The 4th Oregon Medical Marijuana Business Conference (OMMBC) kicks off in Portland at the downtown Hilton, September 12th to the 13th. The OMMBC has sold out in previous years in both Ashland and Eugene and heads to Portland for the first time. I am proud to help organize the OMMBC as it always provides great information for those in the cannabis industry, but most importantly, it always has a strong focus on activism and remembering that marijuana law reform is really about protecting patients and keeping people out of prison.
The OMMBC will feature entrepreneurs, lawyers, politicians and advocates to provide an overview of where Oregon’s marijuana laws are currently and where they are headed. Recent legislation has altered the Oregon Medical Marijuana Program (OMMP) in some key ways, bringing new regulation and rules to labs, producers and processors. We will have people on hand that have worked in the Oregon medical industry and those that have helped shape the laws and those studying to help businesses adapt to the new landscape.
The timing of the OMMBC is perfect as it occurs just about two weeks before medical marijuana dispensaries should be allowed to sell cannabis flower to adults over the age of 21 on October 1st and the Oregon Liquor Control Commission Rules Advisory Committee hearings will be well underway, giving us a good ideas as to how the recreational rules are shaping up. The OLCC RAC should complete its work by November 1st, giving the state plenty of time to finalize the licensing rules and regulations by the January 4, 2016, deadline. In addition to Oregon-specific knowledge, Congressman Earl Blumenaur and former Libertarian vice-presidential candidate Judge Jim Gray, will both be on hand to discuss the national prospective.
The OMMBC is Oregon’s premiere cannabis business and networking event, catering to cannabis professionals, as well as curious newbies looking to get into the industry. Along with a boutique exhibition area and nightly networking parties, the OMMBC creates an environment that is not only educational, but fun and exciting. Not your average business conference, that’s for sure. Tickets are currently $299. Head over to www.ommbc.com for more information and to get your tickets before prices go up.
Anthony Johnson
Anthony, a longtime cannabis law reform advocate, was Chief Petitioner and co-author of Measure 91, Oregon's cannabis legalization effort. He served as director of both the New Approach Oregon and Vote Yes on 91 PACs, the political action committees responsible for the state's legalization campaign. As director of New Approach Oregon, Anthony continues to work towards effectively implementing the cannabis legalization system while protecting small business owners and the rights of patients. He sits on the Oregon Marijuana Rules Advisory Committee and fights for sensible rules at the legislature as well as city councils and county commissions across the state. Anthony helps cannabis business comply with Oregon's laws and advises advocates across the country. He also serves as content director of both the International Cannabis Business Conference and the Oregon Marijuana Business Conference, helping share the vision of moving the cannabis industry forward in a way that maintains the focus on keeping people out of prison and protecting patients. He was a member of the Oregon Health Authority Rules Advisory Committee, assisting the drafting of the administrative rules governing Oregon’s state-licensed medical marijuana facilities. He first co-authored and helped pass successful marijuana law reform measures while a law student at the University of Missouri-Columbia School of Law. He passed the Oregon Bar in 2005 and practiced criminal defense for two years before transitioning to working full-time in the political advocacy realm. His blogs on Marijuana Politics are personal in nature and don't speak for or reflect the opinions of any group or organization.
