To kick off 2016, we speak with Ah Warner of Cannabis Basics, whose company saw a landmark year in cannabis policies in her state of Washington. She also recently won ‘Best Topical Brand’ at the 2015 Dope Industry Awards in Washington. Many in the industry and movement look up to her involvement in both her community and her direct activism, setting a tone for others looking to create a successful and responsible business in the cannabis industry.
Cannabis Industry Sector:
Cannabis-Infused Products
NCIA Member Since:
February 2013
How do you uniquely serve the cannabis industry?
We are dedicated to true whole genus cannabis topical therapy.
Cannabis Creations, now Cannabis Basics, was founded in 1995. Back in those days, there were many hemp body care manufacturers working with hempseed oil because of its amazing nutritive value for skin care. Today there are a host of cannabis topical producers that focus on cannabinoids from the plant and also CBD-derivatives from hemp that speak to our CB2 receptors. Cannabis Basics is this rare and beautiful place where the essential fatty acids and anti-inflammatory properties of hempseed oil and the multiple cannabinoids and terpenoids from cannabis are blended together with an arsenal of other botanical constituents to provide natural localized therapy for symptoms brought on by a myriad of conditions.
Why should customers seeking cannabis-infused topical products use Cannabis Basics?
We never use animal products, man-made fragrance oils, or chemical preservatives. We buy locally and organically whenever possible. Supporting Cannabis Basics is also activism because it enables us to continue to work for the betterment of our industry and community as a whole.
On August 25th, 2015, the USPTO awarded Cannabis Basics the first federal registration to a brand/logo displaying both the leaf and the word “cannabis” representing an actual product that contains cannabis, not a service or institution. Cannabis Basics has two distinct lines, one that contains cannabis (industrial hempseed oil) that can be sold anywhere in the world, and the other that contains cannabis (I.H. and multiple cannabinoids including THC) sold only in the state of Washington.
It is important to note that the USPTO did not award federal registration based on my cannabinoid line of products. Federal protection was awarded for my cannabis industrial hemp products however, and due to same branding, will by default provide protection to the entire Cannabis Basics family of products.
What started out as stand-alone sister bills with bipartisan support actually passed on June 30th as Section 7 of HB 2136, an I-502 tax fixer bill, and was signed into law by Governor Enslee. This law was enacted on July 1st, 2015, and is the first of its kind in the country. The CHABA law defines Cannabis Health and Beauty Aids for the first time in our legal lexicon as “cannabis products for topical use only, non-intoxicating and contains less than .3% THC.” It defines these products as not marijuana and allows for them to be sold to any mainstream retailer in the state of Washington, i.e., any health food stores, salons, or spas. The much larger significance of this new law is that it is the first removal of anything cannabis from the Washington State Controlled Substances Act.
I would be remiss if I did not take this platform to thank all the legislators who played a part in moving CHABA through Olympia, especially Washington State’s Cannabis Champion Senator Jeanne Kohl-Welles and my co-author/policy advisor Kari Boiter. The state of Washington and anyone who uses or produces CHABA are forever in your debt.
Why did you join NCIA?
Our goal at Cannabis Basics is to make Cannabis Health and Beauty Aids accessible to all health-conscious consumers everywhere in the U.S. and to be able to export to any country that is interested in importing these types of products. Being a member of NCIA has given me access to the movers, shakers, and policy-makers so that I may work efficiently at this ultimate goal.
For December’s member spotlight, we zoom in on Arizona-based Hypur, an NCIA member business who is committed to “innovation with purpose” by providing solutions for one of our industry’s major hurdles: financial compliance. Navigating the various layers of regulations with mastery is an important aspect of being transparent, legitimate, and compliant, and is an essential cornerstone of NCIA’s mission and values.
Our solution is a technology platform that provides unprecedented transparency and accountability for banks and regulators, and legitimacy, safety, and convenience for businesses and their customers. With many banks and credit unions wanting to bank these booming industries, and government bodies wanting banking services available to them, we knew the demand for our platform would be robust. Hypur represents the future of commerce for cash-intensive businesses and high-risk challenging industries. Hypur’s technology provides financial institutions with a state-of-the-art compliance platform that enables them to profitably bank these businesses – revolutionizing the businesses and the communities they operate in.
What kind of banking and payment solutions does Hypur provide?
The Hypur payment network is available to clients of our financial institutions. It gives retail locations the ability to accept cashless payments from their consumers via their mobile devices. Additionally, businesses that have accounts at Hypur partner financial institutions have the ability to conduct business-to-business transfers electronically without cash.
Can you give us some insight into the unique regulations that affect cannabis business owners in your sector?
Hypur serves financial institutions, which must comply with FinCEN guidance and all BSA/AML laws that govern their institutions. They must also comply with regulatory expectations from the FDIC (Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation), OCC (Office of the Comptroller of the Currency), or NCUA (National Credit Union Association).
Why did you join NCIA?
Hypur always seeks to support leading organizations that intersect with industries of interest. We have taken note of the many important ways that NCIA is advocating for fairness, education, and awareness for the legal cannabis market, and are delighted to be a part of the NCIA community.
For this November member spotlight, we catch up with Cody Bass of Tahoe Wellness Cooperative, a patient-run medical cannabis cooperative in South Lake Tahoe, California. Cody talks with us here about his cooperative’s mission and values, his experience being raided earlier this year, and the new legislation in California. Cody currently serves on NCIA’s board of directors.
Cannabis Industry Sector:
Medical Cannabis Providers
NCIA Member Since:
2012
How do you uniquely serve the cannabis industry?
