Mr. Roark is the co-managing partner of Hamburg, Rubin, Mullin, Maxwell & Lupin and chairs the firm’s Medical Marijuana Practice Group. He was the inaugural chair of the Pennsylvania Bar Association’s state wide Medical Marijuana and Hemp Law Committee, a position he still shares today.  Mr. Roark is also an Adjunct Professor at the Villanova University Charles Widger School of Law where he teaches Cannabis Law and Regulation. He represents individuals and businesses operating under Pennsylvania’s Medical Marijuana Act. His time is spent assisting clients understand the regulatory framework being established, while also explaining the risks and legal pitfalls prevalent in this industry. Mr. Roark is an active member of the Montgomery Bar Association, chairing and participating in various committees. He is a past editor for the Montgomery County Law Reporter, past chair of the Environmental Law Committee and a contributing editor to Montgomery County’s Civil Practice Manual. A graduate of Bucknell University (B.A. Economics, cum laude, 2003), Mr. Roark received his law degree with honors in 2006 from Villanova University’s School of Law.  

Ethan O’Shea is a Principal of Hamburg, Rubin, Mullin, Maxwell & Lupin, PC. and has been a member of the Litigation Department at Hamburg, Rubin, Mullin, Maxwell & Lupin for 20 years. He currently chairs the firm’s Employment Law Group. His practice focuses on employment law, commercial litigation, real estate litigation, and criminal law. Ethan has counseled corporate and individual clients on a variety of employment, commercial and criminal matters. Ethan also appears regularly before the PA Human Relations Commission, the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission and has tried cases in the federal and state courts throughout Pennsylvania. Prior to joining the firm, Ethan was a Senior Deputy District Attorney with the Bucks County District Attorney’s Office, where he served as a member of the Child and Sexual Abuse Unit and prosecuted a wide variety of criminal cases in the Court of Common Pleas. Before joining the District Attorney’s Office, Ethan served as a Law Clerk for The Honorable Edward G. Biester, Jr., Bucks County Court of Common Pleas. Ethan is a member of the Pennsylvania, Bucks and Montgomery Bar Associations. He has lectured for the Pennsylvania Bar Institute, Pennsylvania Municipal Authorities Association, Montgomery Bar Association and People’s Law School concerning employment law and criminal law. Ethan is past president of the Montgomery Bar Association Trial Lawyers Section, past chair of the Montgomery Bar Association Employment Law Committee, and past vice-chair of the Criminal Defense Committee. He serves as a Board member of Main Line Television 21 (MLTV21). Ethan has served as a Director of the Plymouth Community Ambulance Association, has been a volunteer for Big Brothers/Big Sisters of Montgomery County and Bucks County, and has served as a board member for the Montgomery County Victim-Offender Conferencing program. A graduate of Bucknell University with a degree in International Relations (B.A. 1990), Ethan received his J.D. from The George Washington University National Law Center in 1993. In 2003, he attended the Academy of Advocacy of Temple University.

Mr. Horn is Co-Chair of the firm’s Cannabis Law practice and is ranked by Chambers USA among the nation’s leading Cannabis Law attorneys. He leads a national team – named a Practice Group of the Year by Law360 in 2021 and ranked Band 1 by Chambers USA in 2021, 2020 and 2019 – that serves the diverse needs of businesses in the legalized cannabis and hemp sector, providing regulatory compliance, employment, licensing, banking, real estate, mergers and acquisitions, corporate financing and other services for new and established businesses. The firm’s cannabis practice works regularly with highly regulated companies while navigating the constantly evolving matrix of state compliance regulations. Industry leaders rely on Mr. Horn’s sophisticated knowledge of this unique sector to help them access new markets and clear the multistate regulatory hurdles that complicate commercial transactions such as mergers, acquisitions and capital raises. Recognized by The National Law Journal as a Trailblazer in Cannabis Law, Mr. Horn is a respected authority on the complex legal issues that arise in this rapidly growing and diversifying industry. He was also a guest lecturer for cannabis law courses at Stockton and Villanova universities.  Mr. Horn is a member of the International Cannabis Bar Association and Co-Chair of the Philadelphia Bar Association’s Medical Marijuana and Hemp Committee. Mr. Horn is also a member of the Editorial Board of the Cannabis Law Journal. 

