The summer season will soon be upon us, and in Oregon, that means its time to finally crawl out of our wintery hovels and get outdoors! When the temperatures rise, the clouds finally part, and the sun comes peeking out over the mountains, we remember why we live here. As Oregon cannabis industry participants converge upon beautiful Eugene for the Oregon Marijuana Business Conference (OMBC), there will be plenty of established and prospective businesses represented, but something is missing from the Oregon cannabis scene (as well as other legalized states), something that can be rectified by mixing good business acumen with activism. While there are many ways to procure cannabis in legalized states, social recreational options are unfortunately missing.

Basically what I mean is this: people who like cannabis also often like nature, and vice versa. And people like to be social with cannabis, too. So an obvious thing that seems to be missing in the industry in states like Colorado, Oregon and California is the ability to consume cannabis in social settings. In our hasten to legalize and sometimes over-regulate the new industry to appease politicians and conservative voters, the truth is we have taken away the recreational part of cannabis consumption.

But oh so slowly, social consumption is gaining traction in newly legal states. Just recently, Denver voters passed a policy meant to soften norms that have been adopted in Colorado’s adult-use legal status. Basically, public consumption of cannabis has been illegal since the passage of Amendment 64 in 2012. Following a vote this past November, Denver residents supporting allowing businesses permits to allow for onsite cannabis consumption.

In Oregon, the pendulum is starting to swing back in the favor of consumer preference – just in time for the season to start!

Oregon means serious business when it comes to setting the bar as a travel destination, and proprietors are already giving a leg up! From cannabis bike tours to 420-friendly campgrounds, Oregon entrepreneurs are working on ways to put the “recreation” in recreational cannabis. Oregonians need to contact their legislators and urge the passage of Senate Bill 307, a bill that will allow for social consumption permits, but whether the bill passes this session or not, Oregon cannabis industry participants are certainly poised to find ways to bring together cannabis, tourism and fun activities.

Whether you or a grower, retailer processor or involved with an ancillary businesses, the Oregon marijuana industry has a plethora of opportunities available. Since knowledge, networking and activism all go hand-in-hand in the cannabis industry, entrepreneurs would be wise to attend the Oregon Marijuana Business Conference in Eugene on April 28th to learn the latest and make connections with others in the business. The OMBC festivities actually start on the evening of the 27th, with a VIP reception that will include conference speakers, vendors and attendees and keynoter Henry Rollins. If you are in the Oregon cannabis industry, or thinking of joining, the OMBC is the marijuana event for you.

The Oregon Marijuana Business Conference (OMBC) on April 28th is shaping up to be a great conference that will give you the latest information you need about cannabis laws and regulations in the Beaver State. In addition, to the conference agenda, the parties on Thursday (April 27th) and Friday night, are going to be OFF THE HOOK!!!

In advance of Oregon’s biggest and best cannabis B2B event, the Oregon Marijuana Business Conference (OMBC) is hosting a special VIP reception and networking event with music and comedy icon, the legendary HENRY ROLLINS!! Join the topmost-tier of Oregon cannabis industry professionals on Thursday, April 27th, from 6-8 pm for your chance to be part of an intimate group to meet and party with the one and only Henry Rollins!

Then, on Friday, April 28th, the OMBC commences for a day-long program of established cannabis experts with the most current knowledge of Oregon’s medical and adult-use cannabis trends and changing regulations, including cannabis testing, tech and branding, taxes and more! OMBC attendees will hear from licensed professionals, OLCC regulators, have the opportunity to ask questions of cannabis business attorneys and State Senator Floyd Prozanski, and network with others in the industry.

After the conference, ATTENDEES ONLY of the OMBC will be welcome to join the After-Party with Marv Ellis at Whirled Pies, sponsored by Prohbtd Media, where the high times continue and conference goers will rage (or just unwind, whatever suits your style)!

Ticket prices will go up on April 26th, so get your VIP passes to join Oregon’s hottest upcoming soiree with Henry Rollins today! If you are in the Oregon cannabis industry, or thinking of joining, the OMBC is the marijuana event for you.

We’ll see you in Eugene!

The Oregon Marijuana Business Conference (OMBC) on April 28th is shaping up to be a great conference that will give you the latest information you need about cannabis laws and regulations in the Beaver State. In addition, to the conference agenda, the parties on Thursday (April 27th) and Friday night, are going to be OFF THE HOOK!!!

