Moderator
Brendon Robinson
Chairman & Co-Founder, New Jersey Cannabis Chamber of Commerce
Brendon Robinson is Chairman and Co-Founder of the New Jersey Cannabis Chamber of Commerce, Co-Founder and CEO of Mudd Brothers Cannabis Co., and President of the Minority Cannabis Academy. He works to connect industry leaders, strengthen cannabis businesses, and expand education and opportunity across the sector.
Moderator
Hirsh Jain
Founder, Ananda Strategy
Hirsh Jain is the founder of Ananda Strategy, a consultancy advising cannabis businesses on strategy, licensing, regulation, and market expansion. His experience includes cannabis policy and government affairs, as well as previous roles at Airbnb and McKinsey & Company.
Panelist
Ngiste Abebe
Founder, KND Group
Ngiste Abebe is a Virginia-based cannabis policy and strategy leader and founder of the KND Group. Her work focuses on equitable cannabis policy, community engagement, and helping shape the Commonwealth’s evolving cannabis landscape.
Panelist
Jordan Tritt
Founder & CEO, The Panther Group
Jordan Tritt is Founder and CEO of The Panther Group, a cannabis merchant bank and advisory firm. A finance executive and investor, he has held CFO, VP of Finance, and controller roles at high-growth companies and venture funds, helping raise more than $30 million.
Panelist
Tahir Johnson
Founder & CEO, Simply Pure Trenton
Tahir Johnson is the Founder and CEO of Simply Pure Trenton, a licensed adult-use cannabis retailer in Ewing, New Jersey. A cannabis entrepreneur, educator, and advocate for equity and entrepreneurship, he has worked with the Marijuana Policy Project and the National Cannabis Industry Association.
Panelist
Nick Bryan
Founder, Golden State Banana
Nick Bryan is the founder of Golden State Banana, a cannabis brand known for its distinctive genetics and cultivation. With more than 25 years in the industry, he has helped build the brand from its California roots into a growing multistate business.
Panelist
Julie Winter
Chief Revenue Officer, AYR Wellness
Julie Winter is Chief Revenue Officer at AYR Wellness, where she helps lead the company’s revenue-generating operations across retail, wholesale, purchasing, and marketing.
Panelist
Hope Wiseman
Founder & CEO, Mary & Main
Hope Wiseman is the Founder and CEO of Mary & Main, a Black-owned dispensary in Maryland, and Founder and CEO of WISECO. After beginning her career in investment banking, she entered the cannabis industry to build a community-centered business and expand opportunities for underrepresented entrepreneurs.
