Inhale! Hold! Exhale! Smile! Then Read "Oh Cannabis News Y View" @ Directory! UpDAtEs AddED iN LaRgE TyPe! Live tweets @ davidchiarelli
THE YEAR AHEAD
Welcome to 2019: There's plenty of challenges ahead in Canada's first full year of legal weed! Sales? Shortages? Edibles? Driving Regs? Legal Pardons? Read all about it @ Vice
Legalization Is A Legal Mess: Home cultivation? First Nation rights? Our new zero tolerance driving laws? These pose serious constitutional challenges that'll take years to work their way through the court system. The Canadian political fight over legalization is over. But in 2019, the important court battles begin, to clean up the legal mess @ NP
Cannabiz Prospectus: Canada's cannabiz sector is expected to grow from $1.6 billion in 2018 to 6.1 billion in 2025. Legalization has created a lot of exciting business opportunities, plus many difficult challenges. Prepare for the year ahead @ BK
The 3 L's Prospectus: Legalization? Legitimization? Listings? Legalization is taking hold in Canada and increasingly across the USA. The stock market's dazed and confused movers and shakers bewilderingly jockey for position. There's lotsa bummers, burns and rip offs @ FP
Big Joke! Not Much Legal Smoke!: Canada's underground cannabis economy is red hot. In sharp contrast, the new legalization model lacks any sizzle. It's ham fisted. Over regulated. With a reefer madness policing focus to match it's corporate government mindset. Our initial joy and optimism is going up in smoke. Put bluntly, legalization is sadly out of touch with our everyday reality within the cannabis community. They can't supply the weed. Nor compete with quality, cost and accessibility against the unregulated market. Plus it's just soooooo terribly unkool! For shame! @ WP
Women 2 Watch in 2019: Meet 21 exemplary female cannabis activists and entrepreneurs out to challenge the status quo. They're creating new women focused alliances. Upending traditional business models. Our new cannabis sector is rapidly evolving. Watch as equity, equality and inclusion progressively move to the forefront of the agenda in 2019. More @ MJB
Weed Find: Find out if your Ontario municipality has opted in or out of allowing legal dispensaries to operate close to home, starting April 1st @ AGCO
OH CANNABIS
NORML.CA: Abi Roach Steps Up!
The New Normal: Big changes as NORML Canada welcomes our first full year of legalization with a newly "re envisioned mandate". Hotbox Toronto cannabis activist/ entrepreneur Ms. Abi Roach steps up as new Executive Director. Deepak Annand becomes VP. Cannabis lawyer Jack Lloyd is President, while John Conroy retains a General Council role. The new mandate includes a focus on political engagement at all three levels of government; federal, provincial and municipal. The goal? To promote "functional laws" and an "inclusive" approach to the cannabiz industry. And to "advocate for licensed consumption spaces and retail stores". Congratulations Abi! @ NORML More @ NORML.CA
Medibles, Extracts, Topicals: Health Canada begins a new so called "consultation" process, to "strictly regulate" these when they are legalized in Canada this fall. It's the next step in our anal legalization process, aka "Prohibition 2.0". Will they listen? The survey's on line until Feb. 20th @ Canada.ca
Please Sir! We Want More! Sigh! Here's a good summary of what Health Canada is actually thinking, so to speak. PS: Abi! Deepak! John! Please go kick their ass for us @ MonD
GPP [Good Production Practices]: Wait! There's more! Don't overlook the new safety requirements for our all ready hamstrung growers and processors. Hmmm. We definitely want to keep things healthy and safe, but ... but ... but ... is this the best way? @ CanCom
High Price$: Duh, go figure! Frustrated consumers are still flocking to Canada's much cheaper, unregulated marketplace for our weed. Blame cost, supply and accessibility. Had the government just started by licensing our existing growers, producers and dispensaries, this all could've been avoided, but nooooooooo @ Yahoo
Ho$tile Takeover: They got the know how. And the goods. But Canada's grass root entrepreneurs are being locked out of the government's tightly regulated monopoly on weed. Prohibition was wrong in the first place. So why should they suffer now? Canadian's continue to shop underground. The "legal alternative" is just way too over regulated, inefficient and insulting. Doesn't meet our taste or needs @ TSun
Ontario Licensing Act: Here's the complete text of Regulation 497/18. Supposedly, it's Premier Doug Ford's new, improved plan, to create a thriving legal, free market, cannabis industry, here in Canada's largest, richest province. Hmmm. Dougie sold drugs in high school eh?!? So what's with this?!? I know. I know. We were sooooo smug about Trump south of our border. And now we've elected this putz. Hey Yankee readers -Stop laughing! Grrr. Grrr. Ummmmm. The devil's in the details, or lack thereof @ Ontario.ca
Buds o' Wrath: Under Ford's "plan", Ontario dispensaries voluntarily agreed to close shop so that they could apply for a license to legally re-open on April 1st. But they got punked! Real bad! Get this -only 25 lucky winners from the 17,320 whom applied will now get a license for the 1st. The rest? Who knows? Alas! The lucky winners were chosen in a very unexpected and confusing lottery. Douglas opened it wide up so that most anybody and their mother could apply. The cost? Just $25 bucks. Most have absolutely no experience. Or know how. Never operated a dispensary. Are just plain, dumb lucky. As for our experienced dispensary owners? They're locked out of the game. Royally screwed! Sidelined as Ford and his cronies laugh so hard they'll piss their pants! Who knows what comes next, but it can't be good @ BoC @ CC
Next Steps: Congrats, you won! So what do you need to do now, to comply with the new licensing "rules", by April 1st? Get a $25,000 line of credit! Pay a $6000 non refundable fee! Is your financial info readily available? Your business structure in place? Got a building permit? The signs? Shelving? Displays? A knowledgeable staff? Also, beware; the clock is ticking! Remember, there's big financial penalties if everything isn't correctly set up and running on time! More BS @ CanCom @ LFP
