Cannabis Economy

  If you got into the cannabis industry after 1970 you haven’t been in for as long as Keith Stroup the co-founder of National Organization for the Reform of Marijuana Laws- NORML.  46 years hence, Keith sits down to discuss the roots of marijuana as a symbol of the anti Vietnam war movement. But first, David Brown joins us to discuss the upcoming Lift Expo in Vancouver. Recorded before this years conventions we touch on the 68 and 72 conventions with some pretty impressive name dropping along the way. Keith Stroup preceded by David Brown. And if you're still reading, listen in to find out why Keith has to clarify that former US Secretary of State and VP Nominee “Ed Muskie never did a hallucinogen."

Recorded at the High Times NorCal Cannabis Cup, Danny Danko, High Times cultivation editor, is your virtual tour guide reviewing cannabis from the major cannabis economies. Along the way, we find out Danny spent his formative years in Russia before moving to the US at the hight of the cold war in the 80s. But first we talk specifically about Huboldt County cannabis with Steve Dillon who manages a network of farmers from the area. He delves into just how different dealing with regulations are for the County’s growers and how everyone’s getting used to the new reality.  

Plant expert & Hash Church Host Marcus Richardson talks about his history which is inextricably linked with the history of legal cannabis in Canada.  He discusses early run-in’s with Jack Herer, Ron Hickey, Marc Emery He also talks about Hilary Black who you can find on Episode 150. Bubbleman takes us through Canadian licenses and licensing and the June Toronto raids from his perspective. But first Landon Long of Infusion Factory joins us to discuss literally coming out of the shadows and into the light in northern California cannabis. If you’re into direct communication, or would like to support the show, feel free to send me an email at engage@canneconomy.com.  

No taxation without representation is a refrain familiar to anyone who’s been in a history class in the united states of america. Henry Wykowski joins us to discuss his representation of various cannabis businesses on taxation, in this case- 280e. He takes us through his evolving interpretation of it’s language and discusses the meaning of a few significant cases, how they affect each other as well as the current reality of finance in running a cannabis business. But first, Jeannette Ward joins us to give us an update on the Minority Cannabis Business Association and what to expect from the group in August. Henry Wykowski preceded by Jeannette Ward

It’s been a while since we did a tour- so we’re giving you a double helping.   This is a companion episode to Sparc CEO Robert Jacob in Episode 76 and LivWell CEO John Lord in Episode 151. As you well may know, Sparc is a storied dispensary in San Francisco and LivWell has a gargantuan operation in Colorado.  These are two great retailers each with distinct approaches to safe patient access in two of the top Cannabis Economies. So buckle in and enjoy the thousand mile journey in under an hour.

Tjalling Erkelens. The CEO of Bedrocan joins us and does an excellent job of giving us a history of the Netherland’s cannabis economy.  He shares how Bedrocan found, in his words,  what the cannabis plant was capable of by working with Holland’s federal government. He gets into expansion into Canada and subsequently other global markets.  But Jorge Cervantes first joins us to give us a 20 year background on the Cannabis Culture of Barcelona. Both guests on this episode are on the CannAwards advisory board. A digital interview with Tjalling Erkelens of Bedroan preceded by Jorge Cervantes.

We have the distinct pleasure of being joined by Sue Taylor a California state certified cannabis educator who recently secured a license for a dispensary in Berekely- ICANN Health Center.  We discuss gaining the license but also dive in on potential of cutting that fistful of pills seniors take to just a few. We also touch on race relations and the power of education. But David Dinenberg first joins us to talk about Microsoft.  Yes, he takes us through just how the Kind Financial Microsoft partnership occurred.   Both interviews were done digitally so bear with us. The MCBA July Spotlight Episode.

Ray Gracewood of Organigram, one of the licensed producers in the Marijuana for Medical Purposes Regulations program in Canada. Then Peggy Moore of Love’s Oven out of CO. Ray takes us through what’s happening his company as well as the overall state of affairs in the MMPR. Peggy Moore then joins us to give us an update of sorts from CO as well as the background on her company. As you’ll hear, these interviews took place in May.  As this goes up, the main thing that’s changed is that the potency issue in CO has been postponed. Ray Gracewood then Peggy Moore, enjoy.

Eduardo Blasina of Symbiosis joins us to share what’s happening in Uruguay. In helping us understand the present, Eduardo shares the dynamic history of cannabis in his country and just how Uruguay became the first country on earth to legalize adult use at the federal level. But Matt Huron of Good Chemistry first joins us and discusses the roots of cannabis as medicine in the HIV/AIDS epidemic through caregiving for his father. So Matt Huron’s up first and then Eduardo Blasina from Uruguay by Skype.

If you want policy, we’ve got policy- John Hudak from the 100 year old Brookings Institution joins us. John shares his thoughts on everything from the past and present overall global economy, rescheduling and Brexit- A note- this was recorded at the NCIA Summit, just prior to the Brexit vote and the June job numbers which were very good. And for good measure, we throw in a yang to John’s yin with an introview with one of last years CannAwards winners, Remo.  First up is Remo and then John Hudak puts you wise, he a policy guy. 

