Six Resolutions for the Cannabis Community in the New Year

What does the cannabis industry need to do to see that 2016 is successful for it?

The year to come is integral to the future of cannabis in the Beaver State. While this past year saw the debut of the recreational market, we know the state isn't done tinkering—how could it be when it's not even collecting taxes yet?

What does the cannabis industry need to do to see that 2016 is successful for it?

Offer plans, not complaints.

Cannabis industry lobbyist Sam Chapman cringes a bit when asked about current cannabis reform efforts, which usually involve emailing legislators and giving public testimony. While useful, that kind of action can't accomplish much, unless you have your own plan to counter with—lawmakers, it seems, hate having to craft the rules themselves, and would prefer to sign off on something already written. Chapman drafts briefs backed by a few hundred carefully researched words explaining requests.

Show up in person, or organize so that someone does.

Many of the "problems" now facing the cannabis community—especially the amended Indoor Clean Air Act, which would heavily fine cannabis lounge owners—could have been nipped in the bud in July had more voices been heard in defiance of the overarching new rules, according to attorney Leland R. Berger. With Anthony Johnson, co-architect of Measure 91, as the only full-time cannabis industry voice in Salem, it's impossible to attend every session and refute every point. Now, activists like Lindsey Rinehart are helping organize rotating carpools to ensure consistent voices in Salem.

Don't get stuck in a medical-vs.-recreational debate.

Tempers flared a couple weeks ago, when long-time medical grower Erin Purchase closed up her Grow Mama project, citing restrictive new rules and high fees. Activist Brandon Krenzler, Purchase's husband, called out public cannabis figures, starting with radio host Russ Belville, asking what they were doing to "protect" Oregon's medicinal cannabis industry. Belville, who is dealing with some family issues, lashed back. Belville's overall goal to end cannabis-related arrests isn't any less valid than Purchase's desire to continue to treat her patients, nor are they mutually exclusive. Oregon lawmakers are far more of a threat to proper cannabis legalization than responsible users.

Normalize.

The biggest obstacle to cannabis legalization is that many, many people just aren't familiar with the plant, or its users. While cannabis lounges are ideal places for imbibing with friends, they're currently under threat. They must be saved, because responsible use with friends is the best way to show naysayers there's nothing to worry about. Besides, stiletto stoners sipping on vape pens next to bearded dabtenders couldn't be any more New Portland, could it?

Put money behind friendly pols.

Like it or not, the almighty dollar is going to be the driving force behind state and nationwide legalization. Tax, tourism and permit revenues add up quickly here in Oregon, where nary a day goes by that we're not reminded about our aging infrastructure and underfunded schools. But to access that future treasure, money must be spent on what it will take to get us there, including—according to New Approach Oregon's Anthony Johnson—political donations to cannabis-friendly lawmakers like Ann Lininger, Floyd Prozanski, Peter Buckley and Ken Helm.

Start a cannabis bank.

Anyone have a few billion dollars, a safe room, 24/7 security and know how to connect to the global financial network? This would be a game changer because these institutions are closed to cannabis businesses by federal law, which makes doing business a lot harder for our local industry.

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