[Event] Cannabis Law Institute 2026 – June 17th – 18th, Chicago, IL | International Cannabis Bar Association (INCBA)

Cannabis Law Institute 2026: Moving Beyond Introductory Conversations

The International Cannabis Bar Association (INCBA) announced the return of its flagship annual event, the Cannabis Law Institute (CLI2026), scheduled for June 17‑18, 2026 at Northwestern Pritzker School of Law in Chicago. Widely regarded as the leading conference devoted exclusively to cannabis law, CLI2026 brings together attorneys, regulators, policymakers, and industry stakeholders to address one of the most complex and rapidly evolving legal landscapes in the United States.

As of 2024, thirty‑eight states have legalized medical cannabis and twenty‑four allow adult‑use, yet the plant remains a Schedule I substance under the Controlled Substances Act. This federal‑state tension creates a dynamic environment where legal practitioners must navigate shifting regulations, enforcement priorities, and emerging market trends. CLI2026 is designed for attorneys who have moved past introductory discussions and are ready to engage with the substantive issues shaping the industry today.

Program Overview: A Simple but Urgent Premise

The 2026 agenda rests on a clear premise: cannabis law has matured, and so must the lawyers who practice it. Over two days of substantive programming—curated by some of the sharpest legal minds in the field—CLI2026 challenges participants to move beyond basics and confront real‑world complexities such as evolving regulatory frameworks, litigation risk, compliance strategy, and novel business models.

Day 1 — Wednesday, June 17: Plenary Track

All attendees convene for a full day of plenary sessions, ensuring a shared conversation without parallel tracks or competing choices. The day opens with a keynote from a speaker of national significance (to be announced), followed by an in‑depth examination of the federal landscape.

Morning sessions focus on:

• Federal rescheduling efforts and their implications for state‑licensed operators
• The ongoing debate over the definition of hemp versus marijuana
• The evolving role of medical cannabis in patient care and insurance reimbursement
• How the current political climate influences practitioners and their clients

After lunch, the conversation shifts to the business and practice of cannabis law:

• What it means to be a cannabis lawyer in 2026
• Lessons from other highly regulated industries (e.g., pharmaceuticals, alcohol, gaming)
• Scenarios when cannabis capital goes wrong and strategies for mitigation
• A cross‑industry look at vice law, drawing on hard‑won lessons from alcohol and gaming to anticipate future challenges for cannabis

Day 2 — Thursday, June 18: Two Parallel Tracks

Day 2 divides into concurrent tracks, allowing attendees to tailor their learning experience. All sessions remain accessible on‑demand after the event, eliminating fear of missing out.

Track 1 — Practicing Law in the Cannabis Industry

Track Lead: Jill Cohen, Partner, Verrill (morning) and Daniel Molina, Associate Attorney, Vicente LLP (afternoon).

Morning Sessions address practical and ethical challenges facing cannabis attorneys today:

• The impact of artificial intelligence on legal work and associated ethical obligations
• Alternative dispute resolution as a strategic tool amid ongoing federal status uncertainty
• Corporate governance and hygiene requirements as cannabis companies scale

Afternoon Sessions turn to real‑time legal developments:

• Analysis of rescheduling politics and what it means for operators and counsel
• Emerging counter‑movements in jurisdictions seeking to restrict or recriminalize cannabis
• A deep dive into vape products—where intellectual property, consumer safety, and rapidly evolving regulation intersect

Track 2 — Developments in Law and Policy

Track Lead: Kyle Finnegan, Partner, Ice Miller LLP (morning) and Steve Schain, Senior Counsel, Smart Counsel (afternoon).

Morning Sessions cover three critical pressure points for cannabis businesses:

• Guiding clients through regulatory infractions and compliance failures—both inside and outside counsel perspectives
• The fast‑evolving intersection of cannabis, data privacy, and cybersecurity
• The unique real‑estate gauntlet cannabis operators must navigate, from zoning to financing

Afternoon Sessions focus entirely on intoxicating hemp—the most disruptive development in the cannabis space:

• What hemp‑derived intoxicants are and why they have exploded in the marketplace
• How a sweeping federal redefinition of hemp is reshaping the legality spectrum
• The ongoing litigation between licensed cannabis operators and hemp‑derived THC producers

Why CLI2026 Matters: Experience, Expertise, Authoritativeness, Trustworthiness

Experience: The conference draws on decades of combined expertise from practitioners who have guided clients through the shift from prohibition to regulated markets. Speakers such as David Ruskin (INCBA Board President and Partner at Kilpatrick Townsend & Stockton LLP) bring firsthand insight into federal reform efforts and state‑level implementation.

Expertise: Sessions are curated by recognized leaders in cannabis law, including regulators who have shaped state programs and attorneys who have litigated landmark cases. This ensures that content reflects current case law, regulatory guidance, and industry best practices.

Authoritativeness: INCBA, as a non‑partisan nonprofit, provides a neutral platform for collaboration among attorneys, regulators, and industry leaders. Its reputation for promoting high standards of legal excellence lends credibility to the information shared at CLI2026.

Trustworthiness: All materials are vetted for accuracy, and attendees receive access to on‑demand recordings via the INCBA Archives®, allowing for verification and continued learning after the event. The conference’s transparent sponsorship model—supported by leading law firms, service providers, and industry partners—reinforces its commitment to unbiased, high‑quality education.

Looking Ahead: The Path Forward for Cannabis Attorneys

Cannabis law stands at a crossroads. Federal reform remains uncertain, state‑by‑state frameworks continue to evolve, and new product categories—such as intoxicating hemp—present novel legal challenges. CLI2026 equips attorneys with the knowledge, tools, and networks needed to advise clients effectively in this dynamic environment.

By moving beyond introductory conversations and engaging with the substantive issues that define the industry today, participants can position themselves as trusted advisors capable of navigating risk, seizing opportunity, and contributing to the responsible growth of the cannabis sector.

For more details on the event agenda, speakers, and registration, please visit the source page: Here