Educational Session Speakers
Hybrid Tent
1 pm
Social Justice /
Social Equity
Chareese "Queen" Haile / The Veiled Lawyer
(Belle Terre Law Firm)
Chareese "Queen" Haile, Esq. is a licensed Louisiana attorney and a fourth generation Cannabis entrepreneur. She is an alumna of the Cannabis Compliance, Law, and Policy Institute of Southern University Law Center, and the owner of Belle Terre Law Firm. Her practice areas are Business, Cannabis, and Intellectual Property Law. As the Louisiana state chapter director for Minorities for Medical Marijuana, Inc., she educates Louisiana citizens on their Cannabis rights and helps to advance Cannabis policy and legislation. In her leisure time, she enjoys hula hooping, cooking home cooked meals, traveling, and learning new languages
Sativa Tent
3 pm
Ancillary Business Landscape (non-plant touching opportunities) & Industry Employment Opportunities
Shira Bettis
(Vintage Cannabis Company)
Shira Bettis is a native of Baton Rouge, Louisiana, and a graduate of both Southern University and A&M College and Tuskegee University, where she majored in both Agricultural Sciences and Veterinary Science, respectively.
She began her foray into the cannabis industry in 2019 as the Director of Manufacturing and Lab Operations for GB Sciences/Wellcana, the contractor for LSU’s medical marijuana program.
She then segued into a position at the Southern University Institute of Medicinal Plants assisting in setting up their medical marijuana research laboratory.
Most recently, she was selected as the state’s analytical chemist overseeing the testing of medical marijuana for both LSU and SU.
In 2022, she opened her own consumable hemp dispensary, Vintage Cannabis Company, and a cannabis consulting firm, Cannavise Consulting.
She has been featured in magazines such as VoyageAustin, Shoutout Atlanta, and VoyageAtlanta.
Indica Tent
1 pm
Plant Medicine & its Relationship with the Body's Endocannabinoid System
Dr. Gregory Ward
[Louisiana Medical Cannabis Institute (LMCI)]
Dr. Gregory Ward is board certified by the American Academy of Pain Management and board certified by the American Academy of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation. Dr. Ward also has the pleasure of serving as a Fellow of the American Academy of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation. As a licensed physician in Louisiana. Georgia and Florida, he has enjoyed practicing medicine in Baton Rouge since 1990 where he is the founder of the Louisiana Institute of Physical Medicine. Most recently, he completed CBD Marijuana Physician certification for the state of Florida and Platelet Rich Plasma and Stem Cell certification.
Currently, he serves as Medical Director of Rehabilitation at Lane Regional Medical Center, Nottingham Regional Rehab Center, Carrington Place of Baton Rouge, and a rural health clinic in Plaquemine, Accord Rehab Center. Previously, Dr. Ward served as a Medical Director of Rehabilitation at Baton Rouge General Medical Center-Mid City campus, Medical Director of Rehabilitation at Baton Rouge General Medical Systems, Interim Medical Director of Rehabilitation at
Teche Regional Medical Center, Rehabilitation Medical Director at the Baton Rouge Rehab Hospital, and Medical Director of Physical Medicine at River West Medical Center. He was appointed by Louisiana governors, Buddy Roemer and Edwin Edwards, to serve on the Louisiana State Board of Physical Therapy Examiners during the years of 1992 to 2000.
Dr. Ward practices functional rehabilitation through aggressive physiotherapy and adaptive equipment, and comprehensive pain management that includes coordinating the utilization of advanced and minimally invasive procedures such as spinal cord neuromodulation for the treatment of chronic pain, diagnostic and therapeutic injections, and responsible medication management. He has extensive experience in treating and rehabilitating patients who have suffered brain injuries, amputations, spinal injuries, orthopedic injuries, and strokes. Dr. Ward is trained in intraoperative monitoring (IOM), electrodiagnostic medicine (EMG), nerve conduction studies (NCS), and musculoskeletal ultrasonography.
After receiving his Bachelor of Science in Bio-Psychology with a minor in Ethnomusicology from Wesleyan University in Middletown, Connecticut, he was accepted into the Medical College of Ohio ("University of Toledo College of Medicine") where he received numerous awards including honors in neurology, adolescent medicine, rheumatology, cardiology, obstetrics, and gynecology. After graduation in 1986, he completed his internship at Oakwood Hospital, a Wayne State University School of Medicine and University of Michigan affiliate. Dr. Ward completed his residency in Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation at Rush-Presbyterian-St. Luke Medical Center ("Rush University Medical Center") in Chicago, Illinois where he served as Chief Resident in his final year. During his residency, he also attended graduate school at the University of Chicago earning a Ph.D. in Measurement, Evaluation, and Statistical Analysis (MESA). Moreover, during his residency, Dr. Ward received a letter of commendation from the President of Rush University Medical Center for his outstanding patient care. This acclaim still holds true, as he continues to enjoy spending time with his patients. They appreciate his compassionate care and thoroughly enjoy his humor.