Cashing In 2 Win Big: Abi Roach explains. Ford's "ridiculous" lottery system was just a "golden ticket to get rich quick" scheme. Naturally, the 25 lottery winners are now desperately reaching out for help from Big Bud. The lawyers, investors, retailers, and even the LP's are stepping up. Offering the distraught winners $5-7 million with a 1.5% share in revenue, to partner up and cash in. How nice n' helpful, eh? Lotsa happy people! But lots more whom are not! @ CBC @ BloomB @ FP
Big Bud's LP Agenda: What? The LP's too?!? Yup! Hey "lucky" lotto winners! Ford's crafted some sneaky, legal loopholes. So that they can try to franchise and license you their legal boo! Nice. Nice. Very nice @ Now
Ford's Big Fix: Think about it! Con man Ford's lottery "process" was actually staged for the fun and profit of the PC's anonymous, big buck players. Not our poor, befuckled, small biz, dispensary owner's. Or you the consumer. Or med pot patient. No way! @ CLM
Recipe 2 Fail: Budding Toronto cannabis lawyer Caryma Sa'd asks; why uproot Ontario's all ready fully functional dispensaries? Replace them with a sure fire recipe for failure?!? Was Ford's lottery all a diabolical plot? Just to make sure legalization fails? Hmmm. Ontario's prickly, backroom, social conservatives would be very pleased! Then there's his evil archenemy; PM Justin Trudeau, who's facing a federal election this year! Hey Dougie's no rocket scientist, that's for sure. But he's sure got lots of dirty, sneaky tricks up his sleeve @ Now
Who's Tory Now? Lots and lots of ex-Tory's, who we'd quite frankly rather forget, are now miraculously back as private weed sale lobbyists at Queen's Park. Here's but a few, with more below under "Green Marketing" @ NOW
CCMe2: In a shocking, very disturbing turn of events, leading Canadian, Cannabis Culture, legalization advocate Marc Emery stands accused of sexual harassment. The allegations roughly date from 2003-17 at his chain of CC [Cannabis Culture] outlets, mainly in Vancouver BC. The "Me Too" victim accounts quickly go viral becoming international news. Deidre Olsen explains and provides the links @ Leafly Mr. Emery defends himself on Facebook from a CC road trip through South America @ FB @ FB More allegations @ Vice Marc responds @ FB
Marc Emery isn't currently facing criminal charges related to the allegations. However, it's quite unlikely they'll go away. What happens next? @ City
Editing Notes: Lots of good people from within our cannabis community are now openly speaking out against Marc Emery. They're very hurt and upset. Oh Cannabis always seeks to advocate in the best interests of our legalization movement. Report the big, news stories affecting our struggle. That presents some very difficult decisions about what to focus on here.
From my own experience, I've had nothing but good things to say about the Emery's. Knew nothing about harassment. Can't add any insights. Not from my own small window into the Cannabis Culture world.
Oh Cannabis' coverage mostly focused on the CC Project Gator bust and court proceedings in Toronto during 2017. Within that limited context, I enjoyed Marc's sharp intellect and witty repartee. Very much appreciate the Emery's many, very important contributions to our legalization fight, as reported here.
But no, I can't knowledgeably refute nor confirm the veracity of the many different claims now swirling all about. But I do think that it is a teachable moment.
Out of deep concern and with a heavy heart, I'm including these news links from within our cannabis community, just like I would any other important story. Without doubt, sexual harassment is very disturbing. Can't be allowed. Needs to stop. Please also see the proactive links I've posted in "Green Marketing" below. Hopefully we can somehow learn to work to better prevent sexual harassment in the workplace, on a go forward basis, as a positive outcome from of all this!
Cannabis Culture Kaput? CC's Jodie Emery and CEO Jeremiah Vandermeer are struggling to save the dispensary chains last 3 outlets in Vancouver BC. After January 31st, only Cannabis Culture Magazine, Pot-TV and a bong shop/ lounge will remain; the last of CC's once loud and proud activist/ entrepreneurial legacy. Marc and Jodie Emery separated about a year or so ago. Continue to work together as business partners, with Jodie at the helm, since about 2009. Sadly, 50 employees will be laid off, as the city closes their remaining dispensaries. Due to a recent BC supreme court ruling, police have been ordered to close all 53 of BC's un licensed cannabis shops. CC is requesting an emergency license to sell medical cannabis products, not otherwise available in the province's 3 remaining, regulated stores @ CC @ GStraight
Union Busting: OPSEU President Smokey Thomas accuses the Ford PC's of ordering police to stop workers from unionizing at the province's OCS warehouse. The new top secret and privatized cannabis distribution centre is located in Oakville, Ontario. This smacks of backroom shenanigans. Is Dougie setting it up and running it as a private, non union, government shop, outside the public eye? Little surprise @ OPSEU @ NK
Med Pot Tax: Canada's medical cannabis community continues to organize against the unfair, government, sin tax targeting our favoured, prescription herb @ GStraight
Med Pot Tax Time: Yip! It's tax time. Did you know that in Canada you can claim your prescription receipts on your return as a "medical expense deduction"? How many $$$ can you get back? Depends upon how much you spent and how much you earned. Don't expect much, but of course, every bit helps. More @ Lift
No Place 2 Toke: Now that weed's legal where can we safely enjoy a social toke, especially if we face a condo or apartment pot ban at home? Jenna Valleriani and Abi Roach explain how bad the situation is in Ontario, where the status of even our vapour lounges remains unclear @ OC
Condo Law: Unfortunately, many ill advised, Ontario condo boards gambled on passing in suite pot bans, as legalization approached. Medical cannabis exemptions? Forget it. Nor can recreational users now safely and privately enjoy a legal toke at home. Expect lots of expensive, charter right challenges to come! Don't be too surprised if the high court costs drives up your maintenance fees. Someones got to pay for your board's tom foolery. Welcome to 2019! @ BK
Driving Laws: Police are ticketing about 21 Ontario drivers a day for cannabis offences, under our new zero tolerance laws. Expect lots of legal challenges ahead. Many medical cannabis patients will erroneously test over the litigious limits. The flurry of charges? A clear violation of our charter rights @ HT @ Global
