Next month, (November 06) Business of Cannabis New York 2025 will bring together regulators, investors, founders, and advisors for a day of strategic dialogue on the future of New York’s cannabis industry.
From navigating policy shifts and funding pathways to scaling operations and earning consumer trust, the agenda offers data-driven insights and practical guidance for operators at every stage.
Produced by Prohibition Partners, the conference features speakers from the Office of Cannabis Management, leading investment firms, and established market players, offering attendees direct access to decision-makers shaping the state’s evolving cannabis landscape.
Below is an overview of all the key sessions you can expect from the day.
Join 300+ industry leaders at Business of Cannabis: New York — an exclusive one-day event presented by Prohibition Partners at The Wythe Hotel, Williamsburg, on November 6, 2025.
This VIP gathering will bring together investors, operators and policy-makers to explore strategies for driving investment and accelerating retail growth across the New York cannabis market.
Be part of the conversation shaping the future of legal cannabis in New York.
Curated Networking and Roundtables
🕙 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM | The Terrace and Main Hall
Speakers: Stephen Murphy (CEO, Prohibition Partners); Shahbaaz Kara-Virani & Andrew Lowitz (Co-Founders, The Cannabis Collective); Amy Deneson & Nancy Einhart (Cannabis Media Council)
Opening the day, a series of networking sessions and roundtables will bring together stakeholders to address the challenges of building sustainable businesses in a changing regulatory environment. Themes include compliance, collaboration with the OCM, access to funding, consolidation, and consumer trust.
Navigating Regulatory and Policy Change
🕐 1:30 PM – 2:00 PM
Speakers: L. Simone Washington (Chief Equity Officer, New York Office of Cannabis Management); David Feldman (Managing Partner, Feldman Legal Advisors)
This discussion will consider how operators can respond to shifting regulations and enforcement priorities, and how adaptability can offer a competitive edge in a fast-moving market.
Funding Pathways for New York Cannabis Companies
🕑 2:00 PM – 2:30 PM
Speakers: Seth Yakatan (Co-Founder, Katan Associates); Jeffrey Schultz (Partner, Foley Hoag LLC)
Capital access remains a key hurdle for operators. This session explores evolving deal structures and funding models, including revenue-based financing and cross-border ventures.
Converting Customers from the Illicit Market
🕝 2:30 PM – 3:00 PM
Speakers: Fab 5 Freddy (Co-Founder, B-Noble); Vladimir Bautista (CEO, Happy Munkey)
This conversation examines how licensed dispensaries are using pricing, storytelling, and community engagement to attract legacy consumers and strengthen the regulated market.
Facilitating the Growth of the Medical Market
🕒 3:00 PM – 3:30 PM
Speakers: To be announced
As adult-use expansion continues, panellists will discuss the importance of maintaining focus on patient access, product innovation, and education within New York’s medical framework.
Scaling Strategies Amid Price and Licensing Shifts
🕞 3:30 PM – 4:00 PM
Speakers: Dave Vautrin (CEO, Fluent); Joanne Wilson (CEO, Gotham)
With new licences entering the market and pricing pressure increasing, this session will explore how operators can scale responsibly and maintain brand integrity in a competitive environment.
Transparency and Trust as a Competitive Advantage
🕓 4:00 PM – 4:30 PM
Speakers: Paul Yau (Co-Founder and CEO, The Travel Agency)
The closing panel focuses on the growing importance of transparency in building consumer trust, discussing how openness in sourcing, pricing, and communication can strengthen both brand reputation and market position.