Dr. Ward is a member of the American Medical Association, the American Academy of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, the American Academy of Pain Management, International Association for the Study of Pain, the American Academy of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, the International Spinal Injection Society (ISIS), the American Spinal Cord Injury Association, and the Academy of Spinal Cord Injury Professionals. He is an avid fisherman who also enjoys playing and performing music. He is a current and active member of the Board of Trustees at Cleveland Benedictine High School, where he is a proud 1978 graduate. Additionally, he, is a proud father of two beautiful and intelligent daughters.
Sativa Tent 4 pm
The Business of Cannabis Cultivation
Brandon Deboer
Director of Cultivation
I grew up in New Jersey working for my father’s landscaping company and at our family farm. At a young age I worked with various plants and began to gain an understanding of how to take care of them.
As time went on I started experimenting with cannabis in high school and fell in love with the plant. I went to college for horticulture and focused on hydroponics and tissue culture. After college I reached out to a bunch of cannabis grows for a cultivation tech position and landed one with Ilera Healthcare in Pennsylvania. I worked there for a year and got a promotion to Cultivation Manager in Louisiana. I started as the 3rd employee of Ilera Holistic Healthcare and have helped build the company up to a 50+ employee company. I am now the Director of Cultivation and I oversee all of the processes from growing to finished packaged products.
I am so grateful to be a part of this industry and to serve the patients of Louisiana.
Sativa Tent
1 pm
The Plant Behind the Industry -
Life Changing Patient Stories
Jessica Potts
Founder of Bonne Santé and Red Stick Cannabis Street Fair
Jessica Potts is a Louisiana native who has been passionate about caring for others her whole life. She was raised on a 400-acre cotton and soybean farm in rural Northeast Louisiana, which exposed her to both the science and business aspects of agriculture. At a very young age, she discovered the beauty of nature which helped her discover a deeper knowledge of self. After graduating at the top of her high school class, she attended Louisiana State University and A&M College in Baton Rouge, Louisiana with a full scholarship. After graduating from LSU with a Bachelor of Arts in Sociology and Psychology, she then went on to obtain a Master’s of Art in Teaching in Special Education and then a Master’s in Education in Educational Diagnostics. She worked in education for over 15 years.
Her passion for education is driven by her commitment to serve the children with whom she can relate to. Since childhood, Jessica has battled Multiple Sclerosis and other health issues, but remains steadfast in her efforts as an educator for students with special needs and as an advocate for people who struggle with chronic and long-term health issues. Using her experience as a special education teacher, diagnostician, and curriculum design, she established an innovative academic program that catered to a population of students with learning deficits.
Even though Jessica enjoyed being an educator, the stress and demands of the job took a serious toll on her health. Jessica began researching holistic methods to cope with MS and began researching the benefits of cannabis and hemp. Her passion increased as she continued to learn about the industry and realized the urgent need to provide more resources to individuals who faced the same battles as herself. In 2014, Jessica expanded her expertise in education and advocacy into the cannabis and hemp industry by building relationships with political and industry leaders in Washington DC, Colorado, Pennsylvania, Louisiana, and other emerging markets. Because of her expertise and passion for helping others, Jessica has become a well-known industry leader in the cannabis and hemp industry across Louisiana. In 2015, Jessica was a part of a successful lobbying team that successfully pushed legal medicinal cannabis through the Louisiana Legislature. Jessica was essential in the foundation of the Southern University Cannabis Program through her in-depth knowledge of the industry and precise skill set. Jessica was one of the first black woman to obtain a license, own, and operate a cannabis cultivation, processing, manufacturing, and distribution company in the global cannabis industry. In 2018, Jessica founded Bonne Santé, LLC, which provides patient education and facilitates patient enrollment into the state medical marijuana program.
Sativa Tent
3 pm
Ancillary Business Landscape (non-plant touching opportunities) & Industry Employment Opportunities
William P. Davis
President of
Euphoria Eats
William P. Davis, President of Euphoria Eats and Cannabis Consultant for Southern Greauxers, is from the great state of Texas with Louisiana roots. Southern Greauxers was created to provide entrepreneurs the opportunity to embark into the Cannabis business. Our network of relationships and business partners allows start-ups to gain access to the resources needed to navigate within the industry. Davis felt this company would be essential for others because of the uphill climb it took for Euphoria Eats to get to the main stage.
Davis obtained his BA and MBA and started his entrepreneurial journey. Davis started out Catering and competition cooking creating his own barbeque sauces and receiving applause and local awards for his tasty creation. Euphoria Eats Co provides gourmet Hemp/CBD infused condiments (13 flavors). Our top three flavors such as New Orleans Nights, Bayou Glaze and Louisiana Hot Sauce have been fan favorites since our inception. Euphoria Eats’ condiments are award winning in taste as well as character. He later created infused frozen entrees (Red Beans & Rice/ Crawfish Etoufee). Our hemp is lab tested for quality from one of the premiere labs in America. Hemp is a component in the plant that doesn’t contain any THC (tetrahydrocannabinol) or CBD. Hemp is used for constipation, high cholesterol, eczema (atopic dermatitis), arthritis, and other conditions. Although this company was curated in the south, the entrepreneurs aspire to shift from local to a national product line. Our mission is simple- give consumers an alternative way to consume Hemp/CBD.
