Mike Yoell: Putting Police Experience to Work in Cannabis

1/02/2017

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Mike Yoell is a managing partner for Core Security Solutions, a San Francisco-based company that offers an extensive suite of security services and consultation to cannabis growers, processors, and retailers.

In cannabis, security companies like Core Security Solutions are much more than just a failsafe for the dispensary or licensed cultivator that hired them. This is because running a secure business is of utmost importance for cannabis entrepreneurs, who often find themselves balancing on the knife’s edge in terms of regulatory compliance and actually managing to turn a profit.

In the following interview, Mike shares his thoughts and experiences on what it’s like being a former law enforcement officer who now protects the people and interests of cannabis companies. We also discuss what entrepreneurs should consider when hiring security, the best and most qualifying attributes for security work in a unique industry like cannabis, and more.

Read the full interview below:

Ganjapreneur: Could you summarize the services offered by Core Security Solutions and describe how you work alongside the cannabis industry?

Mike Yoell: We offer uniformed, armed/unarmed physical security services, armed executive and personal protection using plain clothes, honorably retired law enforcement officers. We provide asset protection for cannabis transportation and delivery using inconspicuous Ford Transit Vans and SUV’s equipped with vaulted drawer systems, GPS monitoring and radio dispatching.

Core Security Solutions, Inc was created in 2012 specifically to provide security services to Blum Oakland, which was the first dispensary permitted by the City. Since then, we provide security for an additional permitted dispensary and asset transportation services for a local cannabis distributor.

We also provide security assessment services to cannabis facilities in need of security and safety plans required for municipal permitting and for those in need of enhanced risk and mitigation plans for their dispensaries, warehousing, distribution and transportation operations. To date, we have provided security assessments for several dispensaries and distributors throughout California, in Nevada and Pennsylvania.

What stands out the most when working security for a cannabis client?

Our security business was created in 2012 specifically for the protection of a permitted medical dispensary, and we conducted the security assessment that earned the dispensary a first place position in the selection process, so the cannabis industry is a part of our DNA. As a retired Oakland Police Commander, I understood the need to hire and train ex-law enforcement personnel that embraced the need for medical cannabis and have a desire to work in an industry that also promotes the legal recreational use of cannabis. It is amazing to see how many experienced law enforcement officers are relieved to see cannabis legalized and law enforcement resources dedicated to the reduction of violent crime. To that end, our hiring practices include a series of interviews, background checks and training’s specific to secure transportation and the security of the cannabis related facilities.

What prompted that decision to establish a security company, which would eventually become a mainstay for the local cannabis industry?

My first cannabis related security assessment was conducted in 2011, during which time I established a working relationship with an Oakland medical dispensary that was in the permitting process with the City. One of my services was to ensure the dispensary established a security staff, either by vetting a local security guard company or creating a ‘proprietary’ security team. As I contacted local guard companies I realized quickly that most would not entertain a conversation about dispensary security, let alone offer their services. There was still a stigma around medical cannabis and security and alarm companies were hesitant to get involved. Hence, Core Security Solutions was established with the primary intent of providing security to the cannabis industry.

Could you share a memorable experience from your work in a cannabis-related setting?

There is not one specific experience that I can recall, but every day spent working with those in the cannabis industry usually includes an ‘aha moment’ when they hear of my extensive law enforcement experience, many years of which involved narcotics enforcement, and their surprise at my commitment to ensuring the safety and security of cannabis facilities. I know the importance medical cannabis has to those suffering from chronic and life threatening issues. My father, a retired SFPD officer, used cannabis to relieve the nauseous side effects of chemo-therapy when he suffered with Hodgkin’s Disease, so I have a personal knowledge of the benefits cannabis provides.

What are some security-related things that you think cannabis companies might be most likely to neglect?

The general mind-set within the cannabis industry needs to change in my opinion. There has been a historical mistrust, and rightfully so, of security and law enforcement due to the societal stigma of cannabis and the enforcement of cannabis providers, even after society embraced its clinical use. This is something I have been trying hard to change within my circle of influence. Cannabis providers will need to protect their facilities, staff, patients and recreational clients and understand that the new laws will be opening up targets for criminals interested in taking advantage of those in the industry. Legalization brings a new set of guidelines, rules and oversight which will require that cannabis providers follow City/State security and safety protocols. In my opinion, the cannabis distribution and transportation sectors may have the greatest security risks to be concerned about, as the transportation of larger amounts of product and proceeds will be an invitation to criminals, who will see this is an easily accessible target.

How many employees are there at Core Security Solutions, and how many on average get involved in each engagement?

Core Security Solutions Inc, has a current staff of sixty (60) employees, based out of our Oakland Ca. offices on Telegraph and 27th Street, many of whom staff our clients dispensaries and provide secure transportation of product. We have an asset protection manager who specifically oversees the security and transportation of cannabis, supervises our transportation staff and oversees the tracking of GPS, communication and reporting.

What personal and professional qualities make a person best suited for a security position within the cannabis industry?

First, the person must not have a bias against the cannabis industry. In hiring guards for our cannabis clients the first thing we ask them is if they have any issues with cannabis providers or users. Secondly, having a friendly and welcoming personality is important, as most of our security officers act as greeters and informsation providers to dispensary patients/clientele. Professionally, having a solid work ethic and passion for assisting people are important in any security position. In the cannabis industry, having a vigilant but low key manner is paramount, because cannabis patients/cleintele may have a justified suspiscion of authority figures, partiularly those in uniform. As a security officer, you are often times the first and last person a patient/client may see, so putting people at ease is key.

Have you encountered any animosity — either from customers or industry insiders — due to your previous career in law enforcement?