My life’s work is to free the cannabis plant. The perspective from working directly with the plant for nearly two decades has allowed me the vision to create a model that is unique. One thing that is unique about us is we use glass packaging at TWC for almost everything, which has created close to zero waste through our jar reusing program. We take a one dollar deposit on the jar when you purchase medicine and when you bring your jar back, you get your dollar deposit back. We installed a commercial dishwashing station and have virtually eliminated waste from our sales. This is one of many conscious standards and ethics you will find throughout Tahoe Wellness Cooperative.
Tahoe Wellness Cooperative
Why should patients seeking medical cannabis go to Tahoe Wellness Cooperative?
To get the highest quality, pure cannabis in California, in a safe space from a knowledgeable and compassionate crew. Our staff is very knowledgeable about cannabis and will ensure a patient has the understanding to choose the medicine they need. Your contribution is supporting a cooperative that is providing a variety of services to our entire community free-of-charge at our Community Center, which is open to all. TWC’s compassion program provides cannabis for terminally-ill patients at no cost. There is also a safe space for our patients to medicate, as well as a hash bar where we teach our patients how to make solvent-free hash.
Earlier this year in the summer, your cooperative in California was raided by local authorities. Can you tell us more about that experience, and how you’ve moved forward?
On June 1st, we experienced a SWAT-style raid on TWC from the El Dorado County Sheriff’s office. This came as a major surprise to all of our members and broader community. Even our local police department was shocked and unaware. We are licensed by the City of South Lake Tahoe and had gone through the renewal process with the city, with which we have worked cooperatively, hand-in-hand over the past seven years. We work and communicate well together. We operate under a local ordinance which has been effectively removing licensed operators that were operating illegally. When our local police department produced evidence that showed two operators were doing illegal things, both of their licenses were revoked and they were closed. So why would the Sheriff’s office raid a city-licensed dispensary that was current with all tax filings and the local ordinance’s current requirements? At this point we still don’t have all the details, and we are pursuing the District Attorney and Sheriff’s office to get our property and damages for their clearly unlawful action. However, I don’t have any other info at this time because I would only be speculating – better to wait for the facts.
As many know, I have been very opposed to the legislation signed by Governor Jerry Brown two weeks ago. I am not against regulations; in fact, Tahoe Wellness Cooperative has been operating under a local ordinance for over four years and paid all the required taxes. What I am so opposed to is what I see as a licensing scheme because of the distribution license. Having a license is great for producing and dispensing cannabis, but not for the distribution. Here in California, we produce half of the cannabis that America currently consumes. If we don’t create markets that are approachable by the buyer and the farmer, we are only further driving cannabis underground. In California, we must re-create the open market with an initiative in 2016 that allows for farmers’ markets, auction houses, or cooperatives, where distributors could exist, but not be the only choice. The distributor-only legislation is what would destroy the open market of cannabis, the biggest cottage industry that could ever hit America.
Why did you join NCIA?
NCIA was the first organized effort to step outside of the pure advocacy related to cannabis and form a membership of responsible cannabis pioneers that could see the need to change issues on a national level that are crucial to the evolution of cannabis. So really I joined NCIA for a unified effort. Since that time it has been remarkable to witness how many people NCIA has educated on pure cannabis knowledge, best practices, and compliance.
Returning from a very busy summer season, NCIA continues the tradition of featuring one of our members in a monthly member spotlight. For October, we chat with Brian Caldwell of Triple C Cannabis Club, based in Tacoma, Washington. Triple C is proud of their home state of Washington for being one of the first in the nation to recognize and respect the right of every adult to decide what is best for his or her health and happiness. As one of the first and most successful medicinal dispensaries in the state, Triple C continues to lead the way in the transition to adult-use by elevating the retail experience with award-winning selection, service and staff.
Cannabis Industry Sector:
Medical Cannabis Providers
NCIA Member Since:
2014
How do you uniquely serve the cannabis community?
Triple C Cannabis Club is completely dedicated to procuring safe, tested, and properly labeled medical-grade cannabis products for our patients. We take meeting the needs of our patients very seriously and refuse to compromise our standards. We are committed to only providing the very best to our patients. Additionally, we feel we must help be the voice for the patients we serve that otherwise could or would get lost in a bureaucratic system. Change, especially the legalizing of cannabis that has occurred in Washington State, has been quite intimidating. We are here to help and support our patients through this process while ensuring our state’s regulators have trusted professionals from our industry to work with.
Why should customers looking for medical cannabis go to Triple C Cannabis Club?
Patients who want to #ExperienceChronicWellness ® will find a wide selections of oils, edibles, salves, topicals and more at Triple C Cannabis Club. We pride ourselves on consistent medicinal product availability that has been rigorously tested and is produced by the state’s elite manufacturers. Triple C Cannabis Club staff is award-winning and very knowledgeable on a wide array of products and medicines. They ensure product safety and patient confidentiality and consistently perform to the highest standards of care. As the first union shop in Washington, I am proud to work with UFCW to advance the safety and wellbeing of all who come through our doors, regardless if they are a patient or staff.
Our business has evolved rapidly along with the changing legal landscape. As a result, people come to us for very different reasons. Many want to relieve pain and promote healing naturally. Others seek to ease stress, enhance experiences, or nurture creativity. The many wonders and benefits of cannabis are why it has been so beloved for most of recorded history.
Brian Caldwell, Triple C Cannabis Club
Can you give us some insight into the cannabis community in Washington, the challenges, upsides, and where you’d like to see it go?
As we have seen in other states, and in Washington’s past, the road to regulation of cannabis is a difficult one, but one that is desperately needed. The state has to balance federal jurisdictional issues, patients have fears due to years of persecution, and business owners are trying hard to be law-abiding, good corporate citizens. When Washington started the medical cannabis journey in 1998, we all shared the vision of a legal and safe environment for patients. However, with the veto offered by then-Governor Christine Gregoire, that was not the case. The laws have been interpreted in many different ways, hence the success of the black and grey markets. So here we are some twenty years later, trying to fix the regulations to create that safe marketplace we all had envisioned. I believe that if we work with state legislators on practical regulations and our congressional delegation on fixing taxation and banking, it will go a long way in bringing our industry into mainstream acceptance and small business success.