Hybrid Tent
4 pm
Veterans Outreach
Brandi Miles
CVPCC, PCC
CEO Veterans Unleashed
Brandi Miles is a world changer – and she wants to bring you along for the ride. A mother of six, love is her superpower. Brandi is an ICF Certified Life Coach for veterans and a believer in the power of playing (which is evident in her signature tie-dye, well, everything). As part of the Mississippi Army National Guard for 16 years, Brandi helps veterans go from camo to rainbow. Brandi’s clients learn how to view life differently and break free from fear that often makes veterans feel stuck. The guidance Brandi provides them after they leave the structured and controlled life they’ve known in the military is the key to unlocking their greatness. She uses her life experiences and education to provide them with support, encouragement, structure and advice.
Coach Brandi Miles is a #1 International Bestselling author with “Cage Fight” being her first published work. She tells part of her own story of leaving the military and coming to terms with her own feelings of being stuck. She has shared more of her experiences and story as a part of the docu-series “Women in Combat” where she also served as the life coach on set. Brandi was then invited back to be the life coach on set for another production – a reality show called “A Little Love”.
Brandi is beyond proud of her time with: 184th Sustainment Command, 3656th Maintenance Company, 298th Engineer Battalion, 106th Support Battalion, Deployment: 184th Sustainment Command, Kandahar Airforce Base, Afghanistan 2010-2011, MOS: 92A, Automated Logistics and 92Y, Supply Sergeant and love pulling from her own experiences to help veterans find pride from their experiences in the military.
You can reach Brandi for coaching, public appearances or speaking opportunities in the following ways: Phone 318-880-6871, Email: VeteransUnleashed1@gmail.com or you can follow her at @VeteransUnleashed or @CoachBrandiMiles on social media.
Sativa Tent
4 pm
The Business of Cannabis Cultivation
Isaiah Byrd
Herbal Healthy Living Co-Founder
Isaiah Byrd is a practicing herbalist and co-founder of Herbal Healthy Living, LLC. He will be working as Plant Science Researcher and Assistant Grower for Mississippi Green Oil (MGO). He is a licensed cultivator of Industrial Hemp under the USDA in Mississippi. In 2021, he worked with farmers in Mississippi to produce Industrial Hemp from seed to sale. Isaiah gained
experience and knowledge from working and observing within a shadow cannabis industry. His goals are to educate and contribute to the knowledge of using plants for human health, primarily Cannabis.
He earned a Bachelor of Science in Biology with a focus on plant development, conservation & diversity from the University of West Alabama. He has participated in research at Virginia Tech studying dendroclimatology and Iowa State University studying lipid digestibility and bioavailability. He intentionally applied his education and research experience to understanding the multidisciplinary subjects encompassed by Cannabis. He wants to lead the community in developing a “community-connected care” system to combat health disparities within communities of Mississippi.
Sativa Tent
2 pm
Patent Advocacy/Healthcare/Self Care /Caregivers Roles
Lauren Lee Illing
Luminous Solutions
Hi! I’m Lauren Lee.
I am a strategist who leads from the heart. I am a trained facilitator, certified project manager, and an independent consultant supporting innovative small businesses and entrepreneurs.
I am a proven problem solver known for my can-do attitude. I strive to bring objective, critical thinking to improve processes and to streamline teams. As a certified Project Management Professional (PMP), I simplify complexity for my clients. As a Master of Science in Analytics (MSA), I can frame solutions on a foundation of quantitative decision-making, scenario planning, and process optimization.
My daily goal is to ensure that projects run smoothly and produce valuable results. I apply my experience with strategic planning, stakeholder engagement, and digital communications to contribute visionary creativity to teams.
I have worked as an consultant since 2012 and am currently based in Gulfport, Mississippi doing business as Luminous Solutions, LLC.
Let’s connect!
Hybrid Tent
2 pm - 4 pm
(Reefer Madness) When You Are Ready BR & Turning Point
Melody Worsham
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Sativa Room
3 pm
Ancillary Business Landscape (non-plant touching opportunities) & Industry Employment Opportunities
Patrick Skinner
Good Times Vape and Smokeshop
CEO and Co-Founder
Patrick Skinner is CEO and Co-Founder of Good Times Vape and Smokeshop.
Prior to joining the cannabis industry, Patrick worked for a local business, LA Vape and Beyond, as retail management.
Native to Baton Rouge, Patrick served 4 years in the US Army as an intelligence analyst. When he’s not in the shop, Patrick enjoys traveling, fishing, and shooting photography.
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