In advance of Oregon’s biggest and best cannabis B2B event, the Oregon Marijuana Business Conference (OMBC) is hosting a special VIP reception and networking event with music and comedy icon, the legendary HENRY ROLLINS!! Join the topmost-tier of Oregon cannabis industry professionals on Thursday, April 27th, from 6-8 pm for your chance to be part of an intimate group to meet and party with the one and only Henry Rollins!

Then, on Friday, April 28th, the OMBC commences for a day-long program of established cannabis experts with the most current knowledge of Oregon’s medical and adult-use cannabis trends and changing regulations, including cannabis testing, tech and branding, taxes and more! OMBC attendees will hear from licensed professionals, OLCC regulators, have the opportunity to ask questions of cannabis business attorneys and State Senator Floyd Prozanski, and network with others in the industry.

After the conference, ATTENDEES ONLY of the OMBC will be welcome to join the After-Party with Marv Ellis at Whirled Pies, sponsored by Prohbtd Media, where the high times continue and conference goers will rage (or just unwind, whatever suits your style)!

Ticket prices will go up on April 26th, so get your VIP passes to join Oregon’s hottest upcoming soiree with Henry Rollins today! If you are in the Oregon cannabis industry, or thinking of joining, the OMBC is the marijuana event for you.

We’ll see you in Eugene!

The importance of keeping Medical Marijuana a vibrant industry is on many minds this 420.

“Coming out of the military, I was put on roughly 12 pharmaceutical medications: from Depakote to Seroquel, Buspar, Zoloft, OxyContin, Percocet…and that’s just to name a few. That story is similar to a lot of veterans, and even just people in the civilian world struggling with mental health.”

Arizona-based army veteran and founder of “Help Me PTSD,” Chris Lengyel, does not shy away from discussing the positive impact that medical marijuana has had in helping him cope with post-traumatic stress disorder and others personal ailments.
“As far as my use of medical marijuana, it got me off of 12-15 pharmaceutical drugs. I have not taken a pill for any one of my chronic pains or PTSD-related problems in over four and a half years.”

Lengyel is one of nearly 2.6 million Americans treating conditions including cancer, depression, PTSD, seizures, HIV/AIDS, glaucoma and more with a valid medical marijuana card, according to a state-by-state analysis in 2016. With the addition of legalized medical marijuana programs in four states (Arkansas, Florida, Montana and North Dakota) after the November 2016 election, the United States now boasts 28 states with majority voter-approved medical marijuana programs, a shift which many believe to be a strong indication of the country’s favorably-evolving attitude toward cannabis use. As medical marijuana programs expand throughout the country and recreational legalization begins to dominate national conversation, industry leaders continue to stress the critical need for robust medical marijuana options.

With eight states now ushering in or administering recreational programs, including California, Nevada, Maine and Massachusetts, each of which passed recreational legalization legislation in 2016, education is key. Leaders in the medical marijuana industry have redoubled efforts to educate legislators and the public about the importance of medical marijuana programs, specifically increasing the ease of access to medical cards and reducing the cost to procure said cards.

While cannabis advocates are encouraged by the growth of the industry, they have underlying concerns that due to existing barriers to entry in the medical program, patients who might otherwise pursue medical card approval may opt out of the medical program in favor of recreational products.

Unfortunately, an exodus of medical marijuana patients from the program could result in a reduction in medically-focused products available to them at their local dispensaries.  For example, The+Source Medical Marijuana Dispensary in Las Vegas sells a variety of medically-focused products, including suppositories and CBD-based products such as balms, lotions and transdermal patches. These types of products are not generally purchased by recreational users because of their consumption method or lack of THC, the chemical responsible for euphoric feelings commonly sought by recreational users.

With recreational sales set to launch in the near future, medical dispensaries like The+Source are concerned that absent a vibrant medical program, they may not sell enough medically-focused products to warrant continuing to carry them in store, potentially creating challenges for patients who rely on their unique functions. “For people who need cannabis for medical reasons, there’s a proper way of using it,” said Lengyel. “Just as you would use a medicine over the counter from CVS or Walgreens, there are proper dosing sizes and different types [of marijuana] for different ailments. If we’re discussing it as a medication, then it needs to be treated as such – people need to have the proper education and use the right products for their specific problem.”

Beyond the availability of medically-focused products, recreational facilities and their customers will inevitably incur higher state tax rates than their medical program counterparts. President of the Nevada Dispensary Association and owner of The+Source, Andrew Jolley, explained that Nevada’s lawmakers are considering a 15 percent excise tax on cultivation facilities as well as a 2 percent sales tax. Both taxes are in addition to the 15 percent wholesale tax that will be assessed on all recreational flower before it ever hits the shelf.  Jolley argues that potential medical patients would receive better and more cost-effective care if they opted for medical cannabis, as opposed to recreational alternatives.

