California is home to the oldest and most established cannabis community in the United States. It’s also home to the largest population out of any state in the country. So it’s not a coincidence that California is also home to the largest cannabis industry in the nation. The state of California was the first to

There is a decided trend in Europe this year, driven in large part by frustration if not a political necessity. Recreational cannabis trials are starting to place pins in the map. They may not be large, and in some ways easy to sneeze at. However, the recreational bug has landed in the EU. The dominoes

If 2014 was the year that the recreational cannabis market finally got going in the U.S. and later in Canada, 2019 may well be remembered as the same kind of year on the other side of the Atlantic. Despite the well-connected winks and assertions by many of the top cannabis companies in the world that

The last week has been filled with media coverage regarding recent illnesses associated with vaping. As we previously blogged about, in recent weeks hundreds of illnesses and half a dozen deaths have been reported across the country, with e-cigarette device usage being pointed to as the likely cause. Some of the cases involve consumers that

The popularity of CBD has increased exponentially in the last few years. For many decades consumers focused on THC, however, that has evolved a great deal in the second half of this decade. CBD has been billed as possessing a number of wellness qualities, with some claims being well-founded and others not. Unfortunately, there is

In order for the emerging cannabis industry to reach its full potential comprehensive federal banking reform will be required. The legal cannabis industry in the United States is conducting billions of dollars worth of transactions annually, with a vast majority of them being cash-based. Consumers would likely prefer to pay for their cannabis via electronic

Alcohol sales in the United States topped $250 billion dollars in 2018. By comparison, the legal United States cannabis industry sold roughly $10 billion dollars worth of cannabis in 2018. Without some context, that might seem like the cannabis industry is small potatoes, however, the numbers are misleading. The alcohol industry is legal in every

The United States has been in the middle of a cannabis vape pen hysteria of sorts for the last week or two. Mainstream media and cannabis opponents seem to be obsessed with the story, insinuating that full blame for the unfortunate deaths that have occurred should be placed completely on cannabis vape pen cartridges. Every

Not only did Luxembourg just make some cannabis news lately by setting a two-year timeframe to legalize cannabis for adult-use, but another kind of reform also seems to be on the horizon. The small country of just under half a million people also seems to be looking at cryptocurrency models right now. In fact, as

Lack of access to the nation’s financial system has been an ongoing issue for the cannabis industry for many years. The issue is not as big as it once was, and friendly credit unions have been helping fill the void, however, cannabis banking reform is still greatly needed. The emerging cannabis industry will never reach

As the CannTrust scandal continues to reverberate around Europe, a question is clearly in the room this fall – is this problem just isolated in one country in Europe (Denmark) or is it more widespread? Specifically, in a mostly import driven business, has Germany, the largest medical cannabis market in the world right now, dodged

Hemp is making a comeback in the United States in a major way. Favorable reform provisions in the 2014 Farm Bill paved the way for farmers in a number of states to take advantage of research and pilot programs. Since that time the U.S. hemp cultivation industry has grown exponentially, as demonstrated by statistics. In

The South American nation of Colombia has been a major exporter of cannabis for many decades, albeit in an illegal fashion. The country is more commonly associated with the illicit cocaine industry, however, Colombia has also long been home to a vibrant cannabis cultivation community. Colombia is now poised to be a major legal exporter

About a month before international cannabis company Tilray announced that it was shipping from Portugal to Germany, Sativex (manufactured by the British-based GW Pharma) was approved for use by the Portuguese government. This means that the actual cost of the drug, deemed too expensive by the NHS in the UK, will be partially underwritten by

In June, Canadian cannabis industry regulators published their final rules regarding THC limits for cannabis edibles, extracts, and topicals. The rules, which are set to take effect in October, leave a lot to be desired. That is especially true for cannabis edibles, which have a limit of 10 mg of THC per package. To put

In one of the more intriguing cross-European canna developments this summer, Tilray announced its first cross-European shipment. The shipment was estimated to be worth more than $3 million and shipped from Portugal to Germany in late August. The German distributor that Tilray is working with is also of note – Cannamedical, the second indie distributor

The International Cannabis Business Conference is bringing its unparalleled combination of cannabis industry, policy, advocacy, and networking back to beautiful Vancouver, British Columbia later this month. A VIP reception on September 15th, hosted by NextLeaf, will kick off the networking at ICBC Vancouver, as speakers, sponsors, and attendees gather at the Westin Bayshore Hotel. This

The International Cannabis Business Conference would like to encourage international cannabis entrepreneurs and cannabis enthusiasts to check out the upcoming International Medical Cannabis Conference (CannX). Below is more information about the event: The international medical cannabis conference focusing on business, technology and agriculture will take place for the fourth year in a row on September

The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) recently published a report containing the agency’s assessment of Canada’s hemp industry. The report illustrates ongoing regulatory hurdles that hemp farmers are facing in Canada, some of which are similar hurdles that hemp farmers are experiencing in the U.S and others being unique. Federal legislation in Canada resulted

The cannabis industry is one of the most heavily regulated industries on the planet. It’s one of many reasons why being a cannabis entrepreneur requires conducting constant research. It only takes one misstep for a cannabis company to be out of compliance and if that happens the company risks receiving negative media coverage, losing customers,

As the discussion about cannabis access in Europe continues to progress, albeit slowly, based on the legislative mandates of lawmakers and regulatory policies driven by medical efficacy, there is an additional conversation afoot. Namely, is the right to access affordable medical cannabis actually something more fundamental? In two countries, Canada and Mexico, this is the

The Netherlands has long been an international leader when it comes to cannabis culture. For decades people have come from all over the globe to check out Dutch cafes where world-class cannabis is sold. The cannabis policies in The Netherlands, and specifically Amsterdam, are often difficult for travelers to wrap their heads around. Under Dutch

For all of its enthusiastic entry into the legal cannabis space of late, Thailand has also caught the attention of international regulators (specifically the International Narcotics Control Board INCB). In fact, the agency recently issued a warning to the government to go slow when it comes to bucking a century of prohibition. Thailand has already

Illinois is the most recent state to legalize cannabis for adult-use and the first in the nation to have legalized a regulated cannabis industry via legislative action. Every state that currently has an operating legal adult-use cannabis industry legalized via the citizen initiative process, not through the legislature. State lawmakers in Vermont had legalized cannabis

Officials with the Trump administration spoke out against cannabis this week. First, the United States Surgeon General issued an advisory warning about the harms of cannabis consumption. “The legalization movement may be impacting youth perception of harm from marijuana,” the advisory stated. The advisory was largely directed at pregnant women and adolescents and its publication will

Back in March the United States Food and Drug Administration initially requested input from the public regarding international cannabis policy. The public input was meant to help the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services be prepared when working with the United Nations (U.N.). At the time it was speculated that the U.N.’s Commission on

By: David Wenger In the United States, we are seeing unprecedented momentum toward legalization of cannabis. 2019 has been a historic year for reform at the federal and state levels. As the US moves closer to legalizing cannabis, the rest of the world watches. And as the US reconciles federal cannabis legalization with international drug

California is a pioneer when it comes to cannabis policy. It was the first state in the country to legalize cannabis for medical use when California voters approved Proposition 215 in 1996. The legalization of medical cannabis in California led to the birth of a legal industry not only in California, but it also served

The emerging legal cannabis industry is facing a huge sustainability dilemma involving cannabis packaging. Packaging requirements in legal cannabis markets such as Canada are significant, and according to many sustainability advocates, the requirements are too extreme. Anyone who has purchased legal cannabis knows that the amount of packaging required adds up very quickly. Plastic bags,

One very large benefit to reforming cannabis laws and implementing a regulated cannabis industry is the creation of jobs. Unlike many other industries, the cannabis industry can operate in virtually any area, including in rural areas. Industries come and go as the decades go by. Market shifts, changes in consumer preferences occur, and/or a number

Jamaica has a long and rich history with the cannabis plant. Cannabis has been a part of Jamaica’s culture for many decades and has been a driving force for the Caribbean island nation’s unregulated industry. In recent years Jamaica has implemented cannabis industry regulations, with the Cannabis Licensing Authority having granted 54 licenses so far.

Author: Marguerite Arnold Canadian canna-businesses have had a giant head start, but they do not have a monopoly on international cannabis supply or the supply chain. And competition is on the horizon as a slew of newly budded cannabis companies are targeting Europe. These newbies, mainly from Thailand and South Africa (and possibly Israel) are

ICBC is one of the top cannabis events in the world, according to Entrepreneur Magazine   Green Entrepreneur, the cannabis-focused division of Entrepreneur Magazine, has named the International Cannabis Business Conference as one of the “Top One Hundred Cannabis Companies” of 2019.   According to Green Entrepreneur, this list showcases businesses that “offer the industry’s

Written By: Marguerite Arnold Luxembourg Throws Down Gauntlet On European Cannabis Legalization Luxembourg is going to disrupt the European cannabis industry. This summer, Luxembourg ‘s Health Minister confirmed that the country is now moving even faster toward full cannabis legalization and plans to release its first draft of plans for legalization by the end of

Written by: Marguerite Arnold International Cannabis Investment Hotspots That Aren’t Canada Canada always has a lot of buzz as a great place for folks looking to invest in the international cannabis market. However, Investing in Canada can be tricky, and some would say that it’s almost too late to get in on the ground floor.

The German cannabis patient community has grown by leaps and bounds since the program was approved a few years ago and the International Cannabis Business Conference is so pleased to have witnessed the growth firsthand, holding our first annual conference in Berlin just after medical legislation was approved. Despite a lot of bureaucratic red tape

The international cannabis industry is getting more interconnected than ever before and Canadians are still leading the way while other nation’s policies are still trying to catch up. Canada’s progressive national policies, while still needing some fine-tuning, have allowed its cannabis companies to make moves around the globe that others simply cannot make. Canadian companies

Three United Kingdom Members of Parliament, representing the Conservative, Labour, and Liberal Democrat parties all recently traveled to Canada on a fact-finding trip organized by the harm reduction group Volte Face and all came back proclaiming that the UK would legalize cannabis in the coming years. The three MPs had different opinions on how soon

Thailand, last year’s last minute cannabis reformer (along with Israel, on Christmas Day, as a “gift” to the Thai people), has wasted little time going where other national governments so far, have been slow  to go, if at all. As some had hoped, Pipat Ratchakitprakan, the new tourism and sports minister, plans to promote medical

The International Cannabis Business Conference returns to beautiful Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada, this September 15-16, with our trademark blend of business, politics, and culture. If you want the latest information on rules and regulations in Canada and around the world and to network with top investors, entrepreneurs, and advocates, the ICBC is THE industry event

With the news that Health Canada has authorized outdoor cultivation (see Aurora), the entire cultivation conversation has now shifted into interesting new territory. And not just in Canada. Never mind that these first two sites will be used for research (for both indoor and outdoor grown strains). For the first time, since grow operations initiated

It is a truism in the room that the cannabis industry, globally, and in each region of the world it springs forth in, is driven first by the medical side of the business. No matter how much excitement about CBD first strategies, it is the places where fully leaded, THC included, and regulated whole plant

It makes sense that investors, including venture capitalists, are investing more and more in the cannabis industry each and every year. More states and nations are moving towards legalizing medical and adult-use cannabis and it is easy to see that a lot of progress is being made in the United States and around the world.

