Skip to main content

Author: Johnny Green

laptop computer internet virtual laptop computer internet virtual laptop computer internet virtual

The Five Best Online And Virtual Cannabis Industry Events

Written by Johnny Green on . Posted in Business.

By Alex Rogers, CEO and Executive Producer

The history of the cannabis movement is a history of innovative people constantly facing hurdles, and consistently overcoming those hurdles. That is true of cannabis reform efforts, that is true of cannabis industry pursuits, and that is especially true when it comes to cannabis events.

Cannabis events have become extremely popular in recent years. They take on all types of forms and come in different sizes and areas of focus. Historically, most cannabis events and conferences have involved in-person attendance. Unfortunately, that changed due to the ongoing pandemic, with in-person events being canceled or rescheduled all over the globe.

I started the longest-running cannabis B2B event in California back in 2014, and have since launched cannabis B2B conferences in 5 different countries on two different continents. My team and I have always been very proud to organize the conferences, which focused on cannabis policy, industry education, networking opportunities, and our notoriously fun after-parties featuring world-class entertainers.

When the pandemic hit and we had to reschedule our conferences, I wasn’t sure what to do in the meantime. Obviously, the demand for cannabis educational opportunities wasn’t going away given the fact that the cannabis reform movement is stronger than ever and the industry is extremely popular among entrepreneurs and investors. We decided to meet that demand in the form of our first-ever Virtual Global Cannabis Symposium.

Virtual events may never take the place of in-person events, however, we are extremely excited to bring our blend of policy, advocacy, industry, and entertainment to attendees in virtual form. Our symposium is taking place on June 9th, and it will feature celebrities like Rick Steves, Tommy Chong, John Salley, and DJ Muggs in addition to policy and legal experts from around the world.

Many virtual cannabis events are popping up right now, however, not all of them are created equal. A lot of the events appear to have been put together in haste, and don’t seem to be offering much value to attendees. Below are virtual cannabis events that we have identified that we think are going to be fantastic and that potential attendees should check out, in addition to our Virtual Global Cannabis Symposium.

International Cannabis Business Conference Virtual Global Cannabis Symposium

Attendees of the first-ever International Cannabis Business Conference Virtual Global Cannabis Symposium will be able to tap into our enhanced virtual networking app and connect with virtual exhibitors and directly connect with the International Cannabis Business Conference network. We are able to offer tickets to the virtual conference for a very affordable price and attendees can check it out from the comfort of their own homes.

Additionally, the presenters participating in the symposium will also be remoting into the event, which will make for a really unique experience for everyone. People have seen our presenters on TV and/or on stage, however, it’s likely that most people haven’t gained a glimpse into how those people live when they are at their homes. Early bird pricing expires on June 3rd, so get your tickets now at a reduced rate!

Food Labs / Cannabis Labs Conference

The Food Labs / Cannabis Labs Conference is one complimentary conference serving the food and cannabis laboratory markets with two separate tracks and overarching plenary presentations, taking place June 2-5. The Food Labs Conference will address regulatory, compliance and risk management issues that companies face in the area of testing and food laboratory management. The Cannabis Labs Conference With a particular focus on science, technology, regulatory compliance and quality management, the event enables attendees to engage in conversations that are critical for advancing careers and organizations alike.

“We made the tough decision to pivot this program to a virtual event months ago once the COVID-19 crisis emerged. Now, we’re offering attendees free access to the virtual program” said Aaron G. Biros, Editor/Publisher of the event’s organizer, Cannabis Industry Journal. “There are a lot of similarities in the food testing and cannabis testing markets. By bringing the Cannabis Labs and Food Labs Conferences together in one space, we are providing attendees with information on regulatory compliance, best practices and technology to both industries, all from the comfort of their home or office.”

Prohibition Partners LIVE

Prohibition Partners LIVE will provide one single digital platform that will host five separate conferences with over 4,000 delegates attending to experience thought-leading content, high-quality networking, engaging experiences, and entertainment, all without the risk of travel.

It will take place on 22-23 June, featuring live-streamed keynotes and panel talks from over 150 CEOs, policymakers, and cultural leaders across five virtual stages.