“State governments often provide tax exemptions for prescription medications,” Jolley said. “When it comes to medical marijuana, the case is no different. Each patient relies on medical marijuana to improve their quality of life. As an outspoken proponent who has experienced its benefits in my own life, I want to make sure that people in need are choosing to apply for cards because it could ultimately change their lives.”

Considering the incentives associated with medical marijuana, it begs the question, why would potential patients opt for recreational marijuana at all?

One simple answer: ease of access.

Once recreational sales begin, it will be considerably simpler to buy recreational cannabis than to first obtain a medical card, which is why Jolley is advocating a more efficient and simple process for medical card procurement in Nevada. He and other advocates believe that medical marijuana access should be granted in the state per a recommendation from a doctor, as opposed to the traditional card application program, which can take weeks to process. Additionally, his dispensary, The+Source, has teamed up with local business, Sun Valley Certification Clinic, to expedite the process in Las Vegas and educate potential patients.

Ultimately, advocates, lawmakers and civilians alike play central roles in helping create a healthy medical marijuana program that is cost-effective and easy to navigate. As medical marijuana becomes a mainstay through the United States, individuals must educate themselves about individual state regulations to determine if they may be eligible for a medical marijuana card. Similarly, lawmakers and advocates shoulder a unique responsibility of making citizens aware of the ways they could potentially benefit from medical marijuana.

Oregon seems to have a knack with firsts in the evolving global marijuana market. Now, an entrepreneur in eastern Oregon appears to be leading the way on merging outdoor recreation with recreational cannabis.

Private landowner and established cannabis entrepreneur Wayne Zallen has been involved in the cannabis market in Oregon since 2014, and may now be the first in the country to open a cannabis-friendly campground for pleasure-seekers headed to the eastern part of the Beaver State. Allen recently acquired a 5-acre property, formerly known as Lake Selmac Resort, and re-dubbed the place “Smoke on the Water Lake Selmac”.

According to the USA Today affiliate, The Statesman Journal:

“(Zallen) envisions his campers lighting up in their RV or tent sites, or inside a 20-by-40-foot ‘community center’ on the property. He also plans a stage for concerts and other events, and custom tepees, massages, and yoga.”

There are still some hurdles to entry, but with private property-rights protections under current Oregon law, Zallen may be embarking on a first-of-its kind enterprise, which is quite likely to be imitated throughout the country as more lenient, adult-use cannabis laws become the norm. So far, stakeholders from the lake’s region seem willing to approach the possibility of a cannabis campground with an open mind:

“A lease of a strip of county-owned land for the docks and boathouse would need approval. The Josephine County Board of Commissioners and the Parks Department appear to be on board. Commissioners heard discussions, and approval of Zallen’s lease will be on the agenda at a public meeting soon. The lease would bring in $5,400 in six years….

“’If they manage this property they could probably do very well,’ Parks Manager Sarah Wright said. ‘I’m a little concerned about how this may affect our campgrounds, but he’s working with me.’”

One thing is for certain, the emerging cannabis industry in Oregon is brimming with ideas and great opportunities. While there will be setbacks, and hard work and perseverance will be required, the future of the marijuana industry in the Beaver State looks to be bright.

The Oregon Marijuana Business Conference (OMBC) on April 28th in Eugene presents a golden opportunity for those in the cannabis industry, and for those who are thinking of joining, to learn the latest about new rules and regulations, ask burning questions of licensed attorneys, and network with other members of the cannabis business community. Be sure to get your tickets by April 26th, and save money with Early Bird Ticket prices! Become a part of the Oregon cannabis industry which is leading the way on national politics, and be sure to see OMBC keynote speaker Henry Rollins. The OMBC is the must-attend event for the Oregon cannabis community, so get your tickets today!

Oregon Governor Kate Brown, while not perfect on marijuana policy, has been working to protect Beaver State cannabis consumers and businesses from any potential federal crackdown. Brown has joined with other governors of legalized states asking the Donald Trump Administration fulfill his campaign promise to adhere to a “states’ rights” policy, one laid out in the Obama Justice Department’s “Cole Memo.” While we are all waiting on what the Jeff Sessions-led Justice Department plans to do with regulated marijuana businesses and consumers, Gov. Brown has already signed a cannabis consumer information protection act.

From The Oregonian:

For now, the newly signed bill protects pot users by prohibiting shops from keeping or transferring customers’ personal information, including names, birth dates and addresses.