Todd’s practice is focused on those who generate, sell, deliver, and purchase energy, including producers of renewable energy, competitive retail suppliers of electricity and natural gas, infrastructure providers and the transmission and distribution utilities that ultimately deliver the energy to consumers. Todd represents clients before the Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission (Pa. PUC), the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) and other state and federal agencies. Todd also represents these same clients before the Pennsylvania General Assembly as a registered lobbyist, and represents The Retail Energy Supply Association, known as RESA, in natural gas competition related matters before the PUC.

Brandi Hester- Harrell, M.ED, is an educational consultant for schools identified as  Comprehensive School Improvement (CSI), publisher, and policy advocate. Recognizing the impact educators have had on her own life, she has committed her professional career to ensure students have access to high-quality educational environments and opportunities. After 15 years of educational reform in classrooms, schools, and districts –communities continue to need additional resources to create lasting change. Along with her Partner, Precious Brown, they are reimagining consumption through new educational experiences, hospitality innovations, and community outreach through their company Entertain and Elevating. As Brandi merges education, policy, and cannabis – she realizes a need to reimagine postsecondary (tertiary) coursework in communities, especially in those disproportionally communities impacted by the prohibition of cannabis. This topic directly guides her doctoral coursework. 

Shannon Hoffman is the Regional Director of Operations for Green Analytics, an Independent Testing Lab for Medical and Adult Use Cannabis in Maryland, Pennsylvania, Massachusetts, New Jersey, West Virginia, and Virginia. Prior to joining Green Analytics in 2017, Shannon worked as an Analytical Chemist for 18 years in Research & Development and Manufacturing of consumer products, cosmetics, and OTC pharmaceuticals. Working for Fortune 100 Company brands with $2.5B in retail sales across 80 global markets and in 6 unique Cannabis markets over the past 5 years, has given her a breadth of experience in compliance, quality, and regulatory matters. Shannon has a Bachelor’s in Chemistry from the University of Maryland, Baltimore County and a Master’s in Analytical Chemistry from Illinois Institute of Technology.

Senator Sharif Street, elected to the Pennsylvania Senate in 2016, represents the Third Senatorial District of Philadelphia, which encompasses a population of over 240,000 people in North Philadelphia, Nicetown, Roxborough, Lower Germantown, Logan, Olney, Fern Rock, Crescentville, East Oak Lane, East Wyoming, East Hunting Park and Melrose Park Garden.

Dr. Gedde provides clinical expertise in medical use of cannabinoids through her cannabis-focused telemedicine practice. She is known for a clinical focus in use of cannabinoids in pediatric epilepsy. Dr.. Gedde is knowledgeable about the environment around medical marijuana for physicians and has been qualified in civil and administrative courts as an expert witness regarding the practice of cannabis medicine. In addition to the MD degree, Dr. Gedde holds a PhD in Chemistry and is Board Certified in Clinical Pathology, the medical specialty that includes toxicology. As a medical toxicology expert witness, Dr. Gedde brings authoritative clarity to interpretation of blood cannabinoids in criminal and civil THC DUI/DWI cases. Dr. Gedde’s background also includes post-doctoral research into the molecular biology of bacterial pathogenesis at the University of California at Berkeley and five years in the pharmaceutical industry as a clinical microbiology director and consultant. She has been in clinical practice continuously since 2003. As an expert witness in criminal and civil THC DUI cases, Dr. Gedde provides objective, data-driven interpretation of cannabinoid blood levels based on recognized sources, in testimony and in written reports. She helps defense attorneys use medical pharmacology and toxicology findings to prepare to cross-examine witnesses who testify regarding interpretation of THC blood tests.

