Skip to main content
Jonas Straumann Jonas Straumann Jonas Straumann Jonas Straumann Jonas Straumann Jonas Straumann Jonas Straumann Jonas Straumann Jonas Straumann Jonas Straumann

Canadian Cannabis Company to Open Retail Herb House in Jamaica

Written by Anthony Johnson on . Posted in Business, Cultural, Vancouver.

The international cannabis industry is getting more interconnected than ever before and Canadians are still leading the way while other nation’s policies are still trying to catch up. Canada’s progressive national policies, while still needing some fine-tuning, have allowed its cannabis companies to make moves around the globe that others simply cannot make.

Canadian companies have become major exporters to Europe and are actively seeking expansion in new, burgeoning markets around the globe. One major deal has just been announced in Jamaica as Aphria has just announced the licensure of the Sensi Medical Cannabis House through its subsidiary Marigold Projects, that will, very fittingly, be located in Peter Tosh Square, overlooking the Peter Tosh Museum in New Kingston. Excitingly, the retail herb house, licensed by the Jamaican Cannabis Licensing Authority will also have an on-site consumption lounge, in addition to selling cannabis strains, infused products, and accessories.

“The approval of Marigold’s first Herb House signals an exciting time for Aphria. We believe that there is tremendous opportunity in Jamaica from a domestic and international perspective and we look forward to bringing Sensi products to the market,” stated Aphria’s Irwin D. Simon in a company press release. ”Receiving this licence is testament to our team’s hard work and dedication in growing our Caribbean and LATAM business as we provide high-quality cannabis products in regions. Aphria will continue to execute on our business plan to create long-term value, sales growth, and profitably in Canada and internationally.”

Aphria and Marigold plan to have a grand opening for the Sensi Medical Cannabis House in August and is seeking to open locations in Portmore, Ocho Rios, Montego Bay, and Negril. What an exciting time for the Jamaican and international cannabis community that travel to beautiful nation. Jamaican reggae legend Peter Tosh recorded his anthem “Legalize It” back in 1975. It’s good to see that the world is finally listening.

The International Cannabis Business Conference is the best industry event to learn the latest and to network with top investors and entrepreneurs. Next up: Vancouver, Canada, this September 15-16, featuring top experts in the field, PLUS a performance on a luxury yacht by Cypress Hill’s DJ Muggs at the after party. Don’t delay, purchase early bird tickets before prices go up on August 21st. 

UK MPs Expect to Legalize Cannabis Within the Next 5 to 15 Years

Written by Anthony Johnson on . Posted in Business, Politics, Vancouver.

Three United Kingdom Members of Parliament, representing the Conservative, Labour, and Liberal Democrat parties all recently traveled to Canada on a fact-finding trip organized by the harm reduction group Volte Face and all came back proclaiming that the UK would legalize cannabis in the coming years. The three MPs had different opinions on how soon their nation would end prohibition, somewhat along stereotypical party lines. Labour’s David Lammy and the Liberal Democrats’ Norman Lamb predicting that legalization could be implemented within the next five years while Conservative Jonathan Djanogly stated that it would take 10 to 15 years to follow Canada’s lead. Lammy, the MP for Tottenham, has now gone against the Labour Party’s official stance on cannabis, writing in The Guardian about why Britain should legalize and improve upon Canada’s model:

On a trip to Toronto, filmed by the BBC for a short documentary being shown on Monday, I was able to see the world’s largest regulated market up close. Production occurs in sterile grow-houses filled to the ceiling with the green plants. Licensed stores, protected by security guards, sell a wide range of cannabis strains in air-conditioned surroundings that appear somewhere between a vape shop and a pharmacy. The THC and CBD levels are marked on labels like the alcohol content on a bottle of beer. Touchscreens allow users to choose between oils, leaf, pre-rolls and pills as easily as picking between a Quarter Pounder or chicken nuggets in McDonald’s.