None what so ever, in fact, the response has been welcoming! Establishing a high level of trust is paramount and we strive to do this with each potential client. Once a client has the opportunity to interact with my staff and I they know right away that we are pro-cannabis and conduct business with the highest degree of integrity and professionalism. All of the industry people I have come in contact with understand that with increased legalization comes a commitment to providing their staff, patients, customers and neighbors with a safe and secure facility, inside and out. Upcoming state and local regulations will require an enhanced level of security that most dispensaries and distributors are unaccustomed to, either because they have been working under the radar, or they simply did not understand local requirements. We have the experience, training and bandwidth to partner with our cannabis clientele and ensure they meet or exceed permit requirements.

What is usually entailed in a typical day managing security services for cannabis companies?

Most of our clientele use us first to conduct their security assessments for permitting and then engage us to provide physical security, so we develop close relationships immediately. We work diligently with each client to ensure that security protocols are being followed, reviewed and updated as needed. We provide an investigative response to any on-site incident and forward a written report, which is another advantage to our many years of investigative experience, we understand the importance of liability, responsiveness and professional documentation.

Where would you like to see Core Security Solutions in five years?

As the legalization of cannabis opens new doors for entrepreneurs, the regulation of dispensaries, distributors and transporters will be a top priority for the state and local municipallities. People residing and working in the vicinity of cannabis operations will want assurances that these businesses are guarding against any crime and blight issues that could possibly occur. Interestingly, once we established our first security team in Oakland in 20122, providing an around the clock physical presence, crime in the area decreased significantly and residents and business owners in the area came to us to express their gratitude for making the area safer.

With that said, I’d like to see Core Security Solutions grow our security services along with the cannabis industry and continue to protect the facilities, distributors and transporters. In the next five years I’d love for Core to be a cannabis specific security company, that expands along with the industry, hiring and training our staff to be experts in this growing field.

With legalization spreading like wildfire, what advice would you offer to someone who was considering a security career in the cannabis sector?

Get as much additional training as possible, outside of your California BSIS guard permit. Obtain firearm training and become licensed. Take CPR, First-Aid and AED training. Educate yourself on the cannabis industry and stay informed on current events i.e. new legislation, local municipal regulations etc. We saw this need early on and developed our own security training business, Core Training Solutions, to support our employees and offer advanced courses. Many of our employees have taken advantage of the training and enhanced their ability to retain quality positions and promotional advancement. Visit our Core Training website at core-train.com.

Thanks again for sharing your tips and insights with us, Mike — and also a big thank you for your work to keep safe the patients, employees, and companies of the cannabis industry! To learn more about Core Security Solutions, you can visit their website at http://core-ops.com.

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Todd Herremans is an MMJ activist and former NFL player who has admitted to using cannabis throughout his football career.

Former NFL Player Opens Up About Cannabis Use Throughout Football Career

12/30/2016

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Retired NFL lineman Todd Herremans is the latest former player to speak publicly about using cannabis during his playing days, saying there was “no regularity” to his use but admitted in an NJTV interview that he used the drug for sleep and pain management.

Herreman’s cannabis use during his 11-year career with the Philadelphia Eagles and Indianapolis Colts wasn’t exactly a secret — he tested positive three times and was subjected to the league’s drug treatment and monitoring program — but he’s opening up about his habits to bring awareness to a Doctors for Cannabis Regulation campaign that is urging the NFL to allow medicinal cannabis use as an alternative to opioids.

“I just kind of used it until I could tough it out myself,” Herreman said in the report. “I saw a lot of friends of mine throughout the years that I played that would end up with opiate addictions and it was kind of a scary thing.”

Last month, Dr. David Nathan, founder of the coalition of physician-advocates, sent a letter to the NFL asking that they not only allow for the use of medical cannabis in the league, but the group is also asking officials to treat cannabis like alcohol and support research into the potential neuroprotective properties of cannabinoids.

“Within the medical community, cannabis is consistently regarded as less toxic, less addictive and less harmful than many legal drugs like alcohol, tobacco or prescription opioid medications,” the letter to the league states.

The NFL has indicated they would spend $100 million to explore options in player protection, and Nathan believes that some of that funding should be used to research alternatives to opioids.

“I think that that’s a moral obligation on the part of the NFL,” he said. “I don’t believe that any of us at this point really think that marijuana is a drug without some medical use.”

A number of NFL team owners support making changes to the league’s Collective Bargaining Agreement regarding cannabis use, and the NFL Players Association has convened a committee to study its use as a pain management therapy. According to an ESPN survey of active NFL players, 61 percent believed fewer players would take pain-killing shots if the league would allow medical cannabis use.

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Large plastic sacks of cured cannabis nugs, ready to ship.

Oregon Licensed Cannabis Farm Owner Beaten, Crops Stolen

12/30/2016

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A 56-year-old cannabis cultivator in Wimer, Oregon was beaten and robbed earlier this month in what is reported to be the first violent crime at a licensed cannabis grow, according to the Oregonian.

James Bowman suffered a broken nose and black eyes in the attack, during which his assailants made off with his entire harvested crop. Bowman moved to Wimer two years ago to grow medical cannabis after a previous farm in Ruch was raided by law enforcement officials in 2012, prior to voters approving the adult-use initiative. After the move, his farm, BlueSky Gardens, was granted a tier two cultivation license by the Oregon Liquor Control Commission, which allows outdoor cannabis grows on up to 40,000 square feet of land.

Bowman reported the theft, as state law requires, to the commission who will conduct an administrative investigation after the criminal investigation closes.

Jackson County Detective Jason Penn explained that the cannabis was stolen from a cargo container which had been secured by a padlock — which Penn said “are easily clipped off.” The site was under video surveillance, but the thieves damaged the system and authorities are trying to determine what footage might still exist.

