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Building Minnesota’s Cannabis Industry the Right Way

Building Minnesota’s Cannabis Industry the Right Way

This panel connects the dots between policy creation, regulatory interpretation, cultural roots, & real-world execution. Together, the architects, advocates, operators, & policy insiders who helped shape legalization, built legacy culture, and are now guiding the transition to a regulated market.

From HF100 to storefronts, from lobbying halls to cultivation rooms, this conversation bridges policy, practice, & purpose.

For anyone serious about Minnesota cannabis, this is the conversation for you

This is the inside look at how Minnesota cannabis is actually being built.

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Fatima Moore

Building Minnesota’s Cannabis Industry the Right Way Presented by Sota Cann

Executive Director of Sota Cann, bringing a wealth of experience in public policy, lobbying, and strategic communications. Her deep expertise in governmental affairs and social policy is essential for driving equitable cannabis implementation. Fatima has worked across state and local governments and the nonprofit sector, which informs her perspective on developing truly equitable policy.’ Perspective: How policy decisions impact operators, equity applicants, and communities.

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Cat Franklin

Building Minnesota’s Cannabis Industry the Right Way Presented by Sota Cann

Cannabis Evangelist – “From Legacy to Legitimacy” With over two decades of experience across legacy, medical, and adult-use markets, Cat is known for translating industry experience into compliant, scalable operations. A former CEO and founding member of the legacy cultivar GG (fka Gorilla Glue 4), she now advises businesses navigating highly regulated markets—offering insight into what operators really need to survive and scale in Minnesota. Newest Member of Sota Cann Perspective: What operators really need to survive and scale in Minnesota.

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Will Blauvent

Building Minnesota’s Cannabis Industry the Right Way Presented by Sota Cann

Director of Government Relations at Stinson LLP and founding member of Sota Cann. Will worked extensively on legalization efforts, including HF600, hemp-derived edibles legislation (2022), and was part of the lobbying team that successfully passed HF100 in 2023. He serves as a key bridge between license holders and the Minnesota Office of Cannabis Management & Legislators. Perspective: How the law was built—and how it will evolve.

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Josh Wilken-Simon

Building Minnesota’s Cannabis Industry the Right Way Presented by Sota Cann

A key member of Sota Cann and among the first to open a dispensary in MN (Legacy Cannabis). He is a prominent advocate and leading figure in Minnesota’s cannabis scene. As the founder of the Legacy Cup, he brings 15 years of experience building Legacy Glassworks and shaping the state’s cannabis culture. He holds considerable influence in branding, policy, and community affairs. Furthermore, Governor Walz appointed him as the cannabis retail expert on the MN Cannabis Advisory. Perspective: The cultural and commercial transition from legacy to licensed.

Max Zappia

Building Minnesota’s Cannabis Industry the Right Way Presented by Sota Cann

The former Chief Regulatory Officer for OCM, who is now the Chief Risk Officer at North American Banking Company. He will bring a valuable perspective on OCM, Compliance, Risk, and Banking.