Ah Warner: 25 Years On The Forefront Of Hemp & Cannabis Culture And Commerce

November 2, 2020 by drheins Leave a Comment

By David Rheins

WASHINGTON: “It’s been a crazy twenty-five years,” Cannabis Basics founder Ah Warner tells me via Zoom this Sunday afternoon. “The word that I really relate to in this journey is tenacity. I am tenacious, and without that I would not be around.”

Tenacious is an understatement. Since 1994, Ah has been a true pioneer on the forefront of hemp and cannabis culture and commerce. Her Cannabis Creations, established in 1994, predates the legendary Dr. Bronner by 5 years, selling hemp products “back when people still thought hemp was marijuana – I guess some people still do,” she told me.

Inspired by Jack Herer’s seminal book “The Emperor Wears No Clothes: Hemp and the Marijuana Conspiracy”, which she calls the Bible of Hemp, Ah’s journey began with a love of all things hemp, migrated to a passion for medical marijuana, and then in 2012 when Washington State legalized adult-use, Ah felt the recreational market left inadequate place for her hemp-centric and low THC body products, so she went mainstream. She now vends her Hemp Basics line all over the country; while her Cannabis Basics products, which contain small amounts of THC, are sold in grocery stores and specialty retail only in Washington State.

Cannabis Basics is allowed by law to sell on mainstream retail shelves due to the landmark CHABA (Cannabis Health and Beauty Aids) law that Ah Warner along with activist Keri Boiter and then State Senator Jeanne Kohl-Welles passed in Washington in 2015. When I asked her what had changed in the five years since that CHABA legislation was passed, Ah explained “The law that is five years old now still only exists here in Washington State. No other state has replicated this. No other state has said ‘if you have a little bit of marijuana in your product, and it is non-intoxicating and a topical it can be sold in grocery stores.’ What that means for me is that I have two lines – one is hemp seed oil and CBD, called Hemp Basics that is sold all over the country. And then my CHABA line, Cannabis Basics, which has the marijuana in it, sold here in Washington State in grocery stores. Now people don’t have to go to pot shops to get full-spectrum topicals. And that has changed a lot for people, especially the older generation who don’t want to go into a pot shop for a topical.”

By taking her hemp and cannabis brands mainstream, Ah has unlocked a whole new marketplace. It has been necessary to “pivot, pivot, pivot” Ah notes, as the COVID-19 pandemic has resulted in the shutdown of her core buyers — massage therapists, and boutique retailers, resulting in a 50% loss of business.

But, always the innovator, Ah discovered a need in the marketplace, and has created a new product line to address it. She believing that in the age of COVID-19 everyone that wears a mask is a hero, but notes that wearing a mask poses it’s own challenges. “Unfortunately, masks are uncomfortable and may cause irritation, redness, and inflammation around the nose and mouth,” she noted. “Many masks are made from synthetic materials and dyes, and when combined with sweat and hot breath, can clog pores and create havoc on our sensitive facial skin. This new phenomenon is called maskne.”

“I really wanted to create something that would be helpful and comforting to our frontline workers and dedicated mask wearers in these challenging and stressful times so I formulated the Masked Hero Face Rescue System, harnessing the best that cannabis has to offer. The product blends organic hempseed oil, hemp hydrosols and cannabis extractions and infusions, with many other powerful botanicals, like tea tree, neroli and witch hazel. This skin care system is a three-step process: a cleanser to bathe and detoxify, a toner to balance and tighten and lastly, a moisturizer to nourish, hydrate and protect your face.”

What’s next for the energetic entrepreneur? Ah will be introducing a new online retail store (Ah’s Cannabis Couch) and a new YouTube channel. To learn more, watch the entire video interview, presented exclusively on Marijuana Channel One, part of the MJNews Network.

4 & 20 Blackbirds Presents Fifth Annual Mother’s High Tea On May 12 In Denver

April 26, 2017 by MJ News Network Leave a Comment

COLORADO: 4 & 20 Blackbirdswill present Fifth Annual Mother’s High Tea, taking place at on Friday May 12, 2017, featuring an inspiring speaker program, activities, nonprofit education and tea menu. Mother’s High Tea is a non-consumption event celebrating business women, mothers and advocates in the cannabis community.

This year’s featured national speakers are

Diane Czarkowski, Founding Partner Canna Advisors and Founding Benefactor of Women Grow from Boulder, Colorado,
Nina Parks, CEO of Mirage Medicinal and Co-founder of Supernova Women from San Francisco, California,
Ah Warner, CEO of Cannabis Basics and founder of private social club, Women of Weed from Seattle,Washington and
Sonia Espinosa, co founder of Cannabis Cultural Association and Massachusetts Recreational Consumer Council from Boston, Massachusetts.