The potential benefits of legal regulation go beyond hurting the bank balances of criminal gangs and reducing the disproportionate criminalisation of certain groups. In the UK, children find it easier to access cannabis than alcohol. Taking cannabis out of the hands of street dealers and putting it behind the counter in shops with security guards and ID requirements would help protect those under 18. For adult users, there would be more mellow alternatives to the super-strength skunk linked most closely to psychosis, which currently makes up around 94% of the black market. Regulation means we can control and lower the average THC levels significantly, reducing mental health concerns.

The biggest challenge is to make the regulated market attractive enough to beat the black market, but not to glamorise it in a way that will increase consumption. If implemented correctly, legal regulation should reduce social and health harms to a minimum. Bill Blair, the former Toronto police chief turned Liberal minister in Canada, has had the job of trying to find this Goldilocks point in Canada. At present, he has not achieved it. The price of legal cannabis is around $10 (£6) a gram, compared to $6.37 in the illicit market. There are too few dispensaries for many users to have access. As a result, the majority of weed in Canada is still sold illegally.

Whether it takes the UK five years to end cannabis prohibition, or up to fifteen years, a majority of the people and politicians know that legalization is coming. It’ll still take a lot of hard work from advocates, but there is simply no way that British citizens, businesses, and policy makers will stand around and watch other nations across the globe bring more freedom, jobs, and revenue to their shores, without eventually deciding that prohibition’s time to end has come.

The International Cannabis Business Conference is THE industry event to learn the latest and to network with top investors, entrepreneurs, and advocates. Next up: Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada, this September 15-16. Purchase discounted early bird tickets by August 21st to save. 

flowers flowers flowers flowers flowers flowers

Thailand Jumps Into Cannabis Tourism Ring

Written by ICBC Staff on . Posted in Business, Vancouver.

Thailand, last year’s last minute cannabis reformer (along with Israel, on Christmas Day, as a “gift” to the Thai people), has wasted little time going where other national governments so far, have been slow  to go, if at all. As some had hoped, Pipat Ratchakitprakan, the new tourism and sports minister, plans to promote medical marijuana tourism as part of a broader plan to attract foreign visitors.

Even more promising for those who are thinking of planning their Thai vacation now, travel packages will likely also include other traditional Thai medical approaches, including combining medical cannabis with massage.

Along with the cannabis reforms, the country also plans to wisely encourage ride and home sharing apps (by legalizing them) to handle the extra accommodation and travel needs of foreign tourists coming to the nation for the sun, cannabis, and total relaxation. Thailand is looking to get a head start capitalizing on international cannabis tourism, but will probably provide a good model for other nations to follow.

Global Cannabis Wellness Tours and Packages

Thailand is clearly hoping to attract well heeled North Americans and Europeans. Especially because, outside of California and perhaps Nevada, there is no real “wellness” or tourism movement yet in any country. And in Europe, the focus has not yet shifted to canna tourism beyond of course, the old standby, Holland and the up-and-comer, Barcelona

No matter the potential of Greece – the only other recent arrival to the cannabis reform camp on a sovereign level, if not the potential of places like Croatia – Europe is on a slower track.

Local “Cannabis Wellness” Getaways

The idea of cannabis wellness is hitting Europe in different waves. Added to tourism, and this is still a bit of an exotic beast (although probably not for long).

Even in Luxembourg, for instance, while the country has indicated it wants to put recreational reform on the fast track, attracting tourists from neighbouring countries has not been on the (official) roadmap. See who its neighbours are.

For that reason, look for the growth of specialty, tourist markets, like Thailand, as the global medical and wellness market grows.

However, this is not the only place the Thai market is likely to have impact. Inevitably, also look for western knockoffs coming soon in all medical markets. It is a lot cheaper to get a Thai massage with cannabis on the side locally than flying all the way to Bangkok for the same.

What originates in Thailand, in other words, is also likely to have a huge influence on fusion influences in every legalizing market where there is a Thai massage shop.

German canna sauna anyone?

