Business Archives - Page 19 of 21 - International Cannabis Business Conference

Canada, Listen to Henry Rollins and Pardon Cannabis Offenders

Written by Anthony Johnson on June 21, 2018. Posted in Business, CBC Vancouver, Politics.

After a locale legalizes, regulates, and taxes cannabis, the economic benefits garner a vast majority of the headlines. Billion dollar business deals, thousands of new jobs, and millions in new revenue capture the attention of entrepreneurs, voters, and elected officials, across the political spectrum. However, for those of us that have been activists fighting the Drug War for years (if not decades), the ending of criminal penalties and expunging criminal convictions are what really excite us. It’s great that a non-cannabis user, rock icon Henry Rollins, is calling on Canada to pardon cannabis offenders, ahead of his keynote address at the International Cannabis Business Conference this weekend.

Rollins expressed his feelings on the issue to Civilized, stating that he would “beg” Prime Minister Justin Trudeau to pardon victims of the war on cannabis:

“Why keep that person in jail for another eight years for something you can do now? I think it comes down to a human decency and moral issue. Things change. Can you change with the change, or are you going to look like some really bad anachronism?”

And since he won’t get a chance to plead the prisoners’ case with the prime minister in person, Rollins is challenging Trudeau to justify maintaining this archaic relic of prohibition.

“I would love to see Prime Minister Trudeau defend that point,” Rollins told Civilized. “I think he’s too smart to be able to BS his way through that in primetime. As far as retroactive emancipation goes, there’s no way they haven’t thought about it. There’s someone in an office that is looking at what the blowback would be for another term, who would bite back, how many donors they would lose, etc. I just don’t see Trudeau being able to justify keeping these people in prison at taxpayers’ expense. Life is short. Do you really want to squash people that hard?”

I had the honor of helping the Measure 91 legalization campaign in Oregon and while it is great to see stories detailing the fact that ending prohibition has created 19,000 jobs and generating millions of dollars for schools and other important state programs, my favorite story was about an expungement of a past felony. Learning that someone experienced “tears of joy” after a felony was removed from his record warmed my heart and helped inspire me to fight for more reforms, especially when it’s easy to get bogged down in the mundane (although important) regulatory details.

Justin Trudeau and the ruling Liberal Party have done a great service for the Canadian people as more freedom, jobs, and revenue will benefit society. Hopefully, Prime Minister Trudeau and provincial officials will listen to voices like Henry Rollins and the Great White North can right some wrongs of the failed, harmful, and racist War on Cannabis.

Hear from, and get a chance to meet, Henry Rollins as he’ll passionately call upon the Canadian cannabis community to remember victims of the Drug War in his keynote address at the International Cannabis Business Conference in Vancouver, British Columbia, this June 24th-25th. In addition to Rollins, hear from, and network with, top activists, entrepreneurs, investors, and employers as they detail the latest information and share tips from their trade. If you are in the cannabis industry, or thinking of joining, the ICBC is the conference for you. Get your tickets before they sell out!

Will Canadian Provinces Be Ready for Legalization by October 17?

Written by Anthony Johnson on June 21, 2018. Posted in Business, CBC Vancouver, Politics.

Now that the Canadian Parliament has passed the Cannabis Act (C-45) and Prime Minister Justin Trudeau has set October 17th as the official start day of legalization, the cannabis community awaits the rollout of rules and regulations that may differ from province to province. With just under four months to spare, how many Canadian provinces will be ready, and what will their systems look like? Some provinces will allow private retail stores while others will only permit government-operated outlets, at least initially.

While Canada can learn a bit from Uruguay and U.S. states with cannabis commerce, Canadians are true pioneers and regulatory decisions will shape the Canadian industry and impact future frameworks for other nations. If Canada’s experience is anything like states such as Colorado and Oregon, we can expect many changes over time as administrations grapple with testing, licensing, land-use regulations, packaging, advertising, and other issues.

“It is our hope that as of October 17, there will be a smooth operation of retail cannabis outlets operated by the provinces, with an online mail-delivery system operated by the provinces, that will ensure that this happens in an orderly fashion,” Prime Minister Trudeau stated in his press conference announcing the official start of legalization.

The National Post reported:

There are an assortment of models in place as provinces prepare for the legal sale of cannabis. The western provinces will allow at least some private retailers to operate, while eastern provinces (including Ontario but excepting Newfoundland) are restricting sales to government-run stores.

Some provinces, however, are far ahead of others. Trina Fraser, a cannabis business specialist at Brazeau Seller Law, said New Brunswick is nearly ready to start stocking its store shelves, for example, while B.C. hasn’t even started accepting applications for licenses to operate private stores. Ontario has so far announced locations for only four of its government-run stores; the former Liberal government planned to have 40 open by year’s end, but with incoming premier Doug Ford having mused during the election campaign about opening sales to the private sector, plans in the country’s largest province could still change.

“There’s going to be a wide array of how quickly the retail storefronts actually roll out across the country,” Fraser said. At the very least, provinces will want to ensure they have online retailing ready to go in case there are few physical stores ready by the legalization date.

Rolling out online retail sales is a forward-thinking policy as more consumers utilize web-based sales every day. There will certainly be those that attempt to be the “Amazon of cannabis.” Over time it will be interesting to see how many consumers choose the usual brick-and-mortar stores and how many will prefer ordering their favorite strains in the comfort of their own homes (while still in their pajamas even.)

Hopefully, whatever choices the consumers make, it is because they made the decision willingly, not because government officials forced their hand. The only impediment to a successful Canadian cannabis market is government overregulation. If restrictions remain reasonable, the Canadian industry is set to thrive.

The International Cannabis Business Conference is bringing its trademark combination of business, politics, and culture to Vancouver this June 24th-25th and you won’t want to miss learning the latest information, networking with top professionals, and being a part of history. If you are in the cannabis industry, or are thinking of joining, the ICBC is THE event of the year. Hurry and get your tickets before they sell out!

ICBC First Ever Cannabis Conference Under Full Legalization Law

Written by Anthony Johnson on June 20, 2018. Posted in Business, CBC Vancouver, Politics.

Anyone that has attended industry conferences can tell you that the International Cannabis Business Conference is not like other events. Combining cannabis business, politics, and culture is no easy feat and that has been the ICBC’s mission since its inception in 2014. We’ve seen great progress since the first ICBC conference (when there were only two U.S. states with legalized cannabis) and now, four years later, the ICBC is the first ever cannabis conference held in a country that has passed a full* legalization law.

Canadian cannabis industry participants have a lot of reasons to be excited as the nation has already been a global market leader, but will now see more jobs created and more revenue generated by expanding the customer base to adult citizens and tourists. Existing medical businesses have already stepped up their hiring practices and full legalization will only increase the need for workers.

There has never been a better time to learn from, and network with, industry entrepreneurs, investors, and advocates, and there is no better place to do so than the ICBC in Vancouver this June 24th-25th. With experts like Kirk Tousaw, Robert Laurie, and Jamie Shaw presenting, you’ll be as prepared as possible for the Canadian cannabis system and with industry participants flocking to Vancouver from all corners of Canada, and around the globe, the networking opportunities will be unmatched by any event.

Many cannabis commercial deals and other products have sprouted from ICBC networking events over the years and we can count on deals sprouting out of the ICBC this year, especially with the hosting of the Canopy Rivers/Canopy Growth pitch event to invest in up-and-coming businesses this year. With an exclusive VIP party attended by rock icon Henry Rollins and hip-hop legend Del the Funky Homosapien performing at the after-party, the networking opportuniteis will be entertaining and enagaging.

While it won’t be legal for non-patients to legally utilize cannabis under federal law until October 17th, prosecutors should follow the example set by many district attorneys in Oregon that stopped prosecuting personal possession use as a crime before the legalization law went into effect. Hopefully, Canadian victims of the War on Cannabis will be allowed to expunge old conviction from their record, just like the citizens of California and Oregon.

It is exciting to see economic opportunities increase in Canada, but ending arrests that can ruin lives and ensuring that patients have safe access are the most important aspect of ending cannabis prohibition; I’m happy that the ICBC always keeps the focus on activism. Keynote speaker Henry Rollins will certainly implore conference attendees to use the industry to benefit society, not just to make money (although there is nothing wrong with making a profit, but that can’t be the only thing the cannabis industry is about.) It is exciting to know that more jobs and revenue will be coming to Canada, but freedom is the most important aspect of the Cannabis Act.

* While Uruguay has legalized possession and regulated commerce for its own citizens, foreigners are not allowed to purchase or possess cannabis.

Don’t miss your chance to be a part of history as the International Cannabis Business Conference is the place to be this June 24th-25th. If you are in the cannabis industry, or are thinking of joining, the Vancouver ICBC is the event for you. Get your tickets before the conference sells out.

New York Makes a Big Move Towards Cannabis Legalization

Written by Anthony Johnson on June 19, 2018. Posted in Business, CBC Portland, CBC Vancouver, Politics.

Cannabis legalization in the U.S. states has primarily been led by voter initiatives as all of the states to legalize cannabis commerce have done so through signature petition efforts that put ballot measures before voters. Vermont is the only state to legalize cannabis through the state legislature, but the Green Mountain State has only legalized personal possession and cultivation, no sales are allowed.

It is very big news that New York has just moved a major step towards ending cannabis prohibition as Governor Andrew Cuomo’s health commissioner stated that a state study will recommend that the Empire State allow adults to legally utilize cannabis. The New York Times reported:

The announcement by the commissioner, Howard Zucker, signals a broad turnaround for the administration of Mr. Cuomo, a second-term Democrat who said as recently as last year that marijuana was a “gateway drug.”

“We looked at the pros, we looked at the cons, and when we were done, we realized that the pros outweighed the cons,” Dr. Zucker said, adding, “we have new facts.”

***

Dr. Zucker said that the report on recreational usage was done in consultation with “experts from all across the government,” including specialists in public safety, public health, and economics, including taxation. He said that group had considered a wide range of issues — including the age of allowed use, impaired driving, and production and distribution — and concluded that legal marijuana could be done statewide.

The United States is moving towards ending prohibition federally as we’ve legalized state by state. Many feel that our country really reached a tipping point when California, the world’s fifth-largest economy ended prohibition and adding New York, the globe’s thirteenth-biggest economy, would just add that much more momentum to the political battle to legalize marijuana. Even though Gov. Cuomo may just be responding to his liberal challenger Cynthia Nixon’s progressive cannabis stance, progress begets progress, whether it’s done for altruistic or political reasons.

Canada, with a progressive federal medical policy, has had a head start in the global market and the Great White North is about to take an even bigger lead by legalizing federally. The United States is playing catchup to its northern neighbor and NY joining the marijuana market would help the U.S. somewhat keep pace with Canada.

Keep up to date with the latest at the International Cannabis Business Conference in Vancouver, British Columbia, this June 24th-25th, just a few months ahead of the implementation of regulated cannabis commerce. Get your tickets now, and be a part of the global fight to legalize freedom, jobs, and revenue. The world is shrinking as the global economy becomes more and more interconnected and cannabis isn’t going to be any different. Canada’s cannabis policy will help move the United States and the U.S. ending the war on cannabis will certainly shake up global cannabis policy.

After Vancouver, the ICBC returns to beautiful Portland, Oregon, on September 27th-28th. Purchase early bird tickets for the Portland ICBC by September 12th to save $200.

Photo courtesy of Jerry Ferguson via Flickr.

Breaking: Canadian Senate Likely to Pass Legalization by Friday

Written by Anthony Johnson on June 19, 2018. Posted in Business, CBC Vancouver, Politics.

The timing of the International Cannabis Business Conference, where top industry participants from around the globe converge upon Vancouver this June 24th-25th, couldn’t be much better as the Canadian Senate is expected to pass legalization by Friday, potentially making the ICBC the first post-legalization conference in Canada (just a little Royal Assent is needed after parliamentary approval). After the Cannabis Act (C-45) has been passed back and forth a bit like a political football between the Senate and the House of Commons, it appears that federal legislators are finally ready to honor the will of the voters that elected Justin Trudeau and the Liberal Party.

Canada firmly established itself as the global reform movement leader when the nation legalized medicinal use federally in 2001. The progressive medical law allowed Canada to become the global industry leader as Canadian companies became the preferred suppliers of medical programs in nations like Germany. Canadian businesses have also been able to flex their financial muscle in the United States, as corporations like Canopy Growth get listed on the New York Stock Exchange while their American counterparts are barred, sometimes looking north for reverse mergers that can give them access to capital markets in the Great White North.

Now, Canada is about to take another huge step forward, becoming the first nation to truly legalize cannabis across its borders. While some may tout Uruguay as the first nation to legalize, I personally would give the nod to Canada, as Uruguay still prohibits selling marijuana to foreigners.

It cannot be understated the importance of Canada’s upcoming legalization law and the impact it will have on the global movement to end the failed war on cannabis. Barrister and advocate, Kirk Tousaw, who has helped shape Canadian cannabis policy through his advocacy, told me, “This is an historic moment not just for Canada, but for the world.”

Much will be publicized about the jobs created and revenue generated by the Canadian cannabis industry. Analysts expect cannabis to rival the economic impact of wine, and we certainly know that the financial benefits will be vast. It is great news that employment opportunities will open up across the nation and we’ll even see creative artisans bring their skillset to the industry as various food and beverage concoctions will delight consumers and open up niche markets that often fly under the radar.

This is certainly an exciting time for the cannabis community. If you are in the cannabis industry, or are thinking of joining, you should certainly attend the Vancouver ICBC (get your tickets before they sell out!), as there are financial openings to be seized upon and now is the time to learn the latest and network with top entrepreneurs, employers, investors, and advocates. However, the most important aspect of the upcoming legalization law is that cannabis arrests will plummet, not only in Canada, but soon across the globe, as other nations see the resources saved and the money generated from regulated cannabis commerce.

All eyes will be on Canada, but it is clear that we are ending cannabis prohibition step by step, and eventually nation by nation. And Canadians are leading the way.

Canadian House Passes Legalization Again, Now Back to Senate

Written by Anthony Johnson on June 18, 2018. Posted in Business, CBC Vancouver, Politics.

The cannabis legalization political football has been tossed back to the Canadian Senate as the House of Commons passed the Cannabis Act (C-45) 205 to 82, with Conservatives largely opposing the measure. The House was forced to vote on the bill after the Senate added 46 amendments to the legalization bill. Various technical bills were supported by Justin Trudeau’s Liberal government, but just over a dozen received pushback from the ruling party.

Major disagreements including proposals that would have banned branded merchandise, allowed provinces to prohibit citizens’ right to cultivate personal four-plant gardens, and the establishment of a registry program for shareholders of cannabis businesses. Thankfully, the House rejected the aforementioned Senatorial amendments, realizing their overly burdensome nature.

The Cannabis Act now heads back to the Senate, where some are discouraged by the stripping of amendments, but there’s hope that quick passage, without any more political back-and-forth, will allow legalization to be implemented soon, as CTV News reported:

On CTV’s Power Play, Leader of the Independent Senators Group Sen. Yuen Pau Woo said the Senate Independents are “disappointed” the government didn’t accept its consequential changes, and its decision on how to respond will have to balance the constitutionality of the law, with the constitutional role of the Senate.

Government House Leader Bardish Chagger told reporters Monday that she’s hopeful Bill C-45 will pass soon.

“What we’ve seen in this place is that anything is possible…. Most members that want to speak on it have been able to speak on it so I believe we can find a way forward,” she said.

Cannabis commerce, barring any unexpected political upheaval, is on track to be implemented this September in the Great White North. The cannabis industry is expected to quickly rival alcohol, bringing more jobs and revenue to the nation, and, most importantly more freedom. The ultimate success of the marijuana market depends on the government avoiding the establishment of regulatory obstacles that can unnecessarily stifle entrepreneurship. If left with sensible regulations, the Canadian cannabis industry is set to prosper and continue leading the global market.

These are exciting times for the cannabis industry, especially in Canada as Justin Trudeau and the Liberal Party are set to fulfill their campaign promise to end prohibition and regulate sales to all adults across the nation. There has never been a time to attend the International Cannabis Business Conference, so get your tickets to the Vancouver ICBC this June 24th-25th before tickets sell out. Not only will attendees learn the latest about Canada’s upcoming legalization law, but will also have the opportunity to network with top entrepreneurs, investors, and advocates in the industry. If you are in the industry, or are thinking of joining, this is the business event for you!

Photo courtesy of Jiuguang Wang via Wiki Commons.

Canadian Cannabis Companies Need Chefs, Brewers, and More

Written by Anthony Johnson on June 18, 2018. Posted in Business, CBC Vancouver.

It’s already been reported that Canadian cannabis companies preparing for legalization later this year are recruiting skilled extractors and increasing the pay of cultivators. With reports that companies are making edibles, beer, and other infused products to hone their craft in preparation of regulated cannabis commerce, there are opportunities for food and beverage industry workers like chefs and brewers to capitalize on the future market.

While Canada is head of the United States federally overall on cannabis policy, makers of infused-products are crossing into legal U.S. states to test their products, as The Globe and Mail reported:

Dooma Wendschuh is a co-founder of Province Brands, a Toronto-based company brewing beer from marijuana, and he said it’s been “more or less impossible” to work in Canada.

While his team can make small batches of product here, Canadian law prohibits them from doing taste tests, he said.

“If I wanted to open an ice cream parlour, I could just open it. If I wanted to make a new flavour of ice cream, I could just make it. If I want to make a marijuana beverage, I can make it, but no one is allowed to drink it,” Wendschuh said.

Infused products are generating hundreds of millions of dollars in the United States and a wide array of concoctions are securing market share, with some items catering to experienced users while others are for newbies. In the U.S., consumers in legal states differ on their preferred cannabis products from one state to another, providing opportunities for talented artisans to cater to their local market.

Cannabis edibles and other products have been going more and more mainstream and we can expect Canada to be a big market for a variety of infusions, so long as government regulations aren’t too burdensome. As market analyst BDS Analytics has noted, ”It is laws, not consumer demand, that so far have held back worldwide expansion of commercial cannabis sales, and hence development of new consumption forms.”

Get the latest news about Canada’s legalization law and network with the top employers, investors, and activists in the industry at the International Cannabis Business Conference this June 24th-25th. Tickets are going fast, so get yours today!

Canadian Cannabis Company Aphria Hiring Extractors

Written by Anthony Johnson on June 15, 2018. Posted in Business, CBC Vancouver.

Recently, Cannabis At Work’s business report detailed the rising salaries for cannabis cultivators in Canada, with quality assurance personnel making an average salary of CA$91,300 and master growers pulling in about CA$79,700. The increased demand (and increased pay) for growers makes sense as companies currently licensed to serve medical patients gear up for the increased demand of the upcoming adult-use market that is likely to rival the Canadian wine industry.

