Cannabusiness enthusiasts in Humboldt County, California have created the county’s first Cannabis Chamber of Commerce, in an effort to make industry networking easier and to connect business owners to other service providers they might need in their ventures.
The group’s June meet-and-greet, their second, drew about 40 people, according to the Redwood Times report — many of which had never attended a business networking event before.
“Our aim is to build a bridge,” Allison Edrington, one of the chamber founders said in the report. “Cannabis growers and entrepreneurs are not the bad guy, we are just as entrepreneurial as someone making necklaces or cider and we benefit from sharing information.”
Southern Humboldt Chamber of Commerce Executive Director called the new group a “necessary collective,” noting that she had attended both of the mixers hosted by the chamber, meeting new business owners she wouldn’t have met otherwise.
Californians will vote on legalizing marijuana for recreational use in November, which could ignite a “green rush” in the state. New and existing cannabusiness owners alike could benefit from this partnership as they will likely face unique challenges, such as regulations and taxations, as they build and grow their businesses.
“It’s heating up and the momentum is growing,” Edrington said. “Cannabis entrepreneurs need a good accountant, they need a good lawyer, they need business acumen like never before.”
Membership in the Humboldt County Cannabis Chamber is $100 for the year. Their next meeting is scheduled for Aug. 11.