Positive cannabis law reforms have been taking hold all across the world, while Asia with many of its nations still maintaining draconian cannabis laws, has lagged behind North America, Europe, Africa, and South America. But the times may be a-changin’ and Thailand is leading the way. If Thailand is going to continue its lead and

While business isn’t exactly easy, both cannabis and CBD sales are booming at the macro level and revenue numbers should continue increasing in both the short and long-term as more markets open up and potential consumers get better informed. As has been covered, the combined global cannabis market could generate $15 billion in revenue this

There does not seem to be an end to cannabis demand the new market in Europe is creating – at least if you are looking at where far flung growers are announcing new deals. No matter the fact that Europe is getting into the cannabis production business – from Portugal and Spain to the East,

Canadian cannabis companies have been given a leg up on its global competition, but that advantage is being eroded and could be eliminated rather quickly once the United States ends federal prohibition, industry insiders warn, and it isn’t difficult to imagine. Federal laws allowing banking services, public investment, normal tax rules, and exports has made

With fourteen albums reaching #1 on the Billboard charts, a net worth of a billion dollars, and a marriage to Beyonce, it would seem like hip-hop artist and mogul Jay-Z has it all. Well, except for a successful cannabis business venture that is. Jay-Z is now looking to conquer the marijuana industry as well, teaming

While the regulated Canadian cannabis industry has grown at a slower pace than many expected, the market is heating up as more retailers and other licensees come online. Recent months have seen record-breaking sales and the revenue numbers should continue to climb as regulatory headaches are overcome. One major hurdle for the industry has been

Canada has led the global cannabis industry ever since it first legalized medical cannabis. For awhile, the Netherlands was the only other nation that allowed medical cannabis exports, but Canadian companies maintained the biggest share of the market. After ending prohibition for all adults last year, Canada’s dominant position was only strengthened. Israel announced earlier

The cannabis legalization movement has made tremendous strides over the last two decades, creating a patchwork of legal states and federal policies that have allowed medical and adult-use programs to proceed, creating jobs, generating revenue, and increasing freedom for patients and consumers. However, as everyone in the industry knows, federal laws remain a serious obstacle

The British press has picked up coverage of the cannabis industry lately, noticing that two special interest groups, with funding including from Canadian cannabis companies, could start making serious political noise at the Parliamentary level. This serious lobbying effort is coinciding with the emergence of Crispin Blunt, a conservative MP who also is currently leading

Last year’s federal farm bill was a landmark achievement that legalized cannabidiol (CBD) derived from hemp, setting in motion the first Food and Drug Administration hearing on “products containing cannabis or cannabis-derived compounds.” While the FDA’s hearing wasn’t officially limited to the regulation of CBD, the non-psychoactive cannabinoid took center stage at the hearing and

63% of Londoners Support Full Legalization: What’s Next? The Evening Standard, like many of its Fleet Street contemporaries, is beginning to pick up the cannabis scent in the United Kingdom. In fact, a poll just run by the Standard, finds that amongst their readers at least, 63% of the people polled support full legalization. The

Canada has clearly been a global cannabis industry leader since it first legalized medical use in 2001 a trend that has only grown as the country became the first G7 nation to regulate cannabis commerce for adults last year. The expansion of the Great White North’s international impact has not only coincided with its progressive

With more and more states ending cannabis prohibition, it isn’t surprising to know that legal sales are increasing rather rapidly in the United States. Most states have seen revenue numbers higher than initial estimates, as legalization has created thousands of jobs and added millions to states’ coffers. California’s cautious rollout of licenses, combined with relatively

In 2016, an Irish toddler became the first legal medical cannabis patient in Ireland after his parent successfully acquired authorization from Minister of Health Simon Harris to utilize a cannabis oil to treat the two year-old’s epilepsy. Cannabis oil dramatically halted the child’s seizures, which occurred twenty times a day before using medicinal cannabis. That

Everyone can see that cannabis policy reforms have been advancing around the free world and Europe is certainly a hotbed of activity as progressive policies have been enacted in nation after nation, with the momentum for legalization only gaining strength. One nation that has lagged behind is France, somewhat surprisingly to outsiders, as the country

Switzerland has been relatively progressive on cannabis, including the legalization of cannabis with no more than 1% THC, one of the reasons the International Cannabis Business Conference teamed up with CannaTrade to hold a conference in Zurich this year. However, the Swiss medical program has been far too restrictive, forcing patients to get special authorization

More and more cannabis markets in Europe are opening up and the new, limited medicinal market in the United Kingdom has established companies investing in the UK, looking forward to the day that the medical market becomes an adult-use one. Change can sometimes happen slow and it takes a lot of hard work by activists

It’s no secret that cannabis sales in Canada have gotten off to a relatively slow start as the government has taken a rather conservative, cautious approach to licensing, as government officials’ public safety concerns have been given top priority. Regulatory hurdles have hindered efforts to open up brick and mortar stores, caused supply chain issues,

Earlier this week, an economic report projected global cannabis sales to increase to 36% in 2019, with dramatic growth expected over the next five years, thanks to an expansion of existing markets and future ones not open just yet. That new business growth is good for companies, investors, consumers, tax collectors, and employees. Not surprisingly,

Based on current sales, as well as reasonable projections regarding new markets, an industry report projects that global cannabis sales could hit about $15 billion this year, with a continued growth rate that might push the market to a whopping $40 billion in just five years. Cautious regulatory approaches in Canada and California provided hurdles

It was big news when Molson Coors Brewing Company announced that it was forging a partnership to brew non-alcoholic cannabis drinks in Canada, but it shouldn’t have been surprising. Alcohol giant Constellation Brands had already invested heavily in the cannabis industry and it shouldn’t shock anyone that big companies, particularly those involved with alcohol and

When the International Cannabis Business Conference teamed up with CannaTrade and made its first visit to Zurich this year, it was evident that Switzerland’s experience legalizing cannabis, albeit with a 1% THC limit, has been a success. The innovative country legalized cannabis with limited amounts of THC in 2011 and decriminalized possession soon thereafter, and

Health Canada recently released its final regulations regarding the sale of cannabis-infused edibles, extracts, and concentrates, finally starting to open an expected $2.7 billion dollar business sector this December. Of course, the International Cannabis Business Conference in Vancouver this September 15-16 will have the latest crucial information and tips for industry participants. Prioritizing public safety,

When a major milestone is met, there were many small and big steps along the way that helped forge that path forward, and cannabis policy reforms are certainly no different. When Canada shook the world by becoming the first G7 nation to legalize cannabis commerce, it took a virtual army of advocates to put in

Various localities’ ability to become “laboratories of democracy” (to an extent) and implement their own laws is a rather unique and interesting concept not employed by all nations. In the United States, states moving forward with their own cannabis laws have been a driving force to change public opinion and create momentum for federal policy

England has rarely been invaded by anyone or anything. In fact the last invasion of note happened in 1066 (see William the Conqueror). However when it comes to cannabis, no place is immune to the growing awareness that the great Prohibition of the last 100 years is finally coming to an end. Cannabis has gone

There is absolutely no doubt that Canada has been the global leader in the international cannabis market. Step by step in recent years, reforms at the federal level, starting with regulating medical cannabis, the Canadian government has given its homegrown companies a leg-up on the global competition, culminating with the achievement of becoming the first

With the news that the Church of England has changed its investments policy with regards to medical cannabis, Anglophiles must be wondering what comes next. Could even the Queen, if not the Royal Family in general, become one of the best “cannabis brands” in the world? The answer is, obviously, not only “could they” but

Recognizing the growth of the burgeoning cannabis industry is enough to bring a lot of companies, entrepreneurs, and investors into the business sector, but beer sellers have an additional reason to join-decreasing profits. The fact that their decreasing profits may be occurring directly because of legalization has many beer execs deciding that if they can’t

With Illinois becoming the 11th state to legalize cannabis, Delaware inching forward to becoming #12, and New Jersey and New York on the verge of ending prohibition, it is easy to see that the cannabis industry is growing across the United States. The growth of the sector is also aided by more medical measures passing

Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada has a long and deserved reputation as a pioneering cannabis leader. Sensible policies and a progressive culture have fostered a welcoming place for the cannabis community, providing the foundation for legalization across the Great White North and influencing positive reforms in the United States and worldwide. Unfortunately, navigating the new regulatory

A lot can change in American politics, but the current frontrunner for the Democratic nomination, Joe Biden, has a relatively commanding lead over his rivals. Bernie Sanders, Elizabeth Warren, Kamala Harris, Pete Buttigeg, Beto O’Rourke and Cory Booker, haven’t been able to dent the former vice president’s support, but we’ll see how things start to

Canada has gotten a head start on legalization, but the United States is catching up with Illinois becoming the 11th state to end cannabis prohibition. The Great White North has the advantage of a sensible federal policy that allows provides regular banking services to the industry, access to capital, and the ability to transport to

As the United States moves step by step towards ending federal cannabis prohibition, the House Appropriations Subcommittee on Financial Services and General Government will hear some sensible provisions next week. Two proposals that are common sense to most people have a good chance of passage after years of obstruction from previous congressional leadership: allowing state-regulated

Like a lot of places that have legalized regulated cannabis commerce, Canada has experienced some growing pains. The transition from a medical market into an adult-use one has difficult for small businesses and farmers while bureaucratic regulatory hurdles have stifled the supply chain, limiting the number of retail outlets that have been able to open.

Progressive cannabis law reforms have been moving forward around the globe and Europe has certainly been a hotbed of activity. However, while many nations across the continent, including the Netherlands, Spain, Germany, the UK, Switzerland, among others, have been helping lead the international cannabis community, France has been one nation that has been behind the

The International Cannabis Business Conference (ICBC) finished off its 2019 European trek with a team-up with CannaTrade in Zurich, Switzerland. Immediately establishing itself as the top business-to-business (B2B) cannabis industry event in Switzerland, ICBC Zurich exceeded everyone’s expectations and the entire ICBC team is excited to return to Switzerland next year to build upon this

The Illinois Legislature made history today becoming the second state legislative body to pass a bill repealing cannabis prohibition, joining the great state of Vermont. However, Illinois went one step further than the Green Mountain State by also legalizing regulated cannabis commerce. The historic piece of legislation now heads to Democratic Governor J.B. Pritzker’s desk

Unless you’ve been living under a rock, you’ve seen CBD products on the shelves. You’ve probably even heard folks talk about using CBD that you normally wouldn’t suspect, like older relatives or your local postal worker, stating how the cannabinoid eases their arthritic pain or alleviates their anxiety, helping them sleep better. Iconic local businesses,

Dr. Bronner’s is a true American success story demonstrating the very best things about our country. Started by an immigrant soap-maker, the company is still run by members of the same family and generates more than $100 million a year producing organic, fair trade soap. The company has placed a cap on executive pay, ensuring

We here at the International Cannabis Business Conference have experienced the dramatic rise of the cannabis community in Germany firsthand and we are not alone. One of our allies, Mary Jane Berlin, producing one of Europe’s top hemp events has also been apart of the explosion of cannabis into the German mainstream. Mary Jane Berlin

Former Orange County Republican Dana Rohrabacher, fresh off the heels of his keynote address at the International Cannabis Business Conference in Zurich, has just announced that he is joining the board of BudTrader.com. Rohrabacher joins a growing list of former elected officials including past Speaker of the House John Boehner and Democratic Senate Majority Leader

Whether you favor legalization or not, you should support allowing state-regulated cannabis businesses to access banking services. Forcing companies to be cash-only endangers public safety and encourages tax evasion. Even if you are anti-cannabis, surely you want cannabis retailers, producers, and processors to pay their tax burden and only a sociopath would want to encourage

“If you can’t beat ’em, join ’em,” is a cliche, but it can be a powerful business tool. Rightly or wrongly, the alcohol and cannabis industries can seem at odds with each other, and there is some evidence that the liberalization of cannabis laws does indeed lead to lower alcohol sales. States that legalized medicinal

Canada’s progressive federal policy has given its country’s cannabis companies a huge advantage over global competitors with access to banks, capital, customers and the ability to export. These advantages have made Canadian cannabis companies major world players around the global market. At home, there is both good news and bad news for the burgeoning industry.

