California Officials Urge Santa Clara to Allow In-Person Cannabis Sales

San Jose, California and state lawmakers are urging Santa Clara County public health officials to allow in-person recreational cannabis sales after they were shut down last week in favor of delivery-only options, the Mercury News reports.

In a letter to county Public Health Officer Sara Cody, San Jose council members Pam Foley, Magdalena Carrasco, and Maya Esparza requested that the agency “reconsider only allowing medicinal cannabis to be purchased within a store, curbside, or by delivery.”

“Today, a resident can walk out of a grocery store with a bottle of Tylenol, but that same person is unable to pull up curbside for pain relief from CBD oil. These individuals in need of relief should not be denied safe access to cannabis during this critical time.” – Foley, Carrasco, and Esparza in the letter, via the News

State lawmakers Assemblyman Ash Kalra and Senator Jim Beall also wrote a letter to county officials, pointing out that the order “has unintentionally led to confusion and places additional requirements on already thinly deployed law enforcement and licensing enforcement personnel.”

Santa Clara County Counsel James Williams told the News that the order aligns with the county’s overall goal of reducing the gathering of groups.

“Of note, many letters note the large numbers of people who may be seeking in-person access to dispensaries,” Williams said in an email to the News. “Even for essential services, everyone is strongly urged to stay at home as much as possible and to reduce and consolidate trips in order to minimize contacts to the greatest degree possible.”

Kalra and Beall echoed the sentiments of San Jose Police Department Cannabis Division Manager Wendy Sollazzi that shutting down in-person recreational cannabis sales would just move consumers into the illicit market.

Williams argues that the order doesn’t require medical cannabis customers to, necessarily, have a medical cannabis card but that some law enforcement agencies are choosing to use the card “as a proxy” for whether the person is seeking cannabis for medical purposes.

Santa Clara County’s stay-at-home order is in effect until May 3.

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Delaware Approves Emergency Dispensary Delivery Rules

Delaware medical cannabis dispensaries will soon be able to deliver to patients amid the coronavirus outbreak as regulators are crafting emergency rules to allow the service.

The Delaware chapter of NORML broke the news last week and licensed provider Columbia Care said they would be the first in the state to offer the service to patients and designated caregivers who are registered with the company and live within a 30-mile radius from the dispensary.

Columbia Care said the company is following U.S. Centers for Disease Control guidelines to protect patients and staff to limit the spread of the virus, including sanitation of the stores and equipment, a heightened focus on staff hygiene and the use of protective gear, and a requirement that staff displaying or reporting symptoms must stay home.

NORML said the changes were needed as some patients may not drive and many don’t have an authorized caregiver to pick up their medicine for them.

“Ordering online with pick up options isn’t enough when a vast majority of patients are now homebound with little resources to facilitate those services. Medical patients are the most at risk and we should be doing everything we can to ensure their safety.” – Delaware NORML blog post, April 3, 2020

The state Department of Health and Social Services is also accepting patient and caregiver applications by mail during the pandemic.

According to Delaware Emergency Management Agency data, the state has reported 783 confirmed coronavirus cases and 15 deaths.

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Profile: Ram Dass, Medicinal Psychedelics Pioneer

On December 22, 2019, Baba Ram Dass passed away peacefully at his garden home in Maui. Today — April 6, 2020 — marks the 89th anniversary of his birth, and as a father of the American psychedelic revolution, we want to honor him to celebrate.

The spiritual teacher first became Baba Ram Dass in the late ‘60s after a search for more led him to India. Then Richard Alpert Ram Dass embarked on a journey with Bhagawan Das through the temples of India. It was in the last temple where they traveled that he met Neem Karoli Baba, or Maharajji, the enlightened man who gave him his name.

Ram Dass means “servant of Lord Rama.” In the Hindu religion, Lord Rama is the seventh incarnation of Vishnu, a god of purity and marital devotion. However impactful this particular meeting was for him going forward, his whole life played a part in the lessons he taught. In his life, Ram Dass says he had three parts. He was an overachiever, he played a huge role in the psychedelic revolution of the 1960s, and finally, he became an Ashtangi; each part was essential in creating the Ram Dass cherished by the world.

Early Days

The psychologist was born Richard Alpert in Newton, Massachusetts. In his spare time, young Alpert was an amateur cellist and didn’t think much of the Jewish religion he was born into. His self-described achiever addiction inspired him to attend medical school at Tufts University. Soon he shifted his studies to focus on psychology, eventually earning his PhD. from Stanford University on the topic.

While studying at Stanford, Alpert developed severe anxiety, which would manifest physically as stomach cramps, diarrhea, and a severe rash between his fingers. During this time he committed himself to five years of psychoanalysis focused on the causes of his homosexuality. At Stanford Alpert learned from mentor David McClelland, and eventually accepted a tenure-track position working underneath him across the country at Harvard University. Before leaving, his psychiatrist informed him that because of his homosexuality he was too sick to function in modern society. But still, he persisted.

At Harvard, McClelland was the head of the Center for Research and Personality with Dr. Alpert serving as his deputy. It was in this research position that Alpert first met Dr. Timothy Leary. On a whirlwind trip to South America, Leary was fated to have his first experience with psilocybin and would bring it with him back to the States. A few months later, back in Massachusetts, Alpert walked from his childhood home over to Leary’s house to ‘turn on’ for the very first time.

The Age of Expanded Consciousness

This first experience with any psychedelic was pivotal for the young doctor: he described seeing the various social ‘masks’ he wore, like scholar and playboy, separate from him. He claimed he learned more in those few hours than he had in a lifetime of scholarly endeavors. This fact alone changed his world forever.

By this point, both Harvard Doctors were focused only on researching the therapeutic potential of psychedelic drugs. They were granted permission to research using graduate students, but rumors flew and the dean caught wind that their studies weren’t blind nor were they conducted only with graduate students. By 1963, both Leary and Alpert had been let go from Harvard.

Alpert, Leary, and their followers began living in houses rented out by Leary until their owners returned from academic leave. They conducted group LSD studies with the goal of cultivating divinity in every person. Their findings were published in the Psychedelic Review. This work culminated in the publishing of a 1964 book written by both Alpert and Leary alongside Ralph Metzger entitled The Psychedelic Experience. In 1966 Alpert co-authored LSD with Sidney Cohen and Lawrence Schiller.

The Psychedelic Experience, published 1966.

But the age of free hallucinogenics was destined to end sooner or later, and things became much more complicated in 1966 with the passing of the Staggers-Dodd Bill which made LSD illegal nationwide. By the end of 1967, Leary was on his own trip, and Alpert wanted to search for how this innate knowledge could be accessed without psychotropic medicines.

Pursuit of Enlightenment

According to a 1976 ‘Gonzo-style’ Rolling Stone article, Alpert’s final test was to take 400 micrograms of LSD every four hours for three weeks, and after finally coming down he remained unchanged. The Harvard-professor-turned-black-market-psychedelic-dealer knew that there had to be more. He set out to India on an opulent vacation, spending three weeks parading around the Southeastern Asian country in a Land Rover. This luxury halted when he met Maharajji, who gave Alpert his first task: present the guru with the Land Rover as a gift.

In Be Here Now Ram Dass describes how he felt after this meeting, “I cried and I cried and I cried… I felt like I was home. Like the journey was over. Like I had finished.”

After his initial meeting with Maharajji, Ram Dass spent another seven months at the temple. He rose at 4 am daily to work on meditating and deep breathing exercises, practicing raja yoga, reading Hindu texts, eating strictly vegetarian, and abstaining from all sex. He arrived home to Massachusetts barefoot and blissed out in his yoga whites. From that moment forward, Ram Dass could not function within society as it existed, and people noticed. His energy somehow was both enigmatic and transparent which prescribed him a magnetic quality. People were drawn to him, to his understanding, to his main mission: presence and love.

The Legacy of Ram Dass

From this point, his day to day is history, recorded in his many lectures, published books, and television appearances. Baba Ram Dass became a beacon of love for people all over the world, and though he was a fallible human like the rest of us, he was beloved.

Ram Dass left behind a reminder to be loving. His mantra may have continued to evolve from the original psychedelic publishing of Be Here Now, but it always centered around being present and living truthfully in love. That legacy will continue to permeate society as we continue to walk through our own challenges.

For anyone interested in learning more about the teachings of Ram Dass a body of his work — including text, videos, and more — can be found on his website, The Love Serve Remember Foundation

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First Prisoner Killed By Coronavirus Was Nonviolent Drug Offender

The first federal prisoner in the U.S. to die from coronavirus was locked up on nonviolent drug charges, NBC News reports.

Patrick Jones, a 49-year-old inmate in a low-security penitentiary in Oakdale, Louisiana, was serving his 13th year of a 27-year prison sentence when he contracted the coronavirus and died. Jones was sentenced in 2009 on drug charges after police found 9 grams of crack and 21 grams of cocaine in his Temple, Texas home.

In the months before his death, Jones penned a letter to U.S. District Judge Alan Albright requesting a sentence reduction. “I feel that my conviction and sentence was also a punishment that my child has had to endure also and there are no words for how remorseful I am,” Jones wrote. “Years of ‘I am sorry’ don’t seem to justify the absence of a father or the chance of having purpose in life by raising my child.”

His request was denied on February 22 and he died from coronavirus twenty-two days later.

“He spent the last 12 years contesting a sentence that ultimately killed him. Ironically, it seems it is his death that might finally bring his case some attention.” — Alison Looman, a New York lawyer who had represented Jones

Jones was the first prisoner coronavirus casualty in the U.S. but there have been — and will be — others. The Oakdale prison where he was located has been the hardest hit in the country: at least five inmates there have perished from the disease, and there are so many prisoners suffering symptoms of the virus that officials have stopped testing presumed cases.

On Friday, U.S. Attorney General William Barr ordered the expansion of early release practices for federal prisoners in response to the virus’ rapid spread through the U.S. prison system.

