Cannabis cultivation is tough, especially with safety and regulatory standards getting stricter every day. As the industry booms—and federal legalization seems inevitable—the call for clean, mold-free cannabis becomes louder and louder. This issue has further been illuminated following widespread reports of pesticides being found in licensed cannabis in California.
This session will break down the 10 steps every cannabis cultivator needs to follow to pass safety tests and regulatory inspections.

Post harvest is often an afterthought when planning a new facility and working in existing spaces. We struggle with variable climates and seasonal shifts. The key to controlling post-harvest is gaining an understanding of the physics at work in the drying, curing, and storage space. When we understand the relationship between temperature, dew point, and relative humidity we have the foundation on which to build and operate a sound post-harvest environment. We’ll take a deep dive into the physics.

Early movers in the cannabis retail industry have the potential for great success, but they must navigate complex obstacles, from regulatory compliance to specialized operational needs. In this session—brought to you by Cova Cannabis Software, which has helped over 2,000 retailers launch their stores across the country—you’ll gain actionable insights and practical tips for overcoming these challenges and preparing for a successful store launch.

Compliance in the cannabis industry can be make-or-break to maintaining the value of your license and avoiding regulatory fines and delays. The fractional compliance model allows operators to use a third party to audit their operations, update their SOPs and operations materials to the code and regulations, and ensure that compliance tasks are being performed without the cost of an additional compliance officer’s salary.

During this session, Minnesota cannabis law and policy expert Jason Tarasek will discuss the cannabis regulatory landscape and dive into key topics for those interested in entering the market, including licensing criteria, product selection, social equity opportunities, and best practices for starting a business. The session will also include a market analysis of the current hemp-derived THC market and the projected adult-use cannabis market.

Efforts to identify the main cause of cannabis’s “skunky” odor and methods to mediate them from cannabis cultivation are rapidly evolving. A few years ago, the terpene Myrcene was thought to be the main culprit; however, we now know that, although part of the odor profile, terpenes are not the cause of the characteristic smell downwind of cannabis operations.
SCS will detail research into the compounds that result in the objectionable odors emitted by cannabis operations and detail solutions.

“Uncomplicating Cannabis” explores the rich history and complex profile of cannabis. We’ll cover its origins, species, key components (like THC and CBD), and various consumption methods, from smoking to edibles. We’ll also delve into the evolving legal landscape, health considerations, and the importance of responsible use. From understanding short-term and long-term effects to recognizing medical applications, this talk aims to empower you with knowledge.

Learn the fundamentals and the pitfalls to avoid in developing a premium exotic flower grow facility and operation. Learn about facility development starting with selecting the correct property, the type of facility to build, how to precisely control the environment, and setting up a perpetual rotation and cultivation program.

The session will substantially help in avoiding costly mistakes and make sure growers are on the right path to developing a successful premium flower operation.