Meet our Educators
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Dr. William Truly Jr., MD is a family physician in Canton, Mississippi and has over 30 years of experience in the medical field including emergency medicine. Dr. Truly received his undergrad from Howard University in Washington, DC and graduated medical school from Meharry Medical School in Nashville, TN. Truly Healthcare Clinic is a certified medical cannabis providers located in Pascagoula and Canton. To learn more, visit www.trulyhealthcareclinic.com/
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Brandi Miles is a world changer – and she wants to bring you along for the ride. A mother of six, love is her superpower. Brandi is an ICF Certified Life Coach for veterans and a believer in the power of playing (which is evident in her signature tie-dye, well, everything). As part of the Mississippi Army National Guard for 16 years, Brandi helps veterans go from camo to rainbow. Brandi’s clients learn how to view life differently and break free from fear that often makes veterans feel stuck. The guidance Brandi provides them after they leave the structured and controlled life they’ve known in the military is the key to unlocking their greatness. She uses her life experiences and education to provide them with support, encouragement, structure and advice.
Coach Brandi Miles is a #1 International Bestselling author with “Cage Fight” being her first published work. She tells part of her own story of leaving the military and coming to terms with her own feelings of being stuck. She has shared more of her experiences and story as a part of the docu-series “Women in Combat” where she also served as the life coach on set. Brandi was then invited back to be the life coach on set for another production – a reality show called “A Little Love”.
Brandi is beyond proud of her time with: 184th Sustainment Command, 3656th Maintenance Company, 298th Engineer Battalion, 106th Support Battalion, Deployment: 184th Sustainment Command, Kandahar Airforce Base, Afghanistan 2010-2011, MOS: 92A, Automated Logistics and 92Y, Supply Sergeant and love pulling from her own experiences to help veterans find pride from their experiences in the military.
You can reach Brandi for coaching, public appearances or speaking opportunities in the following ways: Phone 318-880-6871, Email: VeteransUnleashed1@gmail.com or you can follow her at @VeteransUnleashed
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Natalie Jones Bonner is an author, advocate, business innovator, veteran, and Founder of Blue Lotus Creations Herbal Emporium located at 1070 Irish Hill Drive, Biloxi. Blue Lotus Creations is a retailer of carefully curated medicinal herbal wellness products. Blue Lotus Creations is the only Moroccan Tea Den in Downtown Biloxi.
Natalie is the Founder of Cannabis Festival Mississippi, Co-Founder of the Redstick Cannabis Festival, Founder of Mississippi Gulf Coast Women Who Brunch, and Co-Founder of Opulent High, a luxury cannabis event and retreat company. She serves on the Board of Veteransville, East Biloxi Food Market, and The Society.
Natalie’s passion project is Social Justice Reform, and Social Equity in the Cannabis Industry. Natalie works hand in hand with cannabis advocates to challenge lawmakers to create cannabis legislation that includes minorities who have been most disenfranchised by the failed War on Drugs. Natalie believes as reciprocity, these individuals must be given the opportunity at both freedom from targeted incarceration, and participation in the wealth acquisition now occurring in the cannabis industry. Natalie’s mantra is two-fold; be intentional and be you!
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Brandy Morgan, a seasoned Master Life Coach and Advocacy Consultant with over 12 years of transformative expertise, is a beacon of inspiration for those navigating life's challenges. Born and raised in Palo Alto, California, Brandy's journey is marked by resilience and a relentless pursuit of personal and professional goals.
With a unique fusion of lived experiences, Sickle Cell expertise, and a soulful coaching approach, Brandy stands out in her field. Her intimate knowledge of Sickle Cell, backed by state certification as a counselor and educator, positions her as a trusted resource for individuals and organizations seeking understanding and support.
Guided by her rich cultural background—embracing Creole, Dutch, and Native American heritage—Brandy incorporates spirituality, herbs, light magic, and intuitive healing into her soulful coaching practice. Her approach is deeply rooted in ancestral practices, passed down from her grandparents, creating a transformative space for clients.
As a skilled program developer and facilitator, Brandy has curated impactful workshops and coaching programs that resonate with her clients on a profound level. Her advocacy consulting, born from her own journey, aims to empower individuals and organizations to overcome challenges and achieve their goals.