Want to help? Cannabis activists at the Last Prisoner Project have been advocating for the early release of elderly and low-risk prisoners amid the COVID-19 pandemic. Visit the LPP resource page now to sign a petition for the emergency release of prisoners, donate to the emergency COVID-19 relief fund, and find resources for contacting your local and state officials.

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Cannabis Industry Spent $11M on Federal Lobbying in 2019

Cannabis companies spent almost $11 million in federal lobbying efforts last year, according to a Cannabis Wire report. The spending is nearly three times what the industry spent in 2018.

Greenwich Biosciences, Curaleaf, Parallel, and the Cannabis Trade Federation each spent more than $1 million on lobbying the federal government in 2019. Greenwich — the U.S. subsidiary of U.K.-based GW Pharmaceuticals, makers of the cannabis-based pharmaceutical Epidiolex — spent $1.9 million lobbying Congress, the White House, the Food and Drug Administration, and the Department of Health and Human Services.

The Cannabis Trade Federation spent $1.7 million on more than 20 cannabis-related bills – including the SAFE Banking Act, which was approved by the House last September. Other measures the organization lobbied for did not receive votes in either legislative chamber.

Massachusetts-based Curaleaf’s lobbying spending totaled $1.4 million and Parallel spent $1.04 million, the report says. Other companies and organizations that spent money on lobbying include the National Cannabis Industry Association, the National Cannabis Roundtable, Canopy Growth, Acreage Holdings, and Trulieve. Collectively, cannabis companies also gave more than $200,000 to federal candidates; Oregon Rep. Earl Blumenauer (D) raised nearly $30,000 from the industry.

Former TILT Holdings CEO Alex Coleman donated $64,400 to the Republican National Committee. Native Roots Chief Strategies Officer Jonathan Boord, and Lightshade dispensaries owner Steve Brooks, each donated $2,800 to Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell’s committee.

Former Democratic presidential candidate Sen. Corey Booker raised about $12,000 from industry executives – mostly from iAnthus – for his presidential campaign.

In 2014, the cannabis industry spent just $80,000 on lobbying efforts, which increased to $300,000 in 2015, to $430,000 in 2016, and to $1.62 million in 2017.

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Canadian Cannabis Firms Can Access Federal Coronavirus Response Loans

Canada’s cannabis companies will have access to $40 billion in new credit from the Business Development Bank of Canada that’s being made available amid the financial fallout from the coronavirus pandemic, the Canadian Press reports. Previously, cannabis firms were told that the bank does not “do business” with the industry.

Michael Denham, BDC president and CEO, told the Press that “any legal business is eligible to be part of the program” and that the bank would formally announce the clarifications today. The bar industry will also be eligible for the credit lines.

Applicants must go through their own banks to access the BDC program. The BDC is a federal corporation with a loan portfolio of about $35 billion; the new credit will be in addition to that. Denham told the Press that institutions seeking the loans would have to show that they would have been able to handle the loan they are seeking before the coronavirus impacted their business. The bank has lowered its interest rates, waived fees, and increased the amount of risk it is willing to take with its loans amid the catastrophe.

“My advice to all entrepreneurs: Understand the programs, talk to your bank, see what’s right for you, and take advantage.”- Denham to the Press

There are more than 300 cannabis businesses licensed throughout Canada and the industry has contributed about $8 billion for the nation’s gross domestic product, according to George Smitherman, president and CEO of the Cannabis Council of Canada.

Last month, after it was reported that cannabis companies would be shut out of BDC assistance, bank spokesperson Jean Philippe Nadeau said the firm was “evaluating the situation as it evolves.” According to Denham, the BDC received as many applications that normally come in in a full year via its online financing platform since the start of the crisis in mid-March.

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Massachusetts Allows Telehealth Medical Cannabis Recommendations

Prospective medical cannabis patients in Massachusetts can use telehealth services to receive a program recommendation, according to a Mondaq report. The new, emergency rules come after the state imposed a stay-at-home order and closed non-essential businesses amid the coronavirus pandemic.

In order to provide telehealth services, medical providers must submit a waiver request form to the Cannabis Control Commission and receive the agency’s approval. Initially, the agency was only allowing telehealth options for medical cannabis recertification.

Additionally, the CCC is urging medical cannabis dispensaries to promote their delivery services and “remind patients of the ability to acquire up to a 60-day supply” of medical cannabis.

“The Commission urges licensees to consider, evaluate, and appropriately publicize protocols relative to agent interactions with patients and customers. Relevant procedures include how establishments manage lines and queues, the utilization of mobile or order-ahead features that may reduce the risk of exposure, considering appointment-only operations, and the increased frequency of cleaning and sterilization efforts.” – Massachusetts Cannabis Control Commission, bulletin, March 13, 2020

Massachusetts is the only state with cannabis legalization that has ordered the closure of adult-use cannabis shops amid a statewide stay-at-home order. Republican Gov. Charlie Baker has refused to reopen the shops, saying he is concerned about the possibility of people from outside of the state coming into the state to buy cannabis products. Medical cannabis sales are still permitted and the state has imposed safety measures on those “essential” businesses, including increased social distancing and enhanced sanitation practices.

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Senate Democrats Call for Federal Loan Assistance for Cannabis Industry

Eleven Democratic U.S. senators are calling on the Small Business Administration to open up loans and other financial assistance to state-legal cannabis companies. The letter asks the agency to make cannabusinesses eligible for relief being offered to businesses throughout the county that are impacted by the coronavirus fallout.

“States collected an estimated $1.3 billion in tax revenue from legal cannabis sales in 2018. However, SBA’s current policy excludes small businesses with ‘direct’ or ‘indirect’ products or services that aid the use, growth, enhancement, or other development of cannabis from SBA-backed financing. Consequently, small businesses in states with some form of legal cannabis must choose between remaining eligible for SBA loan programs, or doing business with a rapidly-growing and legal industry.” — U.S. Senators in the letter

The letter says that the SBA loans would be “especially helpful to cannabis small businesses because they would fill gaps” left by financial institutions who the senators describe as “reluctant” to serve the industry due to federal cannabis prohibition.

“Access to these SBA loan programs could ensure that small businesses – especially those led by our minority, women, and veteran entrepreneurs – can raise money for their ventures and support job creation,” the letter says.

The signatories include Senators Michael Bennet (D-CO), Cory Booker (D-NJ), Tammy Duckworth (D-IL), Kirsten Gillibrand (D-NY), Kamala Harris (D-CA), Edward Markey (D-MA), Robert Menendez (D-NJ), Jeffrey Merkley (D-OR), Jacky Rosen (D-NV), Bernie Sanders (I/D-VT), and Ron Wyden (D-OR).

The letter is addressed to Senate Appropriations Committee Chairman Richard Shelby (R-AL) and Vice Chair Patrick Leahy (D-VT), and Financial Services and General Government Financial Services Chairman John Kennedy (R-LA) and Vice-Chair Chris Coons (D-DE).

Under the CARES Act passed earlier this week, state-compliant hemp businesses can access funds available under the stimulus package but cannabis companies are not eligible.

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USDA Approves Georgia & South Carolina Hemp Plans

The U.S. Department of Agriculture approved hemp programs for South Carolina and Georgia this week, bringing the total of approved plans by the agency to 14.

Georgia‘s program had been placed on hold by the USDA last year but the federal agency signed off on the plan after state lawmakers approved $200,000 to regulate the program for the coming season and approved additional funding for the next fiscal year, the Atlanta Journal-Constitution reports. Following the approval, the Georgia Department of Agriculture immediately received 57 cultivation license and five processing license requests.

Georgia will allow in-state CBD production; currently, CBD products are legally available but all products come from out-of-state.

Hemp farmers in the state will pay $50 per acre – up to $5,000 – annually, while processors will pay an initial $25,000 fee and another $10,000 annually. Julie McPeake, a state Agriculture Department spokeswoman, told the AJC that the department is about 20 days behind in issuing licenses because the agency is stretched thin helping farmers respond to the fallout from the coronavirus.

In South Carolina, the hemp farming application period for the upcoming season has already closed but the state Agriculture Department is accepting applications for next year throughout the rest of 2020, the agency said in a press release, noting that 350 people applied to farm hemp this season.

“The State Plan, authorized by the South Carolina General Assembly and the 2018 federal Farm Bill, will end an era of regulatory flux for South Carolina’s hemp industry, bringing the state’s three-year-old Hemp Farming Program into line with other states and establishing more permanent regulations.” – South Carolina Department of Agriculture, in a press release

Under the federally-approved rules, the state program now includes new laboratory testing methods and “stricter adherence to the 0.3 percent THC threshold” that delineates hemp from THC-rich cannabis. The rules also mandate that the state Agriculture Department must sample every hemp field prior to harvest.

In all, 17 states are still operating under their 2014 pilot hemp programs, and six state programs are still pending USDA review. Connecticut and Tennessee are listed as having submitted a plan to the agency that required resubmission. Other states not pending review are currently drafting plans, according to agency data. Regulators have also approved 14 tribal hemp production plans and list another 16 as under review.

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Last Prisoner Project Launches “Roll It Up” Donation Program for Dispensaries

The Last Prisoner Project (LPP), a cannabis advocacy group fighting to free all prisoners who are incarcerated on cannabis charges, has launched its new “Roll It Up for Freedom” program for dispensaries. The fundraising push encourages cannabis buyers at participating dispensaries to round up their purchases to the nearest dollar as a donation to LPP, who will use the money in their push to set cannabis prisoners free and help them rebuild their lives after incarceration.

There are currently more than 40,000 prisoners locked up in the U.S. on cannabis charges. LPP has been scrambling to pressure lawmakers and government officials in anticipation of the immediate and potentially lethal danger for prisoners posed by the novel coronavirus.

