Huge developments are occurring in the Oregon marijuana industry. While changes will need to be made over time, the future certainly looks bright for the burgeoning industry. There is a lot to digest and consider as industry participants choose whether to stay strictly medical, switch over to the new recreational system, or maybe work in both markets. If the first week of adult-use sales are any indication, the Oregon cannabis market will create many jobs and generate millions in new revenue, following in the footsteps of the state’s microbrewery and wine industries.

Draft rules governing both the Oregon recreational and medical systems are out. The Oregon Liquor Control Commission is winding down the rulemaking process that will allow entrepreneurs and businesses to apply for commercial licenses starting on January 4, 2016. The initial rules that will regulate the state’s cannabis industry must be finalized the first week of November. The Oregon Marijuana Business Conference (OMBC) in Ashland on November 21st is extremely timely as lawyers and experts will have a couple of weeks to read and digest the rules and effectively present the necessary information to attendees. In addition to the state rules and regulations, the OMBC will have the latest on local city and country developments as well.

Whether you want to be a breeder, grower, processor, retailer or wholesaler, the OMBC will have lawyers and experts on hand to help you navigate the myriad of laws, rules and regulations that will impact your business. It is an exciting time for those in the industry and those thinking of joining the industry. I am admittedly biased as I help organize the OMBC, but I think any reasonable person would agree that the conference is occurring at a great time to prepare for the new rules and regulations that will govern the Oregon cannabis industry.

While a majority of the information presented will focus on the new recreational rules, we will provide an update on changes to the medical system as well. And if you have been to our previous conferences, you know that Oregon’s patients are always in our thoughts, and as activists, will will continue promoting sensible laws that ensure safe access for sick and disabled patients.

The OMBC is organized by the same group of advocates that put on the International Cannabis Business Conference in Portland and San Francisco and the Oregon Medical Marijuana Business Conference across Oregon. We are very experienced in producing conferences and are proud of the feedback that we have received from attendees. As with our previous events, we provide a fun, welcoming event that gives those in the industry and in ancillary businesses to unwind and network. In addition to the one-day informational event, attendees will get an exclusive performance from Del the Funky Homosapien at the Brickroom.

 

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.