This data, typically used for marketing and customer service, is often collected from customers’ IDs, often without their knowledge. Shoppers may still sign up for emails from shops to get coupons or discounts.

Now that the law is in effect, Oregon marijuana retailers have 30 days to destroy their customers’ data from their databases. The law does not apply to medical marijuana patients.

This bill is a great step in protecting individuals that utilize Oregon cannabis retail stores, but more can be done to protect businesses and all Oregonians, not just its elected officials, need to remain vigilant against any potential federal crackdown. Oregon marijuana businesses will need to develop techniques to keep in touch with their customers as they now won’t be able to just keep all of their information, but this is a small price to pay for extra privacy protection for those using dispensaries and may actually help increase sales.

The Oregon Marijuana Business Conference (OMBC) on April 28th in Eugene, will be a great opportunity for those in the cannabis industry, or thinking of joining, to learn the latest about new rules and regulations, ask licensed attorneys burning questions, and network with others in the cannabis community. Be sure to get your tickets by April 26th, to save money. Henry Rollins will be delivering the keynote address. The OMBC is the must-attend event for the Oregon cannabis community, so get your tickets today!

The cannabis industry is one of the top emerging industries in Oregon, the U.S. as a whole, and even the globe. As one of the first states to legalize marijuana, after a history of progressive cannabis policies, Oregon is poised to capitalize on an exciting opportunity. The college town of Eugene, home of the University of Oregon Ducks, is a current hotbed of economic activity.

From the Register-Guard:

A map created by The Register-Guard based on data from state marijuana ­regulators shows clusters of ­marijuana shops forming in Eugene. The most popular areas for the newly ­emerging marijuana ­industry in the city are downtown, west Eugene and near the ­University of Oregon.

Available retail space and zoning rules drive the ­decision of where to open up shop, city of Eugene land use analyst Mike ­McKerrow said. “People are ­locating in places where the use is allowed,” he said. Those ­locations include commercial space in the city’s core.

Other cities around Oregon, including Portland, have a rule requiring at least 1,000 feet — about 2½ blocks — between each marijuana retailer. The Oregon Health ­Authority, which still regulates the ­handful of ­dispensaries ­selling ­marijuana only to ­medical marijuana card holders, also requires 1,000 feet between shops. Eugene doesn’t require such spacing for pot shops, and earlier this year the Eugene City ­Council decided to hold off on ­pursuing it.

Oregon’s revenue from marijuana sales far outpaced state estimates in 2016, and commerce in 2017 looks to keep pace as well. Business slowed for a bit in 2016 when the state first implemented new testing and packaging policies, but the industry has adapted. There may be a few new changes to the laws this legislative session and regulators taking input on new testing policies until April 30th, so entrepreneurs, business owners and farmers may have to adapt again. However, high quality marijuana, which Oregon certainly produces, will likely keep selling, so long as the state doesn’t overregulate the system, so the future of the Beaver State’s cannabis industry is certainly very bright.

The Oregon Marijuana Business Conference (OMBC) on April 28th in Eugene, will be a great opportunity for those in the cannabis industry, or thinking of joining, to learn the latest about new rules and regulations, ask licensed attorneys burning questions, and network with others in the cannabis community. Be sure to get your tickets by April 26th, to save money. Henry Rollins will be delivering the keynote address. The OMBC is the must-attend event for the Oregon cannabis community, so get your tickets today!

The elections of 2016 saw an increase in the number of states legalizing marijuana but we also experienced a changing of the guard at the federal level, with indications that medical marijuana may be regaining some lost ground. Business interests in medical and adult-use recreational cannabis have never been higher, both in Oregon and abroad. The OMBC brings you the latest information and legislative updates in the wake of our new administration, and you will be able to speak directly with our panelists, many of whom are directly involved in current rules and regulations.

Of course, the OMBC also offers the finest boutique exhibitor space with today’s leading cannabis companies representing the latest technologies and products, providing the ideal networking environment!

The time is almost here for the 4th Annual Oregon Marijuana Business Conference at the Valley River Inn in Eugene, Oregon! The date is set for April 28th, but Early Bird Ticket prices end this Friday, April 14th!

Improving our lineup is our goal each year, and this year we have a stellar group of presenters from a diversity of fields who are all coming together to improve cannabis legislation in Oregon and elsewhere.

