Health for the Future brings together a curated group of international scientists, physicians, researchers, advocates, and innovators — each working at the frontier of plant medicine, women’s health, regenerative systems, and natural wellbeing.
Past Speakers
Medical Director of Canna-Centers Wellness & Education in Los Angeles, treating thousands of medical cannabis patients since 2008 — with a special focus on children with intractable epilepsy, autism, and cancer. Author of Cannabis is Medicine and medical advisor to Cannformatics, Neurotech International, and Weedmaps.
Neurologist, psychopharmacology researcher, and one of the world’s foremost authorities on the endocannabinoid system. Former Senior Medical Advisor to GW Pharmaceuticals and past President of the International Cannabinoid Research Society.
One of Denmark’s leading physicians in treating chronic pain with medical cannabis, with 30+ years in anaesthesiology, intensive care, and pain management. Helped shape Denmark’s official medical cannabis pilot programme and advised the Danish Parliament’s Health Committee. Through the Horsted Institute she has compiled data from over 6,500 patients, published in the European Journal of Pain. Co-founder of the Danish Society for Clinical Cannabis Medicine and author of Medicinsk Cannabis.
Distinguished homeopathic physician and globally recognised specialist in integrative oncology, based in Mumbai, India. As Founder and Director of the Enlifen Foundation, he has spent over three decades pioneering Mistletoe Therapy following advanced training at the Lukas Klinik in Switzerland. Grounded in salutogenesis — the study of what creates health — he has presented at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center and Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine.
Award-winning healthcare strategist and #1 bestselling author of Cannabis Queens, sold in 17 countries. Named Top Healthcare Strategist 2026 by IAOTP. A global voice on cannabis and women’s health.
Researcher and pharmacognosist formally studying medicinal plants and fungi since 1998. Board member of the Australian Medicinal Cannabis Association and Scientific Advisory Board member of United in Compassion. He has delivered over 140 lectures since 2016 and published 3 book chapters and 25 peer-reviewed articles on medicinal cannabis. Currently completing doctoral studies at NICM Health Research Institute, Western Sydney University, investigating medicinal cannabis for endometriosis.
Phytopharmacist and women’s health strategist specialising in cannabinoid science and female-specific physiology. PhD in Pharmaceutical Biology and Phytochemistry, with over a decade across pharmaceutical research, medical advisory, and women’s health entrepreneurship. Founder of The Recalibration — a platform redefining midlife as a biological recalibration, not a decline.
Professor of Entrepreneurship at Johnson & Wales University and co-founder of the world’s first Cannabis Entrepreneurship degree programme. Founder of Canna Curious Wellness and creator of the Experience Framework — a system for translating cannabis into a predictable, outcome-driven experience. Previously spoke at Hemp for the Future in Reykjavík.
International strategic advisor in cannabis, plant-based therapeutics, and regulated wellness markets, with over a decade across UK, EU, and global ecosystems. Co-Founder and Chairwoman of the EmpowHer Cannabis Society — a global network of women in 40+ countries. Known for her “high functioning, not high” philosophy of precision dosing and responsible frameworks.
Formulation chemist, plant scientist, and patient advocate with over two decades in the cannabis and hydroponics industries. Co-founder of Aqua Laboratories — makers of Shogun Fertilisers — director of Sunnyside Consultancy, and former co-chair of the UK Cannabis Industry Council. A strong voice for women-centred cannabis innovation and closing the gender gap in clinical research.
Executive Director of Los Angeles NORML and cannabis banking specialist. His organisation has facilitated over $5 million in medical cannabis donations to veterans and patients.
Host of the EMJAY award-winning podcast Planted with Sara Payan, with 20,000+ hours educating the public on cannabis. Vice Chair of California’s State Cannabis Advisory Committee. Named one of the 100+ Most Important Women in Cannabis.
Registered nurse with 14+ years of clinical experience and a master’s degree in medical cannabis therapeutics. Founder of EntheaCare, bridging the gap between patients and the benefits of medical cannabis and psychedelics through nurse-guided support, microdosing facilitation, and education. Published author on cannabis hyperemesis syndrome and CBD suppository research.
Chief Economist at Portland-based Whitney Economics, a global leader in cannabis and hemp business consulting, data, and economic research. An authority on cannabis and hemp economics and the supply chain, he consults for private companies and state, national, and international government agencies.
Founder of Applegarth Intelligence, a research and interpretive intelligence practice focused on destination stewardship, visitor economies, and emerging industries. A recognized leader at the intersection of cannabis, hemp, tourism, and hospitality — co-author of the first national study of the cannabis travel audience in the U.S. and leader of Destinations International’s cannabis and hemp task force.
