Latest news with #WomenGrow
Associated Press
12-05-2025
- Business
- Associated Press
Speakers, Panels and Networking Opportunities Announced for Cannabis Means Business in New York
NEW YORK, May 12, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Cannabis Means Business (CMB), the industry's premier business to business conference and expo, today shared new details on their schedule of panels and presentations, along with new programming, exhibitions and networking opportunities. Speakers have also been announced, including CNBC Fast Money trader Tim Seymour; Philip Wolf, a pioneer of the cannabis hospitality sector; and Dr. Chanda Macias, CEO of Women Grow. Taking place June 4-5 2025 at the Javits Convention Center in New York City, the epicenter of commerce and innovation, the 11th annual CMB (formerly the CWCBExpo) will bring together thought leaders, entrepreneurs, investors, policymakers and advocates from across the rapidly growing cannabis sector. The conference will feature in-depth panel discussions, presentations and workshops that will shape the industry's future both within New York and worldwide, with topics such as: Additional panels throughout the two-day schedule will cover topics ranging from Hospitality & Cannabis Tourism; Real Estate & Cannabis Business Planning; Health & Wellness, among other subjects impacting businesses and consumers alike. Three pre-event workshops will take place on June 3rd. These deep dive programs will cover important topics to scale your business: AI & Everything Cannabis for Your Business; Taking Your Cannabis Brand or Business Around the World – An International View of Building Your Opportunities; and Marketing & Communications for Brands & Retailers. There will also be a range of networking opportunities, including but not limited to: 'New York's rapidly growing cannabis market, combined with its unmatched consumer base and global reach, creates a unique opportunity for businesses to thrive—and makes it the perfect backdrop for our event,' said CMB CEO and Founder Christine Ianuzzi. 'Now, more than ever, it's crucial to be in the right room, surrounded by innovators, investors, and decision-makers—this is where the future of cannabis commerce is taking shape.' Cannabis Means Business (CMB) is a new vision for the show previously run as CWCBExpo. This evolution marks a significant shift in the landscape of cannabis industry events and reflects the needs of today and the future of the industry. CMB will continue to offer an expansive exhibit floor and a diverse slate of industry-leading speakers, presenting insightful addresses, educational sessions and workshops designed to address the complexities of operating within the regional, national, and global cannabis marketplace. For the latest scheduling updates, speaker information and to learn about attending, exhibiting and sponsorship opportunities at CMB–New York Global Edition, visit: About Cannabis Means Business (CMB) Cannabis Means Business (CMB), formerly CWCBExpo, is the premier North American trade show and conference for professionals and companies who are serious about growth, innovation and building their business in cannabis. As champions of a responsible, ethical, sustainable and profitable cannabis ecosystem, CMB reflects the vibrancy and complexity of New York City—a global hub for business, innovation and the cannabis supply chain. Visit:
Yahoo
19-02-2025
- Yahoo
Brittney Griner pulls out of speaking engagement over 'Gay Baby Jail' note found in hotel room
WNBA star Brittney Griner pulled out of speaking engagement earlier this week after finding a piece of tape in her hotel room with the words 'Gay Baby Jail' written on it. The 34-year-old Olympian was set to speak at the Women Grow 2025 Leadership Summit, dedicated to cannabis policy and industry, in National Harbor, Maryland, on Monday when she found the note and left. The ordeal was first reported by TMZ. Griner, who is gay, had been imprisoned in Russia after vape canisters with cannabis oil were found in her luggage at Moscow's Sheremetyevo Airport in February 2022. She pleaded guilty to drug charges at her trial in July 2022, but said she had no criminal intent. She was released the following December in a prisoner swap brokered by the Biden administration. NBC News has reached out to representatives for Griner for comment. The Prince George's County Police Department said Gaylord National Resort staff alerted authorities about a piece of tape with writing on it found in a guest's room. Detectives said they learned the phrase "gay baby jail" is commonly used as a video game reference. Police noted that at the time the tape was discovered, a large convention was taking place at the resort that attracts a crowd interested in anime and video game enthusiasts. "Detectives are working to determine who placed the piece of tape, when it was done and the intention behind it," a police spokesperson said. "At this time, detectives have uncovered no link to or threat against the guest who located the tape." Anyone with information on the tape message is asked to contact police. Women Grow CEO Chanda Macias told NBC News in a statement Wednesday: 'Brittney Griner arrived to be with us but felt unsafe because of threatening objects and words left inside her hotel room. For her safety, she chose to return home.' 'The Gaylord assured us that the conference and its guests were safe; they have represented that the threat at issue was a meme joke left by a prior guest and unfortunately missed by cleaning staff,' Macias continued. 'Regardless of whether this was a targeted attack or an unfortunate coincidence, the entire Women Grow community and I wholeheartedly support Brittney's decision and stand with her at this time,' she article was originally published on
Yahoo
19-02-2025
- Yahoo
WNBA star Brittney Griner backs out of medical marijuana convention after 'threatening' hotel room note
Feb. 19 (UPI) -- WNBA star Brittney Griner canceled a scheduled appearance this week at a Maryland cannabis convention after a "threatening" note was discovered in her hotel room, event organizers say. "At this time, detectives have uncovered no link to or threat against the guest who located the tape," according to Prince George County police officials. Griner, 34, was slated to appear at the Gaylord National Resort and Convention Center in the National Harbor waterfront hub for the Women Grow Leadership Conference, but opted to back out of the event after a piece of duct tape with the words "Gay Baby Jail" written near the door of her hotel room, CBS affiliate WUSA-TV reported Tuesday. "We were really excited because she brings a beacon of hope to our industry, but we know security is a major importance," Women Grow CEO Dr. Chanda Macias told news media. But according to the Prince George County police officials, it was likely left in the room by a previous guest. "Detectives have learned the phrase 'gay baby jail' is commonly used as a video game reference," they wrote. The hotel claimed cleaning staff missed it and that it was a bad joke left by a previous guest. "At the time the tape was located, a large convention was taking place at the Gaylord which attracts thousands of people, many with an interest in anime as well as video game enthusiasts," police officials said. An openly gay athlete and Texas native, Griner spent 10 months and nearly 300 days in a Russian jail after being charged and convicted of a marijuana-related drug offense when airport authorities in Moscow found a vape canister and cannabis oil in what U.S. officials said was an unjust detainment just prior the start of Russia's invasion of Ukraine. "If there was a woman that feels threatened at any reason whatsoever, they should do what they feel is best for them," added Macias. The Atlanta Dream center was sentenced to serve nine years in a Russian penal colony after her conviction for carrying less than a gram of cannabis oil in her luggage. She was finally granted her freedom in 2022 and landed at the U.S. military's Kelly Field in San Antonio on Dec. 9 after a one-for-one prisoner exchange with Russian authorities the day before. "Regardless of whether this was a targeted attack or an unfortunate coincidence, the entire Women Grow community and I wholeheartedly support Brittney's decision and stand with her at this time," Women Grow's Macias told NBC in a statement.
