The Black Cannabiz Conference & Expo Lands In Chicago

By Roz McCarthy

The Black Cannabiz Conference & Expo, held at the luxurious Swissotel in Chicago, was a remarkable two-day event that underscored the city’s commitment to equity in the cannabis and hemp space. Convening in a city renowned for its focus on inclusivity, the conference brought together leaders, entrepreneurs, and advocates dedicated to advancing these burgeoning industries.

What Happened At The Black Cannabiz Conference & Expo?

Day One: Keynotes and Community Engagement

The first day of the conference featured an impressive lineup of keynote speakers, including State Senator Kimberly Lightford, who highlighted the urgent opportunities within the industry and the critical impact of community initiatives like Illinois' R3 Grant. Her powerful message resonated with attendees, emphasizing the importance of the work being done to ensure equitable growth and development.

The venue itself was perfectly suited for the event, providing every necessary resource on a single floor. This included areas for expo tabling, breakout rooms for more intimate discussions, and a main stage for keynotes and larger sessions. Wana Brands showcased their latest and most innovative products in an interactive room, offering a hands-on experience that was both educational and engaging.

The atmosphere felt like a homecoming, a cherished tradition in the Black community that signifies gathering, support, and connection with family. This sentiment was echoed throughout the day as attendees networked, shared insights, and celebrated their collective achievements.

*DICE Mixer (C) Roz McCarthy* *@cannatalkwithroz*

Evening Mixer: A Celebration of Excellence

Thursday evening featured the D.I.C.E. Mixer produced by Minorities for Medical Marijuana (M4MM) and Social Equity Empowerment Network (SEEN), sponsored by the Illinois Hemp Business Association. It was an evening filled with fun, food, drinks, and unparalleled networking opportunities. The highlight of the night was an awards ceremony honoring Black lawmakers, entrepreneurs, brands, and business owners for their excellence and contributions to the cannabis and hemp industries.

*Roz McCarthy and M4MM team at the DICE Mixer (C) Roz McCarthy* *@cannatalkwithroz*

The theme of the night, “One Plant, One Community,” captured the essence of the event. It emphasized the unity of the hemp and cannabis industries and the importance of both sectors thriving together. Special focus was placed on equity and the growth of minority-owned businesses, underscoring the conference’s dedication to creating a fair and inclusive market in Illinois and beyond.

Day Two: Insightful Sessions and Business Pitches

*Roz McCarthy and Whitney Beatty (C) Roz McCarthy* *@cannatalkwithroz*

Friday continued the momentum with more insightful sessions featuring industry leaders like Chris Ball of Ball Family Farms and Whitney Beatty of Josephine & Billie’s. These sessions provided invaluable knowledge and inspiration for attendees, reinforcing the importance of community and collaboration.

*Roz McCarthy and Chris Ball (C) Roz McCarthy* *@cannatalkwithroz*

A standout moment of the afternoon was the special Cannabis Business Pitch Session, where entrepreneurs had the opportunity to present their businesses for incredible prizes and recognition. This session highlighted the innovative spirit and potential within the Black cannabis community, showcasing the diverse array of talents and ideas poised to drive the industry forward.

A Missed Opportunity For Some, A Catalyst For Others

For those who missed the Black Cannabiz Conference & Expo, it was truly a missed opportunity to make valuable connections and build new opportunities within the industry. The event embodied the spirit of cooperative economics, a longstanding tradition in the Black community where individuals come together to support, learn, and grow collectively.

As we look to the future, I hope to see more initiatives like this conference that foster unity and progress in the cannabis and hemp industries. By coming together to do business, learn, and grow, we can create a thriving, equitable market that benefits everyone.

The Black Cannabiz Conference & Expo was a testament to the power of community and the promise of a brighter, more inclusive future for all involved. We look forward to seeing this spirit of cooperation and innovation continue to flourish in the years to come.

For more about The Black Cannabiz Conference & Expo, visit blackcannabizexpo.com.

*A version of this article was originally published on rozmccarthy.com and appears here courtesy of the author.

Written By:

Roz McCarthy is the Founder/CEO of Minorities for Medical Marijuana (M4MM), the largest community based national nonprofit organization serving communities of color as it relates to the cannabis and hemp industry. She also is the Founder/CEO of Black Buddha Cannabis. Black Buddha Cannabis (BBC) is a social impact driven brand focused on creating best in class lifestyle and wellness products in partnership with cannabis operators legalized states. Roz has been recognized as one of the top 100 most influential figures in the cannabis industry, and her organization has been honored as the Organization of the Year. With eight years of dedicated advocacy, Roz's contributions have been featured or mentioned in more than 50 media publications and outlets. Prior to her entry into the Cannabis industry Roz spent 30+ years in the health care industry working as a branding and business development executive for powerhouse Fortune 500 companies like Bristol Myers & Squibb, VITAS Corporation, Maxim Healthcare and Phoenix House. For more about Roz, visit rozmccarthy.com.

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