My name is Tamara Herndon, and I’m proud to be both a patient advocate and a voice for affordable, accessible low-dose THC hemp products. As someone living in Virginia, I’ve seen firsthand how patients struggle to navigate the stigma, cost, and lack of access to the cannabis-based therapies that could change their lives.
When the opportunity arose to attend the Patients Out of Time Clinical Therapeutics Conference (Sept. 14–16, 2025), I knew it was something I couldn’t miss. This conference is one of the longest-running, most respected gatherings dedicated to advancing medical cannabis education for patients, healthcare professionals, and policymakers. Thanks to the generous sponsorship of Redfern Hemp Company, I was able to attend and fully immerse myself in an event that was equal parts education, inspiration, and community.
I originally attended with the goal of listening to speakers and soaking in all the knowledge from these remarkably intelligent people. But what I discovered was so much more. Every person I met was warm, welcoming, and eager to share. This cannabis community is truly something
First Impressions: A Cannabis Conference Based on Community
The first person I spoke with was Robin from the Maine Women’s Cannabiz Council, and she is the kindest soul. She immediately made me feel comfortable, and in many ways, she set the tone for my entire conference experience. It was clear right away: this was not just an educational event, but a gathering of allies and friends.
Women Leading the Movement
The speakers were extraordinary—not only full of passion and heart, but also grounded in the science and knowledge that makes them true forces to be reckoned with. What struck me most was the number of women leading the charge on the front lines of our battle for cannabis rights. These women are strong, brave, intelligent, and unapologetically loud and assertive—in the most wonderful way. I left feeling genuinely inspired to channel that same energy in my own journey.
Learning from Leaders
Among my favorite speakers was Dale Sky Jones of Oaksterdam University. She is truly the master of her domain! Curious to know what stood out to someone who has spoken at countless events, I asked her about her highlight.
She shared this:
“My favorite would be Paul Armentano (of NORML). He tackles the most common objections to cannabis policy reform using qualitative and quantitative data and meaningfully interprets research to go beyond the headlines that panic us to what the science is telling us. More importantly, Paul underlines how ridiculous the argument is that ‘we need more research on cannabis before we deschedule it’ because there’s already more research on this than on many prescriptions we commonly consume like Ritalin and ibuprofen. It’s really helpful in conversations with your family, your community, and your political representative.”
Her perspective underscored how data and storytelling together are critical tools in dismantling stigma and advancing reform.
The Most Moving Voices
The speaker who impacted me most was Shanetha Lewis of VI22. Veterans’ issues have always been close to my heart. Suicide awareness and prevention is an issue I care deeply about, and Shanetha’s words carried a weight that will stay with me. She reminded me that cannabis advocacy is about much more than medicine—it’s about life, dignity, and honoring those who’ve served.
I also met Lennice, a veteran advocate who joined NORML back in 1972. Her stories of decades-long activism were like hearing living history. I could have listened to her alone for days.
Then there was Justin, an author and passionate advocate for cannabis as a cancer treatment. His insights left me inspired to dig deeper into the science and patient stories. His personal highlight was Dr. Dedi Meiri, who revealed groundbreaking findings on chemovar selection for cancer treatment and even shared a study showing how a chlorophyll-derivative synergized with CBD for epilepsy treatment. To hear discoveries like this directly from researchers felt nothing short of historic.
What I Took Away
This conference opened my eyes, mind, and heart to a new level of respect for this plant and its immeasurable benefits. What I took away most is this: there is a place in the cannabis community for all of us.
I encourage you to take that first step in your journey—because knowledge is nothing to fear. I jumped into the deep end, and what I found were countless hands reaching out to lift me up. Your cannabis community will support you and help you find your purpose, too.
Gratitude and Next Steps
Finally, I want to extend a very big thank you to Graham Redfern for sponsoring my attendance at the Patients Out of Time Clinical Therapeutics Conference. Because of that support, I can continue advocating for medicinal cannabis patients in Virginia. And make no mistake—we will not be underestimated, silenced, or pushed aside.
Now, more than ever, we need to raise our voices. Connect with local cannabis advocates. Discover organizations to support, and I guarantee they’ll support you in return. Together, we can build a future where cannabis is understood, respected, and accessible to all who need it.
Patients Out of Time Conference Agenda
(September 14–16, 2025)
Sunday, Sept. 14 – Oaksterdam Pre-Conference Workshops
9:30 am – 12:30 pm: Home Grow: Cannabis & Hemp Horticulture
- Cultivar Selection
- Basics of Cannabis Horticulture
- Garden Setups
12:30 – 2:00 pm: Lunch Break
2:00 – 5:00 pm: Cannabis Products, Methods of Ingestion & Dosing
- Effects of Cannabis
- Methods of Ingestion and Dosing
- Consumer Safety
- Cannabinoids, Flavonoids, and More
6:30 – 8:00 pm: Meet & Greet Reception with Bonus Q&A
Monday, Sept. 15 – Prohibition to States’ Recognition
8:30 am: Opening Remarks
8:45 am: Keynote – Paul Armentano
9:30 am: Working to End Prohibition – Jeff Jones, Bryan Krumm, Scheril Murray Powell, Esq.
10:30 am: Virginia Cannabis Control Authority
11:10 am: Veteran’s Issues Panel – Michael Krawitz, Shanetha Lewis, Sue Sisley, MD
1:30 pm: Lab Testing – Dedi Meiri, PhD
2:15 pm: Product Safety – Jahan Marcu, PhD
3:15 pm: Dale Sky Jones
3:45 pm: Cannabis Use Disorder – ML Mathre, RN, MSN
4:15 pm: Side Effects & Adverse Reactions – Deborah Malka, PhD, MD
6:00 – 9:30 pm: Benefit Dinner
Tuesday, Sept. 16 – Clinical Use for Professionals
8:30 am: The Endocannabinoid System – Greg Gerdeman, PhD
9:15 am: Gut-Brain Connection & Microbiome in Cancer – Adam Abodeely, MD
10:30 am: Cognitive Effects of Cannabis – Staci Gruber, PhD
11:00 am: Cannabis and Dementia – Dustin Sulak, DO
11:30 am: Cannabis & Geriatrics – Mikhail Kogan, MD
1:30 pm: Keynote – James Woodford, PhD
2:10 pm: Consumer Panel – Janice Knox, MD; Rachel Knox, MD; Bridgett Williams, MD
3:15 pm: Professional Education Panel – Deborah Malka, PhD, MD; Mikhail Kogan, MD; Deanna Sommers, PhD, RN
4:15 pm: Q&A Panel – All Speakers, moderated by ML Mathre