Why did you join NCIA?
I joined NCIA for numerous reasons, but first and foremost is their clear mission to advance the cannabis industry with a thoughtful and targeted approach. The leadership they are providing to our congressional delegation on matters such as banking and taxation is unmatched by any other groups. The cannabis industry needs a strong and professional voice to help solve these critical industry problems, which is exactly what NCIA has stepped up to do. The commitment that NCIA has to membership development, education, and networking is another reason why I chose to become a member. Triple C Cannabis Club supports the efforts of those that want to advance our industry in a positive and educated manner, and NCIA is a good reflection of those principles.
NCIA’s Member Spotlight for the month of May takes us up to Arlington, Washington, to speak with Fitz Couhig, CEO of Pioneer Nuggets, an indoor craft agriculture company that supports the adult retail consumer industry for cannabis in Washington State.
Cannabis Industry Sector:
Cannabis Cultivation
NCIA Member Since:
2014
How do you uniquely serve the cannabis industry?
We focus on the core competency of making a quality flower product for consumers. Focusing on a core competency and providing effective just-in-time inventory services are setting us apart. Our assembly-line work flow and perpetual production that supports our made-to-order inventory management system are unique as well.
Why should customers buy cannabis grown by Pioneer Nuggets?
Black Haze cannabis strain, grown by Pioneer Production and Processing, LLC
We serve consumers over the age of 21 that enjoy cannabis and visit an adult-use (+21) retail shop in the State of Washington. Adults should go with Pioneer Nuggets because they enjoy cannabis that is smooth and high in flavor profiles.
Can you give us some insight into the cannabis community in Washington, the challenges, upsides, and where you’d like to see it go?
The most unique challenge is being a wholesaler. No other taxed and traded system involves wholesaling and distribution, and we are required to do it without the help of any other organization. Serving retailers is what we do. We would like to see the industry move in the direction that allows retailers, processors, and producers to all thrive. We need tax reform and we need to be treated like normal businesses.
The Pioneer Nuggets team, based in Arlington, WA
How many employees do you have and how many customers do you serve?
We have 18 full-time employees and serve around 25 licensed retailers. It takes a lot of great people to continually make sensational products and provide excellent customer service.
Why did you join NCIA?
We joined NCIA for two reasons. One, the organization structure is well designed to develop a quality trade association for the cannabis industry we are a part of. Two, the team of people responsible for the NCIA and supporting its efforts and mission. We believe NCIA will succeed in creating the standards and forums industry professionals need, that our employees need, and that our organization needs.
NCIA Member Profile: The Giving Tree Wellness Center
This month, NCIA checks in with Lilach Power, Managing Director at The Giving Tree Wellness Center based in Phoenix, Arizona. The Giving Tree Wellness Center has been a member of NCIA since September 2013, taking an holistic approach in supporting their clients by offering a range of medical marijuana products along with alternative healing methods, including massage and acupuncture, to promote the best quality of life possible through both their North Phoenix and Mesa locations.
Cannabis Industry Sector:
Medical Cannabis Providers
NCIA Member Since:
2013
How do you uniquely serve the cannabis industry?
Lilach Power, Managing Director at The Giving Tree Wellness Center
When Gina and I started our business, we had a vision of creating a safe and inviting environment for patients, and I think we have succeeded. We have beautiful spa-like stores that are very inviting. We do not have the traditional pot shop that I think a lot of people think of when they envision a dispensary. There are no bars, bullet-proof glass or tiny bank windows. This is truly a place to get help and find quality medicine.
We understand that patients might be intimidated coming to a dispensary at first, so we like to make them as comfortable as possible. We have private consultation rooms where patients can really sit down and be comfortable discussing their medical issues and see what options we have for them. We encourage patients to schedule one-on-one consultations with our patient consultants or with our medical director (my business partner, Gina Berman, M.D.). We never up-sell or push patients to buy anything. Our goal is only to find the ideal medicine for each patient. We never rush patients – whether they are a first timer, or this is their hundredth visit.
Gina Berman, M.D. of The Giving Tree Wellness Center
The Giving Tree takes pride in its local community philanthropic endeavors. We participate in two big fundraising events annually. Our next one is on April 11th, the Take Steps for Crohn’s and Colitis walk. We match all donations and I am proud to say many vendors have been participating, so we are getting the industry involved in our community as well. Our other big annual event is the breast cancer Walk for the Cure in the Fall. In addition, we raise money and hold canned food drives during the holiday season to help local folks in need.
Realizing that there are patients for whom the cost of this medicine is a burden, we started our own program for discounted medicine for patients on SNAP or long-term disability. We also deliver for patients with physical hardship, with no delivery charge.
Why should patients looking for medical cannabis services go to The Giving Tree Wellness Center?
Service and quality: We have an elite team of patient consultants (PCs) and we are patient-focused. Our PCs are truly passionate and have a fund of knowledge – I am so proud every time I walk into the dispensary and see how much they really care. Our patients really do become part of The Giving Tree Family.
Our medicine: We grow a majority of the medicine we offer. We stress quality over quantity and grow strains based not on their yield but on the merits of their quality and variety. We do not use pesticides, and we always use an independent, third-party lab to test all our medicine. We definitely have learned a lot during this process and our goal is to make each harvest better than the last. We are proud each time we harvest and cure and see our medicine on the menu.
The Giving Tree Wellness Center – Arizona
Can you give us some insight into the medical cannabis community in Arizona, where it’s been and where it’s headed?