The International Cannabis Business Conference is THE industry event to learn the latest and to network with top investors, entrepreneurs, and advocates. Next up: Vancouver, Canada, this September 15-16. Discounted early bird tickets are on sale until August 21st.  

Vancouver after party Vancouver after party Vancouver after party Vancouver after party Vancouver after party Vancouver after party

International Cannabis Business Conference Vancouver Features a Yacht After Party Headlined by DJ Muggs of Cypress Hill!

Written by Anthony Johnson on . Posted in Business, Cultural, Entertainment, Politics, Social, Vancouver.

The International Cannabis Business Conference returns to beautiful Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada, this September 15-16, with our trademark blend of business, politics, and culture. If you want the latest information on rules and regulations in Canada and around the world and to network with top investors, entrepreneurs, and advocates, the International Cannabis Business Conference is THE industry event for you. But the International Cannabis Business Conference doesn’t just educate, we also ensure that you are engaged and entertained, and our networking events, including our after parties, have become legendary around the world. This year in Vancouver, the after party will be taken to another level as Cypress Hills’ DJ Muggs will be performing on a yacht!

A VIP reception on the 15th will kick off the networking at International Cannabis Business Conference in Vancouver, as speakers, sponsors, and attendees gather at the Westin Bayshore Hotel. On the 16th, attendees will hear from industry experts on a host of important topics including: local Vancouver and B.C. regulations; regulations regarding edibles, topicals, concentrates, and extracts; mergers and acquisitions; domestic investments; going public; succeeding as a craft cannabis company; exporting internationally; extraction science and technology; and how to best develop strategic partnerships.

Following the conference curriculum, the exclusive after party, sponsored by Bhang and Indiva, will take place on a Pacific Yachts 105-foot, three-level luxury vessel. The yacht will be docked at the Westin Bayshore Hotel for an amazing party experience that will also be extremely convenient.

DJ Muggs, along with all of Cypress Hill, has been a long-time supporter of cannabis legalization, making music for the community, way before it was easy and popular. The group even lit up on Saturday Night Live, earning a lifetime ban from NBC! Today, Muggs and Cypress Hill are members of the cannabis industry, with an understanding of the ups and downs facing the community.

Join us this September 15-16 for an industry event like no other. Get your discounted early bird tickets by August 21st to secure your spot and to save $$$.

marijuana leaves marijuana leaves marijuana leaves marijuana leaves marijuana leaves marijuana leaves

Outdoor Growing: Another Canadian Cannabis Innovation Suitable For Export?

Written by ICBC Staff on . Posted in Business, Vancouver.

With the news that Health Canada has authorized outdoor cultivation (see Aurora), the entire cultivation conversation has now shifted into interesting new territory. And not just in Canada.

Never mind that these first two sites will be used for research (for both indoor and outdoor grown strains). For the first time, since grow operations initiated the same way at the University of Mississippi’s cannabis farm back in the early 1980’s, a federal regulated authority has given the greenlight to outdoor grown cannabis.

But what does this mean for both the home-grown Canadian industry and those far beyond, all across the globe?

Medically Bound?

While the focus so far in the big time cannabis industry has been indoor growing (for reasons ranging from security to accidental, weather-caused cross fertilization), outdoor growing for commercial purposes has yet to come into the serious regulated conversation at the federal level.

In California, for example, as well as many farms in the American West, outdoor grows are a way of life – even to the extent that, as in 2014, larger farms had to start trucking in water as they were forbidden from using federal groundwater aquifers.

But on the international scene so far? Especially as dominated in Europe to date? Indoor growing so far has been the norm.

That may be changing too. Large corporate and regulated grows are showing up everywhere from Greece to the United Kingdom that are more outdoor than indoor. And then, of course, there is what is starting to happen in Africa and Asia.

Is “indoor growing” a requirement that will shift into history as the regulated industry matures, globally?

For the short term, at least, the answer seems to be no, but not forever.