LPP founder Steve DeAngelo described the program in a video statement posted to LinkedIn:

“Delivery, brick-and-mortar, it doesn’t matter — if you retail cannabis, this message is for you. … It’s really a matter of life and death now. We need to do everything we can to take care of [cannabis prisoners] and get them home.” — Steve DeAngelo, in a statement

“Last Prisoner Project has been working around the clock to provide assistance to cannabis prisoners during the COVID-19 crisis,” said LPP’s Managing Director Mary Bailey. “The Roll It Up program will bring in much-needed donations so that we can continue to assist prisoners with their release and help them to rebuild their lives.”

Want to help? Dispensaries and other cannabis retailers who want to participate in the Roll It Up for Freedom program should contact LPP’s Managing Director Mary Bailey at mary@lastprisonerproject.org. You can also go to the Last Prisoner Project resource page now to sign a petition for the emergency release of prisoners or find resources for contacting your local and state officials.

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Is It Safe to Use Cannabis During Pregnancy? Here’s What We Know

Cannabis use has been historically beneficial for women’s health. I can vouch firsthand that suppositories are fantastic for obliterating menstrual cramps (and my sciatic pain). Inhalation or ingesting cannabis can be an instant mitigator for hormone surges that often leads to a poor mood. These facts, paired with sweeping legalization, have many pregnant women asking their doctors about the effects of using cannabis rather than prescription drugs for symptoms like nausea and mood swings.

Physicians most frequently ask that women don’t use cannabis during pregnancy. This could be based on the fact that it is still a Schedule I drug. Schedule I drugs are deemed to have no potential for medical use and are considered highly addictive. For this reason, it takes quite a bit of financial backing and regulatory oversight to research cannabis medicine.

Due to these barriers, there are not many in-depth studies on the effects of cannabis use during pregnancy but we do have access to some relevant data

Are Pregnant Women Smoking Weed?

In the Summer of 2019, Kaiser Permanente released a study based on data gathered at their facility over 9 years, documenting 367,403 pregnancies in Northern California. The data comes from an interview taken at the 8-week gestation mark during women’s initial prenatal visit. Of those people, 276,991 admitted to cannabis use during their pregnancy thus far. Another stat from 2009 to 2017 showed that the number of women who have used cannabis in the year before their pregnancy doubled from 6.8% to 12.5%, while self-reported cannabis use during pregnancy increased from 1.9% to 3.4%. 

Another study released in February 2020 showed that women who were younger with lower annual household incomes were more likely to use cannabis while pregnant. Also, women with anxiety disorder, depressive disorder, depression symptoms, a trauma diagnosis, or self-reported intimate partner violence were more likely to use cannabis during pregnancy. These results show that despite warnings women are using cannabis during pregnancy to mitigate mood imbalances and stress as well as nausea, an indicator that research on efficacy and safety is needed. 

Does Cannabis Use During Pregnancy Hurt Babies?

A 2014 study out of Arizona reviewed 24 studies of maternal, fetal, and neonatal outcomes up to six weeks postpartum. In comparison with those who hadn’t used cannabis, mothers who did partake were more likely to be anemic. Babies born to the mothers who used cannabis did have a lower birth rate and were more likely to end up in the NICU after birth. 

Research analysts did note, however, that most cannabis users in this study were also tobacco users so it is hard to know which substance was responsible for the outcomes. These outcomes also combat data from a 1991 study on babies born to cannabis-using mothers. A researcher followed 59 Jamaican children from birth to age 5, all of which had mothers who used cannabis during pregnancy. There were no differences in women as compared to non-using mothers. 

Though there are studies on cannabis use during pregnancy, it’s very hard to come to a conclusive result without a controlled study. For now, we can conclusively state that mothers who are dealing with depression will be more likely to use cannabis while pregnant. It’s also been shown that mothers who used cannabis while pregnant have experienced complications with low birth rates and issues that landed babies in the NICU.

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40% of Iowa Dispensaries Abruptly Close, Reducing Patient Access

Two of Iowa’s five medical cannabis dispensaries have closed and neither their operator nor state health officials have indicated the reason, according to the Associated Press. The dispensaries in Council Bluffs and Davenport were both owned by Have A Heart Compassionate Care.

In a statement, public health officials indicated they would work to license two new dispensaries “as soon as possible.”

“Providing patient access to medical cannabidiol products is important to the department, and we understand the difficulties that these closures may cause for patients and caregivers in the Council Bluffs and Davenport areas.” – Iowa Department of Public Health in a press release via the AP

According to agency data, there are 4,327 registered medical cannabis patients in the state as of February 20, along with 691 caregivers and 945 physicians allowed to certify patients for the program. The state program currently only allows patients to access cannabis products that contain no more than 3 percent THC; however, last month the state House Public Safety Committee passed a measure to remove those limitations. That proposal – which came directly from the state’s medical cannabis board last year – would also limit patients to 4.5 grams of cannabis above 3 percent THC over 90 days.

Iowa‘s strict medical cannabis law only allows two companies to grow and process the products. The state has approved 15 qualifying conditions for the program, and the average patient age is about 57-years-old. A poll last month found 81 percent of Iowans supported expanding the conditions that qualify for the program.

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Pharma Startup Investigating LSD as Anxiety Treatment

Mind Medicine, a New York-based pharmaceutical startup that focuses on the potential medical application of psychedelics, announced it had partnered with the world-leading psychedelics pharmacology and clinical research laboratory headed by Professor Dr. Matthias Liechti at University Hospital Basel in Switzerland.

According to a company press release, MindMed — a publicly-traded company on the NEO exchange — is contemplating a new drug development program using hallucinogenic doses of LSD in the treatment of anxiety disorders.

The exclusive partnership will grant MindMed exclusive access to Dr. Liechti’s laboratory’s research. The company, however, said it is specifically interested in an ongoing placebo-controlled Phase 2 trial of high dose LSD as a potential treatment for anxiety.

“It’s a wonderful moment for our company to be recognized by Professor Dr. Liechti, the leading expert of LSD research in the world, as the right team to partner with in continuing our development of psychedelic inspired medicines,” MindMed Co-Founder & Co-CEO JR Rahn said in a press release.

“Over the past decade we have amassed the largest collection of clinical trials around LSD. We have been studying the pharmacology and potential medical uses of LSD and other psychedelics for many years in the laboratory, in patients, and in healthy volunteers.” — Dr. Matthias Liecthi of University Hospital Basel, in a statement

Dr. Liechti said MindMed is “the leading company with a similar mission to ours,” and that the collaboration will allow the lab to “greatly accelerate our groundbreaking research.”

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Andrew Cuomo Says New York Cannabis Legalization Has Stalled

As expected, adult-use cannabis legalization will not be included in New York’s budget as the state reels from the coronavirus pandemic. When asked during a press briefing on Tuesday whether the reforms would make the final budget, Gov. Andrew Cuomo (D) responded it was “not likely.”

“Too much, too little time,” he said.

Legislative leaders last week said legalization was likely no longer on the table after the governor said the state would only be able to pass a “bare-bones” budget. New York is staring down an estimated $10 million revenue loss after the state issued a stay-at-home order last month to stem the spread of the coronavirus that, effectively, shut down the state’s economy.

State Sen. Liz Krueger (D), the champion of the legalization bill in the Senate, said last week that Cuomo’s staff “essentially took marijuana off the table weeks ago.” Krueger, however, agreed that if legalization “cannot be achieved in the midst of a public health crisis” then policymakers, stakeholders, and citizens are all “better off waiting.”

As of this morning, New York reported 83,889 total coronavirus cases and 1,941 deaths.

The plan to legalize cannabis using the state budget as a vehicle was not a slam dunk for Cuomo anyway prior to the pandemic. The governor and lawmakers reportedly had disagreements over how the revenues would be disbursed and whether or not to even include it in the budget – a sticking point that ultimately doomed legalization during budget negotiations in 2019 when Cuomo had also included the reforms in his executive budget proposal. Last year, the reforms were pulled after legislative leaders protested they should be debated as stand-alone legislation.

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Oklahoma Lawmaker Eyeing Cannabis Legalization to Fill Budget Hole

At least one Oklahoma lawmaker is floating the idea of legalizing cannabis for adults as the state faces a $220 million budget hole this year, and a $250 million deficit next year, News9 reports. The massive deficits are due to low oil prices and coronavirus pandemic related job losses.

State Rep. Scott Fetgatter (R) said the state could “legitimately” see $100 million annually added to state budget coffers from broad cannabis legalization.

“It’s very early in the conversation. What’s important to me is to make sure we have a program that functions. A lot of people didn’t like medical marijuana, and they may not like marijuana, period. I understand that. But it is here and is not going anywhere.” – Fetgatter to the Tulsa World

Activists had been circulating a petition to get cannabis legalization on November general election ballots; however, the secretary of state shut down all ballot initiative efforts after the governor declared a state of emergency on March 15.

Ryan Kiesel, a proponent of SQ 807, told the Oklahoman earlier this week that even after the order is withdrawn it would be “really difficult, if not impossible” for an initiative petition campaign to “responsibly and feasibly” collect the necessary signatures to make the 2020 ballot unless the campaign already has the signatures on hand.

Tulsa attorney Ron Durbin, who worked with Fetgatter on implementing the voter-approved medical cannabis law, said the question remains whether there is enough support in the state Senate to legalize cannabis.

Senator Ron Sharp (R) told News9 that legalization is “not a very feasible idea.”

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Santa Clara County Shuts Down In-Person Adult-Use Sales

Santa Clara County, California officials are shutting down in-person adult-use cannabis purchases amid a new stay-at-home order issued on Tuesday, the San Jose Spotlight reports. Registered medical cannabis patients may still make purchases either in-store or curbside but adult-use products can only be bought and sold via delivery services.

Sean Kali-rai, founder of the Silicon Valley Cannabis Alliance, accused officials of “imposing their moral will” on citizens while “disguising it as a public health concern.” Kali-rai told the Spotlight that just 3 to 5 percent of South Bay cannabis consumers have a physician’s recommendation.

“The county is playing politics with cannabis and using the public health order as cover to do it. There’s no logic behind this at all, it is going to endanger public health, not protect it,” Kali-rai said.