Our speakers for this year:

Henry Rollins, Keynote
Senator Floyd Prozanski
Amanda Borup from OLCC
Drake Sutton-Shearer from Prohbtd Media
Kohel Haver from law firm Swider | Haver
Kristie Cromwell
Random Vaughn
Danica Hibpshman from OLCC
Dennis Wright
Rachel Kurtz from NCIA
Eric Wendt from Green Leaf Labs
Lee Berger
Chelsea Hopkins from Greener Side
Brent Kenyon
Anthony Johnson
Justin Botillier
Alex Rogers, OMBC CEO
Anne van Leynseele

With the recent change in our federal administration, numerous questions have arisen concerning the future status of medical cannabis, and the ongoing situation with adult-use, recreational cannabis policies and the Oregon Medical Marijuana Program. The Oregon Health Authority will be taking submissions for comments on testing rules until April 30th, making the OMBC a great time to learn the latest on lab regulations and a whole host of issues.

Come join us in finding out the most up-to-date information on all things cannabis in Oregon! This year’s event is selling quickly but Early Bird Tickets are still available through April 14, offering a savings of up to $100 off ticket prices! See you soon!

The time is almost here for the 4th Annual Oregon Marijuana Business Conference at the Valley River Inn in Eugene, Oregon! The date is set for April 28th, but Early Bird Ticket prices end this Friday, April 14th!

Improving our lineup is our goal each year, and this year we have a stellar group of presenters from a diversity of fields who are all coming together to improve cannabis legislation in Oregon and elsewhere.

Our speakers for this year:

Henry Rollins, Keynote
Senator Floyd Prozanski
Amanda Borup from OLCC
Drake Sutton-Shearer from Prohbtd Media
Kohel Haver from law firm Swider | Haver
Kristie Cromwell
Random Vaughn
Danica Hibpshman from OLCC
Dennis Wright
Rachel Kurtz from NCIA
Eric Wendt from Green Leaf Labs
Lee Berger
Chelsea Hopkins from Greener Side
Brent Kenyon
Anthony Johnson
Justin Botillier
Alex Rogers, OMBC CEO
Anne van Leynseele

With the recent change in our federal administration, numerous questions have arisen concerning the future status of medical cannabis, and the ongoing situation with adult-use, recreational cannabis policies and the Oregon Medical Marijuana Program. The Oregon Health Authority will be taking submissions for comments on testing rules until April 30th, making the OMBC a great time to learn the latest on lab regulations and a whole host of issues.

Come join us in finding out the most up-to-date information on all things cannabis in Oregon! This year’s event is selling quickly but Early Bird Tickets are still available through April 14, offering a savings of up to $100 off ticket prices! See you in Eugene!

The people of Washington have spoken, and it is yet another example of “going green!” While this proves to be a victory for the will of the People, the potential challenges to states’ rights versus federalism will have to be tabled for a different discussion. ¹  Understanding the legal limits for Marijuana in Washington State is easy to follow.

Washington’s Initiative 502 placed Washington at the forefront of the legalization of recreational marijuana use. However, just because marijuana is now legal in Washington does not mean there are not limitations on where it can be used, how much you can possess, and of course, potential punishments for driving under the influence (DUI). Thus, especially with DUI implications and open-container laws, it helps to think of marijuana like alcohol. For example, it is a traffic infraction to operate a motor vehicle on a highway with an open alcohol container².   Similarly, it is also a traffic infraction to operate a motor vehicle on a highway with an open container of marijuana.³

Just as with mixing alcohol and/or prescription medication and driving, you can be cited for a DUI after consuming marijuana. Most people are familiar with .08 legal limit for alcohol consumption and driving, however, the legal limit for marijuana consumption and driving is a little more vague. The legal limit for marijuana is 5.0 nanograms of delta-9 tetrahydrocannabinol or THC.⁴  There is an important distinction between THC, which is active and causes impairment, versus carboxy-TCH which is stored in a person’s body and does not contain active TCH.⁵  If you drive with 5.0 nanograms or more of THC in your system, you place yourself at risk of being charged with a DUI.

Marijuana is legal, but there are restrictions regarding age, how much you can possess, where you can purchase it, and where you can consume it. No one under the age of twenty-one (21) may use or possess marijuana. You can purchase and possess up to one (1) once (or 28 grams) of “useable” marijuana – the green stuff you smoke – up to sixteen (16) ounces of marijuana-infused edibles in solid form, seventy-two (72) ounces in liquid form, and seven (7) grams of marijuana concentrates. Marijuana, in all forms, can only be sold and purchased at state-licensed retail stores. Use of marijuana is restricted to private property; it is illegal to consume marijuana in public.⁶

Marijuana is legal in Washington, but know the laws and use common sense and moderation so as to not run afoul of these laws. In sum, you must be 21 to have it, do not use it in public, you cannot have more than an ounce of it, and you should not drive on it. Understanding the legal limits for Marijuana in Washington State is of utmost importance for Washington State residents.

