The 4th Annual Cannabis World Congress & Business Exposition (CWCBExpo) is coming to the Javits Center in New York City June 14th through the 16th, and they have announced a heavy-hitter as one of their keynote speakers.

Former Minnesota Governor, professional wrestler, TV/movie personality and cannabis legalization advocate Jesse Ventura will be speaking on the 15th. “I am looking forward to speaking at CWCBExpo NY. I want to see cannabis legalized in all 50 states within my lifetime, and I will do all I can to help destigmatize it,” Ventura said. “Aside from being an invaluable medical resource for many Americans, cannabis is about job creation. Never before has marijuana had the potential to become a legitimate, multibillion-dollar industry in the U.S.- one that can rejuvenate our economy and make us healthier simultaneously.”

Ventura will also be signing copies of his book “Marijuana Manifesto” on the show floor, along with his co-author Jen Hobbs, after the speech.

“We are honored to have Jesse Ventura be one of our star keynotes. As a strong advocate of the benefits of the cannabis plant and its safe and legal access nationwide, his message will be inspiring and thought-provoking,” said Scott Giannotti, the Managing Director of CWCBExpo events. “Ventura’s keynote at CWCBExpo NY should not be missed!”

It will be the first time that Gov. Ventura will deliver the keynote speech at a cannabis event, which shows that he is serious about getting into this issue with both feet. Not that he is a “Johnny-Come-Lately” to the legalization community; below is a video of Ventura from 2010 discussing his support for marijuana legalization on the Fox Business Channel.

Love him or hate him, the former governor generates a lot of press, and over the last 7 or 8 months he has been devoting that press almost exclusively to the issue of cannabis law reform. Every person he causes to look further into the issue is another potential voter/supporter of the movement. And anytime someone with name recognition spends their time spreading the truth about cannabis, it’s a huge win for the movement.

The expo will also feature an expanded exhibit floor with suppliers in the industry showcasing cutting-edge products and services, educational workshops and more. The conference program will include 70 sessions and over 100 expert speakers, so if you can be in the NYC area in mid-June, it’s definitely something you’ll want to check out.