“Medical dispensaries can dispense under healthcare industry exemptions. Suppliers to medical dispensaries and licensed medical growers can operate as well. Non-medical cultivation, supply, and dispensing of cannabis are prohibited, with the exception of deliveries directly to residences. Dispensaries with a mixed clientele of both medical and non-medical customers can do in-person business only with medical customers.” – Santa Clara County Public Health Order, April 1, 2020

San Jose Police Department Cannabis Division Manager Wendy Sollazzi said city officials are concerned that consumers are just going to turn to the unregulated market, “where they sell products and don’t verify age” but noted there “are still avenues for dispensaries to continue making sales for both medical and recreational cannabis.”

Just last week, county officials had deemed both medical and recreational cannabis dispensaries as “essential” and set social distancing rules to allow sales to continue. In all, six California counties, including Santa Clara, have extended their stay-at-home orders to May 3.

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Chris Treville: Maximizing Efficiency for Indoor Cannabis Cultivation

Chris joined our podcast host TG Branfalt recently for a conversation about GrowEx and the company’s high-tech cultivation capabilities. In this interview, Chris shares the story that brought him into the cannabis space, discusses the industry’s need for more advanced indoor growing systems, explains what exactly the GrowEx system is capable of and how the company’s innovations could revolutionize indoor cultivation practices, and more.

Scroll down and listen to the interview via the media player below, or keep scrolling to find a full transcript of this week’s Ganjapreneur.com podcast episode!


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TG Branfalt: Hey, there. I’m your host, TG Branfalt, and thank you for listening to the Ganjapreneur.com podcast, where we try to bring you actionable information and normalize cannabis through the stories of ganjapreneurs, activists, and industry stakeholders. Today I am joined by Chris Treville. He’s the co-founder of indoor cultivation tech company, GrowEx, a patent-pending technology that controls pests and mildew without using pesticides or chemicals. How are you doing this afternoon, Chris?

Chris Treville: Great. Thank you.

TG Branfalt: So tell me about yourself, man. Tell me about your background. How’d you end up in the cannabis space?

Chris Treville: Well, in 2014, my brother and I decided to look at it closer. It was starting up at ground-zero level, which is what we’re calling it in terms of large-scale, commercialized, legal cannabis commercialization, let’s say, in Colorado. So we started visiting some sites to see how that was taking place, who was doing what, how are they growing, really just interested in taking some notes and visited a few sites in the Denver area. That was in 2014, and then, of course, we went to the very first Las Vegas MJBiz show, which at the time was at the Rio Hotel in Las Vegas.

TG Branfalt: Sounds like a good time.

Chris Treville: Yeah. And since then, it just kind of kept escalating from one year to the next, just more shows, more visits, broader geography, not just Colorado, but also in Canada as Canadian law came into place federally, of course. Uruguay came on board, and then now we’re seeing a whole slew of United States that are coming on board, whether it’s medical or recreational, European countries, African countries, Australia. So it’s a worldwide movement, and we’ve been right on the ground floor of it since… I would say actually… I said 2014, but really it was 2012 that we started doing these visits, because 2014 was when we started to actually spend money towards it, which was an R&D, research and development effort on a small scale to start proving our first concept, which is what you introduced, the pest control system.

TG Branfalt: Tell me about when you first sort of started this R&D process, going to these sites. What were some of the things that stood out to you during those initial visits?

Chris Treville: Well, that’s a good question because our existing company at that time, my brother and I were involved and we are still involved in what we call controlled atmosphere technology. What that means is that we build storage facilities for fruit and vegetable farmers all across North America. So basically, it’s a facility kind of like a warehouse, but it’s got gas-tight rooms. I call them bubble rooms, so there’s no penetrations at all in those rooms, kind of like an operating room, if you will, but on a large scale, where millions of pounds of biomass are stored. And this biomass, in particular, is fresh fruit, just for an example, that gets harvested by the farmer, and then it gets held at low temperature in a fresh state, so kind of fridge-like conditions.

We control humidity as well, and we also control all the gases. The pertinent gases are CO2, oxygen, nitrogen, ethylene, ethanol. Those are all gases that exist inside these bubble rooms, and we have machinery, industrial-caliber machinery, that needs to control these gases to very precise decimal points, two decimal points actually in percentages. And that is what will dictate the quality holds that we’ll keep inside those storage facilities. So each variety, each cultivar of fruit or vegetable has its own protocol of temperature, humidity, and pertinent gases.

So that’s our expertise. We’ve been doing this for many years. It’s actually a Dutch background, the technology in question, Holland being world-renowned for agritech. And my brother was a senior engineer at Storex, which is probably the largest company in the world that specializes in that field. So when we did the visits with the cannabis facilities, our eyes and ears were mostly focused on the technology part of things, like how the building was built. Were there air leaks? Was there contamination involved? How energy efficient was the equipment? Because, in essence, the biomass for cannabis also needs to be controlled in the same way as the fruits. And since they’re plants, massive amounts of… millions of pounds of plants that are growing and that they require also specific protocols of temperature, humidity, and all the pertinent gases as well that affect yield, that affect quality, and affect consistency harvest after harvest.

TG Branfalt: So for that two years before you actually started putting money into the cannabis tech, what were some of the considerations that you and your partners and your brother were sort of taking on when trying to answer this question of whether or not you were going to start investing?

Chris Treville: Well, I mean, the first consideration logically for us was the building itself, like the actual structure, the shell, if you will, because that was also our main focus with our other farmer clients. And by the way, these are the biggest fruits producers in the world, so they’re large facilities that we build. So the structure was the first thing to look at, and we saw that the industry, the cannabis industry, was going towards a greenhouse model or a standard building, kind of like a warehouse with rooms built inside there. But they weren’t really paying attention to the detail that are necessary for such an industry, so for controlling such amounts of biomass on such a large scale.

So that was the first point of engineering on paper that we worked on, and there were a lot of parallels that were easy to bring over from our fruit clients to the cannabis clients. But then that wasn’t enough because we needed to be able to explain to a grower why that had an impact on the yield and on the quality. So we had to get involved… As a next step, we had to get involved also in terms of the actual way the plants grow, what kind of configuration of the canopy, what kind of lighting, what kind of irrigation, what kind of growing mechanism, if you will, throughout the entire facility. Not only growing, but from seed all the way to trimming, drying/curing, and packaging. So it started off in 2014, like I said, but it kept on going all the way to 2019 really.

TG Branfalt: Yeah. And you had mentioned earlier you had noticed some of the energy efficiency, what was going on at these centers. And a couple of years go, there was a report, and there hasn’t been too many that have looked at how much energy the cannabis space uses. And this report, in particular, found that it used as much as some larger data centers, server rooms. So what did you notice in terms of energy efficiency? What stood out to you? Was it very inefficient? What were you noticing?

Chris Treville: Yeah. I mean, that is a very big concern. The Dutch agritech has taught us over the last 20 years that energy efficiency is a big concern for farmers. I mean, they’re always looking for the more efficient tractor, the more efficient storage facility, industrial-caliber equipment to control temperature, humidity. There’s a real push towards finding ways to cut costs and to be more efficient with an industrial-caliber farming operation, whereas the cannabis industry has not looked at that at all. Even today, it’s still more focused… The industry, in general, is still more concerned about just the mere fact of being in business, the whole idea of getting a license to produce a legal substance that used to be prohibited, right? So that whole topic of legalization, getting the license, that still takes more precedence in the business plan.

And then the rush to market is the other big points that companies are looking at mostly, so how much volume of production they can make in the quickest time possible in as many places as possible. And the concern of energy efficiency is definitely not in their agenda. So we’re seeing an industry that’s growing very quickly without any concern whatsoever for energy efficiency. So that is, for me, a major issue that the industry is going in the wrong direction for that reason. So that has pushed us even more so to fine-tune that design so that we can get a model that’ll produce a very high yield per square footprint, and it’ll be able to do that using half the amount of energy that the current big players are using.

TG Branfalt: Describe this tech, the GrowEx tech, and how it is more energy-efficient. I said this at the top when we were sort of introducing ourselves. I don’t grow anything, and I’m killing a fern upstairs. So make it sort of simple enough so that a guy who is currently killing a fern can understand.

Chris Treville: Okay. Well, I mean, first of all, we recruited very important team members inside GrowEx. The GrowEx team is comprised of three growers who have a lot of experience. So we are, if you will, a team of expert growers, expert engineers of various kinds: mechanical, electrical, structural engineers, and some smart marketing people. So those people have been working on small-scale tests for the last five years, and we’re almost… I would say we’re about 80% completed our first large commercial site, which is near Montreal. And we had one site… We had data from another site, which was smaller. I still call that a small site, but it was really a commercial site also. It ran for about three years in Colorado on about 2,000 plants. So we had data from about three years on 2,000 plants.

TG Branfalt: And were those plants going into the market?

Chris Treville: Yeah. Yeah, those plants were going into the market in Colorado. So I call that Version 1.0, I would say, of the GrowEx system. And then the Montreal site that we’re 80 to 90% finished is what I’m calling Version 2.0, which is a larger scale. It’s on about 10,000 plants, as opposed to 2,000 plants.

TG Branfalt: Wow.

Chris Treville: So it’s a bigger step, right? Basically, the formula is you’ve got a bubble room, which means that if you can imagine a plastic bag, the plant is inside that plastic bag. Okay.

TG Branfalt: Okay.

Chris Treville: But of course, it’s not just one plant. It’s a whole room full of plants that’s inside a large plastic bag. So what does the plastic bag do? And by the way, it’s not made out of plastic. It’s a figure of speech I’m using. But what does it do? Well, it basically gives us complete control of everything that’s got to do with temperature, humidity, CO2, oxygen, nitrogen, and ethylene, all those gases that are pertinent to the plant’s development. And we can literally dial in down to a granular science exactly what we need in terms of protocol to get that perfect growth environment and stability also, which is a big key in terms of avoiding powdery mildew, for example, which mildew will proliferate if there are inconsistencies in those temperatures and humidities. So since we don’t have any inconsistencies at all, we don’t have any issues with powdery mildew at all. Therefore, no need for any treatments of any kind.