It is understandable to see companies from various business sectors move into the cannabis industry, especially in Canada, where federal legalization has made it legally (and more culturally) acceptable for beverage, tobacco, and other types of businesses to look for more green while investing in the green. In Vancouver, British Columbia, the Donnelly Group, known

As most folks know by now, a lack of banking services have forced cannabis businesses, including those legal under state law, to deal predominantly in cash due to continued U.S. banking laws that make it nearly impossible to do business with federally chartered financial institutions. There are a few reasons why Canada, the first G7

As the cannabis legalization movement moves more mainstream, and the industry become more profitable, we shouldn’t be surprised to see former policymakers and elected officials join the business sector. Former Republican Speaker of the House John Boehner has been the most prominent American politician to enter the industry while Vicente Fox, the former president of

The best chance of the United States has of legalizing cannabis in the near future is passing the STATES Act that would end federal interference with state’s legalization laws as Donald Trump has signaled his support for the measure. Former Representative Dana Rohrabacher has stated his belief that Trump agrees with a states’ rights legalization

The International Cannabis Business Conference (ICBC) made its first venture into Switzerland last week, with a conference in Zurich, and the event was a raging success. A sincere thanks to all of our speakers, attendees, sponsors and CannaTrade, Europe’s oldest hemp fair, for partnering with us. We are already looking forward to returning to Switzerland next

Politics can make strange bedfellows. It is a cliche, but it is simply the truth, especially in the United States. There aren’t many political issues that progressive Oregon Senators Ron Wyden and Jeff Merkley have in common with conservative Kentucky Senators Randy Paul and Mitch McConnell, yet they combined forces to (re-)legalize hemp across the

The international cannabis community continues to become more integrated as nation after nation establishes federal regulations. Canada, the first G7 country to end prohibition, has given their companies a head start, but others are starting to catch up with positive reforms catching fire across Europe and Israel and Latin America are starting to export as

Just as the European market could not get any more interesting, the Swiss Federal Commission for Addiction Issues has called for cannabis to be decriminalized and the market to finally be regulated. This recommendation comes on the heels of pharmacies kicking of a lobbying effort to dispense cannabis and a parliamentary proposal to start a

Cannabis legalization typically takes a series of baby steps and then giant leaps depending on the location. Progressive states in the U.S. have typically started with decriminalization of personal amounts, then legal medical use, until finally ending prohibition for adults. More conservative states that haven’t yet legalized have added another step: embracing CBD, while still

Starting in 2016, Switzerland approved cannabis flowers and products for tobacco cessation or as a tobacco substitute. The catch is that the THC content cannot go over 1%. Since then, over 600 companies have been licensed across the nation, producing a variety of high-CBD, low-THC cannabis concoctions. These companies are exporting all over the world

Big things are happening for the cannabis community in Europe and around the world, and Switzerland is no different!  While the Swiss no longer enjoy “grey market” cannabis sales they once enjoyed not that long ago, the government is poised to go beyond the legal production and sale of high-CBD cannabis and products that are

There has been a great deal of speculation about what the “Swiss exemption” might do to spur cannabis reform in Europe. There have been talks of pilot trials not to mention pharmacies offering both recreational product and pharmaceutical grade cannabis. And then of course there is the huge success of the “Cannabis Lite” market (CBD)

As cannabis-friendly locales in Amsterdam and the Netherlands have helped change the European (and global) culture towards cannabis, regulations are needed to ensure that governments fully embrace legalization and harmful arrests can be curtailed. Uruguay and Canada have helped lead the way towards ending prohibition, as have several states in the U.S., while Germany has

The global cannabis community is growing closer and closer, and the International Cannabis Business Conference has had a front row seat over the last five years as federal policies around the world have opened up commerce across national borders. Canadian companies have benefitted the most, taking advantage of the Great White North’s progressive policies to

Switzerland has a long history as a drug policy pioneer and even allowed “grey market” cannabis sales in recent history thanks to a loophole in the Swiss Narcotics Act. While that loophole has been closed, the Swiss government has legalized the production and sale of high-CBD cannabis and products that don’t exceed 1% THC. With

Drug policy reformers in the United States have long looked to Europe as an example of progressive policies to end the harms of the failed Drug War. Switzerland has been an innovative pioneer, but has somewhat fallen behind other countries on cannabis, currently implementing just limited decriminalization and medical policies, although a definite leader on

The nations comprising the European Union have made great strides advancing progressive cannabis policies over recent years, as we’ve seen countries decriminalize personal possession (even allowing limited sales, although in a rather unregulated manner) and legalize medicinal use. However, differing policies, both at the nation and EU level complicates matters for consumers, patients, and industry

Understanding that cannabis should be legal generally, especially for medical purposes, has become a relatively easy answer with a broad consensus around a lot of the world. How exactly cannabis should be regulated is a much harder question when taking into account all factors and every stakeholder involved in the discussion. While most of us

In three short years, Germany has become a major leader in the European and international medical cannabis system, quickly becoming the continent’s biggest market and helping set the standard on testing and medical insurance coverage. It’s probably no coincidence that the International Cannabis Business Conference in Berlin established itself as the largest industry B2B in

Cannabis legalization has come a long way in the United States, currently enjoying record high support across  the political spectrum with supermajority support among Democrats and independents and even garnering majority support among Republicans, something that was unfathomable not that long ago. A pioneer among Republicans was former United States Congressman Dana Rohrabacher, who was

With the news that both the first German bid has concluded and that Macedonia seems poised to import cannabis into the European Union, there has been increased interest in who can import cannabis into Germany, if not the EU and beyond. Could Switzerland become a major source of cannabinoid medications in Europe? The International Cannabis

Foreigners entering the European cannabis market are finding that the regulations here are much higher than they expected, if not well downright confusing. This is especially true as cannabis crosses over into both food and medicine as well as beauty and skin products. One piece of regulation that is proving particularly thorny for CBD producers

With 263 million estimated global cannabis consumers and a total addressable market of $344 billion (illicit and legal combined), cannabis is poised to make a material impact on the global economy. As the cannabis markets in Europe, Latin America, Asia and even Africa are beginning to take shape, one commonly overlooked regulatory detail is the

Switzerland’s cannabis scene has flown somewhat under the radar internationally, but that is about to change. The innovative nation actually has rich cannabis culture. From the late 1990s until 2004, a “grey market” flourished as the cannabis community utilized a loophole in the federal narcotics law to engage in cannabis commerce. After the Swiss government

The International Cannabis Business Conference (ICBC) in Berlin was such an epic success and we couldn’t be happier with how it went. It is rather amazing how quickly ICBC Berlin established itself as not only our flagship event, but also the biggest business-to-business (B2B) cannabis industry event in Europe. We were so thrilled to have Dr.

Unless you are living under a rock, you know that cannabis legalization, for both medical and adult use purposes, is moving forward nation-by-nation across Europe and around the world. European medicinal sales doubled last year, and we can expect growth to continue rather aggressively as progress begets progress. Germany has been the leader on medical

Germany’s medical cannabis program has grown by leaps and bounds and you don’t have to be too knowledgeable about Europe to know the influence that the German economy has on the region.  The International Cannabis Business Conference (ICBC) has grown right along with Germany’s cannabis market, and the Berlin event has become the ICBC’s flagship with more

The International Cannabis Business Conference (ICBC) kicked off its 2019 European trek with a team-up with Spannabis in Barcelona. Immediately establishing itself as the biggest business-to-business (B2B) cannabis industry event in Spain, ICBC Barcelona exceeded everyone’s expectations. Collaborating with Spannabis, a legendary expo known around the globe as one of the go-to cultural fairs for

Dr. Raphael Mechoulam’s historic scientific research kicked off a scientific revolution that helped lead to medical cannabis laws being implemented and eventually legalization taking root across the globe. The man aptly known as the Godfather of Cannabis Research first revealed the structure of CBD all the way back in 1963. In 1964, his research team

The forces currently shaping the European cannabis map are intriguing this spring and from several directions. For the latest developments in Europe and across the globe, there will be no better place learn and network with those leading the way, than at the International Cannabis Business Conference in Zurich with Cannatrade. In the meantime, here

The forces currently shaping the European cannabis map are intriguing this spring and from several directions. For the latest developments in Europe and across the globe, there will be no better place learn and network with those leading the way, than at the International Cannabis Business Conference in Zurich with Cannatrade. In the meantime, here

The day after the third annual International Cannabis Business Conference (ICBC) in Berlin, as the crew packed up and headed on to Zurich, news about the German cultivation bid surfaced in the domestic media. Namely, that three bid finalists (Aurora, Aphria and Demecan, a start-up founded with Wayland) had been selected. This is unofficial “news”

The German medical cannabis system has been an innovative pioneer in a few respects, helping thousands of patients get access to tested medicinal cannabis that is covered by their insurance programs. However, regulatory burdens and the lack of domestic cultivation have hindered the program, increasing prices and decreasing the availability of strains and products. The

The German medical cannabis system has been an innovative pioneer in a few respects, helping thousands of patients get access to tested medicinal cannabis that is covered by their insurance programs. However, regulatory burdens and the lack of domestic cultivation have hindered the program, increasing prices and decreasing the availability of strains and products. The

Cannabis and hemp are obviously intertwined in reality and politically. Cannabis and hemp are the same plant, but politically and regulatorily, hemp has been classified as basically low-THC cannabis, with allowable THC percentages varying depending upon jurisdictions. In Switzerland, where the International Cannabis Business Conference will be holding its next event in conjunction with the

The debate surrounding ending cannabis prohibition has gone from “if” and “when” to “how” around much of the world. While legalization isn’t as inevitable as some folks claim, as it does take a ton of hard work by advocates to end the war on the cannabis community, the political reality is that more and more

The International Cannabis Business Conference (ICBC) made its first venture into Europe three years ago in Berlin and the event immediately became the biggest cannabis industry B2B event on the continent. The third annual ICBC Berlin took the conference to yet another level, after we were still enjoying the glow of our amazing Barcelona megaconference with

The International Cannabis Business Conference (ICBC) provides those in the cannabis industry, or those thinking of joining, the very latest information and the best networking opportunities of any global cannabis event. One of the key aspects of the ICBC is keeping the networking, and fun, going at our after parties. If anyone was at our

The International Cannabis Business Conference (ICBC) has established itself as the preeminent B2B industry event in Europe and Berlin has become the flagship ICBC conference, with over 1,500 people in attendance, representing more than 60 nations. The ICBC is known to bring together business, politics, culture, and science unlike any other global conference and this

The International Cannabis Business Conference (ICBC) will finish its 2019 European tour with a team-up with CannaTrade in Zurich, Switzerland, this May 15th-16th, with CannaTrade taking place the 17th-19th. After a successful team-up with Spannabis in Barcelona, and a conference in Berlin (this March 31st-April 2nd) that is shaping up to be the biggest ICBC

To anyone paying attention, the German medical cannabis industry is growing rapidly, overcoming the early bureaucratic hurdles that impact any burgeoning market. In just two years, Germany is already Europe’s biggest medical cannabis market and the largest market outside of North America. While CBD sales are currently higher in the UK and Austria, Germany is

The International Cannabis Business Conference has featured many amazing speakers from across the cannabis spectrum that it is extremely hard to rank how excited I’ve been to meet them and learn from them. From Tommy Chong to Rick Steves to Dr. Carl Hart to Henry Rollins and many others that I have had the honor

The first week of March this year was significant for British cannabis patients for one very big reason: the first medical cannabis clinic in the country opened in Manchester. Firsts are very important right now for both the British industry and patients, as are overall numbers in general. This is because, despite reform happening in

The trials and tribulations of the the German government’s bidding process to license domestic cannabis cultivators, with lawsuits and bureaucratic maneuverings, is already worthy of a book. In fact, a tell-all book may be needed to tell the full story as I’ve just recently learned that even talking about the cultivation tender process costs applicants

The first International Cannabis Business Conference (ICBC) in Berlin coincided with the German government announcing the start of the nation’s medical cannabis program and the ICBC was able to check in with the medicinal system just after the first year of its existence and will be heading back soon after the medical program’s two-year anniversary.