Bowman’s product was at its peak; harvested, cured, and ready for market.

“It’s all buttoned up nicely in big totes and it’s ready to go,” Penn said in the report. “It’s like coming to someone’s house on Christmas Eve and taking all their goodies.”

According to Oregrown Co-founder Aviv Hadar, premium outdoor-grown cannabis is worth $1,600 to $2,100 per pound wholesale and double that amount on the retail market.

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Commercial cannabis plants under an LED grow light.

Australian MMJ Firm Harvests First High-CBD Test Crop

12/30/2016

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MGC Pharmaceuticals – publicly traded on the Australian Securities Exchange – has harvested its first high-CBD cannabis test crop, setting up the company to begin production on its first research grade crop, according to a Business News report.

The test crop was grown at the MGC research laboratory in Ljubljana, Slovenia in order to evaluate growing conditions and soil nutrients. It will be used to test the company’s extraction facility. The next crop, set for the second quarter of 2017, is expected to be used for the production of medicinal raw materials and cosmetics for MGC Derma – the company’s cosmetic arm – which is on track to receive approval to market its CBD-based skincare products in the European Union, the report says.

Earlier this month, the company announced a deal to acquire Panax Pharma, a Czech-based medical cannabis company. MGC Co-founder and Managing Director Nativ Segev said that deal “will significantly strengthen” the company’s growing and research capabilities.

MGC is already backed by Perth corporate financial tycoons and has Israeli executives; the deal with highly-connected Panax, once finalized, would immediately give MGC a foothold in the European market and provide access to world-leading facilities.

Segev said that the company has already established distribution agreements in North America and Europe that have “already begun delivering revenue” for the company.

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The state capitol building of New Mexico, in Santa Fe.

New Mexico State Senators to Push for Legalization Next Session

12/30/2016

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A pair of New Mexico state senators plan on introducing legislation to legalize adult-use cannabis in the coming legislative session, which they say has the potential to help bridge the state’s growing budget gap, according to a KOB4 report.

State Rep. Bill McCamley, a Democrat, said that the state is facing a budget shortfall of $200 million and that the legal cannabis industry would be worth $60 to $70 million in tax revenues in the first year alone.

“We want to bring $60 million for funding education and economic development and save cops and courts and prisons $33 million a year from prosecuting cannabis crimes that they could use to go after real criminals,” he said in the report.

However, McCamley’s plan would require the support from his prohibitionist Republican colleagues and even if lawmakers were to pass adult-use legislation it would likely be vetoed by Republican Gov. Susana Martinez.

“Hopefully we can make the argument to the governor that it’s better to have money for criminal justice going to the people who are fighting rapists and murderers, rather than people who are using cannabis,” McCamely said.

An alternative plan by Democratic State Sen. Jerry Ortiz y Pino attempts to circumvent the legislature; opting to pass a joint resolution and send the question, as a constitutional amendment, to voters. Ortiz y Pino said his strategy would bypass the governor’s desk.

“I think in the best of all possible worlds, we would not have to go to the constitutional amendment route,” he said. “For one thing, it delays it two years. We can’t vote on it until 2018 now, without any of the benefit.”

If the amendment were approved by voters, 2019 would be the earliest the legislature could legalize cannabis.

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Internet security is a growing mainstream concern, especially following the hacks of several giant corporate entities in recent years.

Nevada MMJ Website Portal Leaks Info of Over 11,700 Dispensary Applicants

12/29/2016

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The personal information of over 11,700 medical cannabis dispensary applicants in Nevada has been leaked via the state’s medical cannabis website portal, according to a ZDnet report. The vulnerability was discovered by security researcher Justin Shafer using a unique Google search query. The site in question has been pulled until the bug is fixed and the query was not published by ZDnet.

The information leaked includes application details, including a person’s full name and home address, citizenship status, driver license and social security numbers, phone numbers, birth date, race, height, weight, and hair and eye color.

A Nevada Department for Health and Human Services spokesperson and a representative for a Las Vegas dispensary confirmed that the information discovered was legitimate and accurate. The Health and Human Services Department — who runs the medical cannabis application program — indicated that the data was a “portion” of one of several databases, the report said.

In accordance with state law, applicants will be notified of the leak officially within a few days. It is not clear how many years the applications date back. Nevada legalized medicinal cannabis use during the 2000 elections and voters approved a ballot initiative legalizing adult-use during this year’s General Election.

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A selection of clones held by a commercial cannabis grower in Washington state.

Construction on Americann MMJ Facility in Mass. Set for March

12/29/2016

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Construction on a 1 million-square-foot canna-business park in Freetown, Massachusetts operated by Americann is slated to begin in March, according to a Quartz report. Businesses that lease or buy space in the park will be given streamlined preferential licensing thanks to an agreement between Americann and the city.

Space at the park will only be available to companies registered under the state Medical Marijuana Program and will include a 130,000-square-foot cultivation and processing space, a testing laboratory, corporate offices, training centers, and a 30,000-square-foot research and development center. In an interview with the Boston Business Journal, Americann CEO Tim Kough said development for the first phase of construction could run $25 million.

In a statement, Americann said the facility “will set a new cannabis industry standard for energy efficiency, cost control, clean cultivation practices, and the production of Nutraceutical-grade infused products for the patients of Massachusetts.”

The site was purchased by the Boston Beer Co., makers of Samuel Adams and Angry Orchard hard ciders, for $6 million in 2007. The company planned to build a brewery, however those plans fell through and the site was relisted for sale in 2008. Americann, who is based in Colorado, bought the property in the fall for $4.475 million.

According to the Business Journal report, Americann is also eyeing property in Florida, Pennsylvania, and California for medical cannabis facilities.