Arizona is a really unique cannabis community. There are not many medical marijuana dispensaries operating and there won’t ever be, per statute. That really takes the competition out of the equation for the most part and we can really just focus on creating and maintaining a well-regulated and upstanding industry where the focus is truly just on the patients.
Also, as time goes on and more and more Arizonans are helped by cannabis, our communities will hopefully embrace us as offering a much-needed service instead of being thought of as the criminal-laden underbelly of the cities. The regulated stores are dramatically different than any black market operation. I think this will become more apparent as time goes on as more people in the community are exposed to state-regulated dispensaries.
We see the need for an organization to bring us all together and represent us on the national stage. There is no other organization that does that. We see the importance in supporting it, becoming part of it, and hopefully being more involved in the future. It is the only way to move our industry forward.
If you are a member of NCIA and would like to contribute to the NCIA blog, please contact development officer Bethany Moore by emailing bethany@thecannabisindustry.org.
NCIA Member Profile: MBank
In the course of less than a week at the end of January, Oregon-based MBank went from announcing that they would be doing business with cannabis companies in Colorado to breaking the news that they would be retreating from Colorado for the time being, unable to support the infrastructure required to offer these services in the state. As NCIA’s first bank member, we sat down with CEO Jef Baker to ask a few questions and get to know them better.
Cannabis Industry Sector:
Financial Services
NCIA Sustaining Member Since:
December 2014
One of MBank’s brick and mortar locations in Lake Grove, Oregon.
How does MBank uniquely serve the cannabis industry?
One of MBank’s goals is to serve the underserved. We recognize that serving the cannabis industry very much meets that objective. With that mission in mind, we set about figuring out how to provide banking services. We’re a little unique in that way as a bank has to be creative and innovative in order to go about solving problems.
Why should cannabis industry professionals looking for financial services use MBank?
While we recognize there are very few banks legitimately operating in this space and therefore few good choices for cannabis industry professionals, our hope is people choose to bank with us for the same reason anyone does. That means they understand what we’re about and hopefully appreciate wanting to partner with someone that has a vision they agree with. Beyond wanting to change the status quo with regards to banking, we also take great pride in customer service through treating people with respect.
NCIA’s primary mission includes advocating for equal access to banking, but many banks in this country are reluctant or not willing to work with cannabis business owners. What are your thoughts on the future of banking in the cannabis industry? How will this situation improve for the industry going forward?
Smaller banks will most likely lead the way as they tend to embrace innovation a little more than larger institutions. As banks successfully demonstrate their ability to serve this industry, more banks will follow. If there are additional changes at the federal level, that most likely would generate more banks entering this space.
What are some of the challenges that banks have to deal with to do business with the cannabis industry?
CEO Jef Baker inside one of MBank’s Oregon locations.
Our challenge is to make sure we support and serve customers who understand that compliance is critical. We feel it is extremely important to ensure we implement strong policies and procedures, especially for new lines of business. The systems created are not designed to be intrusive or overbearing, but they are developed to help us manage risk, as we interpret it, as well as those that regulate us.
Do you still want to do business in Colorado, or other states?
The reason we are one of the first banks to so aggressively enter this space is part of our mission is to serve a completely underserved market. We very much want to serve customers in Colorado but have discovered we need to build our program to better handle the huge volume there.
How do you characterize your relationship with regulators on marijuana banking?
It is our belief that regulators do not object to their banks providing services to the cannabis industry. We believe they do have a high expectation of their banks developing strong compliance programs in this area. This is new and we are all learning together. It is critical for us to have a strong relationship with our regulators.
Why did you join NCIA?
MBank currently offers banking services for the cannabis industry in Oregon.
We believe this organization wants to see the cannabis industry be treated fairly by helping ensure that quality banking services are available. That is right in line with our mission of serving the underserved. Our position is not one that supports legalization or advocacy for legal matters (that is for others), but rather a focus on providing an industry banking services they deserve, which means both access to services as well as treating people with respect. We believe NCIA is an organization that will allow us to further and pursue that vision.
If you are a member of NCIA and would like to contribute to the NCIA blog, please contact development officer Bethany Moore by emailing bethany@thecannabisindustry.org.
NCIA Member Profile: The Thomas C. Slater Compassion Center
NCIA is kicking off the new year by celebrating one of the founding members of our association, The Thomas C. Slater Compassion Center, Inc., where they are committed to providing safe, dignified, and affordable access to medical marijuana for approved patients in the State of Rhode Island. CEO Gerry McGraw served as a licensed caregiver in the Rhode Island program, providing medicine for a patient with a chronic neurological disorder. He has advocated for the state’s program in legislative and other public forums, and retains deep relationships with key decision-makers in federal and state government.
Cannabis Industry Sector:
Medical Cannabis Providers
NCIA Founding and Sustaining Member Since:
April 2011
How do you uniquely serve the cannabis industry?
Rhode Island law allows for three licensed dispensaries (or “compassion centers”) to provide medicine to registered patients in the state. We are grateful and humbled to have the opportunity to care for a wide array of patients, offering safe access to high-quality medicine. The needs of our patients are quite varied, so it’s important not only to cultivate superior medicine, but also to produce a diverse product line to help the greatest number of people. We believe the choices offered to patients and the knowledge and compassion of our staff are what makes the Slater Center so unique.
Gerry McGraw, CEO of The Thomas C. Slater Compassion Center
Why should patients looking for medical cannabis go to The Thomas C. Slater Compassion Center?
Patients looking for medical cannabis should go to the Slater Center if they seek quality medicine, affordable prices, a secure environment, diverse product offerings, and a knowledgeable staff. First and foremost, our medicine is grown organically by a team of expert cultivators that understand strain diversification and achieving optimal results for patient efficacy. Our team is constantly developing new products for a variety of ingestion methods, empowering patients and helping them determine the best options for their care. We maintain a mission of helping all patients regardless of their ability to pay with the provision of free and reduced-price medicine. And our Providence location is a warm and inviting oasis that offers unmatched security for all patients under our care.
