This year’s CannabisLAB Conference at The Diplomat in Hollywood, Florida was something special. I had the honor of representing PufCreativ as a panelist among a powerhouse lineup of global cannabis leaders. Over the course of two packed days, we dove deep into some of the biggest conversations shaping our industry.
CLAB has always prioritized connection, collaboration, and community, and this year’s event delivered on all fronts. This weekend was a meaningful reminder of why we do this work and how far we’ve come.
Let’s dive into the details.
Getting There Was A Little Rough But Worth It
I flew into Florida on Wednesday evening, excited, slightly exhausted, and ready to connect. The journey had a bit of unexpected turbulence when our flight made an emergency landing due to a medical situation. Thankfully, everything resolved safely, and we continued on to our destination.
After finally arriving, I woke up to one of those unforgettable Florida sunrises. The bold colors spilled over the ocean like a promise. I took a quiet swim to reset my nervous system and soak in the calm before the full conference buzz kicked off.
That moment in the water ended up being the grounding energy I needed for an incredible weekend ahead.
First Impressions of CLAB
The CLAB Conference kicked off at the stunning Diplomat Beach Resort in Hollywood, FL. This venue struck the perfect balance between luxury and laid-back coastal energy. As soon as I walked in, I was greeted with a smile. I was handed a CLAB shirt and tote bag and offered a latte with the CLAB logo printed right on the foam. I probably had thirty of those over the weekend. No regrets.
Right away, I could feel the vibe was warm and community-driven. This was a gathering of global minds. Operators, investors, advocates, and innovators all coming together to exchange ideas and forge connections. There was a shared sense that we’re all part of something bigger than ourselves.
And that energy carried through every conversation, every panel, and every hallway handshake.
The Power of Connection
As always, the most valuable part of any conference is the people.
I had the chance to reconnect with some familiar faces and meet new industry powerhouses whose work I admire deeply. I chopped it up with Tony Pavlakis from Pipp Horticulture, whose insights into cultivation infrastructure continue to push the envelope. Caught up with Krista Jones from THC Girls, always an inspiring force for creativity and branding in the space. Spent time with Yesenia Bernardeau of iAnthus, whose presence in the Florida market is as sharp as it is impactful.
Matt Streich from Baked and Terp Basel reminded me just how much culture and community matter when you’re building something real. And of course, it was an honor to talk with Randy Lanier from Freedom Grow. His story, perspective, and ongoing advocacy work are a grounding reminder of what this movement is really about. I also had a great conversation with Jeremy Ortiz. He brings deep knowledge and care to the insurance and risk side of this industry.
Every interaction reminded me just how global and interconnected cannabis is becoming. Florida’s cannabis scene is clearly evolving fast, and events like CLAB are helping bridge the gap between local markets and international expansion.
The collaborative spirit was real, and it left me stoked about where we’re headed as an industry.
Day 1
Global Investment & Strategy Panels
The first full day of CLAB kicked off with some heavy-hitting panels that dove deep into the realities of building and scaling in today’s cannabis economy.
Markets & Investment unpacked how U.S. financial shifts are impacting capital flows in emerging cannabis markets like Latin America and the Caribbean. Listening to Chris Day from Global Cannabis Network Collective (GCNC), Mike Goral from Verdant Strategies, Raymond Guns from Dope CFO Certified Advisors, and Shawn Credle from New Holland Group highlight global investment patterns reinforced something I’ve seen firsthand. It’s truly international, and investors are watching closely.
Then came Global Strategy, which felt tailor-made for where PufCreativ is headed. This panel explored what it takes to protect your IP, adapt to international markets, and build a brand that resonates across cultures.
Speakers like Klaus Graetzer from CannAndes, Franny Tacy from Franny’s Farm and Franny’s Farmacy, Tony Verzura from Blue River Terps, and Sara Brittany Somerset from the United Nations Cannabis Desk brought diverse perspectives and emphasized something we talk about a lot at Puf: authenticity travels.
Rooftop CEO Dinner
That night, I had the chance to join an intimate CEO dinner at the Hyde Hotel rooftop, just down the road from the conference. The view was stunning, but the real highlight was the conversation. It’s not every day you get to share a meal with founders, creatives, and operators who are shaping the future of cannabis from all angles.
These smaller, off-the-floor moments are where the magic happens.
Day 2
Sunrise Surf Sesh
Friday morning started with one of my favorite rituals, which is a sunrise surf session. Being in the ocean first thing clears the noise and helps me get aligned for the day. That quick recharge in the water set me up to show up fully for what would be a full day of conversations, panels, and connection.
I headed back to the conference re-centered. I knocked out a few work calls (because the grind doesn’t stop, even at the beach), and got my head in the game for the sessions ahead, including my own.
Branding and Narrative Panels
The first standout was the Markets & Investment session on Brands That Travel. This panel dug into how cannabis companies are winning in Latin America and beyond. It was encouraging to hear from Emanuel Bernal, Leah Heise from Wolf Meyer, Lance Lambert from Grove Bags, Jillian Reddish from GCNC, and Zev Barnett from Maven Bioscience who emphasized that success abroad is about exporting purpose. The best global strategy involves local storytelling, market-specific nuance, and authenticity.
But the real highlight for me was Tourism, Culture & Media, where I spoke alongside Javier Hasse from El Planteo, Amna Shamim from CannabisEvents.global, and Lisa Weser from Trailblaze. Our discussion centered around how narratives move markets. This included how the stories we tell shape public perception, drive investment, and break down outdated stigma.
We talked about what it means to create media that isn’t just “about weed.” It’s so important to recognize the people, cultures, and communities behind it. The audience was dialed in the whole time, and you could feel the collective understanding that this plant (and this industry) is so much bigger than a single campaign or headline.
Being part of that conversation with such a sharp, experienced crew made it one of my favorite moments of the entire conference.
The Global Movement is Here
CLAB 2025 was a beacon for international cannabis unity. It shined a light on the shared goals, challenges, and stories that connect us across borders.
Massive shoutout to Robert Friedman and Jenifer Makris for curating such a strong lineup and creating space for meaningful collaboration. The attention to detail, the thoughtfulness behind the conversations, and the warmth of the entire experience made it one for the books.
As I flew home, I kept thinking about where we go from here. For me, and for PufCreativ, that means doubling down on authentic storytelling, cultural intelligence, and community-driven strategies that uplift cannabis operators around the globe. We’re ready for the next wave, and CLAB reminded me that we’re far from alone in this work.
CLAB lit the spark. Now it’s time to keep the energy flowing and the conversations growing.
