Through her multifaceted efforts in teaching, content creation, and community engagement, Noxolo Mhlongo continues to play a pivotal role in advancing the cannabis industry in South Africa and beyond

Cannabis and Everyday Wellness: A Modern Approach to Natural Living

Buy Tickets | Back to Speakers

Pilar DeJesus

Advocate | Organizer | Educator | Solopreneur

Pilar DeJesus a fierce advocate, organizer, educator and solopreneur whose work is rooted in justice, healing, and community empowerment. A proud Latina from NYC, born to Mexican and Puerto Rican parents, she has navigated the intersections of survival, resilience, and transformation to become a leader in the fight for cannabis equity, tenant rights, and social justice.

Her professional journey spans corporate and nonprofit sectors, having worked at major institutions like Pfizer and numerous community-based organizations. Pilar DeJesus understands firsthand the impact of trauma and the power of healing. She has been inside jails and prisons, both as a visitor and an inmate, her experience on Rikers as an inmate happen to be on Women International Day 2019. 

Despite these challenges, she has never stopped fighting—for herself, for her community, and for a better world. She has run for office, worked tirelessly to keep NYC tenants in their homes, writes policy, runs her business and continues to advocate for the cannabis industry to prioritize equity, reparations, and economic justice. She has also pioneered many educational initiatives, like the Juneteenth Block party – first block party to educate community of all ages about cannabis and give away everything away cannabis to 21 and over while celebrating Juneteenth. 

Her work reflects a deep understanding of systemic injustices, and she is relentless in her pursuit of abolition, reparations, and community-led economic empowerment. Through every battle, Pilar DeJesus remains deeply rooted in her purpose—using her voice, experiences, and skills to dismantle oppressive systems, uplift impacted communities, and create spaces for healing, learning, and liberation.

High Stakes, HigHER Purpose: Women Leading in Cannabis

Buy Tickets | Back to Speakers

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.

Endometriosis & Cannabis: Empowering Women Through Relief

Buy Tickets | Back to Speakers

Tanya Osborne

NYS Cannabis Community Leader | Medical Cannabis Advocate | The CannaDiva

Tanya Osborne is a visionary leader in cannabis advocacy, business development, and community empowerment, whose work has shaped the industry in New York State and beyond. With a deep passion for equity, education, and entrepreneurship, she has dedicated her career to supporting women in cannabis, ensuring they have access to the resources, knowledge, and opportunities necessary for success.

As the former Director of Community and Digital Production at Women Grow, Tanya played a pivotal role in expanding the organization’s reach, amplifying women’s voices in the cannabis space, and fostering a powerful network of female entrepreneurs. Her passion for uplifting women led to the creation of The CannaDiva, LLC, a brand designed to celebrate, connect, and support women at every stage of their cannabis journey—whether they are consumers, advocates, or business owners.

In addition to her entrepreneurial endeavors, Tanya is a sought-after mentor and coach, providing expert guidance on navigating the complexities of the cannabis industry. She specializes in simplifying regulations, helping entrepreneurs develop sustainable business strategies, and advocating for medical cannabis patients. Her hands-on approach ensures that women, particularly those from underrepresented communities, are equipped with the tools they need to thrive.

Tanya’s leadership and influence extend far beyond her personal ventures. She serves on several key advisory boards, including the NYS Cannabis Workforce Initiative, CUNY’s Cannabis Advisory, and The NYC Cannabis Parade, where she actively contributes to shaping policies, workforce development, and community engagement in the cannabis sector. Her commitment to advocacy, education, and industry advancement has made her a respected voice in legislative discussions and cannabis reform efforts.

With an unwavering dedication to fostering positive change, Tanya continues to champion women’s empowerment, business inclusivity, and community-driven initiatives in the cannabis space. Whether through mentorship, policy work, or entrepreneurship, she remains a driving force in shaping a more equitable and accessible cannabis industry.