As the Canadian federal government finalizes the national legalization law, expected to allow sales this August or September, it appears that extractors will also be in demand. Aphria, Canada’s third-largest cannabis cultivator, just announced that the company is searching for skilled extractors.

CBC spoke with Aphria CEO Vic Neufeld about the company’s search for extractors after the company announced a planned $225 million expansion with $55 million designated towards cannabis extraction:

“As we ponder what the next 12 months of adult use in Canada is going to be … there is language in [federal Bill] C-45 that indicates that government is prepared to advance other product offerings with a cannabis space to it,” said Neufeld.

The cannabis extracts will be used to make edible products like chocolate bars, tea bags, and rapid-dissolve technology like Listerine strips.

Neufeld said he’s searching right across North America to find employees who can make these products happen.

The potential market for cannabis extracts in Canada will largely rest upon the regulatory obstacles placed upon the industry, but if regulations are reasonable, we can expect extracts (and concentrates) to be a significant portion of cannabis sales with growth potential. After a few years of legalized sales, extracts, concentrates, and edibles made up a third of the market in Colorado and almost half of the sales in Oregon. There’s no reason to expect Canada’s experience to be that much different as consumers learn of new products that become widely available after legalizing and regulating cannabis commerce. If you are a skilled cannabis extractor, the Great White North is calling.

To learn the latest about the Canadian cannabis market and to network with entrepreneurs, investors, activists, and hiring companies, the International Cannabis Business Conference in Vancouver this June 24th-25th is the event for you. Don’t miss this opportunity to be a part of history as Canada gears up to finally end cannabis prohibition. Tickets are expected to sell out, so hurry and secure your spot at the premier global industry event.

Canadian House Protects Cannabis Home Grows and Branding

Written by Anthony Johnson on June 13, 2018. Posted in Business, CBC Vancouver, Politics.

When we cannabis legalization advocates were celebrating the Canadian Senate’s vote to end federal prohibition, we had some big problems with a few amendments, namely a provision that would allow provinces to ban home cultivation and another that would outlaw marijuana businesses from branding their companies on products such as t-shirts and caps. Fortunately, Canada’s House of Commons stripped away many Senate amendments, protecting personal home grows and industry branding in its recently passed bill. The newest version of the Cannabis Act (C-45) now returns to the Senate.

CTV News reported:

“We have looked carefully at all of the amendments that have been brought forward and today we respectfully submit to the Senate the amendments that we’ve accepted, and the ones that we haven’t,” Health Minister Ginette Petitpas Taylor told reporters Wednesday.

***

“Our decision is based on expert studies and other jurisdictions that have put in place similar legislation. Canadians are allowed to make beer at home, or wine… It is already possible for Canadians to grow cannabis for medical purposes and we absolutely believe that the legislation should be consistent when it comes to recreational cannabis,” Petitpas Taylor said.

The government rejected Conservative Sen. Judith Seidman’s change, which would have seen a ban on any sort of promotional swag, stating the Cannabis Act “already includes comprehensive restrictions on promotion.”

As The Globe and Mail reported, more political battles over legalization lie ahead:

The Conservatives will try to convince Liberal and independent senators to stick to their guns, especially on home cultivation and efforts to force more transparency on the identity of investors in the cannabis industry. On home cultivation, Conservative senator Claude Carignan said the government’s position will only lead to unnecessary court battles with Quebec and Manitoba.

***

After members of Parliament vote on Bill C-45, senators will have to decide whether they bow to the will of the government, or restore some or all of the amendments that were rejected by MPs.

The government has said that it will open up the legal market for cannabis within two to three months after Bill C-45 is adopted by Parliament and receives royal assent.

It is great to see Justin Trudeau and his governing Liberal Party stick to their guns on home cultivation and allowing sensible branding options that are available to alcohol and tobacco companies. In my personal opinion, no legalization law is complete unless small home grows are allowed and it clearly makes no sense to completely cut off virtually all advertising options of legal cannabis businesses that bring jobs and revenue into your nation. It will be interesting to see how much back and forth is left between Canada’s House and Senate. Hopefully, rational minds win out sooner rather than later and cannabis commerce stays on track to begin this August or September.

With cannabis legalization just around the corner in Canada, now is the time to learn from, and network with, the top industry professionals and advocates at the International Cannabis Business Conference in Vancouver, British Columbia, this June 24th-25th. The ICBC will have you as prepared as possible to survive and thrive in a highly competitive market with a conference agenda that includes business, politics, and culture like no other business event. Get your tickets now before they sell out!

Reverse Mergers Bring American Cannabis Companies to Canada

Written by Anthony Johnson on June 13, 2018. Posted in Business, CBC Vancouver.

It’s no secret that the Canadian federal government has been a global leader in implementing progressive cannabis policies compared to the rest of the world. Canada legalized medical cannabis in 2001 while the United States still hasn’t caught up at the national level although a majority of states have a medical law on the books, and the Great White North is set to legalize adult-use cannabis commerce this summer.

The establishment of a stable federal marijuana policy has provided businesses access to financial markets, which has led some American cannabis companies to conduct reverse takeovers (or reverse mergers, if you prefer) with Canadian businesses, opening up access to markets and capital. The California-based retailer MedMen recently pulled off a reverse merger and Oregon-based Chalice Farms previously did the same thing with Canada-based Golden Leaf Holdings (even though such mergers may seem like the Canadian company is absorbing the American entity). Once cannabis companies are officially located in Canada, they have access to markets such as the Canadian Securities Exchange as SFGate.com’s Smell the Truth reported:

“Canada has a very well developed ecosystem for early stage corporate finance in the public markets,” said Canadian Securities Exchange CEO Richard Carleton to Smell the Truth. “We did grow up on extractive industries like mining exploration, and oil and gas exploration and production. We actually are one of the few public markets in the world where you have risk capital that’s brought to bear on the public side.”

U.S. marijuana companies are not allowed to list on the Nasdaq or the New York Stock Exchange due to federal restrictions, leaving a nascent yet booming market to be traded in Canada.

From our perspective we don’t see any institutional risks to the Canadian securities exchange if we work with these companies,” said Carleton, who is scheduled to speak at the International Cannabis Business Conference in Vancouver later this month. “Furthermore we believe that there’s now a very well established legal and regulatory framework for these companies to be in the Canadian public markets.”

You can’t spell “capitalism” without “capital” and it is easy to understand how cannabis businesses need funds to compete in a competitive market with burdensome regulations, whether in the United States or in Canada. We’ve seen consolidation and entities with deep pockets rise to prominence on both sides of the border and the need for capital to compete in such a tough market will likely lead more U.S. companies to take advantage of reverse takeovers which open up opportunities for Canadians to be engaged in the cannabis industry in their home country and the United States. While legalization is more complicated than it should be, opportunities abound.

Learn more about reverse takeovers and how companies are gaining access to Canadian financial markets at the upcoming International Cannabis Business Conference in Vancouver this June 24th-25th. Don’t miss your opportunity to learn the latest and network with top investors, entrepreneurs, and activists from around the globe. Get your tickets now before they sell out!

PRØHBTD Building Cannabis Brands at the ICBC after $8M Raise

Written by Anthony Johnson on June 12, 2018. Posted in Business, CBC Portland, CBC Vancouver, Cultural.

PRØHBTD, a media startup that has helped bring cannabis brands, and the culture overall, into the mainstream has just announced a successful $8 million fundraise to continue helping cannabis businesses while also producing its own original content. While PRØHBTD’s focus is the cannabis culture, the media company has expanded beyond just cannabis, creating unique cultural and lifestyle content that appeals to a wide swath of people, reaching millions of people every month. CEO Drake Sutton-Shearer will be sharing his expertise and helping qualified cannabis companies with an exclusive “Cannabis Brand Building 101” seminar for 50 attendees at the upcoming International Cannabis Business Conference in Vancouver this June 24th-25th. (Cick here to learn more and sign up.)

Yahoo Finance on PRØHBTD:

Sutton-Shearer said one of his priorities is forging “mainstream partnerships” like PRØHBTD’s deal with Advertising Week. The company also works with more than 60 cannabis brands — not just on branded videos and sponsorships, but more broadly on product development, design and marketing.

***

“We’ve seen every media opportunity in the cannabis industry but none of them compare to what the team at PRØHBTD has built,” said Serruya Private Equity’s Aaron Serruya in the funding announcement. “We expect great things from the company and we’re excited to support the team’s global vision.”

Speaking of that vision, Sutton-Shearer said PRØHBTD is exploring international opportunities, including in Canada, Australia and Latin America — In fact, the company says it has plans for a Canadian public offering.

And from MG Retailer:

Structurally, PRØHBTD is composed of three parts that interact organically with one another in the course of a day or a minute. As explained by Sutton-Shearer, “PRØHBTD Media creates branded content to help brands tell their stories about their products and services. PRØHBTD Studios tells native stories that are not paid for brands. And then we have PRØHBTD.com, which is our direct-to-consumer platform where we can put all our content.”

PRØHBTD Media is a vehicle to shine light on brands using storytelling, he added, clarifying, “Brands are our customers—our partners who enable us to produce great content the audience can enjoy, learn from, and share with their friends. Consumers are our audience in terms of the content we make.

“The majority of these brands want more awareness and a positive sentiment about their brand and their product and service, and most of all they want to drive sales,” he continued. “The one thing we do best as a leader in the content creation space is help people drive more awareness and sales.”

PRØHBTD has managed to create something unique, a quality online destination for the cannabis community, and like-minded folks, that covers art, music, travel, video, fashion, food, and culture that strikes against prohibition and other nonsensical cultural restraints. While creating its own premier website, the media company’s success helps build the brands that they work with, and vice versa. As the cannabis industry is swarming with tough competition and overly burdensome advertising restrictions, especially in the upcoming Canadian market, innovative branding will be even more important, making PRØHBTD and the knowledge that the company brings even more important.

Learn from, and network with, PRØHBTD’s CEO Drake Sutton-Shearer and many more influential industry experts at the upcoming International Cannabis Business Conference in Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada this June 24th-25th. This is the perfect time to learn about the cannabis industry and connect with top investors, entrepreneurs, and advocates from around the world, so get your tickets before the Vancouver ICBC sells out. After Vancouver, the ICBC will be traveling back to the United States, to beautiful Portland, Oregon, on September 27th-28th.

U.S. Mayors Call for Descheduling, Form New Coalition

Written by Anthony Johnson on June 11, 2018. Posted in Business, CBC Portland, CBC Vancouver, Politics.

The United States Conference of Mayors, a nonpartisan organization representing cities with populations of 30,000 or more, has called for the federal descheduling of cannabis as well as other policy reforms. In addition to calling for sensible changes to U.S. marijuana laws, a coalition was formed to work towards needed reforms as well.

From Michael Hancock, Denver, Colorado’s mayor:

“The end of the 21st Century’s prohibition is spreading across the U.S. and the Government for Responsible U.S. Cannabis Policy Coalition will take what their cities have learned about implementation, regulation, taxation, and youth education, and push for Congress and the Administration to take actions that will better prepare state and local governments to manage legalization locally.

“Cities across the country, including Los Angeles, Seattle, San Francisco, Portland are among those who recognize the critical need for Federal reforms, which is why they signed onto the resolution for Urging Federal Support for State and Local Government Regulations of Cannabis in response to the 46 states, Washington D.C., Guam, and Puerto Rico that have legalized cannabis in some form.

“The resolution requests Federal support in a number of critical areas, including:

Removing cannabis from the Controlled Substances Act, which would allow banks and other financial institutions to work with state-compliant marijuana-related businesses, and allow employers in the cannabis industry to take tax deductions similar to those enjoyed by other businesses.
Providing updated guidance to financial institutions that are providing or seek to provide services to commercial cannabis businesses.
Approving the McClintock-Polis amendment to annual federal appropriations legislation to safeguard state and local government marijuana reforms.
Extending safe and legal access to medicinal marijuana to U.S. military veterans.
Maintaining the Rohrabacher-Joyce-Blumenauer amendment, which protects states’ rights by prohibiting the federal government from spending funds to interfere with the implementation of state medical marijuana laws.”

It is great to see our nation’s mayors stepping up to demand an end to the failed, harmful, and racist policy of cannabis prohibition. Mayors understand that legalizing and regulating cannabis will bring more jobs and revenue to their localities.

City mayors deal with the major issues of the day and are in a great position to understand how waging a war on the cannabis community is a waste of valuable resources that disproportionately hurts the poor and people of color. It is fantastic to see that a resolution calling for the expungement of old marijuana offenses also passed as Marijuana Moment reported:

The other resolution, on expungements, details the racially “discriminatory enforcement” of prohibition and “calls on local governments, where marijuana has been legalized, to act, moving with urgency to vacate misdemeanor marijuana convictions for conduct that is now deemed legal.”

“A drug conviction, even for the misdemeanor offense of possession of marijuana, can have significant negative consequences affecting a person’s employment opportunities, education options, qualification for government benefits and programs, travel, and immigration status,” the measure says. “Vacating these convictions serves as evidence that the criminal justice system acknowledges the racial disproportionality of enforcement of drug laws and is willing to address that injustice.”

While the resolutions passed by the U.S. Conference of Mayors are important, the most exciting development, in my opinion, is the formation of a coalition to pressue the federal government and share best practices. I was pleased to see my hometown mayor, Portland, Oregon’s Ted Wheeler, as a part of the coalition.

Again, from Mayor Hancock’s office:

“The Government for Responsible U.S. Cannabis Policy Coalition is to:

Build sustained awareness with Congress and the Administration of the challenges and opportunities with marijuana legalization and to advocate for balanced, federal regulation that addresses these issues;
Create the first broad coalition of local governments that can provide sustained attention to marijuana issues;
Enhance strategic engagement with Congress and the Administration to advance federal regulatory and legislative actions including identifying opportunities to testify before Congress about marijuana; and
Share best practices among local governments to help advance responsible local control over marijuana.

“The initial Mayors who have committed to advocate for reform through the Coalition are:

Mark Farrell, Mayor of San Francisco, CA
Jenny A. Durkan, Mayor of Seattle, WA
Michael B. Hancock, Mayor of Denver, CO
Libby Schaaf, Mayor of Oakland, CA
Ted Wheeler, Mayor of Portland, OR
Heidi Williams, Mayor of Thornton, CO”

As the United States works to catch up to Canada’s progress on ending cannabis prohibition, it is vital that we continue our momentum, city by city, state by state, so it is important to have mayors across the country joining our fight for freedom. We have a lot of more work to do, but it is exciting to see us advancing step by step and picking up political allies from around the nation. Freedom is on the march!

While the International Cannabis Business Conference is obviously geared towards helping those in the industry survive and thrive, the event never loses sight of the most important aspects of legalization-keeping people out of prison and ensuring that patients have safe access. Henry Rollins, delivering the keynote address at the upcoming Vancouver, Canada, ICBC this June 24th and 25th will be speaking passionately about the activist foundations of the fight to end cannabis prohibition. Get your tickets to the ICBC in Vancouver and learn the latest about Canada’s legalization law and then join us in Portland, Oregon, on September 27th-28th to get an overview of developments in the U.S. and network with top investors, entrepreneurs, and activists from around the world.

Cannabis Cultivators’ Wages Rise in Canada

Written by Anthony Johnson on June 11, 2018. Posted in Business, CBC Vancouver.

The cannabis industry is a hot jobs market, especially in Canada as the country is set to legalize commerce later this summer. The competition among companies is tough, but the need for skilled workers is needed and ending prohibition has proven to be a jobs creator. As the marijuana market moves mainstream and adapts, there are fluctuations, but if you are looking for a job in the industry, Canada is a great place to look, especially if you are a cannabis cultivator as growers are seeing their wages rise in the Great White North.

As The Star reported, Cannabis At Work’s second jobs report has found that pay for cultivation positions are increasing faster than other jobs in the cannabis space:

The group’s founder and CEO Alison McMahon said salaries for jobs like cultivation manager, quality assurance, cultivation technician and processing assistant have all gone up since last year — in some cases, as much as 14 per cent.

“If there’s anywhere in the sector where we’re seeing a talent shortage or skill shortage, it’s on the cultivation side,” she said.

On the higher end, a quality assurance person in Alberta is making an average of more than $103,000 a year, while master growers can expect about $81,000.

Interestingly, Cannabis At Work found that business service jobs like accounting and human resource officers have actually seen wages dip a bit as the industry has gone more mainstream. With the United States still being a prohibition nation at the federal level, these corporate positions should remain top-paying jobs as keeping the government off of your back (especially the IRS) remains more complicated.

Marijuana Business Daily listed the salary averages of some key jobs across the sector:

In-demand positions among the growing number of cannabis companies could include master grower (79,700 Canadian dollars [$61,400] average annual value), growing technician (CA$43,600 aav), quality assurance person (CA$91,300 aav) and extraction specialist (CA$54,100 aav).

On the top end of the survey, the average midpoint salaries for CEO, CFO and COO were CA$207,000, CA$180,200 and CA$162,500, respectively.

On the bottom end, the average midpoint salaries for customer care specialist, security specialist and shipping manager were CA$41,823, CA$46,239 and CA$42,976, respectively.

Legalizing cannabis commerce is more of an art than a science, with every system having strengths and flaws. In the United States, we’ve seen both shortages and overproduction, while Canadian regulations may overreach by prohibiting cannabis companies from branding themselves on traditional products like t-shirts and caps. Despite all of the obstacles and blemishes, jobs and revenue will follow every legalization law (along with more freedom), so there is ample opportunity to find that right position for you in the burgeoning industry.

Whether you are a cannabis cultivator, managing a startup, work in an ancillary business, or have any job or interest in the industry, the International Cannabis Business Conference is the event for you. The ICBC will be in Vancouver this June 24th-25th to provide the latest information regarding the Canadian cannabis industry as well as the best networking opportunities with prominent investors, entrepreneurs, and advocates.

With Canopy Rivers offering up to a million dollars with a “Micro Cannabis, Macro Impact” pitch event, Henry Rollins keynoting, and Del the Funky Homosapien performing, it is easy to see that the ICBC is a business conference unlike any other. Get your tickets before they sell out! If you can’t make the Vancouver event, the Portland conference is right around the corner on September 27th-28th.

Canada Set to Legalize Cannabis this Summer After Senate Vote

Written by Anthony Johnson on June 8, 2018. Posted in Business, CBC Vancouver, Politics.

We knew that the Canadian Senate was set to vote on CA-45, the Cannabis Act, on June 7th, and while the measure was expected to pass, there’s always a twinge of fear that something might go wrong, especially when you’re fighting against decades of Reefer Madness propaganda that still plagues us today. However, all went well and Canada is now on pace to make history and legalize cannabis later this summer.