$54 Million: That's how much Canadians spent on government weed during the first month of legal sales. Note that in Ontario, Canada's largest market, we could only buy legal weed from the troubled plagued OCS [Ontario Cannabis Store]. Then there's the supposed "weed shortage". The unregulated market is, of course, a whole other story. More @ Nasdaq
Not So Belle Province: The CAQ [Coalition Avenir Quebec] is raising the legal age in the province to 21 for buying cannabis. Get this -they've banned smoking weed in public now too! Expect lots of court challenges @ CBC
IN THE NEWS
Dem's On Weed: 6 leading Democratic presidential candidates want to legalize weed; Sanders, Warren, Harris, Booker, Gillibrand and Klobuchar @ WM
Make America High Again: Seems like William Barr, Trump's new pick for a Attorney General, might not be another federal reefer madman like outgoing AG Jeff Sessions. Let's see @ Forbes
US Bipartisan Weed Patch: The new, new US Congress is perhaps the most pro-cannabis yet. Despite the deadlocks and shut downs, when it comes to legalization, expect the flurry of bipartisan cannabis bills to continue unabated! God knows if any will pass, but a big push is on to reduce federal intervention and assist vets @MM. There's a specific focus on protecting state medical pot laws from federal intervention @ MM And on removing cannabis from the controlled substance list. Could be big game changers for the US cannabiz sector. Create jobs. Stimulate the economy. Generate tax revenue. Hopefully the GOP stays the course! And the Donald isn't a total ass hole again [and again and again ...]. Doesn't nix any deal at the last minute. Maybe not now that reefer madman AG Jeff Session is gone? Inhale. Hold ... @ MM
US Governors + Weed: And the winners are ...... Here's the best and the worst pro pot governors from both parties. Hooray @ Forbes
Ganja News: Jamaica is struggling real hard to develop it's legalized medical cannabis industry. Enjoy the medical and economic benefits. But Schedule 1 and 4 of the UN Conventions continue to stand in the way. Add the related banking issues that creates. According to international law, Jamaica is still designated a pariah, or more specifically an "illegal drug trafficking state". So much for all it's good efforts @ JGlea
Jah Brand: Meanwhile, Rastafarian cultivators want to protect the international GI [Geographical Indicator] copyrights, for their irie brand of Jamaican ganja. So that everybody knows where it's from. Can't just pass off any ol' herb as being the same. Ya mon! Rasta ganja is very much the product of their unique cultivation methods. Plus the island's tropical climate and growing conditions. Makes sensi -real sense! But will they succeed?!? @ JGlea
GREEN MARKETING
Health Canada ends 2018 by adding 6 new LP's [licensed producers] to it's government approved list. 56 LP's were licensed in 2018, 47 in 2017. But the stamp of approval remains a mixed blessing for many growers. It comes with just so many hard ass rules and regulations, that it's very tough to compete and make a profit, in the marketplace today. Then again, there's those huge, new, legal LP grow ops sprouting up across the country. Long term? Hold on tight, Wait a few years. You're looking good! Especially for export sales! But until then ....?! More @ NCV
OCS Hack: Oh oh! The Ontario Cannabis Store was hacked! We can only buy legal weed from the on line OCS here in our province, so you can't use cash. Weed's illegal most everywhere outside Canada. Now, your personal info has been stolen. Is maybe being shared around the world. Travel much? For business? Pleasure? Not kool @ FP
Inside Dope: Winnipeg LP Bonify is busted for slipping a lil' dubious, non-company weed into their shipments. Also, for selling E-Coli infected boo. So much for the much touted virtues of safe, regulated LP cannabis, eh? Can't be helping biz @ WSun
Pot Blogging: What to do about the many restrictions imposed on advertising cannabis products and services in Canada? Blogging can offer another, safer way to enhance your business growth. Of course, this is a non-commercial, non-monetized, indie activist blogsite, but consider the possibilities @ MJS
Corporate Culture: Now hiring! Canada's legal Cannabis industry! But they're mostly targeting traditional corporate suits, from the alcohol, tobacco and consumer packaging sector, to steer their future growth. Hmmm. Y'know what else we used to call a stiff suit? When we were being nice? "Squares". Even "establos". I liked that one myself. Until now, Canada's cannabiz sector has been very diversified, underground, and counter cultural. Fortunately, there's our heritage Women's Grow/ Green Market Toronto advocates like creative, cannabis activist and entrepreneur Lisa Campbell, now the CEO of Toronto based Lifford Cannabis Solutions. She's among the new breed of progressives whom are also up there in the corporate boardroom, keeping an eye on the things for us. Take it away, Lisa @ Globe @ MJBiz
Dept of PR: Aurora, 48th North, and Good and Green are among the many LP's trying to creatively market and promote our favourite herb, despite the ridiculous, "hands tied" advertising restrictions of Prohibition 2.0. Hope they hired a few heads, rather than just leave this job to the suits! @ BAC
Cash Crop: Altria Group Inc and Cronos are wisely eyeing both hemp and cannabis as a profitable alternative to growing tobacco. Or for that matter soybeans. So. Whatcha' like best? Soybeans? Tobacco?? Or weed?!? Nuff said @ Bloom
Right Wing Watch: Remember Premier Doug Ford's crackpot "pal"and former Toronto Councillor/ Reefer Madman Giorgio Mammoliti? After getting the election boot, he's shown up stateside! At Green Growth Brands! As their new Director of Government Relations! Beware: Our Giorgio has a long track record as a total First Class, Grade A, Number Uno Ass Hole. A very nasty, Con-servative. A total creep! Maybe stateside nobody knows? Or cares?! Booooooooooo to Green Growth! Everyone! Be very careful around this slime ball with your weed @ DH @ BlogTo
Hostile Takeover Bid Fails: Any coincidence? Canuck LP Altria Inc. rejects Green Growth's "inadequate" and "undervalued" takeover bid. Say it's "not in their interest". Sounds slimy. Where's Giorgio?!? @ BNN
Busted: Dougie's daughter Kyla Ford gets caught selling cannabis oil on Instagram. Meanwhile, daddy's huffing and puffing away on the nightly news about nixing our big, bad "black market". Surprised? The Ford crew's ballsy, but none too swift @ Huff