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The Massachusetts capitol building in Boston.

Massachusetts Lawmakers Quietly Pass Bill Delaying Adult-Use Market Rollout

12/29/2016

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During an informal legislative session lawmakers in Massachusetts have approved a bill that will likely delay the opening of retail dispensaries in the state from January to July 2018, according to a Boston Globe report. The measure will not have any impact on portions of the law permitting possession and home-growing which have already taken effect.

The measure was only voted on by about a half-dozen state legislators and has already been sent to anti-legalization Gov. Charlie Baker, who called the delay “perfectly appropriate.”

Jim Borghesani, an activist who worked with the Yes on 4 campaign, said that the measure, approved by 54 percent of voters during November’s General Election, “was written with careful consideration regarding process and timelines and that no major legislative revisions are necessary.”

“We are very disappointed that the Legislature has decided to alter Question 4 in an informal session with very little notice regarding proposed changes,” he said in the report.

The passage of the measure in the Senate took less than a minute, with just two of the chamber’s lawmakers present for the vote – Democratic Senate President Stanley C. Rosenberg, and Republican Minority Leader Bruce E. Tarr. Passage in the House was even faster, and with Democrat Paul Donato presiding, just five members passed the bill “in seconds,” the report says.

“The Legislature has a responsibility to implement the will of the voters while also protecting public health and public safety,” Rosenberg said. “This short delay will allow the necessary time for the Legislature to work with stakeholders on improving the new law.”

Colorado was able to draft regulations and rollout their recreational market in the amount of time specified under the version of the bill passed by Massachusetts voters.

Baker has 10 days to either veto the bill or sign it into law.

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Plant grown by a licensed marijuana cultivator in Washington state.

Licensed Canadian MMJ Producer Issues Recall Over Products With Banned Pesticides

12/29/2016

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Toronto, Canada-based medical cannabis producer Mettrum Ltd. has come under fire after its products tested positive for banned pesticides myclobutanil and pyrethrin, leading to a voluntary recall of affected products, according to a Globe and Mail report. Neither the company nor Health Canada informed consumers en masse.

Myclobutanil is prohibited from use on legal cannabis products in the U.S. states of Washington, Oregon, and Colorado because it is known to produce hydrogen cyanide when combusted. Mettrum said that its use of pyrethrin was a mistake because it was not included on the ingredients of a pesticide spray the company was using. Mettrum did inform some of its customers via an automated phone message but did not publically announce the recall.

According to the report, Health Canada said that no broader warning was necessary because “exposure to the affected cannabis products would not likely cause any adverse health consequences.”

A representative from Mettrum told the Globe and Mail that only “trace levels” of myclobutanil were discovered but did not indicate how the banned pesticide ended up in its products.

In Canada, only 13 pesticides are approved for use on medical cannabis. Health Canada said that the agency is “looking at ways to make all cannabis product recalls, regardless of the level of risk, publicly available.”

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Typing in a website's address or URL.

Cannabis Marketing Basics: Every Dispensary Needs a Web Presence

12/29/2016

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After acquiring the proper licenses and working to get your dispensary open to the public, it’s time to start thinking about your online presence if you don’t already have a plan in place. Even with limited time and a limited budget, there are things you can do to get your business online.

Make sure to have the following in place in advance of your shop’s opening date:

Official website

A professional website on a custom domain that reflects the personality and style of your business. The most successful dispensaries take their image and reputation very seriously, so you should avoid using Gmail or other free email services. Free email accounts won’t instill confidence in your potential customer.

Professional help can be a good investment when it comes to getting your business online, but before you hire anyone it is good to do some research so you have a sense of your options.

Business listings

Accounts created for both Leafly and Weedmaps, which are popular directories of recreational and medical dispensaries, are a necessity. Besides being great for SEO, these two sites have a lot of users looking for dispensaries or particular strains, so make sure to get your business and inventory listed.

A Google business listing to give users crucial information of your business at a glance, without leaving the Google search results page. This will increase your presence in search and display information like hours, address and phone number next to photos, reviews and directions to your business. Claim and verify your business, make sure your information is up-to-date, respond to reviews, and take a look at the analytics to learn more about your audience.

Social media

At least one social media account on a major platform, though it would be ideal to have two or three. Each of the social platforms has its pros and cons, but all four listed below are worth the effort and don’t cost anything to join or maintain. For help crafting your voice over social media, check out this guide of do’s and don’ts.

  • Facebook is a great place to start for your business, and likely the most familiar. Set up your business page with high-quality images and up-to-date business profile and location information. You will want to post at least a few times a week, promoting events, sales, new products, etc.
  • Twitter is a great secondary option, and because it’s short form content, you should be tweeting and retweeting others several times a day if possible. Be sure to keep your audience in mind as you post, making sure to provide useful or interesting information they will care about.
  • Instagram is a great option if you have someone on staff with photography skills. You can really make your business stand apart from its competition by showing your space and products in creative ways, and it’s a great place for potential customers to discover your business.
  • Massroots is a new social platform specifically for cannabis enthusiasts. People can connect with each other, share experiences, search for dispensaries, and discover new strains. Dispensaries can edit their business information, hours and more to help members find their shop.

Follow the steps listed above to ensure that you are getting the most visibility with the least effort and time. The only item on the list that will cost you money is your website, and the link provided should give you a couple of options depending on what kind of budget you are working with.

Finally, be sure that if your business experiences any significant changes — such as a new location, hours, phone number, etc. — that you remember to update your information for every platform on which you are registered.

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The underside of a glowing marijuana leaf located in a Washington state grow facility.