The Senate voted 56 to 30 to end prohibition and set up a commercial system that will create more jobs and generate new revenue for the nation, while, most importantly, will also end so many costly arrests and prosecutions. While support for legalizing cannabis was largely split along party lines, with Justin Trudeau’s Liberal Party including legalization as party priority, interestingly, two Conservatives abstained as they have their own financial interests in the cannabis industry.

The Guardian reported:

The legislation divided the responsibilities between the federal and provincial governments, with Ottawa responsible for regulating production while leaving it to provinces and territories to decide how the drug will be distributed and sold.

Once passed and implemented, those who want to grow their own marijuana will be limited to four plants per household. Canadians will be allowed to carry up to 30 grams of dried cannabis for personal use while those who sell or give marijuana to minors or who drive under its influence will face stiff penalties.

Since becoming the Liberal leader in 2013, Trudeau has argued that the decriminalisation and regulation of marijuana would help keep the drug away from children and ensure profits don’t end up in the hands of what he described as “criminal elements.”

The Cannabis Act now goes back to the House as Senators added 46 amendments that must be reconciled, as the CBC reports:

Most of the Senate’s amendments are minor, but a handful are significant. One amendment would allow provinces to prohibit home cultivation of cannabis if they so choose, rather than accept the four marijuana plants per dwelling allowed under the bill.

Another amendment would impose even more stringent restrictions on advertising by cannabis companies, preventing them from promoting their brands on so-called ‘swag’, such as T-shirts and ball caps.

Yet another is aimed at recognizing that marijuana is often shared socially. It would make it a summary or ticketing offence for a young adult to share five grams or less of cannabis with a minor who is no more than two years younger, and it would allow parents to share it with their kids, as they can wine or other forms of alcohol.

Personally, I don’t believe that any legalization law is complete without home cultivation, so I don’t like any provision that might lead to provinces outlawing small four-plant cannabis gardens. Also, prohibiting cannabis companies from placing their logos on traditional marketing products like caps and t-shirts is certainly overkill and unnecessary. I would defer to Canadian advocates on the ground, but I hope that the Senate gets forced to vote again on the Cannabis Act as amendments that outlaw branding and could prohibit home cultivation are stripped from the law.

Even with its faults, the Canadian Cannabis Act is a huge step forward for the cannabis community. Canada is being called the first G-7 nation to legalize cannabis, second to only Uruguay. In my mind, Canada will be the first country to fully end cannabis prohibition since Uruguay prevents nonresidents from making regulated purchases. With the G-7 leaders currently in the Great White North for the G-7 Summit, hopefully, other world leaders will be influenced by Prime Minister Trudeau as they tackle the important global issues of the day.

I’m excited to travel to beautiful Vancouver, British Columbia, to learn the latest ins and outs of the current political and business developments in the cannabis industry. If you are in the cannabis industry, or are thinking of joining, you should be at the International Cannabis Business Conference this June 24th-25th as well. Not only will you get to hear from my friends Jamie Shaw and Robert Laurie, but also many other prominent movers and shakers in the Canadian cannabis industry. With Henry Rollins delivering the keynote address and hip-hop legend Del the Funky Homosapien providing the after-party entertainment, the ICBC is set to be a rocking good time as well.

Get your tickets for the Vancouver International Cannabis Business Conference on June 24th-25th before they sell out. After Vancouver, the ICBC will be heading back down to Portland, Oregon, on September 27-28 to catch up on the American industry as states legalize one by one, and the federal government is making some progress as well.

Photo credit: abdallahh/Flickr (CC BY 2.0) | Remix by Jason Reed

STATES Act Would Move U.S. Cannabis Law Closer to Canada’s

Written by Anthony Johnson on June 7, 2018. Posted in Business, CBC Portland, CBC Vancouver, Politics.

Today is a great day for cannabis legalization supporters in the United States and around the world as the long-awaited, marijuana law reform proposal spearheaded by Senators Elizabeth Warren (D-MA) and Cory Gardner (R-CO) and Representatives David Joyce (R-OH) and Earl Blumenauer (D-OR) has been introduced. This bipartisan legislation picked up steam after Senator Gardner apparently got Donald Trump to agree to support legislation that would end federal cannabis prohibition within the borders of states that have legalized cannabis.

The Strengthening the Tenth Amendment Through Entrusting States Act (STATES Act) would drastically improve U.S. cannabis policy, moving America closer to Canada’s expected legalization law, but not quite equaling the likely law of America’s northern neighbor. Some highlights of the STATES Act:

Amends the Controlled Substances Act (CSA) so that – as long as states and tribes comply with a few basic protections – its provisions no longer apply to any person acting in compliance with State or tribal laws relating to marijuana activities.

Clearly states that compliant transactions are not trafficking and do not result in proceeds of an unlawful transaction.

Removes industrial hemp from the list of controlled substances under the CSA.

The following federal criminal provisions under the CSA continue to apply:

- Prohibits endangering human life while manufacturing marijuana.
- Prohibits employment of persons under age 18 in drug operations.

Prohibits the distribution of marijuana at transportation safety facilities such as rest areas and truck stops.

Prohibits the distribution or sale of marijuana to persons under the age of 21 other than for medical purposes.

Here’s what the sponsoring legislators had to say in their press release announcing the landmark proposal:

“Outdated federal marijuana laws have perpetuated our broken criminal justice system, created barriers to research, and hindered economic development,” said Senator Warren. “States like Massachusetts have put a lot of work into implementing common sense marijuana regulations – and they have the right to enforce their own marijuana policies. The federal government needs to get out of the business of outlawing marijuana.”

“In 2012, Coloradans legalized marijuana at the ballot box and the state created an apparatus to regulate the legal marijuana industry. But because of the one-size-fits-all federal prohibition, state decisions like this put Colorado and other states at odds with the federal government,” said Senator Gardner. “The federal government is closing its eyes and plugging its ears while 46 states have acted. The bipartisan STATES Act fixes this problem once and for all by taking a states’ rights approach to the legal marijuana question. The bipartisan, commonsense bill ensures the federal government will respect the will of the voters – whether that is legalization or prohibition – and not interfere in any states’ legal marijuana industry.”

“We should trust the people of the states, like Ohio, who have voted to implement responsible common-sense regulations and requirements for the use, production, and sale of cannabis,” said Representative Joyce. “If the people of these states have decided to provide help for those veterans and others suffering from pain and other health issues, we should allow them access without government interference.”

“For too long the senseless prohibition of marijuana has devastated communities, disproportionately impacting poor Americans and communities of color. Not to mention, it’s also wasted resources and stifled critical medical research,” said Representative Blumenauer. ”It’s past time to put the power back in the hands of the people. Congress must right this wrong.”

From my reading of the STATES Act, the law would completely protect states, territories, tribal lands, and Washington, D.C., to legalize cannabis within their borders, so long as they comply with some of the restrictions regarding age, public safety, and distributing marijuana at truck stops and rest stops (prohibition at truck and rest stops is a rather interesting inclusion). Businesses operating within legal areas would then be exempt from laws that ban cannabis businesses from banking and from the dreaded 280E IRS tax code.

The STATES Act stops short of matching Canada’s laws in that it doesn’t explicitly allow cannabis commerce among the states. It appears that the law doesn’t prohibit states that share borders to agree to an import/export compact, but crossing state lines of prohibition states would not be allowed. (DISCLAIMER: I am not a practicing attorney. Anyone in the cannabis industry should seek the opinion of their own legal counsel.)

While some of us (okay a majority of us) have a hard time trusting Donald Trump, it can’t be denied that his marijuana conversation with Senator Gardner has moved our fight for freedom forward. We aren’t quite there, and we’ll see if the Republican-controlled Congress will move the STATES Act forward (I’m not holding my breath), but progress begets progress and this bipartisan bill is certainly progress in the right direction. With Trump in Canada for the G-7 Summit as the Canadian Senate is set to vote on cannabis legalization, hopefully, Trump will decide that his America First agenda includes the notion that American cannabis businesses should be placed on the same playing field as their Canadian counterparts and we can finally end the failed and harmful policy of cannabis prohibition.

If you want to learn about cannabis policy and network with top entrepreneurs, investors, and advocates (the aforementioned Congressman Earl Blumenauer has been a previous speaker), the International Cannabis Business Conference is the event for you. The ICBC heads to Vancouver, British Columbia, just ahead of Canada legalizing cannabis nationwide on June 24th-25th, before returning to Rep. Blumenauer’s hometown of Portland, Oregon, on September 27th-28th.

International Cannabis Business Conference

A Conversation with CBD Naturals® Founder Jared Berry

Written by Anthony Johnson on June 5, 2018. Posted in Business, CBC Vancouver, Cultural.

As we’ve seen cannabis go mainstream, the cannabidiol, known best as CBD, has gone even more mainstream as the cannabinoid’s medical benefits, and lack of psychoactive effect, have brought CBD into favor with folks across demographics. With CBD’s acceptance dramatically increasing, the CBD market is expected to be a multi-billion dollar industry by 2020.

We can expect CBD to only increase in prominence after a World Health Organization report found no public health risks or abuse potential with the cannabinoid. Athletes are helping lead the way as several mixed martial artists have been publicly touting its benefits and the World Anti-Doping Agency officially removed CBD from the list of banned substances, allowing athletes, such as those currently competing in the World Cup, to utilize the medicinal benefits of CBD.

Many cannabis legalization advocates have found that CBD is a good starting point to help expose Reefer Madness nonsense as it proves wrong the government’s ridiculous notion that marijuana has no medicinal benefits. CBD and cannabis movements really go hand in hand. I’m excited to hear more about CBD from CBD Naturals® founder Jared Berry as the company will be launching new brands at the upcoming International Cannabis Business Conference in Vancouver this June 24th-25th and the company is sponsoring the ICBC’s after-party where attendees get to enjoy the music of hip-hop legend Del the Funky Homosapien.

Just ahead of the Vancouver ICBC, Jared Berry was gracious enough to set aside some time to answer a few of my questions (in bold):

What prompted you to start researching and producing CBD products?

I stumbled across the US patent on Cannabinoids and the information regarding CBD was overwhelming. I was shocked at the legal contradiction. I did not understand how the entire family of cannabis plants are a schedule 1 drug, with no known medical benefits, however, the same government also had a patent with research showing amazing medical benefits of cannabinoids derived from cannabis. The cannabinoids patent claimed (cannabidiol) CBD is safe, effective, and a non-psychoactive super antioxidant with benefits for reversing and fighting cancer, epilepsy, MS, inflammation and a long list of other conditions. The clear and evident data, presented by the government, portrayed CBD to be responsible for allowing the bodies system to communicate and signal with other internal systems and allow it to basically heal itself. I knew I had to purify the compound in a way that would be THC free, non-psychoactive and safe. I knew that if I could create the same CBD, with a 99% purity level, cited by the government, I could create products that would help people in unbelievable ways and open the door to a new age of medicine and self-healing.

The United States seems to be on the verge of completely legalizing industrial hemp. What impact do you think hemp legalization will have on the CBD industry?

I think it will be night and day, but I think it will create new challenges. Hemp has the ability to impact everything from oil to food and clothing to medication. CBD is just one of many areas the hemp laws will change. You cannot disrupt that many billions in revenue without making some waves. I am sure pharma companies are already putting a ton of money into researching CBD and other cannabinoids. If they can find a way to make you pay prescription prices for something – they will. Hemp laws will provide protection for research and empower the people, we just need to keep fighting for access.

CBD has become mainstream, even utilized by those that are wary of cannabis. What do you attribute to the sudden rise in acceptance?

Perception and results. Perception is reality and perception is what changes behavior and social norms. Perception demonized hemp and cannabis, perception changed views on gay marriage, gender equality, racial differences and perceptions control trends, acceptance change, it is even got Donald Trump elected.

Results have driven the change in perception. CBD has had tremendous effects on so many people and this information has spread. Social media has allowed people to share experiences and the results are undeniable. When people experience the amazing results from CBD and realize it has no psychoactive effect of getting “high”, they start to ask the right questions and wonder why it was ever illegal or if it was ever illegal. It is now a common perception that when CBD is extracted from hemp that is grown legally, the extracted cannabinoids are also legal and can be sold like a vitamin. It took a community of people speaking with a loud voice to demand change. We believe this fight is far from over. We have been fortunate that visionary leaders like Senator McConnell have lead the efforts to change hemp laws but we now have pharma companies lining up to make this natural and abundant product only available by prescription. This is not because CBD is dangerous and not because CBD can be abused, this is because everyone is looking at how they can make money by controlling CBD.

You’ve become a successful entrepreneur, any advice for those just starting in the cannabis industry?

You never arrive at the finish line and the work never ends. Each discovery will lead to more questions and it is our job to continue to demand answers. If the answers are not provided, we need to find the answers. Being an entrepreneur is not about making money, it is about finding what is missing in the world and working to provide solutions. There is always room for improvement. Keep creating and keep pushing for something even better. Raise the bar on yourself daily. Celebrate your victories and don’t rush to the finish line because there ain’t one. Enjoy the journey because the journey is the ride.

I think the single biggest challenge we are going to face after legalization is education. I am amazed how many hemp and cannabis advocates talk about the amazing effect of CBD and do not take a CBD supplement. I have asked many why and I often get the same answer, “Because I am not sick”. I think the results of CBD’s healing properties were so powerful that it caused people to believe it is a powerful supplement to fix existing conditions. The reality is this is something that our body needs. CBD and cannabinoids are essential for our bodies to maintain a state of homeostasis and balance. I believe nearly all people should take phytocannabinoids to supplement their body. The absence of illness is not the same as health and just because you are not sick does not mean you don’t need to keep your system balanced.

I want to thank the people of Canada and the people in each of the US states that have pushed for standing up for logic and standing up for what is right. Your leadership on cannabis will accelerate a domino effect that has already started. Keep asking the right questions and keep demanding answers and demand access to hemp.

Thanks for taking the time, to thoroughly answer my questions Jared. See you soon at the ICBC in Vancouver!

Thank you.

The International Cannabis Business Conference in Vancouver this June 24th-25th is THE event for those in the industry, operating any ancillary business, or is thinking of joining the industry. The ICBC will provide the latest information on Canada’s legalization law while providing networking opportunities with investors, advocates, and entrepreneurs like CBD Naturals® founder Jared Berry. To learn more about CBD and all of CBD Naturals® products, stop by their booth (#16) and attend the exclusive ICBC after-party featuring Del the Funky Homosapien. Get your tickets for the Vancouver ICBC before the event sells out!

Canadian Senate Set to Vote on Cannabis Legalization Thursday

Written by Anthony Johnson on June 4, 2018. Posted in Business, CBC Vancouver, Politics.

I’ll never forget the joy of seeing Justin Trudeau’s Liberal Party earn control of the Canadian government in 2015 as the party became the first governing political party with legalization as a piece of its platform. While cannabis law reform advocates are used to being let down by politicians, it was another step forward when Prime Minister Trudeau announced that Canada would indeed move forward with legalization. Canada is about to make cannabis history again as the Senate is set to vote on finalizing its national legalization bill, CA-45, this Thursday.

As the cannabis community has experienced around the world, establishing cannabis laws and regulations are no easy task and there are a lot of ups and downs. Canada has already provided its cannabis companies with a huge advantage by implementing a national medical law that allows businesses to export across borders, have access to banking services, and be treated the same as other businesses when it comes to taxes. While the Canadian government and its marijuana regulations have been far from perfect, legalization for all adults will soon provide the Canadian cannabis industry an even bigger edge in the global market.

Even with the legalization bill expected to pass the Senate this Thursday, there are a few more political hurdles to jump over, so recreational sales are still a few months away, as the Toronto Sun explains:

This means the provinces likely won’t start selling legal recreational weed to consumers for another 10-14 weeks as regulatory rules by the government are fine-tuned.

That slow progress is just as it should be according to Ontario independent Senator Tony Dean who is the sponsor of Bill C-45.

“It could be the last week of August — it could be the beginning or mid-September,” Dean said of the availability of recreational pot.

The Canadian cannabis industry is already a billion dollar industry and the market is set to grow substantially. While the competition is fierce and overregulation is a battle, there are vast opportunities for both cannabis companies and ancillary businesses that serve the industry. As all eyes are on Canada, we should see momentum to end prohibition gain traction across the globe as nations learn from Canada, and then eventually, vice versa. As we continue to fight for freedom, jobs, and revenue state by state, nation by nation, it is great to see history being made step by step.

Come be a part of history by attending the International Cannabis Business Conference in beautiful Vancouver, British Columbia, this June 24th-25th. The Vancouver ICBC will be a great time to learn the latest about Canadian regulations and network with top entrepreneurs, investors, and advocates from around the world. If you are planning on applying for a license in Canada, the million dollar pitch event at the ICBC may just be what you need to take your business to the next level. Early bird ticket sales are about to end on June 6th and the event is set to sell out, so get your tickets today!

Featured photo courtesy of Tony Webster.

Germany Still Set to Be Biggest Importer of Canadian Cannabis

Written by Anthony Johnson on May 31, 2018. Posted in Business, CBC Vancouver, Medical.

Everyone paying attention to the international cannabis business industry knows that Canadian companies have been leading the global marketplace, thanks to a pioneering nationwide medical legalization law and countries like Germany willingly accepting cannabis imports from the Great White North. As Germany’s medical population has exploded, the nation’s patients have relied more and more on Canadian cannabis as no German cultivation licenses have been issued. The importation of Canadian cannabis was put at risk while the German government complained that the full legalization for all adults violates the UN Single Convention on Narcotics.

As Michael Knodt writes for the German Cannabis Association (DHV) Germany determined that Uruguay’s legalization law prohibited that nation from exporting cannabis, but stopping Canadian cannabis would have a severe detrimental impact on Germany’s patients, thus importation from Canada is continuing:

Uruguay violates the UN treaties in principle and therefore can not export. In the case of Uruguay, it does not matter to the federal government whether the complaint was made on the basis of medicinal cannabis or cannabis for free consumption. In the case of Canada, things now seem different. Although the Trudeau government has announced that it will legalize in accordance with the agreement. But nobody knows how exactly to do that. Because the unitary agreement expressly allows cannabis only for medical use and expressly prohibits legalization for recreational purposes. Finally, it was launched 57 years ago to make cannabis and other substances disappear from this earth in the long term.

But given the supply shortages that exist anyway, stopping imports would mean that tens of thousands of patients would be left without medicine. The capacity of the only producer in the Netherlands that would remain in such a case is far from sufficient to meet the needs of German pharmacies.

The German government currently has the position that imports from Canada are fine even after the Trudeau government legalizes for all adults, violating its international treaty obligations. The UN’s International Narcotic Drug Control Council (INCB) has yet to admonish Canada like it did Uruguay. It will be interesting to see how countries respond to such a formal complaint. I predict that governments will find ways to put the livelihood of their patients and citizens above the provisions of an outdated international cannabis policy.