“The demand for cannabis is skyrocketing under lockdown as regulators deem it an essential good while consumers and patients stockpile supplies in response to isolation measures. Unprecedented legal cannabis sales internationally are demonstrating that global regulatory changes are inevitable in a post COVID-19 economy and despite a pending recession, cannabis will remain one of the few true growth industries. As a result, we’re delighted to take our five industry-leading conferences online at Prohibition Partners LIVE, helping to connect the ever-widening global audience of operators, entrepreneurs and new entrants to the cannabis industry to share learnings, fuel ideas and collectively shape the future of cannabis.” said Stephen Murphy, Group Managing Director of Prohibition Partners.

NCIA Cannabis Caucus (Cyber) Series

NCIA’s Cannabis Caucus Series is an exclusive opportunity for NCIA members and their guests to connect with each other, learn about regional issues from influential guest speakers and get the latest news about NCIA’s federal policy work. Cannabis Caucus events ensure that NCIA’s growing members stay connected, get informed and take action to protect our industry and your business. The events will take place from June 16-23, with each event focusing on a particular geographical region of the United States.

“As we navigate the new realities of this pandemic including the temporary hold on all in-person events across the world, we must find new ways to keep with our members and keep them connected to each other. NCIA’s Cannabis Caucus Cyber events are going to be an exclusive opportunity for our members to stay informed and engaged with our advocacy work and to receive the latest updates from their local region while enjoying a unique networking experience — just as our in-person caucus events have successfully done in previous years. I hope to see all of our members in ‘cyberspace’ this June!” says NCIA Co-founder and CEO Aaron Smith.

Emerge Virtual Cannabis Conference & Expo

The Emerge Virtual Cannabis Conference & Expo will feature the first-ever cannabis industry virtual job fair, the largest-ever investor pitch contest, and six concurrently-running subject tracks with over 40 speaker sessions. Co-produced by Cannabis & Tech Today and cannabis industry connector, Andre Bourque, the event is a collaboration with a premier alliance of organizations, publishers, and event producers.  

“Using our best-in-class 3D platform, we will deliver greater and more data-measurable sponsor and exhibitor ROI than traditional in-person events, as well as deliver high value and participation opportunities to attendees,” said Charles Warner, CEO of Cannabis & Tech Today. “This will be the largest virtual cannabis conference the industry has ever seen.”

Emerge is set to take place on July 22nd and 23rd, 2020. Subscribe for event updates here: bit.ly/EmergeUpdates

canada flag canada flag canada flag canada flag canada flag canada flag canada flag canada flag canada flag canada flag canada flag canada flag

Veterans Affairs Canada Spent More On Medical Cannabis Than Any Other Medication In 2019

Written by Johnny Green on . Posted in Medical.

Many military veterans all around the world suffer from one or more health conditions, often related to their years serving their countries. Canada is no exception.

The range of conditions is wide, with military veterans in Canada suffering from all types of ailments including chronic pain, poor mental health, and various diseases. Some military veterans retired from service perfectly healthy, but age-related ailments began as the veterans became older.

Military veterans in Canada have been prescribed all types of medicines, with some being safer than others.

One medicine that has proven to be safe and effective is cannabis, and fortunately for the health of Canadian military veterans, Veterans Affairs in Canada spent an enormous amount of money in 2019 making sure that veterans had enough cannabis.

In fact, more was spent on medical cannabis than any other medication. Per Salt Wire:

The Department of Veterans Affairs spent $77,794,212.57 last year on marijuana.

That is more than the department spent ($66.2 million) on the 12,000 other drugs approved to be prescribed for veterans.

It’s inspiring to see Canada’s government stepping up in this way. It would be fantastic to see every other government take such a compassionate approach, including and especially the United States government, which continues to block even basic attempts to improve safe access to cannabis for military veterans.

International Cannabis Business Conference To Host Virtual Global Cannabis Symposium June 9th

Written by Johnny Green on . Posted in Business.

The International Cannabis Business Conference is excited to announce that we are hosting a virtual cannabis symposium on June 9, 2020. The International Cannabis Business Conference’s in-person events are known worldwide for providing unparalleled information from true experts in the cannabis industry and important public policy information from leading regulators and elected officials.

