Benzinga, a large content provider to brokerages and news outlets, hosts live conferences to recognize disruptive innovation in finance and technology, trading, and emerging assets.

Two of those events – Benzinga’s Psychedelics and Cannabis Capital conferences – happened last week, in person at the Fontainebleau Miami Beach.

Here’s the scoop on what the event had to offer.

“This sector is medicine: FDA-approved, non-recreational use,” Benzinga’s Dustin Blitchok quoted O’Leary saying during a speech on psychedelics in mental health treatment.

O’Leary is a staunch proponent of the medicine and an early backer of MindMed Inc (NASDAQ:MNMD) which he thinks is a leader given the number of trials it is engaged in.

“It’s a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity, … [and] I think Big Pharma’s starting to look at it.”

Graphic: Benzinga CEO Jason Raznick, left, and "Shark Tank" judge Kevin O'Leary at the Benzinga Psychedelics Capital Conference Tuesday at the Fontainebleau in Miami Beach, Florida. Photo by Dez Smith.

Attendees also learned that the cannabis industry is ripe for an acceleration in consolidation as a result of cost and regulatory burdens, Benzinga’s Renato Leonard Capelj reported.

“A preferred approach is to seek existing license holders with successful operations and, then, ‘try to roll them in,’” MariMed’s CFO Jon Levine said.

Surprise Afterparty: Each evening ended with a cocktail networking event.

“We weren’t sure it was going to happen but the speed at which Groot worked with us speaks to its commitment to unparalleled hospitality,” Raznick said. “Groot made our company look better.”

The Best Night Ever: Raznick kicked off the afterparty chatting up with Flair, Tyson, as well as rap artist, investor and entrepreneur Rick Ross who later sang live.

Tyson walked on stage and Raznick shouted: “Let’s hear it for Iron Mike!”

Tyson, Flair and Raznick then discussed Tyson 2.0, a premium cannabis line offering flowers, concentrates, beverages, pre-rolls, and edibles. The brand is partnered with Columbia Care Inc (OTC:CCHWF), a large cultivator, manufacturer, and distributor of cannabis.

As Tyson and Flair explained, cannabis helps with mental clarity, calmness and health.

“I can’t speak highly enough for what the cannabis effect can be for health and relaxation,” Flair, who sold a majority stake in Ric Flair Drop to Tyson 2.0, said. Tyson added that his brand is a market leader.

“My family likes me better when I’m smoking,” he chuckled.

Graphic: Left, Rick Ross. Middle, Mike Tyson. Right, Ric Flair. Photo via Benzinga.

“Jason’s going to drop some bars,” Ross at one point said, prompting bystanders to turn their cameras on during a freestyle with Raznick.

“Let’s go!”

Graphic: Benzinga’s Jason Raznick, left, freestyles with Rick Ross, right. Photo via Benzinga.

“Absolutely unbelievable – never have I experienced something like this at one of our events,” Raznick said. “I couldn’t be more excited for our next event.”

Interested in attending other events with an atmosphere similar to the Benzinga Psychedelics and Cannabis Capital conferences? If so, Benzinga’s next major in-person event is the Global Fintech Awards on December 8, 2022, in New York City. Click here to learn more.