1871 Impacts Change with First-Ever Cannabis Innovation Summit!

As cannabis legalization continues to reshape the nation’s mindset on the industry, it is only fitting that 1871 jumped into the mix to host their first-ever Cannabis Innovation Summit this April.

On 4.20.23, hundreds of cannabis innovators and “canna-curious” attendees gathered at 1871 for a full day of programming centered around cannabis and tech innovation, in collaboration with industry experts Grown In and Cresco Labs.

1871 CEO Betsy Ziegler kicked off the morning of the summit, while keynote Michele Roberts, Former Executive Director at NBPA and current Board Director of Cresco Labs, discussed her beliefs of legalizing cannabis, and her contributions to advocating for cannabis policy changes in the NBA.

From previous laws in 2014 to recent changes in 2020, Roberts helped advocate for players to not be tested for cannabis in their off season, raised the THC level so that players can legally consume, and advocated for players to invest their dollars into the cannabis business.

While Roberts herself doesn’t partake in using cannabis, she has always advocated for the legalization of cannabis and continues to speak out against the disproportion of drug laws against people of color.

“The reasons why I joined them [Cresco Labs], is they convinced me they will be committing to diversifying this industry,” Roberts said. “This industry has a lot of problems with equity, and as long as I’m able to, I’m going to work towards more people who look like me, more people of color, and women, getting involved.”

The overall arching theme of the summit? Cannabis + Chicago = Change.

With excitement and high-energy in the air, attendees had the opportunity to discover the innovative new products and services that 1871’s first-ever Cannabis Innovation Lab cohort members are working on in our Startup Tech Alley. Founders set up booths for public engagement, investor conversations, and product demos.

We had a blast hearing from these founders about their businesses in our pitch competitions, especially the 4 pitch finale finalists, The 1937 Group , CannMenus, ProCanna, and Zentrela, who pitched live on stage about their incredible products and cannabis-focused services.

Attendees also had the opportunity to learn from industry experts in several breakout sessions that sparked their interest, including:

Cannabis & AI
Cannabis: Industry & Investment Trends
Cannabis for the Older & Wiser
Women Leaders in Cannabis
Mental Health & Advocacy

These breakout sessions showcased that cannabis can be a positive change that society can utilize in several aspects, such as integrating cannabis for further development within other industries, the health benefits of using cannabis for mental health and aging, and giving minorities— primarily women and people of color—a platform to enter the world of investing, funding, and founding cannabis businesses.

Experts in cannabis took over the stage for our guest panel, including Vaughn Bentley, Deputy Director of Adult Use Cannabis at Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation, Abin Kuriakose, Chief Strategy & Innovation Officer at World Business Chicago,

Renu Kulkarni, Corporate Engagement Lead at Discovery Partners Institute, and Matthew Brewer, Owner of Grasshopper Club Dispensary.

“One of the most exciting things this city and state can take advantage of is Cannabis,” said Abin Kuriakose. “And so we have to make sure Cannabis has a voice and a place in our new administration’s economic development strategy. Here’s the opportunities, here’s the challenges, but this is why it’s a big deal for city residents and our economy.”

Each panelist shared their insight on their personal and organizations’ efforts, like advocating for efficiency of laws and licensing for cannabis to be socially equitable, safe and legal cannabis consumption in Chicago, and the importance of diversifying the industry for future innovation within the city and beyond.

“We’ve seen a lot of revolution and change within the cannabis industry in Illinois, and one thing that the governor is committed to is making sure that this is the most equitable program in the nation, and we’re well on our way to achieving that goal,” said Mario Treto Jr., Secretary of the Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation. “ I’m excited to see all of the collaboration and all the innovation that you’re gonna be able to do with one another here in 1871, and talk about a hub that really materializes that dream into a reality. It’s all about innovation when we’re entering into an industry that is new across the country, we want to make sure we’re leading the pack nationwide.”

As the tech world continues to embrace cannabis and integrate it within the community, 1871 is proud to bandwagon this effort of utilizing cannabis in a way that is socially and economically equitable, and innovative for founders, leaders, investors, and canna-curious people alike.

Watch our Cannabis Innovation Summit playlist, and we’ll see you next year for Cannabis Innovation Summit 2024. Happy 4.20!