Founder and Editor-at-Large of Fat Nugs Magazine and co-founder of the Green Press Collective. Writer, speaker, artist, and media entrepreneur amplifying the voices of patients, cultivators, scientists, veterans, and advocates — preserving cannabis culture, advancing education, and supporting independent media through authentic storytelling.
Plant scientist, cultivation strategist, and graduate researcher with over two decades across commercial agriculture, controlled environment horticulture, plant breeding, and hemp cultivation. His research explores hemp adaptation in high-latitude environments — with Iceland as a unique natural laboratory — toward more resilient agricultural systems in extreme climates.
Co-Founding Managing Partner and Chief Investing & Strategy Officer of Artemis Growth Partners, an impact-oriented private equity platform managing US$330M+ in assets focused on emergent therapeutics, including medical cannabis. Over 30 years in global finance — previously Global Co-Head of Healthcare Services Investment Banking at Goldman Sachs and co-founder of CoreCo Private Equity.
International policy specialist working at the intersection of diplomacy, governance, and global drug policy. Drawing on a multigenerational connection to the cannabis industry, she bridges the gap between policy and practice — advising governments, brands, and companies navigating international regulation.
CEO and Founder of Plesio Health, combining AI-leveraged clinical tools with clinician-led services to bring holistic therapies into personalised care. One of the world’s leading experts on the clinical application of medical cannabis and cannabis nursing, with 20 years across emergency medicine, critical care, and healthcare policy. Published in JAMA and honoured with the Illinois Nurses Association’s 40 Under 40 Award.
Pioneering cannabis attorney and strategist shaping policy, business strategy, and legal frameworks worldwide for over 16 years. Founder of Greenbridge Proven Strategies, professor at UNLV’s Cannabis Policy Institute, and one of Forbes’ top cannabis industry power players.
Global cannabis leader, investor, and keynote speaker. Former President & CEO of Bhang Inc. and founder of The New Holland Group. Twice named one of the most influential women in cannabis by High Times.
CBD industry pioneer who launched the first dietary supplement form of cannabidiol in 2011, and former CEO of Medical Marijuana Inc — the first publicly traded cannabis company in the U.S. Co-author of three studies on CBD and epilepsy.
Author of the award-winning Teaming series — Teaming With Microbes, Bacteria, Fungi and Nutrients — and an internationally known leader in the organic and sustainability movement.
President of Mold Inspection Services, Inc. and Certified Mechanical Hygienist with two decades of expertise in mold inspection and disaster restoration.
U.S. Air Force veteran turned cultivator and Operations Director, bringing military discipline, leadership, and adaptability to the cannabis industry.
Writer, award-winning cultivator, and solventless extractor known as the “Terpene Whisperer” — 20+ years of cultivation and organoleptic expertise shaped by pharma, dairy, brewing, and organic farming.
Working at the intersection of technology, revenue, sports, education, and cannabis. Helped build top global cannabis companies including Lift & Co, Dutchie, and KIND; Vice President of Growth at BLAZE.
Owner and operator of Buds & Roses, one of Los Angeles’ most respected cannabis dispensaries, shaping California’s medical and adult-use markets for over 15 years through retail, cultivation, and policy advocacy.
Expert Researcher with the Bio-Industrial Services Division of InnoTech Alberta, Canada, specialising in hemp agronomy and industrial crop science.
Founder, comms consultant, and creative director at thermidor, a creative agency in the legal cannabis sector; board member of CannCare, a UK non-profit supporting medical cannabis patients facing discrimination.
CEO and President of Medical Resource Association, Inc., and a passionate cannabis advocate and educator across the United States.
Journalist since 1998 and Business of Cannabis “Journalist of the Year 2024”. Former correspondent for Jornal de Notícias in Rome and a leading voice in cannabis journalism.
Cannabis cultivation and operations specialist working across legal Canadian facilities since 2018, from small-batch craft producers to large-scale international exporters.
The duo behind Lúdika, a Reykjavík-based design and architecture studio dedicating much of its work to research, experimentation, and teaching toward rethinking our societal material culture.
Mexican attorney specialising in life sciences, cannabis, pharmaceutical, and corporate law, with a decade of experience at some of Mexico City’s most influential firms.
Placed the first CBD oil in Polish pharmacies and co-created a pioneering synergy between hemp and bees, relocating struggling colonies to the middle of a 105-hectare hemp farm.
Associate Professor at Maria Curie-Skłodowska University in Lublin, Poland, specialising in the protection of wild pollinators and honey bees; her research has produced two commercial bee-health preparations.
Homeopath, author, and lecturer on health and natural medicine based in Nova Scotia, Canada; co-authored two #1 Amazon bestsellers with Dr. Bruce Lipton and Dr. Joe Dispenza.
Founder and CEO of international communications firm Asha Media Group, founder of luxury cannabis-infused beverage brand House of Saka, and co-founder of a leading Spanish-language cannabis news publication.
