CAMBRIDGE, Mass., Nov. 26, 2018 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Cannabis is going mainstream.
Long reserved as the domain of movies like Fast Times at Ridgemont High, customer demand for recreational purposes now complements the rapid adoption by medical patients. According to a recent analyst report from CB Insights, the global legal cannabis industry will exceed $20 billion by 2025.
Massachusetts is taking its place in the development of this fledgling industry. On November 20, the Commonwealth commenced with sales of recreational marijuana –the first state on the east coast to do so.
Finding a place in industries ranging from beauty products to banking, startup opportunities are cropping up at a rapid pace. Growing numbers of entrepreneurs are committed to harvesting them.
On Wednesday, December 5, MIT Enterprise Forum (MITEF) Cambridge invites all to continue last year’s conversation by discussing new ways that businesses, communities, academia and technology can help shape the future of the legalized cannabis world. Set for the MIT Stratton Student Center, MITEF Cambridge welcomes back Vinit Nijiawan, an entrepreneur, venture capitalist and academic, as moderator for an impressive panel of cannabis cognoscenti:
- Simon Espinosa, CEO, En Volá Cannabis HUB / Quema
- Mara Gordon, Founder, Zelda Therapeutics, Aunt Zelda’s, The Oil Plant
- Jess Leber, Ph.D., Head of Business Development, Small Molecule APIs, Ginkgo Bioworks
- Kevin McKernan, Chief Scientific Officer, Medicinal Genomics
- Marion McNabb, Dr. PH, MPH, CEO and Co-Founder, Cannabis Community Care and Research Network
Speakers will delve into some of the most crucial questions facing entrepreneurs and the industry, such as:
- What problems and opportunities exist in the cannabis industry? How can we mobilize entrepreneurs to get involved?
- What is the role of the innovation ecosystem in helping cannabis entrepreneurs?
- What have we learned about the cannabis industry so far – and what can we expect in the fast-coming future?
- Are recreational and medicinal two separate markets? Where are the connections and opportunities?
- How can we use quantitative data to improve the qualitative experience?
- How can technology help the cannabis industry grow without limitation?
- What technologies and tools can be used to improve cultivation?
Following an audience Q&A, attendees will have an opportunity to meet with the local entrepreneurs and organizations at the forefront of integrating technology into the world of cannabis. Doing so will provide the evening’s participants with a chance to see first-hand where the industry is headed.
“The use of cannabis is expanding into many new and sometimes surprising areas,” said MITEF Cambridge Executive Director Katja Wald. “In the medicinal and recreational sectors alike, the entrepreneur community is at the forefront when it comes to applying new uses of technology and business models to fuel industry growth. We’re looking forward to continuing the conversation we started at our event last year while reviewing the progress that has taken place in just one short year.”
Event Details:
Cannabis Technology
Wednesday, December 5, 2018
Stratton Student Center, 2nd Floor, 84 Massachusetts Avenue
5:30 - 6:00 p.m. - Registration & networking (light refreshments served)
6:00 - 8:00 p.m. - Welcome & panel discussion
8:00 - 9:00 p.m. - Beer, wine & networking
Registration and more information is available online.
This event will be live-streamed - select the live-stream ticket option during checkout.
The evening is made possible by sponsors Caldwell IP, CHEN PR, Hamilton, Brook, Smith & Reynolds, Morse Barnes-Brown Pendleton, Withum Audit Tax Advisory and Wolf Greenfield.
About the MIT Enterprise Forum Cambridge
The MIT Enterprise Forum Cambridge is the founding chapter and one of 27 worldwide chapters comprising the MIT Enterprise Forum, Inc. Celebrating its 40th anniversary of offering more than 40 programs and events annually that inspire innovation, MIT Enterprise Forum Cambridge initiatives facilitate critical one-on-one mentoring while providing team services that increase the skills and expertise necessary for entrepreneurs to succeed.