IgniteIt returns to Chicago with media access program ahead of DEA hearing

By AI, Created 4:33 PM UTC, May 18, 2026, /AGP/ – IgniteIt Cannabis Capital Conference is set for June 14-16 in Chicago, arriving just before the DEA’s June 29 rescheduling hearing. The event is also launching a curated media program aimed at giving reporters direct access to cannabis executives as the industry faces a possible federal shift.

Why it matters: - The Chicago conference lands at a pivotal moment for cannabis policy and capital markets. - Industry leaders, investors and policymakers are gathering as the federal rescheduling debate moves toward a June 29 DEA hearing. - The new media program is designed to help journalists cover how companies are preparing for a potential change in federal classification.

What happened: - IgniteIt Cannabis Capital Conference will run Sunday, June 14 through Tuesday, June 16 at the Marriott Magnificent Mile in Chicago. - IgniteIt and Proven Media launched IgniteIt Inside Access, a curated media program for journalists, editors and news producers. - The program is intended to connect media directly with executives shaping the cannabis industry.

The details: - The conference is coming after the Department of Justice issued a recent order introducing limited Schedule III classification for certain marijuana products, including medical marijuana. - The DEA has scheduled an administrative hearing on broader rescheduling for June 29. - IgniteIt Inside Access will offer pre-coordinated interview opportunities with speakers and executives. - The program will also provide curated introductions tied to coverage areas. - A dedicated on-site media space will be available for interviews and content development. - The program includes support for coordinating conversations before and during the event. - Speakers in Chicago include leaders from Trulieve, Curaleaf, Azuca, Ivy Hall, Copperstate Farms and other cannabis companies.

Between the lines: - The event is positioning itself as a live read on how the industry is responding to policy uncertainty. - The new media format suggests organizers see stronger demand for faster, more targeted access to executives than a traditional conference setup provides. - Kim Prince of Proven Media said the program is meant to connect media with the right people at the right time to show how capital allocation, compliance strategy and business decisions are being shaped ahead of a possible federal shift. - Elliot Lane, co-founder of IgniteIt, said the period before the June hearing is a critical window for journalists covering cannabis, business or policy.

What’s next: - Media interested in attending through Inside Access can apply by emailing ashley@provenmediaservices.com. - The industry will then turn to the DEA’s June 29 hearing, which could help define the next phase of the federal rescheduling debate. - IgniteIt says the Chicago conference will remain a key venue for dealmaking and industry planning.

The bottom line: - Chicago’s IgniteIt conference is doubling as both a dealmaking forum and a real-time gauge of how cannabis leaders are preparing for possible federal change.