Novel Food Designation For CBD Challenged By British Lawyers In good news for the industry both in Europe and those companies trying to gain access to the EU market, a prominent London law firm has been “instructed” by the UK Cannabis Trades Association to challenge the classification of food products containing CBD as “novel foods”

The International Cannabis Business Conference (ICBC) first made its foray into Europe three years ago in Berlin, and is gearing up to return to that great city for the third straight year this March 31st to April 2nd. Before heading to Germany, the ICBC made a stop in Barcelona for a team-up with Spannabis and

Everyone associated with the International Cannabis Business Conference (ICBC) was ecstatic to team up with Spannabis to form an epic superconference in Barcelona and the March 14th event did not disappoint. Panel after panel provided great information, the mood was electric, and the first-ever ICBC Barcelona ended with style, both with an interview with Damian

Alex Rogers, the founder and CEO of the International Cannabis Business Conference knew that the global cannabis industry was going to advance quickly when he first pulled together his event-planning team in 2014, but even he’s surprised at the rate the movement has expanded. With a humble beginning in Portland, Oregon, before the state became

Those who know anything about the history of the Dutch cannabis industry, know it is a vertical that has flourished in the grey areas and the loopholes of the law since its “modern” launch a couple of generations ago. However, for most of the last decade, the Dutch government has also struggled to find a

Are The UN and European Parliament Finally Prompting White House To Shift Cannabis Policy? Both the European Parliament and the UN have now weighed in on rescheduling and descheduling the cannabis plant and cannabis-based pharmaceuticals. Now the FDA, by the Trump Administration, is seeking comments from the general public about the same. One of the

The International Cannabis Business Conference (ICBC) brings its trademark blend of business, politics, and culture to every city, helping the ICBC quickly establish itself as the premier global industry event, and the ICBC San Francisco this past February was no different. This three-minute “rockumentary” provides a great look into why the ICBC is such a

Unknown to many, a cannabis “grey market” once flourished in Switzerland as the cannabis community utilized a loophole in the country’s narcotics law from the late 1990s until the government shut it down in 2014. In 2016, a new market was formed when Switzerland reformed its law to allow the cultivation of hemp with up

Germany has become a leader in some aspects of cannabis policy, such as providing insurance coverage for medical cannabis through pharmacies, but is lagging in other areas of the law. The European powerhouse is still working through the process of licensing domestic cultivators and you won’t see any cannabis clubs or coffeeshops like those in

Having a legendary icon for a parent definitely must have its pros and cons. One one hand, you can have a lifestyle and opportunities that others don’t have. On the other hand, there are expectations and pressures put on you that others don’t have to live up to. Michael Jordan infamously told his kids in

The international cannabis industry has started to take off, dominated by Canadian businesses that have gotten a leg up on the global competition as the first G7 nation to fully legalize cannabis commerce, including exports. How best to implement lessons learned from Canada and how to catch up to the Great White North’s market share

Germany’s medical cannabis system is somewhat of a paradox. On one hand, the European powerhouse has clearly been a worldwide leader by standardizing the process and, most importantly, covering medicinal cannabis like any other prescribed medicine. On the other hand, Germany has lagged behind on domestic production, relying upon imports, and the availability of cannabis

Any observer of the global cannabis industry can see that Europe has been making tremendous progress implementing sensible marijuana policies over the past few years. While challenges remain, particularly with reconciling bureaucratic hurdles with the European Union and other global agencies, nations are joining the worldwide cannabis revolution, whether making news in economic powerhouses like

Cannabis legalization is clearly making great progress across the globe, but one country that is somewhat flying under the radar is Switzerland, where high CBD cannabis is being sold to consumers legally, sometimes as a “tobacco substitute.” The potential for Swiss farmers and entrepreneurs is great, especially if the nation continues to make strides in

While those in the Canadian cannabis market are certainly far ahead in obtaining full recreational acceptance for cannabis, and state markets in the U.S. are growing increasingly sophisticated, Germany has been and will continue to be one of the world’s most interesting cannabis markets for at least the next decade to come. Why? The Market

According to a late January press release by the ever-tight lipped BfArM – the federal agency in charge of launching Germany’s medical cannabis cultivation program – the first harvest of medical cannabis is expected in the fourth quarter of 2020. Further, the award will not be announced before April 10 of this year, a topic

Last week ended with wealth advisor Pepper International telling CNBC’s “Squawk Box Europe” that the cannabis industry was a wise, sound investment and this week begins with a financial report that backs up that assertion. Hardly a day goes by without some type of industry news that demonstrates positive political momentum, a major milestone, or

Every place that has legalized cannabis has created new jobs and generated revenue, usually exceeding expectations. As cannabis reforms sweep across the world, we can expect to see more advances by the industry, nation by nation, as countries take a familiar path of decriminalizing personal use, legalizing medical programs, and eventually legalizing for all adults.

There are many factors that could go into judging a cannabis social club scene, from the quality of the cannabis to the progressive laws that allow you to truly relax to the variety of products available, especially if you’re someone that enjoys concentrates or extracts. If you ask most people about the best cannabis social

Less than six weeks after Canopy Growth announced that UK exports were on their agenda this year, a small British start-up, Grow Biotech, has just pulled off one of the first cannabis start-up victories of the year. Namely, they just imported the first bulk batch of medical cannabis into the UK. And not from Canada,

It’s no secret that progressive cannabis laws can create jobs and generate revenue for locales that have legalized, regulated, and taxed marijuana. However, less known is the impact that cannabis-related activities can have on the tourism dollars brought in from both travelers that are intentionally seeking out legal cannabis and from visitors that decide to

The European cannabis market experienced three major developments during the first two weeks of February. Just one of these milestones would be rather significant, but combined together, and with so many previous advancements, they further demonstrate the strong momentum that the European industry has as positive reforms sweep across the continent. The World Health Organization and

Step by step, nation by nation, the cannabis community is making great progress around the world. Some milestones, such as Canada becoming the first G7 nation to end prohibition, are obviously huge landmarks. Other achievements might fly under the radar to most, but will be revealed as greatly influential when we look back upon them.

The Netherlands and Canada have been dominating the international cannabis export market, with its companies sending marijuana to lucrative burgeoning markets like Germany. Israel, wisely, just voted to join the export club. The United States is seemingly getting left behind, but a small state with a huge supply of cannabis has advocates and policymakers hoping to

European nations’ cannabis laws, much like states within the U.S., vary from country to country. While the U.S. cannabis community is also used to cities treating marijuana use different than a lot of rural areas, the difference in Europe can even be greater. Just about everyone knows about cannabis coffeeshops in Amsterdam, where the Netherland’s

Wayland Corporation announced a major victory in Germany last week. The company received GMP certification for its Ebersbach facility near Dresden, in eastern Germany. The timing of the certification is certainly favorable, coming just two months before the German cultivation bid (round 2) is supposed to be announced and, just like last time, presumably have

Sometimes, I honestly pity those in the CBD business. Yes, their products supposedly have now “global” or at least cross-Atlantic appeal and their market is poised to increase. Yes, they appear, on the surface, to satisfactorily “beat the man” in the United States. Now that hemp is legal in the U.S. the sky should be

You don’t have to be a very astute observer of American politics to know that we live in a time of great political divisions. There are very few things that Democrats and Republicans can agree on at the national level and the government just came off of a partial shutdown, and it wouldn’t surprise many

California has led the cannabis reform movement in many ways in the United States, starting with being the first state to legalize medical all the way back in 1996. While a handful of states beat the Golden State to the punch in legalizing for all adults in both 2012 and 2014, the world’s sixth largest

There are clearly “banner years” for the modern age of cannabis reform that can be marked, by canna-historians, in different regions, states and countries. The turning of the century marked the beginning of constitutional protections for reasonable access to medicinal cannabis for approved patients (see Canada). In the second decade of the century, this watershed

Cannabis continues to move more and more mainstream, especially politically, with over 60% support and politicians from Bernie Sanders to Donald Trump signaling support for federal legalization laws. Legally and culturally, we still have a ways to go, as CBS’ rejection of Acreage Holdings’ medical cannabis ad during the Super Bowl demonstrates. However, the cannabis

International Cannabis Business Conference CEO and Founder Alex Rogers has lived in Europe and now travels throughout the continent to network and research the industry as the ICBC is organizing events in Barcelona, Berlin, and Zurich following its upcoming conference in San Francisco this February 7th-8th. Rogers sat down to discuss the international cannabis scene

The global gathering of the world’s financial elite got an addendum to the party this year in the form of the first “Cannabis Conclave.” Company executives, former politicians, and decision-makers made their way, by cable car, to an alpine restaurant where they munched on Swiss food and listened to the likes of Ehud Barak (the

The International Cannabis Business Conference, founded in 2014, in Portland, Oregon, has quickly expanded into the worldwide leader in industry events. San Francisco, where the ICBC will be returning for the 5th straight year this February 7th-8th, was its second location. In 2019, the company will also be producing conferences in Barcelona, Berlin, Zurich, and Vancouver. When

As the global cannabis industry heats up around the world, Alex Rogers, the founder and CEO of the International Cannabis Business Conference, has been a sought after voice to discuss the state of the industry and its prospects for the future. As someone that foresaw the potential for the worldwide movement before most, it makes

On January 27, the Israeli government announced the final approval of a new law allowing the export of Israeli-grown medical cannabis. This marks the final removal of barriers for Israeli firms to enter into a now booming global cannabis market and launches Israel as the third country after Canada and the Netherlands, to legally export

Cannabis Trade Federation CEO Neal Levine has a long history in cannabis activism and the industry as his work has taken him from winning campaigns with the Marijuana Policy Project to helping build LivWell in Colorado. Today, Levine is helping lead the industry’s efforts to improve federal cannabis laws from banking to the tax code

The Super Bowl is coming up and one of the all-time clutch Super Bowl quarterbacks, Joe Montana, has made huge news by announcing his investment in the cannabis industry. Football players subject their bodies to a massive amount of punishment, so it shouldn’t be a surprise to see football players join the cannabis industry, but

The third week of January brings fresh signs that wide-spread cannabis reform is afoot across the European Union. Several countries are already announcing that this year will probably be a watershed year for reform both on a country-by-country basis as well as a regional one, although so far, it appears that medical reform will be

The California Bureau of Cannabis Control and other state regulators recently announced their final rules; some good choices were made, while others could use some improvement. Some issues that need to be addressed, such as the tax rate placed on cannabis and the lack of access to banks, the BCC’s hands are tied by state and

As I’ve blogged previously, California cannabis regulators made the wise decision to allow deliveries across the state, even into cities and counties that have banned regulated retail businesses. This is a policy that I wish my home state of Oregon would adopt as patients with mobility issues shouldn’t be forced to travel long distances, and

Just one month after New Zealand announced plans to potentially legalize recreational cannabis during the country’s general election in 2020, one company has been given a license to cultivate 16 strains of cannabis. This includes both CBD and THC strains of the plant. The company, Hikurangi Cannabis Company, based in Ruatoria, just received an amendment

Virtually everyone knows about Bob Marley, whose musical and activist legacy lives on today, and will resonate throughout history. Marley’s music and calls for freedom are important to so many people and his vast legacy is carried on by his family. The International Cannabis Business Conference is so pleased and humbled that Damian Marley, Bob’s

Germany may have set the stage for EU movement on medical cannabis legalization two years ago, but now the rest of the European Union is coming on board. As of January 14, EU officials began a formal study of the health benefits of medical cannabis. This comes on the heels of the European Parliament approving

As I blogged yesterday, California regulators made the wise decision in its final rules to allow cannabis retailers to make deliveries into cities and counties that have banned regulated businesses. Allowing deliveries across the state is the compassionate and practical choice to make. It is compassionate because patients with mobility issues shouldn’t be forced to

The California cannabis industry has had its share of ups and downs as regulating cannabis commerce in the world’s sixth-largest economy has proven to be rather difficult and complicated. However, some relief may be on the horizon as licensed businesses, and those about to be licensed, can at least have some certainty in the rules and

William Barr, Donald Trump’s nominee to be the next Attorney General of the United States, has already faced a barrage of questions regarding some very controversial topics. Barr’s past support for draconian criminal justice policies is now out-of-step with a majority of Democrats and Republicans while Democrats are pressing Barr on his positions regarding the

Matteo Mantero, an Italian senator, has introduced a bill to legalize the cultivation, processing and sale of cannabis and its derivatives in Italy. The consumption of cannabis (in particular low THC CBD) which is called “Cannabis Light,” has begun to catch on here. Italy’s cannabis laws are confusing – and not just for foreigners. The

Historically, older Americans have been the most skeptical demographic regarding cannabis legalization. While younger voters are still more likely to support ending prohibition, the times they are a-changin’ as senior citizens are more likely than ever to support legal cannabis and use the substance medicinally. A couple of senior citizens clubs in California are living examples

As the government shutdown rages on, our nation could use some bipartisanship. Of course, Democrats and Republicans disagree on whether a wall should be built on the United States’ Southern Border, and some 800,000 federal employees are really starting to pay the price, Donald Trump and Congress should embrace one issue that brings people across

Irish GreenLight Medicines, a cannabis company based in Dublin and founded in 2014 has just closed a deal with SOL Global, a Canadian Listed investment group for 25% of the company. SOL Global is an international investment company headed by Rob Reid, also an emerging and powerful player based in the UK but with connections

