Let's Talk About Cannabis | Roundtable Discussion

LET'S DISCUSS CANNABIS | ROUND TABLE DISCUSSION

****Dinner will be provided.****

Welcome to our Round Table Discussion where we dive deep into the world of cannabis and weed in Southern Maryland! Join us for an interactive discussion on all things related to cannabis.

Share your experiences, insights, and learn from others in a casual and open environment. Let's explore the benefits, myths, and realities surrounding this popular plant together. Don't miss out on this unique opportunity to connect with like-minded individuals in your community!

Guess what? If you've read to this point, then you'll know that we are having a drawing for a $150 Visa Gift Card. You can only qualify for the drawing by arrivng on-time for the Let's Talk Cannabis Round Table Discussion and staying for the entire meeting.

****GUEST PANELISTS AND SPEAKERS****

Dr. Dianne Abney: Dr. Dianna E. Abney is a pediatrician in Waldorf, Maryland and is affiliated with multiple hospitals in the area, including Medstar Southern Maryland Hospital Center and University of Maryland Charles Regional Medical Center. She received her medical degree from Tulane University School of Medicine and has been in practice for more than 20 years.

Dr. Heather Lewis, MD, MPH: Dr. Heather Lewis, MD, MPH, MSci is a global holistic primary care physician, U.S. military veteran, and founder of Dr. Heather Knows (DHK), a personalized concierge care clinic that brings the warmth and wisdom of the "Old Country Doctor" to modern home visits & soon a local clinic office. Drawing from over 20 years of international clinical leadership, directly collaborating with healthcare teams in Asia and training from The Ohio State University and a top HBCU, she treats patients as whole people—considering culture, community, and choice. She is a sought-after speaker, consultant, and neighborhood doctor delivering strategic, soulful care at the intersection of medicine and life transitions.

Dr. Javonna O'Brien: Dr. Javonna O'Brien is a board-certified family nurse practitioner specializing in addiction medicine and chronic pain. With over 20 years of experience in healthcare, Dr. O'Brien focuses on an evidence-based, patient-centered approach to improving the quality of life of her patients while helping them reach their optimal level of functioning. Dr. O'Brien is an advocate for medical cannabis and provides medical cannabis evaluations for qualified patients in the state of Maryland.

Tawanda "Tee" Marie Hanible, MS: GySgt Tawanda “Tee” Marie Hanible, MS, is a retired U.S. Marine Gunnery Sergeant, bestselling author, TV personality, entrepreneur, and nationally recognized cannabis advocate. After 20 years of military service — including deployment as one of the first female Marines in Iraq — Tee transitioned into public health and cannabis education, earning her Master of Science in Medical Cannabis Science and Therapeutics from the University of Maryland, the nation’s first graduate program focused solely on cannabis.

She is the bestselling author of The Warrior Code: 11 Principles to Unleash the Badass Inside of You (St. Martin’s Press), a powerful exploration of resilience, leadership, and survival. Tee is also the founder of Operation Heroes Connect, a nonprofit mentoring at-risk youth and veterans, and Soiled Beauty, a wellness brand focused on cannabis, health, and healing. Featured on CNN, MSNBC, and as a cast member on Fox’s American Grit, Tee’s work bridges science, advocacy, and lived experience — especially for veterans and marginalized communities — and she continues to use her voice to champion access, equity, and education in the cannabis space.

LaKeshia Ashley, MSW, LCSW-C, CCTP-A: LaKeshia Ashley is a licensed trauma therapist with graduate degrees in Social Work and Medical Cannabis Science. I specialize in:

Culturally grounded care
Medicaid mental health equity
Clinical cannabis consulting

The founder of Rooted in Wellness, a Baltimore-based mental health practice, and Elevated Wellness Consulting, where I help providers and policymakers legitimize care and build trauma-informed, patient-centered systems. As the Clinical Director of Global Hands Foundation (Jamaica & Trinidad), she lead mental health and health equity initiatives across the Caribbean. She also serve as Executive VP of Advocacy for the Medical Cannabis Student Association and speak nationally on cannabis access, trauma healing, and system accountability. Whether working with families, clinicians, or legislators—her mission stays the same: build systems that heal instead of harm.

...Many more Guest Speakers and Panelist