Medical cannabis patients have such a wide array of challenges, many of which are often met without the guidance of their doctors. How do you empower patients and help improve their quality of life?
Our commitment to patients goes well beyond simply providing high-quality medicine. We’ve created a new department in our facility called Patient Outreach Services. The focus of Patient Outreach is to offer ancillary health, wellness, information, and support services all free of charge. We provide regular programming like Cooking With Cannabis 101, grow classes, and nutrition seminars. Our expert staff members speak before Parkinson’s Disease support groups and have even presented to local chapters of state medical societies. We have an extensive in-house library with books and medical literature devoted to the research and healing advances associated with cannabis. And since we opened in 2013, we offer free massage therapy and Reiki therapy to all our patients — delivered right here in our facility. At the Slater Center, we strive to be a true patient resource that serves the full spectrum of needs of our patients.
An inside look at The Thomas C. Slater Compassion Center
Why did you join NCIA?
We are a proud to be a founding member of NCIA, having joined when the organization was first launched. Our CEO, Gerald McGraw, Jr. is also proud to serve as a founding NCIA board member. The Slater Compassion Center was first conceived in 2010, taking years of planning and dedication to finally become a reality. We knew right away that cannabis establishments needed to come together with leaders from all over the country to share best practices and raise the standards for this nascent industry. Moving forward, we also believed that corralling the efforts of advocates on state and federal legislative and regulatory issues would be increasingly important. NCIA was the perfect conduit to bring together folks from all corners of the country to unify the voice of those in the cannabis industry. We are thrilled to see the organization’s incredible growth and effective advocacy.
NCIA Member Profile: Green Chiefs Baked Botanicals
This month, NCIA spoke with Stesha Reis, director of operations for Green Chief and Baked Botanicals in Washington state. They were the first edibles on the recreational market in Washington and will soon be launching a line of topicals. She is also the president of the Washington Marijuana Association as well as being involved in many other groups.
Cannabis Industry Sector:
Infused Cannabis Products
NCIA Member Since:
2014
A selection of infused chocolates by Green Chiefs Baked Botanicals
How do you uniquely serve the cannabis industry?
Baked Botanicals uniquely serves the cannabis industry through the largest selection of tested cannabis edibles in the state of Washington. We strive to provide a safe, enjoyable, and consistent experience to everyone. Many of our employees have been in the cannabis industry in one way or another for more than 10 years. We honestly care about our products and are continuously striving to have the best – the best experience, the best tasting, the best ingredients. We have people who love what they do and it shows in our products.
Why should those seeking infused cannabis products look for Green Chiefs Baked Botanicals?
Those seeking cannabis-infused products should look for Baked Botanicals because we make everything by hand, from scratch, with quality ingredients. We offer edibles that you would find in a good bakery, or in your mom’s kitchen…only infused with high-grade cold-pressed CO2 Oil. We want the consumer to be able to look to us as the “Gold Standard” in cannabis edibles.
You’ve been working closely with various groups in Washington state on cannabis regulations. Tell us more about what you’ve been doing to “raise the bar” for the cannabis industry.
CO2 extraction machine
We as a company have striven to be an answer and sounding board for other new producers, processors, and retailers as they go through the processes to become cannabis entities. We want everyone to feel like we can get our questions answered, and we want to help get other people’s questions answered. The more knowledgeable that we are as a state and as a group of entrepreneurs, the more successful we will be and the better we will be able to educate the general public.
Why did you get involved in NCIA?
We got involved in NCIA to be a part of something bigger – something that would have a positive impact on the cannabis market in Washington. We are here to learn from the best and exchange ideas and information relevant to our market.
If you are a member of NCIA and would like to contribute to the NCIA blog, please contact development officer Bethany Moore by emailing bethany@thecannabisindustry.org.
NCIA Member Profile: CBCB – Cannabis Buyers’ Club Berkeley
NCIA recently had an opportunity to speak with Aundre Speciale, director of CBCB, a locally-licensed medical cannabis dispensary in Berkeley, California. CBCB is a patient-centered collective with limited membership, bringing patients access to medicine in conjunction with a natural perspective of wellness, and they offer educational seminars, support groups, and a variety of services.
Aundre Speciale of CBCB sits with the late Jack Herer
Cannabis Industry Sector:
Medical Cannabis Provider
Sustaining NCIA Member Since:
2014
How do you uniquely serve the cannabis industry?
My background is a mix of activism, politics, and industry. I have worked for cannabis reform for 25 years as an activist and lobbyist, gaining civil disobedience experience as well as political allies. Through my activism I have been able to hear directly from patients what their needs are, and I now currently operate several dispensaries throughout the state.
My model for dispensing medical cannabis has included opening community centers that provide free services to patients and the local community, working closely with community service providers and city government to create enlightened cannabis policy, and funding major cannabis research and reform projects. I currently share my operational experience by sitting on the boards of a number of licensed dispensaries throughout California. I have been inspired by and learned from the compassionate models of people like Jack Herer, Eddy Lepp, Dennis Perron, Val and Mike Corral with WAMM, Debbie Goldsberry and Don Duncan with Berkeley Patients Group (BPG), and many more.
Why should patients looking for medical cannabis services go to Cannabis Buyers’ Club Berkeley (CBCB)?
CBCB was started in 1996 by patients with a desire to help other patients. It continues in the same spirit. We have two employees who have worked at the collective for more than 15 years, and we have patients who have been with the collective since its beginning. I became director in 2007.