Analysts Predict Washington’s Adult-Use Market Worth $2.4B by 2020

12/28/2016

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According to data from ArcView Market Research and New Frontier Data, Washington’s legal cannabis industry could be worth $2.4 billion by 2020; however, those sales remain at the expense of patients after the state folded the medical program into the adult-use infrastructure.

The multi-billion dollar estimate would represent a doubling of the current $1.2 billion market at an annual growth rate of 23 percent, the analysts say.

“The Washington market is maturing, but it has a long way to go to reach saturation. It will practically double by 2020,” ArcView Group CEO Troy Dayton said in a press release. “People really like cannabis and the regulated market is beating the underground market, as predicted.”

The state’s adult-use market has been in operation for two years and has developed and grown quickly. In 2014, the average monthly sales were $10.8 million, which climbed to $51.2 million in 2015 and doubled to more than $111.6 million this year. Under the new program, though, medical cannabis patients are also required to pay the 37 percent excise tax on cannabis, which will drive up sales figures but also the costs for patients. The state has also increased the number of retail licenses available from 334 to 556.

“Over the past 18 months, Washington has undergone some of the most dramatic changes to any regulated cannabis program in the country, from lowering the tax rates to consolidating the medical and adult use markets into a single channel,” Giadha Aguirre DeCarcer, New Frontier Data CEO and founder, said in the release. “These changes are intended to streamline the market and eliminate structural inefficiencies. However, it will be at least another year before we understand their full impact on product supply and consumer behavior.”

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The state capitol building in Annapolis, Maryland.

Future Dispensary Owners Navigate Bumpy Road to Medical Marijuana in Maryland

12/28/2016

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It’s been a long and arduous journey for Maryland medical marijuana dispensary applicant Mary Pat Hoffman, but her efforts are paying off. The career pharmacist is now adding Clinical Director of Peninsula Alternative Health to her resume, as her company was recently awarded a preliminary dispensary license in Maryland’s District 37.

“We knew very little going into the application process, and we don’t know much more now,” Hoffman told Ganjapreneur.

She’s ready for the challenge ahead, but she’s first to criticize the commission for its lack of communication. “It’s supposed to be for medical professionals, and they expect us to be professional – yet their communication is limited,” she said.

Held hostage to their email the day of the announcement, the partners of Peninsula Alternative Health were continuously refreshing their inboxes in hope of good news.  

They were expecting a bit of a heads up — as the commission had said that applicants of preliminary licenses would be notified before the results were posted publicly — but, “It literally was an email to us at the end of the day, and not even ten minutes later it was on their website,” Hoffman said. “This whole thing has been very vague.”

Looking ahead

It’s been more than three years since the initial measure was approved to legalize medical cannabis in the East Coast state. Since then, the Maryland Cannabis Commission said their process has been riddled with delays; including an unexpectedly large number of applications and a lot of groundwork in uncharted territory. Additionally, the licensing process for medical marijuana cultivators in the state was ripe with its own series of scandals, including lawsuits from several cultivator applicants and accusations from the Black Legislative Caucus that the Commission ignored rules regarding racial diversity in distributing the licenses.

“We don’t know when cultivators are planting their first seeds, or even where they’re getting them because it’s illegal to bring it across states lines,” Hoffman points out.

Mary Pat Hoffman (right) with dispensary partner Anthony Darby (left) at the Capitol Canna Show in Washington DC.
Mary Pat Hoffman (right) with dispensary partner Anthony Darby (left) at the Capitol Canna Show in Washington DC.

Groundwork remains

Hoffman and their license in Western Salisbury don’t have to worry about being voted out by the municipality, like the chaos going on in Ohio.

Early on in the process, a state judge ruled in favor of authorized entities. Dispensaries operating within the law won’t be “denied any right or privilege, for the medical use of cannabis,” reads the letter by The Honorable Robert A. Zirkin.

However, hesitant to make any moves until they had their license in hand, Hoffman and her partners laid low until the announcement. “There’s only so much you can plan for,” she said.

The 102 dispensary licensees must still await inspection and approval from state officials.  

Educating patients and students

For the past year or so, Hoffman’s two time-consuming projects have involved both completing the application and crafting a syllabus for her first university cannabis class. She’ll be teaching the first cannabis elective at the University of Maryland Eastern Shore’s Pharmacy School. In return, the dispensary will serve as a preceptor school for their students.

She also wants to teach patients about their medicine. Her company’s mission is to build a medical cannabis dispensary with a judgement-free zone, where patients can feel comfortable asking questions.

“It’ll be a place where patients can talk about their hopes and goals,” Hoffman promised. “It’s not going to be a ‘pot shop’, rather, a place for educating patients.”

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Sunset in Bangkok outside the Buddhist temple Wat Suthat.

Thailand Approves Hemp Cultivation as Part of Drug Reforms

12/28/2016

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Thailand’s cabinet has approved hemp cultivation for medicinal purposes under an Office of Narcotics Control Board plan, the Bangkok Post reports. The crop will be allowed in 15 districts in the northern provinces of Chiang Mai, Chiang Rai, Nan, Tak, Phetchabun, and Mae Hong Son.

Narcotics Control Board Secretary-General Sirinya Sitdhichai indicated that the species of the plants must not contain more than 1 percent THC and growers found cultivating illegal plants could face legal action. In addition to its medicinal use, the hemp grown in the nation will be made available to licensed tobacco factories.

The measure is part of more sweeping reforms by the agency that seek to determine the medical effectiveness of cannabis, kratom, and methamphetamine. Sitdhichai said that a study is underway to conclude whether kratom, native to Thailand, can be classified as an herbal medicine that can be administered at home. Kratom is known to have been traditionally chewed by farmers and laborers in Thailand seeking pain relief or an energy boost, the report states.