And then, of course, being in a bubble also avoids any incoming contaminants, whether it’s pollution or insects or whatnot. These bubbles have doors, so we still have humans walking into those rooms, but we’re working on a human-free environment. That’s our next development. But for now, we do still have people walking in. So there’s still a risk of insects, and these are microscopic insects that live outside. They’re all over the place normally in nature. But just like humans, they love those plants. So they’re literally lining up at the door trying to get in. So if there is an issue with too many of these insects coming in at once and a section of the room starts getting contaminated with some insects, then we have an algorithm we came up with to essentially suffocate these insects within 24 hours without affecting the plants.

So that’s our first patent pending. It’s called the PCS system. It’s a pest-control system, which doesn’t use any chemicals. It doesn’t use any outside, any external treatments. It’s purely the same exact temperature, the same exact humidity, the same exact gases, but just in different concentrations. Hence, the algorithm, right? And then the sixth factor is time, which is somewhere around 18 hours or something like that. So it’s a good insurance policy in case something goes out of control on these large, massive rooms full of valuable plants.

So that precision control, I’d say, is already the first step to using less energy because we have little waste of machine run-times. Because we have a very constant machine run-time and we don’t have to compensate for leaks coming into the room and having to compensate so that the system can hold the right amounts of CO2 or the right amounts of temperature or humidity, the machines don’t work as much. So that also helps with energy efficiency. The machines themselves are industrial caliber, so they’re meant to… The design of the machines are very energy efficient as well. Low maintenance as well. So I would say that’s the first topic. And then, of course, the structure is insulated and gas-tight, so that also has a huge impact.

And then the other point of energy efficiency is on the selection of the lights. We use laser LED lights. The short form of that is called LLED. So that’s very advanced because most of the market right now, I would say maybe 85% of the grows worldwide are still using HPS lights, which are good performance lights, but they’re very inefficient in terms of energy. They create a lot of heat. Hence, the fact that the plants have to be four to six feet away from those lights, or otherwise they burn. So you don’t have a good optimization of the canopy. You have to be very far away from the plants. The distance between the plant and the light is big, so that’s why you need these giant rooms with tall ceilings. Very inefficient.

So the LLED lights allow us to come six inches from the plant, and therefore, we can pack more plants in the room. And those lights use a lot less energy. They emit a lot less heat. So that would be a huge consideration there in terms of energy efficiency per gram produced. Since there’s a lot more plants, also a lot more density in terms of the canopy.

TG Branfalt: Are you able to control… Is time a factor, I guess is my question? With this system, do plants take any more or any less time to grow? Because as you said, people are trying to get product to market. And I don’t really grow anything, so does this also impact the growing time?

Chris Treville: Huge, huge. I mean, first of all, time to market is a huge point you just made, and I understand these companies. They get the license. They’re happy. They want to move forward. They’ve raised funds. They want to get to market as soon as possible. So not only are we energy efficient, but also our time to build such a facility is very fast because everything is pre-engineered, pre-fabricated. It’s just a question of assembly, kind of like a Lego, if you will. So it’s a really efficient build-out. And then to your question, the actual timeframe to grow, I mean, all these grow-masters out there who’ve been growing in their garage in the gray markets or black markets, whatever you want to call it, whatever shade of dark you want to call that, that are now operating in the legal market, they’re excellent growers, but their issue is that they’ve been growing in what I call craft growing, like a very small quantity. We’re not talking about millions of square feet of canopy. So it’s a different ballgame completely.

So we’re hitting some numbers right now. This is still early because we’re not fully optimized yet, but we’re talking about somewhere around 90 grams per square foot of canopy. And from the whole process, from the beginning of the plant to dry/cure, including dry/cure, we’re talking about 38 days.

TG Branfalt: Seriously?

Chris Treville: So it’s considerably… It’s about 40%… No, sorry. It’s almost two times faster than what normal people are seeing.

TG Branfalt: That’s incredible. And I don’t really grow anything, but I do know that it takes a hell of a lot longer than 40 days.

Chris Treville: Yes. Usually it’s longer. Like I said, it’s probably close to twice as longer, and the yield is also not as high. And it’s really math. I’m not a grower either, but the guys, the scientists, because really they’re scientists. They’re all masters; some of them are PhD that are on our team. It’s about science. So what it is in layman’s terms, the plant is like a device, if you will, that has X number of let’s call them receptors, which are these areas where light will go through in the process of photosynthesis. And of course, it’s not just light that they absorb. They also absorb CO2. They absorb nutrients. So let’s say that there’s X number of entry points for all this material to go inside the plant to create the energy to allow the plant to grow, right?

TG Branfalt: Yeah.

Chris Treville: Humans have similar points of receptors, i.e., the skin. The skin breathes. We eat obviously. We drink. We breathe through our nose and our mouth. So the plant has all these receptors. So there’s a certain number of these receptors per plant. It’s not an infinite number. There’s a finite number of these. And the formula is basically time, how much time do we feed through those receptors? How many are being fed at the same time, and at what concentration? And we try to basically optimize that.

TG Branfalt: One of the things too that stuck out to me when I started looking at interviews you’ve done and your website, you guys grow vertically as well, right?

Chris Treville: Yeah.

TG Branfalt: Explain why that’s important for efficiency, why you do that, and how you sort of came up with this idea to grow cannabis literally on the walls.

Chris Treville: Well, basically, it all boils… The industry of lighting has been pretty stuck, I would say, for the most part… Again, I’m going to use that number of 85%, let’s say, because there are a few exceptions out there. But let’s just say that for the most part, we’re talking about a horizontal layout. So it’s a plant that’s on a table, or sometimes you can even see them on the floor, or it could be a couple layers of tables, like horizontally stacked. And then you’ve got a light that’s above it that hangs from a ceiling or from the next level above it. And there’s a lot of space there, a lot of air space, cubic space basically that needs to be managed.

So right there was something that we didn’t like that. And as we were working with lights that allowed us to bring the light a lot closer, we thought, “Why not set up the plants along a vertical wall and then kind of like sandwich a row of lights and have another row of plants behind it?” where that way, instead of having just one light shining on one group of plants, we would have one light shining on two groups of plants on each side, right?

TG Branfalt: Yeah.

Chris Treville: That would reduce the capital expense of buying more lights. We would use less lights just in mere numbers of lights for basically double the amount of plants. And then the other consideration is also the whole topic of the human working there and how that person can reach the plants and work on them. And when you have these flat tables that you have to reach far to look at a plant that’s in the middle of the table, and even stacked horizontally, it’s even worse, because you have to climb up and then reach, so the topic of labor was also a concern.

So having the plants all laid in a vertical system along a wall, it’s much easier. There’s no leaning. The plants are right there at your fingertips, and you can just work along this wall, if you will, on a Skyjack basically that goes up and down. So it reduces the labor costs. It’s much more efficient for labor. And we started off, the growers that we work with developed this system in Colorado with a 14-foot height, and now we’re at 26 feet in height.

TG Branfalt: Wow!

Chris Treville: And we intend to go higher. We intend to go to 50 feet, but the way to go to 50 feet is you’re going to need some form of automation, because people won’t want to go that high in height. For myself even, 26 feet is too high. I don’t feel comfortable at that height. But there’s a lot of people who are totally fine working in the Skyjack. So the idea there is to replace that Skyjack with some sort of small robot that’ll just go and pick up a cartridge, which will bring it down to a human lower on the ground. So it’ll be kind of more automated. And this exists already in terms of in other industries, there’s automated palletization that exists already.

TG Branfalt: Yeah. I mean, just sitting here talking to you, it sounds like you guys are sort of like mad scientists of efficiency.

Chris Treville: Yeah, yeah, that’s what we are. We call it… And the thing is that it’s kind of evolved into a bunch of guys… I don’t call them mad scientists. I call them my Big Bang Theory team, and they’re all very excited about just making a better mousetrap. And then me, as a manager of all this, I’m kind of looking at it and saying, “Okay, this is interesting. Is it really worth it?” And so far, they keep showing me that it is. And now it’s going further than that. It’s actually creating a position that we’re in, which is a very sustainable and environmentally friendly position because all this is translating towards using 10 times less land, 20 times less water, half the amount of electricity. So it’s a very environmentally friendly position, which I still think…

I just came back from Vegas two weeks ago, Vegas still being the biggest trade show right now in this industry. And really, there’s no one having this position yet. So I think that we… And in fact, if we just look at it on the standpoint of the world and how every other industry is trying to be more environmentally friendly, cannabis, in my mind, kind of has the responsibility to lead the way of being environmentally friendly because all this technology that we’re learning from cannabis, and we’re very grateful that there’s value there and that the money can be used for R&D, it’s a spearhead really for other crops. And as soon as we have Version 2.0 up and running and 3.0, which we plan on launching in 2020, our goal is to draw out parallels from these GrowEx centers that are doing cannabis and seeing how we can do that on other crops and find that sweet spot of profitability and quality and an environmentally friendly position for lettuce, leafy green, and all that.

And there’s been an effort… There are companies right now in the world that are trying to figure out that sweet spot, to make that efficient and to make it viable so that we can stop relying on outdoor farming for a very consumed crop like lettuce or leafy green, for example. Those make no sense to grow outside, where there’s massive amounts of land being used and water and then trucking. And now we’re seeing the signs, that the costs are getting higher; the quality is not necessarily there in the supermarkets, and we’re seeing signs of contamination even because they’re trucked for a week to wherever, and it’s just not holding in terms of quality.