Tzuo is the Vice President of Research and Retail Operations at Pa Options for Wellness. Before joining Pa Options for Wellness, Tzuo worked in various capacities in several industries including semiconductor manufacturing, Chemical and healthcare. Tzuo has a degree in chemical engineering from the Pennsylvania State University and a pharmacy degree from the Temple School of Pharmacy. Currently Tzuo’s group is working in conjunction with the Penn State College of Medicine in performing research on various cannabinoids and terpenoids and their effects on various medical conditions.

Mr. Trite is an experienced Chief Executive Officer with a demonstrated history of working in the hospital, health care and long term care industry. He is skilled in Disease Management, Business Planning, Operations Management, iT and Coaching. Mr. Trite is a strong business development professional with a Pharmacy and Medical focus. He graduated from the Philadelphia College of Pharmacy University of the Sciences in Philadelphia.

Ms. Parker has devoted her career to community building and community problem solving whether as a strong Mayor for the City of Lebanon, a co-creator of the award-winning Community Action Team, under Governor Edward G. Rendell, as Deputy Secretary of Community Affairs and Development for Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, or as Executive Director for Economic Development for the City of Harrisburg, under Mayor Eric Papenfuse. Jackie began her work in the marijuana industry as a community outreach representative, educating the public on the process and benefits of the PA medical marijuana program and assisting medical marijuana patients in obtaining their medical marijuana cards. She is currently a registered Pennsylvania lobbyist, with a focus on the marijuana industry and public financing for municipalities and private companies. She received her B. S. degree from St. Mary’s College, Notre Dame, Indiana. 

Ms. Brennan is an attorney with the Philadelphia firm of Archer & Greiner, P.C., where she is a member of the firm’s Cannabis Law and Health Care Law Groups. She counsels clients on compliance, regulatory, and public policy matters in the recreational and medical cannabis industries. Ms. Brennan is a member of the American Health Lawyers Association, Philadelphia Bar Association, and Women in Government Relations. Ms. Brennan earned her B.A. from The Catholic University of America, and her J.D. from Villanova University Charles Widger School of Law.

Another “health agent” for change, Cherron founded Green Dandelion Marketing about 14 years ago helping clients launch over 2,000 brands in the natural market with retailers like Whole Foods and Wegmans.  Her and her daughter are owners of Plant and People, a plant wellness shop in West Philly, online and in person. Cherron is a certified Social Impact Strategist, with a strong interest in cooperative business and social equity.  She is the Social Equity Director for All Together Now, a PA organization with a focus on local supply chains in cannabis. Cherron is the PA director for Minorities for Medical Marijuana. She is the co-founder of the Diasporic Alliance for Cannabis Opportunities (DACO),  host of a free annual conference for Black and Brown communities and the founder of  Black Cannabis Week, highlighting Blacks in cannabis the last week of September. She also sits on the advisory board of Americans for Safe Access, advocating nationally for cannabis patients and Drexel University’s Medical Cannabis Research Center. She is in her last year of the University of Sciences’ MBA Pharmaceutical and Healthcare: Cannabis program.

Brittany R. Gardner, Esq is a life-long resident of Philadelphia, Pa. She is a graduate from Temple University. Attorney Gardner is a mother and an attorney licensed to practice law in Pennsylvania and New Jersey. She has always been committed to public service and realized early on how important was to help others, which influenced her to enter the Cannabis industry. In 2017, Attorney Gardner founded the Gardner Law Group in Philadelphia. It was then that she decided to focus on DUI defense, representing those charged with driving under the influence of drugs and/or alcohol. She has been undeniably successful in obtaining dismissals, not guilty verdicts, and favorable plea deals in both Pennsylvania and New Jersey. For the past few years, Attorney Gardner has built Gardner Law Group into a full-service law firm for those in her community. In 2020, Attorney Gardner saw an influx of personal injury clients seeking legal representation from her.