A similar study is underway for marijuana, which Secretary of Justice Charnchao Chaiyanukij said was necessary due to the dangers of synthesized products marketed as cannabis. Additionally, the Control Board has moved methamphetamine from a Type 1 narcotic to Type 2 in order to allow research into the medical efficacy of the drug.

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Farmland early in the morning somewhere in Kansas.

Federal Judge Dismisses Lawsuit by Kansas Activist Who Lost Custody of Son

12/28/2016

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A District of Kansas federal judge has thrown out a lawsuit by a Garden City mother and activist who lost custody of her son over using cannabis oil to treat her Chron’s disease, according to a report from National Public Radio-affiliate KCUR . District Court Judge J. Thomas Marten dismissed the action levied by Shona Banda finding that she failed to respond to the defendants’ “prima facie arguments,” or self-evident claims.

Banda represented herself in the suit, naming as defendants the state of Kansas and Republican Gov. Sam Brownback; the state Department for Children and Families and its secretary Phyllis Gilmore; the Garden City school district and one of its employees; and the Garden City Police Department and its chief Michael D. Utz.

The lawsuit was filed after police raided her home and seized the cannabis oil, dried cannabis, and paraphernalia after her 11-year-old son mentioned her cannabis use at an anti-drug presentation at his school. Her son was moved to the guardianship of the Department of Children and Families alleging that the home was not safe for the child. The Finney County district attorney filed drug charges against Banda which carry a maximum of 30 years in prison.

In the suit, Banda argued that she had a “fundamental right” to medicinal cannabis because other states have decriminalized possession. She sought the return of her son and unspecified damages. Her criminal case is pending.

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A selection of cannabis nugs curing on a hanging rack.

Rules Permitting Recreational Sales at Oregon MMJ Dispensaries Expire Jan. 1

12/28/2016

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Oregon’s law allowing medical cannabis dispensaries to sell to customers without medical cards expires at the end of the year, leaving at least 300 fewer options for recreational customers, according to an Oregon Public Broadcasting report. Medical dispensaries that continue selling to non-medical users will face fines starting at $500 per violation.

Currently, fewer than 100 shops have been granted retail licenses by the Oregon Liquor Control Commission and while dispensaries can apply to shift to adult-use sales, some municipalities have already passed regulations barring recreational sales.

Andre Ourso, manager of the medical marijuana program for the Oregon Health Authority, indicated that the agency will begin checking on medically licensed shops to make sure they are not violating the law.

“We will have a presence in the field and we will be dropping in and doing some spot checks on medical dispensaries to make sure that they are only selling to cardholders,” Ourso said in the report.

The adult-use measure was approved by voters in 2014, but rules and regulations for the recreational market did not allow recreational sales to begin until October 2015 and medical dispensaries were permitted to fill the void. It is expected that the number of retail locations will grow as dispensaries are granted retail licenses.

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The New Hampshire capitol building in Concord, New Hampshire.

Bill Removing Hemp from State Drug Schedule Pre-Filed in New Hampshire

12/27/2016

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A coalition of Republican lawmakers in New Hampshire has pre-filed a bill that would prohibit hemp’s designation as a controlled substance in the state, thereby legalizing full-scale commercial hemp farming and treating hemp just like any other agricultural crop. However, cultivators would still need to seek a federal permit if they wish to comply with federal law.

The measure, HB 151, was introduced in the House by Reps. Daniel Itse, J.R. Hoell, and James Spillane; with support in the Senate by Sens. Harold French and John Reagan.

The bill is refreshingly simple – instead of creating a tightly-regulated pilot program, the measure removes hemp from the state’s Controlled Drug Act, which would immediately allow its cultivation in the Granite State. In 2014, the federal government included language in the Farm Bill which allows state Agriculture Departments and universities to grow hemp for research purposes in states that already allow hemp production under state law. Connecticut and Vermont passed similar legislation in 2014 and 2015, respectively.

The bill will be formally introduced on Jan. 4. It was sent to the House Committee on Environment and Agriculture, and is expected due out of that committee by Mar. 3.

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A line of storefronts in Belfast, Maine.

City Council of Belfast, Maine Considers Cannabis Business Moratorium

12/27/2016

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The Belfast, Maine City Council has introduced a measure that would impose a six-month moratorium on adult-use cannabis establishments – the 29th municipality in the state to do so, according to a Republican Journal report. If approved, the measure would prevent such businesses from opening in the state for six months; however, the rules governing the program are not expected for at least nine months.

City Planner Wayne Marshall said that the move should not be seen as any sort of statement about the council’s opinions about legalization but said it gives city officials time to sort out any complications with the new laws. The Department of Agriculture, Conservation and Forestry is responsible for governing the voter-backed initiative, which legalizes cannabis use, retail sales, and possession for people aged 21 and older. The initiative also legalized social-use cannabis clubs.

The moratorium will have no impact on medical dispensaries already operating in Belfast. According to the report, the town of Oakland passed the bill’s first reading to ban recreational cannabis-use establishments earlier this month. Members of the Belfast council counted potential odor from the social clubs on patrons from other businesses among the issues that need to be considered before the city moves forward with any regulations.

A second reading of the measure is expected Jan. 3.

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The capitol building of Missouri.

Two MMJ Bills Pre-Filed in Missouri Senate

12/27/2016

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Two separate bills have been pre-filed in the Missouri Senate that would implement a more comprehensive medical cannabis program. Senate Bills 153 and 56 would expand the current regime, which currently only permits CBD use for epileptic patients.