The German Cannabis Association (DHV) pressured the government to clarify its position about Canadian imports with full legalization ahead. As a result, patients will maintain an adequate supply of medicine. Too many patients are already experiencing supply issues and the cost of medical cannabis remains too high. Switching off the Canadian supply chain would hurt too many patients and increase costs for their insurers. Now, DHV is calling on the government to reconsider the status of Uruguay as well. DHV CEO Georg Wurth states, “We want clear and fair regulations in this market.”

The German Cannabis Association is at the forefront of fighting for safe access for patients, promoting sensible regulations, and legalizing for all adults. All cannabis reformers should support the work led by activist pioneer Georg Wurth as Germany helps lead all of Europe towards a progressive cannabis policy that brings more freedom, revenue, and jobs to the EU. Click here to support the hard work of the German Cannabis Association and end the failed and harmful war against the cannabis community.

Global March Continues as Canopy Growth Moves Into Africa

Written by Anthony Johnson on May 30, 2018. Posted in Business, CBC Vancouver.

It’s become a cliche to mention how we are all connected on this earth and that our world continues to get smaller thanks to technology, but it’s the truth, and the cannabis industry is no different. On one hand, cannabis reform movements were very insular, especially in the United States as arguments supporting legalization that appeal to voters in Oregon and California may not be as successful in other states. Also, federal law has (mostly) kept cannabis businesses stuck within state borders. However, political movements have momentum and success has bred success across the globe. On the business side, Canada broke down international barriers and there’s no looking back. As industry giant Canopy Growth has just moved into Africa, it is easy to see that the future of cannabis is international.

New Cannabis Ventures published Canopy Growth’s announcement of its $29 million acquisition of Daddy Cann Lesotho PTY Ltd., trading as Highlands (“Highlands”):

Based in the Kingdom of Lesotho (“Lesotho”), Highlands holds a license to cultivate, manufacture, supply, hold, import, export and transport cannabis and its resin. Lesotho is a high altitude mountainous kingdom that boasts over 300 days of sunshine per year and was the first African nation to legalize medical cannabis in 2017. It has ideal humidity and growing conditions for greenhouse cultivation. Together with very low operating and resource costs, this places Canopy Growth in a position to produce large quantities of high quality medical cannabis at a low cost. Lesotho is also strategically positioned for the future medical cannabis economy of Southern Africa including the potential market of South Africa, with a population of over 55 million people, where medical cannabis laws are being developed.

Combining the domestic and regional knowledge of Highlands with the global experience and expertise of Canopy Growth is the latest example of the Company establishing a meaningful local presence. With the objective of future local production to serve the regional market, these operations are part of Canopy Growth’s commitment to the Lesotho economy including supporting job creation and lasting community engagement.

All key members of Highlands’s management team will continue to lead the organization as part of the Canopy Growth family.

Canadian companies have been dominating the global cannabis market and that seems likely to continue in the near future as countries play catch-up. While companies in the United States are lobbying to end federal cannabis prohibition, Canadian companies are able to look at new burgeoning markets across the globe. It’s telling that American companies have to utilize “reverse takeovers” to get listed on the Canadian Securities Exchange while Canopy Growth can be a cannabis-touching company and get placed on the New York Stock Exchange.

It’s been an exciting ride watching the industry unfold with the International Cannabis Business Conference since our first event in 2014. While we envisioned the global expansion of the industry, I don’t believe anyone thought that it would move this fast, with billion-dollar stock deals and million-dollar pitch events just four years later. The world is getting smaller and the future of the cannabis industry is now. I’m looking forward to learning more about Canadian businesses and looking into the crystal ball of the movers and shakers that are making waves in Canada and around the world at the upcoming ICBC in Vancouver this June 24th-25th.

Don’t miss the chance to learn the latest and network with top entrepreneurs, investors, and advocates in Canada and around the world. Maybe you have a Canadian business venture you would like to pitch to Canopy Rivers or just want to see what is on the horizon for Canada’s cannabis industry, the International Cannabis Business Conference in Vancouver this June 24th-25th is the event for you. Secure your tickets by June 6th to save $200!

U.S. Cannabis Companies Head to Canadian Securities Exchange

Written by Anthony Johnson on May 29, 2018. Posted in Business, CBC Portland, CBC Vancouver.

With legalization on the horizon in Canada and seemingly politically inevitable in the United States (while there is still much work left to be done) we can expect to see more and more cannabis companies listed on various market exchanges. MedMen, a United States company with 18 licensed facilities in three states, just announced that it will be listed on the Canadian Securities Exchange as MMEN following a reverse takeover of a Canadian public company.

As Mona Zhang writes in Forbes, some Canadian cannabis companies are headed to the U.S. financial markets while U.S. companies are heading north:

Conflicting cannabis laws between the two countries have created an absurd state of affairs for both Canadian and American cannabis companies hoping to access capital markets: Canadian cannabis companies are listing on major U.S. stock exchanges, while American cannabis companies are heading to the Canadian Securities Exchange, finding themselves unwelcome in the U.S. (except for the OTC markets).

On Thursday, Ontario-based Canopy Growth became the first plant-touching marijuana company to list on the New York Stock Exchange. Cronos Group became the first Canadian cannabis company to list on a major U.S. stock exchange when it debuted on Nasdaq in February. Medical marijuana is legal in Canada, while the government is aiming to legalize adult-use this summer. Meanwhile, the state-legal cannabis industry has flourished into a multi-billion-dollar industry in the U.S. while federal prohibition remains.

“People are going to Canada to raise capital because capital fuels an industry,” said Daniel Yi, communications director for MedMen.

Reverse takeovers of Canadian companies seems to be a growing trend for U.S. marijuana businesses as the MedMen merger is similar to the Chalice Farms/Golden Leaf Holdings deal and Green Thumb Industries absorption of Canadian shell company Bayswater Uranium. We should expect more American companies to follow suit as big entities such as Acreage Holdings, the Ohio-based cannabis company that made news when former U.S. Speaker of the House John Boehner joined its board, has made its intention of going public known. With Uncle Sam’s major stock exchanges still hostile to U.S. cannabis companies, we can expect more businesses to find greener capital markets in the Great White North.

The regulatory hurdles and stiff competition make both the U.S. and Canadian cannabis markets challenging, but the amount of money entering the cannabis space demonstrates the potential that many investors and entrepreneurs see in the burgeoning industry. To seize the opportunities and overcome the obstacles, businesses are seeing the value of going public to raise the capital they need to survive and thrive. The International Cannabis Business Conference is hosting a timely panel on the ins and outs of taking cannabis companies public this June 25th. If the future of the cannabis industry is going mainstream, including being publicly traded like any other company, the future is now.

If you are in the cannabis industry, or are thinking of joining, the International Cannabis Business Conference in Vancouver, British Columbia, is the cannabis event for you. All vital aspects of the exciting Canadian cannabis industry will be covered as you learn the latest and network with top entrepreneurs, investors, and advocates from around the world. Get your tickets by June 6th to save $200. After Vancouver, the ICBC will be back in Portland, Oregon, on September 27th-28th. Get your Portland tickets by September 12th to save $200.

End Cannabis Prohibition to Stop “Overproduction”

Written by Anthony Johnson on May 24, 2018. Posted in Business, Politics.

Oregon cannabis businesses producing more marijuana consumers purchase continues to make headlines and the so-called “oversupply problem” has drawn the ire of Billy Williams, the United States Attorney for Oregon. Williams released a memo detailing his law enforcement priorities for cannabis in Oregon after Attorney General Jeff Sessions repealed the Obama administration’s enforcement policy that provided states leeway to move forward with regulated systems. The memo, in many ways, is a restatement of previous federal policy, but Williams makes clear that he won’t provide “blanket immunity” to anyone violating federal law and that he has concerns about the “significant overproduction of marijuana in Oregon.” While the amount of cannabis produced in Oregon is an issue, especially for the bottom line of growers, the solution is simple-end federal prohibition and allow Oregon producers to export across state and international borders.

As The Oregonian’s Noelle Crombie reported, US Attorney Williams would like to see a cap on the number of cannabis business licenses issued by the state:

Williams said he also has told the governor’s senior policy adviser on marijuana, Jeff Rhoades, that he’d like to see limits on licenses for marijuana producers and retailers. He said Rhoades has told him that officials want to encourage black market operators to enter the legal arena.

“I don’t understand that thinking,” Williams said, “because that is not occurring.”

Oregon’s top federal prosecutor isn’t alone in wanting a limit on the number of licenses for marijuana producers and retailers as there are plenty of current licensees that would love to see a cap as the laws of supply and demand have led to a cannabis consumer’s paradise and tough times for many businesses. Oregon has been a hotbed of cannabis cultivation long before voters passed the Measure 91 legalization law in 2014 and the state will continue to be a cannabis hotbed even if a cap of licenses is implemented by state regulators.

While Oregon has plenty of cannabis, other states like New Jersey do not, and there are legal systems around the world like Germany that could utilize Oregon-grown cannabis. As the Craft Cannabis Alliance’s Adam Smith penned in the Portland Business Journal, ending prohibition will provide the outlet for regulated cannabis cultivators and the political momentum is behind legalization:

Allowing the market to efficiently allocate resources among legal states would quickly and significantly reduce the size of the illicit market on the west coast and nationally by eliminating diversion, incentivizing licensure among illicit producers, and keeping consumers priced into the regulated market.

It will also save hundreds of small companies, thousands of jobs, and hundreds of millions in investment capital.

Over the past three weeks, President Trump announced his support for legislation protecting legal cannabis industries. Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer announced that he will sponsor legislation to de-schedule cannabis. Sen. Bernie Sanders became the third 2020 Democratic hopeful to co-sponsor Sen. Cory Booker‘s Marijuana Justice Act. John Boehner, former Republican Speaker of the House, joined the board of a cannabis company, for which he will lobby. And a Quinnipiac University poll showed that 61 percent of voters in Texas of all placesnow support legalization.

Since Smith’s piece was published on May 2nd, Oregon Senator Jeff Merkley joined fellow Oregonian Ron Wyden in co-sponsoring Sen. Booker’s Marijuana Justice Act, along with Bernie Sanders, Kamala Harris, and Kirsten Gillibrand. When I started my cannabis law reform activism in college about 20 years ago (yes I’m old), I hoped to see a legalized state by the year 2020, it is amazing to see that supporting cannabis legalization is now a common political position for 2020 Democratic presidential hopefuls. With Donald Trump agreeing to a cannabis states’ rights deal with Republican Colorado Senator Cory Gardner, the odds of the United States ending prohibition in the near future are much greater than ending the “overproduction” of cannabis in Oregon.

Canada is leading the way by ending prohibition across the country and exporting to other nations. The United States should follow our northern neighbor’s lead and encourage the rest of the world to follow. The U.S. has pushed the failed and harmful policy of cannabis prohibition and it is high time (pun intended) that Uncle Sam steps up to correct the racist, misguided policy that has caused too much harm for too long. There isn’t an overproduction problem in Oregon, or anywhere, there is a prohibition problem. Thankfully, the solution is closer than ever before.

You can learn more about Canada’s pioneering cannabis law at the upcoming International Cannabis Business Conference in Vancouver, British Columbia, this June 24th and 25th. Get your tickets soon before the event sells out. The ICBC will return to where it started in 2014 by traveling back to Portland, Oregon, on September 27th to the 28th. Don’t miss the opportunity to hear the latest and network with top activists, entrepreneurs, and investors from around the world.

Congress Moves to Protect Medical Cannabis from Jeff Sessions, but What About Recreational?

Written by Anthony Johnson on May 22, 2018. Posted in Business, CBC Portland, CBC Vancouver, Medical.

It’s no secret what Jeff Sessions thinks about cannabis. Donald Trump’s “beleaguered” Attorney General famously once uttered that, “Good people don’t smoke marijuana,” after all. While the AG’s boss has apparently cut a deal with Republican Senator Cory Gardner to support states’ rights to end cannabis prohibition, Sessions has previously rescinded the Obama Administration’s hands-off-state-regulated-cannabis policy. Fortunately, Congress has provided checks on Session’s Reefer Madness, moving to protect state-legal medical cannabis patients and providers by depriving the United States Attorney General of using any funds to trample state’s medical marijuana laws.

Texas Republican Congressman Pete Sessions (no familial relation to the AG) has used his powerful Rule Committee Chairmanship to block any and all cannabis-related amendments from receiving a floor vote, including a few recent hemp provisions. Representative Sessions’ anti-cannabis stance led a bipartisan group of House members to find a workaround the Rules Committee.

As Tom Angell reported in Forbes, Ohio Republican David Joyce added the medical marijuana protection provision in the House Appropriations Committee as an amendment to the U.S. Attorney General’s budget, but adult-use laws are not included:

“I’d be remiss if I did not point out that recent polling from just last month shows 92 percent of the American people support the use of medical marijuana ,” Joyce said in debate before the committee adopted his amendment by a voice vote. “In fact, even more voters from every political demographic oppose federal interference in state marijuana laws.”

***

Now, the protections for state medical marijuana laws and the people and businesses who rely on them are pace to continue through 2019 as well. The rider does not protect broader state laws allowing recreational marijuana use and businesses.

***

“Congress still has a long way to go, but it’s remarkable how far we’ve come,” Rep. Earl Blumenauer (D-OR), who has played a leading role in pushing cannabis reform measures, said in a statement. “Today’s vote is the latest example of the progress we’ve made. It’s still not enough, especially with Jeff Sessions at the helm of the justice system. Congress must seize this moment and act to expand protections to adult use.”

It is, of course, great news that medical laws will once again protect medical patients, growers, and processors across the nation, but as Congressman Blumenauer points out, it is time for Uncle Sam to respect all state cannabis laws. Canadian companies are reaping the benefits of a progressive federal cannabis policy, while American entrepreneurs are suffering from out-dated laws that are out-of-step with voters and needlessly costing jobs and revenue.

Will a Blue Wave be needed for Congress to follow the will of the voters or will the GOP finally wake up and realize that states’ rights should be their issue? Only time will tell, but the midterms are coming.

Get the latest information and network with top entrepreneurs, investors, and advocates at the International Cannabis Business Conference this June 24th and 25th in Vancouver, British Columbia. After Vancouver, the ICBC then heads to Portland, Oregon, on September 27th-28th for another not-to-be-missed event. Get your tickets for Vancouver by June 6th and Portland by September 12th to save $200!

Canadian Cannabis Demand Expected to Hit 2.2 Million Pounds (1 Million Kilograms)

Written by Anthony Johnson on May 21, 2018. Posted in Business, CBC Vancouver.

As the Canadian government is set to implement the rules for cannabis commerce in the coming months, companies are doing all they can to prepare. We have seen dramatic consolidation within the industry, and top producers are gearing up to meet the demands of the Canadian cannabis community, tourists, and patients in nations that import medical marijuana from the Great White North.

According to The Motley Fool’s Sean Williams, we can expect a supply deficit at first, followed by an oversupply of cannabis:

According to an April 2018 prediction from Health Canada, domestic cannabis demand is expected to reach 1 million kilograms (2.2 million pounds) by the end of 2018, or approximately 25% higher than most consensus estimates. With production in April tallying around 300,000 kilograms countrywide, this implies a supply deficit of about 700,000 kilograms of dried cannabis.

Even with domestic growers expanding their production capacity as quickly as their balance sheets will allow, it’d be a stretch to expect supply to meet demand — especially when this demand includes exports to foreign markets (primarily in Europe) — before mid to late 2019. Such a scenario suggests that pot stocks will see rapidly rising sales, and likely rising margins. Higher margins would be a function of steady or rising cannabis prices on a per-gram basis, as well as economies of scale working in favor of pot stocks and driving down growing costs as their operations expand.

Initially, the Canadian cannabis industry might look like the greatest thing since sliced bread. A supply deficit, along with the initial euphoria of recreational marijuana becoming legal, should result in some impressive year-over-year comparisons. But what’s worrisome is what could happen once a plethora of greenhouse projects are complete and pot stocks reach their full production capacity.

In the United States, some states, like Nevada initially, experienced supply shortages, pushing prices high and rewarding growers with a seller’s market. However, as time has gone along, Oregon, Colorado, and Washington have seen wholesale prices plunge as more and more entrepreneurs and businesses entered the market. While the oversupply of cannabis creates a cannabis consumer’s paradise at the retail level, businesses get squeezed. Canada has a few advantages that businesses in the United States don’t have, providing hope that the industry may find the proper balance between supply and demand.

While United States’ cannabis producers can’t export across state lines, even to other legal states, Canadian companies won’t be hindered by such nonsense. Additionally, American cannabis industry participants are hit with exorbitant tax bills as federal law prohibits normal business deductions, nor are they allowed as easy access to banking and capital as their counterparts to the north. Finally, and most importantly, Canada already has an established relationship with nations importing its medical cannabis, a market that is likely to expand nation by nation over the coming years. There are many risks in the regulated cannabis industry, but the opportunities await those that establish themselves in this growing global market.

If you wish to seize upon the opportunities available in the cannabis industry, the International Cannabis Business Conference is the event for you. Combining business, politics, and culture like no other business conference, the ICBC provides the best learning and networking experience for entrepreneurs in the cannabis space, or those thinking of joining the burgeoning industry. Join us, and the top experts, investors, activists, and business people from around the world, in Vancouver, British Columbia, this June 24th-25th and in Portland, Oregon, September 27th-28th. Get your tickets to the Vancouver ICBC by June 6th and your Portland tickets by September 12th to save $200!

Canopy Rivers Offering Up to One Million Dollars at the Vancouver ICBC

Written by Anthony Johnson on May 17, 2018. Posted in Business, CBC Vancouver.

There are many great opportunities for entrepreneurs in the multi-billion-dollar Canadian cannabis industry, but the realities of legal commerce mandate that businesses maintain sufficient capital resources to effectively overcome the initial barriers to entry, startup costs, and regulatory hurdles of a highly regulated system. The burgeoning cannabis industry is also a very attractive market that pulls in tough competitors. Businesses with a great idea or product often need a financial boost to get off the ground or survive the (pun intended) growing pains of an emerging industry. Thankfully, Canopy Rivers, in collaboration with Canopy Growth, is stepping up to help innovative entrepreneurs by hosting a million dollar pitch day at the International Cannabis Business Conference in Vancouver this June 24th-25th.

The San Francisco Chronicle broke the story on SFGate.com:

As Canada inches closer towards cannabis legalization, a leading investor group looks to handsomely fund the next best idea in the legal marijuana business.

Prime Minister Justin Trudeau’s timetable to legalize cannabis for adult use by the summer is steadily approaching. To mark the momentous decision, Canopy Rivers Corporation is hosting a pitch day for new businesses seeking to join in on Canada’s nascent legal marijuana industry.

