Aly Piscatell | Budding Operations

Aly Piscatell is the owner of Budding Operations, a woman-owned and operated consulting firm specializing in regulatory compliance and operational efficiency for the cannabis industry. With expertise in Metrc and seed-to-sale tracking, we leverage good data to optimize operations. With over a decade of experience, our team brings a wealth of expertise and a robust network of resources to the table. We understand that every business is unique, so we tailor our solutions to fit your needs rather than taking a one size-fits-all approach. From tackling regulatory hurdles to optimizing your daily operations, we provide comprehensive compliance services to address every aspect of your business. Based in Colorado and serving clients nationwide, we’re dedicated to helping cannabis businesses navigate the complexities of the industry with confidence.

Aly Piscatelli has been working in the regulated cannabis industry since 2011, focusing on regulatory compliance and its application in the workplace. In 2014, Colorado was the first state to use METRC for seed-to-sale tracking, and Aly opened one of the first recreational cannabis stores in Colorado and the nation. This blossomed a deeper professional relationship with the Colorado Marijuana Enforcement Division and METRC program that is now nationally used.

Today, Aly Piscatelli is an active member of the METRC and regulatory framework working groups in Colorado, working directly with other leaders in the industry. She has spoken at multiple national conferences about implementing compliance into the workflow of licensed facilities. She holds partnership agreements with accounting firms and consulting groups to work with clients to maintain accurate data and licensure. Her company provides on-site auditing, training, and SOP development in CO, CA, MA, OK, DC, NM, IL, NY, VT, ME, MT, and MO based on state-specific regulations, her experiences, and the ever-changing regulatory environment. In April of 2021, she became Certified in Planning & Inventory Management through APICS, a globally recognized certification program for supply chain management.

Patrick E. Poston | The Law Office of Patrick E. Poston, LLC

Patrick brings over a decade of successful legal experience in highly regulated industries to include healthcare, railroad, securities, and cannabis. Much of that experience came in large firms prior to starting his own firm in 2019. He has served and advised cannabis clients across the spectrum of cannabis business operations, ranging from regulatory and operational compliance, start-up financing, licensing agreements, employment agreements, real estate acquisitions/transactions, corporate governance, license capture, and licensure decision appeals. Patrick routinely serves as go-to cannabis counsel for cannabis entities across Missouri and beyond providing sound business strategies to successfully and efficiently navigate anti-business regulations.

Patrick has successfully won licenses in two competitive states (Missouri and Illinois). He has served as Outside General Counsel for a Missouri based cannabis manufacturer and was integral in nearly all aspects of its cannabis start-up operations. This includes start up regulatory and operational compliance, including managing communications with state regulators and execution of strategies to ensure regulatory clearance in adherence to strict operational timelines. As OGC, Patrick negotiated real estate agreements, successful permitting variance submissions, contractual enforcement related to construction, and corporate governance. Patrick thrives in finding creative and effective solutions to the unique problems facing cannabis operators.

Patrick has also served as counsel for the investing-entity in a successful $5.5 million cannabis joint venture. He serves as chief outside legal counsel to a cannabis consulting and security firm in Missouri. In addition to his corporate and transactional cannabis work, Patrick maintains an active litigation practice and is handling multiple licenses appeals for applicants denied licenses in Missouri through the competitive licensing process. His comprehensive cannabis industry experience enables Patrick to effectively and efficiently strategize, navigate, execute, and counsel on all things related to successful cannabis application, startup, and continued operations. Beyond cannabis, Patrick maintains a thriving solo practice covering general litigation, business/commercial litigation, personal injury, FELA, and business/corporate services.

Session I – Regulatory Compliance: Testing, packaging, and labeling | 3:00pm – 4:00pm

• Test Samples- How to pull and submit test samples | 3:00pm – 3:15pm
• Packaging Requirements and Red Flags | 3:15pm – 3:30pm
• Labeling Requirements and Red Flags | 3:30pm – 3:45pm
• Record Keeping Requirements and Best Practices | 3:45pm – 4:00pm

Break | 4:00pm – 4:10pm

Session II – Navigating the Legal Landscape: Ethical considerations in cannabis regulation | 4:10pm – 5:10pm

• Raising Capital | 4:10pm – 4:20pm
• Structuring Deals | 4:20pm – 4:30pm
• Reporting Changes in Ownership | 4:30pm – 4:50pm
• Avoiding Conflicts of Interest | 4:50pm – 5:00pm
• Ethical Reporting of Compliance Violations | 5:00pm – 5:10pm