International Cannabis Business Conference’s Virtual Global Cannabis Symposium will offer the same world-class experience for attendees, but this time it will be provided virtually (including an enhanced virtual networking platform) so that attendees can enjoy the event from the comfort of their own homes.

Renowned travel writer, author, activist, and television personality Rick Steves will provide the keynote address for the Virtual Global Cannabis Symposium. Steves is one of the most recognizable and beloved individuals on earth and is also a longtime cannabis advocate. In addition to hosting his acclaimed travel shows, Rick Steves has endorsed and publicly campaigned for numerous cannabis reform efforts. We are very proud to have him as part of our virtual event.

In addition to Rick Steves, the International Cannabis Business Conference Virtual Cannabis Symposium will also feature other cannabis advocates, industry experts, and celebrities, including:

  • Actor and musician Tommy Chong
  • National Cannabis Industry Association co-founder and Executive Director Aaron Smith
  • 4-time NBA Champion John Salley
  • Peter Homberg, partner at leading international law firm Dentons
  • Comedian Doug Benson
  • Nic Easley, CEO of 3C Consulting and CEO & Managing Director of Multiverse Capital
  • Hip hop legend DJ Muggs
  • Lorenza Romanese, Managing Director at the European Industrial Hemp Association
  • Legendary cannabis activist and entrepreneur Debby Goldsberry
  • John W. Conroy QC of Conroy & Company
  • Leading cannabis industry investment expert Alan Brochstein
  • Graham Dallas, Head of Business Development for TMX Group
  • Simón Pablo Espinosa, CEO of En Volá

The International Cannabis Business Conference Virtual Global Cannabis Symposium will cover a range of topics, including international cannabis policy updates, industry trends, emerging industry opportunities, and much more.

Early bird pricing ends June 3rd, and prospective attendees are encouraged to take advantage of the discounted rate before early bird pricing expires. No other virtual cannabis event has featured as many leading experts and celebrity personalities, and you do not want to miss the International Cannabis Business Conference Virtual Global Cannabis Symposium. Get your tickets today!

israel israel israel israel israel israel israel israel israel israel

Israel Government Permits Medical Cannabis Exports

Written by Johnny Green on . Posted in Medical.

Israel is a true pioneer when it comes to medical cannabis policy and cannabis research. After all, it was in Israel that International Cannabis Business Conference alumni Raphael Mechoulam first isolated THC.

The results and findings from cannabis research that was conducted in Israel have benefitted the entire world, not just Israel. The United States has especially benefitted from Israel’s research because of how long research has been hindered in the U.S.

Unfortunately, Israel is behind in one very key area of medical cannabis policy – exports. Knowledge and research may have made it past Israel’s borders, however, the same has not been true for legal medical cannabis products. Fortunately, that is changing. Per The Jerusalem Post:

A free export order for medical cannabis products was signed by outgoing Economy Minister Eli Cohen on Wednesday, approximately 16 months after the government approved exports of locally grown medical cannabis for the first time.

Exporters interested in selling permitted cannabis goods abroad will be required to receive a license from the Health Ministry once the free export order enters into force in another 30 days.

Allowing legal cannabis exports out of Israel is a policy change that is way overdue. Israel possesses more knowledge about medical cannabis than arguably any other country on earth, and suffering patients in other countries should be able to benefit from that knowledge via access to Israeli medical cannabis products.

Entrepreneurs inside and outside of Israel also deserve to help facilitate getting quality products into the hands of suffering patients. Every country should be able to import and export medical cannabis products in a similar fashion that other proven medicines are able to be legally imported and exported.

Congress Congress Congress Congress Congress Congress Congress Congress Congress Congress

U.S. Cannabis Banking Reform Included In Latest House COVID-19 Relief Bill

Written by Johnny Green on . Posted in Politics.

Banking reform is desperately needed in the United States. Many cannabis companies have had their accounts shut down and many others were never able to get banking access to begin with due to current federal policy.

The banking issue in the U.S. has also affected other countries, with Jamaica specifically stating that banking policies in the U.S. have negatively impacted their ability to conduct international cannabis operations despite Jamaica’s cannabis policies.