[1] See http://lcb.wa.gov/mj2015/faqs_i-502 for a brief discussion of federal law concerning marijuana.

[1] See RCW 46.61.519, http://app.leg.wa.gov/rcw/default.aspx?cite=46.61.519.

[1] See RCW 46.61.745, http://app.leg.wa.gov/RCW/default.aspx?cite=46.61.745. Per the statute, unless the marijuana in your car is in the trunk or inaccessible, the marijuana must be in a sealed, unopened package or container.

[1] See RCW 46.61.502, http://app.leg.wa.gov/RCW/default.aspx?cite=46.61.502.

[1] See RCW 46.04.586, http://app.leg.wa.gov/RCW/default.aspx?cite=46.04.586.

[1] See http://lcb.wa.gov/mj-education/know-the-law.

By Roger Stone

President Donald Trump and Marijuana Politics is one of the most controversial decisions he will have to make . The question is whether to continue the federal stand-down by the us Justice department in which DOJ does not enforce federal marijuana laws where they contradict state laws legalizing the legal use and sale of marijuana in the 37 states where it is currently legal in some form. Although he has a long standing personal opposition to drug use Trump has also expressed support for the medicinal use of marijuana in the states where it is legal.

Canceling the order by Obama attorney general Eric Holder to stand down on Marijuana would cause a major dislocation in multiple states that are currently budgeting millions in state revenue from the taxation of marijuana and un-employing hundreds of thousands of people currently working in an industry legalized by the states. I would urge President-Elect Trump to view this as a business man; U.S. government cannot turn back the clock on federal marijuana law enforcement.

Just over one year ago, on November 23, 2016, GQ Magazine published a video interview of Donald J. Trump while he was campaigning for POTUS.  In this interview, he was asked his opinion about legalized marijuana, to which he answered “Legalized marijuana is always a difficult question . . . for medicinal purposes, for medical purposes, absolutely, it’s fine.”

A month before, on October 29, 2015, then Candidate Trump told the Washington Post: “In terms of marijuana and legalization, I think that should be a state issue, state-by-state. Marijuana is such a big thing. I think medical should. And then I really believe we should leave it up to the states. And of course, you have Colorado. There’s a question as to how it’s all working out there, you know? That’s not going exactly trouble-free.”

While many Internet sources say that sometime in 1990, the Sarasota Herald Tribune published an article that Donald J. Trump said the War on Drugs was a joke, this researcher has found that what actually occurred was on April 14, 1990, at a Company of the Year Award luncheon, sponsored by the Sarasota Herald Tribune for their annual prize announcement, Donald J. Trump was invited to speak.  Trump said he thought the Drug Enforcement Agency efficacy was a joke, and that “we’re losing badly in the war on drugs … you have to take the profit away from these drug czars … tax revenues from a legalized drug trade could be spent to educate the public on the dangers of drugs.”  Portugal tried this model in 2001, and it is considered a great success by the Portuguese more than fifteen years later.

While Donald Trump is on record at the 2015 CPAC making a statement about recreational marijuana, “I say it’s bad.  Medical marijuana is another thing, but I think it’s bad, and I feel strongly about it.”  Donald was speaking to Conservatives, and while that might have been the reasoning behind making such a marked change of direction from his position in the 1990’s, his position on Medical Marijuana, even in the face of these same Conservatives, remains unchanged.

During the same election that won Trump the Presidency, there was another vote on the Florida ballot.  Amendment 2 passed with an overwhelming majority, with more than 71% of the States votes, on the Left and the Right, approving of Medical Marijuana.  This is a far higher percentage of the population than voted for Donald Trump, which reported by the State of Florida, stands at just over 49%.

Florida was not alone, as California, Nevada, and Massachusetts approved of recreational marijuana, and North Dakota and Arkansas passing their own Medical Marijuana provisions.

All told, twenty-eight States and Washington D.C. now have legalized Medical Marijuana.  A clear majority of States and population are for it, nationwide.

A great many pro-marijuana organizations, publications, and Internet outlets put their support behind Donald Trump based on his positive statements about Medical Marijuana.  People who have marijuana rights as their primary political issue turned to Trump, many against long time party affiliation, in hopes of greater freedom and less abuse at the hands of Federal Agencies.

If, after winning the election, Donald Trump listens to the likes of Chris Christie and Jeff Sessions he risks alienating his base and his newly won supporters in a very tangible way. Both Sessions and Christie come from ‘Old World’ War on Drugs thinking.

