Striking Oil: The Business of Edibles, Topicals and Concentrates Is Jan 21st In Tacoma, WA

December 29, 2015 by MJ News Network Leave a Comment

The Marijuana Business Association and Front Runner, powered by TetraTrak, have announced their first Professional Seminar of 2016: “Striking Oil: The Business of Concentrates, Edibles, and Topicals.”

The half-day MJBA Professional Seminar takes place on Thursday, January 21st, 2016,1PM-6PM, at the Red Lion Hotel in Tacoma, WA. Hosted by The Marijuana Business Association and business intelligence firm Front Runner, “Striking Oil” will provide I-502 Producers, Processors, Retailers, and industry professionals with an in-depth look at Washington’s emerging marketplace for cannabis concentrates, oils, edibles and topicals.

The legal cannabis marketplace has evolved well beyond the bud, and today Edibles, Topicals, Concentrates and Oils represent the fastest-growing segments for Washington’s legal cannabis industry. MJBA and Front Runner will kick off the afternoon with a detailed parsing of the LCB sales numbers to date, with forward-looking analysis from Front Runner CEO Brian Yauger.

CannaSol Farms founder Jeremy Moberg will deliver the keynote address, providing his prospective as one of the state’s leading Producer/Processors, and an outspoken advocate for naturally-grown cannabis. He will focus his remarks on the needs for Washington producer/processors to self-regulate.

Exciting new cannabis-infused products and concentrates bring with them a host of new business challenges for our emerging industry, including how to create best practices and common standards for Contaminants/Pesticides, Dosing and Packaging, and Lab Testing/Quality Assurance. To provide their insights into these pressing issues and others, MJBA has assembled subject matter experts from Washington’s top cannabis companies to serve as our VIP Panelists.

Leading subject matter experts from Db3 (Zoots) , Mirth Provisions (Legal) , Eden Labs, Cannabis Basics, Avitas, Kush Creams, Mary’s Medicinals, The Goodship, Ethos Extracts, Robotanical, Spot, Integrity Labs, Landrace Labs, Dama, Amoebic Extracts, (and many others) will lead discussions on Edibles; Topicals, Concentrates and Lab Standards.

Industry Thought Leaders Speak at MJBA/Front Runner Seminars

Tickets are $99 in advance/$125 Day of Show. MJBA Members and Front Runner Subscribers receive special discount!

Reserve your tickets here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/striking-oil-the-business-of-edibles-topicals-and-concentrates-tickets-20114229201?

“Striking Oil” VIP Sponsors include Robotanical, Eden Labs, Cannabis Basics, PayQwick, Avitas and Great Pacific Packaging. .

Meet The Women Behind “The Power of Politics”

March 24, 2015 by MJ News Network 4 Comments

WASHINGTON: In preparation for tomorrow evening’s historic gathering, MJNewsNetwork sat down with the Washington power women behind the “Power of Politics” – ladies from both sides of the political aisle, representing recreational and medical marijuana business owners – to ask them about tomorrow’s historic event. Organized by the MJBA Women’s Alliance, and sponsored by Eden Labs, Washington Bud Company and Cannabis Basics, the exclusive evening of information, inspiration and activation takes place on Wednesday, March 25th, 6PM at the Palace Ballroom in Seattle.

AC Braddock, CEO of Eden Labs, Presenting Sponsor of “Power of Politics” and National Sponsor of MJBA:

We have an opportunity as a state to create two separate and hugely successful industries: Adult Use (Recreational) and Medical Treatment. Currently Medical is in a legal grey area which does no one any good. This needs to be changed immediately and legislated in such a way as to compliment and support both industries. Washington has a long history of Best Practices and some of the most successful companies on the planet. We can lead the nation in research, consumer protection, sustainability, social responsibility while supporting our historic micro business culture and big industry. We are a state of innovators and activists…a powerful combination when we work together for change.

Why should women in the cannabis industry become politically engaged?

Legislators are very busy people who are multi tasking as best they can to represent your voice. They need factual information, real-life perspectives, problem solving suggestions and a personal connection to effectively legislate on your behalf. No one wants to make a bad decision, making them entirely open to advisement and suggestion. It is profoundly important to listen to their perspective and questions and then offer your assistance. Your voice is truly the future of the industry.