Hempy New Year: Hemp products are projected to become a huge new consumer market. Producers are focusing big time on it's use in food, fibre, building materials, health supplements, plastics, cosmetics and pet treats/ toys. All this and more @ WW
Shoppers Drug Mart is selling medical pot online, in Ontario only, for now. Dunno if you can use your points card. Plus unlike their other prescription drugs, it's also taxed. Naaa -stick with Weedmaps! @ CBC
HIGHER LEARNING
Women in Cannabiz: The allegations of sexual harassment at Marc Emery's Cannabis Culture aren't an isolated event. Female cannabis workers from Women Grow, Green Tent and Boss Ladies of Cannabis explain from first hand experience, how sexual discrimination often manifests itself with the cannabis industry @ Lift
Glad 2B Gay: LGBTQ community activists are increasingly speaking out too, in order to reclaim their space within the predominantly CIS, straight and male orientated cannabiz sector. There's a lot we all need to know and consider carefully, to make it more welcoming and inclusive. Also, to avoid a whole lot of truly horrible legal problems if we don't. Here's are some good links to learn more @ Rise @ Leafly
Respectful Workplace: A pro-active, human resource strategy can help constructively fight bias, bulling, discrimination and sexual harassment in the cannabis workplace. As more women and minorities step up in the business world, a safe, healthy and inclusive work environment is absolutely necessary, for your company to succeed.
Unsolicited touching? Inappropriate talk? Sexual harassment is nothing new, even within the cannabis industry. For years, nobody usually said much. Maybe wrote it off as just stupid guy stuff. Privileged information. Or a joke.
Nowadays, we must do a lot better than this, to create a level playing field at work. So that we can all work together to do a good job. Pay the bills. Realize our potential.
Think "respectful workplace" and "consent". A safe and healthy environment works. It's good for staff development. Team building. Commitment. Productivity. Morale. Now and for the future.
Let's not settle for anything less. Without doubt, there's lots of bad behaviour in the working world. In the cannabis sector too. The horror stories are everywhere @ FL @ NFD
Here are some psychological reasons for why men harass women at work @ PT @ CNBC A lot of the focus today, is on the relationship between sexuality and power in the workplace @ HRL and @ KGR
So what to do when we see or experience a problem at work? As staff? Management? And as the boss? For starters, here are some very good, practical tips @ Gratton @ Evio
Think and behave proactively! Now! Rather than have a very hurtful and counterproductive, legal mess wreck total havoc at your place of work! @ @ HRL CBL @ CBE
Unionize! Unions are at the forefront in advocating respectful workplace policies. Plus they've got the legal resources to back you up. Fed up with substandard, b.s. working conditions? Troubled by sexual harassment and discrimination in your cannabis workplace? Not getting anywhere? Consider joining a union @ Vice
Medical Verses Recreational Pot: So what's the difference under Canada's new legalization laws? How are they different? Alike? Think THC/CBD levels, additives, contaminants, and accessibility too. Then there's the controversy over taxing prescription weed @ Leafly
Big Pharma Scam: The big pharmaceutical companies have been very busy suppressing and banning cannabis since the 1930's. That despite it's use for thousands of years as a safe, natural remedy for countless medical needs. Why the BS? To develop and then profit from often, much, more dangerous, chemical drugs instead. If you get real sick and there's a good pill -take it. If not? Perhaps just to maintain? Check out the medical benefits of weed @ NN
CBD's in Kiddie Land: Nope! Medical CBD's don't get you high. Plus, they're a very promising alternative to a lot of other, much more, controversial pharma drugs. But are they safe for children too? More @ Mel
Make your own RSO [Rick Simpson Oil]: It lasts longer. Is a great medical treatment for cancer or whatever ails. And just to get high. Here's the inside dope on Rick's very special home made oil @ Leafly
Know Your Strains: No! All weed isn't created equal. Some strains are good for this, others for that. Pain? Relaxation? Focus? A good high? Here's another link to a helpful guide. Includes growing info too @ MG
Autism Elixir: More on how cannabis could prove useful in treating autism @ AIW
On Judging Cannabis: Very important! Do you know how to check your buds and ash for curing and flush. Lisa Campbell and Dana Larsen help explain how to spot the good, top quality weed @ 420In
HIGH TIMES
Puff, Puff Pass: Time to brush up on our pot etiquette; Bongs? Lighters? Toking? Sharing? A little politeness and consideration go a long, comfortable way. This primer's good for old timers and newbies alike @ TS
Hi! Hi! High! Lesbian and bi-women are out toking their straight sisters. Here's why @ LGBTQH
On The ... Ahem ... Mature Toker: Hey baby boomers! Guess what? We're seniors now! Aches? Pains? Stress? Or for just a lil' pick-me-up? To really chill? Without the hangovers! Blackouts! Well, fuck booze. Or pills. Smoke weed instead! @ Gu
"Tea" Time: Or here are some trez kool, easy recipes for making yer own cannabis infused tea. Nice, nice very nice on a cold winter day. Just add ice and chill come summer! @ HM @ Leafly @ HMJ
Coffee + Weed: Remember those heady 60's?!? The good, old fashioned, coffeehouse might be about to make a cannabis comeback with legalization now upon us. Please note that this is a US article. It's still uncertain to what extent that will be allowed in Canada. More @ Forbes
Canuck Cannabis Tourism Scene: Sadly, legalization has thrown up a lot of roadblocks to weed tourism across Canada @ Global But if you're visiting Toronto, here's some kool tips, with more to follow @ WB @ FG
Over Sexed: Ignite's supposedly titillating billboards are raising more disturbing questions about sexism within the cannabis advertising industry @ Vice
CBS: No Medical Pot Super Bowl Ads: But booze, pharma ads and boner pills are okay?!? Sigh! Alas! Watch it here @ BW
Bluntly Speaking: How much weed does Snoop Dog actually smoke? 81 blunts a day times 7 daze a week, eh?!? Whoa! Check it out @ CTR
COMMENTS
THE YEAR AHEAD