France is the largest country in Europe that has, so far, not moved forward on cannabis law reform. That now may be changing. In mid-December, 2018 a panel of experts set up by the French Agency for Drug Safety (ANSM) recommended the authorization of cannabis for medical purposes. On the 27th of December, the ANSM

Ending cannabis prohibition is a no-brainer whose time has come. It is obvious that cannabis prohibition is a costly failure that causes too much harm with racist and classist consequences. Regulating cannabis, however, is a much tougher job than just removing criminal penalties, as there isn’t a clear path to the best policies for any

As the Oregon legislative session is set to begin, legislators will be contemplating whether to pass a bill that allows state-regulated growers the ability to export cannabis. The ability to export cannabis is desperately needed because the Beaver State has an overabundance of cannabis and the livelihood of many farmers are in danger as the

Switzerland has developed its own brand of cannabis reform over the last several years. Low THC cannabis is now sold in shops. Cannabis is now used by about 200,000 people. The country has now proposed pilot programs to make it easier for people with chronic conditions like MS or cancer to access the drug and,

For the past several years, the Spanish cannabis industry has developed in leaps and bounds. Production of CBD and THC has expanded across the country. The club scene in Barcelona has continued to flourish, albeit with setbacks. The industry, however, much like in the United States, has flourished without federal legal protection. Much like Holland,

I interviewed longtime activist, Adam Smith of the Craft Cannabis Alliance, ahead of his appearance at the International Cannabis Business Conference in Portland last September, as he was working hard to line up support for a bill to allow Oregon cultivators to export across state lines. Smith told me: “Every month that we don’t open

December 25, Christmas Day, 2018, was a big day for cannabis reform globally. Not only did Israel legalize exports, but Thailand’s legislature also voted unanimously to allow licensed medical use of the drug along with kratom, a locally grown plant used both as a stimulant and painkiller. The move was described as a “New Year’s

In a widely expected move, the Israeli parliament, or Knesset, unanimously approved a bill to export medical cannabis on Christmas Day. The last catch is that the bill must be approved by the Prime Minister and cabinet ministers. However since the bill was drafted by the governing Likud Party, this is likely to be merely

Opening up a licensed and regulated cannabis business is not a get-rich-quick venture, as many have likely found out. Getting into the cannabis industry is best left to those that truly love the cannabis plant and want to help improve the plight of the cannabis community. There are so many unique bureaucratic challenges facing the

Ireland’s medical cannabis program was approved two years ago, but the system has never been fully implemented as bureaucratic hurdles have hindered the ability to agree upon a foreign importer. Sensibly, Irish Health Minister Simon Harris has proposed that Irish farmers should cultivate cannabis for the Emerald Isle’s patients. The Irish Farmers Association (IFA), whose members

As a government shutdown looms, there are many instances where our political discourse is greatly divided, but let’s not focus on what divides us at the moment, let’s celebrate something that unites us as a nation-hemp. It is fitting that hemp is one of the few bipartisan issues that brings together Democratic Senators from Oregon

Those who think that cannabinoid pet care is still relegated to the outer ranges of the “kooky” California market (the only place where vets are actually allowed to prescribe CBD to pets per state regs), should re-examine such beliefs. In fact, CBD-based pet care has established a foothold in the EU and is about to

Access to banking services remains one of the major obstacles placed in front of the burgeoning cannabis industry. While more banks and credit unions are doing business with state-regulated companies, there aren’t enough of them, and they are likely to impose hefty fines and requirements upon the businesses. Too many cannabis companies are forced to

Cannabis has had a banner year politically and financially in 2018 and that success has brought in big companies across various sectors, including alcohol, tobacco, and pharmaceutical industries. The biggest cannabis companies continue to get bigger and it clearly takes capital to thrive, regardless of your market, but definitely in the United State as exporting across

More and more Americans are turning to the so-called gig economy to make ends meet these days as the cost of living increases (particularly for housing in hot markets), leaving wages in the dust. You likely know people that have started driving for Uber and Lyft or are now renting out a room on Airbnb

Farmako, a new specialty distributor in the cannabis space based in Frankfurt, Germany and with a UK office already established, has just become the first company to apply for a distribution license in the UK. It is also the first company to pursue distribution licenses for medical cannabis in multiple European countries and has lined

In big news out of Germany, Canopy Growth has announced the acquisition of the eponymous vaporizer manufacturer, Storz & Bickel GmbH & Co. The approximately €145 million acquisition was finalized in the first week of December. Neither firm, of course, needs any introduction to the world of cannabis fans and consumers (much less investors). The

There are many ridiculous aspects of federal cannabis prohibition, but none more asinine than the illegality of industrial hemp. Hemp has played a crucial part in the history of the United States as both George Washington and Thomas Jefferson were hemp farmers and Uncle Sam filmed “Hemp for Victory,” urging farmers to grow hemp to

The International Cannabis Business Conference has featured movers and shakers across the cannabis community since the events first began just over four years. ago. Former U.S. Surgeon General Joycelyn Elders has been on the main stage along with members of Congress, prominent party leaders, industry moguls, renowned activists, and leading medical researchers. The upcoming ICBC

Alex Rogers founded the International Cannabis Business Conference in 2014 after a successful (and ongoing) stint as a medical clinic owner. Alex’s vision of an interconnected industry on the horizon has taken the ICBC up and down the North American West Coast and into Europe. After the upcoming ICBC in San Francisco on February 7-8,

The Bureau of Cannabis Control just released its draft rules which now go into a 30-day review process before the Office of Administrative Law. While there are certainly pluses and minuses of the draft rules that will be debated by the cannabis industry and other stakeholders of the coming months, the decision by the BCC

Countries all across Europe have been making great strides in improving their medical cannabis laws, with the UK and Greece being the most recent nations to implement medicinal programs, following in the footsteps Germany and the Netherlands. Luxembourg has raised the stakes by announcing intentions to join Canada and Uruguay as ending cannabis prohibition for

Wacky Baccy From Brussels – And More Cannabis Flavoured Issues From The Front End Of Brexit There are many places where Brexit could absolutely affect the ability of British cannabis patients to obtain now legal by prescription medical weed. Whether Brexit will be good for cannabis patients in general is another matter. Hard to tell

The International Cannabis Business Conference has already established itself as the premier global industry event in just four short years with conferences from North America’s West Coast to the heart of the European Union. The ICBC is taking its networking and informational conference to another level by hosting pitch events during its program, awarding businesses

New Center Left Government Announces Legalization On Its Agenda Cannabis is set to be made legal for recreational use in Luxembourg according to the new ruling coalition in Parliament. During a late November press conference held by the Socialist Workers Party, the Democratic Party and the Greens, the coalition partners announced that not only was

While the three agencies regulating various aspects of the California cannabis industry, the Bureau of Cannabis Control (BCC), the Department of Food and Agriculture, and the Department of Public Health will be submitting their draft today (December 3rd), the public is not expected to get a look at them until January. Draft rules were released last

It’s no secret that the rollout of California’s cannabis legalization laws has been slow-going. Moving at a cautious speed that has seen the first annual licenses just starting to be issued, the Bureau of Cannabis Control has favored a steady approach. In the BCC’s defense, no regulatory body has yet to deal with as big

London-based Indiva has just struck a $2.6 million deal that will give it access to the EU medical cannabis market. Indiva has signed a letter of intent with AEssence Europe, a subsidiary of a California-based hydroponics provider, to acquire a medical cannabis cultivation license in Denmark. Indiva Europe and AEssence will build a research lab

Federal legalization has given Canadian cannabis companies a leg up on the rest of the world and that dominance is spreading further into the United Kingdom. The Canadian cannabis company formerly known as Maricann (i.e. Wayland Group) has just made another European splash. European, technically, at least because the UK is still part of the

With ten states and Washington D.C., already passing laws to legalize cannabis for all adults, the cannabis community is continuing down its path of ending prohibition state by state. The first places to legalize, such as Colorado, Washington State, Oregon, Alaska, and our nation’s capital, all did so by placing marijuana measures on the ballot, taking

Everyone with experience in the cannabis industry learned very quickly that legalizing cannabis across the state is just one part of the political and business battle. After months of wrangling over state rules and regulations, localities then get their say, with some areas welcoming new jobs and revenue more openly than others while some even

Oregon has long been known as a cannabis consumer’s paradise with high-quality products and relatively low prices, even before the state legalized in 2015. By decriminalizing possession in 1973, allowing for medical use in 1999, the Beaver State has been a pioneer implementing progressive policies. The state’s politics, coupled with some of the best outdoor

After decades of Reefer Madness prohibition, the cannabis community has had to endure decades of persecution and prosecutions. After so many advocates dedicated their lives and sacrificed for freedom, the tables have now turned and the marijuana movement has never been more powerful. We have a lot to be thankful for even as we have

In what has become “normal” operating procedure, the “new” German tender bid deadline has been delayed again by BfArM (the German version of the FDA). As of this writing, the new “submission” deadline is officially the second week of December although that seems destined to roll too. Till when? Potentially as late as April of

November 15th was an interesting day in the European cannabis space. Not only did the German cultivation bid go into another delay, but the first U.S. company finally cracked the European Union market. Columbia Care LLC, a top medical cannabis company based in the U.S. announced that its license had been approved by Malta Enterprise.

Massachusetts Representative Joe Kennedy III, chosen by the Democrats to respond to Donald Trump’s previous State of the Union address, has been seen as a rising star of the Democratic Party and a potential presidential candidate in the future. While the last name Kennedy automatically increases your clout within Democratic circles, Kennedy’s opposition to cannabis

Just in time for Thanksgiving, the first two cannabis retail stores will open in Massachusetts after voters passed legalization two years ago. Those that have participated in the regulated industry know that establishing and implementing rules and regulations at the state and local levels can be a long and winding road filled with ups and downs

The U.S. cannabis community just won a few more electoral victories and the next congressional session is looking better than ever, with more members of Congress (finally) agreeing with the 2/3 of Americans that support legalization, so the future is looking bright. Donald Trump has even signaled that he’s inclined to vote for the STATES

While it has gotten decidedly less English-speaking press than other countries in Europe on the front edge of cannabis reform, Denmark’s pilot four-year cannabis program is chugging along nicely and can help provide a model for other European Union nations. The four-year program was authorized to begin on January 1, 2018. Major Canadian cannabis companies

As the German cultivation bid deadline ticks down, the big Canadian Licensed Producers (LPs) are solidifying their presence in Germany and far beyond across Europe. Two, in particular, have made major announcements last week, coming hot on the heels of Aurora’s Polish expansion. Canopy Growth Corporation, continues to move aggressively across Europe to solidify its

While election day couldn’t get over soon enough for a lot of people, the 2018 midterms feel like they won’t ever end with recounts ongoing in Florida and votes still being counted in California and throughout the West. Political analysts will be debating the lessons learned from the 2018 elections for days, weeks, and months

The German Cannabis Association (Deutscher Hanfverband or DHV) is Germany’s largest lobbying group working to end cannabis prohibition in the European powerhouse. Germany has experienced great success reforming cannabis laws recently, implementing one of the globe’s best medical cannabis system (including insurance coverage!), and the DHV is working hard to continue the momentum with the Cannabis

Donald Trump shook up the political world (what else is new) when he fired Reefer Madness Attorney General Jeff Sessions the day following the 2018 midterms. Now, speculation has begun on who the permanent AG will be following the naming of Matthew Whitaker, Jeff Session’s former Chief of Staff, as “Acting” Attorney General (while there

The last days of October and early ones of November 2018 might yet go down in history as one of those “weed watershed moments.” That said, 10/25 much less 11/01 do not have quite the same ring to them as the more historic April anniversary celebrated more globally. Yet for all that, two European countries,

Cannabis stocks remain extremely volatile, but positive electoral news pushed up their value following the 2018 midterm elections. While there will be plenty of ups and downs in the marijuana market, we can expect to see more electoral victories in 2019 and beyond both domestically and internationally, as Reuters reported: Cannabis shares initially rose upon the

Folks can move in and out of favor with Donald Trump rather quickly. Jeff Sessions was rewarded for being Trump’s first U.S. Senate endorser with an Attorney General appointment, but he was relegated to the doghouse for recusing himself from overseeing Robert Mueller’s investigation of Russia interfering with the 2016 election. Sessions was then ousted