And lastly, who should come to this event and why?

Women are the largest growing sector in the Cannabis industry not only as a market, but also as business entrepreneurs and medical practitioners who bring a set of sensibilities that are ESSENTIAL for the paradigm shifts happening in the business world. There is nothing to hold you back and we are here to support and promote you. Be the very best and most powerful you can be…we are.

we are allowed to attend, but NOT allowed to testify. However, we can send written comments that will be delivered to the Planning Commission via sally.evans@snoco.org.

Shawn DeNae, President of Washington Bud Company

Shawn DeNae, President of Washington Bud Company, Mistress of Ceremonies and MJBA National Sponsor

This is the first time in the history of mankind that women are poised to lead an industry and this ancient yet infant industry is it! The atmosphere is not only favorable but supportive; blame it on the Age of Aquarius, [Facebook COO] Sheryl Sandberg’s book Lean In or the female nature of the plant we love.

Why should women in the cannabis industry become politically engaged?

Now is the time the important foundation of legal cannabis is being planned and women are helping guide that conversation. Direct communication with our lawmakers is vital and that is why the MJBA Women’s Alliance chose to have this event now. We do not have the luxury of decades to become part of each other’s circles of influence. We need to know our lawmakers and they need to know the pioneering women, the entrepreneurial women and the legacy women of cannabis. We must build trust so we can cross the bridge to legitimacy in every corner of politics beginning at the local level.

Who should come to this event and why?

Join us in the relaxed atmosphere of the lovely Palace Ballroom while we get a glimpse into what inspired these politically placed women to step up and take charge. They can be our mentors to being more effective at creating change toward a future we are proud to pass along.

I’m excited to be Mistress of Ceremonies for the evening and have some really juicy questions lined up! You’ll want to be there; bring your story and come make “herstory” with us!
[youtube http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=210Y9i4uEWc]

Expected speakers will include Republican Senator Ann Rivers, author of the market consolidating SB 5052; Democratic Senator Jeanne-Kohl-Welles, author of SB 6083 calling for home grow for all adults 21+; Bellingham City Councilwoman Pinky Vargas, Mayor of Sultan Carolyn Eslick; Seattle City Councilwoman Jean Godden, along with the MJBA Women’s Alliance’s cadre of business leaders, including Cannabis Basic’s founder Ah Warner – who helped to write the HABA bill, which would allow for the legal sale of “topicals” — salves and lotions made with low-levels of THC, and Joy Beckerman, President at WA State Chapter of the Hemp Industries Association, a leading activist helping to legalize industrial hemp in the state.will explore how Washington’s medical and recreational laws are changing, and how those changes will impact operators of the state’s cannabis businesses.

MJBA Women’s Alliance “Power To Lead”: Powerful Women Leading By Example

November 13, 2014 by MJ News Network 2 Comments

By TwiceBakedinWA

WASHINGTON: This past week I attended ‘The Power To Lead’ hosted by the MJBA Women’s Alliance at the Red Lion in Bellevue, WA. This was my first MJBA Woman’s Alliance event that I have been able to make and I was not disappointed.

After being warmly welcomed by Morgan, MJBA’s leading woman, the owner of Washington Bud Company, Shawn Denae, got on stage as the evening’s Mistress of Ceremonies. We were graced with Shawn’s vibrant energy that took us on a journey through her personal stories of being in the cannabis industry while showering us with tidbits of inspiration and wisdom. She began by giving us an invaluable networking tip for the evening: “Be present with the people you are with and be curious about each other.” At that point we all turned our mobile devices off and fully came into the room.

Next to speak was AC Braddock, CEO of Eden Labs. I love being around this woman. As she stood on stage explaining that her company has grown by 400% she also authentically expressed how stressful it is to be the leader of a business that is growing so rapidly and how vital it is to lead with calmness. While this real live yogi stood there with beauty and grace, she told the room “You don’t know what you are capable of until you do it. So, do something- lead, follow, or get out of the way.” She also brought attention to the instant calm that she experienced when she entered the room that night regardless of the very stressful day she’d had. I know the calm she is referring to. It’s like plugging yourself in for a recharge by just showing up and being present with a room of powerful, confident women who are leaders in their lives. Most women I talked to that night also told me that they had had a very challenging day and week but this night was exactly what they needed.