The company is offering up to $1,000,000 of seed capital to support aspiring cannabis entrepreneurs throughout a diverse range of industry segments, including micro-growers, micro-processors, hemp production, lab testing, retailers, and other needs emerging from the proposed regulations.

Here’s what Canopy Rivers has to say about their pitch day:

Canopy Rivers Corporation is a best in class growth capital and strategic support platform focused on accelerating development of the global cannabis industry.

We know the industry needs successful players of all sizes in order to thrive – that’s why we’re opening a call to micro cannabis entrepreneurs looking for a capital infusion.

Partners of Canopy Rivers will benefit from Canopy Growth’s world-leading expertise within the emerging cannabis industry. This unique platform allows you to maintain control of your operations, develop your own unique brands and strategies, and strengthen your position within Canada’s globally leading network of emerging cannabis companies.

Interested parties must be in the process of (or plan on) applying to Health Canada for a micro-license under the Cannabis Act proposal (Bill C-45), in accordance with any and all regulations imposed. Those working in segments of the cannabis space including micro-growing, micro-processing, nursery, hemp, and testing fields are encouraged to apply. For more information, or to sign up, visit www.canopyrivers.com/pitch-day and apply by June 7th.

The International Cannabis Business Conference in Vancouver was already the must-attend cannabis event for those in the Canadian cannabis industry, or those thinking of joining, before this million dollar pitch day was announced. Now that Canopy Rivers and Canopy Growth have stepped up with a chance to earn capital for exciting entrepreneurial efforts, the event has only become more important. Don’t miss the opportunity to learn from and network with top industry experts from Canada and around the globe. Get your tickets to the June 24-25 Vancouver ICBC by June 6th to save $200.

$24 Billion Canadian Cannabis Industry Set to Grow Abroad and at Home

Written by Anthony Johnson on May 16, 2018. Posted in Business, CBC Vancouver.

Unless you are living under a rock, you know that Canada is about to legalize cannabis commerce across the nation. Once federal, provincial, and local officials finalize all the rules and regulations, the Canadian cannabis industry is set to create more jobs and revenue once sales go live. Statistics Canada estimates that Canadian residents spent about $4.63 billion (C$5.7 billion) on cannabis in 2017, but it is easy to see that more money will be spent on cannabis in Canada in 2018 and beyond after regulated stores provide more convenient access across the Great White North for residents and tourists alike. What many people may not know is that Canadian companies are poised to grow even more thanks to their strong position on the global market, as cannabis reforms move forward nation by nation.

The $24 billion (C$31 billion) Canadian cannabis industry is poised to continue to grow with its head start on the worldwide market. There has been tremendous growth in Germany’s medical patient population, and the numbers will likely continue to rise as cannabis becomes more mainstream with doctors as insurance companies are already reimbursing patients for the cost of cannabis that they pick up from their pharmacies.

The Financial Post reports:

Countries like Spain, Italy, and Colombia are likely the next growth opportunities for Canadian cannabis companies after a flurry of consolidation at home.

***

Canada has emerged as a global leader in the pot industry as it becomes the first Group of Seven countries to legalize the drug for recreational use later this year while a ban at the federal level keeps pure-play U.S. pot companies from major exchanges south of the border. There are now 90 publicly listed companies in Canada with a market value of about $31 billion. (Editor’s note: the Financial Post valuation is in Canadian dollars, which is over $24 billion in U.S. dollars.)

Recent mergers and acquisitions have given the companies the scale to start looking internationally for growth, said Dan Daviau, chief executive officer of Canaccord Genuity Group Inc., the leading Canadian investment bank in the sector. Countries like Germany, for example, allow patients to be reimbursed for medical marijuana to treat a variety of symptoms, he said.

I was particularly pleased to see that Dan Daviau of the Canaccord Genuity Group told the Financial Post that he sees room in the cannabis space for smaller businesses, stating, ”Biggest isn’t always the best. There are going to be some more big guys and some smaller niche guys.”

While there are legitimate concerns that Canadian companies may be valued too high on the stock market, there are many reasons to expect the cannabis industry to continue to grow as regulated sales continue to grow in the coming years. It is reasonable to conclude that investors aren’t basing the value on current sales numbers, they are looking at the future of the cannabis industry and that future is indeed bright.

Those in the cannabis industry, or thinking of joining, will have the opportunity to learn more about the burgeoning Canadian cannabis industry from top entrepreneurs, investors, and advocates at the upcoming International Cannabis Business Conference this June 24th-25th. With representatives from Canopy Growth, MMJ Canada, Hello Cannabis, and more companies joining the stage with advocates on the ground like Jamie Shaw, Kirk Tousaw, and Robert Laurie, the ICBC will provide the latest news and information and the opportunity to network with top cannabis industry experts. Get your tickets by June 6th to save $200!

Aurora Buying MedReleaf in Biggest Cannabis Industry Deal Ever

Written by Anthony Johnson on May 15, 2018. Posted in Business, CBC Vancouver.

With Canada set to establish a multi-billion dollar cannabis industry that will rival, or maybe even surpass, the spirits and wine industries, companies are looking to consolidate to increase their market share and maximize profits. Expensive regulatory hurdles, limits on licenses, and the need to compete with the prices seen on the unregulated market can be just some of the factors that lead to companies deciding that bigger is better. Aurora Cannabis Inc. is certainly following the “bigger is better” mantra, agreeing to purchase MedReleaf Corp. for C$3.2 billion ($2.51 billion) in stock, making it the largest cannabis industry deal in history. The MedReleaf purchase comes on the heels of Aurora’s acquisition of CanniMed for C$775 million.

CNBC reported:

The deal comes two months before cannabis is expected to be legalized for recreational use in Canada, and is the latest in a wave of mergers in the industry as marijuana makers — emboldened by similar moves in Europe and a number of U.S. states — seek to cut costs and gain scale.

Canada’s relaxed regulations, a mature industry, and free-flowing capital have offered firms a unique opportunity to advance research without the legal and political risks that bog down growers in the United States and elsewhere.

“The combination strengthens our capacity to service the rapidly expanding global medical cannabis markets, and amplifies our early-mover advantage,” Aurora Chief Executive Officer Terry Booth said in a statement.

As Reuters noted, the Aurora is seeing the global momentum for legalization as an underlying foundation for growth, particularly in Europe, where Germany has helped set the precedent for insurance coverage for medical use and the company isn’t done expanding:

“(Aurora is) targeting mostly Europe for exports … the demand is firmly in place, in terms of their medical market,” said Alan Brochstein, founder of cannabis-industry information provider 420 Investor.

“(Europe has) perhaps a better program initially in terms of insurance coverage and distribution through pharmacies,” he added.

***

Aurora would likely sign more deals, but not any as big as the MedReleaf acquisition, Booth said at a media conference in Toronto. The company would also consider listing its shares in New York, he added.

While large-scale production facilities may be able to bring down the price of cannabis production, the lack of competition can ultimately hinder consumers ability to find affordable cannabis at regulated stores. Hopefully, Canadian regulators will find the right mix of regulations over time to allow for craft cannabis producers and mom-and-pop stores to get a foothold in the market as well.

Even if you aren’t a big producer or operating a chain of retail stores, there will be plenty of jobs in the cannabis industry as these big corporations will need a ton of ancillary businesses to help them succeed. Opportunities will be vast, especially if advocates are successful in eventually helping implement sound regulations that reduce barriers to entry and allow for real competition. Maybe after the United States legalization, Canada won’t feel so much pressure to over-regulate. Only time will tell. I look forward to learning from my Canadian counterparts at the upcoming International Cannabis Business Conference in beautiful Vancouver to get a glimpse into the future of the cannabis industry.

Don’t miss Henry Rollins’ keynote address and the opportunity to learn the latest information and network with prominent entrepreneurs, investors, and advocates at the upcoming ICBC in Vancouver, British Columbia, this June 24th-25th. Get your tickets by June 6th to save $200. After Vancouver, the ICBC will be another cannabis-friendly city, Portland, Oregon, September 27th-28th, get your Portland ICBC tickets by September 12th to save $200.

U.S. Cannabis Industry Bolstered by Supreme Court’s Gambling Ruling

Written by Anthony Johnson on May 14, 2018. Posted in Business, CBC Portland, CBC San Francisco, CBC Vancouver, ICBC Berlin, Politics.

As a sports fan that likes to occasionally place a wager or two while I’m in Las Vegas, I was hoping that the United States Supreme Court would strike down the Professional and Amateur Sports Protection Act of 1992 that banned sports gambling, exempting Nevada and few other states’ betting systems. The Supreme Court took up this case because New Jersey, under the helm of then-Governor Chris Christie, moved forward with their own gambling law, challenging Uncle Sam’s prohibition of gambling. As a cannabis law reform activist, I felt that a positive ruling for gambling would be a great result for state cannabis laws, as the Court would be taking a stand against the federal government’s intrusion over states’ regulatory authority.

The Supreme Court’s 7-2 decision in Murphy v. National Collegiate Athletic Association (formerly, Christie v. National Collegiate Athletic Association) centered around the legal principle of commandeering, when the federal government is forcing the state to take an action that it normally wouldn’t take. In the landmark, but unfortunate, Raich Supreme Court case, the majority ruled that the federal government had the right to enforce federal law, but it didn’t take a stand on whether California, or any other state, had to invalidate its medical cannabis law. The notion that the states couldn’t be commandeered to change their own marijuana laws was already bolstered by the fact that the Supreme Court refused to hear Nebraska and Oklahoma’s challenge of Colorado’s regulatory system, and the Murphy decision adds a strong precedent that such challenges will be unsuccessful.

Tom Angell over at Marijuana Moment was the first to extensively report on Murphy’s impact on state marijuana laws:

“This was the only sensible outcome in this case unless the Court was willing to gut its anticommandeering jurisprudence,” Sam Kamin, who serves as the Vicente Sederberg Professor of Marijuana Law and Policy at the University of Denver’s Sturm College of Law, told Marijuana Moment in an interview. ”Congress cannot tell the state legislatures what they can and can’t do. Congress can prohibit sports gaming everywhere, but it can’t make the states do the same.”

***

Kamin, who filed an amicus brief in the case along with other law professors, said that the case has “obvious” implications for marijuana.

“The CSA stands, but so do state legalization laws,” he said. “Congress can’t prohibit those laws, force the states to repeal them or force the states to go back to prohibition. Almost everyone who’d thought carefully about these issues knew it was so, but it’s nice to see it recognized by a 7-2 Supreme Court.”

Amy Howe over a SCOTUSblog also noted that this gambling case could influence marijuana law challenges:

The 10th Amendment provides that, if the Constitution does not either give a power to the federal government or take that power away from the states, that power is reserved for the states or the people themselves. The Supreme Court has long interpreted this provision to bar the federal government from “commandeering” the states to enforce federal laws or policies. Today the justices ruled that a federal law that bars states from legalizing sports betting violates the anti-commandeering doctrine. Their decision not only opens the door for states around the country to allow sports betting, but it also could give significantly more power to states generally, on issues ranging from the decriminalization of marijuana to sanctuary cities. (emphasis added)

We are likely to see the Murphy case cited as precedent relatively soon as Josephine County has foolishly challenged Oregon’s medical and adult-use cannabis laws, arguing that the federal Controlled Substances Act tramples voter-approved initiatives, and subsequent state regulatory laws, allowing the county to prohibit cannabis in its jurisdiction. I’ve previously blogged that Josephine County Commissioners were wasting tax dollars on their quixotic, Reefer-Madness-inspired quest to overturn the will of Oregon voters; the commissioners’ case looks like an even bigger tax dollar waste after today. While Chris Christie rightly celebrates his policy victory today, he probably doesn’t quite understand or appreciate the irony that he has also bolstered the prospects of the cannabis industry as well.

A great day for the rights of states and their people to make their own decisions. New Jersey citizens wanted sports gambling and the federal Gov’t had no right to tell them no. The Supreme Court agrees with us today. I am proud to have fought for the rights of the people of NJ.

— Governor Christie (@GovChristie) May 14, 2018

With the United States Supreme Court bolstering the cannabis industry’s prospects, Canada moving forward with legalization, and great progress around the world, it is a great time to learn the latest about the industry and network with prominent advocates, entrepreneurs, and investors; and there is no better place to do so than the International Cannabis Business Conference. After an amazing event in Berlin, the ICBC is headed to Vancouver, British Columbia, June 24th-25th, before taking the trek back to Portland, Oregon, September 27th-28th. Get your tickets by June 6th for the Vancouver event and your Portland ticket by September 12th to save $200.

Canadian Imperial Bank of Commerce Expects Cannabis Sales to Rival Wine

Written by Anthony Johnson on May 9, 2018. Posted in Business, CBC Vancouver.

When a state or nation is contemplating legalizing cannabis, revenue projections vary. In the United States, most government projections have underestimated cannabis sales as it is hard to accurately gauge usage from government surveys or predict cannabis-related tourism. Canadian forecasts are now rolling in with New Frontier projecting sales to reach $9 billion by 2025, while Canadian Imperial Bank of Commerce projects that cannabis sales will rival wine, placing the overall value of the cannabis industry in the Great White North at $6.5 billion.

In Oregon, for instance, the state Legislative Revenue Office projected that cannabis taxes would generate about $20 million per year once the system was fully implemented. After hearing from other economic analysts with larger predictions, the initial state “Estimate of Financial Impact” published in Oregon’s 2014 Measure 91 voter guide projected the tax revenue to range between $17 to $40 million. Fast forward to 2018, and the state generated over $20 million in new tax revenue (beyond any administrative costs) during the first three months of 2018 alone, with cities and counties collecting an additional $3.5 million from local taxes on top of that. Colorado also exceeded initial revenue expectations, with the state’s bustling industry selling a record-setting amount of $1.5 billion worth of cannabis in 2017, earning the state $247 million in new tax revenue.

The CBC reports on CIBC’s prediction:

Canadians could soon be spending more on recreational cannabis than they do on liquor, if a report from a major bank is to be believed.

Canadian Imperial Bank of Commerce calculated in a report this week that in the next two years, Canadians will consume 800,000 kilograms of cannabis, the vast majority of which will be for recreational use.

“We believe that by 2020, the legal market for adult-use cannabis will approach $6.5 billion in retail sales,” CIBC said. “For context, this is greater than the amount of spirits sold in this country, and approaches wine in scale.”

Whether New Frontier’s $9 billion prediction is closer to the mark, or CIBC’s $6.5 billion turns out to be accurate, it is clear that cannabis will be a billion-dollar industry in Canada, with a lot of opportunities for entrepreneurs, investors, and businesses. For the record, I think that both numbers are likely underestimating tourism dollars that will be earned, especially while the United States (irrationally and unnecessarily) delays ending federal prohibition. For the Canadian cannabis industry to fully reach its potential, it does need to keep barriers to entry low and reduce unnecessary burdensome regulations that will inflate costs too much and push consumers to the underground market. It’ll take time to iron out the wrinkles, but Canada is poised to bring its citizens more freedom, more jobs, and more revenue in the near future by legalizing and regulating cannabis commerce.

Canada is poised to make history by legalizing cannabis soon, so if you are in the cannabis industry, or are thinking of joining, the International Cannabis Business Conference in Vancouver, British Columbia, is THE place to be this June 24th-25. Don’t miss learning from, and networking with, the top cannabis experts in Canada and from around the world. Get your tickets by June 3rd to save $200!

Largest Canadian Supermarket Chain to Open Cannabis Stores

Written by Anthony Johnson on May 8, 2018. Posted in Business, CBC Vancouver.

Unless you’re living under a rock, you know that Canada is about to legalize cannabis commerce among adults across the nation and that the cannabis industry is a multi-billion dollar industry that is set to get even bigger. Thus, it shouldn’t surprise anyone that major mainstream companies are moving into the cannabis space, but it is still remarkable to see that Loblaw Companies Limited, the largest Canadian supermarket chain, throw its hat into the ring. A similar comparison to the United States would be Walmart or Kroger entering the industry.

Marijuana Business Daily reports:

Loblaw, a leader in the country’s supermarket industry, said some of its locations in Newfoundland are among 23 selected as “qualified applicants” to become licensed cannabis retailers.

“While people might imagine recreational cannabis on our grocery shelves in Newfoundland and Labrador, this is not our plan,” the company told Marijuana Business Daily in a statement.

Instead, Loblaw intends to sell adult-use cannabis products behind the counter in small, existing tobacco shops. The shops would be adjacent – and separate – to its wholly owned chain of Dominion grocery store outlets in that province.

At first glance, it is surprising to learn that the biggest supermarket chain in Canada is poised to join the cannabis industry, Loblaw has a long history of forward-thinking innovations. Starting back in 1919, Loblaw started a new retail concept that they developed that combined cash-and-carry and self-service and in 1949, the company once again featured innovations to the retail industry when it started using its “healthfully-cool equipped air-conditioning.” The new air conditioners were used in most of Loblaw’s new supermarkets. The grocery chain also introduced automatic doors for grocery shoppers.

It will be interesting to see how Loblaw, with its long history of innovations in the grocery business, is able to transfer its business acumen to the cannabis industry. While the grocery chain can hire people with experience in the cannabis business, it will be playing catch-up to virtually every other licensed cannabis business, including large companies like Canopy Growth, which also just announced that it will have licensed businesses in Newfoundland as well. The number of big players in the cannabis industry should provide low prices for consumers, if the government doesn’t overregulate and tax the industry too much, and hopefully, craft cannabis businesses will find a niche so they can also thrive in the upcoming Canadian market among these retailer giants.

Legalization is around the corner in Canada, so now is the time to learn the latest and network with top investors, entrepreneurs, and activists in the industry at the International Cannabis Business Conference in Vancouver this June 24th-25th. Get your tickets by June 3rd to save $200!

Canadian Cannabis and Beer Markets Starting to Merge

Written by Anthony Johnson on May 7, 2018. Posted in Business, CBC Vancouver, Social.

While there is evidence that legal cannabis decreases beer (and alcohol) consumption a bit, it does make a lot of sense for the cannabis and beer industries to be aligned in many ways. For many responsible adults, unwinding with a cold beer and a joint is a great way to unwind from a stressful week of work. Also, the craft beer industry provides hope for small farmers and mom-and-pop businesses that there is a niche where small businesses can thrive in the burgeoning cannabis market. And finally, cannabis is following in alcohol’s footsteps by busting out of the chains of prohibition. One Canadian startup is taking the merging of the cannabis and beer markets to the next level by creating a cannabis beer.

From the Jamaica Observer:

An upstart cannabis company has partnered with a Canadian university to produce — with Government financial backing — what it says will be the world’s first beer made from the mind-altering drug.

Toronto-based Province Brands of Canada was awarded Can$300,000 (US$233,000) from the Ontario Government to create a “highly intoxicating” brew that is safer than alcohol.