CBCB’s style is uniquely Berkeley, as are its compassionate patient-centered programs. We offer many support groups, educational seminars, wellness programs, and a compassion program that provides free medicine for patients, including children with epilepsy, chemo patients, veterans, and end-of-life patients. Many programs and services are run by patient volunteers, “patients helping patients.” CBCB believes in community responsibility and not only funds and supports cannabis research, campaigns, and advocacy, but also supports community events, projects, and organizations. Our patient volunteers walk the neighborhood daily picking up all trash, while an extra CBCB security guard patrols the neighborhood greeting neighbors. Our employees are compassionate and cannabis-educated and are happy to spend as much time as patients need to assist them in finding the medicine that works best. CBCB has an unusually large range of products to serve the individual needs of our patients. We offer free fruit, coffee, and tea, and hugs are handed out liberally. Our official motto is ‘choose love.’
Tell us about your past involvement in the California medical marijuana community. Where do you see the laws and culture heading in California in the future?
Aundre Speciale stands next to the Hemp Bus, 1991
My passion for cannabis advocacy began in 1989 at the height of the “just say no” era when my neighbor, Jack Herer, asked me to join him on the Hemp Bus, touring California and the country promoting hemp for fuel, food, fiber, fun, and medicine. Thus began my life-long love for and dedication to cannabis reform. I have been involved in countless cannabis campaigns and projects, including the federal hemp foods ban protests, and I was key organizer on behalf of defendants in the first federal trials of medical cannabis providers. I’m a founding member of Americans for Safe Access, where I developed its popular peer counseling program, gathered data for lawsuits protecting and expanding patientsʼ rights, and provided best-practices training for dispensary operators. I served on the board of the Marijuana Policy Project for three years, holding the vice chair position. I have been an early dispensary operator, opening dispensaries and working with several cities to craft medical cannabis regulations, including San Francisco, Sacramento, Venice Beach, Berkeley, South Lake Tahoe, and Oakland.
California has had a thriving cannabis culture for generations, and it is hard to get everyone to all agree what direction cannabis regulations should go. But I see California, along with the rest of the country and world, having access to adult-use cannabis, as well as hemp products, in the very near future. People are looking for safer, more natural products, from their medicine to their paints, and cannabis is the answer. Cannabis is the “new” in thing.
Why did you get involved in NCIA?
I love NCIA. I know NCIA’s executive director Aaron Smith from the amazing work he did with the Marijuana Policy Project (MPP), and he has a long record of successful campaigns. With NCIA, he has proven to be a strong, effective leader who has assembled an incredible staff. I appreciate the caliber and experience of NCIA speakers and members, truly the best in the industry, with whom I can truly learn and exchange ideas about timely and relevant industry information.
If you are a member of NCIA and would like to contribute to the NCIA blog, please contact Development Officer Bethany Moore by emailing bethany@thecannabisindustry.org.
NCIA Member Profile: The Om of Medicine
NCIA recently had a chat with Mark Passerini, co-founder of Om of Medicine, a provisioning center and non-profit organization in Ann Arbor, Michigan, founded to assist their members in safely and securely obtaining medical cannabis in accordance with the Michigan Marihuana Act of 2008.
Mark Passerini, co-founder of Om of Medicine
Cannabis Industry Sector:
Medical Cannabis Provider
NCIA Member Since:
2013
How do you uniquely serve the cannabis industry?
The Om of Medicine uniquely serves the cannabis industry by offering a state-of-the-art members-only facility that provides an unparalleled experience of service, amenities, and information/education pertaining to all things cannabis. Located in downtown Ann Arbor, Om is where the art is, providing a place for local artists to display and make their work available for purchase. Om is a major participant in the Michigan medical cannabis movement by following and supporting local and state political issues affecting cannabis laws, lobbying on behalf of patients, as well as educating through social media. In a broader sense, the Om of Medicine is a cannabis headquarters for the community by staying up-to-date on new research, informing patients on political issues that require action, and by offering seminars from leading experts in the field. We offer a safe, enjoyable, and inspiring experience for our patients supplemented by free comedy shows, cultivation classes, political activism workshops, guest lectures, and much much more. The Om of Medicine is deeply committed to environmental responsibility and has implemented a robust sustainability action plan for the past four years of the facility’s operation. This commitment has included dedicating funds to energy efficient investments throughout the facility, as well as investments in off-site renewable energy generation to produce the state’s first and only carbon-neutral dispensary.
Why should patients looking for medical cannabis services go to Om of Medicine?
The Om of Medicine is not just an entity, it represents an ideal. Om was founded in 2010 in order to provide the safest and most secure access to the highest quality medicinal cannabis for qualified patients. Both founders and all employees subscribe to the underlying principle of compassion coupled with excellence.
The Om of Medicine. Ann Arbor, MI
We provide the optimal visiting experience for patients that are either familiar or new to cannabis by personalizing each visit to fit the individual’s medical needs. We offer a private, one-on-one consultation that ensures each patient gets the time and attention they deserve. Our selection of medicine is unparalleled and the variety of delivery mechanisms we offer are wide-ranging and ever-changing. Our knowledgeable staff welcomes and assists patients with any questions and provides aid with the state’s patient registration process. Our commitment to individualized healing combines lab-tested therapeutic remedies with patient-based research to achieve holistic lifestyle wellness. Our member lounge is enhanced by local art. Cannabis can inspire creativity and the Om of Medicine is a testament to this. There truly is no place like Om.
What is the medical marijuana community like in Michigan?
There are more patients in Michigan than in any other state besides California. Michigan was the 13th state to pass MMJ laws and now there are 23. Every state after Michigan has implemented some type of distribution/dispensary model yet Michigan State Legislature has been slow to act on this issue which leaves many patients without a safe place to acquire their medicine. The past six years have been difficult on the community due to some unfortunate court decisions as well as reductions in protections for patients. Despite several setbacks, the medical cannabis community in Michigan is a persistent bunch and we’re confident that the more we engage in the political process and educate and advocate for transparent, reasonable and accountable laws, the quicker patients will have permanently secure and safe access to their medicine.
