With rumblings that New Jersey legislators could vote to legalize marijuana for recreational use within the next month, interest in launching cannabis businesses in the Garden State has never been higher.
Ellie Siegel, a Philadelphia lawyer and cannabis consultant, wants to ensure that minorities and women get a chance to participate in the state’s emerging weed economy. Pennsylvania, Delaware, New York and Maryland are also weighing legalizing marijuana this year for adult use.
Siegel is the organizer behind the Accelerate Cannabis conference, scheduled for Feb. 19 at the New Jersey Performing Arts Center in Newark. The educational and networking symposium will feature a diverse set of national cannabis pioneers from a range of sectors: public policy, health, entertainment, insurance, sports, science, and government.
“We’re trying to do the authentic grassroots community building that will be necessary for a sustainable industry,” said Siegel. “That’s why we’re running promotions and outreach programs through the ACLU and universities from throughout the tri-state region.”