Senate Bill 153, filed by Republican Sen. Rob Schaff, would allow patients with a limited number of qualifying conditions to register under the program with the Department of Health. The proposed list includes 14 conditions, specifically; HIV/AIDS, cancer, Alzheimer’s disease, Parkinson’s disease, Huntington’s disease, multiple sclerosis, spinal cord damage, inflammatory bowel disease, severe migraines, rheumatoid arthritis, fibromyalgia, and neuropathies.

The measure would permit registered patients to possess a 30-day supply and contains provisions “regarding the seizure of medical marijuana.” The bill text does not indicate what the tax rate would be under the plan.

Senate Bill 56, sponsored by Democratic Sen. Jason Holsman, has similar regulating provisions and permits for many of the same conditions as its counterpart but adds post-traumatic stress disorder. Both permit for the regulating body to add conditions. It provides for a 4 percent and would divert those funds to a “Missouri Veterans’ Health Care Fund” which would be created under the measure.

 Neither measure has yet been assigned to a committee.

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A blooming cannabis plant lit up under a purple LED grow light.

Scammers in Maryland Targeting Would-be MMJ Patients

12/27/2016

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Officials in Maryland are warning of companies attempting to scam would-be medical cannabis patients by offering preapproval exams and selling “marijuana cards,” according to a Washington Post report.

The Maryland Medical Cannabis Commission has issued preliminary licenses for dispensaries and cultivators, but none of those businesses have been given final approval or been allowed to begin operations – expected, at the soonest, in late 2017. Patrick Jameson, executive director of the commission, said they were aware of the scheme and have received inquiries from about 20 potential patients.

“This type of fraudulent activity preys against the most vulnerable people in society and we will do everything possible to stop this behavior,” Jameson said in the report. “Only patient identification cards issued by the Commission are legitimate. At this point no ID cards have been issued.”

Darrell Carrington, executive director of the Maryland Cannabis Industry Association, said that patients are prime targets for scammers because they are “so desperate for medication” but “there is “no such thing as preapproval.”

“Groups that are operating nefariously and preying on people’s hopes and desires do a huge disservice,” he said.

Under the law, patients enrolled in the program will be required to join an online registry; and while ID cards will be available, they will not be required.  

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Plants inside of an indoor cannabis grow op in Washington state.

Former DEA Spokesperson: Marijuana is ‘Cash Cow’ and ‘We Will Never Give Up’

12/23/2016

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Twelve years ago, former DEA propagandist Belita Nelson quit her job after spending six years (1998-2004) as an international media representative for the anti-drugs agency. Since leaving the DEA, Nelson has become an advocate for cannabis reform and the expanding of research into marijuana treatments.

Nelson — who, during her time there, eventually became the DEA’s chief propagandist — told a crowd at the Marijuana for Medical Professionals Conference in Denver, Colorado last month that the DEA’s war on cannabis is exactly the corrupt, money-grubbing scheme that most believe it to be.

“Marijuana is safe, we know it is safe. It’s our cash cow and we will never give up,” she said, according to Angela Bacca’s report for Illegally Healed.

Ultimately, Nelson quit her job in 2004 due to a fundamental disagreement with the agency over its illogical and hardball stance against the cannabis plant. She had been a firsthand witness to marijuana helping a friend struggle through side-effects from chemotherapy. Finally, when she learned that cannabis was also effective in breaking addicts off of serious opiate addictions, Nelson resigned.

“[When they hired me] they forgot to get me to sign a confidentiality agreement — and boy did I know the dirt. They called me in and said ‘name your price, $10,000 a month? $20,000? What do you want Belita?’” she said during her presentation in Denver.

But instead of cooperating, Nelson stormed from the office screaming, “You know this is safe and you are keeping it from people who are sick! I am not taking your money and you better worry about what I am going to say.”

This is certainly not the first time that Nelson has spoken publicly about the DEA’s stance on cannabis in the years since she left — but, in light of the incoming administration (including particularly disappointing prospects for the U.S. Attorney General position), hers are the type of stories that may make the ultimate difference in the months and years ahead.

“…If you think the DEA are the good guys, they are not,” she said. “They are really not. We are talking corruption on steroids.”

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Jason Snyder a.k.a. the Renegade Chef posing in his kitchen.

Renegade Chef Co. Elevates Infused Cuisine

12/23/2016

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The Renegade Chef is the most health-minded badass you’ll ever see in the kitchen.

Chef Jason Snyder is reemerging on the California cannabis scene as the go-to high-end cannabis chef.

He’s been schooled by the best and graduated from the world-famous E.N.S.P pastry school in France. Now, it’s his turn to turn his passion into a delectable reality.

“I’m still doing my Michelin quality food,” Snyder said, “but also incorporating the cannabis part to it on a medical level.”

Working under chefs for the past seven years was difficult, he said, especially spending long hours at restaurants, away from family and friends. Today, he knows it was all worth it because he’s doing what he believes in — healthy, cannabis-infused alternatives to the often fatty, sugary foods in America.

A true renegade

Formerly The Crafted Chef, 2017 is going to be his breakthrough year with his own company, The Renegade Chef Co.

Chef Snyder is preparing for his own edible oils using top-quality flower. He’s experimenting with infused grapeseed and coconut oils. As a specialist in handmade, artisanal, top quality food, he’s experimenting with infused grapeseed and coconut oils. Think cold pressed juices, granolas, and goji berries — not gummies and cookies.

Vegan and super foods with the theme of eating healthy — it’s part of a food movement to transition Americans away from pills. “I’m trying to make nothing in a pill form because it can be a drug abuse trigger for some people,” Snyder said.

The Renegade Chef is working to penetrate the edible market in a thoughtful, professional, and responsible way. “I’m working with CBDs too, I’m developing a line of patient-friendly food for those who have to medicate daily – it’s a better option than brownies all day,” he said.