Where do you see it going?
Over the past couple of years, with the help of several advocacy groups and our full time lobbyist in Lansing, there has been much progress. There are two bills awaiting passage in the State Senate. The first, HB 4271, will allow a local option for licensed dispensaries. The second bill, HB 5104, will provide alternative delivery methods other than smoking. Both bills overwhelmingly passed the State House 95-14 and 100-9, respectively. We have no doubt that the State Senate and Governor will do the right thing and pass these two important pieces of legislation.
You recently began helping to form the Illinois Cannabis Industry Association (ILCIA), a state-affiliate of NCIA. What led you to step up your involvement in this way across state lines?
Our experience in Michigan has made it clear that political involvement and education early on is key to moving this issue forward. The law narrowly passed in Illinois with 78 House and Senate members voting “NO” on HB 1 with the House only passing the bill by a marginal 4 votes. There is clearly much work to be done! In terms of state population, Illinois is the second largest [medical marijuana state] after California and has a chance to lead on this issue. The state has touted its medical cannabis law as the most restrictive and closely monitored law in the country. We want to make sure that the rights of the patients are not infringed upon and that the 4-year ‘pilot program’ becomes a permanent option for the patients of Illinois. As the state’s affiliate to NCIA, ILCIA will provide a voice for businesses, patients, and other key stakeholders by advocating for laws, regulations, and public policies that foster a healthy, professional, and accountable medical cannabis industry in our state.
Why did you join NCIA?
We joined NCIA because we realize that there is power in numbers. NCIA has been the country’s only industry-led organization engaging in legislative efforts to expand and further legitimize the legal cannabis market in the United States. The members we have met through NCIA and its leadership are second to none and we are confident that they will push this issue over the finish line. The work they are doing to reform tax laws and allow access to banking is of the utmost importance for our industry to survive. It is difficult work but in order to succeed, we must work together!
If you are a member of NCIA and would like to contribute to the NCIA blog, please contact Development Officer Bethany Moore by emailing bethany@thecannabisindustry.org.
NCIA Member Profile: Canuvo Medical Cannabis Dispensary
NCIA recently had an opportunity to speak with Glenn Peterson, co-founder of Canuvo, a state-licensed medical cannabis dispensary in York County, Maine. Canuvo offers naturally grown medical cannabis in a wide selection of strains, private discreet consultations with trained staff, public workshops, and education.
Cannabis Industry Sector:
Medical Cannabis Provider
NCIA Member Since:
2013
How do you uniquely serve the cannabis industry?
I am a patient, former caregiver, and possibly the last regular person to obtain a contested state license in a highly regulated state and finance the project entirely myself. I have done every job in cultivation, manufacturing, and dispensing until I could replace myself with the best staff possible, which gives me a unique understanding of my business and this industry. I am also blessed to have my wife, sister, and daughter work by my side and watch my back at Canuvo. As a vertically integrated state, we cultivate & manufacture everything we sell. In addition to our 80-strain library, we offer concentrates, edibles, lotion, salves, capsules, and oils. We love coming up with new delivery systems!
I have been the President of the Maine Association of Dispensary Operators (MeADO) since its inception in 2012. Each year MeADO has passed multiple bills into law, both on their own and in collaboration with other stake holders. As the President of MeADO I have an active presence in our statehouse lobbying for patients and dispensaries. Personally I attend as many regional and national NCIA events as possible including Lobby Days in DC.
Why should patients looking for medical cannabis services go to Canuvo?
Selection: We have a large strain library of over 80 strains and growing, 15 to 24 of which are available each day. With so many different patient preferences, goals, and needs, it is important to us to offer an expansive, constantly rotating menu.
Education: The industry is expanding and there is always information to share regardless of how seasoned the patient is. In addition to a wide selection of dosing options, we have a loaning library and the opportunity for patients to have a one-on-one consultation. This way we can get to know our patients as individuals, offer guidance, and help them understand why and how their medication works.
Privacy: We are located in a former doctor’s office and are fortunate enough to dispense out of multiple examining rooms. This allows the patient to discuss their medical goals and concerns without being overheard.
What is the medical marijuana community like in Maine? Where do you see it going?
Maine has had a medical cannabis program since 1999. It allowed patients to grow for themselves or have a caregiver (who is limited to 5 patients) grow for you. In 2010 the dispensary model was added to increase patients’ access to safe, inspected medical cannabis. Our edibles are produced in a state-licensed kitchen, our cannabis is grown without pesticides, and we keep normal business hours. The dispensaries added a level of professionalism previously lacking in the industry.
I anticipate legislation and referendum efforts for adult use in Maine shortly. I believe all adults should have access for personal use in addition to medicinal. Though most adults can benefit, I hope to exempt qualified medical patients from the sales tax, excise tax, and driving under the influence provisions. There is no lack of cannabis in Maine. There is no need for the steep ‘sin tax‘ in Maine like Colorado and Washington to entice support. It only serves to drive the consumer to the unregulated, non-taxpaying black market. Though our program in the state of Maine is small compared to other states (only 8 licensed dispensaries), our state’s cannabis program scored #1 in the country last month by Americans For Safe Access as based on a criteria of 40 considerations.
Why did you get involved in NCIA?
Glenn Peterson, Canuvo Co-Founder
We learned of NCIA while consulting with Kayvan Khalatbari from Denver Relief Consulting. It made sense for us to join so we could meet and learn from other members, contribute to the effort, and keep our fingers on the pulse of the industry. The member contacts have been invaluable. NCIA is the spear point for the cannabis industry and efforts to bring forth meaningful needed change to our industry.