So I think we’re really at the brink of really needing another solution for many things that are in our salads and in our burgers. And like I said, there’s been companies that are trying it, but they’re not profitable. That’s the problem. And the ones that are still operating right now, it’s because they’re heavily relying on R&D money from people who are concerned and who want to spend money on R&D, and that’s great. But I think they’re still missing the point in terms of things that we’re doing right now with GrowEx.

TG Branfalt: So let me ask you. It sounds like you had to… There was a significant learning curve for you to begin with, and then you’re having to sort of expand at the pace of the industry somewhat, which is at breakneck speeds right now. What’s been your most challenging experience as it relates to launching in the cannabis space?

Chris Treville: Well, I mean, money is the gas we need, right? At the beginning, we were funded on our own. So basically our own company, which wasn’t that big, but it basically loaned money to the startup, if you will, to GrowEx. And that was tough. It was five years of really bootstrapping it basically out of Montreal and Colorado. And then we were hoping to get a… The investors were mostly after the shiny, bright toys, which were groups of people putting together business plans and hitting the market hard with massive-sized greenhouses, like I said, like I explained earlier. That was not our interest. We were not catering to that type of investor.

So we had to stay in our corner and just kind of keep focused on our message and on our design, if you will, and to look for that exceptional group that would understand our positioning and not try to influence us, because the other thing too is that the industry is also controlled… Not only is it controlled by the shareholder expectations and the stock market and the shiny, bright, new toy. But it’s also controlled, like I was saying earlier, by the grow-master and the know-how of those growers who have been propelled from their back yard or their garage on a small scale to these gigantic, multi-million square-feet facilities. And they must be losing sleep because overnight they have to manage a hundred times more plants. So they’re trying their best to do it, but again it’s, in my mind, the wrong model.

So having those meetings with those people was counter-productive. It was just not… I was trying to teach old dogs new tricks. And here I am, and I never grew a plant before, trying to explain to them how to do it. So that was a challenge, to find the right group of people, and we got lucky. We were persistent and wanted to meet the right group. We finally did, a group of investors in Quebec, who said, “Oh, yeah, okay. Yeah, you totally get this. We understand your positioning.” Those guys were totally not in the industry before, which was nice, and they didn’t have a grow-master on their team, so we became that entity. Not only did we become the consultant/contractor to build the facility based on our design, which I call the 2.0 design, but on top of that, we had the team of growers that were already in the right mindset, and so it was a perfect formula.

So now we have the money to execute, and it’s just been snowballing from there. My confidence level also has raised, and so when I go do a presentation to another group, I have a better approach. I can tell them per square foot how much yield we’re going to do. I can give them an estimate of how much their operating cost is going to be and how fast their production is going to be profitable.

TG Branfalt: So with this sort of… With the tech and the rate at which you’re growing, that your company is growing, and the growth that’s obviously happening in Canada and in Colorado, in the United States sort of in general, what advice do you have, would you have for entrepreneurs looking to enter maybe not the cultivation tech space, but the tech space in the cannabis industry?

Chris Treville: Well, I mean, what advice do I have? I mean, obviously, my advice is going to be a little biased, but I guess, you’ve got to look at it on the standpoint of what would a company today in our modern day and age need to look like in terms of environmental impact and what also would a company look for in terms of quality products, because I would say that most of the product that’s out there is not high quality. It’s very low quality, and it’s inconsistent quality.

Yeah. I mean, you’ve got to stay away from that shiny-new-toy syndrome, you know what I mean, which is, yeah, I get it. You’re getting a license. Finally, prohibition is gone. Okay, we get it. You’re in a hurry. We get that too. You want to rush to market, but really maybe look at your business plan more so on a standpoint of profitability, environmental position, social position, and what I mean by that is who you’re hiring, how the industry is… You should be modern in the sense that you should look at minorities. You should look at women. You have the potential to do that, so just right away, you should implement those more modern business behaviors, let’s say, training. And then, of course, quality of product is huge. Customer satisfaction, a big point also. Right now, we’re seeing companies just walking in and saying, “Here, I’ll supply this,” and then a month later, they don’t have it anymore. You know what I mean?

TG Branfalt: Yeah.

Chris Treville: So it’s so fragmented right now. So do a business plan that’s more modern. That would be my advice.

TG Branfalt: Cool, man. This has been a really interesting conversation. I don’t really have the opportunity that often to talk to cultivators or people involved in cultivation technology, so I really appreciate your time and breaking it down in a way that somebody who’s killing a fern can understand. Where can people find out more about GrowEx? Where can people find out more about you, man?

Chris Treville: Well, we’ve been trying to stay under the radar as much as possible, but people can reach out to me directly. Do you want me to give out my email address?

TG Branfalt: Sure can.

Chris Treville: Okay. It’s chris.treville@growxcorp.com, which is G-R-O-W-X Corp, C-O-R-P.com. We haven’t… Our website is not tailored for cannabis just because of that whole stigma and us crossing the border and all that. But if you look at the GrowEx website, which is GrowEx.StoreExCa.com, you can also see me there.

TG Branfalt: Awesome, man. That was Chris Treville. He’s the co-founder of the indoor cultivation tech company GrowEx. We’re delighted to have you on the show, man, and I really can’t wait to see what you guys do next, because you’re already growing cannabis literally on the walls. So what comes next is probably going to be pretty cool too.

Chris Treville: Well, what’s next is extraction. We’ve adapted for the last 12 months with the same type of scope because, at the end of the day, the flower is one thing, but it’s also mostly going to be consumed in a concentrated format, and that also requires efficiency and quality and all those things. So we’re getting involved in that. We’ve recruited some bright minds in extraction. And we’re looking to make our first deal in the US. It looks like we’re going to be doing that in the next 30 or 60 days with a similarly thinking group on the East Coast.

TG Branfalt: Awesome.

Chris Treville: And then Europe is next.

TG Branfalt: Awesome, man. Definitely keep me updated on what you’ve got going on in the US, man.

Chris Treville: All right.

TG Branfalt: It’s needed down here.

Chris Treville: I’ll be at the CWCB Expo in New York in May, which is-

TG Branfalt: That’s my neck of the woods, New York. I mean, it’s the wrong part of it, but…

Chris Treville: It’s a big trade show. It’s another organization. They’re really growing in leaps and bounds. They’re very cool people, and I’ve been supporting their trade show for the last couple of years. So yeah, it’s May… I think it’s May 27th or something like that in New York City, CWCB Expo.

TG Branfalt: Maybe we’ll do this again live at CWCB.

Chris Treville: Okay. Sounds good, man.

TG Branfalt: Thanks, man.

Chris Treville: All right, take care.

TG Branfalt: You can find more episodes of the Ganjapreneur.com Podcast in the podcast section of Ganjapreneur.com and in the Apple iTunes store. On the Ganjapreneur.com website, you’ll find the latest cannabis news and cannabis jobs updated daily along with transcripts of this podcast. You can also download the Ganjapreneur.com app in iTunes and Google Play. This episode was engineered by Trim Media House. I’ve been your host, TG Branfalt.

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Poll: 53% of Adults Say Medical Cannabis is ‘Essential’ Service

According to a YouGov poll, 53 percent of U.S. adults believe medical cannabis dispensaries should be considered an essential service as states shutdown businesses amid the coronavirus pandemic. The poll found just 26 percent didn’t think medical cannabis should be considered essential and 21 percent said they didn’t know.

The majority of all adults under 55-years-old polled said medical cannabis should be essential, while just 47 percent of those 55-plus agreed. Democrats and those who described themselves as “other” politically overwhelmingly believed that medical cannabis should be considered essential, 62 percent and 64 percent, respectively. The majority – 52 percent – of independents also said cannabis should be considered essential, but just 43 percent of Republicans agreed.

Support for medical cannabis as an essential service was highest in the Northeast (57 percent), followed by the West (56 percent), the Midwest (53 percent), and the South (50 percent).

As of Tuesday, 32 states, Washington D.C. and Puerto Rico have issued stay-at-home orders, while three other states and one territory have closed non-essential businesses in order to stem the spread of the coronavirus. Every state that has issued a stay-at-home order has allowed medical cannabis dispensaries to remain open and operational as “essential” businesses; although, many have implemented rules such as social distancing, curbside pickup, or delivery.

Among states with recreational legalization, only Massachusetts has shut down adult-use sales.

The YouGov poll was conducted on March 25 and surveyed 5,369 adults.

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Massachusetts Gov. Refuses to Reopen Adult-Use Dispensaries

Massachusetts Gov. Charlie Baker (R) called the reopening of recreational cannabis dispensaries a “non-starter” because they would likely attract out-of-state customers, MassLive reports. Yesterday, Baker extended his order closing non-essential businesses until May 4 and did not carve out an exception for adult-use cannabis shops.

“There is tons of evidence that because Massachusetts is one of the few states in the Northeast that’s legalized recreational marijuana, that if we make recreational marijuana an essential business … we are going to have to deal with the fact that people are going to come here from all over the place.” – Baker via MassLive

Baker initially closed non-essential businesses last week as part of the state’s efforts to slow the spread of the coronavirus. The Cannabis Control Commission imposed social distancing rules to allow continued sales but ultimately shut down recreational sales entirely. Industry business owners and advocates – including at least one member of the Cannabis Control Commission – have called on Baker to reopen adult-use dispensaries arguing the shops could implement the same safety measures being used at medical dispensaries. The advocates say that many recreational consumers would be medical cannabis patients but either don’t want – or cannot afford – to enroll in the program.

Uxbridge Selectman Stephen Mandile argued that since the state is still allowing alcohol sales, adult-use cannabis sales should be permitted and that Baker has not provided “a compelling answer” as to why the state shut down recreational sales.

Recreational cannabis is considered “essential” in other states that allow adult-use sales. Each has implemented safety measures – social distancing, increased sanitation practices, curbside sales, or delivery services – in order to protect customers, staff, and patients.