At Donald Trump’s request, Jeff Sessions resigned today as U.S. Attorney General. In other words, he was fired. In Trump’s doghouse for recusing himself from overseeing Robert Mueller’s Russian election conspiracy investigation, Sessions removal has some serious national political implications. Sessions’ Chief of Staff Robert Whitaker has been named Acting Attorney General. Long before he

The contentious 2016 midterm elections are now behind us (mostly, as final votes are still being counted in several places) and politicians and pundits will now debate what the results mean. The Democrats took back control of the House of Representatives, including defeating the Reefer Madness prohibitionist Pete Sessions, but there was no huge #BlueWave

It may not be the most famous “Battle of Britain,” (yet) but unlike the last one, a green invasion has certainly taken hold in the UK and is here to stay. As of November 1, cannabis as medicine is available (theoretically) via doctor’s prescription, and further rescheduled as a “Schedule II” medication. Where this leaves

One of the more contentious midterm elections of all time will (finally) be over today as Democrats try to wrestle control of the House and the Senate from Donald Trump and the Republican Party. Some important cannabis measures are also on the ballot as Michigan and North Dakota could join the list of states with

While most of the political attention is on the congressional midterms tomorrow, there are some big marijuana measures on the ballots tomorrow. There is some debate as to which party will be better on cannabis policy over the next couple of years, with two Congressman, Democrat Earl Blumenauer and Republican Dan Rohrabacher (both previous International

When the International Cannabis Business Conference (ICBC) was founded just over four years ago, it was impossible to predict how the global marijuana reform movement would succeed. Fast forward four years and it is easy to see the success that advocates and entrepreneurs have made around the world. Just over the past month, positive cannabis news

Celebrities like Willie Nelson, Tommy Chong, and Snoop Dogg, that haven’t been shy about their love of cannabis aren’t shocking too many people when they join the cannabis industry. Musician Melissa Etheridge and former NBA great Clifford Robinson have been honest about their medical use, so they weren’t too surprising either. But the Oscar-winning director

When the International Cannabis Business Conference held its first event just over four years ago, not many were thinking about the global marijuana market. At that time, only two U.S. states had implemented legalization and Uruguay was still working out the details of its regulatory structure. An international event seemed a bit ahead of it’s

After decades of government propaganda and lies about the medical benefits of cannabis, the U.S. FDA approved the cannabis-based medicine Epidiolex last June and the DEA placed the drug in Schedule V (versus the restrictive Schedule I, still reserved for cannabis itself). GW Pharmaceuticals has now announced that Epidiolex is available to patients in need in

As cannabis firms divvy up the cannabis production map of continental Europe, a new player on the Eurocannabis scene is starting to make waves. If not establish itself. As of October 9, Greece has now issued its first medical production license. The Greek government has, as a result, now issued cultivation permission to the intriguingly

While full adult-use cannabis legalization laws garner most of the headlines and medical measures are seen as mundane no-brainers, medicinal cannabis is a literal lifesaver to many patients and it also sets the stage for further reforms in the coming years. While marijuana has gone mainstream, with about 2/3 of voters supporting legalization, America’s Heartland,

Voting to legalize, regulate, and tax cannabis at the statewide ballot box is just a part of the political battle for the California cannabis community, and any state that has or will end prohibition within its borders. With strong support among voters across demographics, passing a legalization measure is much easier than implementing the most

While everyone knew that California, with its sheer size, existing medical industry, and a history of strong local control, would be a difficult state to effectively implement new cannabis regulations and those initial thoughts have been proven correct. California has been one of the few, if not only, states to not meet or surpass initial

It is now less than a month before the new German cannabis cultivation bid, reissued in July, is due. The new tender differs little from the last round, which came to an end in March 2018 in court. Bid applicants successfully sued BfArM, the federal bureau of narcotics control, because of a lack of time

All eyes are on Canada as the nation deals with the ups and downs of implementing cannabis commerce regulations for the first time among G7 nations. While the jobs being created and new revenue generated are very welcome, in addition to the social justice benefits, no legalization regime is going to be without issues. Already,

Every locale that has legalized cannabis, be it medicinal use or full legalization for all adults, has created more jobs and revenue for their respective economies, as well as decreased needless and wasteful arrests and convictions. Most legalized jurisdictions have even experienced overall economic benefits that have exceeded initial estimates. Canadian policymakers obviously didn’t expect

Legalization news coverage has rightfully been dominated by Canada lately as the world’s first G7 nation to allow regulated cannabis commerce has made history and boosted reform efforts in the United States and throughout the world. While the Great White North will certainly impact the federal cannabis legalization debate in the U.S., it shouldn’t be

The demand for cannabis across Canada has been, well, high (no way to avoid that pun this Friday), surprising no one that has a lot of experience with the industry, but too many policymakers and regulators have been caught flat-footed. With too little of a supply and too few licensees, Société québécoise du cannabis (SQDC) outlets are closing its

With the demand for cannabis in Canada outpacing demand, something industry insiders warned, Canadian businesses are now playing catch-up, increasing the demand for jobs across all sectors of the industry. The jobs surge actually started well before cannabis commerce officially began on October 17th, as companies ramped up for the increased demand, but now that the

Anyone living in locales with legal cannabis quickly understands that passing a legalization measure is just half the battle. Following the initial successful vote are a myriad of regulatory hearings, commission meetings, and local votes that will impact the cannabis law and determine how commerce is regulated, or even allowed. Californians will vote in many

British Columbia, Canada, is one of the international hotbeds for cannabis, with a long history of being a pioneer for progressive cannabis policies. Last Year’s International Cannabis Business Conference in Vancouver, B.C., has rivaled Berlin as the biggest ICBC event since the conferences started just over four years ago. On one hand, it’s not a huge

As expected, the demand for licensed and regulated cannabis was strong as Canada legalized cannabis commerce across the Great White North a week ago, and the nation’s retailers are already running out. Government officials and regulators seem to underestimate citizen’s desire for marijuana time and time again, while industry experts warnings are ignored. Groundwork Consulting’s

Alcanna Inc., operators of over 225 retail operations selling wine, beer, and spirits in Canada and the United States, made big news that it was moving into the cannabis industry, announcing that it was opening 5 cannabis retailers, with a plan for 37 across Alberta. Following cannabis commerce going legal in Canada on October 17th,

The 2018 midterms are fast approaching and Republicans and Democrats are pulling out all of the stops to win votes at the ballot box. One low-key issue under the surface is cannabis with Democrat Congressman Earl Blumenauer and Republican Representative Dana Rohrabacher, both featured speakers at previous International Cannabis Business Conference events, have made the

Aurora, one of the biggest producers in Canada, joined Tilray, Cronos Group, and Canopy Growth as the latest cannabis company from the Great White North listed on stock exchanges in the United States. While both Aurora and Coca-Cola have been mum lately about a potential partnership to produce CBD beverages, it isn’t surprising to industry insiders

When you are in the trenches fighting for cannabis legalization, it is easy to become cynical and discouraged. We recognize that it is cruel to deprive patients a safe medicine that can benefit their lives, or even save them, when potentially fatal drugs like OxyContin are prescribed. It is so obvious to reformers that adults

Everyone involved in the regulated cannabis industry over the past few years understands that rules will be announced and then amended and then amended again. It is imperative to stay up-to-date on the latest developments and to align with common interests to make the cannabis industry work for all involved, one of the values of

Canadian cannabis companies have long had a huge advantage over their counterparts in the United States, with access to capital and favorable federally policies (access to banking services, reasonable tax policies, etc.). That upper hand will only grow bigger now that Canada has legalized cannabis commerce among all adults. One U.S. cannabis company just put

After reports that regulated cannabis farms were emerging out of locales in Oregon and Canada known for wineries, it shouldn’t be a surprise to learn that areas known for vineyards in California are seeing cannabis cultivators take root. With the California marijuana market estimated to be a $4 billion dollar business sector, we can expect more

Astute industry observers, like International Cannabis Business Conference founder Alex Rogers, have understood the potential for a global marijuana market and now the rest of the world is starting to catch up. Fresh off the heels of Canada becoming the first G7 nation to regulate adult-use cannabis commerce, the worldwide capabilities of the burgeoning industry

Cannabis stocks have been increasing in value rather rapidly over recent months, with stocks listed on Canadian and U.S. financial markets receiving boosts from the mainstreaming of marijuana. As big-time investors and major companies invested, or were reported to be eyeing potential entries into the market, investors of all stripes have taken notice. As Bloomberg reported,

Whenever a company or industry reaches some type of milestone of sorts, ringing the opening bell can be a rite of passage and a demonstration of legitimacy. “You’ve made it now,” or “Good on you,” are the messages ringing the ceremonial bell signifies. Today, on the historic that Canada ended cannabis prohibition, the Toronto Stock

October 17, 2018, the long-awaited day that cannabis goes legal across Canada has arrived and the world will never be the same. With all due respect to the great progress made by Uruguay, who helped pave the way for Canada, it can be argued that the Great White North, by permitting regulated sales to tourists

Unless you have been living under a rock you know that Canada is about to legalize cannabis commerce across the nation tomorrow on October 17th. After decades of the failed and harmful policy of cannabis prohibition, the Great White North will set an example across the world on how legalization will create jobs and generate

Cannabis legalization officially begins tomorrow in Canada on October 17th, but the economic impacts are already being felt across the nation. Cannabis commerce is expected to grow rather rapidly with shortages expected at first as beginning supply levels are unlikely to keep up with demand. With consumers flocking to brick-and-mortar stores and online websites to

Canopy Growth is an unquestioned leader in the global cannabis industry. The biggest producer, in Canada, Canopy exports around the world and its stock has had a strong showing on the New York Stock Exchange. Constellation Brands, the owner of Corona beer and Robert Mondavi wine, sees the value of the company, investing billions in

Many people told International Cannabis Business Conference Founder and CEO Alex Rogers that he was crazy for holding a conference in Berlin, Germany, in 2017. At the time, the nation’s medical law was extremely restrictive, stifling most thoughts of a workable industry. However, Alex saw the future, and he saw a nation that was poised

While the Democratic Party has been more likely to embrace cannabis law reform over the years, not every Democratic leader has been on board, opening up opportunities for Republicans to make inroads among the cannabis community. While Donald Trump’s record on cannabis is spotty as appointing Jeff Sessions as Attorney General has been a lowlight,

Step by step, nation by nation, the liberalization of cannabis laws are transpiring around the nation. As people share their personal stories about cannabis and the fact that other locations have legalized medical or adult-use moves the debate in various countries around the world. We’ve seen such momentum across the globe for more progressive marijuana policies,

With Canada legalizing cannabis nationally on October 17th and more states poised to legalize either medical or adult-use cannabis this November, we will start seeing even more major corporations make inroads into the cannabis industry. Big surprise: corporations follow the money. Already, Corona-owner Constellation Brands and Molson Coors have already announced major moves into the

With the current UN Secretary-General, António Guterres, hailing from Portugal and previously touting his home nation’s progressive drug policies, and the recent World Health Organization (WHO) recommendation that CBD be descheduled, there has never been a better time for the international community to reclassify cannabis. How cannabis is viewed internationally will impact U.S. policy, and just ahead

It is no secret that mom-and-pop cannabis cultivators are finding it hard to compete with well-financed corporations as the marijuana supply has increased and prices drop. Following in the footsteps of the wine industry, and branding various regions on the West Coast could prove to be a good tactic by craft growers. The Mendocino Appellations

When folks are visiting a locale with legal cannabis, they may need assistance in learning about local dispensaries and various strains and products. Locals may even want to take advantage of experienced connoisseurs to gain a new perspective or to show family and friends around when they come into town. More and more entrepreneurs are taking advantage

Cannabis tourism is a growing sector of the industry filling a niche that is increasingly desired and needed. Folks visiting cannabis-friendly locales often need safe places to consume their recently-acquired ganja as too many locales prohibit smoking or even vaping in any establishments. In Oregon, for instance, otherwise law-abiding citizens are forced outside because of