Criminalized Marijuana has directly lead to the persecution of countless individuals, the vast majority of whom are poor and minorities.  That this was the desired result of the designers of the system of criminalization cannot be reasonable doubted.

“Laws to suppress tend to strengthen what they would prohibit.  This is the fine point on which all legal professions throughout history have based their jobs security.” – Frank Herbert

We cannot leave it to ‘Law Enforcement’ types to decide what is to be allowed and what is to be prohibited.  The People must decide for themselves, and they have decided.  Overwhelmingly so. They have decided they want legalized marijuana.

“If the people let government decide what foods they eat and what medicines they take, their bodies will soon be in as sorry a state as are the souls of those who live under tyranny.”  – Thomas Jefferson

Drain the Swamp.  Limit Federal Power.  Reel-in out-of-control Alphabet Soup agencies.  Return respect for law.  These are all things Donald Trump made as major issues for his campaign platform.

“The prestige of government has undoubtedly been lowered considerably by the prohibition law. For nothing is more destructive of respect for the government and the law of the land than passing laws which cannot be enforced.” – Albert Einstein

A precipitous move by the Trump administration to change the equation on legal marijuana in the states could in fact bring action by congress where a coalition of liberal Democrats and libertarian republicans are moving towards legislation to legalize the plant.

http://stonecoldtruth.com/roger-stone-donald-trump-and-the-politics-of-marijuana/

Roger Stone is the author of the New York Times bestseller The Man Who Killed Kennedy. He is a legendary American political consultant and strategist who played a key role in the election of Republican presidents Richard Nixon, Ronald Reagan, and George H. W. Bush. He was also instrumental in the 2000 Florida recount responsible for the election of George W. Bush and the 2016 election of Donald Trump. Read his new book – The Making of the President 2016: How Donald Trump Orchestrated a Revolution.

So what are you waiting for? The International Cannabis Business Conference is set to commence in mere days, and tickets are moving quickly! Get your ICBC tickets by Friday, April 7th, to save, before prices go up.

Starting on Monday evening, April 10th, VIP members will participate in a little conference pregame action with a not-to-be-missed networking event with international cannabis law reform heavyweights such as US Congressman Dana Rohrabacher, the iconic Tommy Chong, and many other VIPs on the speakers and attendees list.

This first-of-a-kind event in Europe will exhibit a perspective of how the marijuana industry is working in various countries’ legal systems, with a particular focus on current medical research and application. Tuesday kicks off with keynote speaker Dr. Eva Milz, MD, highly recognized neurologist and psychiatrist who has emerged as a foremost expert on cannabinoids in the brain and body. Other recognized professionals from the medical discipline include Dr. Franjo Grotenhermen, MD, Dr. Pierre Debs, PhD, Dr. Ingo Michels, MD, Dr. Reggie Gaudino, PhD, Dr. Jokūbas Žiburkus, PhD, Dr. Pavel Jeřábek, Dr. Pavel Kubů, MD, and many, many more.

Of course, many other qualified speakers will be on hand to discuss industry-specific topics including Testing and Standardization, Extractions Technology, International Medical Cannabis Policies, Lobbying for Cannabis, Cannabis and Media, Consumer Tech and Branding, The Future of Cannabis Genetics in a Global Commercial Marketplace, Imports and Exports, and Cannabis Cultivation and New Technologies.

Visit here for a full list of speakers and their bios and here for the complete schedule of topics.

Secure your spot now for this monumental moment in marijuana history! Get your tickets now for Europe’s first International Cannabis Business Conference in Berlin, Germany, April 10-12! We’ll see you there!

So what are you waiting for? The International Cannabis Business Conference is set to commence in mere days, and tickets are moving quickly! Get your ICBC tickets by Friday, April 7th, to save, before prices go up.

Starting on Monday evening, April 10th, VIP members will participate in a little conference pregame action with a not-to-be-missed networking event with international cannabis law reform heavyweights such as US Congressman Dana Rohrabacher, the iconic Tommy Chong, and many other VIPs on the speakers and attendees list.

This first-of-a-kind event in Europe will exhibit a perspective of how the marijuana industry is working in various countries’ legal systems, with a particular focus on current medical research and application. Tuesday kicks off with keynote speaker Dr. Eva Milz, MD, highly recognized neurologist and psychiatrist who has emerged as a foremost expert on cannabinoids in the brain and body. Other recognized professionals from the medical discipline include Dr. Franjo Grotenhermen, MD, Dr. Pierre Debs, PhD, Dr. Ingo Michels, MD, Dr. Reggie Gaudino, PhD, Dr. Jokūbas Žiburkus, PhD, Dr. Pavel Jeřábek, Dr. Pavel Kubů, MD, and many, many more.