That means that outdoor grows might indeed be on the upswing (the initial start-up costs are far cheaper for starters). But don’t expect them to take over the market any time soon.

Supply Chain Issues Loom Large

Supply chain quality, testing and purity are all issues of course. Beyond security as well as setting industry barriers to entry (see the cost discussion), what are the other benefits and drawbacks to allowing outdoor grown cannabis into the supply chain?

Supply itself of course is one of the advantages, even though cross fertilization of strains is a real threat – across grows and even property. However, growing plants outside is a form of agriculture that humans have relied on for millennia. Why should cannabis be any different?

Indoor vs. outdoor strain cultivation will also lead to a natural search to preserve strain diversity.

It will also thrive in another area. Namely, anywhere adults, for medical reasons or otherwise, are allowed to grow their own, legally. That too is an open question.

But the debate, at least, is clearly in the room. And likely to be with the global industry going forwards.

The International Cannabis Business Conference is the top industry event to learn the latest and to network with top investors, entrepreneurs and advocates. Don’t miss the next conference in Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada, this September 15-16. Discounted early bird tickets are available until August 21st. 

Swiss Flag Swiss Flag Swiss Flag Swiss Flag Swiss Flag Swiss Flag Swiss Flag Swiss Flag Swiss Flag Swiss Flag

Patients Are Powering the European Cannabis Industry

Written by ICBC Staff on . Posted in Business, Medical, Vancouver.

It is a truism in the room that the cannabis industry, globally, and in each region of the world it springs forth in, is driven first by the medical side of the business. No matter how much excitement about CBD first strategies, it is the places where fully leaded, THC included, and regulated whole plant medication are authorized that are able to drive real change, if not nascent markets forward.

This has been true of the United States and Canada and it’s the truth in Europe as well.

In Germany, despite the fact that patients gained access just as they lost the right to cultivate small amounts themselves (at least until recreational reform hits), so far, patients have only gained wider spread access by submitting themselves to the complicated approval process required by insurers. There are now about 50,000 patients in Germany and these patients are helping move cannabis more and more mainstream in their homeland and across europe, as the EU powerhouse’s influence ripples beyond its borders.

in the UK, the entire discussion is taking another twist. Namely, desperate parents of sick children began importing medicine from Holland and Canada and dared the authorities to shut them down.

That strategy worked, but only to a limited degree, unfortunately. Despite the fact that it was announced last fall that cannabis would be covered as a Schedule II prescription, covered under the NHS, so far there are, by best estimates fewer than 100 patients in the UK, but patients have not given up. In some cases, they have even partnered with large industry players from Canada and other countries to put pressure on the government to open the market.

The situation is so obviously dire in the U.K. right now, that it will have an effect, and probably far beyond the UK – globally. There is not a patient in the room of any nationality who has not had to deal with intransigent anti cannabis rules, unbending medical infrastructure and paperwork of all kinds.

In the UK, much like the conversation in every other legalizing market, the corner, at least, has been turned. The issue, not to mention those who are suffering, are visible.

Public opinion is shifting. Parliament is apologizing. And the market, no matter its shape post October 31, is clearly opening. And that progress is mostly due to the unrelenting pursuit of greater access by patients and their advocates. A sincere thanks to all sick and disabled patients, and their supporters, for moving our cause of freedom and compassion forward.

The International Cannabis Business Conference is THE industry event to learn the latest and to network with top investors, entrepreneurs, and advocates. Next up: Vancouver, Canada, this September 15-16. Discounted early bird tickets are on sale until August 21st.  

Venture Capitalists Invest a Record Breaking Amount in the Cannabis Industry!

Written by Anthony Johnson on . Posted in Business, Vancouver.