Shawn Denae came back on stage and said something that hit it all home: “Leadership is sweeping the floors when the floors need to be swept. It is vital to lead by example.” That simple concept felt like the common thread from everybody who spoke.

When Giana Lampreda of WAM Oil got on stage she gave her experience in the cannabis industry that many in the room could relate to…being surrounded by mostly men all day long and having to play a leadership role among men. Her advice was invaluable: “Let go of your ego to understand the insecurities of the people you are working with and you’ll discover a new way of doing things.” From a woman who has fought cancer with cannabis and daily is helping others fight for healthy lives, I couldn’t help but sit there in awe of how thankful I was to have known her power and for every single hug I have ever received from her.

[youtube http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Lj3gfY007iM?version=3&rel=1&fs=1&showsearch=0&showinfo=1&iv_load_policy=1&wmode=transparent]

After a ten minute break Diane Fornbacher, the publisher of Ladybud magazine, got on stage. Now, she is the reason I had been excited to be there in the first place. I’ve been a fan of her magazine, Ladybud, and the way that her eloquent use of words even just on social media sparks my imagination. At that point I couldn’t focus on taking pictures or anything else but absorbing every morsel she was about to spit out.

“Cannabis is the gateway to revealing ourselves to one another and the world.”

“The living death of a poet is not being able to express yourself.”

“What are we doing with our time as this person?”

“Who would I be if I gave up? Fuck That. “

It was a wonderful thing to meet her and to see into her eyes. What a beautiful soul.

[youtube http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AYuBuDyW9CI?version=3&rel=1&fs=1&showsearch=0&showinfo=1&iv_load_policy=1&wmode=transparent]

Next, Anne VanLaneSeal of NWMJ Law for the cannabis industry got on stage and reminded us to be passionate and deliberate on how we conduct ourselves in business. She also reminded us to lead by example and realize how important what we are doing is in this country right now. “Have big dreams and do not fear the challenges.” Thank you for saying those words.

Last, but not least was Debbi Whitlock. This beautiful woman of sunshine got on stage and shared her heartwarming experience with cannabis topicals. She reminded us that our health is our capital and to care for ourselves.

At one point she asked the room to raise their hands if they feel like they had found their calling. Looking around the room almost every single hand was up in the air…including mine. It was a powerful moment worth pausing for. “Don’t stop before the magic happens.”

[youtube http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hcz3IFzRLgs?version=3&rel=1&fs=1&showsearch=0&showinfo=1&iv_load_policy=1&wmode=transparent]

I’ve been in a lot of rooms with only women in them. While most women will be nurturing, welcoming, and loving toward each other this group was different. These are a different breed of women, if you will. They know what they want, they know how to stand in their power, and they are confident in what they do regardless of the challenges that come with speaking up for what you believe in.

To be surrounded by that energy is invaluable. Thank you MJBA Women’s Alliance for providing a space for me to be inspired by others of my breed.

-TwiceBakedinWA

Women In Cannabis: Solidarity And High-Potency Sorbet

May 19, 2014 by MJ News Network Leave a Comment

WASHINGTON: A power luncheon for women in the marijuana business took place Friday in one of Seattle’s highest locations – the top of the Columbia Tower, where dozens of women in the cannabis business gathered to talk shop and exchange recipes.

A.C. Braddock is CEO of Eden Labs, which makes extraction equipment. These days 90 percent of her business is from clients making high-potency marijuana concentrates.

“Pretty much all of our clients are men,” Braddock said, “which is great, I love men, nothing wrong with men, but my interaction with women over the years has become smaller and smaller until this group.”

Braddock said the women entrepreneurs at this lunch really do bring a different vision for legal marijuana in Washington.