From navigating a period of homelessness to becoming a successful business owner and homeowner, Brandy's journey serves as a testament to her tenacity and commitment to personal growth. Today, she continues to be a sought-after professional, dedicated to making a positive impact through her lived experiences, soulful coaching, and advocacy expertise.
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Shana Burney is Co-Founder of Bleu Organic CBD Lounge located on Dr Martin Luther King Jr Blvd. in Biloxi, MS. Bleu Organic is unique in its pairing of wellness with entertainment. Bleu Organic is the only CBD, Hookah & Sports Lounge of its kind on the MS Gulf Coast. Shana began her wellness journey at age 23 when she entered the healthcare industry as part of a mobile dental unit traveling across Mississippi to teach dental hygiene to children. Her passion for the healing arts blossomed as she expanded her career into laboratories, clinics, emergency medicine and teaching aspiring healthcare professionals.
As Shana learned more about the efficacies of plant medicine, she soon recognized western medicine ideologies were not fully incorporating the healing properties of plants. As a result Shana engrossed herself into further researching and learning the power of plant medicine. A journey directly aligned with that of her husband, and business partner Arthur Burney. Shana has now incorporated her passion of cooking and love of plant medicine creating various culinary delights as she further submerges herself in the joy of cooking with cannabis.
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Mike Watkins is a resident and native Mississippian. Mr. Watkins & his wife Sara live in Oxford, where they raise their two children. Mr. Watkins attended Jones Junior College after high school, but always felt a calling to serve others. In August 2001, Mr. Watkins enlisted in the US Army as a Combat Medic, one month before the terrorist attacks on 9/11. During his time in the Army, Mr. Watkins conducted training missions all over the United States, in preparation of the upcoming combat deployment. From Oct 2002 till Nov 2003 Mr. Watkins served as an Infantry Front Line Medic, providing care to soldiers and civilians with battlefield injuries, most times while enemy fire continued to reign all around. To learn more about Mississippi Independent Cannabis Association, visit micams.org/
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Wahhh gwan! I’m Chef Necey. Born in Jamaica to my Chinese Syrian mother and a Maroon father. Taking people on a culinary exploration is what I crave. I moved to Mississippi in 2012 where I’ve gotten the opportunity to perfect Jamaican Soul cuisine. Though I’m only 26, I am meant for this. I’ve come from a line of nothing less than great chef’s, and I am here to ensure that our name and talent lives on. I’ve been giving my all towards my gift for 2+ years and I am dedicated to spend another 20+ years putting smiles on people’s faces all through the amazinggg flavors I bring to life, simply by putting it on a plate. Nevertheless, I can master any extraordinary cuisine my clients decide deplete. With a passion for food, I've always had a flair for igniting the senses using top shelf, fresh ingredients with a twist of the most unexplainably high quality food. I exemplify Top Tier & Palatable.
Tent schedule
12:00pm
Pot, Politics, and Policy
Barbara Fulton Wilson
1:00pm
Women, Trauma, and Cannabis
Natalie Bonner - Blue Creations Herbal Emporium
Brandy Morgan - The Morgan Legacy Group
Melody Worsham - Marijuana Advocates Against Corrupt Politicians (MAACP)
Brandi Miles - Veterans Unleashed
2:00pm
Women in Cannabis Roundtable
Dr. Candance McClendon
3:00pm
Workforce Development, Emerging Careers in Cannabis
Dr. Candance McClendon
12:00pm
Cannabis, A Medical Perspective
Dr. William Truly
1:00pm
Edible Dosing - Limit the Ride it Out
2:00pm
Reefer Madness
Melody Worsham - Marijuana Advocates Against Corrupt Politicians (MAACP)
3:00pm
Cooking with Cannabis
Shana B. of Bleu Organic
Chef Necey of Big Yaad Eatery
12:30pm
Dispensary Operations and Understanding the risk of a cannabis business investment
Doug Stout
Mike Watkins - Mississippi Independent Cannabis Association
Scott Fleming - High Life Accounting
1:30pm
The Art of the Extraction
Evan Dailey
2:30pm
Cultivation Problem-Solving through Innovation
Running Water