Program for the 2025 Conference | NMU Great Lakes Cannabis Collaboration Conference

Schedule at a Glance

Tuesday, April 22, 2025

NMU's Northern Center

All times listed are based in the Eastern Time Zone

	Student research posters available for viewing all day
8:00 a.m.	Check-in and coffee
8:45 a.m.	Welcome
9:00 a.m.	Iain W. H. Oswald, PhD, Director of Research and Development, Abstrax Tech Deciphering the Complex Phytochemistry of Cannabis: From Plant to Extracts This presentation explores the chemical origins of unique cannabis aromas, focusing on the "skunk-like" scent and other exotic compounds, with the potential to transform cannabis breeding and cultivation. Plenary Speaker
10:00 a.m.	The Socioeconomic Benefits of Cannabis Opt-in Within a Municipality Panel discussion The City of Detroit's Office of Cannabis Affairs will discuss their program and how it benefits the community. Kim James, Director Shantonya Scott, Communications Manager Rodney Wilson, Project Manager Ryjean Reid, Executive Assistant/Engagement Coordinator Moderator: Sarah Lee, Assistant Professor, College of Technology & Occupational Sciences, NMU
11:00 a.m.	Cool Cannabis Cats: NMU Alumni Panel Panel discussion Ishani Sharma, Cannabis Research Student Morgan Naumann, Retail Director and Cultivation Supervisor at Boreal Cannabis Christopher Aguilar, Team Lead at Higher Love Cannabis Co. and Owner of Transparent Farms Sam Frishman, Assistant Head Grower at High Society Samuel Hummel, Propagation/Small Veg Team Member Higher Love Cannabis Co. Moderator: Kylie Bunting, Director-Alumni & Foundation Communications, Alumni Relations, NMU
12:00 p.m.	Lunch
1:00 p.m.	The Present and Future of Cannabis Regulations in Michigan An update on current regulatory statistics, key issues, new rules, and a glimpse into the future of regulations in Michigan. Brian Hanna, Executive Director, Michigan’s Cannabis Regulatory Agency (CRA)
2:00 p.m.	Social Equity in Motion: From Policy to Profits A deep dive into how social equity remains a viable and sustainable business model in cannabis, despite shifting rhetoric against it. Jess Jackson, Director of Social Equity in Minnesota’s Office of Cannabis Management and a member of the Board of Directors for the Redemption Foundation
2:30 p.m.	Student Research Oral Presentations
3:30 p.m.	Student Research Posters
4:30 p.m.	Closing of conference

Community Event

Wednesday, April 23
5:00 - 5:50 p.m.
Location: The Science Building (TSB) 2904

The community is invited to join Dr. Alex Wilson’s Medicinal Plant Chemistry Seminar to hear Twinke Paryani talk about:

The Science of Scent: Exploring Cannabis’s Complex Aromatic Influences
This study reveals how chemical analysis of minor volatile compounds, rather than dominant terpenes, contributes to distinct aroma differences among cannabis phenotypes, highlighting the importance of detailed chemical data for selective breeding and aroma differentiation.