(Paramus, NJ, September 2015)—The Cannabis World Congress & Business Exposition is pleased to announce that Paige Figi will be introducing Keynote Speaker, Melissa Etheridge at the Cannabis World Congress & Business Exposition (CWCBExpo), September 16-18, 2015 at the Los Angeles Convention Center. Melissa Etheridge’s highly anticipated Keynote will take place on Thursday, September 17 at 2:00 p.m.
Paige Figi, a mother of three from Colorado, was desperate to find a treatment that would help her then 5-year-old Charlotte, who was diagnosed with Dravet Syndrome a serious form of epilepsy live a better life. For years Ms. Figi tried numerous medications and treatments to reduce Charlotte’s seizures, some that lasted hours and required life support. But none of the traditional pharmaceuticals and treatments were reliable or successful in reducing and helping Charlotte’s life-limiting condition. Looking for a final result, she researched alternative therapies, discovering a type of hemp oil that had no major side effects or psychotropic effects. Ms. Figi started giving Charlotte a natural, therapeutic hemp oil with low-THC and high-CBD (Cannabidiol) reducing her daughter’s epileptic symptoms and seizures from hundreds per week to less than three per month.
Finding the impact this type of therapeutic hemp had on Charlotte; the product now dons her name, Charlotte’s Web™ Oil. Ms. Figi co-founded the Realm of Caring 501c3 to assist families with similar disorders. She recently founded a 501c4, the Coalition for Access Now (Coalition), to help other children struggling with debilitating conditions get access to the treatment they need without uprooting families to Colorado and California. The Coalition works to highlight the benefits of hemp by funding educational efforts and lobbying for this type of hemp oil that is natural, safe and reliable. Through the Coalition, Ms. Figi is advocating for the production of therapeutic hemp products in states where it is legal, and pushing to change legislation in states and countries where it is not.
“Paige has changed the face and discussion about CBD and its benefits across America and around the world. She, more than any other person, knows the potential for CBD therapy. As a parent fighting for her child’s life, she researched what was happening in Israel, found a non psychoactive CBD rich plant and then learned how to extract the oil that gave Charlotte her life back,” said Geoff Whaling, Founding Member and Board Treasurer of Coalition for Access Now.
“It is an honor to participate in the CWCBExpo and introduce the talented Melissa Etheridge. She has used her celebrity and personal experience to help create awareness on the benefits of alternative therapies for treating serious illnesses and providing pain relief,” said Paige Figi.
The Coalition for Access Now and Realm of Caring will also have booths at CWCBExpo In LA and will be sharing information and updates on current lobbying efforts and organizational activities. The Coalition for Access Now are the sponsors of the “Sports Pain Management and Cannabis” panel with former NFL star players, Nate Jackson and Lorenzo Neal, that takes place on Thursday, September 17, and also includes panelists from Realm of Caring and the medical community.
In addition to Melissa Etheridge giving a high profile talk, CWCBExpo in LA will also feature keynotes by entrepreneur and philanthropist, George Zimmer, Founder of Men’s Wearhouse and Ztailors, and Ethan Nadelmann, Founder and Executive Director of the Drug Policy Alliance.
The comprehensive educational program at CWCBExpo in LA includes more than 60 sessions that focus on all the elements for moving the marijuana industry forward including tracks for Creating Your Business; Running Your Business; Business Growth; Industry Leaders; and Cannabis Future.
CWCBExpo in LA also presents in-depth workshops on September 16 on investing, careers, and how to open a cannabis business, and an exhibit floor, September 17-18, with suppliers in the industry showcasing cutting-edge products and services. More information for the CWCBExpo in LA, and discounted advanced rates can be found at http://www.cwcbexpo.com/los-angeles-show/registration.asp. For more information on sponsoring or exhibiting contact Christine Ianuzzi, Show Director at cianuzzi@leexpos.com or call 201-881-1602.
About Cannabis World Congress & Business Expositions (CWCBExpo)
The Cannabis World Congress & Business Expositions (CWCBExpo) are produced by Leading Edge Expositions in partnership with the International Cannabis Association (ICA). The events are the leading professional forums for dispensary owners, growers, suppliers, investors, medical professionals, government regulators, legal counsel, and entrepreneurs looking to achieve business success and identify new areas of growth in this dynamic industry. In 2015, CWCBExpo took place June 17-19, at the Javits Convention Center in New York, and the CWCBExpo Fall will be held September 16-18, at the Los Angeles Convention Center in Los Angeles, CA. For more information on ICA visit www.internationalcannabisassociation.com. To learn more about the CWCBExpos go to www.cwcbexpo.com. Connect with CWCBExpo on twitter.com/CWCBExpo and facebook.com/CWCBExpo.
About Coalition for Access Now
The Coalition for Access Now is a 501C4 nonprofit organization led by families committed to educating the public and lawmakers on the health benefits associated with natural therapies derived from cannabis for chronic health conditions. As families whose children suffer from debilitating health issues and who have experienced firsthand the benefits of these treatments, we seek to raise awareness and encourage policies that would lead to greater access for those in need. Our Coalition has one central mission: to empower families and give them access to hope NOW! This community is not only a network of support for parents, grandparents and caregivers, but it is also a resource for families aiming to make their voices heard by legislators on the local, state, and federal level on this critical issue. The Coalition is a rallying point for families across the country who are facing the devastating choice between becoming “medical refugees” in order to access lifesaving treatments or watching their child’s health deteriorate before their very eyes. www.coalitionforaccessnow.org
About Realm of Caring
The Realm of Caring Foundation was informally established by the Stanley Brothers as well as Paige Figi and Heather Jackson, the first two success stories using Charlotte’s Web™ in early 2012. After receiving several inquiries from families seeking help around the world, the group recognized the need to create a formal organization to not only collect research and data on individuals using cannabis products; but also to educate and advocate about this often misunderstood form of therapy. The Stanley’s have since transitioned away from the Realm of Caring to focus their efforts on production and new product development. Paige has fulfilled a needed legislative role serving as Executive Director of Coalition for Access Now, a 501c4 organization committed to educating the public and lawmakers on the health benefits associated with natural therapies derived from cannabis for chronic health conditions. Heather is serving as the Executive Director of the Realm of Caring the 501c3 entity. The backbone of the RoC has always been the family volunteers who have given so judiciously of their time and talent. With families at the helm, it has been recognized that the vision and mission of the company will be realized, and the interest of the client will always be held first. The Realm of Caring Foundation was formally established on 8/13/13, and has received its 501c3 designation as a recognized non-profit entity. We continue with the same mission and vision that we always have. Our advocacy work has been featured in media outlets across the country including the New York Times, Wall Street Journal, Time, NBC and two CNN specials hosted by Dr. Sanjay Gupta.
Editor’s Note: Qualified members of the media are invited to register as press for the CWCBExpo LA. To request a press badge go to:
http://www.cwcbexpo.com/los-angeles-show/press-registration-form.asp