Join Our Cannabis & Gaming Panel on May 19!

Exploring the Crossroads of Cannabis and Gaming: Upcoming Panel Discussion Tackles Policy, Industry, and Public Behavior

The evolving relationship between cannabis and gaming will take center stage at an upcoming event co-hosted by the International Gaming Institute (IGI) and the Cannabis Policy Institute (CPI). Set for May 19 at the Thomas & Mack Moot Court, the latest installment in CPI’s Cannabis Speakers Series will feature a panel discussion titled “Cannabis & Gaming.”

With two industries that are highly regulated, widely scrutinized, and increasingly converging in public spaces, the discussion aims to explore the policy, legal, and behavioral dynamics at play where cannabis use intersects with gaming environments. From potential impacts on consumer behavior to regulatory concerns and economic opportunities, the event promises a multifaceted look at this emerging policy frontier.

The event will be emceed by Brett Abarbanel, Executive Director of the IGI, who brings deep expertise in gaming regulation, innovation, and public health implications. Her role as emcee will help frame the conversation while offering expert commentary throughout the event.

The session will begin with a short presentation of new research on cannabis and gaming behaviors, led by Marla Royne Stafford, CPI’s Director of Research. Stafford’s work focuses on consumer psychology, health communication, and cannabis-related public policy—making her well-positioned to shed light on how cannabis use may influence gaming habits and vice versa.

Following this, Riana Durrett, Director of the Cannabis Policy Institute and a longtime figure in Nevada cannabis policy, will provide a brief overview of CPI’s ongoing work examining the intersection of these two sectors. Durrett, a former executive director of the Nevada Dispensary Association, has been instrumental in shaping cannabis regulation in the state and will moderate the expert panel.

The panel will feature three seasoned professionals offering a diverse range of insights:

Terry Johnson, a law professor and former member of the Nevada Gaming Control Board, will provide a legal and regulatory perspective rooted in his years of public service.

David Goldwater, a cannabis business operator and government affairs consultant, will discuss operational challenges and policy concerns from the cannabis industry viewpoint.

Seth Schorr, a veteran gaming executive, will offer thoughts on how the gaming industry is approaching cannabis use by patrons, employees, and adjacent businesses.

As cannabis legalization expands and tourism-based economies like Nevada adapt, events like this serve a critical role in fostering thoughtful dialogue. The Cannabis & Gaming panel aims to help policymakers, business leaders, and researchers better understand how these industries can coexist—and what challenges and opportunities lie ahead.



by University of Nevada, Las Vegas