On Friday, March 16, 2018, the Oregon Cannabis Association hosted a TED Talks styled event titled “The Future of Cannabis is Now.” Held at The Armory in downtown Portland, these Toke Talks featured short presentations by leading cannabis professionals that point to the direction where the cannabis industry is heading.

Senator Ron Wyden (D-OR) addressed his role as the first first co-sponsor in the United States Senate of Sen. Corey Booker’s (D-NJ) Marijuana Justice Act, as well as his work with Rep. Earl Blumenauer (D-OR) regarding their Path to Marijuana Reform. 

Dominic Corva of the Center for the Study of Cannabis & Social Policy offered up a photo of beat poet Alex Ginsberg in discussion about a global perspective on the failed war on drugs.

Jesse Peters of Eco Firma Farms spoke about the challenges of creating a truly sustainable industry. 

Journalist Amanda Chicago Lewis remarked about the lenient treatment she’s received from law enforcement as a white woman dealing cannabis compared to how people of color are impacted by the criminal justice system for similar actions. 

Lanese Martin, founder of Hood Incubator, discussed her work in enabling people of color to access the capital needed so they can become viable players in the industry. 

The event was supplemented by the interactive exhibits offered by the vendors like Select Oil and Drip Sweets that allowed for participates a variety of experiences to see and savor the future of cannabis.

Click here for a full list of Toke Talks 2.0 speakers.