Welcome to 2019: There's plenty of challenges ahead in Canada's first full year of legal weed! Sales? Shortages? Edibles? Driving Regs? Legal Pardons? Read all about it @ Vice
Legalization Is A Legal Mess: Home cultivation? First Nation rights? Our new zero tolerance driving laws? These pose serious constitutional challenges that'll take years to work their way through the court system. The Canadian political fight over legalization is over. But in 2019, the important court battles begin, to clean up the legal mess @ NP
Cannabiz Prospectus: Canada's cannabiz sector is expected to grow from $1.6 billion in 2018 to 6.1 billion in 2025. Legalization has created a lot of exciting business opportunities, plus many difficult challenges. Prepare for the year ahead @ BK
The 3 L's Prospectus: Legalization? Legitimization? Listings? Legalization is taking hold in Canada and increasingly across the USA. The stock market's dazed and confused movers and shakers bewilderingly jockey for position. There's lotsa bummers, burns and rip offs @ FP
Big Joke! Not Much Legal Smoke!: Canada's underground cannabis economy is red hot. In sharp contrast, the new legalization model lacks any sizzle. It's ham fisted. Over regulated. With a reefer madness policing focus to match it's corporate government mindset. Our initial joy and optimism is going up in smoke. Put bluntly, legalization is sadly out of touch with our everyday reality within the cannabis community. They can't supply the weed. Nor compete with quality, cost and accessibility against the unregulated market. Plus it's just soooooo terribly unkool! For shame! @ WP
Weed Find: Find out if your Ontario municipality has opted in or out of allowing legal dispensaries to operate close to home, starting April 1st @ AGCO
OH CANNABIS
NORML.CA: Abi Roach Steps Up!
The New Normal: Big changes as NORML Canada welcomes our first full year of legalization with a newly "re envisioned mandate". Hotbox Toronto cannabis activist/ entrepreneur Ms. Abi Roach steps up as new Executive Director. Deepak Annand becomes VP. Cannabis lawyer Jack Lloyd is President, while John Conroy retains a General Council role. The new mandate includes a focus on political engagement at all three levels of government; federal, provincial and municipal. The goal? To promote "functional laws" and an "inclusive" approach to the cannabiz industry. And to "advocate for licensed consumption spaces and retail stores". Congratulations Abi! @ NORML More @ NORML.CA
Medibles, Extracts, Topicals: Health Canada begins a new so called "consultation" process, to "strictly regulate" these when they are legalized in Canada this fall. It's the next step in our anal legalization process, aka "Prohibition 2.0". Will they listen? The survey's on line until Feb. 20th @ Canada.ca
Please Sir! We Want More! Sigh! Here's a good summary of what Health Canada is actually thinking, so to speak. PS: Abi! Deepak! John! Please go kick their ass for us @ MonD
GPP [Good Production Practices]: Wait! There's more! Don't overlook the new safety requirements for our all ready hamstrung growers and processors. Hmmm. We definitely want to keep things healthy and safe, but ... but ... but ... is this the best way? @ CanCom
High Price$: Duh, go figure! Frustrated consumers are still flocking to Canada's much cheaper, unregulated marketplace for our weed. Blame cost, supply and accessibility. Had the government just started by licensing our existing growers, producers and dispensaries, this all could've been avoided, but nooooooooo @ Yahoo
Ho$tile Takeover: They got the know how. And the goods. But Canada's grass root entrepreneurs are being locked out of the government's tightly regulated monopoly on weed. Prohibition was wrong in the first place. So why should they suffer now? Canadian's continue to shop underground. The "legal alternative" is just way too over regulated, inefficient and insulting. Doesn't meet our taste or needs @ TSun
Ontario Licensing Act: Here's the complete text of Regulation 497/18. Supposedly, it's Premier Doug Ford's new, improved plan, to create a thriving legal, free market, cannabis industry, here in Canada's largest, richest province. Hmmm. Dougie sold drugs in high school eh?!? So what's with this?!? I know. I know. We were sooooo smug about Trump south of our border. And now we've elected this putz. Hey Yankee readers -Stop laughing! Grrr. Grrr. Ummmmm. The devil's in the details, or lack thereof @ Ontario.ca
Buds o' Wrath: Under Ford's "plan", Ontario dispensaries voluntarily agreed to close shop so that they could apply for a license to legally re-open on April 1st. But they got punked! Real bad! Get this -only 25 lucky winners from the 17,320 whom applied will now get a license for the 1st. The rest? Who knows? Alas! The lucky winners were chosen in a very unexpected and confusing lottery. Douglas opened it wide up so that most anybody and their mother could apply. The cost? Just $25 bucks. Most have absolutely no experience. Or know how. Never operated a dispensary. Are just plain, dumb lucky. As for our experienced dispensary owners? They're locked out of the game. Royally screwed! Sidelined as Ford and his cronies laugh so hard they'll piss their pants! Who knows what comes next, but it can't be good @ BoC @ CC
Next Steps: Congrats, you won! So what do you need to do now, to comply with the new licensing "rules", by April 1st? Get a $25,000 line of credit! Pay a $6000 non refundable fee! Is your financial info readily available? Your business structure in place? Got a building permit? The signs? Shelving? Displays? A knowledgeable staff? Also, beware; the clock is ticking! Remember, there's big financial penalties if everything isn't correctly set up and running on time! More BS @ CanCom @ LFP
Cashing In 2 Win Big: Abi Roach explains. Ford's "ridiculous" lottery system was just a "golden ticket to get rich quick" scheme. Naturally, the 25 lottery winners are now desperately reaching out for help from Big Bud. The lawyers, investors, retailers, and even the LP's are stepping up. Offering the distraught winners $5-7 million with a 1.5% share in revenue, to partner up and cash in. How nice n' helpful, eh? Lotsa happy people! But lots more whom are not! @ CBC @ BloomB @ FP
Big Bud's LP Agenda: What? The LP's too?!? Yup! Hey "lucky" lotto winners! Ford's crafted some sneaky, legal loopholes. So that they can try to franchise and license you their legal boo! Nice. Nice. Very nice @ Now