Cannabis stocks have been so hot this year that many are wondering whether they can keep up such a torrid pace. Leading the way has been Tilray, who has seen its stock prices increase more than 500% since its initial public offering in July. Canopy Growth, buoyed by its industry-shaking investment from Corona-owner Constellation Brands, has also

After voters or legislators pass legalization measures, the “fun” has just begun as various state and local regulators will begin to implement necessary and unnecessary rules that govern the cannabis industry. More often than not, regulations will change a few times as mistakes will be made and different political and business agendas collide. To help

Papa & Barkley, maker of cannabis-infused products such as balms, tinctures, and patches, seems like a throwback to a simpler time, but hopefully will be an example of more things to come in the cannabis industry. Papa & Barkley’s roots were formed due to the love of family, as their website describes: Our Releaf line was

Most industry observers are predicting robust sales when Canada officially legalizes cannabis commerce across the nation on October 17th, with many expecting supply shortages across the Great White North. However, Shopify, the company hired by the Ottawa government to handle online sales doesn’t expect to be overwhelmed despite the fact that Ottawa won’t have any brick-and-mortar stores

While the overall economic numbers of cannabis legalization in the United States are promising and usually exceed expectations, a closer look usual shows serious cracks in the foundation that need to be addressed. Many of the issues require changes at the federal level, such as access to banking services and fixing the dreaded 280e tax

Cannabidiol (CBD) has been found to have several medical benefits and the naturally-occurring cannabinoid found in both cannabis and hemp has recently been approved to treat epilepsy thru GW Pharmaceutical’s Epidiolex. Oregon is home to a true industry leader in CBD-rich products in East Fork Cultivars. East Fork has been producing CBD-heavy hemp and cannabis

There are many reasons why people support cannabis legalization. For longtime Drug War reformers, keeping nonviolent from unjust and harmful arrests and prison terms top the list. For those that don’t use cannabis, better prioritizing law enforcement resources and capturing tax revenue are a couple of factors. Of course, politicians love creating more jobs and

If you are in the cannabis community, especially in a state that has a great outdoor growing season, then you’ve probably heard about Croptober. Cannabis harvests occur at the end of October and the beginning of November, greatly increasing the supply of cannabis on the market (both regulated and illicit). David Downs covered the #Croptober phenomenon for

The cannabis industry is hot right now and so are several stocks associated with the business sector. For those understandably queasy about investing in single stocks that can fluctuate in value dramatically, an exchange-traded fund (ETF) may be more your style. An ETF is an investment fund, like a mutual fund, as it will contain a

More and more mainstream investors and companies are getting into the cannabis industry, pushing cannabis stocks higher and higher (pun intended). What are some stocks to watch, both directly involved in marijuana and those ancillary to the business sector? Well, if anyone knew for certain, they could get very wealthy, so no one knows for sure.

Well, I guess that we shouldn’t be surprised that PepsiCo would follow Coca-Cola’s interest in the cannabis industry. If there is money to be made in a new beverage sector, there is no way that Pepsi was going to cede all of it to their biggest competitor. Forbes recently covered Coca-Cola looking into the marijuana

BuzzFeed News originally revealed the existence of a Trump administration committee to wage a “secret war” on cannabis at the end of August, noting that federal officials were tired of the positive press regarding cannabis legalization and were calling upon various agencies to publish negative news stories. Administration officials initially wouldn’t confirm the committee, but BuzzFeed’s

It was great returning to Portland, Oregon, last week for another engaging and informative International Cannabis Business Conference that continued the ICBC’s tradition of combining business, politics, and culture, unlike any other event. Going back to where the ICBC started was a good time to connect with a lot of people that attended the first

The International Cannabis Business Conference has a lot of highlights for a lot of people, depending on your background and interest in the industry. For some, getting the chance to ask the executive director of the OLCC and other regulators in charge of the statewide commercial rules is at the top of the list while

The International Cannabis Business Conference (ICBC) kicks off its networking opportunities this Thursday evening from 7pm to 9pm at the Skyline Lounge at the Downtown Hilton with investors, entrepreneurs, and advocates from across the globe, including actor Jim Belushi and former Portland Trailblazer All-Star Cliff Robinson. The conference program starts tomorrow, Friday, September 28th, with

While the overall numbers show a booming Oregon cannabis industry, with record sales and tax revenue creating thousands of jobs, when you look closer you see a major flaw that plague just about every industry-local small businesses pushed out of the market by bigger interests. Adam Smith of the Craft Cannabis Alliance wants to help

Oregon Senator Jeff Merkley has been defending not only the will of Oregon voters who passed cannabis legalization with over 56% of the vote in 2014, but also the will of the strong majority of all Americans that now understand the failure of cannabis prohibition. Tired of wasting law enforcement resources and disproportionately arresting and

One of the nicest people you can have the pleasure of meeting is former NBA great Cliff Robinson. Best known for his stint with the Portland Trailblazers, where he was an All-Star and the NBA’s Sixth Man of the Year, Robinson, affectionately known as Uncle Cliffy, has a tremendous professional basketball resume. Robinson tallied 18

The International Cannabis Business Conference (ICBC) is bringing its trademark blend of cannabis business, politics, and culture back to Portland, Oregon, September 27th-28th, after a four-year absence. The event should not be missed by anyone in the cannabis industry or thinking of joining. Get your tickets now as prices go up after Wednesday. Once the

When word first got out that Jim Belushi was involved with the burgeoning cannabis industry, many may have thought that he was just the latest celebrity hoping to cash in, that maybe he would just slap his name on a few products. Those that know Belushi, however, know that he is deeply engaged with learning

Cannabis sales are continuing to break revenue records and exceed expectations in Oregon, Colorado, Nevada, proving that legalization can create jobs and generate revenue, without the sky falling. However, there are still legitimate concerns regarding how the profits are being divvied up, as, like in many industries, bigger players are gobbling up many smaller businesses

Amsterdam has been one of the pioneers in the global fight to end cannabis prohibition, ever since the Mellow Yellow coffeeshop was founded in 1972 by Wernard Bruinin. More coffeeshops soon followed and Amsterdam became a model for those working to legalize cannabis across the nation. The Dutch city proved that you could allow cannabis commerce

This September 27th and 28th, International Cannabis Business Conference is returning to its roots with its first conference back in Portland, Oregon, since the ICBC debuted in the City of Roses in 2014. In four short years, the ICBC has experienced tremendous growth, growing alongside the rest of the cannabis industry. After sold-out events in San

With Constellation Brands, the parent company of Corona beer and Robert Mondavi wine, Molson Coors, Scotts Miracle-Gro, biotech company Ginko Bioworks, GW Pharmaceuticals, and Coca-Cola all getting into some facet of the cannabis industry, or at least reportedly thinking about it, the mainstream brands entering the burgeoning market keep growing. Now, we can add Estée

Canadian cannabis companies have been given a huge advantage over U.S. businesses thanks to a progressive national law that has already federally legalized medical marijuana and the Cannabis Act that ends prohibition across the Great White North this October 17th. With access to banking services, financial markets, and a reasonable tax code, the economic climate

Anyone who has ever quit smoking tobacco or tried, or know someone battling tobacco addiction, understands the difficulty of kicking those cancer sticks to the curb. The nicotine in tobacco is so addictive that only 6% of smokers are able to quit each year, but there may be a promising tool to help kick the

Nevada has a history of pushing vices, with legalized gambling, prostitution, and drinking alcohol in public. It shouldn’t surprise folks that the Silver State, home of Las Vegas AKA Sin City, was selling a large amount of cannabis. However, sales have far exceeded expectations, providing lessons for other states, as Forbes reported: Nevada cannabis sales

Hedge fund legends. Big Pharma. Big Tobacco. Big Alcohol. The list of new and possible cannabis industry participants keeps growing and growing. And now, potentially the biggest interest yet: Big Soda. If there were any doubts that cannabis has gone mainstream and is going more mainstream by the day, the possible entry of Coca-Cola into

Normally, the financial disclosures of a Libertarian Senate candidate wouldn’t be a big deal, even if it revealed investments in cannabis businesses. However, Gary Johnson, the former two-term governor of New Mexico has to be taken seriously in the Land of Enchantment, even though his two presidential runs fizzled out. Republican Senator Rand Paul has

Politics can make strange bedfellows and it has long been extremely weird that California was represented by an anti-cannabis United States Senator, the extremely powerful Dianne Feinstein. While Oregon paved the way for decriminalization in the early 1970s, California really led the charge for the recent momentum to bring sanity to our marijuana laws by voting

Whether you want to start your own business or secure a job in the cannabis industry, there are tips of the trade that are universal to any profession and key insights that may be unique to the marijuana market. My advice is to demonstrate traits that both shatter stoner stereotypes (punctuality, for instance) and are

Anyone that has seen the marijuana grown by the United States government for the few remaining federally-recognized patients and the limited research projects approved over the years, knows that it is of extremely poor quality. The Medical Cannabis Research Act (MCRA), sponsored by Republican Representative Matt Gaetz, and passed out of the House Judiciary Committee,

Despite legalizing cannabis in 2014, Oregon still has a lot of work left to do regarding marijuana, from doing better to ensure that low-income patients have safe access to automatically expunging old convictions (without making people pay extra money and jumping through unnecessary bureaucratic hoops). Additionally, cannabis cafes and other consumption sites are needed. I’m proud

There is still time to get “early bird” tickets to the world’s premier B2B cannabis event, the International Cannabis Business Conference in Portland, Oregon, this September 27th-28th, and for small craft cannabis businesses to apply for the $10,000 ICBC Mom and Pop Pitch Event, but time is running out. Early bird tickets must be purchased

Many Oregon cannabis industry observers, including myself and the Medford Mail Tribune Editorial Board, knew that Josephine County was wasting the hard-earned money of taxpayers by challenging Oregon’s adult-use and medical legalization laws in court. Everything that county officials may want to do with cannabis businesses from oversaturation to strict regulations to outright bans (if their

The International Cannabis Business Conference (ICBC) is returning to Portland, Oregon, this September 27th-28th, at the Hilton Downtown, and you can still purchase “early bird” tickets, but time is running out as you have through September 12th to save $200 on the marijuana business-to-business (B2B) event of the year. Once the clock strikes midnight, turning

Whenever someone hears that the United States government maintains a marijuana farm that provides medicine for a few federal patients and research programs, it may seem like a tall tale, but it is no myth. Uncle Sam cultivates cannabis at the University of Mississippi and actually mails it to a handful of grandfathered/grandmothered participants in the Compassionate Investigational

The financial benefits of cannabis legalization make a lot of headlines as the tax revenue generated and jobs created almost always exceed expectations. The positive economic impact of regulated cannabis commerce isn’t just in the surface numbers as the benefits filter throughout the industry and into ancillary businesses and throughout the local economy. Of course,

Cannabis stocks, while still carrying volatile risks, have been booming recently as mainstream investors have started flocking to the sector particularly after Canada passed the Cannabis Act and with the establishment of October 17th as the first G7 nation to end marijuana prohibition. Individual stocks like Canopy Growth and Tilray (full disclosure: I own a few

Cannabis industry observers are witnessing mainstream investors of all stripes investing in and partnering with the cannabis industry, from hedge fund legends to alcohol giants to biotech companies. There has long been speculation that Big Tobacco would enter the marijuana market once prohibition ended and the theory could become a reality sooner than later as

Most states with regulated sales up and running have surpassed initial estimates regarding projected cannabis sales, with California being the lone holdout. In addition to surpassing early projections, states continue to set financial records with Colorado selling more than $1.5 billion worth of cannabis in 2017 and Oregon on pace to bring in more tax

On many fronts, the cannabis industry is booming with record revenues and stock prices exceeding expectations. Of course, many serious issues remain, even for Canadian companies, where their home nation is about to legalize cannabis for all adults this October 17th, including the fact that some insurers still shy away from cannabis. However, cannabis companies

With several beer companies making the leap into the burgeoning cannabis industry, many observers are wondering if the trend will continue or whether we’ll see other business sectors make a similar jump. With evidence showing the legal cannabis may be hurting alcohol sales generally and that younger drinkers are choosing other options to imbibe, it

The International Cannabis Business Conference (ICBC) has flourished into the world’s premier cannabis business-to-business (B2B) event in the four years since it first debuted in Portland, just before Oregon became the third state to legalize cannabis. While in hindsight it seems easy to predict that the global marijuana market would heat up, no one knew