NBC News
19-02-2025
- NBC News
Brittney Griner pulls out of speaking engagement over 'Gay Baby Jail' note found in hotel room
WNBA star Brittney Griner pulled out of speaking engagement earlier this week after finding a piece of tape in her hotel room with the words 'Gay Baby Jail' written on it. The 34-year-old Olympian was set to speak at the Women Grow 2025 Leadership Summit, dedicated to cannabis policy and industry, in National Harbor, Maryland, on Monday when she found the note and left. The ordeal was first reported by TMZ. Griner, who is gay, had been imprisoned in Russia after vape canisters with cannabis oil were found in her luggage at Moscow's Sheremetyevo Airport in February 2022. She pleaded guilty to drug charges at her trial in July 2022, but said she had no criminal intent. She was released the following December in a prisoner swap brokered by the Biden administration. NBC News has reached out to representatives for Griner for comment. The Prince George's County Police Department said Gaylord National Resort staff alerted authorities about a piece of tape with writing on it found in a guest's room. Detectives said they learned the phrase "gay baby jail" is commonly used as a video game reference. Police noted that at the time the tape was discovered, a large convention was taking place at the resort that attracts a crowd interested in anime and video game enthusiasts. "Detectives are working to determine who placed the piece of tape, when it was done and the intention behind it," a police spokesperson said. "At this time, detectives have uncovered no link to or threat against the guest who located the tape." Anyone with information on the tape message is asked to contact police. NBC News has reached out to the conference for comment. Women Grow CEO Chanda Macias told Marijuana Moment, 'Brittney Griner arrived to be with us but felt unsafe because of threatening objects and words left inside her hotel room. For her safety, she chose to return home.' 'Regardless of whether this was a targeted attack or an unfortunate coincidence, the entire Women Grow community and I wholeheartedly support Brittney's decision and stand with her at this time,' Macias added. Marlene Lenthang
Yahoo
19-02-2025
- Yahoo
The Reason Brittney Griner Pulled Out of a Scheduled Speech is Scary...and Infuriating
After being released from Russian prison in 2022, Atlanta Dream center Brittney Griner has been rebuilding her life. But when she was set to be a keynote speaker for a women's empowerment event, a stark reminder of her past casta dark shadow over her in the worst way possible. On Monday (Feb. 17), Griner backed out of a speaking engagement for the Women Grow Leadership Summit after reportedly being mortified by a message posted in her hotel room. According to TMZ, an investigation into the matter is still underway. The WNBA player reportedly found 'threatening objects and words' written on a piece of duct tape near the entryway of her hotel room. The message read 'Gay Baby Jail,' according to WUSA 9. Griner, who is openly gay and spent nearly 300 days in a Russian prison back in 2021, immediately canceled her appearance and left the event after the shocking discovery. The message was soon brought to the attention of authorities, and now, the Prince George's County Police Department (PGPD) has launched a formal investigation at Gaylord National Resort & Convention Center, the site of the conference where Griner was reportedly staying, according to officials. 'Detectives have learned the phrase 'gay baby jail' is commonly used as a video game reference,' a police statement obtained by TMZ said. 'At the time the tape was located, a large convention was taking place at the Gaylord which attracts thousands of people, many with an interest in anime as well as video game enthusiasts. At this time, detectives have uncovered no link to or threat against the guest who located the tape.' Despite authorities claiming the matter was a terrible coincidence, the Olympic hooper rightfully felt attacked, and even Women Grow CEO Dr. Chanda Macias spoke out in defense of the 10-time All Star. 'We were really excited because she brings a beacon of hope to our industry, but we know security is a major importance,' she told WUSA 9. 'If there was a woman that feels threatened at any reason whatsoever, they should do what they feel is best for them.' Women Grow is an organization which aims to bring together women to promote leadership within the cannabis industry, according to its website. 'I don't know what their protocols are, but I don't know why rooms wouldn't be cleaned,' Macias continued. 'We want you [Griner] to be safe, thrive, share your voice and narrative, and don't let anything intimidate you.' Detectives are continuing to investigate the cruel joke. Their statement continued saying 'detectives are working to determine who placed the piece of tape when it was done and the intention behind it.' For the latest news, Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.