It’s also tastier than medicating with cannabis oil, which can leave an arguably bad taste.  

“There’s more to medical edibles than you see right now on the shelves, I’m working on ice creams and sorbets for those who can’t eat solids,” he said.  

The cost of business

It’s not about the money or fame for the renegade — it’s a mission.

“I’ve discovered my true purpose, and how I want to display it,” said Snyder.

Aside from developing his cabinet of cannabis edibles, he caters private parties in adult-use states like California. He prides himself on his safety-conscious private events, where alcohol and cannabis are never mixed and the event includes a ride home to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience for everyone.

The chef believes he’s onto something bigger than just a celebrity brand, and he’s willing to put in the hours because, as he said, “when you believe in what you do, then it’s not work.”

Caution for aspiring cannabis chefs

The chef’s advice is simple: “Make sure your food speaks for its taste, then infuse it.”

Also, your passion will help make your food shine. “It’s not as easy as it looks or sounds but if you believe in your cause it makes it easier,” explained the expert chef.

A word of caution from the canna chef is to make sure this is your calling, as the traditional culinary world is not welcoming cannabis – yet.

“Many look down on what I do, but I stand for my cause,” he said. “You must think about all the pros and cons before crossing that line.”

Chef Snyder tells Ganjapreneur that he’s in it for the right reasons, and wants to collaborate with other likeminded ganjapreneurs. In 2017, expect the Renegade Chef Co. to be breaking onto the scene in California, Colorado, and Massachusetts with an edible line coming to fruition soon after.

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Faneuil Hall in Boston, Massachusetts.

Analysts Predict Mass. Legal Cannabis Market Worth $1B by 2020

12/23/2016

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According to ArcView Market Research and New Frontier Data, Massachusetts’ legal cannabis industry could be worth over $1 billion by 2020 with an annual growth rate of 113 percent, driven largely by tourism.

The analysts are forecasting $52 million in growth in 2016 solely from medical sales, while the $1.07 billion figure in 2020 is from both adult-use and medical markets.

Troy Dayton, CEO of the ArcView Group, indicated that Boston’s location – about 200 miles from New York City – will make Beantown “the cannabis capital of the world in short order.”

“Unlike other places where cannabis is legal, Boston is within driving distance of many of the most populous places in America,” Dayton said in a press release. “This cannabis tourism will drive significant revenue, tax dollars, and job growth which will make legalization very attractive to neighboring states.”

Although the rules guiding the program have yet to be developed by the Massachusetts Cannabis Control Commission, the analysts say, as written, the “broad parameters of the law create an opportunity for an open and expansive market.”

“As one of only two states on the East Coast to legalize cannabis for adult use, Massachusetts represents a significant opportunity for business owners and entrepreneurs in the space,” New Frontier Data CEO and Founder Giadha Aguirre DeCarcer said. “The law does not limit product forms nor does it cap retail dispensary licenses, which are both factors that will positively contribute toward the billion dollars in sales projected by 2020.”

The state’s legal market is expected to roll out in 2018. Some provisions, including those for possession, are already effective.

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City skyline in Sydney, Australia.

Australia’s TW Holdings Raises Max Under Prospectus Offering

12/23/2016

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TW Holdings, which is traded on the Australian Securities Exchange and will be renamed AusCann Group Holdings, has announced they have raised the maximum $5 million through a prospectus offering issuing 25 million shares at $.20 per share.

AusCann is part of the Canopy family of companies and partners which includes Tweed, Bedrocan, Cann Science, DNA Genetics, and Indoor Harvest. Canopy recently acquired Mettrum Health Corp., a licensed medical cannabis producer in Canada for more than $320 million. Canopy has an 11 percent stake in Auscann.

“AusCann will have a focus on medical cannabis and is well positioned to take advantage of the developing market by bringing together a strong team with relevant and complementary skill sets,” the release says.

The funds from the offering will be used to progress the company’s cultivation licensing application and clinical trials in Australia.

Elaine Darby, managing director of AusCann said that the success of the offering reflects the opportunities “in what is still a nascent industry in Australia.”

“AusCann has a clear strategy to supply high quality, economical and clinically validated medicines and we have in place the necessary skills, expertise and intellectual property to enable our operations,” she said.

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Arthritis Society Funds MMJ for Fibromyalgia Study

12/23/2016

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Canada’s Arthritis Society has awarded a three-year research grant to McGill University’s Dr. Mark Ware to explore the use of medical cannabis as a fibromyalgia treatment – making it the second round of medical cannabis research funded by the organization in the last 18 months.

According to Statistics Canada numbers from 2014, the chronic pain condition affects nearly 520,000 Canadians – of which about 347,500 are women.

Janet Yale, Arthritis Society CEO, said the investments “are about leading by example,” calling on federal lawmakers to add $25 million to the budget over the next five years to fund medical cannabis research.

“Patients and physicians both need to be able to make informed decisions about whether cannabis has a place in the individual’s treatment plan. With these commitments, The Arthritis Society is doing its part to help fill some of the critical knowledge gaps around medical cannabis, but we can’t do it alone,” Yale said in a press release. “There’s no reason for the government to wait until new legislation is in place to start addressing the need for research identified by their own task force.”

The Arthritis Society indicated that many fibromyalgia patients have reported cannabis therapies help to relieve their symptoms. However, those claims have not yet been confirmed by large-scale cannabis trials. Ware explained that opioids and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs are often ineffective as fibromyalgia treatments.

“This disease has a tremendous impact on a person’s life but to date we haven’t really had any good treatment options to offer,” Ware said. “We hope to identify whether oral cannabinoids can offer the person with fibromyalgia hope for relief from their symptoms, and help restore their quality of life.”

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