The Cannabis Reporter

Cannabis is emerging from the shadows of prohibition. Every week, there are advancements in many fields related to cannabis. Smoke Reports will be re-capping the weekly events of the cannabis community and industry, so that you can stay up-to-date on the latest developments.

Cannabis World Congress & Business Expo

Smoke Reports sent a representative down to the Cannabis World Congress and Business Exposition in order to spread the word about Smoke Reports. What we could have never anticipated was that keynote speaker Melissa Etheridge decided that she would not only mention Smoke Reports in her speech, but also describe our platform to the thousands of people in attendance.

Some awesome recognition for our amazing team, and a huge thank you to Melissa Etheridge, one of the cannabis industry’s most vocal pioneers. We will publish a more in-depth look at the CWCB later today, complete with photos and interesting stories.

Freedom Festival in San Francisco

Last weekend, Smoke Reports had the opportunity to participate in the Freedom Festival in Golden Gate Park. Our team spent the day interacting with attendees and other groups that were representing themselves at the festival. Tons of folks came to our booth to chat about cannabis and the future of the community. We were very thrilled to see the high interest in cannabis across such a wide mix of people.

 

California Backlash from AB 266, AB 243, and SB 643

Since California lawmakers in the Senate and the Assembly passed three cannabis bills that intend to better regulate the medical cannabis industry, there has been a lot of noise from the community. The three bills basically overhaul the loose regulations that existed under Prop 215, including the collective/cooperative model that caused so much ambiguity in the past.

But, as it is with any legal changes, some folks feel they were not represented properly. The language in the bills was discussed for over two years, until the final two weeks, when policymakers stepped behind closed doors and hammered out the final legislation, and then quickly passed it through the Senate and Assembly.

For the next few months, and potentially longer, we will be hearing assumptions and speculation about the positive and negative effects of these bills. Cannabis regulation is necessary for a more legitimate industry, but there are still a lot of unanswered questions about the best approach to sensible cannabis regulation. California hosts the world’s oldest medical cannabis program, and also boasts a large economy that stands to gain with a more legitimate cannabis industry.

East Bay Express Cannabis Author Showcase

Last night, East Bay Express hosted a cannais author showcase, featuring recent cannabis literature and the folks responsible for pioneering cannabis. Steve DeAngelo, the founder of Harborside Health Center in Oakland, discussed his new release The Cannabis Manifesto. 

Ellen Komp appeared along with her self-released work Tokin’ Women, which documents 4,000 years of famous women in cannabis history. Also attending the event was Michael Backes, author of Cannabis Pharmacy, and Cheri Sicard, author of Mary Jane, a look into women’s issues regarding cannabis.

Colorado Begins Fines for Using “Organic” Labels

In a recent blog post, Smoke Reports covered the new crackdown on cannabis companies using the word “organic” to market their brand or specific products. The Colorado Attorney General’s office, under the Colorado Consumer Protections Act, will begin fining companies using the word “organic” up to $10,000 per individual violation.

The term “organic” is a certification process in which the United States Department of Agriculture reviews a farm for sustainable and safe methods of cultivation of agricultural products. But because cannabis is a Schedule I drug, it is considered a controlled substance and not eligible to receive organic certification as an agricultural product.

States like California have started to implement their own certification programs so that cannabis cultivators who are taking the time to truly use organic techniques have an avenue for recognition.

GOP Debate Discusses Cannabis

The second GOP debate on Wednesday night was rather interesting from a cannabis perspective. “Marijuana” got a lot of attention, as moderators needled hopeful candidates on their past use, their current disposition, and all of the ways they would use their presidential authority to strike down America’s medical (and recreational) cannabis programs.

As cannabis becomes a household topic of conversation, Republican candidates have had to reevaluate their stance on cannabis being the harsh gateway drug represented by the D.A.R.E program during Reagan’s presidency.

Luckily, several candidates prove they actually communicate with the American people when they said they would not burn down America’s existing cannabis programs, while others like New Jersey Governor Chris Christie just yelled about how they would use executive power to eradicate all cannabis from the United States, presumably with a big wall or something.

Upcoming Cannabis Events

Cannabis World Congress and Business Exposition (Los Angeles, Sept. 16-18)

HempCon Dab Cup – (San Jose, Sept. 18-20)

Join HempCon at the San Jose Convention Center for one of their awesome events. Vendors will have booths for attendees to explore.

Sun Setting On Cannabis Prohibition – (Berkeley, Sept 20)

It’s time for California to step up and take the lead again in Cannabis Regulation and Legalization. The 2016 election is around the corner and we have major steps to take to secure victory. Support the campaign while enjoying the vistas of the East Bay. Entertainment and heavy hors d’ouevres will be provided. A parking shuttle will also be provided. For more information. please contact [email protected] Hosted by: Dale Gieringer, Bill Panzer, Debby Goldsberry. Co-hosts: Rob Raich, Ed Rosenthal & Jane Klein, Senator Mike Gravel.

MJBA Women’s Alliance: The Power to Influence – (Seattle, Sept 24)

The MJBA Women’s Alliance is taking decisive action to influence cities and counties resisting the legal cannabis movement. Come meet and interact with women in politics who are running for county and city positions, and are committed to working on our behalf.

NCIAC Business Summit – (New York, Sept 21-23)

MassCann/NORML Boston Freedom Rally – (Boston, Sept 26-27)

Join us Saturday September 26th and September 27th to celebrate what will hopefully be the last year before legalization!! This is the second-to-last Freedom Rally before we vote! We could not and can not do this without you so come out starting High Noon Saturday in support of 2016 accepting Cannabis into the norm as a free plant!!

The State of Marijuana – (Santa Monica, Sept 27)

Considered to be the fastest growing industry in the United States, the legal cannabis market has grown to a worth of $2.7 billion. Four states have legalized marijuana for adult use, and 20 states have legalized it for medical use. It is projected that by 2016, California will have legalized marijuana for adult use.

Following the success of a sold out event, the State of Marijuana returns for a second year to bring you another exclusive conversation on the marijuana industry and marijuana policy. Whether you are an entrepreneur, advocate, or spectator, this event will provide exclusive networking and key insights into the cannabis political environment, medical marijuana research, business strategies, and new technologies innovating the industry. Be a part of the conversation. Learn and experience the future of marijuana in California and beyond.

Go GREENE Launch Party – (Los Angeles, Sept 27)

Cultivating Diversity in Cannabis…

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