The Oregon Hemp Convention just added banking luminary John Sullivan to its lineup of distinguished speakers. Sullivan will speak on the fact that, while recreational marijuana has been legalized in Oregon, Washington and Colorado, it is still illegal on the federal level, discouraging most traditional banks from working with marijuana businesses.
The Oregon Hemp Convention will examine a variety of issues and opportunities in the Northwest’s legalized recreational cannabis industry. The event takes place October 10 and 11, at the Portland Expo Center, 2060 N. Marine Drive, from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Admission is $10 and there is a suggested canned food donation to the Oregon Food Bank.
Sullivan has extensive experience in banking, systems design and compliance, and in the emerging marijuana industry, where he has been recognized as a national leader in development of banking standards. This year, he joined Integrated Compliance Solutions, which provides the Seed to Bank™ solution, enabling both the businesses and banks to be fully compliance with the FinCEN and Department of Justice Guidelines. Seed to Bank™ has been reviewed and approved by the FDIC for banks in multiple FDIC regions and is in the implementation stage in Illinois and Florida.
The conference also will have a wealth of exhibitors and attractions for all types of interests.
“This conference is ideal for the folks who want to grow a couple of plants at their house, to those who want to build an operation on their land,” explained Jerry Norton, Oregon Hemp Convention’s founder. Starting October 1, medical dispensaries can sell small amounts of recreational marijuana.
While cannabis product won’t be sold, attendees can learn more out about:
- Culinary arts
- Cultivation
- Dispensaries
- Edibles
- Extraction
- Growers
- Medicinal applications
- Seed banks
- Testing
One of the convention’s highlights will be the Oregon Medical Marijuana Cup, a competition for local growers and producers of oils, edibles and concentrates.
The Convention’s lineup of entertaining presenters includes:
Attorney Paul Loney, founder of Oregon’s most experienced comprehensive cannabis law firm. In 2009, Mr. Loney developed the legal blueprint for Oregon’s first private cannabis club. Today he represents producers, processors, retailers and other cannabis businesses throughout Oregon.
Cyd Maurer, former news anchor for KEZI 9 News, who was fired last year for personal marijuana use. She is now a marijuana activist speaking out against outdated corporate policies.
Chef Jennifer Tyler, runs a gourmet edibles company in Portland, and is a member of the Minority Cannabis Business Association. She is an advocate of the powerful healing properties of cannabis.
Russ Belville, is the executive director of 420RADIO.org, a 24-hour live stream source for cannabis news and entertainment broadcasts (https://420radio.org). “Radical Russ” is also the executive director of Portland NORML, the Portland Chapter of the National Organization for the Reform of Marijuana Laws.
