Without a doubt, California has been a leader on cannabis law reform. The Golden State was the pioneer on medical marijuana and medicinal cannabis commerce following the historic passage of Proposition 215 in 1998. There are reportedly more than 1,200 medical marijuana dispensaries conducting more than $1 billion of of business across California.

After years of a hodgepodge of local regulations, the California Legislature just passed statewide regulations that will set certain standards in place, while still providing some local control for cities and counties. While these regulations will cause some headaches and growing pains, they do set the state’s cannabis industry to cash in even bigger. Voters, especially the moderate “soccer mom” vote key to winning at the ballot box, tend to appreciate rules and regulations. With these regulations in place, success for a 2016 ballot measure is now more likely.

Being on top of these rules and regulations will be key for California cannabis entrepreneurs, not only at the outset, but throughout the political process. Winning at the ballot box will be just a part of the battle as political fights will move into administrative hearings and legislative hearing rooms. The cannabis community will need to set unite behind core principles and work together to ensure industry regulations that work for the industry, but also hold true to the foundational principles of ending criminal penalties and ensuring safe access to patients, regardless of which particular initiative proves successful with voters.

The upcoming International Cannabis Business Conference (ICBC) in San Francisco will provide California cannabis entrepreneurs with unique insight into the current commercial system as well as upcoming regulations that would be implemented if voters pass a legalization proposition in November. In addition to nuts and bolts business advice, the ICBC helps bring the industry and activists together to unite behind regulations that the cannabis community can be proud of. While ICBC will have an emphasis on California, the event will bring in activists and successful entrepreneurs from around the globe to share tips and experiences.

As support for the legalization of marijuana for all adults 21 and over has increased across the nation, California’s medical program has somewhat taken a backseat to the full legalization program in Colorado. Next year, California will be poised to capture the headlines and dominate the cannabis commerce conversation once again as voters will likely be voting on full legalization in November. Will you be prepared? Attend the ICBC and the information and networking experience garnered will put you in a position to succeed in the California industry or any marijuana market. Get your tickets today, before they increase in price and the event sells out.

This blog was originally posted at www.Internationalcbc.com and has been reposted here with special permission.