In doing so, the three-year-old company is joining others such as Canada’s largest pot producer Canopy Growth — which partnered with alcohol giant Constellation Brands last year — in betting that cannabis-infused beverages will become the most popular way of consuming the psychoactive drug once recreational pot use is legalised in Canada later this year (and in 2019 for edibles).

In a press release issued by Province Brands of Canada, the company noted its goal of creating a safer beverage alternative for alcohol drinkers:

“The fact that the first Fortune 500 company to invest in the cannabis space was not a tobacco giant like so many had predicted but was, in fact, Constellation Brands, one of the largest and best run adult beverage businesses in the world, truly validates our efforts and proves the market for beverages like those Province has been brewing,” Mr. (Dooma) Wendschuh (CEO of Province Brands) said. “We started our company in 2016 when it was not known whether alcohol free beverages which intoxicate using cannabis or its phytocannabinoids would ever be legalized in Canada. The government, just a few months ago, made it clear they’d allow [these types of products], and I’d suspect that’s what made Constellation Brands step up.”

“We have developed great-tasting beers, but we also have valuable intellectual property, incredible developments in the pipeline, and a world-class team with decades of combined experience in the adult beverage industry, and, importantly almost two years working together,” explains Wendschuh, reiterating Province’s mission to bring a “safer and healthier alternative to alcohol” to market.

It is clear that beer giant Constellation Brands investment in Canopy Growth spurred Province Brands to really think about a cannabis beer, I think that we can expect a lot of collaboration between the two business sectors. Once again, the federal legality of cannabis has helped Canadian companies emerge as leaders in the industry, while U.S. companies are left on the margins, as established beer companies have to keep their distance for now.

With Canadians spending nearly $14 billion a year on beer, it is easy to see why cannabis companies would want to be a lot like their brewing counterparts. With cannabis sales projected to surpass $9 billion in Canada by 2025, with the likelihood that beer revenue may drop, it makes sense for beer companies to look at investing in the cannabis space. Beer companies are starting to take notice of lower revenue numbers following the legalization of cannabis in their area. Some alcohol companies are fighting on the wrong side of history by opposing the repeal of cannabis prohibition. As more and more places are bound to legalize cannabis, smart beer, wine, and spirits companies should look to invest and partner with the cannabis industry as the momentum behind legalization is only picking up more and more steam.

Get informed about the bright future of the cannabis industry, and around the world, at the International Cannabis Business Conference in Vancouver this June 24th-25th. Not only will you learn the latest about rules, regulations, and opportunities, but you will also have the chance to network with the top entrepreneurs, investors, and advocates from around the globe. Get your tickets by June 3rd to save!

Will Canada Delay Cannabis Legalization…Again?

Written by Anthony Johnson on May 3, 2018. Posted in Business, CBC Vancouver, Politics.

Every state in the U.S. that has legalized cannabis has had its ups and downs, so we shouldn’t expect Canada to be any different as it works on implementing regulations that will make the nation the very first to legalize cannabis commerce for all adults within its borders. The uncertainty of when the federal government will finally allow sales to start must be maddening for industry participants, but maybe the extra time will convince some provinces to retract some initial overly restrictive regulations:

Still wondering why BC is banning cannabis consumption on boats. So I can eat a cookie on the dock but not on the boat? I can puff a joint while floating in the water next to the boat but not while in it? #silly #waterproofpipesforall?

— KirkTousaw (@KirkTousaw) May 2, 2018

The National Post reported on the potential delay of legalization:

Asked about the possibility of delaying the bill on Wednesday, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau said only that the government is focused on legalizing marijuana because “the current system hurts Canadians.”

“Legalization is not an event, it’s a process,” he said. “And that process will continue.”

The Trudeau government was hoping to legalize recreational use of cannabis by July, but has already indicated that deadline would be pushed back by several weeks to give provincial governments and police authorities time to prepare for the new law.

Unfortunately, as cannabis policy attorney Kirk Tousaw noted, a delay in legalization will lead to more unnecessary and harmful arrests. If the federal government does delay legalization, a compromise could be to legalize possession and use or just start allowing medical dispensaries to sell to all adults while the full rules get figured out, two things that Oregon did when rolling out legalization.

Delaying a year means (a) more discriminatory enforcement against indigenous persons and (b) continuation of the existing illicit trade. Explain how delay, then, helps with those very issues? Also see LeDain 1971 and Senate 2002. We’ve delayed long enough. https://t.co/ru6MLu5st2

— KirkTousaw (@KirkTousaw) May 2, 2018

Hopefully, Canada can find a good path forward that will continue its path to finally end the failed and harmful policy of cannabis prohibition, and harness the economic potential of the cannabis industry. One advantage that Canadian companies have had over those in the United States and other countries has been the fact that Canada had legalized federally. If Canada delays too long, the Great White North may just have some company if the political momentum for legalization continues at its blistering pace in the United States.

I look forward to learning more from great advocates like Kirk Tousaw, Robert Laurie, and Jamie Shaw at the upcoming International Cannabis Business Conference in Vancouver this June 24th and 25th, not to mention see Henry Rollins deliver the keynote address. It will be a great time to compare notes and network with some of the best cannabis activists, entrepreneurs, and investors in North America, and around the globe.

Possibly the strangest #hardcorepunk band ever… @AskALawQuestion @KirkTousaw @henryrollins @IntlCBC pic.twitter.com/wLuhkf2Ve4

— Jamie Shaw (@jamiesashaw) May 3, 2018

Canopy Growth, Other Top Canadian Cannabis Companies, Ready for Legalization

Written by Anthony Johnson on May 2, 2018. Posted in Business, CBC Vancouver.

Canadian cannabis companies have had a leg up on the rest of the world thanks to their federal government wisely legalizing medicinal use across the Great White North. With the backing of the national government, Canadian medical cannabis companies have had the advantage of being treated the same as any other business, including a listing on the country’s stock exchange (even on the NASDAQ) and without draconian tax policies that have prevented American cannabis businesses, for instance, from meeting their full potential.

Investors could easily see that Canada was going to be one of the first nations to end prohibition for all adults, providing Canadian companies with the financial backing to export to other countries like Germany, be prepared for full legalization across the nation, and invest in other countries with the foresight that they would also legalize relatively soon. With licensed and regulated commercial commerce just months away, the Financial Post spoke with a few of the top CEOs to discuss whether their companies are ready to meet the demands of consumers.

Here’s a portion of the conversation with Bruce Linton, CEO of Canopy Growth, a company valued at over $4 billion:

Q. Are you going to have enough product to meet your supply commitments?

A. If you look at our last quarter, we produced more cannabis than almost all of the companies in the sector have in their operating history. That means our ability to have inventory and supply the agreements is not something we’re going, ‘Oh my god.’ We’re saying, ‘Execute, organize, logistics, supply chain,’ those kinds of words.

Q. What are you doing to secure supply?

A. We have about $100 million of inventory and we’re ramping up our production. About three weeks ago we took an aircraft full of baby plants to our 1.3 million square foot greenhouse in British Columbia. Our other greenhouse is now getting closer to being 1 million square feet and we have 650,000 square feet of other stuff. Our production assets have been running, some of them for four years, so we have inventory and the ability to expand inventory.

***

Q. What are you doing to create brand recognition for the recreational retail market?

A. Your first move is to occupy the Hershey’s factory, and get international media coverage. You have a name that’s a good name: Tweed. You bring in people who reach out to you, for example Snoop. Brand isn’t a name, it’s a bunch of actions that support something where you can say, ‘I like that.’ Whether it’s resurrecting a town, saving a building, distributing economic opportunity across the country. When people walk in the door and want Tweed, it could be for half a dozen reasons.

All of the Financial Post interviews are certainly worth reading. The answers the CEOs give not only show the work that has gone into the preparation for legalization, but also the significant benefit the Canadian cannabis industry has received from having a national law; companies in other countries could only dream of scaling up as these businesses have. Linton told the Financial Post that Canopy Growth’s workforce has increased by about 50% in the past year alone and that it is set to increase by 33% to 50% in the near future.

The economic benefits of regulated cannabis to Canada have been great are only about to improve. Legal cannabis is already a billion-dollar industry, with a billion dollars worth of Canadian cannabis being sold overseas just last year. While a large portion of the estimated $5.6 billion Canadian citizens spent on marijuana last year has gone to the unregulated market, the regulated system is about to see a huge uptick, from both Canadians and tourists alike.

Even with a favorable federal government, there have been some setbacks and there will be more obstacles and hurdles to overcome in the future. Hopefully, the federal government and provincial officials don’t strangle the burgeoning industry with overly restrictive rules and over time finds the proper balance that will allow small businesses and craft farmers to compete in the market as well. It will be a struggle to find the balance, but it is undeniable that the future of cannabis revenue and job creation across Canada is very bright.

There has never been a better time to learn from, and network with, the top advocates, entrepreneurs, and investors (like Canopy Growth) in Canada and around the globe, so you will not want to miss the International Cannabis Business Conference in Vancouver, British Columbia, this June 24th and 25th. Fresh off the heels of an amazing event in Berlin, the ICBC is looking forward to another spectacular conference in Vancouver, just ahead of Canada legalizing cannabis for all adults. Get your tickets by June 3rd to save $200!

Report Estimates Canadians Spent Over $5 Billion on Cannabis in 2017

Written by Anthony Johnson on May 1, 2018. Posted in Business, CBC Vancouver.

Estimating cannabis use and expenditures is rather tricky, especially during prohibition. Most people, even with the promise of anonymity, are probably unlikely to be completely honest about their illegal marijuana usage. Statistics Canada tries to make adjustments in their methodology, coming to the estimate that Canadians spent about $5.6 billion on cannabis in 2017, right on line with their $5.7 billion estimate for 2016.

“Statistics Canada has had to make assumptions about the frequency with which Canadians consume cannabis; the volume consumed per day; and the price paid to purchase cannabis. For example, Statistics Canada assumes that when someone reports consuming cannabis at least once a week, they actually consume cannabis 208 times per year, although this could range from 52 to 365 times,” Statistics Canada notes on their website.

Using admittedly imperfect surveys Statistics Canada’s estimation includes both legal medical sales, along with unregulated recreational purchases. In addition to the nearly $6 billion spent by Canadians, the government agency reported that $1 billion worth of cannabis was sold abroad, with British Columbia cultivating 59% of the international market. That billion dollar estimate is unlikely to capture all of the illicit cannabis sold across international lines.

According to the government survey, Nova Scotians use the most cannabis per capita, with its residents consuming 27.06 grams in 2017, nearly an ounce per person. British Columbia came in second at 24.6 grams, with Alberta right behind at 24.08. The national average across the Great White North was 21.1.

As far as production goes, British Columbia, known internationally as a cannabis-friendly hotspot, led the way, accounting for 36.6% of all of the cannabis produced in Canada. Quebec came in second with 31% and Ontario with 22.7% produced the third most among the provinces.

The Canadian cannabis market has been projected to hit $9 billion by 2025, and Statistics Canada’s numbers certainly back up that claim. I wouldn’t be surprised to see Canada exceed that $9 billion projection due to tourism, increased international sales, and more legal establishments for adults that will start opening up in the coming months. The only internal factor that can hold the Canadian market back is overregulation that can push the price of cannabis too high. The external factor of legalization in other countries is not in the control of Canadian officials, but they should certainly resist the urge to impose too burdensome regulations that will prevent the Canadian cannabis market from flourishing like it should.

While the complete future of the Canadian cannabis market is unknown, we do know that there will be opportunities abound in the multi-billion dollar industry. Join us at the International Cannabis Business Conference in Vancouver on June 24-25 to learn the latest and network with the most prominent activists, entrepreneurs, and investors in Canada and around the world. Be sure to purchase your tickets by June 3rd to save $200!

Canadian Cannabis Market Set to Surpass $9 Billion by 2025

Written by Anthony Johnson on April 27, 2018. Posted in Business, CBC Vancouver.

Cannabis commerce is an obvious revenue generator. Every place that has legalized cannabis has seen more jobs created and tax dollars for collected, usually outpacing previous predictions. The only question is how much revenue will a state or nation create by ending prohibition and regulating sales to adults. With apologies to Uruguay, Canada will be the first country to fully legalize cannabis commerce for adults within the next few months or so. How big will the cannabis market be in the Great White North? According to New Frontier Data, the market will surpass $9 billion by 2025.

From New Frontier Data’s press release:

“Canada is about to become the first G20 nation in the world to fully legalize cannabis and the implications are enormous. New Frontier Data projects the domestic Canadian cannabis market will reach (CAD)$9.2 billion by 2025. Combined, the Canadian medical and adult-use markets will rival that of California – which boasts the 6th largest overall economy internationally. Canadian usage rates in the medical market are higher on average than in the U.S. When the adult-use Canadian market opens the combined domestic and international opportunities will increase dramatically and create new momentum around the world,” New Frontier Data Founder & CEO Giadha Aguirre de Carcer.

“The adult-use market’s legislative and regulatory infrastructure is still being defined, but insights from Canada’s medical market will be invaluable to investors looking to make informed investment decisions about the still-evolving adult-use market. Data providers – like New Frontier Data - can provide pertinent details, including business opportunities by sub-sector, demographic preferences and market segmentation, as investors determine which companies and opportunities to reward with additional investment capital,” said Knalysis Technologies President Paul Methot.

Among the key findings from the report:

The total addressable market for annual consumer sales in Canada (i.e., the sum of illicit, medical, and adult-use demand in the country) is estimated to be CAD$8.6 billion in 2018, growing to CAD$9.2 billion by 2025.
The Canadian legal market (domestic only, not including exports) is projected to be CAD$1.7 billion (US$1.3 billion) in 2018, growing to CAD$7.7 billion (US$6.0 billion) by 2025. Between 2018 and 2022, total legal revenue is forecasted to increase CAD$5.2 billion (US$4.1 billion).
Canada is one of a few countries to allow for the importation and exportation of cannabis. Even with the export market still in its infancy, the U.S. is ceding the international market to Canada.

Of course, the success of any cannabis market is not a given, but it is easy to understand that bringing cannabis sales into a taxed and regulated system will generate revenue for Canada. Oftentimes cannabis market projections are exceeded after legalization because it is hard to gauge the actual number of cannabis consumers because many people are afraid to admit on government surveys that they use an illegal substance as well as the number of tourists that will purchase cannabis as well.

Whether the Canadian market reaches its full potential depends upon whether the government overregulates the industry or not, a typical overreaction that we have seen in the United States, where diversion to prohibition states is an issue. Canada shouldn’t have the same concerns about diversion as legal states in the U.S. have, but reviews of initial regulations in provinces are mixed at best. While we can be certain that legal cannabis will be a money maker for Canada, we can also be certain that the initial rules and regulations will change. Hopefully, the industry, consumers, patients and government officials will eventually find the right regulatory path forward to harness the massive potential of the cannabis market.

There has never been a better time to learn about the exciting opportunities the Canadian cannabis industry has to offer and there is no better place to learn and network with the top activists, entrepreneurs, and investors than the International Cannabis Business Conference. The ICBC returns to beautiful Vancouver, British Columbia, for a must-attend event on June 24-25. Be sure to get your tickets by June 3rd to save $200.

Featured photo credit: abdallahh/Flickr (CC BY 2.0) | Remix by Jason Reed

Cannabis Canada Council Formed to Represent the Regulated Canadian Industry

Written by Anthony Johnson on April 24, 2018. Posted in Business, CBC Vancouver, Politics.

Everyone involved with a licensed and regulated cannabis industry quickly understands that ending prohibition was only a part of the battle. Legalizing is a huge challenge, but implementing proper rules and regulations is an even bigger obstacle. Keeping barriers to entry reasonable and affordable, establishing effective testing standards, protecting the existing medical program, and defeating literal and de facto local commercial bans are just a few of the major issues that face the cannabis community after passing legalization laws. Some issues can be expected and some can be surprising, especially when different segments of the industry want different regulations passed. To address the multitude of issues that will face the Canadian cannabis industry, the Cannabis Canada Council has just been established.

Cannabis Canada Association (CCA), Canadian Medical Cannabis Council (CMCC), as well as Canopy Growth, joined together to create a single association for the regulated industry. The Cannabis Canada Council (C3) certainly contains a list of powerful companies, advocates, and entrepreneurs. To address the different needs of patients and consumers, C3 has two different committees, one for medical and one for adult use, led by a different vice chair to better respond to the needs of the two different systems.

The initial C3 Board of Directors includes: Chair Dr. Avtar Dhillon of Emerald Health Therapeutics; The Supreme Cannabis Company’s John Fowler as the Adult Use Vice Chair; Tilray’s Philippe Lucas as the Medical Vice Chair; Cam Battley of Aurora Cannabis; Allison Gordon from 48 North Cannabis Co.; Cronos Group’s Jeff Jacobson; Megan McCrae of Aphria; Jeff Ryan of Canopy Growth; John Stewart representing Emblem Cannabis; Sebastian St-Louis from Hydropothecary; and MedReleaf’s Karren Karasiuk and Neil Closner. Allan Rewak has been chosen to be C3’s Executive Director.

Vice Chair Philippe Lucas, who I first had the pleasure of meeting at the debut International Cannabis Business Conference back in 2014, had this to say about the formation of the Cannabis Canada Council, ”The unification of Canada’s cannabis industry into one organisation will streamline and strengthen our ability to advocate on behalf of our members, patients and stakeholders, and to work effectively with all levels of government.”

By legalizing medical federally, Canada has already established itself as a global leader and that will only continue with the legalization for all adults. C3 should put Canada in a good position to continue its worldwide influence. The industry has already witnessed some hiccups (of course) with cannabis commerce being delayed, and more hurdles will certainly follow, but a unified industry (as much as possible) is best positioned to handle important issues that arise. I hope that C3 takes the commitment to patients seriously and does all that it can to fight the usual temptation by governments to maximize tax revenue. Eliminating taxes on patient purchases should be a top issue for C3 in my humble opinion.

I’m looking forward to hearing from C3 members and activists, entrepreneurs and investors from all around Canada when the International Cannabis Business Conference returns to beautiful Vancouver, British Columbia, this June 24th and 25th. With cannabis commerce on the brink of going nationwide, it is a great time to head to one of the most cannabis-friendly cities in the world and network with movers and shakers from across the globe. Only time will tell how the cannabis industry shakes out in Canada and elsewhere, but it is clear that the momentum for legalization is only increasing and opportunities and challenges lie ahead.

Get your tickets to the ICBC in Vancouver now and save $200!

Legal Cannabis is Coming to the United States…Soon

Written by Amber Iris Langston on April 19, 2018. Posted in Business, CBC Portland, CBC Vancouver, Politics.

They say when it rains it pours. In tandem with crazy weather patterns affecting populations across the globe, the cannabis industry is starting to see some precipitation after decades of prohibition-induced drought.