David Hua first joins us to discuss his journey with Meadow. Jaime Lewis then returns to discuss her new role with NCIA and what she’s doing with CRCR. Two executives doing very different things of equal importance in this next great american industry. David Hua then Jaime Lewis. Enjoy

Jazmin Hupp joins us to discuss WomenGrow at a pivotal moment in the organization’s history. Jazmin shares her background in the theatre and how that experience served her well in building WomenGrow. The conversation with Jazmin took place at the CannabisWorldExpo in NY. But to get things started, we check in with Viv McPeak who for the 25th consecutive year is putting together Hempfest in Seattle.  

A veritable smorgasbord of Cannabis All-Stars descend upon the microphone at the 2nd Annual MPP Arm Wrestling Fundraiser.  While you’re listening to the fun, go to MPP.org and donate to the state of your choice, but Nevada, Arizona and Massachussetts are of particular interest. Not for the feint of heart- it gets loud as there truly is a competition going on in the background- so please do grin and bare it.  And there’s plenty to enjoy: Amanda Reiman, DPA, Lindsay Robinson, MPP; Troy Dayton, ArcView Group; Jaime Lewis, Mountain Medicine; Rob Kampia, MPP; Dani Geen, Harborside Health Center; Nate Bradley, CCIA; Andrew DeAngelo, Harborside Health Center; John Downs, Infusion Factory; Sabrina Fendrick, Berkeley Patients Group; Patrick Rea, Canopy Boulder; Aaron Smith, NCIA; Kris Krane, 4Front Ventures; Chelsey McKrill, OpenVape; Jaime Lewis, Mountain Medicine; Emily Paxhia, Poseidon Asset Management; Jade Netanya Ullmann, MAPS; Diane & Jay Cazarkowski, Canna Advisors; Nate Bradley, CCIA; Pro Wrestler Rob Van

We first go back to Hempfest 2015 where we talked with Tommy about his outlook on the cannabis landscape and how he’s happy to see the beginnings of greater society focusing on the benefits of cannabis and hemp.  Tommy goes on to talk about his experience with the George W. Bush administration and even brings us back to a scene from the iconic “Up in Smoke."  Tommy then joins us by phone to discuss the history leading up to the movie as well as what he knew he needed to do to leave a mark.  Tommy also touches on why we owe a thank you and/or apology to Mexico and Mexicans and his exceptionally non-white experience with Cheech.  And speaking of Cheech, Tommy shares specifically what makes the duo work so well through the “Dave’s Not Here” bit.  Enjoy the ride with Tommy Chong. Special Thanks to this episodes supporters:   Auntie Dolores: www.AuntieDolores.com, Treatibles: www.Treatibles.com Gateway: www.GatewayIncubator.com, Boveda: www.Boveda.com   

An MD and MBA who knows a ton about the endocannabinoid system, Dr. Rachel Knox expounds on the miraculous nature of the ECS and it’s effect on man…and womankind. Doc Knox shares her deep knowledge on integrated medicine in a digestible way.  And you’ll come to find that the path that she’s on, is the one that she’s always sought. 

Adam Orens from the Marijuana Policy Group discusses Economic Impact of Marijuana in Colorado.  Adam and I discuss revenue, tax revenue, jobs and truly the overall impact of the cannabis industry on the economy of Colorado.

Ben Reagan returns to share exactly what’s happening as we speak in Washington State. New regulations have him refitting his current medical marijuana facility into updated 502 standards from the state.  Ben takes us through how he’s balancing what the state wants with what his patients needs.  He’s essentially engineering his supply chain to ensure that the 502 approved farmers with which he’s working provide him with dose appropriate, specific, personalized and cost effective product for each of his patients to ensure that they don’t have to turn to the illicit market. Feel free to send feedback to engage@canneconomy.com.

Tim McGraw returns.  Tim’s back to discuss SB 10 which on a dime completely changes the Illinois cannabis landscape.  We discuss the extension of the sunset provision, patient counts, the relationship between the legislature and the governor, how the governor now sees the program and the addition of PTSD to the list of qualifying conditions.  Out of the shadows and into the light for Illinois cannabis.  Feel free to send feedback to engage@canneconomy.com.

Betty Aldworth of course of SSDP gives us an update from UNGASS- the UN General Assembly Special Session on the World Drug Problem- as they call it. Betty also shares feedback from the SSDP event as well as what folks should be doing in gearing up for the ballot measures this fall. As a bonus, we've got a piece from Episode 36, Betty's first appearance where she takes us through what it was like on the ground with Amendment 64.  And if you're in Oakland Sunday, June 19th come on down for the Sensible Celebration: ssdp.org/events/sensible-celebration.  Either way, we'd love your feedback, please feel free to send an email to engage@canneconomy.com.   

Dina Rollman takes us through the current the medical program in Illinois.  We discuss the sunset provision, patient counts, the relationship between the legislature and the governor, how the governor sees the program, the list of qualifying conditions, the controversial thumb printing rule, and everything in between.  Last week Illinois lawmakers passed SB 10 which adds PTSD to the list of qualifying conditions and extends the program through July 2020. This interview was recorded prior to SB 10 passing. Special thanks to Mark Passerini for putting us in touch with Dina.  Enjoy the conversation.  Feel free to send an email to engage@canneconomy.com.