If you are a member of NCIA and would like to contribute to the NCIA blog, please contact Development Officer Bethany Moore by emailing bethany@thecannabisindustry.org.
NCIA Member Profile: CannLabs
NCIA Member Profile: CannLabs, Inc.
About: CannLabs, Inc., is a solutions provider with intellectual property, proprietary cloud-based analytics, and scientific methods to serve the cannabis industry. Through Carbon Bond Holdings Inc., CannLabs provides laboratories with the necessary business intelligence technology and other solutions required to serve the cannabis industry, and these include the first state-licensed laboratory in Denver, Colorado.
Cannabis Industry Sector: Analytical Testing
NCIA Member Since: 2011
Membership Status: Sustaining
Led by: Genifer Murray
How has CannLabs evolved since you founded the business? CannLabs has made leaps and bounds since we founded the company in April 2010. I started in a lab space that was 150 square feet with one instrument. We recently moved into our new lab space that is 4000 square feet with 2500 square feet of office space. We currently have 20 employees and continue to rapidly grow. We just signed a lease in Connecticut and we’re excited about expanding our services there. Testing in Colorado is mandatory for adult-use only, and we were the first state-certified lab in the country. The industry is changing fast and I’m extremely happy at the way CannLabs is positioned to support it.
Why did you choose to go into cannabis testing, and how does testing and analysis fit into the future of the cannabis industry? It was literally started on a napkin in Arizona when I was visiting my Dad at the beginning of 2010. My first business partner had the idea and after returning to Colorado I did my due diligence and absolutely loved the idea. I have a B.S. in Microbiology and I love science. It seemed like a perfect fit for me as it allowed me to bring together my business brain and my natural desire to do something different.
CannLabs started as a lab offering a full range of testing services, but we have found that our expertise, experience, and quality of our service has allowed us to be heavily involved in other areas beyond testing.
For example, if a grower finds that the quality of the product is not good during testing, we can advise them on how best to deal with the issue. This allows for improved quality of the product all around which means a better and safer product for the consumer. We also have medicinal chemists who research deep into cannabis and look for ways to reformulate for better products. The science and technology behind cannabis is an area we excel in at CannLabs.
We also have a proprietary, cloud-based technology that feeds real-time data via our web portal. This allows clients to post their test results instantly on our ‘Product Finder’ or our other partner sites (MJ Freeway and WeedMaps) which allows consumers to find CannLabs-tested and -certified products fast and easy. This not only gives customers reassurance that the products they are finding are certified by CannLabs, but it also drives traffic to the dispensaries we test for as it is a fabulous location-finder. We also offer statistics so our clients can push one button and see trends. For example, the Colorado MED process requests a 3-month average for potency. Our clients do not need to take the time to do that. Instead they simply push a button and our system does it for them. Whatever our customers want to see, we can customize it.
What was the licensing process like? Comprehensive. The CDPHE (Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment) was at our lab for about nine hours going through methods, SOP’s (Standard Operating Procedures), testing our lab director and lab staff, and thoroughly going through the lab. Heather Despres, our lab director, was very prepared, so we were able to get our license without many changes. We were very happy to finally get certified, as I have been waiting for the opportunity for four years.
Why did you get involved with NCIA? Why wouldn’t CannLabs? I remember in the very beginning of 2011 when it started, I wanted to join so badly but I was barely making enough to keep afloat. Once I could, I joined immediately; I believe at the end of 2011. It is very important to support the industry not only locally but nationally. NCIA is the ONLY one out there working for us. NCIA has been so wonderful to be a part of and you meet some amazing people leading the industry in this group. If only the entire industry felt this way, we might have banking issues solved by now.
NCIA Member Profile: Avalon Realty Advisors
NCIA Member Profile: Avalon Realty Advisors
About: Avalon Realty Advisors is a commercial real estate management and consulting company specializing in property and construction management, brokerage and consulting services to the Medical Marijuana/Recreational Marijuana industries and mainstream businesses.
Cannabis Industry Sector: Real Estate
NCIA Member Since: 2014
Led by: Jason Thomas
How do you uniquely serve the cannabis industry? Avalon’s Principal Jason Thomas has over sixteen years of commercial real estate experience, is a five year MMJ/RMJ industry stakeholder, and is a member of Law Enforcement Against Prohibition (LEAP). Jason’s innate understanding of the MMJ/RMJ industries and the specific implications on real estate allows him to provide best-in-class real estate services to owner/occupiers, landlords, and real estate investors. We have managed over 2 million square feet of mixed use properties and $12 million in construction projects, and we have negotiated and closed 2.5 million square feet in leasing and sales.
Why should cannabusinesses looking for property use Avalon’s services? We provide our clients with information and expert advice they need to make informed decisions in real estate matters. Whether leasing, buying, selling, or managing real estate, Avalon will guide you through the process as your trusted advisor. We are experts in helping avoid the pitfalls and managing risk, while also benefitting your bottom line.
Cannabis Industry Sector: 
We never use animal products, man-made fragrance oils, or chemical preservatives. We buy locally and organically whenever possible. Supporting Cannabis Basics is also activism because it enables us to continue to work for the betterment of our industry and community as a whole. 
What started out as stand-alone sister bills with bipartisan support actually passed on June 30th as Section 7 of HB 2136, an I-502 tax fixer bill, and was signed into law by Governor Enslee. This law was enacted on July 1st, 2015, and is the first of its kind in the country. The CHABA law defines Cannabis Health and Beauty Aids for the first time in our legal lexicon as “cannabis products for topical use only, non-intoxicating and contains less than .3% THC.” It defines these products as not marijuana and allows for them to be sold to any mainstream retailer in the state of Washington, i.e., any health food stores, salons, or spas. The much larger significance of this new law is that it is the first removal of anything cannabis from the Washington State Controlled Substances Act.