Earlier this month, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) announced an open public comment period asking citizens to weigh in on opinions related to cannabis – an extraordinary first for the FDA. The action comes as a result from a recent proclamation by the World Health Organization (WHO), which will be reviewing cannabis and cannabis-related substances on their potential to cause dependence, abuse, and harm to health, and potential therapeutic applications via the 40th Expert Committee on Drug Dependence set to meet in Geneva in June 2018. In particular, WHO has found cannabidiol (CBD) to be both safe and effective for epilepsy in pre-review studies.

Comments to the FDA are due by April 23rd.

Now, in a surprise move and before that comment period has even closed, the FDA has announced a favorable review of GW Pharmaceuticals’ Epidiolex – a pharmaceutical product derived from the cannabis plant and high in CBD – making it extremely likely that experimental trials could begin in the United States soon.

This comes after two other major announcements by federal level players this past week: former U.S. Speaker of the House John Boehner has thrown his hat in the ring, joining the major cannabis investment firm Acreage Holdings; and U.S. President Donald Trump promised Colorado Senator Cory Gardner he would find a solution protect states’ rights in regard to the country’s current patchwork of quasi-legal cannabis laws.

While I am personally skeptical of any promises made by the 45th President, I am more than certain John Boehner will remain committed to his desire to profit from the booming industry that is legal cannabis. While it is disappointing that power and money are driving some of these larger-level policy decisions, rather than compassion and desire to better humanity, nevertheless we will all be better off when patients have access to medicine, and good people can be kept out of the criminal justice system.

Things are happening for cannabis! I think I see some rain clouds on the horizon, so get out your proverbial umbrellas and slickers – I predict the prohibition drought will soon be over! But don’t forget to give your public comments and stay involved in political change – nothing happens in a vacuum and people are still being arrested. On that note, the Rules Committee for the U.S. House of Representatives just declined to include revisions to the tax code to help cannabis businesses operate with normal deductions.

The end of the war may be in sight, but the battle rages on. The United States has unfortunately been the major international proponent of the War on Cannabis, so an end to the war on the American cannabis community will certainly reverberate across the globe.

Don’t miss your chance to get in on the industry while the timing is hot! Stay informed on the latest and most important evolutions in cannabis policy, tech and trends at the International Cannabis Business Conference (ICBC)! ICBC’s next stops include Vancouver, BC, Canada on June 24-25 and Portland, OR, USA on September 27-28. Get your tickets now to reserve a spot for these historic events!

After Another Successful Berlin Event, the ICBC Heads to Vancouver, Canada

Written by Anthony Johnson on April 16, 2018. Posted in Business, CBC Vancouver, Cultural, ICBC Berlin, Politics.

The second annual International Cannabis Business Conference in Berlin showcased both how far Germany’s cannabis community has progressed over the past year as well as the growth that it needs. The medical cannabis patient community has grown virtually exponentially after changes to the law have allowed doctors to prescribe cannabis the same as they would any other medicine and mandated that insurers reimburse many patients for the cannabis they pick up from their pharmacy.

It was great to learn from so many great German activists and entrepreneurs. Personally, highlights for me included hearing from longtime advocate Georg Wurth, leader of the German Cannabis Association, and Dr. Franjo Grotenhermen, the Godfather of German Medical Cannabis Movement, who received the ICBC’s Lifetime Achievement Award from founder Alex Rogers. Reviews of the curriculum and networking have been great and MC Ngaio Bealum helped keep attendees engaged and entertained.

While Germany’s medical model would be the envy of just about every nation, problems still persist. Too many doctors are still unknowledgeable about the medicinal benefits of cannabis and refuse to prescribe to patients; insurers put up too many red tape obstacles; and the cost of cannabis remains prohibitive, without much variety in strains and completely without legal cannabis extracts, concentrates, edibles and other products enjoyed by patients in other programs around the globe. As cannabis moves more mainstream, education will increase and we can expect to see more German doctors, businesses, bureaucrats and elected officials help move marijuana laws forward. Soon, Germany will license in-country producers, eliminating the need to import as much cannabis, which should help bring costs down.

Canadians across the cannabis space were featured prominently on many panels at the Berlin ICBC and for good reason. Not only do Canadian companies export cannabis to German pharmacies, but they are also major players around the world as legalizing medical nationally, along with a long progressive history with the plant, has given Canadians a leg up on the rest of the world in the burgeoning international market. With Canada ending prohibition for all adults in the near future, industry professionals from the Great White North will continue to be worldwide leaders (we’ll see if the United States shapes up soon).

It is very fitting that Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada, is the next stop for the ICBC as the one-of-a-kind event heads to one of the top cannabis-friendly destinations in the world this June, just before the governing Liberal Party was initially expected to legalize cannabis commerce across the country in July. While licensed and regulated commercial sales to all adults have been delayed a bit, June will still be a great time to learn the latest and plan for the future.

The Berlin ICBC featured prominent Canadian activists and entrepreneurs like Jamie Shaw, Robert Laurie, Alex Revich, Clint Younge, Nick Pateras, Dr. Allen Greenspoon, Chuck Rifici, Philip Campbell, Maxim Zavet, Ben Rispin, and Stephen Verbeek. You can count on the ICBC to have another informative networking event that combines business, politics, and culture like no other this June 24th and 25th. I am excited about ICBC returning to Vancouver, one of my favorite cities, and if you are in the cannabis industry, or are thinking of joining, you should join us.

Purchase Early Bird Tickets to the Vancouver ICBC to save $200!

International Cannabis Business Conference Berlin Program Starts Today!

Written by ICBC Staff on April 11, 2018. Posted in Business, Cultural, ICBC Berlin, Politics, Science.

Today is the day!!

The International Cannabis Business Conference – Berlin has begun!

Last night’s VIP party with philosopher and cultural icon Henry Rollins kicked off the beginning of Europe’s biggest and best B2B cannabis conference.

Today begins two days of the most important business networking, with the world’s leading cannabis experts, happening in the Eastern Hemisphere for the next few decades. Today’s attendees will hear a keynote address from Henry Rollins, an update on the status of cannabis law in Germany from top activist Georg Wurth, from the Liberal Democrat’s addiction and drug policy spokesperson Dr. Wieland Schinnenburg and more experts from Germany and around the world, including a Canadian panel with Jamie Shaw, Robert Laurie, Clint Younge, Nick Pateras and William Rascan. The crowd will be engaged and entertained as cannabis comic (and longtime activist) Ngaio Bealum will handle the MC duties on the mic.

The cannabis industry has finally arrived in Germany. While there will be obstacles and hurdles the future is extremely bright. And what happens in Germany will reverberate throughout the European Union and around the world.

It’s not too late to get your tickets to be part of cannabis future. With Germany’s recent changes to medical cannabis laws, and a decision by their supreme court which puts licensing up in the air, players who are going to lead the global cannabis industry will be present, networking, and laying out plans for the future.

Now’s your last chance!

Come find your future in cannabis.

How Long Will Canada Lead the International Cannabis Market?

Written by Amber Iris Langston on April 5, 2018. Posted in Business, CBC Vancouver, ICBC Berlin, Politics.

In the past couple of years, the hot word in the cannabis industry has been Canada. With an established medical cannabis system and a blessing from the federal government to move forward with full adult legalization this summer, the country has quickly emerged to the top of global leadership in the game. The ability to act across international markets in a way the United States has not, has given Canadian entrepreneurs a hefty advantage in securing licenses to supply cannabis to the rapidly increasing number of countries which are investing in medical cannabis.

However, 2018 is still early in the game for a global industry that is predicted to skyrocket from a current value of around $7.7 to a whopping $31.4 billion by 2021. Knowing which groups will end up commanding those figures three or five or ten years from now is still only a guessing game.

Kris Krane, president of 4Front and speaker for the International Cannabis Business Conference writes in Forbes this week:

“This all begs the question, are Canadian companies overvalued and overextended? These valuations make little sense when viewed against these companies’ revenues. In no other industry could a company like Canopy Growth have a $4.9 billion valuation—more than 98 times its reported lifetime revenue of $46.8 million. Aurora’s valuation is over 220 times its reported lifetime revenue. These valuations are not being driven by current or even near-term projected revenue, but by speculation that these Canadian companies will eventually dominate the global cannabis industry. These companies have generated tremendous investor excitement by positioning themselves to be the dominant players when Canada fully legalizes for adults this summer, and by building out large-scale production facilities that can export into newly emerging medical cannabis markets in Europe, markets that are inaccessible to American companies that are in violation of federal law.

“Look under the hood, and these assumptions may be shakier than these companies would like investors to believe. Yes, Canada will be legalizing for adults later this year. But Canada’s entire population is only 36 million people, 3 million less than California alone. According to BDS Analytics, California is expected to be a $5 billion market in 2019, nearly $6 billion less than valuations of the top three Canadian companies.

“On the international markets, it is uncertain whether Canada will truly be the dominant global player on the export market. Canada hardly has the climate and conditions for large-scale greenhouse agriculture. There is a reason that the largest greenhouse vegetable producers in the western hemisphere are located in California, Arizona, Mexico, and Latin America. These same conditions will allow cultivators in those areas to produce cannabis at a fraction of the cost of similar-sized greenhouses in Canada. Meanwhile, Latin American countries are starting to allow large-scale cannabis production, with Colombia in particular making moves to be a large-scale exporter in the western hemisphere.”

Will Canadian producers continue leading the commercialization of cannabis, infiltrating new markets and establishing their brands presence? Or will other actors move in with cheaper and more effective means of production? Only time will tell. But time will move quickly.

Don’t get behind the times if you want to be in the cannabis space! Learn from the experts like Kris Krane, and network with top investors and entrepreneurs at the International Cannabis Business Conference. Tickets are selling fast for ICBC in Berlin, Germany next week on April 11-13, and no one will want to miss ICBC in Vancouver, BC, Canada on June 24-25. Reserve your spot in cannabis history today!

German Judge Delays Cannabis Production Licensing Program, Good News for Canadian Exporters

Written by Amber Iris Langston on March 30, 2018. Posted in Business, ICBC Berlin, Medical.

Germany’s medical cannabis program is one of the top programs in the world. Patients can be prescribed cannabis by their doctors and insurance covers the cost. However, availability can be lacking compared to other markets and the prices remain high because all of the cannabis must be imported from countries like Canada and The Netherlands. Cultivation licenses to grow cannabis in Germany were supposed to be handed out soon, but that process has been delayed, a setback for in-country licensing, but good news for cannabis exporters from countries like Canada.

A judge in the German Higher Regional Court has ruled the tender process for companies seeking licensure to produce and sell medical cannabis in Germany under the country’s cannabis law past last April, is unfair and too rushed.

From The Financial Post:

“The 10 cultivation licences, which were tied to a 6,600 kilogram supply agreement for the Federal Institute for Drugs and Medical Devices running from 2019 to 2022, were expected to be awarded in the coming weeks. They would have been the first licences to grow in Germany since the country legalized medical marijuana last spring.

“On Wednesday, however, a Dusseldorf Higher Regional Court judge halted the tender process, arguing that the timeline given to companies had been too short.

“‘Initial domestic supply was slated for the start of next year; however, we now expect German production will be delayed by 6-12 months,’ wrote Canaccord Genuity Corp. analyst Neil Maruoka in a note to clients, where he reduced his price targets for Aurora, Aphria, MedReleaf and Maricann, each by between $0.25 and $1.

***

“With a large and aging population covered by socialized medical insurance, Germany is seen by many as the crown jewel of the European medical marijuana market. According to one estimate by U.K.-based cannabis consultancy Prohibition Partners, the German medical market could be worth as much as 10.2 billion euros annually in the coming years.”

While the judge has ruled the current process to be unviable, when or how the process will move forward is still unknown. What is known, however, is that foreign companies, particularly those in Canada, as well as The Netherlands, will step up to fill the void with imports while the availability of medical cannabis grown in Germany will have to be put off bit longer while advocates, entrepreneurs and the government sort out the details. The judge’s decision and where the German cannabis industry goes from here will certainly be a big topic at the upcoming International Cannabis Business Conference in Berlin this April 11-13.

If you want to know more about what’s happening with the German cannabis industry (and the industry around the world), the International Cannabis Business Conference, happening April 11-13 in Berlin, Germany is definitely for you. Tickets are on sale now! If you can’t make it to Berlin this April, then you can attend future ICBCs in Vancouver, Canada, this June, and in Portland, Oregon, USA, this September.

Canada’s Namaste Technologies Seeking to Be the “Amazon of Cannabis”

Written by Amber Iris Langston on March 29, 2018. Posted in Business, CBC Vancouver, ICBC Berlin.

Yesterday I told you about a company striving to be the “Starbucks of Cannabis”, and today I bring you another industry start-up – this one aspiring to be the “Amazon of Cannabis”.

Canadian-based business Namaste Technologies Inc. is already a force to be reckoned with. Currently operating in 20 different countries over various different websites, Namaste primarily barters in vaporizers and other cannabis smoking accessories. Now, the company’s founders are looking to grow their model as a provider for all cannabis consumption needs.

Yahoo News reports:

“It’s a technological middle man, partnering with and giving exposure to other licensed producers. Since they’re strictly a platform — bringing the product from producer directly to the customer — there are zero overhead costs. Namaste Technologies can import cannabis at a much cheaper rate than brick-and-mortar dispensaries, growers or wholesale warehouses.

“Namaste is also behind an app called NamasteMD. Available for Android or iPhone, the application allows Canadians seeking medical treatment with marijuana to apply for and be assessed for a medical marijuana license right from their smartphone. It also provides Namaste Technologies with a ready-made customer base to buy the cannabis they sell.

“‘Our idea is you could be shopping on NamasteVapes.ca, not even thinking of buying cannabis from us, and a pop-up appears saying, ‘Hey, do you need a medical license?’ Immediately, like Uber connects customers to service providers, we connect you instantly to a nurse practitioner or doctor who will get you your license within four minutes for free,’ says Dollinger. “We then throw you on Cannmart.ca where you can complete your transaction for cannabis from any licensed producer across Canada.'”

The company claims to be building a database of 300 vaporizer customers daily in the UK, adding to the cool half million global customers Namaste currently boasts.

I don’t know if Namaste will become “The Amazon of Cannabis” but by selling legal products which are likely being purchased by cannabis consumers living in prohibition markets, they might be on to something. Information is key to success in any business, and it sounds like Namaste is collecting a good amount. Personally, I think I will declare it game over when Namaste purchases their first cannabis consumer-targeted organic grocery store chain.

If you are planning to make your own name in cannabis, don’t wait any longer to get in the game! Meet and learn from the experts at the International Cannabis Business Conference, happening April 11-13 in Berlin, Germany; June 24-25 in Vancouver, BC, Canada; and September 27-28 in Portland, OR, USA. Tickets are on sale now!

Can Chalice Farms Become the Starbucks of Cannabis?

Written by Amber Iris Langston on March 28, 2018. Posted in Business.

There are a lot of borrowed names in the cannabis industry when one fancies themselves to be important. (For example, I have heard more than one person in the industry don the self-appointed moniker “the Martha Stewart of Marijuana”. Let’s be honest – this is ridiculous as clearly Martha Stewart is the Martha Stewart of marijuana!)

Another name taken aspired to in the cannabis industry is the “Starbucks of Weed”, and a new contender for the title might actually be realizing that goal.

Based in Canada, Golden Leaf Holdings Ltd. has been making moves across North America to establish itself as a global leader in the industry. Specifically, the company has opened a chain of cannabis stores throughout Oregon known as Chalice Farms. And now it would seem the company has a made a move forward on the “Starbucks” front by contracting with a venture firm called BlackShire Capital to create a franchise model from the chain.

The GlobeAndMail.com reports:

“‘Like Starbucks is to coffee, we believe Chalice will be to cannabis,’ said William Simpson, Golden Leaf’s chief executive officer.

“BlackShire CEO Kevin Reed said the idea is to launch 35 to 45 stores in the next two years — first in Canada before moving to the U.S. The venture firm and Golden Leaf are in talks to create a management company for the franchises, which would be jointly owned.

“BlackShire intends to invest C$25 million ($19.4 million) for potential Canadian and U.S. operations.”

Coffee and cannabis both do well here in the Pacific Northwest, so it will be very interesting to see if Chalice Farms can effectively follow the Starbucks example (which started off in Seattle). With legalization about to officially kick off in Canada, and the growing momentum to end prohibition in the United States, and around the world, Chalice has the funding and opportunity to become the Starbucks of the cannabis industry.

Stay on top of the latest in international cannabis developments at the International Cannabis Business Conference! Get your tickets today for events happening in Berlin, Germany; Vancouver, BC, Canada; and Portland, Oregon, USA!

Canada Samples African Cannabis

Written by Amber Iris Langston on March 27, 2018. Posted in Business, CBC Vancouver, ICBC Berlin.

The world keeps getting smaller and cannabis keeps bringing people together.

Yes, this is very cliche of me to say. But both of these things are very true!

This week hit another first for the emerging international industry of legal cannabis. The tiny African country of Lesotho just shipped its first load of medical cannabis INTO Canada (Vancouver, BC, to be exact). Although Canada is producing a large volume of cannabis in its own right, if the companies invested there want to be world leaders in the cannabis industry (they do), then they need to start thinking of the global cannabis import/export market. That means sourcing product from places such as Lesotho, a small African kingdom with a population of around 2 million.

Lesotho is landlocked and completely surrounded by the country of South Africa, and is a bit smaller than the state of Maryland. It is currently the only country in Africa to have legalized any form of cannabis, though other countries have begun down that path, including Ghana, South Africa, Swaziland, Zambia and Zimbabwe.

Marijuana Business Daily reports:

“Seattle-based Rhizo Sciences, the U.S. company that has secured an exclusive off-take agreement with Lesotho-based producer Medi Kingdom, said the MMJ will likely be used for research and development in Canada after it receives a Certificate of Analysis from Anandia Laboratories.

“…Dallas McMillan, Rhizo’s president and co-founder, said his company is in talks to supply vertically integrated cannabis companies in Canada with medical cannabis.

“…McMillan said one of the reasons Lesotho is getting so much international attention is because ‘we have strains they don’t have, which may have special interest.'”

Okay, you got me. I am now curious to know more about the unique cannabis strains from Lesotho! Vancouver isn’t far for me to visit (and I will definitely be there in June for the International Cannabis Business Conference!) but it may be a little while yet before Lesotho’s product makes its way into the hands of consumers; the first shipment was a mere 850 grams.

Hopefully, the testing goes quickly. But I guess if cannabis consumers have waited this long to sample the international buffet of cannabis strains that have developed over the decades, they can wait just a little bit longer. Change is coming!

Come be part of the change at the International Cannabis Business Conference! Events are happening in Berlin, Germany on April 11-13; Vancouver, BC, Canada on June 24-25; and Portland, OR, USA on September 27-28. Get tickets now for all three events!