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Profile: Dennis Peron, Patient Activist

Dennis Peron is touted as the “Father of Medical Marijuana,” and for good reason. Before he was advocating for patient access to clean cannabis, Peron served in the Air Force during the Vietnam war, where he witnessed death and devastation in droves. After playing his part in that seemingly endless war, he was convinced that peace was the only way forward. Luckily, his first stop after returning from Vietnam in the 1960s was San Francisco, where the hippie movement was a large part of the city culture. 

Coming to San Francisco

In the city, Peron became an active Yippie, a member of the Youth International Party, which was a radical group actively involved in preserving free speech and ending war in the 1960s. Through his involvement with the group, he wasn’t only able to promote peace but he became entrenched in the cannabis movement. He believed that the calming nature of the plant and the ritual of sharing it while smoking could be a powerful and peaceful way to end the war and frequently hosted “smoke-ins.”

In the 70s and 80s, Peron was arrested multiple times for selling cannabis out of various storefronts in the Castro district of San Francisco, sometimes getting busted in his own living room. Once he was out of jail for cannabis-based charges he would immediately begin selling pot again to neighbors and friends. In 1974, Peron bought a restaurant in that same neighborhood at 16th and Sanchez and named it The Island. Soon he had also purchased the flat above the place which would serve as his apartment. As the story is told, pot smoke was always wafting in the air around the now iconic Victorian.

Tragedy strikes

Peron became friends with Harvey Milk, activists and eventually the first openly gay elected official, and became more actively involved in the legalization movement. During this time Peron became a Bay Area celebrity, getting eager waves and celebratory high fives as he walked down Market Street. With friends in political places and a passion for change, he began drafting Proposition W as in weed, a proposition that would instruct law enforcement to stop pressing marijuana-related charges. Mayor George Moscone even asked the local officials to ignore possession of an ounce or less. But the campaign’s planning stage was interrupted by the assassination of Harvey Milk and Mayor Moscone — two friends, allies, and fellow advocates for the movement.

Soon after the assassination came the AIDs epidemic and the political movement came to an official stop while patient need in the area reached an all-time high. Tragically, the love of his life, Jonathan West, contracted the virus and Peron stopped everything to act as a caregiver. With his background in cannabis and caring for Jonathan, Peron saw first-hand how cannabis could help patients. Their love was strong and ran deep, making West’s eventual loss to AIDs in 1990 a huge blow to Peron. At that point, the activist made it his mission to “leave a legacy of love” for his fallen partner. 

Peron shifted from advocating for full legalization to advocating for legal access for qualifying medical patients like those being ravaged by the AIDs epidemic. “Jonathan was taking many prescribed drugs,” Dennis recounted to O’Shaugnessey’s writer Fred Gardner, “and there were severe side effects, from nausea to loss of appetite. Marijuana was the only drug that eased his pain and restored his appetite and gave him some moments of dignity in that last year. And of course, I had hundreds of friends with AIDS who relied on marijuana for the same reasons: appetite, relief from nausea, relief from pain, to be able to sleep.”

The Cannabis Buyers’ Club

He had an idea while awaiting his release for yet another possession charge in Mission Station, while Jonathan laid at home sick and without his weed: what if there was a place the sick man could go be with others like him? Thus, the Cannabis Buyers’ Club was born: a private club where patients with AIDs, cancer, and other diagnoses could buy cannabis from a reliable source. The activist almost single-handedly collected signatures for Proposition P that year, which would legalize cannabis for medicinal use within city limits. The proposition passed with 80% approval and, with that, the Cannabis Buyers’ Club was formed.

The first iteration of the club opened in a flat on Sanchez St. in 1992 with three-quarters of a pound of weed meant for seriously ill patients — those who couldn’t afford it would get what they needed for free. “Brownie Mary” Rathburn, Dale Gieringer, Beth Moor, John Entwhistle, Jason Patrick Menard, Gerry Leatherman, Richard Eastman, and Tod H. Mikuriya are all credited with helping launch the storefront.

Just three years later, membership had grown to 2,000 patients — significant growth that required the business’s relocation to a larger space. More space allowed for more than just a place for the ill to find alternative medicine: political activists commonly hung out at the Buyers Club, so Peron began hosting meetings there each Sunday. These people ran the gamut from growers who were breeding strains specifically for epilepsy patients to lawyers with an interest in political reform, and they helped Peron draft two bills in 1994 and 1995 that would make marijuana use legal for patients with a few severe qualifying conditions. 

Prop 215

What they crafted would come to be known as Proposition 215, or the Compassionate Use Act of 1996. The ballot initiative passed with 55.6% approval in 1996 and from then on medical cannabis use was legal in California despite federal law. Patients with a valid doctor’s recommendation could possess and cultivate cannabis, which led to a system of collectives and cultivations growing under state-wide legality. This made California the first state to legalize medical cannabis and made Dennis Peron, an author of the initiative, a hero in the movement. 

Dennis Peron passed away in January 2018 after a long battle with lung cancer but — as California continues to hone regulations, laws, and stipulations for cannabis dispensaries, cultivators, and processor — now is the best time to remember him, one of few people who can be credited with launching the cannabis advocacy movement. He lived his life for love and, to him, the best way to deliver love to the most people was through cannabis. Today, more people than ever in the world have access to regulated, legal cannabis, so we could say that his life’s mission was a success.

 

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Colorado Implements Social Distancing Rules for In-Person Cannabis Sales

Colorado officials have re-opened in-shop cannabis sales but businesses are required to implement social distancing rules. Patients and consumers may still pre-order and pick up products and dispensaries can still offer curbside pickup services.

Under the Marijuana Enforcement Division rules published on Monday, businesses may not accept cash payments outside of the premises, meaning all curbside orders must be paid for electronically or on-site via credit or debit card.

According to the rules, dispensaries must limit the number of people allowed inside the premises and ensure that all people – including employees – are six feet apart. Dispensaries must also limit the time customers and patients can spend in the shops. Additionally, officials are suggesting other protective measures, including the installation of “sneeze guards.”

“To maximize Social Distancing and limit interactions inside the Licensed Premises for the safety of employees, patients and consumers, Medical and Retail Marjuana Stores are strongly encouraged to direct their patients and consumers to telephone and online options for placing orders and making payment. When any portion of a transaction occurs inside the Licensed Premises (pick-up, payment, product selection, etc.).” – Marijuana Enforcement Division, Updates to Guidance Regarding MED response to COVID-19, March 30, 2020

The MED notes that failure to follow the social distancing requirements set forth by the state could lead to fines or license suspensions or revocations.

Last month, Denver Mayor Michael Hancock (D) had called for both recreational dispensaries and liquor stores to shut down amid the state’s stay-at-home order which closed non-essential businesses starting March 26. Hancock ultimately changed his order to allow both sectors to remain open “with extreme social distancing.”

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Essential Advice from Leading Women in Cannabis

Current events may have thrown spring 2020 into chaos, but, in recognition of Women’s History Month, we reached out to some of the cannabis industry’s top women founders with a question. Especially in these uncertain times, we can look to and be continually inspired by the bravery and poise shown by leading women in the industry.

The question we posed to them was, “What advice do you have for women looking to make an impact in the cannabis space?”

You can read through their compiled responses below.


“Be true to yourself and don’t be afraid to make waves or start trends. The beautiful thing about the cannabis space is that it has a spirit and is alive – make what you do meaningful and follow your heart. Choose healthful ingredients and remain in the spirit of the plant – inclusive, generous, and unconditionally compassionate. Cultivate your connection with cannabis on an individual level and see what she inspires you to create! Consume and listen. That will make you a better medicine maker for everyone.”

Maya Elisabeth, Founder of Om Edibles


“As a woman in the cannabis industry, you have the power to remind others of their female customers. We are an economic force in this society and we must use it for the benefit of others. Women will eventually exceed men in purchasing cannabis products when there are more products designed for them. The industry is still dominated by white males. You will often be the only non-white male in the room. Make your presence known by contributing a nugget of information at each meeting.  Get to know more than one facet of the industry to make yourself flexible and useful.”

Dr. Genester Wilson-King, Founder and Medical Director of Victory Rejuvenation Center


“For every woman entering the cannabis industry, make it a point to mentor the one behind you. Influence is based on giving people other options for a healthier lifestyle, not you in a bikini smoking a joint. Be Kind and remember to unwind.”

Ophelia Chong, Founder of Stock Pot Images, MOGU.CARE, Asian Americans for Cannabis Education


“My advice is to bring your already established niche or skill set from industry at large and figure out how to transfer those skills into the cannabis industry. My favorite quote is “women who seek to be equal to men lack ambition.” It’s something  I’ve taken to heart, both as a woman and a woman of color. It served me well as an executive in the entertainment industry, and again as I started Apothecarry. Yes, The odds are always against you as an entrepreneur, yes it’s difficult as a female fundraiser — but you have to trust in your ability and capabilities. Some of it becomes a mind game — you  have to shake off anything you hear that tries to consciously or subconsciously limit what you can achieve. That’s also the joy of working in such a new and booming market — You get to blaze a new trail.”

Whitney Beatty, CEO of The Apothecarry Brands, Inc.


“Your ideals should be firmly planted in the terra firma of the origins of this industry while incorporating the science of modern health and wellness with business based in circular economics.  Do not fall into the trap of dog eat dog, buyer beware, profits are everything, “business as usual” outmoded business practices. Modern consumers are and will become more educated on how they spend their money.  They realize their dollars are votes in a new paradigm of social responsibility and community building that includes the planet and everything and everyone on it. In fact, they will spend more to support sustainable businesses who are consciously investing in social equity, quality over quantity, accountability and giving back.   Cannabis businesses that layer modern business practice on top of a foundation in genetic science between people and cannabis will lead the way and remain relevant and prosperous.”

AC Braddock, CEO of Eden Labs LLC


“The greatest advice I have for women in the cannabis industry is the priceless value of being seen. This plant has allowed me to be seen and to pass it on and see others. When you experience the act of seeing others, you cannot lose. Since cannabis is an emerging industry people are so worried about compliance, funding, and marketing their product. All of those things are important, but so are the people who use the product. Other than the 18-35 white male stoner, most people’s cannabis experience has been invisible, not unlike their own personal narrative. When you see all types of people with differing beliefs and life paths seeing themselves in your brand- you have done something more powerful than marketing.”