Of course, many other qualified speakers will be on hand to discuss industry-specific topics including Testing and Standardization, Extractions Technology, International Medical Cannabis Policies, Lobbying for Cannabis, Cannabis and Media, Consumer Tech and Branding, The Future of Cannabis Genetics in a Global Commercial Marketplace, Imports and Exports, and Cannabis Cultivation and New Technologies.

Visit here for a full list of speakers and their bios and here for the complete schedule of topics.

Secure your spot now for this monumental moment in marijuana history! Get your tickets now for Europe’s first International Cannabis Business Conference in Berlin, Germany, April 10-12! We’ll see you there!

Time is running out to attend Europe’s first cannabis B2B conference!

So what are you waiting for? The International Cannabis Business Conference is set to commence in mere days, and tickets are moving quickly! Get your ICBC tickets by Friday, April 7th, to save, before prices go up.

Starting on Monday evening, April 10th, VIP members will participate in a little conference pregame action with a not-to-be-missed networking event with international cannabis law reform heavyweights such as US Congressman Dana Rohrabacher, the iconic Tommy Chong, and many other VIPs on the speakers and attendees list.

This first-of-a-kind event in Europe will exhibit a perspective of how the marijuana industry is working in various countries’ legal systems, with a particular focus on current medical research and application. Tuesday kicks off with keynote speaker Dr. Eva Milz, MD, highly recognized neurologist and psychiatrist who has emerged as a foremost expert on cannabinoids in the brain and body. Other recognized professionals from the medical discipline include Dr. Franjo Grotenhermen, MD, Dr. Pierre Debs, PhD, Dr. Ingo Michels, MD, Dr. Reggie Gaudino, PhD, Dr. Jokūbas Žiburkus, PhD, Dr. Pavel Jeřábek, Dr. Pavel Kubů, MD, and many, many more.

Of course, many other qualified speakers will be on hand to discuss industry-specific topics including Testing and Standardization, Extractions Technology, International Medical Cannabis Policies, Lobbying for Cannabis, Cannabis and Media, Consumer Tech and Branding, The Future of Cannabis Genetics in a Global Commercial Marketplace, Imports and Exports, and Cannabis Cultivation and New Technologies.

Visit here for a full list of speakers and their bios and here for the complete schedule of topics.

Secure your spot now for this monumental moment in marijuana history! Get your tickets now for Europe’s first International Cannabis Business Conference in Berlin, Germany, April 10-12! We’ll see you there!

As anyone in the field knows, cannabis is an industry completely unlike any other. The history of prohibition, and the conflict between state and federal laws creates a much greater degree of uncertainty than is found in other vying markets. Maintaining compliance with constantly changing (and often over-reaching) health and safety regulations, ensuring quality and competitive products for consumers, dealing in a cash economy with constantly opening and closing bank accounts, and treading the delicate line of appropriate tax behavior, all serve to completely occupy the time and mental power of the budding cannabis entrepreneur.

Yet all that work is for naught and your business will fail if no one recognizes your product or name.

Finding the right name, creating memorable imagery, ensuring quality and consistent products, and marketing in a meaningful way are all necessary for the equation of good branding. But in the cannabis industry, the usual rules do not apply.

To begin with, patenting is a huge obstacle. Because the federal government classifies cannabis as a completely illegal substance, one cannot simply register a brand name as a trademark with the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO). Quite simply, there is no assured federal legal protection for anyone in the cannabis trade.

However, Oliver Herzfeld at Forbes has a few pieces of advice for business start-ups which are looking to create a brand for long-term success in the trade: avoid infringement of other brand names; use your brand in a legal commercial enterprise in the meantime; register with your brand at the state level; create ancillary cannabis products which complement your product and use your brand name (such as vaporizers or rolling papers); and consider trademark licensing to third party cannabis companies who can secure longer-term branding abilities in states with legal markets.

While there are no guarantees in such a new and unusual market, experts agree that good branding is paramount to prosperity in the cannabis industry. As usual with anything marijuana business related, there are extra obstacles placed in front of entrepreneurs, but many great opportunities as well.

If you are one of those looking for prosperity in the Oregon cannabis industry, you certainly won’t want to miss the Tech and Branding panel at the Oregon Marijuana Business Conference, this April 28th in Eugene. Get your tickets before prices increase!