Source: 27East | Aug. 9, 2021
With the recent legalization of recreational cannabis in New York State, the cannabis industry is expected to grow quickly, bringing about new opportunities for investors to get involved and reap its economic benefits.
Which is why this year’s Hampton Cannabis Expo truly couldn’t come at a better time, event organizer Gary Bierfriend said. The annual event, which first began in 2018, serves as the perfect opportunity to discuss the growing cannabis industry, and allow investors and the general public to gain a better understanding of the regulated cannabis market, he said.
The event, which will be held at The Clubhouse in East Hampton on August 22, will include a panel full of the cannabis industry’s most prominent thought leaders to discuss topics like social equity, New York licensing requirements, cannabis investment vehicles, and national branding.
“We have some of the most highly recognized names in New York and nationally in their respective industries, we have four top law firms involved, half a dozen of the top investment vehicles and big national public brands like Ayr Wellness, whose Co-COO Jennifer Drake will be speaking at our event,” Mr. Bierfriend said.
Shinnecock Nation Cannabis Dispensary
Also among this year’s speakers is Chenae Bullock, managing director of “Little Beach Harvest,” a new cannabis dispensary and wellness lounge being established by the Shinnecock Nation that is set to open in early 2022.
The panel will last about two and a half hours, with dinner services before and after the panels, and an “after party” following the event. In its fourth year, the event will be the biggest one yet as Mr. Bierfriend expects a much higher turnout than in previous years.
Diversified Cannabis Industry Attendance Expected
“The attendance is expected to more than double from the previous event as a combination of both the return to live events, and the recent legalization of recreational cannabis here in New York,” he said.
As for who is expected to attend the event, business professionals, investors, and anyone who is involved in the cannabis industry or looking to get involved is welcome to join, Mr. Bierfriend said.
“When the program first started four years ago, it was an event for investors, but now we’ve expanded to include regulators, brands service providers, financial professionals — so it’s an industry event and not just an investor event,” he said.
Though this is the Hampton Cannabis Expo’s fourth annual event, it is the first since recreational cannabis was legalized in New York this past March. Mr. Bierfriend expects this year’s event to tackle new topics of discussion and provide even more opportunities for people to become familiar with the growing cannabis industry.
Medical & Recreational NY Cannabis Laws
“Several years ago, people were much more focused on the medical attributes of cannabis, but now with the recreational use being legalized and prohibition ending, a lot of the attention is now being grabbed by the recreational brands,” he said.
“With the recent legalization of recreational use cannabis in New York, this year’s event provides a timely and informative backdrop as the industry readies to enter the Tri-State area,” GreenWave Advisors founder Matt Karnes said. “According to GreenWave Advisors, U.S. cannabis retail sales could ultimately reach over $80 Billion with at least $5 Billion from New York State.”
Since New York lawmakers are working on launching its legalization, Mr. Bierfriend said the “focus of interest” specifically on the East End makes the Expo location the perfect choice.
“I’m hoping to connect as many people as I can with opportunities in the cannabis industry,” he said. “It’s a great thriving industry that is growing exponentially and I want to be the central point of information where everyone gathers to connect, collaborate, and do business together.”