Today news broke that banking reform was included in a measure that was introduced by the U.S. House of Representatives. Below is a press release about it from our friends at the National Cannabis Industry Association:

WASHINGTON, D.C. – On Tuesday, Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi unveiled the newest bill to provide the next stage of coronavirus relief funding and included language that would improve access to banking services and loans for the regulated cannabis industry. The banking language is identical to the House-approved Secure and Fair Enforcement (SAFE) Banking Act and would make it easier for financial institutions to work with cannabis businesses that are in compliance with state law, as well as help address serious public health and safety concerns caused by operating in predominantly cash-only environments. The relief bill, known as the HEROES Act, also includes language preventing applicants for Small Business Administration loans from being disqualified based solely on a criminal conviction.

The full relief legislation is available here, with banking language starting on page 1066.

The HEROES Act will now be taken up by the rest of the House before a floor vote. If passed, it will go to the Senate for consideration.

“On behalf of the legal cannabis industry, we commend the congressional leadership for prioritizing public health and safety by including sensible cannabis banking policy in this legislation,” said Aaron Smith, executive director of the National Cannabis Industry Association (NCIA). “Our industry employs hundreds of thousands of Americans and has been deemed ‘essential’ in most states. It’s critically important that essential cannabis workers are not exposed to unnecessary health risks due to outdated federal banking regulations.”

Last week, NCIA joined other cannabis advocacy and industry organizations in urging Congress to include the SAFE Banking Act in the next round of relief funding, citing the ability of cash to carry contagions and the personal proximity required by cash transactions as reasons for urgency in addition to the other safety and transparency concerns addressed by the legislation.

In September, an overwhelming bipartisan majority approved the SAFE Banking Act in the House, but the bill has been delayed pending a markup in the Senate Banking Committee.

###

The National Cannabis Industry Association (NCIA) is the largest cannabis trade association in the U.S. and the only organization broadly representing cannabis-related businesses at the national level. NCIA promotes the growth of a responsible and legitimate cannabis industry and works toward a favorable social, economic, and legal environment for that industry in the United States.

cannabis plant flower cannabis plant flower cannabis plant flower cannabis plant flower cannabis plant flower

Albania Is Close To Legalizing Medical Cannabis

Written by Johnny Green on . Posted in Medical.

Cannabis is medicine. That is a fact that is worth repeating over and over. For proof of that fact, all people have to do is look at the growing body of studies and research backing up the claim, as well as the countless personal testimonies of suffering patients that have successfully treated their condition(s) with medical cannabis.

The cannabis plant has been used as a medicine for many centuries, and by that measure, it was only fairly recently that anyone claimed that cannabis is not medicine. Fortunately for suffering patients, more and more countries are getting on the right side of history and legalizing cannabis for medical use.

Some countries still prohibit medical cannabis, however, some of them are moving in the right direction. One of those countries is Albania, which recently announced that it is very close to unveiling a draft proposal that would legalize medical cannabis. Per Exit News:

Albanian Prime Minister Edi Rama announced today that the government is preparing a draft law that would legalize the cultivation of marijuana for medicinal purposes.

During a joint conference with EU ambassador Luigi Soreca, Rama said that the government has been working with foreign and local advisers for a year and the draft law would be made public soon. He also highlighted the importance of learning from other countries’ experiences with medical marijuana.

For what it’s worth, Albania will be able to take the best components of other countries’ medical policies and incorporate them into their own law. It obviously would have been better if Albania legalized medical cannabis years ago, or even better, never prohibited medical cannabis in the first place.

However, it is better to look forward than to dwell on the past for the purpose of this policy change, and hopefully Albania’s medical cannabis model helps as many suffering patients as possible. It will be disheartening if Albania’s medical cannabis program proves to be too limited, with suffering patients failing to receive safe access to a proven medicine. Ultimately, only time will tell what happens.

research lab microscope research lab microscope research lab microscope research lab microscope research lab microscope research lab microscope research lab microscope research lab microscope

Advocates Call For Removal Of DEA From Cannabis Research Approval Process

Written by Johnny Green on . Posted in Science.