Seattle: MJBA Women’s Alliance Gathers For Business Power Luncheon

May 14, 2014 by MJ News Network 4 Comments

WASHINGTON: Looking out across the Puget Sound from this high vantage point, you can almost see the future. MJBA Women’s Alliance will host its first Women & Cannabis Business Power Luncheon on the 76^th floor of Seattle’s Columbia Tower Club this Friday, May 16th.

More than Fifty prominent professionals will gather at the event, billed as an afternoon of “cannabis sisterhood and camaraderie.”

Law enforcement veteran Diane Goldstein, the first female lieutenant for the Redondo Beach Police Department, and Executive Board Member for Law Enforcement Against Prohibition (LEAP), will be the VIP Keynote Speaker.

AC Braddock, Kara Bradford & Morgan will host the MJBA Women’s Alliance Power Lunch on Friday 5/16 at Seattle’s Columbia Tower Club.

“The mission of the MJBA Cannabis Women’s Alliance is to work collaboratively to enhance the growth and strength of our businesses and the development of the industry,” explained Morgan, president of the Washington Marijuana Business Association and the event’s organizer. “Every day I am more impressed with the quality of work, collaboration and excellence in quality products coming from the women in our Washington cannabis industry”

A.C. Braddock, CEO of Eden Labs, who is sponsoring the exclusive event, added, “As a female CEO in an industry that is predominantly male, Eden Labs is honored to be a part of the Women’s Alliance and support the important and groundbreaking work of the women in the Cannabis industry.”

Tickets to the exclusive event are $175 for non-members, and $150 for MJBA members, and are available here:

Eden Labs – An Education in Concentration

November 7, 2013 by mjbusinessweek 1 Comment

In the news these days, there is a lot of talk about cannabis concentrates – potent extractions which strip desired properties from the cannabis plant. Once extracted, these concentrates are processed and take many forms before being given to patients.

Studies have shown this gooey sticky substance to reduce tumor cells in cancer patients, and others regulate ailments such as epilepsy, ADD, and autism in adults and children. Zero THC and high CBD concoctions are traditionally taken under the tongue or mixed with food.

Recreationally, consumers prefer high THC concentrates aka dabs, oils, wax, shatter, BHO, or budder because it reduces the side effects of traditional pipe or bong smoking. The concentrate is heated to a very high temperature, and the vaporized smoke is inhaled through cigarette-type pen, or new accessory such as an Oil rig.

Prices for concentrates currently available at most Seattle-area medical dispensaries range from $25 to $50 per gram, with THC potency reaching as high as 80% or more.

Since Colorado and Washington first voted to legalize recreational marijuana use in late 2012, the legal cannabis market has grown from $1.5 billion in 2013 to $2.7 billion last year, according to industry estimates. That kind of velocity gets the attention of investors, many of whom focus on tech.

AC Braddock address the MJBA Women’s Alliance

There are a lot of names for basically the same process – it is the solvent that makes a difference. For example, “RSO was originally made with Naphtha,” according to Fritz Chess of Eden Labs. Naphtha is a light hydrocarbon, much like butane and propane, and toxic if not properly purged. There are several companies saying they make RSO with ethanol extractions – but this is not true, and patients should know exactly what solvent is used on each “pull”.

“Isopropyl is also used in some concentrates, but said by some to do a very gross thing in the human body…like weaken the egg walls of Fluke worms in the body resulting in outbreaks internally that may actually cause cancer.” According to AC Braddock, Eden Labs CEO.

Concentrates are extremely dangerous to manufacture, which is why the State of Washington wants to regulate the process and sale of concentrates. There have been several reported accidents of kitchen and garage fires.

60 Liter Co2 System

Beginning in the early 90s, Fritz experimented with Coldfinger ethanol extractors and quickly moved to Sub and Supercritical Co2, building his first system in 1997. This year Fritz is being touted as being the “outlier” in the market with the development of the Hi-Flo that was released this year.

While the studies are still coming out, it seems that carbon-dioxide extraction is the safest and cleanest way to make concentrates for both medical and recreational markets. Production equipment can be purchased from $40,000 to $200,000.

Original Reporting MJNN Contributing Editor Morgan

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