Ford's Big Fix: Think about it! Con man Ford's lottery "process" was actually staged for the fun and profit of the PC's anonymous, big buck players. Not our poor, befuckled, small biz, dispensary owner's. Or you the consumer. Or med pot patient. No way! @ CLM
Recipe 2 Fail: Budding Toronto cannabis lawyer Caryma Sa'd asks; why uproot Ontario's all ready fully functional dispensaries? Replace them with a sure fire recipe for failure?!? Was Ford's lottery all a diabolical plot? Just to make sure legalization fails? Hmmm. Ontario's prickly, backroom, social conservatives would be very pleased! Then there's his evil archenemy; PM Justin Trudeau, who's facing a federal election this year! Hey Dougie's no rocket scientist, that's for sure. But he's sure got lots of dirty, sneaky tricks up his sleeve @ Now
Who's Tory Now? Lots and lots of ex-Tory's, who we'd quite frankly rather forget, are now miraculously back as private weed sale lobbyists at Queen's Park. Here's but a few, with more below under "Green Marketing" @ NOW
Marc Emery isn't currently facing criminal charges related to the allegations. However, it's quite unlikely they'll go away. What happens next? @ City
Editing Notes: Lots of good people from within our cannabis community are now openly speaking out against Marc Emery. They're very hurt and upset. Oh Cannabis always seeks to advocate in the best interests of our legalization movement. Report the big, news stories affecting our struggle. That presents some very difficult decisions about what to focus on here.
From my own experience, I've had nothing but good things to say about the Emery's. Knew nothing about harassment. Can't add any insights. Not from my own small window into the Cannabis Culture world.
Oh Cannabis' coverage mostly focused on the CC Project Gator bust and court proceedings in Toronto during 2017. Within that limited context, I enjoyed Marc's sharp intellect and witty repartee. Very much appreciate the Emery's many, very important contributions to our legalization fight, as reported here.
But no, I can't knowledgeably refute nor confirm the veracity of the many different claims now swirling all about. But I do think that it is a teachable moment.
Out of deep concern and with a heavy heart, I'm including these news links from within our cannabis community, just like I would any other important story. Without doubt, sexual harassment is very disturbing. Can't be allowed. Needs to stop. Please also see the proactive links I've posted in "Green Marketing" below. Hopefully we can somehow learn to work to better prevent sexual harassment in the workplace, on a go forward basis, as a positive outcome from of all this!
Cannabis Culture Kaput? CC's Jodie Emery and CEO Jeremiah Vandermeer are struggling to save the dispensary chains last 3 outlets in Vancouver BC. After January 31st, only Cannabis Culture Magazine, Pot-TV and a bong shop/ lounge will remain; the last of CC's once loud and proud activist/ entrepreneurial legacy. Marc and Jodie Emery separated about a year or so ago. Continue to work together as business partners, with Jodie at the helm, since about 2009. Sadly, 50 employees will be laid off, as the city closes their remaining dispensaries. Due to a recent BC supreme court ruling, police have been ordered to close all 53 of BC's un licensed cannabis shops. CC is requesting an emergency license to sell medical cannabis products, not otherwise available in the province's 3 remaining, regulated stores @ CC @ GStraight
Union Busting: OPSEU President Smokey Thomas accuses the Ford PC's of ordering police to stop workers from unionizing at the province's OCS warehouse. The new top secret and privatized cannabis distribution centre is located in Oakville, Ontario. This smacks of backroom shenanigans. Is Dougie setting it up and running it as a private, non union, government shop, outside the public eye? Little surprise @ OPSEU @ NK
Med Pot Tax: Canada's medical cannabis community continues to organize against the unfair, government, sin tax targeting our favoured, prescription herb @ GStraight
Med Pot Tax Time: Yip! It's tax time. Did you know that in Canada you can claim your prescription receipts on your return as a "medical expense deduction"? How many $$$ can you get back? Depends upon how much you spent and how much you earned. Don't expect much, but of course, every bit helps. More @ Lift
No Place 2 Toke: Now that weed's legal where can we safely enjoy a social toke, especially if we face a condo or apartment pot ban at home? Jenna Valleriani and Abi Roach explain how bad the situation is in Ontario, where the status of even our vapour lounges remains unclear @ OC
Condo Law: Unfortunately, many ill advised, Ontario condo boards gambled on passing in suite pot bans, as legalization approached. Medical cannabis exemptions? Forget it. Nor can recreational users now safely and privately enjoy a legal toke at home. Expect lots of expensive, charter right challenges to come! Don't be too surprised if the high court costs drives up your maintenance fees. Someones got to pay for your board's tom foolery. Welcome to 2019! @ BK
Driving Laws: Police are ticketing about 21 Ontario drivers a day for cannabis offences, under our new zero tolerance laws. Expect lots of legal challenges ahead. Many medical cannabis patients will erroneously test over the litigious limits. The flurry of charges? A clear violation of our charter rights @ HT @ Global
$54 Million: That's how much Canadians spent on government weed during the first month of legal sales. Note that in Ontario, Canada's largest market, we could only buy legal weed from the troubled plagued OCS [Ontario Cannabis Store]. Then there's the supposed "weed shortage". The unregulated market is, of course, a whole other story. More @ Nasdaq
Not So Belle Province: The CAQ [Coalition Avenir Quebec] is raising the legal age in the province to 21 for buying cannabis. Get this -they've banned smoking weed in public now too! Expect lots of court challenges @ CBC
IN THE NEWS
Dem's On Weed: 6 leading Democratic presidential candidates want to legalize weed; Sanders, Warren, Harris, Booker, Gillibrand and Klobuchar @ WM
Make America High Again: Seems like William Barr, Trump's new pick for a Attorney General, might not be another federal reefer madman like outgoing AG Jeff Sessions. Let's see @ Forbes