For many years the DEA has controlled which entities can conduct cannabis research in the United States. That has resulted in research being limited historically. More research is being conducted in the U.S. than years past, however, the situation is still far from optimal.

Considering how popular medical cannabis is in the U.S. and beyond, how many wellness properties the cannabis plant is known to possess, and how many more are yet to be discovered, it makes sense that cannabis research should be embraced rather than hindered. Unfortunately, the DEA’s involvement in the cannabis research approval process is holding things back.

Research in the United States benefits the global cannabis community, not just the U.S. Thankfully, advocates are making a big push to change the current situation. Below is a press release that was sent out today by our friends at the National Cannabis Industry Association:

WASHINGTON, D.C. – The National Cannabis Industry Association (NCIA) submitted comments this week in response to the Drug Enforcement Administration’s (DEA) Request for Information on Controls to Enhance the Cultivation of Marihuana for Research in the United States issued in March. The association argues that public health agencies are far better suited to determine the qualifications of parties engaged in medical or scientific research or production and recommends that the DEA be removed as the agency in charge of final approval for such applications. The comments also cite years-long delays in approving existing applications as additional justification for transferring control of application approval away from law enforcement, and point out several issues in the rule-making process that will likely hinder research.

The full comments are available here.

Despite publicly stating in 2016 that it was interested in expanding production of cannabis for research purposes and streamlining study application review, none of the more than 30 applications that have been submitted since then have been approved by DEA. Under current policy, there is only one legal federal supplier of cannabis located at the University of Mississippi. Researchers and experts have repeatedly claimed that the cannabis produced there is substandard, insufficient for research purposes, and not representative of what is available to consumers in either regulated or illicit markets around the country.

“It is painfully clear that the DEA is either unable or unwilling to meet the increasing demand for cannabis research from voters, policymakers, and the scientific community,” said Aaron Smith, executive director of the National Cannabis Industry Association. “By continuing to make this agency the gatekeeper for studies and research production, we are doing a disservice to the nation at a time when we need as much health-related information as possible. Federal agencies should be actively facilitating research that could reveal more about the medical benefits of cannabis, not hiding behind outdated policies to delay or discourage the pursuit of knowledge.”

In January, the House Energy and Commerce Subcommittee on Health held a hearing featuring representatives of federal agencies involved in approving cannabis research and production, including the DEA. Several members of the committee expressed frustration at the inability of witnesses to provide substantive information about how the process would be improved or timelines for approval of existing applications.

“On behalf of its nearly 2,000 members, NCIA hereby requests that these proposed regulations be amended and/or withdrawn… and that a qualified public health agency be appointed to serve as the coordinating agency instead,” the comments conclude. “We also request that the applicant pool be expanded to include companies that are or have cultivated cannabis in accordance with the laws of any state, regardless of whether the DEA concludes such actions did or did not technically violate the [Controlled Substance Act]. Most importantly, NCIA requests that the U.S. Government incentivize research and create a pathway for less restrictive means by which the country can access important information about the medicinal properties of cannabis.”

Cannabis is legal for adults in eleven states as well as the District of Columbia and the territories of CNMI and Guam, and 33 states as well as several territories have comprehensive medical cannabis laws. The substance is legal in some form in 47 states.

###

The National Cannabis Industry Association (NCIA) is the largest cannabis trade association in the U.S. and the only organization broadly representing cannabis-related businesses at the national level. NCIA promotes the growth of a responsible and legitimate cannabis industry and works toward a favorable social, economic, and legal environment for that industry in the United States.

cannabis flower plant cannabis flower plant cannabis flower plant cannabis flower plant cannabis flower plant cannabis flower plant

5 Reasons Why Medical Cannabis’ Popularity Is Surging

Written by Johnny Green on . Posted in Medical.

Medical cannabis is not a new thing. As far back as 2,700 B.C. cannabis is documented as being used for medical purposes. It wasn’t until early in the 20th century that the medical benefits of cannabis were questioned, and even then, those ‘questions’ were motivated by political views and ambitions rather than by science.

In 1996 voters in California became the first in the nation to re-legalize medical cannabis, followed by many other states and countries. Between the mid-90s and 2012, the number of medical cannabis patients in legal states increased exponentially. That trend started to change in states that legalized cannabis for adult use post-2012.

