Regulating Alternate Means of Consumption

Robby Pinnamaneni Related Seminars and Products

McKinney Capital; Sasirock, Inc.

Biography: Robby S. Pinnamaneni is a seasoned cannabis entrepreneur and operator
in the medical and recreational California market with a depth of industry experience
and network—focused on operations and business development. Robby started his
cannabis career 5 years ago and was an owner and operator under the medical and
recreational adult-use framework. Robby’ s breadth of cannabis experience extends
across retail, licensing, genetics, extraction, compliance, cultivation, delivery, cannabis
product development, packaging, distribution, and branding — a vertically integrated
business model. Robby has guided his cannabis operations through the many seismic
transitions, addressing issues such as testing, packaging, compliant products, taxes,
cannabis displays and more. In addition, Robby has participated in the launch and
development of several successful cannabis brands (777 – 2019 Cannabis Cup 1st
Place winner; Classix; and Conshis). Robby’s acumen also includes spending more
than ten years as a real estate and restructuring attorney at top‐tier law firms including
Paul Hastings, Latham & Watkins, and Kirkland & Ellis.

Prior to his legal career, Robby has experience as an Investment Banker and
Management Consultant. Robby graduated at the top of his law school class from
Vanderbilt University, where he also earned a certification in Law & Business. He
earned his Master’s of Science in Financial Engineering from the University of Michigan,
where he was President of his class, and his B.A. in Economics with Honors from the
University of Chicago.

Arun Kurichety Related Seminars and Products

Founder

Kurichety Law, P.C.

Arun is a seasoned leader, corporate executive, and attorney with an entrepreneurial mindset. He possesses more than fifteen years of corporate transactional/restructuring experience with a focus on the cannabis/cbd industry. As a cannabis industry “veteran,” he has advised numerous cannabis companies, from start-ups to publicly traded companies, in an ever-shifting regulatory landscape. He is highly regarded for his capital markets and debt restructuring knowledge, while regularly advising on corporate governance, compliance/regulatory matters. 

As the former legal leader of KushCo Holdings, Arun oversaw and managed the legal, compliance, corporate governance, and business affairs functions. He served as a trusted advisor on the executive team and executed several industry-first transactions, including the Company’s $50 million asset-based credit facility. His focus on compliance resulted in implementing a “best-in-class” compliance program. He also designed business strategies that resulted in tripling top-line revenue from $52M to $150M FY19. 

With more than fifteen years of corporate transactional experience with two top international law firms, Arun has guided and advised companies in various growth stages, from start-ups to businesses seeking to restructure or exit. He led or participated in more than 15 complex large U.S. and foreign debt restructurings totaling $12+ billion in funded debt. He implemented novel and successful strategies on behalf of companies and sophisticated creditors in and out of court during the “great recession” of 2008-2011.

Arun has been intimately involved in the creation of the legal, regulated cannabis market in California and throughout the country. He continues to offer his time and expertise to organizations that push legalization forward for a safe and responsible cannabis industry. He is an invited member of the National Cannabis Industry Association's Policy Council, which shapes nationwide cannabis policy through education and lobbying. He is a regular speaker on cannabis industry panels and has been profiled by several publications for his insights on the industry.

Core Competencies: Corporate Transactions; Mergers and Acquisitions; Capital Raising - Equity/Debt; Public Listing; Strategic Partnerships; Corporate Board Governance; Restructuring, SEC – Disclosure; Risk Management, Risk Mitigation, Consumer Packaged Goods, Cannabis, CBD; Hemp; Finance (P&L, AP/AR collection strategies); Corporate Leadership; Government Affairs; Team Building.

Jonathan Havens Related Seminars and Products

Partner - Cannabis Law Practice Co-Chair

Saul Ewing LLP

Jonathan Havens is the co-chair of Saul Ewing's Cannabis Law and Food, Beverage & Agribusiness Practices. Companies in the cannabis (both hemp and marijuana), life sciences, food and beverage, and cosmetics industries turn to Jonathan for advice on how to get and keep their products on the market.

Since 2019, Chambers USA has recognized Jonathan as a leading lawyer in cannabis law. In 2021, Law360 selected Jonathan as a cannabis law rising star, and in 2018, the National Law Journal named Jonathan to its inaugural Cannabis Law Trailblazers list. He has been quoted by or authored pieces for The New York Times, The Los Angeles Times, Reuters, CNBC, WIRED, MarketWatch, Engadget, Law360, High Times Magazine, and Marijuana Business Daily.

Jonathan counsels clients on regulatory, compliance, enforcement, and transactional matters related to products regulated by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), the Federal Trade Commission (FTC), the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), and the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA). His experience also includes matters involving the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP), state and municipal agencies, and state attorneys general.

Jonathan's deep understanding of the complex requirements that govern myriad products is enhanced by his experience working in government and on Capitol Hill. Before entering private practice, Jonathan served as regulatory counsel with the FDA, where he focused on promotion, advertising, and labeling. Prior to law school, Jonathan served as a legislative aide in both the U.S. Senate and U.S. House of Representatives.

Derek Zhu Related Seminars and Products

General Counsel

Derek Zhu currently works at Smoore International Holdings Limited (“Smoore”) as
General Counsel. He focuses on Smoore’s regulatory and compliance matters for
ENDS and Non-ENDS products. Particularly, he has been handling cutting-edge
matters in the Cannabis industry, such as HTS codes for cannabis-related products,
customs seizures, and labeling and supply chain challenges. Before joining Smoore,
Derek worked as an attorney at Shearman & Sterling LLP, WilmerHale LLP, and the
World Bank Group.