US Bipartisan Weed Patch: The new, new US Congress is perhaps the most pro-cannabis yet. Despite the deadlocks and shut downs, when it comes to legalization, expect the flurry of bipartisan cannabis bills to continue unabated! God knows if any will pass, but a big push is on to reduce federal intervention and assist vets @MM. There's a specific focus on protecting state medical pot laws from federal intervention @ MM And on removing cannabis from the controlled substance list. Could be big game changers for the US cannabiz sector. Create jobs. Stimulate the economy. Generate tax revenue. Hopefully the GOP stays the course! And the Donald isn't a total ass hole again [and again and again ...]. Doesn't nix any deal at the last minute. Maybe not now that reefer madman AG Jeff Session is gone? Inhale. Hold ... @ MM
US Governors + Weed: And the winners are ...... Here's the best and the worst pro pot governors from both parties. Hooray @ Forbes
Ganja News: Jamaica is struggling real hard to develop it's legalized medical cannabis industry. Enjoy the medical and economic benefits. But Schedule 1 and 4 of the UN Conventions continue to stand in the way. Add the related banking issues that creates. According to international law, Jamaica is still designated a pariah, or more specifically an "illegal drug trafficking state". So much for all it's good efforts @ JGlea
Jah Brand: Meanwhile, Rastafarian cultivators want to protect the international GI [Geographical Indicator] copyrights, for their irie brand of Jamaican ganja. So that everybody knows where it's from. Can't just pass off any ol' herb as being the same. Ya mon! Rasta ganja is very much the product of their unique cultivation methods. Plus the island's tropical climate and growing conditions. Makes sensi -real sense! But will they succeed?!? @ JGlea
GREEN MARKETING
Health Canada ends 2018 by adding 6 new LP's [licensed producers] to it's government approved list. 56 LP's were licensed in 2018, 47 in 2017. But the stamp of approval remains a mixed blessing for many growers. It comes with just so many hard ass rules and regulations, that it's very tough to compete and make a profit, in the marketplace today. Then again, there's those huge, new, legal LP grow ops sprouting up across the country. Long term? Hold on tight, Wait a few years. You're looking good! Especially for export sales! But until then ....?! More @ NCV
OCS Hack: Oh oh! The Ontario Cannabis Store was hacked! We can only buy legal weed from the on line OCS here in our province, so you can't use cash. Weed's illegal most everywhere outside Canada. Now, your personal info has been stolen. Is maybe being shared around the world. Travel much? For business? Pleasure? Not kool @ FP
Inside Dope: Winnipeg LP Bonify is busted for slipping a lil' dubious, non-company weed into their shipments. Also, for selling E-Coli infected boo. So much for the much touted virtues of safe, regulated LP cannabis, eh? Can't be helping biz @ WSun
Pot Blogging: What to do about the many restrictions imposed on advertising cannabis products and services in Canada? Blogging can offer another, safer way to enhance your business growth. Of course, this is a non-commercial, non-monetized, indie activist blogsite, but consider the possibilities @ MJS
Corporate Culture: Now hiring! Canada's legal Cannabis industry! But they're mostly targeting traditional corporate suits, from the alcohol, tobacco and consumer packaging sector, to steer their future growth. Hmmm. Y'know what else we used to call a stiff suit? When we were being nice? "Squares". Even "establos". I liked that one myself. Until now, Canada's cannabiz sector has been very diversified, underground, and counter cultural. Fortunately, there's our heritage Women's Grow/ Green Market Toronto advocates like creative, cannabis activist and entrepreneur Lisa Campbell, now the CEO of Toronto based Lifford Cannabis Solutions. She's among the new breed of progressives whom are also up there in the corporate boardroom, keeping an eye on the things for us. Take it away, Lisa @ Globe @ MJBiz
Dept of PR: Aurora, 48th North, and Good and Green are among the many LP's trying to creatively market and promote our favourite herb, despite the ridiculous, "hands tied" advertising restrictions of Prohibition 2.0. Hope they hired a few heads, rather than just leave this job to the suits! @ BAC
Cash Crop: Altria Group Inc and Cronos are wisely eyeing both hemp and cannabis as a profitable alternative to growing tobacco. Or for that matter soybeans. So. Whatcha' like best? Soybeans? Tobacco?? Or weed?!? Nuff said @ Bloom
Hostile Takeover Bid Fails: Any coincidence? Canuck LP Altria Inc. rejects Green Growth's "inadequate" and "undervalued" takeover bid. Say it's "not in their interest". Sounds slimy. Where's Giorgio?!? @ BNN
Busted: Dougie's daughter Kyla Ford gets caught selling cannabis oil on Instagram. Meanwhile, daddy's huffing and puffing away on the nightly news about nixing our big, bad "black market". Surprised? The Ford crew's ballsy, but none too swift @ Huff
Hempy New Year: Hemp products are projected to become a huge new consumer market. Producers are focusing big time on it's use in food, fibre, building materials, health supplements, plastics, cosmetics and pet treats/ toys. All this and more @ WW
Shoppers Drug Mart is selling medical pot online, in Ontario only, for now. Dunno if you can use your points card. Plus unlike their other prescription drugs, it's also taxed. Naaa -stick with Weedmaps! @ CBC
Women in Cannabiz: The allegations of sexual harassment at Marc Emery's Cannabis Culture aren't an isolated event. Female cannabis workers from Women Grow, Green Tent and Boss Ladies of Cannabis explain from first hand experience, how sexual discrimination often manifests itself with the cannabis industry @ Lift
Glad 2B Gay: LGBTQ community activists are increasingly speaking out too, in order to reclaim their space within the predominantly CIS, straight and male orientated cannabiz sector. There's a lot we all need to know and consider carefully, to make it more welcoming and inclusive. Also, to avoid a whole lot of truly horrible legal problems if we don't. Here's are some good links to learn more @ Rise @ Leafly
Respectful Workplace: A pro-active, human resource strategy can help constructively fight bias, bulling, discrimination and sexual harassment in the cannabis workplace. As more women and minorities step up in the business world, a safe, healthy and inclusive work environment is absolutely necessary, for your company to succeed.