It makes sense that investors, including venture capitalists, are investing more and more in the cannabis industry each and every year. More states and nations are moving towards legalizing medical and adult-use cannabis and it is easy to see that a lot of progress is being made in the United States and around the world. The U.S. Congress has already held a historic committee hearing on the benefits of legalization, the FDA is contemplating rules for CBD, and more cannabis-related hearings are coming soon. However, I don’t think that anyone could have predicted that more money would be invested from venture capitalists already in 2019 than what was invested all of last year. As Pitch Book reports, $1.6 billion has already poured in from VCs compared to $1.2 billion total in 2018:

Even though the use and possession of cannabis is illegal under federal law, 33 states and the District of Columbia have passed laws legalizing marijuana in some form. In June, Illinois became the 11th state in the US to legalize marijuana for recreational use. With every voting cycle, the stigma around marijuana seems to shed a bit more and VC interest in cannabis spikes at a phenomenal rate. And this year, which still has over five months to go, has already collected significantly more VC funding in the space than any year ever, according to PitchBook data:

***

So far this year, Florida-based Phyto Partners boasts the largest portfolio with a total of nine deals. The early-stage VC was founded in 2015 and focuses on investments in the cannabis industry. Notable deals in 2019 include Green Flower, which operates a cannabis education platform and Wurk, the developer of a payroll and HR platform for marijuana businesses. The firm also holds a stake in Eaze, the provider of an on-demand marijuana delivery service; it was valued at $315 million in December. Gotham Green Partners, which is tied with  Arcadian Fund as the second most active investor in cannabis startups, participated in a $125 million round for Flow Kana in February. Founded in 2014, the business partners with small family farms to cultivate sun-grown cannabis flowers.

The cannabis market in the US is expected to grow at 24.1% over the next six years, again per Grand View Research. And while several cannabis companies such as Hexo (NYSE: HEXO) and CannTrust (NYSE: CTST) have been tumbling on the stock market in recent months, the possibility of innovative products and increased market size seem to make a compelling argument for VCs to cut hefty checks toward pot businesses. To put it bluntly: 2019 has been lit so far.

While there will certainly be ups and downs for the cannabis industry over the coming years, the future looks bright on a variety of political and business fronts. With Donald Trump pledging support for the STATES Act and all major Democratic presidential challengers supporting a form of legalization, the U.S. could legalize within the next few years, creating a domino effect across the world. There’s a solid saying to “follow the money” and if you follow the money of venture capitalists, smart money is on cannabis.

The International Cannabis Business Conference is the preeminent industry event to learn the latest about the cannabis industry and to network with top investors and entrepreneurs. Next up: Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada, this September 15-16. Purchase discounted early bird tickets by August 21st to save.

Thailand Takes Early Lead in the Asian Cannabis Market

Written by Anthony Johnson on . Posted in Business, Vancouver.

Positive cannabis law reforms have been taking hold all across the world, while Asia with many of its nations still maintaining draconian cannabis laws, has lagged behind North America, Europe, Africa, and South America. But the times may be a-changin’ and Thailand is leading the way. If Thailand is going to continue its lead and maximize its current competitive agenda, the nation will need to adapt, starting with moving beyond just medical cannabis and embrace legalization for all adults. There’s good reason to be optimistic for Thailand to lead a projected $8.5 billion regional market (by 2024) with key political figures are lobbying for expanding the country’s medical program and ending prohibition for all adults, as Bloomberg reports:

The country last year legalized medical marijuana with the approval of Prime Minister Prayuth Chan-Ocha, who then led Thailand’s junta and now heads the civilian government following a disputed general election in March. A key member of his coalition is pushing for full legalization of Thailand’s marijuana market, projected to grow to $661 million within five years, according to cannabis industry researcher Prohibition Partners.

Anutin Charnvirakul, the millionaire leader of political party Bhum Jai Thai, helped Prayuth form a ruling coalition and is expected to use that platform to try to deliver on his campaign promise of legalizing marijuana. The prospects of such a move increased on July 10 when Anutin was named deputy prime minister and public health minister in the newly formed cabinet. He’s seeking to remove restrictions that have made it difficult for even those approved for medical marijuana to easily access cannabis, he said in a June 21 party statement. Anutin’s two key positions make it easier for him to submit regulatory changes to legalize the crop. Thailand’s tough anti-trafficking laws aren’t expected to change even if recreational weed becomes legal.

