LAST CHANCE FOR EARLY SAVINGS! Register by Tuesday, June 23 at 11:59 p.m. PST
Virginia Cannabis Conference for Policy, Research, Business and Emerging Markets
Root & Rise Symposium, hosted at Roanoke College, brings together leaders across policy, research and business to explore the future of legal cannabis. Spanning three days in the Blue Ridge Mountains, the event blends structured programming with intentional networking, covering policy, market development, licensing, regulation and the evolving role of hemp across Virginia, North Carolina and other emerging markets.
With Virginia now approved to launch adult-use cannabis sales in 2027 and hemp policy under intense scrutiny across the Southeast, Root & Rise arrives at a pivotal moment for the region.
SCHEDULE
THURSDAY | JULY 23
10:00AM
to 4:00PM
Field Workshops & Activities
4:00PM
to 6:00PM
Session Break / Room Check-in
6:00PM
to10:00PM
R&R Welcome Block Party
FRIDAY | JULY 24
8:00AM
to 9:00AM
Networking Breakfast
9:00AM
to 6:00PM
Symposium Sessions & Expo
7:00PM
to10:00PM
R&R Awards Dinner & Reception
SATURDAY | JULY 25
9:00AM
to10:00AM
Networking Breakfast
10:00AM
to1:00PM
Closing Keynote
& Expo
FEATURED SPEAKERS
Jamie Patten
Acting Head & Chief Administrative Officer, Virginia Cannabis Control Authority
Allyn Howlett, Ph.D.
Professor of Physiology and Pharmacology, Wake Forest University School of Medicine
Nyomi Barrick-Wommack
Science Education & Outreach Manager, Oklahoma Medical Marijuana Authority
Tony Gallo
Founder & Managing Partner, Sapphire Risk Advisory Group & Sapphire Blue Sky Ventures
Hemant Kumar Bid, Ph.D.
Program Director, Medical Cannabis Therapeutics program at Morehouse School of Medicine
Luca Boldrini
Cannabis Cultivation Consultant; Author, Greater Than 100 Grams per Square Foot
LaTonya Warren
Founder & CEO, Armintia; Laboratory Director, Green Alliance Labs
Andrew DeAngelo
Strategic Advisor, Andrew DeAngelo Advisors; Co-Founder, Last Prisoner Project
Joe Dolce
Founder & CEO, Medical Cannabis Mentor; CEO, Joe Dolce Communications
Justin Esquival
CEO and Geneticist of Green Luster Phenos™
Rob Mejia
Adjunct Professor, Stockton University; President, Our Community Harvest
Tamara Netzel
Secretary, Virginia NORML; Founder, Cruel Consequences
Russ Hudson
Cannabis Phytochemistry Researcher & Author, The Big Book of Terps
DorothyBelle (DB) Poli, Ph.D.
Director of Cannabis Studies and Professor of Biology, Roanoke College
Shelby Poole
Founder, Betty Bloom; Former Marketing Director, Happy Days Cannabis Dispensary
Chris O'Ferrell
Senior Director of Cultivation, Deep Roots Harvest; Founder, Co-Lab Cannabis Consulting
Our Partners
Advancing Cannabis Education
Roanoke College is at the forefront of emerging fields, exemplified by its cutting-edge cannabis studies program, designed to prepare students for leadership roles in one of the fastest-growing global industries.
Nestled in the scenic Blue Ridge Mountains of Virginia, Roanoke College offers a distinctive blend of rigorous academics, innovative programming and a deeply personalized student experience that sets it apart among liberal arts institutions.
With a long-standing tradition of fostering intellectual curiosity, leadership and real-world readiness within a vibrant, close-knit campus community, Roanoke provides an ideal setting for meaningful dialogue, making it a fitting and inspiring host for a conference exploring the future of the cannabis market.
Get in Touch
Kelly Riddle, Founder
Executive Producer
Eric Welch, Founder
Head of Partnerships & Sales
DB Poli, Strategic Partner
Professor of Biology and Cannabis Studies at Roanoke College