Unsolicited touching? Inappropriate talk? Sexual harassment is nothing new, even within the cannabis industry. For years, nobody usually said much. Maybe wrote it off as just stupid guy stuff. Privileged information. Or a joke.
Nowadays, we must do a lot better than this, to create a level playing field at work. So that we can all work together to do a good job. Pay the bills. Realize our potential.
Think "respectful workplace" and "consent". A safe and healthy environment works. It's good for staff development. Team building. Commitment. Productivity. Morale. Now and for the future.
Let's not settle for anything less. Without doubt, there's lots of bad behaviour in the working world. In the cannabis sector too. The horror stories are everywhere @ FL @ NFD
Here are some psychological reasons for why men harass women at work @ PT @ CNBC A lot of the focus today, is on the relationship between sexuality and power in the workplace @ HRL and @ KGR
So what to do when we see or experience a problem at work? As staff? Management? And as the boss? For starters, here are some very good, practical tips @ Gratton @ Evio
Think and behave proactively! Now! Rather than have a very hurtful and counterproductive, legal mess wreck total havoc at your place of work! @ @ HRL CBL @ CBE
Unionize! Unions are at the forefront in advocating respectful workplace policies. Plus they've got the legal resources to back you up. Fed up with substandard, b.s. working conditions? Troubled by sexual harassment and discrimination in your cannabis workplace? Not getting anywhere? Consider joining a union @ Vice
Medical Verses Recreational Pot: So what's the difference under Canada's new legalization laws? How are they different? Alike? Think THC/CBD levels, additives, contaminants, and accessibility too. Then there's the controversy over taxing prescription weed @ Leafly
Big Pharma Scam: The big pharmaceutical companies have been very busy suppressing and banning cannabis since the 1930's. That despite it's use for thousands of years as a safe, natural remedy for countless medical needs. Why the BS? To develop and then profit from often, much, more dangerous, chemical drugs instead. If you get real sick and there's a good pill -take it. If not? Perhaps just to maintain? Check out the medical benefits of weed @ NN
CBD's in Kiddie Land: Nope! Medical CBD's don't get you high. Plus, they're a very promising alternative to a lot of other, much more, controversial pharma drugs. But are they safe for children too? More @ Mel
Make your own RSO [Rick Simpson Oil]: It lasts longer. Is a great medical treatment for cancer or whatever ails. And just to get high. Here's the inside dope on Rick's very special home made oil @ Leafly
Know Your Strains: No! All weed isn't created equal. Some strains are good for this, others for that. Pain? Relaxation? Focus? A good high? Here's another link to a helpful guide. Includes growing info too @ MG
Autism Elixir: More on how cannabis could prove useful in treating autism @ AIW
On Judging Cannabis: Very important! Do you know how to check your buds and ash for curing and flush. Lisa Campbell and Dana Larsen help explain how to spot the good, top quality weed @ 420In
HIGH TIMES
Puff, Puff Pass: Time to brush up on our pot etiquette; Bongs? Lighters? Toking? Sharing? A little politeness and consideration go a long, comfortable way. This primer's good for old timers and newbies alike @ TS
Hi! Hi! High! Lesbian and bi-women are out toking their straight sisters. Here's why @ LGBTQH
On The ... Ahem ... Mature Toker: Hey baby boomers! Guess what? We're seniors now! Aches? Pains? Stress? Or for just a lil' pick-me-up? To really chill? Without the hangovers! Blackouts! Well, fuck booze. Or pills. Smoke weed instead! @ Gu
"Tea" Time: Or here are some trez kool, easy recipes for making yer own cannabis infused tea. Nice, nice very nice on a cold winter day. Just add ice and chill come summer! @ HM @ Leafly @ HMJ
Coffee + Weed: Remember those heady 60's?!? The good, old fashioned, coffeehouse might be about to make a cannabis comeback with legalization now upon us. Please note that this is a US article. It's still uncertain to what extent that will be allowed in Canada. More @ Forbes
Canuck Cannabis Tourism Scene: Sadly, legalization has thrown up a lot of roadblocks to weed tourism across Canada @ Global But if you're visiting Toronto, here's some kool tips, with more to follow @ WB @ FG
Over Sexed: Ignite's supposedly titillating billboards are raising more disturbing questions about sexism within the cannabis advertising industry @ Vice
Bluntly Speaking: How much weed does Snoop Dog actually smoke? 81 blunts a day times 7 daze a week, eh?!? Whoa! Check it out @ CTR
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