It’s not the only nation rethinking cannabis. Malaysia and Laos are considering legalizing medical use of the crop, and the Philippines’ lower legislature has passed a medical cannabis measure. “For Thailand to become the Asian leader in the cannabis space, it would most likely require that neither China nor Japan legalize cannabis,” says Alexandra Curley, Prohibition Partners’ head of insights.

Thailand has already branded itself rather well in the old-school, underground cannabis community as Thai Stick has a legend of its own. In addition to becoming a major exporter, Thailand should embrace cannabis tourism to bring more freedom, jobs, and revenue to the nation. I’m a extremely proud of Thailand’s progression on cannabis (my mother is from there) and I hope that this trend continues and the country will embrace liberty for the betterment of their hardworking people that have been subject to a lot of political and cultural turmoil.

If you want to stay up-to-date on the latest industry news and to network with top investors and entrepreneurs, the International Cannabis Business Conference is the event for you. Next up: Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada, this September 15-16. Discounted, early bird ticket sales end August 21st. 

Canada Needs to Adapt as US, Especially California, Cannabis Industry Grows

Written by Anthony Johnson on . Posted in Business, Politics, San Francisco, Vancouver.

Canadian cannabis companies have been given a leg up on its global competition, but that advantage is being eroded and could be eliminated rather quickly once the United States ends federal prohibition, industry insiders warn, and it isn’t difficult to imagine. Federal laws allowing banking services, public investment, normal tax rules, and exports has made Canada the international cannabis industry leader, with companies expanding into legal US states and into other nations around the world, even sometimes making moves before major reforms pass, utilizing insight to follow the momentum.

However, with the United States making progress, especially with California companies striking huge deals with business moguls, Canada could lose its place at the top, especially if rules regarding advertising are not addressed. With US companies able to better leverage relationships with worldwide stars like Jay-Z, marketing rules, including on social media, need to be adapted, as Vice covered:

According to federal regulations in Canada, celebrities can’t give a testimonial about a licensed producer’s product, talk about its price, or say anything about it to minors. They can harness what’s known as “the halo effect” and hope that star power rubs off on the brand.

These are just a few of the rules that, according to cannabis industry and observers alike, leave Canadian cannabis companies at a disadvantage. This presents a huge challenge because they’re up against U.S. companies that are gearing up for a global fight, with big budgets and a deep bench of executives who have already established successful retail brands—such as Victoria’s Secret, Home Depot, and Pepsico’s Frito-Lay.

***

Cannabis marketing expert Kayla Rochkin said it’s just a matter of time before America loosens the rules federally. As vice president of marketing for TREC Brands, she works with a portfolio of cannabis companies and has seen firsthand how challenging it is to push a product, without being able to talk in-depth about the product itself to the public. But as the clock ticks down, she said Canadian companies are losing whatever first-mover advantage they may have had because of strict rules limiting brands from touting their advantages over rivals.

Confusingly, Canada’s Cannabis Act prohibits producers from marketing techniques that promote the business or product “in a manner that associates it or the brand element with, or evokes a positive or negative emotion about or image of, a way of life such as one that includes glamour, recreation, excitement, vitality, risk, or daring.” If any business, especially a small to medium enterprise that wants to find a niche as a craft cannabis company, branding with a positive emotion or way of life is key. Once the United States legalizes for all adults and starts exporting, US companies will enjoy a huge marketing advantage. Canada has been the king of the hill, but there’s a sleeping giant that’s about to wake up.

Stay up-to-date on the latest rules and develops while networking with top investors and entrepreneurs at the upcoming International Cannabis Business Conference in Vancouver, Canada, this September 15-16. Early bird tickets are available until August 21st. After the British Columbia excursion, we’ll be heading to San Francisco, California, on February 6-7.