The North American Marijuana Index, a stock index that tracks the top performing cannabis stocks in the U.S. and Canada, increased 18% in January.
Author Archives: Guest Contributor
Marijuana Index Gained 61% in December in Anticipation of California Market
The North American Marijuana Index, a stock index that tracks the top performing cannabis stocks in the U.S. and Canada, increased 61% in December.
Canadian Marijuana Index Jumps 52% in November, Reaching All-Time High
After gaining 15% in October, the Canadian market continued its rally as the Canadian Marijuana Index increased 52% in November, the largest single month increase since the index’s creation.
Canadian Cannabis Stocks Rally, Driving Marijuana Index Up 4% in October
The North American Marijuana Index, a stock index that tracks the top performing cannabis stocks in the U.S. and Canada, increased 4% in October.
Organic Farming Expert: Oregon’s New Cannabis Laws and Sustainable Options
Oregon’s laws regarding cannabis testing for pesticides and insecticides are a double-edged sword. Just like many things in life, there is a trade-off to progress.
This Is Why the North American Marijuana Index Increased 6% in September
The North American Marijuana Index, a stock index that tracks the top performing cannabis stocks in the U.S. and Canada, increased 6% in September on strong Canadian momentum.
Marijuana Index Decreased 11% in August, Cancelling Out July’s Gains
The North American Marijuana Index, a stock index that tracks the top performing cannabis stocks in the U.S. and Canada, decreased 11% in August.
4 Ways to Position Your Dispensary for Success
What can you do to make sure you’re poised for success in this unpredictable, highly competitive industry? Here are four tried-and-true practices that you can apply to your dispensary in any state.
Marijuana Index Increases 11% in July as US and Canadian Stocks Rebound
The North American Marijuana Index, a stock index that tracks the top performing cannabis stocks in the U.S. and Canada, increased 11% in July. This marks the first positive month for the North American Index since January.
Marijuana Index Dips 3% in June as Canadian Stocks Continue to Decline
The North American Marijuana Index, a stock index that tracks the top performing cannabis stocks in the U.S. and Canada, decreased 3% in June as continued losses in Canada closed out the Index’s second worst performing quarter since its inception in January 2015.
7 Behavioral Shifts Seen in 7 Years of Cannabis
Change is the only constant. Reflecting on the past seven years in the cannabis industry, I marvel at how much has changed and how quickly it has happened.
North American Marijuana Index Drops 15% in May, Worst Month in Over a Year
The North American Marijuana Index, a stock index that tracks the top performing cannabis stocks in the U.S. and Canada, decreased 15% in May as stocks sold off in both markets. This marks the worst performing month for the North American Marijuana Index since December 2015.
California’s New Cannabis Rules: The End of the Beginning?
All three of the California agencies charged with implementation of the Medical Cannabis Regulation and Safety Act released their initial draft of new cannabis rules on April 28, 2017. This long-awaited event puts some meat on the ‘til-now skeletal ideas of what is going to happen in California as the expansion of the state-legal cannabis industry into adult recreational use moves forward.
Marijuana Index Fell 9% in April as US and Canadian Stocks Sell Off
The North American Marijuana Index, a stock index that tracks the top performing cannabis stocks in the United States and Canada, decreased 9% in April due primarily to heavy losses in the United States.
4 Pitfalls to Avoid in Your Cannabis Career
When it comes to the cannabis industry, it’s difficult to even find an accurate comparison in business. Every business in this industry is effectively a startup in addition to the fact that we’re in one of the newest and fastest growing industries in the world; that makes it like a startup on steroids. To say it’s unpredictable and risky is an understatement.
Holy Smokes Batman—Costa Mesa May Enact a $50K Medical Marijuana Price Tag
Today, April 18, 2017, at 7 p.m., Costa Mesa City Council is expected to adopt Resolution No. 17-30, setting fees for the permitting of medical marijuana businesses pursuant to Measure X.
Proposed Prop 64 Trailer Bill Reflects Some Interesting Turns
Some big proposed changes came down on April 4, 2017, in the California Bureau of Cannabis Control’s Proposed Trailer Bill Legislation. As the industry digests and considers the implications of these proposed changes, some of the more notable changes seem to reflect a friendlier approach to cannabis regulation in some key areas.
Marijuana Index Drops 2% as Canadian Stocks Dip With Federal Uncertainty
The North American Marijuana Index, a stock index that tracks the top performing cannabis stocks in the United States and Canada, decreased 2% in March as losses in Canada overtook modest gains in the U.S.
Edibles Entrepreneurs in Oregon: Smooth and Easily Cleanable Surfaces
While non-food-contact surfaces are critical to the form and function of a facility for edibles, food-contact surfaces are at the frontline of food safety. Equipment purchases have to ensure hygienic design and permit efficient disassembly for cleaning, scrubbing, inspecting and sanitizing.
The Real Reason Craft Cannabis is Here to Stay
Nothing evokes passionate debate in the cannabis community like the threat of big business taking over. The arguments against big marijuana fill the internet. The heartfelt plea to preserve small farms is echoed throughout the US, Canada, and Jamaica. At the Marijuana Business Conference in Las Vegas last November there was even a debate dedicated to arguing which was better: Craft Cannabis vs Big Marijuana.
Don’t Let the Devil Disrupt the Landlord/Tenant Relationship
The marijuana industry is proving to be profitable for landlords, with businesses willing to pay premium rents. Conversely, it is also complex and has many details from a risk management standpoint.
Taxation of Regulated Cannabis: Searching for Higher Authority
Can a taxpayer who sells medical marijuana which is subject to the IRC §280E disallowance rules also be engaged in another business not subject to IRC §280E?
