MMJ Opinion: A Call to Action

Now’s the time to get involved in the cannabis social movement

Many social movements have been taking hold in our nation recently. For example, same-sex marriage has moved from social acceptance to being fully legal. Cannabis law reform is a hot topic in politics and the media, as well as more and more states jumping onboard. Times are good, and there is much fulfilling work to be done on these and other humanitarian fronts. However, I am making a public call to action, asking for your participation in these movements. It isn't hard, there are events happening all the time.

The 4th annual conference hosted by Marijuana Business Daily was recently held in Las Vegas, Nevada at the Rio Hotel and Conference Center. The event was attended by more than 5,500 people, representing all 50 states and 23 other countries. With a highly regarded group of exhibitors and speakers, such as Ralph Nader, Steve DeAngelo and Tripp Keber and two huge expo halls packed full of exhibits—the show was a must see for anyone with an interest in the cannabis industry.

"These attendance numbers far exceeded our expectations. It reinforces the investment, innovation and optimism in the legal cannabis industry moving forward," says George Jage, Marijuana Business Daily president.

Nevada's had medical marijuana laws in place for 15 years, but the market has suffered from a lack of retail stores. Only recently has Nevada written regulations permitting dispensaries to operate. Currently there are four dispensaries serving patients from around the country, Nevada's law allows all state-certified cannabis patients to purchase and possess up to 2.5 ounces of medical marijuana. There are also dispensary tours, social clubs and other ancillary businesses in operation.

Go Nevada, and go Marijuana Business Daily for hosting your fall show here to showcase this new marketplace.

Marijuana Business Daily isn't done yet either. In the spring, they will host another conference in Orlando, Florida. It will be a great time to get information and share ideas with the cannabis crowds, which will include the kindest, friendliest, most fun-loving, open-minded people in its ranks. You will want to get your tickets early as early bird discounts apply and the show is sure to be a sellout.

The Drug Policy Alliance got in on the act recently as well, with their biennial conference. This hybrid organization made up of many other groups focuses on harm reduction and drug policy issues. More than 1,500 people from 40 states and 70 countries around the world descended on Washington D.C. for four days of lobbying congress, inspirational seminars and displays of freedom and human rights included a protest on the National Mall near the Washington Monument. In October 2017, the conference will make an appearance in Atlanta, Georgia, home of some of the nation's most restrictive drug laws.

So get involved however you can. Go to a local NORML meeting, a protest, or perhaps a more organized conference. I will see you there.