Due to various factors, not the least of which is the ongoing pandemic, states are likely to see a resurgence of people signing up to become licensed medical cannabis patients and/or caregivers. Below are five reasons why patients would benefit from becoming a registered patient.

1. Easier Than Ever To See A Doctor

Thanks to technology, and current rules governing many state medical cannabis programs, patients can participate in a telemed exam from the comfort of their own homes. Instead of having to travel to a physical office to see a doctor that specializes in medical cannabis, now patients can see a doctor virtually. All it takes is a sufficient internet connection and common computer hardware.

2. Save Money Via Lower Dispensary Prices

A major benefit for people becoming a registered medical cannabis patient is to save money. In some states, cannabis products that are purchased by medical cannabis patients are exempt from the state’s cannabis tax. In addition to tax-related savings, most reputable cannabis dispensaries in adult-use states offer lower prices to patients. For patients that make purchases often, the savings can add up quickly.

3. Increased Cultivation Limits

In some states, becoming a patient allows people to cultivate more legal plants. For example, in Oregon, any residence with an adult living there can cultivate up to 4 mature cannabis plants for adult-use purposes. A registered medical cannabis patient can also cultivate an additional 6 mature plants, for a total of 10 plants. With the ongoing pandemic limiting many people’s ability to travel frequently, the additional harvest allows people to produce more cannabis at home and lowers the need to travel to a dispensary.

4. Increased Possession Limits

Even if someone doesn’t want to cultivate their own cannabis, they can still benefit from being a registered medical cannabis patient from an increased limit standpoint via increased possession limits in some states. Just as people need to stock up on various other essential items these days, so too do they need to be able to possess more cannabis. Using Oregon as an example, medical cannabis patients can possess up to 24 ounces, in addition to adult-use possession limits.

5. Increased Product Potency Limits

Some adult-use states have different potency limits for medical cannabis edible products. Using Oregon as an example again, for some people, the current adult-use THC milligram limit in Oregon for cannabis edibles is sufficient. However, for many people suffering from one or more debilitating health conditions, the current 50 mg per edible limit is not enough. The THC content limit for medical cannabis products is twice as much compared to adult-use products, which helps patients save money, in addition to providing a stronger dosage that many patients need to treat their condition(s).

mexico flag mexico flag mexico flag mexico flag mexico flag mexico flag mexico flag mexico flag mexico flag mexico flag mexico flag mexico flag mexico flag mexico flag mexico flag mexico flag mexico flag mexico flag

Top Mexican Senator: Cannabis Legalization Will Help Offset Economic Losses From Pandemic

Written by Johnny Green on . Posted in Politics.

The ongoing coronavirus pandemic is causing economic issues all across the planet right now, and Mexico’s economy is no exception. It will take some time before the true impact of the economic downturn is completely known, however, it is safe to say that things are going to be bad.

A top Senator in Mexico is touting cannabis legalization as a way to help offset the negative economic impact of the pandemic, as reported by Marijuana Moment:

A top Mexican senator says that marijuana legalization could generate tax revenue to offset economic losses caused by the coronavirus pandemic—and lawmakers could have the opportunity to advance reform in a committee that’s expected to be established on Thursday.

Sen. Julio Ramón Menchaca Salazar of the ruling Morena party said that while legislators must still resolve disagreements about legislation that’s already been introduced and advanced through several committees last month, legalizing cannabis could fill treasury coffers at a time when the economy is taking a massive hit under social distancing and stay-at-home orders.

Mexico has produced a significant amount of cannabis over the last handful of decades and has long been a source of unregulated cannabis around the world, especially in the United States.

A vast majority of that cannabis has financially benefitted gangs and cartels, and none of it has generated revenue for the public coffers in Mexico. Mexico is well-positioned to be an international cannabis industry powerhouse, but first Mexico needs to pass an adult-use legalization bill.

In late 2018 Mexico’s Supreme Court issued a ruling that deemed cannabis prohibition to be unconstitutional and tasked Mexico’s lawmakers with passing a legalization measure. That has yet to happen, with lawmakers failing to meet the first two deadlines set out by Mexico’s Supreme Court.