Edibles Entrepreneurs in Oregon: Invest in Food Safety Details
The Oregon Liquor Control Commission announced via email on Nov. 17 that it’s anticipating an influx of applications from prospective recreational marijuana businesses. If you hope to become a licensed recreational processor and want to avoid delays in having your application processed, compliance is critical.
Shelter from the Storm: Ninth Circuit Provides Shield for MMJ Businesses
Last month, the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit in San Francisco issued an opinion in United States v. McIntosh that essentially eviscerates the power of the federal government to prosecute cannabis businesses that strictly comply with state medical marijuana laws.
How to Manage Risk in Cannabis: Make Sure Good Things Happen to Good People
As business owners, managing risk is something we are all aware of, but it’s often pushed to the side, especially with new businesses, in the battle for cash flow and stability. We tell ourselves that we will work on risk once we are making money.
How to Write an Effective Executive Summary to Secure Financing for a Cannabis Business
An effective executive summary gives a brief, high-level overview of your business, the financing that you are seeking, and it should pique the interest of decision makers.
Progressive Edibles Executives: Keep Up with the Feds
While the demand for edibles continues to rise, so too do the expectations for producers to follow good manufacturing practices and food safety plans consistent with federal requirements.
So many events. So little time. Where’s the value?
The cannabis industry is growing in every respect and events are no exception. From small regional meetings to full-scale 3-day expos across the United States, an industry enthusiast could spend 85% of the year going to events. But which ones are worth it?
Cannabis Business Owners: Employment Laws Apply to You!
Even though cannabis remains illegal under federal law, the federal government still has an interest in the wages, hours and working conditions of all cannabis industry employees.
Cannabis: The Worst Kept Secret in Athletics
For years, cannabis use has been the worst kept secret in athletics. It’s widespread in just about every amateur and professional arena from universities to the Olympics to the major leagues.
6 Mistakes Marijuana Business Owners Make When Seeking Funding: Part II
Here are three additional mistakes I see occurring frequently as business owners look for financing. Steer clear of these pitfalls and you will dramatically increase your chances for success.
Owners Can’t Be Too Careful When Insuring Marijuana Businesses
Business owners were hit with a surprise in 2015 when Lloyd’s of London—one of the largest insurers in the cannabis industry—announced it was backing away from the business. It cited regulatory uncertainty and the high risk nature of the business.
6 Mistakes Marijuana Business Owners Make When Seeking Funding: Part I
As a veteran in commercial financing for marijuana businesses, I have seen many business owners struggle to obtain funding.
Cannabis Business Owners: You Can Fight City Hall
Cannabis business owners must quickly become accustomed to living in a world where nearly every aspect of their operation is meticulously regulated.
Reputation Management in the Cannabis Industry
Want to know the most important factor for being a respected professional in today’s legal cannabis industry? Reputation.
California Sales and Use Tax Law Applicability to Cannabis: Part 1
Sales and use tax compliance represents a substantial risk to cannabis enterprises seeking to prosper in California.
Kansas Child-Protection Nabs Vet’s Kids Over Legal Medical Marijuana
Raymond Schwab, U.S. Vet and father of six children, is the latest casualty in an escalating war taking place in family courts all over the country.
Revising the Cannabis Revisionist’s Misinformation
Knowledge is power but so is misinformation. Small investors need to understand the product and its history. It is important to remember the past, especially if it was revised.
Progress in Chile Moving Mountains for Medical Marijuana
Latin America is being transformed from the bloody fields of the drug war to a place where the growth of medical and recreational marijuana is potentially becoming a major development crop.
Is Legalization A Basic Human Right?
In early November 2015, Mexico’s Supreme Court decided that marijuana use was a basic human right, critical to self-determination.
Germany Proposes Medical Marijuana Program
In a development that has been brewing in Germany since last year, the government quietly released a draft of its medical marijuana bill, “Cannabis as Medicine,” on Jan. 7, 2016.
First Glance: California’s Regulatory Spending Outlook
This year, 2016, will be the first full fiscal year in which California will spend money on regulating the industry.
New York State Begins Medical Marijuana Sales
It is a moment that activists and legalization proponents from the business community thought might never happen. The state of New York started medical marijuana sales on Jan. 7, 2016.
Women Grow Holding Leadership Summit in February
While recent data from New Frontier has shown that women are significantly less likely to participate in medical marijuana programs than men, women working in legal marijuana continue to actively advance the industry.
DEA Loosens Restrictions for FDA-Approved Clinical Trials on CBD
Right before Christmas, on Dec. 23, 2015, the DEA released a press release quietly announcing a new federal advancement on cannabinoid research.
Where to Ring In a Marijuana-Friendly New Year’s 2016 in Colorado
Want to find a place to celebrate the New Year with canna-friends, celebrating the new freedoms and greater legalization that 2016 is sure to bring?
Legal Analysis: Marijuana at the Supreme Court
In what has been seen, depending on one’s perspective, as an obvious legal stance or an administration taking an overdue stand on federal intent, the Obama administration has again spoken publicly about its stance on marijuana reform.
Open Mic Night at the Cannabis Comedy Club
You had to have strong conviction to stay in this sector as an individual investor, but you also had to have a sense of humor. Sometimes it seemed like open mic night at the comedy club … you know, not always very funny.
Ready, Steady, Rec Vote: Vermont Legislature Prepares to Set Legalization Tone for 2016
Vermont’s state legislature is set to become the first in the country to legalize a recreational industry without being pushed, prodded or forced to do the same by state voters in a special voter initiative.
Arcview Calls for Innovative Cannabusinesses to Pitch to ‘Arc-Tank’
The Arcview Group, perhaps the country’s best known cannabis investor group and the number one source of deal flow for the industry, has announced a new entrepreneur pitch session for Feb. 1-2, 2016.