Christopher D. Mandracchia, Esq. is a successful trial attorney and cannabis advocate with extensive experience working in the criminal justice system as both a prosecutor and criminal defense attorney. He strives to help those who are subject to unlawful persecution/prosecution and discrimination under state and federal laws. Mr. Mandracchia formed CDM LAW to merge his passion for cannabis law reform with his mission to seek justice.  He is a zealous advocate for individuals and businesses who are in need of legal representation with a focus on cannabis related matters. His caseload includes interesting legal issues pertaining to marijuana, medical marijuana, hemp, and psychedelics. He chairs the Montgomery Bar Association Medical Marijuana & Hemp Law Committee, is a Lifetime member of the NORML Legal Committee, the PBA Medical Marijuana & Hemp Law Committee, and Pennsylvania Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers. Mr. Mandracchia is admitted to practice law in Pennsylvania and is admitted in the United States District Courts of the Eastern and Middle District. Mr. Mandracchia has expanded his skills and knowledge through his time and training in the Emerald Triangle Region of Northern California and by becoming a Certified Ganjier. He is also the co-founder of Certified Cannabis Consultants, a group of cannabis professionals providing non-legal consulting and cannabis related services. Please visit CDMattorneys.com for more information. 

As a leader in a multi-generational family business, Ashley knows the value of vision, passion, and impact. Those attributes were engrained in her from an
early age by her grandparents, Dr. Joe and Dr. Rose Mattioli, who built and
ran the famous Pocono Raceway as well as many other businesses and
philanthropies that have benefitted people and communities in Northeast
Pennsylvania for decades.Ashley is a recognized pioneer in the
Regenerative Organic cannabis industry as the founder of the world’s first
and only Regenerative Organic Certified (ROC) cannabis farm in the world –
Pocono Organics, which has become a Global Center for Research, Education,
and Innovation. Nominated by industry peers, Ashley is the co-chair
for the Pennsylvania Hemp Steering Committee’s Farmer and Processor Outreach
and Education Committee. Ashley is also a member of the Advisory
Committee for the College of Health Sciences at East Stroudsburg University.
She was a Founding Member of The Professional Women in Construction,
Northeastern Pennsylvania Chapter and recognized as one of the Top 25 Women
in Business in Northeastern Pennsylvania. Ashley was also invited to become a
member of Circle 200, a prestigious organization comprised of more than 100
professional women in Northeastern Pennsylvania. Her sustainable building
initiatives grabbed the attention of the Green Sports Alliance, a global
sustainability organization, where they presented her with its honored
Environmental Innovator of the Year Award. Pocono Organics, a women-led
business, is the largest Regional Research Center for the world-renown Rodale
Institute. Through a long-term strategic partnership, Pocono
Organics hosts Rodale scientists who use the farm for soil health and
remediation, carbon sequestration, and other environmental impact
studies. Ashley is passionate about the research of the dynamic
hemp plant that has more than 50,000 potential uses to help both human and
planetary health. The vision of Pocono Organics came from her personal health
journey of using food as medicine and has become a national destination and a
jewel of inspiration and hope in the iconic Pocono Mountains.

As a Harrisburg insider, Meredith brings a keen understanding of Pennsylvania’s political landscape and unique experience in advocacy and campaigns to the Pennsylvania Cannabis Coalition. She was instrumental in the passage of Act 44 – the most extensive update to the Commonwealth’s medical marijuana statute since its passage in 2016. She has extensive experience in professional politics and fundraising for political organizations and candidates up and down the ballot across Pennsylvania. Meredith has developed and executed fundraising and political strategies for a variety of clients at the local, state and federal level and has played a key role in some of the state’s most closely-watched campaigns. Prior to her political work, Meredith served as an advocate for the business community in various roles at the Main Line Chamber of Commerce. Her work included event and meeting planning, government affairs and member relations. Meredith has both a Bachelor’s Degree in Political Science and a Master’s Degree in Public Administration from Villanova University where she was a cheerleader – Go Cats! Meredith and her son Gregory live in Chester County with their King Charles Cavalier, Dutch. Meredith can be reached at Meredith@pcanna.org

Erica Stark is a highly committed and knowledgeable hemp professional who has dedicated herself to the growth and development of the industry. As the Executive Director of the National Hemp Association (NHA) since 2017, she has become a trusted voice for policymakers and industry leaders. She was honored to be invited to testify at a US Senate Ag Committee hearing in 2019.Erica’s service to the hemp industry can be traced back to her grassroots advocacy work in 2014. She went on to become a founding member of the Pennsylvania Hemp Industry Council (PAHIC), serving as both Secretary and Executive Director. She was part of a small team that successfully pushed through hemp legislation in Pennsylvania with a unanimous vote in a single session. In 2023 she was elected as Chairwoman of PAHIC. Erica also serves on the PA Hemp Steering Committee, an advisory council to the PA Department of Agriculture. Erica’s passion for hemp has earned her numerous speaking engagements, where she shares her insights and ideas on the role hemp can play in sustainability and mitigating climate change. She has played an instrumental role in the growth of the hemp industry and is poised to continue doing so in the future.