Medical Cannabis is STILL Important in an Adult Use State

Buy Tickets | Back to Speakers

Twinkle Paryani

Cannabis Research Scientist

Twinkle Paryani is a dedicated cannabis research scientist with a robust background in public health and analytical chemistry. She began her career at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), focusing on the analysis of tobacco metabolites. In 2021, Twinkle transitioned into the cannabis industry, initially contributing her expertise in an analytical testing lab. By 2022, she joined Abstrax Tech, where she has been instrumental in the research and development of novel compounds aimed at optimizing cannabis formulations and production processes.

Twinkle’s notable work includes identifying the specific molecules responsible for tropical and cheese-like aroma profiles in cannabis. Her research has led to the discovery of compounds such as 3-mercaptohexyl hexanoate (3-MHH), which contributes to intense citrus and sulfurous scents, and the identification of octanoic and decanoic acids, linked to sharp, pungent cheese aromas. These groundbreaking findings have been documented in two peer-reviewed publications and presented at five scientific conferences, significantly advancing the understanding of cannabis aroma profiles.

Passionate about making science accessible, Twinkle has engaged in over a dozen podcasts, webinars, and other public education platforms, demystifying complex scientific concepts for diverse audiences. Her commitment to community impact drives her to apply analytical chemistry in ways that maximize societal benefit, particularly within the evolving field of cannabis research.

The Science of Scent: Exploring Cannabis’ Chemical Complexity and Aromatic Influence

Buy Tickets | Back to Speakers

Rachael Carlevale

Certified Yoga Teacher | Educator | Regenerative Farmer

Rachael Carlevale is a passionate advocate for holistic wellness, blending plant spirit medicine, yoga, permaculture, and regenerative farming. As the founder of Ganjasana: Cannabis Yoga Ceremonies, a Yoga Alliance Registered School, she integrates ancient wisdom with modern healing practices, rooted in the principles of earth care, people care, and fair share.

Her deep connection to indigenous traditions, particularly the Shipibo Tribe of the Peruvian Amazon, has profoundly shaped her approach to plant medicine. Through immersive study, she has integrated Shipibo teachings into her work, honoring their wisdom in ceremonial cannabis practices and holistic healing.

Rachael’s background includes a pre-med degree with honors from the University of Massachusetts, where she collaborated with ethnobotanist Chris Kilham to study plant medicines in the Amazon. She is a certified yoga instructor through the Shambhava School of Yoga and holds a certification in Mindfulness Education from UC Berkeley’s Greater Good Science Center.

A recipient of the Cosmic Sister + MAPS Women of the Psychedelic Renaissance Grant, Rachael’s research focuses on psychedelics and cannabis as healing tools. She has held leadership roles, including Education Program Manager at Planned Parenthood and Education Director at Empowering Education, and served as Sales Director for Moon Mother Hemp.

Through Ganjasana, Rachael teaches cannabis cultivation, regenerative farming, and wellness, offering a 100-hour Yoga Alliance Continuing Education course. She also founded The Green Tent, a women’s cannabis circle supporting womb wellness through ancient rituals.

She has spoken at major events like Bonnaroo, Women Grow, and The Matriarch Gathering, and has been featured in LA Yoga, Civilized, VICE, Alternet, and The Denver Post. Her work has earned her a Yoga Journal Conference Award and a White House 1st Place Grant in Permaculture Gardening.

With her deep respect for indigenous wisdom, plant medicine, and regenerative agriculture, Rachael continues to inspire and educate, fostering a harmonious relationship between people and the planet.

Empowered Healing: Green Tent Yoga & Meditation for Women’s Health with Cannabis

Buy Tickets | Back to Speakers

Sarai Knowledge

Immigrant | Epileptic | Cannabis Patient | Serial Entrepreneur

Cannabis and Epilepsy: A Journey of Healing and Hope

Buy Tickets | Back to Speakers

Tosin Ajayi

Cannabis Policy Strategist | Equity Advocate

Planting the Seeds of Change: Women’s Advocacy and Policy in Cannabis

Buy Tickets | Back to Speakers

Murphy Murri

BHO Extraction Specialist

Purification, Isolation, and Remediation: How Quality Control Shapes Your Lab and Dabs

Buy Tickets | Back to Speakers

Mila Jansen

Hash Pioneer | Inventor of the Pollinator, the Ice-O-Lator, and the Bubbleator

Being the Hash Queen

Buy Tickets | Back to Speakers