Canada’s Cannabis Legalization Saved; Medical Protected in the U.S. for Now

Written by Amber Iris Langston on March 23, 2018. Posted in Business, CBC Portland, CBC Vancouver, ICBC Berlin, Medical, Politics.

Yesterday we wrote to you about the long and ugly process of creating policy, and the indispensable role advocacy and activism play in making sure the law works for the people. (In the case of cannabis, prohibition sucks and it has taken many years to get this far!) Today, I am happy to report good news on two important political fronts in Canada and the United States.

First, yesterday brought some extreme last-minute concern that Canada’s upper house of parliament might not have the votes to move their cannabis bill, Bill C-45, forward, which would have effectively killed the law that is meant to implement adult-use legalization in the country by this summer.

The scare sent cannabis stocks tumbling in a downward slide, and Prime Minister Justin Trudeau’s Liberal Party scrambled to get absent senators back to Ottawa to ensure the vote didn’t fail.

From CBC:

“Non-affiliated Alberta Sen. Grant Mitchell, the government’s liaison — who works as a whip without some of the same coercive powers normally afforded to a partisan caucus — and Independent Quebec Sen. Marc Gold, the liaison for the Independent Senators Group, were busy working the phones encouraging senators to show up in Ottawa Thursday.

“‘They are making a special effort to fly back here if they need to, so they can be here and vote according to how they believe the vote should go,’ Sen. Yuen Pau Woo, the leader of the Independent Senators Group, told reporters earlier Thursday.

“‘As soon as we heard that there was a possibility of a blocked vote on the part of the Conservatives and that there was the possibility that they, the Conservatives, might run the risk of defeating a bill at second reading — which would be extraordinary — we wanted to communicate that with our members so they could make their own decision about coming back and be part of this historic decision.'”

Second, in the United States activists breathed a sigh of relief on Wednesday when an extremely important measure related to cannabis was passed through some back-end legislative channels.

Since 2014, licensed cannabis providers in states which have passed legal medical cannabis laws have enjoyed a nominal protection from Congress. The protection comes in the form of a rider on the federal spending bill, a bill which absolutely must be passed or renewed with regularity for the government to continue to do its basic functions. The rider prevents the Department of Justice from spending money to enforce federal cannabis laws against state-compliant medical cannabis businesses. Though favorability toward cannabis appears to be gaining steam among US House Representatives and Senators, US Attorney General Jeff Sessions has recently pushed for Congress to end said policy.

Fortunately, Sessions did not win this one, although Donald Trump threatened he might veto the omnibus spending bill that included protections for regulated medical providers and patients, before he signed it. Unfortunately, the battle continues, as the spending bill will only last through September 30th, at which point another federal spending bill must be passed and another rider must overcome the hurdles of prohibitionists in power including Jeff Sessions and others.

If you want to be successful in cannabis, the best thing to do is get involved NOW with the communities making change. Stay informed on the latest in politics, tech, science and more at the International Cannabis Business Conference, happening next in Berlin, Germany, on April 11-13 followed by Vancouver, BC, Canada, on June 24-25 and Portland, Oregon, USA, on September 27-28. Get your tickets today!

Critical Vote Today in Canada’s Parliament Impacts Cannabis Legalization

Written by Amber Iris Langston on March 22, 2018. Posted in Business, CBC Portland, CBC Vancouver, Cultural, ICBC Berlin, Politics.

One thing I hear a lot from newcomers to the cannabis world, is “legalization is inevitable.” It’s a phrase that makes anyone who has spent much time fighting the battle to change cannabis laws cringe and gnash their teeth. Policy is slow and messy and time-consuming. It quickly becomes very dramatic and can swing like a pendulum.

Today, the non-inevitability of legalization appears to be playing out in Ottawa where final negotiations are still being worked out to formalize Canada’s end of cannabis prohibition.

Bill C-45, which would put adult-use cannabis legalization into full action, may be killed in the Senate today. The bill is due for a second hearing in the Senate, according to a previously agreed upon timetable, and would theoretically continue through the normal channels of passing legislation, ending up with full passage by “summer”, as defined by Prime Minister Justin Trudeau. The Tories, which hold 33 Senate seats and represent Canada’s conservatives, would like to stop legalization before it starts, and if they can gather enough votes to defeat C-45, the whole process will have to begin from scratch.

From CBC:

“Most Independent and Liberal senators generally support the bill, and together they hold 54 of the chamber’s 93 occupied seats. But that doesn’t guarantee that all of those members will vote together as a block or be present when the vote is recorded.

“New senators have been appointed as Independents — leaving the Liberal government with no mechanism to whip votes or force them to attend sittings in the chamber.

“Moreover, two Senate committees are on the road: members of the agriculture committee are meeting with stakeholders in Calgary, while the Aboriginal peoples committee is in Winnipeg. That means as many as 20 senators — most of them Independent — will be out of the mix today when a vote is held. Others, like Independent Quebec Sen. Jacques Demers, are not expected to be in attendance because of illness.”

Experts call the move unusual for such an early stage in a bill’s process, but formal procedures laid out in the chamber’s guidebook stipulate that bills which are defeated at this stage may not be reintroduced in the same parliamentary session. That means either an entirely new cannabis bill would have to be written in short order, or Canadian cannabis consumers will have to wait another year to purchase their products legally.

Policy-making IS messy, for sure. But it’s important and necessary to wade into the swamp of advocacy if we want our freedoms. I refer you to cannabis heavyweight Kris Krane of 4Front who published an article in Forbes this week and will be speaking at the next International Cannabis Business Conference in Berlin, Germany next month:

“It is true that many of the new business people in the cannabis industry never outwardly supported reform in the past. But the fact is that this new industry has allowed us to attract more people to support reform than ever before. Once people enter the cannabis industry, they must support broad reform goals, whether out of altruism or to protect their bottom lines. Ending cannabis prohibition means opening new markets and reducing business roadblocks, aligning the interests of activists and entrepreneurs.”

I’ll be crossing my fingers for the activists and entrepreneurs in Canada, and hope they are able to maintain enough pressure to keep this important policy change moving forward.

We’ll keep you posted how the vote turns out in Ottawa today. In the meantime, get involved at every level of cannabis change. Support organizations working to change federal policies such as the National Cannabis Industry Association, Students for Sensible Drug Policy, the Marijuana Policy Project, the Drug Policy Alliance, Americans for Safe Access, and NORML, and take part in the International Cannabis Business Conference (ICBC), with events happening in Berlin, Germany on April 1–13; Vancouver, BC, Canada in June; and Portland, Oregon, USA in September. Tickets are on sale now!

Featured photo credit: abdallahh/Flickr (CC BY 2.0) | Remix by Jason Reed

Cannabis Packaging Rules Proposed by Health Canada

Written by Amber Iris Langston on March 20, 2018. Posted in Business, CBC Vancouver, ICBC Berlin.

The Canadian government has released a new set of temporary regulations following public input, which is meant to guide LPs (licensed producers) with their preparations for legal sales of cannabis, currently set for a July rollout. The rules also set limits for “micro-cultivators”.

Like most governing bodies making moves to liberalize cannabis laws, Canada is working hard to ensure that cannabis is as unsexy as possible, probably in the vain hope this will somehow slow cannabis consumption, prevent teen pregnancy, and finally end the opiate epidemic.

In this case, new packaging rules have come out for Canadian cannabis businesses, and apparently cannabis is intended to look as boring as the regulations which government its appearance. Packaging for cannabis must be plain and issued with health warnings.

(Sorry, Health Canada, unattractive packaging isn’t going to stop cannabis use either.)

From CBC:

The regulations state cannabis packaging can’t display florescent or metallic “colours and the colours that are used must contrast with those of the official cannabis symbol — meant to warn the consumer about the presence of marijuana’s active ingredients — and the yellow background of the Health Canada warnings.

“The proposed restrictions also stipulate that only one additional branding element – aside from the brand name itself – can be displayed on the tamper-proof and child-proof packaging. If that additional element is a slogan, the lettering can’t be bigger than the font of the health warning, while any logo must be the same size as, or smaller than, the standardized cannabis symbol.
“The federal government is also banning inserts inside the cannabis packages themselves — a rule meant to prevent producers and processors from getting around the limits on branding and marketing.”

Health Canada is also requiring labels that include warnings for youth and pregnant women, caution against operating machinery or driving a car, and notices about mental health and addiction.

The new rules also give clearer definitions of “micro-cultivator” and “micro-processor”, restricting plant canopies to 200 square meters for micro-cultivators, and placing an annual limit of 600 kilograms of dried plant to be produced by a “micro-processor”.

Stay up on the latest in cannabis happenings across the globe with the International Cannabis Business Conference. Next stops Berlin, Germany on April 11-13 and Vancouver, BC, Canada on June 24-25 and Portland, Oregon, USA on September 27-28. Tickets are on sale now!

Could Germany Become the World’s Largest Cannabis Market?

Written by Amber Iris Langston on March 20, 2018. Posted in Business, ICBC Berlin, Medical, Politics.

You may not know this, but Germany is kind of a big deal.

In fact, with an impressive 82 million person population, Germany is the largest member state of the 28 countries comprising European Union, accounting for a full 16% of the total population and an astounding 28% of the euro area economy. At the global scale, Germany represents the fourth largest nominal GDP and fifth largest GDP (PPP). Just yesterday, Reuters reported a new economic growth forecast of 2.4% for Germany in 2018.

Though the difference in geographic size is quite stark, by comparison the United States only has a population roughly four times that of Germany at 325 million, and Canada has a less than half of Germany’s inhabitants at 36 million. Even the great state of California, which leads the US in numbers of people and economic activity, tops out at just under 40 million, just shy of 50% of the German populace.

Now with Germany fully embracing cannabis as a legitimate, doctor-prescribed, insurance-paid, and pharmacy-provided product, things are about to get serious. Unwitting German politicians naively believed the medical cannabis patient program would only double from the paltry 700 or so patients in 2016 for a total of about 1,400 participants. The reality is, one year from the program’s rollout the number of current patient enrollment sits at 13k + and climbing.

Of course, it is hard to know EXACTLY to what level future patient counts will reach, but we can compare what we know about cannabis patient populations in parts of the United States where the plant has been legalized for medical use. Specifically, if we look at states which are not highly restricted by illness or disease (i.e. states which allow doctors to recommend cannabis therapy for a wide variety of ailments such as chronic pain and PTSD), we can get a reasonable correlation. In such states which also did not have adult-use legalization in 2016, we can see numbers around the 2-3% mark. Michigan, for example, had a 2.2% patient population whereas Maine and California bumped the upper end of percentages at 3.15% each.

(I know. Math, right?) Simply stated, if Germany’s people use medical cannabis at a roughly equivalent rate (say 2.5%), then Germany is looking at a new cannabis consumer base of just over 2 million in the next couple of years.

Theoretically with California coming online for adult-use legalization this past January, and Canada set to begin similar sales in July or August, Germany may not represent the largest cannabis market in the world. But until the US changes its federal policy to allow for exportation across state and international lines, California’s hands are tied, leaving Canada to be Germany’s only real rival thus far to become the world’s largest cannabis industry leader.

Don’t miss your opportunity to get into the global cannabis industry game! Reserve your spot now for Europe’s biggest B2B cannabis event, the International Cannabis Business Conference, happening April 11-13 in Berlin, Germany! Tickets are going fast and the future will not wait!

Prohibition Problems at the US-Canada Border for Non-Cannabis Industries

Written by Amber Iris Langston on March 13, 2018. Posted in Business, CBC Portland, CBC Vancouver, ICBC Berlin, Politics.

While the US lags behind Canada and other countries moving toward more friendly federal cannabis policies, some are predicting a negative impact on other international trade between the two countries. Not only is the US ceding billions of dollars in annual revenue for the global cannabis market, there is a good chance that other industries are going to have to share the burden of increased costs for enforcement at the US/Canada border.

Academic Matthew Smith recently led a study on the impact of inspections and detainments at the US/Canada border following September 11th, 2001. Matthew and his team found that businesses and individuals have often carried the costs of increased paperwork and time-delays associated with thickening borders, despite efforts to remain efficient for businesses regularly trading across the borders. They postulate that a similar situation may occur after July 2018, when Canada’s new adult-use legalization law goes into effect.

From the Policy Options news site:

“Regardless of the legality of cannabis in Canada as of July, transporting it across the Canada-US border will still be illegal. It is likely that the Canada-US border will thicken after marijuana is legalized in Canada. When crossing the border becomes more onerous as a result of changes to customs inspection protocols or increased security measures, firms face higher costs. These costs range from increased paperwork, spoilage of perishable goods, and the inability to deliver components to just-in-time delivery networks. As these delivery networks are highly integrated and rely on short time frames for deliveries to be shipped and received, the negative impact of border delays can be considerable. The overall impact on businesses that operate across the border can be severe.

“The change in legal status of the drug in Canada may lead US border services to adopt new border inspection processes on Canadian shipments entering the US. Depending on the state of NAFTA talks later this year, President Donald Trump may also seek ways to pressure Canada into concessions at the negotiating table: slowing Canadian exports at the border on national security grounds arising from marijuana’s legalization is one possible tactic. The negative consequences of such border thickening could be considerable for both countries, but especially for Canada due to Canada’s high reliance on trade with the US.

“…Border thickening has other negative effects for business travellers and individuals visiting the US. Security measures at the border following 9/11 created a ‘psychological border’ for Canadians, whereby the fear of facing stressful questioning when attempting to cross the border made travel to the US less appealing. The post-9/11 period saw a significant decrease in cross-border shopping partly because of such intimidating customs procedures.”

Let’s hope the United States can get it’s act together soon, as the world grows up around us to recognize the benefits of cannabis legalization. It would seem that even on a meta-scale, cannabis can bring people together whereas prohibition tears them apart.

Keep up with all the latest changes in international cannabis business and policy at the International Cannabis Business Conference! Join the experts in Berlin, Germany on April 11-13; Vancouver, British Columbia on June 24-25; and Portland, Oregon on September 27-28. Tickets are on sale now!

Which Country Produces the Most Legal Cannabis? Surprise! It’s the United Kingdom!

Written by Amber Iris Langston on March 6, 2018. Posted in Business, ICBC Berlin, Medical.

Admittedly, I never saw this coming. I pride myself in staying on top of cannabis happenings around the world, but had to do a double take when I read the headline.

According to a report by the UN’s International Narcotics Control Board, the UK produced almost half of the world’s legal cannabis in 2016 at a whopping 95 tons of production, followed by Canada’s 80.7 tons of production, with Portugal and Israel trailing at 21 tons and 9.2 tons respectively. Chile and the Netherlands each produced 1.4 tons of legal cannabis that same year.

Wait? What? How can this be the case in a country which doesn’t have a legal adult-use market nor even recognize the medical efficacy of cannabis?

According to the Russia Times, there is a logical reason.

“The UK government has refused to allow medical cannabis in the UK on the basis that it has “no therapeutic value.” There is, however, one licensed cannabis-based medicine in the UK called Sativex – a cannabis extract in spray form – produced by GW Pharmaceuticals, which accounts for a significant proportion of UK legal cannabis production. It is available on prescription for patients such as those suffering the effects of multiple sclerosis, but only via the National Health Service (NHS) in Wales.

“Steve Rolles, lobby group Transform’s senior policy analyst, says it is ‘scandalous and untenable’ for the ‘government to maintain that cannabis has no medical uses, at the same time as licensing the world’s biggest government approved medical cannabis production and export market.’ He added that UK patients are either denied access and suffering unnecessarily or are forced to buy cannabis from the criminal market.

“Estimates suggest as many as 1 million people who use cannabis for medical purposes are put at risk from buying cannabis on the criminal market. Rolles says it is ‘profoundly unethical’ and ‘a violation of the fundamental right to health’ to deny people access to medicine.”

Touché, Big Pharma. You did well in 2016. But with other countries, such as Germany, moving forward to implement their own markets, I predict strong competition on the world marketplace. I also predict the UK will follow the global trend to allow cannabis as a medicine which incorporates all the many forms that medicine may take – from flower to edibles to lotions, with variable cannabinoid profiles – not just a single sublingual spray produced by one giant corporation.

We will keep our fingers crossed that politicians in the UK wake up soon to the reality of the failed policy of prohibition. There are cannabis patients who need more than just GW Pharmaceuticals in their regimen.

Find out the most current happenings in European cannabis markets at the next International Cannabis Business Conference, taking place April 11-13, 2018 in Berlin, Germany! Tickets are on sale now! Of course, Canada is looking to make an even bigger splash on the international market soon, so the ICBC in Vancouver is also a great place to get the latest info on where the industry stands in the Great White North on June 24th-25th.

Canadian Cannabis on the Island of Malta?

Written by Amber Iris Langston on March 2, 2018. Posted in Business, CBC Vancouver, ICBC Berlin.

Canadian cannabis seems to be a hot commodity these days, as more countries come online to initiate programs for medical patients. It makes sense that countries are looking for reliable sources as new national cannabis policies are spreading across the globe. Canadians even appear to be making inroads where cannabis isn’t legal yet.

Earlier this week, a very major laboratory outfit on the Island of Malta called ASG Pharma, was purchased by one of Canada’s major players in the industry, Nuuvera Inc.

From The Independent:

“‘ASG Pharma, one of the few GMP labs in Malta, is expected to be one of Nuuvera’s hubs for the production and distribution of oil-based medical cannabis products to the emerging European medical cannabis market,’ a company statement read.

“Nuuvera’s CEO, Lorne Abony, said ‘It is clear that Malta specifically and the European Union generally intend to make consumer protection a priority, and this approach aligns perfectly with our vision to create a centre of excellence in Malta for the production and distribution of pharmaceutical grade cannabis products. To that end, ASG Pharma will adhere to the highest international standards for processing and extraction, distribution and security protocols.’

“…Antonio Costanzo, Nuuvera’s Head of International Development, said “The ASG Pharma acquisition is one in a series of deals which will continue to increase Nuuvera’s global footprint in the medical cannabis industry. We will continue to build on our strong Canadian base with strategic international operations and partners in order to provide the consumer with the highest quality medical cannabis at a competitive price.”

It is clear that the momentum behind the global cannabis movement is unstoppable at this point. The countries, businesses, entrepreneurs, and investors that are ahead of the curve are poised to be industry leaders. Canada and Canadian businesses seem to understand the coming worldwide marijuana market better than most. The rest of the world (C’mon US!) is playing catch up.

International cannabis markets are expanding! Come learn the latest and how you can be a part of new industry at the International Cannabis Business Conference! Events are happening in Berlin, Germany on April 11-13; Vancouver, BC, Canada on June 24-25; and Portland, Oregon on September 27-28. Get your tickets today!