JACKSON, Miss. – Patients in Mississippi are still waiting to access medical marijuana, but the business framework for the emerging industry is already taking shape. The Lucky Leaf Expo has rolled out the green carpet at the Jackson Convention Center, showcasing opportunities and resources in the cannabis sector.
Connecting the Cannabis Community
Chad Flaieh, a partner at the Lucky Leaf Expo, stated, “It’s connecting everybody together. We have seminars featuring speakers from across the nation discussing banking, taxes, cultivation, retail, and other essential aspects of the cannabis industry. Attendees can find all the resources they need at the show.”
The expo provides a platform where current and prospective industry participants can interact. Kayla Davis, who recently moved back to Jackson after two and a half years in Colorado, shared her journey: “I lived in Colorado to learn and gain experience in the industry. I returned to Mississippi when medical cannabis became legal to become a processor.”
Networking and Knowledge Sharing
The event features a variety of seminars with industry experts and vendors showcasing products such as grow lights and seeds. This allows connections between dispensaries, growers, and processors. Ken Newburger, Executive Director of the Mississippi Medical Marijuana Association, remarked, “We’ve facilitated connections with experts from other states on best practices. Now it’s crucial for these businesses to connect with each other to better serve Mississippi.”
Doctors, like Kirk Kinard, are also engaged in the learning process. “It’s essential for all of us to recognize the significance of each part of the industry,” he commented. “As we can now allow advertising through our clinic, I want to ensure that I vet the individuals providing products to my patients.”
Economic Potential in Mississippi
The expo also serves as a glimpse into the anticipated economic growth in Mississippi’s cannabis sector. Melvin C. Robinson, III, Executive Director of the Mississippi Cannabis Trade Association, noted, “Mississippi has one of the lowest barriers to entry for businesses in this industry. We also offer a broader patient access and a greater variety of products compared to neighboring states.”
The Lucky Leaf Expo continues at the Jackson Convention Center, running Saturday from 10 am to 5 pm.