Ms. Cassel of Cannabis Law PA provides legal guidance to growers/processors, dispensaries, laboratories, physicians, certified medical education providers, ancillary businesses, and attorney bar associations navigating the regulatory landscape of medical marijuana. Ms. Cassel has given multiple presentations on medical marijuana in Pennsylvania including before the Lancaster Bar Association and the Widener Law and Government Institution. She has been a panelist on medical marijuana issues for WITF’s SmartTalk, the Opioid Epidemic: Law and Policy Program, Mother and Baby War on Opioids, and the Pennsylvania Bar Institute where she focused on how medical marijuana may alleviate the opioid crisis. Ms. Cassel has authored numerous articles on medical marijuana including most recently in The Pennsylvania Lawyer and Marijuana Ventures. Ms. Cassel utilizes her law degree in conjunction with her MBA and years of corporate experience in assisting medical marijuana clients with: entity formation, financing, contract negotiations, sales and leasing transactions, and litigation. In her regulatory practice, Ms. Cassel has represented clients in applications, investigations, and litigation before federal and state courts and administrative agencies. 

Mr. Bucy is an attorney at Cannabis Law PA in Harrisburg, PA. He has represented growers, processors, dispensaries, physicians, laboratories, among others in the burgeoning cannabis and hemp industry. Mr. Bucy has assisted numerous cannabis and hemp clients in all aspects of operations including entity formation, application drafting and assistance, land use and zoning, commercial and administrative litigation and appeals, and regulatory compliance matters. Mr. Bucy has assisted clients in Pennsylvania, Maryland, New Jersey, West Virginia, Ohio, Georgia, Illinois, and Utah. Mr. Bucy received his B.A. from Coastal Carolina University and his J.D. from the University of Maryland School of Law.  

Christine is a partner at JSDC Law Offices in Hershey. She has focused her 25 year legal career on all types of family law issues. She recognizes that family law matters are often emotionally and financially stressful events. She strives to support clients to ensure that each client’s unique needs will be effectively addressed during and at the conclusion of each case. As a result, her scope of representation ranges from being a zealous advocate in the courtroom to facilitating agreements in cases where the parties agree to negotiate and tailor the terms of their own family law matters. She is a trained mediator and certified in Collaborative Law. Christine also heads the firm’s JSDC Medical Cannabis Group. She became one of the leading advocates of medical cannabis to assist her son Garrett, who suffers from the rare seizure disorder Dravet Syndrome, and helped lead the effort to legalize medical cannabis in Pennsylvania. She worked closely with legislators and others on the content of the state’s 2016 medical cannabis law, which gives her special insight into its varied stipulations and unparalleled access to regulators and legislators. Within the legal community, Christine currently serves the PBA as co-chair of the PBA’s Collaborative Committee and co-chairs the PBA’s Medical Marijuana and Hemp Law Committee. She also serves as co-chair of the Collaborative Professionals of Central PA. She is a member of the Dauphin County and Pennsylvania Bar Associations, Family Law Section. She previously served as Secretary and Treasurer of the Dauphin County Young Lawyers Division. Within the local community, Christine has served on various boards including the Family Health Council of Central Pennsylvania, the Derry Township Historical Society and Cocoa Packs, a weekly food assistance program for Hershey area students. Christine is a native of Hershey. She graduated from Bucknell University in 1995 and earned her Juris Doctor degree from Widener University School of Law in 1998. She was admitted to practice before all Pennsylvania and New Jersey state courts in 1998.