Olivia Alexander, CEO & Founder of Kush Queen


“Making an impact is a combination of making hundreds of small decisions. My advice is to reflect on what values you want to share with the world. Is it being environmentally friendly? social justice? creating a community? Being focused on your narrative is key to success. Let what you value be the driving force in how you make decisions. We’re all human and only have 24 hours in a day, being intentional with your actions every day creates meaningful impact.”

Mimi Lam, CEO & Founder of Superette


“The cannabis industry is still being created from scratch as we speak, meaning there remains an opportunity to shape exactly how it grows. Cannabis is the vehicle women have been waiting for to smash the glass ceiling, challenge the patriarchal model, and build businesses designed for conscientious capitalism. Don’t just look for work in the cannabis industry. Set your sights higher. Form your own business or collaborate and build companies with other women. Women have a knack for balancing the needs of all stakeholders, including our families, communities, society at large, and the environment. We can change the world with our ideas and successful execution. We are limited only by our own creativity. Embrace the moment, dream big, and rise to the occasion.”

— “The Knox Docs”
Dr. Janice Knox, Co-Founder of the American Cannabinoid Clinics
Dr. Jessica Knox, CEO of the American Cannabinoid Clinics
Dr. Rachel Knox, Co-Founder of the American Cannabinoid Clinics


“Know what business you’re in and be in that business. For example, if you are a teacher, use those skills to teach about cannabis. If you’re an accountant, cannabis businesses need you. If you’re a farmer, grow cannabis. Whatever job held in the non-cannabis sector has a match within cannabis. Getting into cannabis does not mean starting over. It is expensive and hard work, but worth it. Last thing, however much money you think it will take, it takes more. Much more.  Know this upfront because desperate dollars are far more expensive to raise than savvy forecasted amounts.”

— Mara Gordon, Founder of Aunt Zelda’s


“Women and mothers especially are key in cannabis legalization and normalization and stand to have a huge impact on the cannabis space. Collaborating and networking with a wide spectrum of cannabis businesses and drug policy or social justice organizations is critical for success. If those parties aren’t willing to do so, just keep your blinders on, stay focused on your goals and the action items you need to complete to accomplish them.

Leah Maurer, Co-Owner & Editorial Lead of The Weed Blog


“The cannabis industry is still very new! There is an incredible opportunity here for women to get involved now when precedent has not been set – we’re paving the road as we walk on it! The biggest impact can be made by actually following through and turning dreams into reality. This industry is full of powerful females, we’re here to support each other and facilitate the positive development of this industry.”

Lo Friesen, Founder & CEO of Heylo Cannabis


“Be bold and innovative – this industry is still in its early stages to make your mark. To make an impact in the cannabis industry one must honour their reasons for joining,.. we all have our reasons; whether that may be helping patients or raising awareness on the vast medical relief we can offer to making this space more inclusive by offering opportunities to people of colour and diverse backgrounds. Find your true passions in cannabis – the green greed won’t be enough.”

Antuanette Gomez, Founder & CEO of Pleasure Peaks


“Be true to your values and vision. The cannabis industry is incredibly volatile right now, and so many people are jumping in that you need to be careful who you work with and who you trust. Partnerships are absolutely key to success in this industry, and there are a lot of good people out there who would make great strategic partners. Don’t chase the money. Be rooted in a mission, honor your instincts, and keep returning to what you know to be right: integrity, honesty, transparency, generosity, kindness. Find the partners who share your mission, vision and values. Good will prevail and make what you build in this industry more lasting and meaningful.”

Aliza Sherman, Co-Founder of Ellementa


“In my opinion, the greatest impacts come from a deep understanding of the market’s needs. The key is to get exposed as much as possible to the people and products in the cannabis space, be attentive to the existing challenges and understand what needs to be improved. When I speak with our partners, I try to get a deep understanding of what they’re looking for and what the market currently has to offer. Studying this gap allows me to come up with ideas for solutions which Eybna brings into products.”

Lior Chatow MS., R&D Coordinator for Eybna Technologies Ltd.


“Find your tribe! There will be a lot of times where you will find yourself in questionable situations. Having supportive friends and colleagues are invaluable to keeping your sanity and fueling your passion. There will be trials and tribulations, but those situations will help you grow. As the old Mexican proverb goes, “They tried to bury me, but didn’t know that I’m a seed.” All seeds need conducive environments, and as a human seed, your friends and family are your sun and your water. Don’t skimp on the essentials. ;)”

Kristen Yoder, Cannabis Industry BS Detector


“Diversify as much as possible. We must examine our privileges and biases, and work to empower marginalized groups of people across the board. Remember what brought you to this work, and hold that vision. Don’t be derailed by folks that may stand in your way. You fight for the cannabis plant and mother nature, not for the human ego. Be open to having your mind changed and shifts in how you view the world. Stand up and make your voice heard. Go outside your comfort zone and also seek solace with others who share your mission. Find your own unique perspective and gifts you can bring the community. Stay true to yourself and learn all you can. When met with criticism, recalibrate, go forward, and keep moving.”

Sarah Russo, Content Editor & Project Manager of the Society for Cannabis Clinicians


“It’s important to understand what it takes to develop needle-moving business initiatives that foster growth and success. My advice to women looking to break into the space would be to lead through inspiration and a positive attitude, which I’ve seen first hand help with establishing a strong organizational bond that fosters confidence among the entire team. I also think it’s important to not be afraid to take risks and challenge the status quo – you never know where an outlandish idea might get you!”

Ellese Symons, VP of Marketing for Balanced Health Botanicals (BHB)


“Surround yourself with people who are smarter than you and get involved with your local and national grassroots communities. Extremely passionate individuals fought for cannabis regulation by challenging the status quo, and in order to truly make an impact, we must follow in their footsteps. Find what you love and are passionate about within this brand-new regulated industry, whether that’s packaging sustainability, criminal justice reform, branding, marketing and that will ensure you never have to “work” a day in your life.”

Chelsea Johnson, Co-Founder of HUXTON

Photo credit: Kitchensink Studios

“The most crucial thing in the cannabis industry is to find, or create, your community. By having a network of people that you trust, whose values you share, you have the potential to create far greater impact than you would by flying solo. Cannabis is a natural connector, and if you prioritize creating genuine relationships with like-minded people, good things are sure to follow.”

Anja Charbonneau, Founder of Broccoli Mag


We would like to extend a huge thank you to everyone who contributed to this piece. We appreciate the advice you have shared and look forward to seeing more women in leadership roles in our industry!

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Hemp Businesses Eligible for Coronavirus Stimulus Package

State-legal hemp businesses are eligible for aid under the $2.2 million coronavirus stimulus package signed by President Donald Trump last week; however, medical and recreational cannabis firms will not have access to the relief package due to federal cannabis prohibition.

“Under the CARES Act, small businesses can receive loans to cover payroll expenses, health care benefits, employee salaries, rent, utilities and interest on mortgage debt,” according to Vince Sliwoski of the law firm Harris Bricken. “To qualify for these ‘Paycheck Protection Program’ loans, businesses must employ 500 employees or less, including all full-time and part-time employees. Nearly all U.S. hemp businesses fall into this category.”

EcoGen Laboratories Head of Sales Doug Watson explained that the company is working on its own program to help its partners weather the coronavirus storm. The company’s planned program would buy back hemp from farmers. He said he is “hopeful” the stimulus package will help the hemp industry.

“During these stressful times, we are excited to see that the CARES Act includes language that designates relief for farmers and small businesses. Farming comes with certain risks and any assistance from the government will help ease some of the fear in continuing to plant during this pandemic.” – Watson, in a statement

Medical Marijuana Inc. CEO Dr. Stuart Titus said it “remains to be seen” whether CBD companies will have access to funds in the relief package.

Different state hemp programs have different rules regarding CBD and federal rules are muddy, to say the least. The Food and Drug Administration is still devising regulations for CBD and, according to a March 5 statement, the agency is still in the research phase of that process.

In all, 46 states have legalized hemp cultivation and sales and the U.S. Department of Agriculture has approved 12 state programs submitted after the passage of the 2018 Farm Bill. Another 17 states will continue operating under their 2014 pilot programs, while eight others are pending review by the USDA.

In order to be eligible under the CARES Act, hemp businesses must be in compliance with their codified state and federal rules.

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Massachusetts Cannabis Commissioner Wants to Re-Open Adult-Use Dispensaries

Massachusetts Cannabis Control Commission member Shaleen Title is joining advocates and business owners in calling for the state to re-open recreational cannabis dispensaries amid the coronavirus stay-at-home measures. Title said in a statement yesterday that safety measures applied at medical dispensaries – such as sanitization efforts and social distancing – could be used at recreational shops.

The closure of recreational cannabis businesses came last week when Gov. Charlie Baker (R) shut down all non-essential businesses. The governor included recreational dispensaries in the shutdown order due to traffic associated with out-of-state customers.

“Reopening these businesses would provide access to the many adult-use consumers who rely on cannabis for medical purposes.” – Title in a statement

Shanel Lindsay, an attorney who is a member of the Cannabis Control Commission Advisory Board, called for reforms to the cost of medical cannabis cards, rather than advocating for recreational dispensaries to reopen. In a statement, Lindsay pointed out the carDs are “hundreds-of-dollars expensive” making them unaffordable for many would-be patients.

“Though advocates have fought so admirably over the years to remove barriers so that all patients can be treated as such, we already know that, especially in underserved communities, the level of registered patients is far below the actual number of those who use and consume this plant for medical purposes,” she said in a statement.

The group recommended measures to open back up the dispensaries, including limiting sales to Massachusetts residents, establishing exclusive hours for customers 60-and-older, encouraging or mandating pre-order, and utilizing curbside pickup.

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