Cracking the Code to California Cannabis Success: Anaheim Hosts Market Spotlight on October 8

LOS ANGELES- California is the largest Cannabis market in the world, setting trends that shape global culture, regulation, and business strategy. On October 8, 2025, leaders from across the industry will gather in Anaheim for IgniteIt’s Market Spotlight: California — a one-day event focused on actionable strategies for operators, investors, and policymakers.

After two sold-out events in 2024, IgniteIt returns with a curated program built to address the challenges and opportunities unique to California’s dynamic Cannabis marketplace.

Why This Event Matters

California has experienced dramatic waves of growth, contraction, and reinvention. The decisions made here have global implications, influencing everything from regulatory models to brand trends.

Market Spotlight brings together the people shaping that future to address pressing topics like federal rescheduling, profitability in a highly competitive environment, and how California brands can scale nationally or internationally while staying authentic.

“IgniteIt events are the most valuable networking experiences I’ve attended,” said Lauren Carpenter, CEO of Embarc. “The discussions are practical and the relationships I’ve built there have led to real partnerships.”

Power Players on Stage

This year’s lineup includes some of the most influential leaders driving California’s $5 billion Cannabis industry:

• Angela Pih, Founder, Point Brand

• Annie Fleshman, VP of Marketing, Flowhub

• Casey Ly, Co-CEO, Bloom

• Chris Ball, CEO, Ball Family Farms

• Dana Cisneros, Attorney, Cannabis Corporate Law Firm

• Dennis O’Malley, Founder, Echtrai Corp

• Fiona Ma, Treasurer, State of California

• Genine Coleman, Executive Director, Origins Council

• Hirsh Jain, Founder, Ananda Strategy

• Joseph Lustberg, CEO, Upwise Capital

• Jun Lee, Co-CEO, Nabis

• Kyle Jaeger, Managing Editor, Marijuana Moment

• Lauren Carpenter, CEO, Embarc

• Los Arias, CEO, Green Horizons

• Meilad Rafiei, CEO, WeCann

• Micah Anderson, CEO, LEEF Brands

• Rachel Wright, CEO, Verdant Strategies

• Ron Gershoni, CEO, Jetty Extracts

• Steven Ernest, Director, Chicago Atlantic

• Tak Soto, President, Stiiizy

• Tiffany Richardson, Cannabis Managing Partner, Crowe LLP

• Wes Hein, Co-Founder, Mammoth Distribution

Highly Capitalized Network as Media Partner

The Highly Capitalized Network (HCN) is proud to serve as the official media partner for this year’s Market Spotlight.

Mark Collins, Brian Caine, and Kieve Huffman will be conducting exclusive interviews with speakers and attendees, delivering real-time insights across HCN’s website, newsletters, and LinkedIn channels. These conversations will amplify the voices shaping California’s Cannabis future to a global audience.

Key Topics to Be Explored

The 2025 agenda tackles the most urgent challenges facing California operators and brands:

• Federal Rescheduling’s Ripple Effect – Understanding how national policy changes impact the state’s businesses and consumers.

• Tax and Regulatory Reform – Preparing for California’s tax reset and new compliance requirements.

• Smarter Supply Chains – Leveraging data to cut costs and boost efficiency.

• Rebuilding Investor Confidence – Identifying standout operators poised for growth.

• Distressed Asset Strategies – Receiverships, asset realignment, and turnaround opportunities.

• Scaling Beyond California – Taking brands national without losing their core identity.

• Authenticity as a Competitive Edge – Using culture and trust to drive long-term success.

The day concludes with a cocktail reception and private Buyers’ Dinner, offering space for networking and strategic deal-making.

Why It’s Different

Market Spotlight is not a trade show. It’s a curated, high-level gathering where decision-makers collaborate to solve problems and shape the future of the world’s most influential Cannabis market.

California’s Cannabis industry doesn’t just lead the U.S. — it defines global trends. For brands, investors, and regulators, this event provides direct access to the people making decisions that matter far beyond state lines.

Full details, ticketing, and speaker bios are available at www.cannabismarketspotlight.com.

Use promo code HCN20 to save 20% on registration.