Dominic Holden’s Buzzfeed article revealing that the Donald Trump White House is choreographing a “secret war” on cannabis that calls upon various government agencies to publicize negative stories about marijuana brought out a variety of views. As I blogged, I didn’t think that the news was anything new or surprising as the federal government has been

Mainstream investors and major corporations are seeing the value of the cannabis industry as big investment news stories are breaking every week, if not every few days, as Canada marches toward its October 17th legalization date. While stocks are still volatile, it appears that many are seeing the growth potential of the burgeoning industry. Partnerships with

As we head into Labor Day weekend, maybe you are happy with your job, or maybe you are looking for a career change. If you’re looking to move into something new, then the cannabis industry may be what you are looking for. Thousands upon thousands of jobs are being created and you have the opportunity

As the cannabis industry has gone more mainstream, there have been numerous headlines about who will be the “Starbucks” or “Wal-Mart” or “Costco” or “Amazon” of cannabis. The biggest player in Canada, and internationally, Canopy Growth, isn’t the Amazon or Google of cannabis…yet, but the company hopes to be, as reported by CNBC: Canopy Growth CEO

Oregon’s cannabis revenue has continually far exceeded expectations. The state only projected to bring in between $17 to $40 million per year in tax proceeds, but the industry has now more than doubled the upper projection, bringing in more than $82 million this past fiscal year. The market has shown no signs of slowing down

Leon Cooperman may not be a household name, but the man labeled a “hedge fund legend” by Business Insider has a net worth of over $3 billion. And he’s the latest big investor publicly revealed as investing in the cannabis industry. Cooperman, the CEO of Omega Advisors, made a personal investment in Green Thumb Industries, as

Donald Trump has been on both (or several) sides of the cannabis legalization debate since he announced his run for president. He declared himself supportive of medical cannabis and a believer in states’ rights on adult-use marijuana laws as a candidate. However, Trump’s moderate public stances must be weighed against his selection of Reefer Madness

Canadian cannabis companies have been making big move after big move, pulling of mergers, securing investments, and consolidating in ways that were unthinkable to most just a few years ago. From major deals like Constellation Brands investing billions of dollars into Canopy Growth to Aurora and MedReleaf’s billion-dollar merger to companies like C21 Investments purchasing several

Legal cannabis in Oregon has brought thousands of jobs to the state and has generated millions of dollars in revenue, exceeding government expectations. In fact, the Beaver State brings in $20 million every quarter in cannabis taxes, doubling the $40 million that state financial analysts thought would be the maximum generated in a year. On top

There are already some great applicants for the first Mom and Pop Pitch Event at the International Cannabis Business Conference in Portland this September 28th, but there is still time to put your company on the main stage at the ICBC, in front of a room of potential investors, partners, vendors, and customers. Inspired by

Oregon Senator Jeff Merkley Stresses the Importance of S. 1152, the Secure And Fair Enforcement (SAFE) Banking Act Regardless of where you stand on cannabis legalization, you should support regulated businesses’ access to banking services. Even if you don’t support legal marijuana, you should want licensed companies to pay their fair share of taxes and

Cannabis science is one of the foundations of the legalization movement as knowledge of the plant has helped dispel Reefer Madness myth after myth over the past decades. Scientific research led to medical cannabis laws as researchers have publicized the wide range of medicinal uses and health benefits of the plant will countering the unfounded

After Constellation Brands’ mega-deal with Canopy Growth and Molson Coors team-up with Hydropothecary Corp. to work develop non-alcoholic, cannabis-infused beverages, industry observers are wondering who could be next. While there is some speculation that Big Tobacco and Big Pharma are going to make moves into the adult-use marijuana market, tobacco companies carry so much baggage after deceiving

It was big news when RBC Capital Markets praised Constellation Brands multi-billion investment in Canopy Growth and notified its clients that it expected the legal cannabis market in the United States to reach $47 billion in revenue within the next decade. Now, writing in Seeking Alpha, Jonathan Cooper makes the case that the U.S. cannabis industry will

While legalizing cannabis is ultimately about freedom for those that have dedicated their lives to the cause, it is obvious that our newfound freedom creates jobs and generates revenue. The new industry provides an opportunity for the cannabis community to enter a business sector at the ground level, with an opportunity for advancement. Canada has

Overall, the legal cannabis industry is booming with record revenue levels across the board, even with a few hiccups (ahem, California) along the way. However, the super competitive marijuana market and rampant overregulation (that will hopefully lessen over time) mandates the need for capital to survive, expand, and thrive in the industry. With Canada gearing

First off, I must apologize, once again for the puns in the title, but it is hard to get away from using “high” when discussing cannabis stocks that are worth more than ever before. When it comes to “hit” I’m guilty as charged, as I could have used “reached” but that’s not as fun. While

Canada, Canadian companies, and U.S. businesses utilizing Canada’s financial markets are making most of the major cannabis financial headlines these days as the Great White North marches toward legalizing on October 17th, and rightfully so. With several major businesses investing in the industry, Prime Minister Trudeau’s Liberal Party fulfilling its campaign promise to end prohibition has brought

Since the International Cannabis Business Conference became the first global marijuana business event four years ago, we have seen explosive growth for the industry around the world. With Michigan set to legalize cannabis this November, and Missouri (and possibly a couple of other states) poised to allow medical use this as well, the United State’s market

Canada’s legalization law allows provinces to establish how they want cannabis commerce to proceed within their boundaries. Government-run stores are okay, as are licensed private establishments. Online sales and delivery are also an option, a choice that Ontario has selected, just announcing agreements with cannabis producers to supply its retail system, as Reuters has reported:

Canadian cannabis company Canopy Growth, benefitting from the multi-billion dollar investment by Constellation Brands, the parent company of Corona beer company and Robert Mondavi wine, has been understandably making big financial news, but there are two competitors on the Nasdaq that deserve attention as well-Cronos Group and Tilray. In full disclosure, as I mentioned in

Normally, when a competitor in the market has big financial news, it doesn’t necessarily mean good things for other businesses in the industry. Good news for Apple doesn’t lead to a stock price increase for Samsung and the same for Coca-Cola and Pepsi. With the cannabis industry, a burgeoning industry just starting to gain mainstream traction on

Even though cannabis is a burgeoning industry just getting started in a regulated manner, nothing stops aspiring entrepreneurs from wondering what the next big thing is gonna be. There could be new cannabis products, but those seemed covered. Or maybe some app could be a major innovation. However, one segment of the business poised to

With Constellation Brands, owner of Corona beer and Robert Mondavi wine, making huge financial news by purchasing 38% of Canopy Growth, we shouldn’t be surprised that caffeine dealers are moving into the cannabis industry as well. Second Cup Coffee, a major coffee shop chain headquartered in Ontario, Canada, with over 300 retail establishments around the

Beer, wine, and spirits producers getting into the cannabis industry is bound to make headlines as alcohol, despite being banned federally for a few years, is really as American as apple pie. Yesterday, I was rather surprised to see that a Portland Metropolitan bus (known as TriMet in these parts) was covered with a huge vodka

Access to banking services is one of the major problems facing the cannabis industry as very few banks are willing to offer accounts to marijuana businesses operating legally under state law. While federal prohibition will always limit banking options, some financial institutions are warming up to cannabis businesses, including Severn Bank in Maryland as New

It’s no secret that alcohol companies are moving into the cannabis industry, and no business has made a bigger move then Constellation Brands, the parent company of both Corona beer and Robert Mondavi wine. Constellation was already a big player when it purchased just under 10% of Canadian cannabis company Canopy Growth and now Constellation, seeing

Investors looking to purchase cannabis stocks have some options on the major U.S. stock markets such as Tilray, Canopy Growth, Cronos, and Aurora, and many companies to choose from on the Canadian Securities Exchange. However, if the volatility of a burgeoning industry is a bit too much for your taste, or you want to diversify

The value of cannabis stocks, like most stocks, are uncertain and anyone investing certainly needs to do their due diligence before dumping too much money into any one stock. Even after extensive due diligence into any one particular company, it is wise to diversify. Those looking into marijuana stocks certainly need to do their homework as

The International Cannabis Business Conference (ICBC) has had a lot of great moments since it began four years ago. The ICBC quickly transformed into the premier B2B global marijuana business event and has seen elected officials from both sides of the aisle, prominent social commentators, pioneering entrepreneurs, and activists grace its stage and networking events from

Regardless of your political leanings generally, or thoughts about Donald Trump, you probably don’t want to spend more money or make less money. Unfortunately, Trump’s trade war with China is about to hit the cannabis community as the price of equipment and devices from vaporizers to grow equipment to cell phones, to many things in

The economic benefits of the cannabis industry garner a vast majority of the headlines, but those of us that have put in years upon years fighting the Drug War know that keeping people out of prison, along with helping sick and disabled patients, remain the foundation of the legalization movement. Unfortunately, too many victims of

Many of us know military veterans that reasonably suffer from post-traumatic stress after experience combat or other trauma. Many of us know veterans that utilize cannabis to treat their post-traumatic stress and that it is a crime against humanity for our government to deny soldiers and veterans the option of at least trying to utilize

First of all, I apologize for the punny headline, but when you’re discussing record-breaking cannabis sales in a state that includes the Mile High City and inspired Bob Denver to pen “Rocky Mountain High” it is hard to avoid. Plus, it’s Friday. Colorado has made a lot of headlines for the revenue marijuana has brought

The International Cannabis Business Conference (ICBC) made its debut in Portland four years ago, just before Oregon became the third state to pass an adult-use legalization law. There was no way that any of us involved with producing the conference could predict the rapid growth of the marijuana market across the globe. The Oregon cannabis

The signs that cannabis has moved into the mainstream of American society have been piling up over the years. Literally every day, anyone paying attention to media, culture, and politics, whether in the United States or internationally, can see that marijuana has moved out of the shadows into the bright lights of our lives. The

In Canada, residents and tourists may soon have the ability to cheers with cannabis beer and various cannabis-infused beverages. Constellation Brands and Molson Coors have both announced intentions to develop cannabis drinks that adults can sip starting on October 17th in the Great White North. The move by beer companies to jump into the marijuana

Reefer Madness prohibitionists have made numerous ridiculous statements over the years, including the contention that cannabis isn’t medicine, but that cannabis compounds are. While ranting about today’s marijuana, with THC levels over 20%, being so much stronger than that smoked during the Woodstock era, anti-legalization zealots have pushed the synthetic THC drug Marinol on patients, which

Medical cannabis has broad, supermajority support in just about every poll around the world, so we shouldn’t be surprised that Australians are no different, but 91% support is an amazing number, regardless of the issue. It’s hard to get 9 out of 10 people to agree on just about any political issue. It is a

Medical cannabis laws are great and it makes sense that a supermajority of American voters support medicinal use. However, medical laws don’t go far enough to prevent the unnecessary arrest and prosecution of nonviolent citizens that shouldn’t have their freedom taken away for their medicinal use. Many people on a fixed income can’t afford the

In what has been a common occurrence in the United States, a state with legalized cannabis commerce has far exceeded initial projections as Nevada’s first-year of regulated sales has been an indisputable financial success. Nevada follows in the footsteps of states like Colorado, Washington, and Oregon that have all generated more revenue than government estimates.

After a vote of no-confidence for the People Party’s (PP) Mariano Rajoy, Pedro Sánchez of the Spanish Socialist Worker’s Party (PSOE) was sworn in as Spain’s Prime Minister this past June. Sánchez’s PSOE government has only 84 of the 350 seats in the Congress of Deputies (Spain’s lower house of Parliment) thus is dependent upon a governing

Every state that legalizes adult-use or medical cannabis brings us one step closer to ending prohibition for all adults across the country. As someone born and raised in Missouri and started my political activism there, I am so proud and pleased that Missouri voters will have the opportunity to vote to legalize medical cannabis this

DJ Muggs (Cypress Hill) and Del the Funky Homosapien (Hieroglyphics & Gorillaz) are two living legends that have performed at after parties for the International Cannabis Business Conference before, but never have both performed at the same time. That changes in Portland, Oregon, on September 28th when DJ Muggs will be spinning as the opener