Mother’s High Tea is possible by the generous sponsorship of Eden Labs and Mary’s Medicinals.

Eden Labs doesn’t just build systems, we build industry. Eden Labs has developed safe extraction methodologies for 21 years because we believe in health and wellness through botanicals…for the health of the world and the people we love.

Mary’s Medicinals, best known as the developer of the award-winning transdermal cannabis patch, Mary’s Medicinals innovates at the intersection of technology and horticulture, transforming how people view and utilize cannabis by developing accurately-dosed, natural pain-relief products that maximize the benefits of cannabinoids, terpenes and other plant nutrients.

Diane Czarkowski is a Founding Partner of Canna Advisors,a cannabis consulting firm serving competitive, emerging markets. As an influential industry leader, Diane owned one of the first dispensary and cultivation operations in Colorado and has over a decade of experience in real estate development. A Founding Benefactor of Women Grow and Founding Member of the National Cannabis Industry Association, she is a Lifetime Member of The ArcView Group, and a sustaining member of Students for Sensible Drug Policy and the Marijuana Policy Project. In 2016 she was named one of the 50 Most Important Women in Cannabis by Cannabis Business Executive and received The Arcview Group’s Outstanding Member award. She is recently featured in the book, Breaking the Grass Ceiling: Women, Weed and Business.

Nina Parks is the CEO of Mirage Medicinal, a California state-certified medicinal cannabis cooperative. Parks is one of the co-founders of Supernova Women, a group designed to empower people of color to be stakeholders in the cannabis economy. As an artist,poet, community organizer or activist, Nina dives head first into the changes to the regulated Calfornia marijuana market.

Ah Warner is the CEO of Cannabis Basics. Since 1995, Cannabis Basics award winning topicals utilize the best industrial hemp and marijuana therapeutics. Ah is a proud member of the Cannabis Committee of the American Herbal Products Association (AHPA) and Founder of International Cannabis Health and Beauty Aids Producer’s Alliance, (ICHABAPA). She is a guiding member of NORML Women of Washington, and (MJBA) Marijuana Business Association’s Women’s Alliance. She is the founder of the private social club, Women of Weed. She was a recipient of the MJBA Women’s Alliance Award for her focus and dedication to the women in Washington’s Cannabis Industry Recently, Ah successfully lobbied for legislative changes to Cannabis Health and Beauty Aids (CHABA) which now legally allow for cannabis topicals to be sold in mainstream stores in Washington state. Cannabis Basics is at the forefront of federal trademark protection. In 2015, the company was issued a registered trademark from US Patent and Trademark Office for the Cannabis Basics name and leaf logo.

Sonia Espinosa’s academic work explored the relationship between the nation’s “booming cannabis industry” and access through race, class, and citizenship. Prior to graduating with Harvard’s class of 2016, Espinosa co-founded the Cannabis Cultural Association (CCA), an organization which strives to involve underrepresented communities in the legal cannabis/hemp industry, by providing informational workshops, cultural programs, and community events with an emphasis on issues disproportionately affecting communities of color. Currently, Sonia is focused on Massachusetts Recreational Consumer Council (MRCC), whose efforts bridge the gap between communities and local legislators. #WeedTalk, is an educational series that helps people understand the new cannabis laws through visual chronicles of the science, culture, technology, and economics of marijuana legalization. Additionally, Sonia runs @EatMe.Land, a cannabis art collective.

General admission, children tickets and reserved VIP tables are on sale through AXS website and box offices.

Use the code TEATIME10 at check out to save 10% off the ticket price.

The Wink In Weed: 2016 Elections, A WTF Moment

November 9, 2016 by drheins 6 Comments

By David Rheins

It is the morning after the 2016 elections and I’m still having a WTF moment. I did not expect to be waking up to a President Trump, and the notion of The Donald as our Commander In Chief for the next four years seems more than a little surreal.

But despite the disappointing news, last night was a clear victory for those of us in legal cannabis. Like most of my peers, I am excited to see the marijuana reform movement achieve critical mass, even as I remain unsure of what sort of Federal Drug Policy a Trump administration might take, given likely prominent roles by prohibitionists Chris Christie and Rudy Giuliani.

Overwhelming, ‘we the people’ have voted for legal cannabis. History was made last night, as the country added 4 new adult-use marijuana states – California, Nevada, Maine and Massachusetts – doubling the total to 8 states plus D.C. and affirming once and for all that the public has had enough of the failed War on Drugs.

2016 Election Night NORML Women of Washington Fundraiser

With the entire Pacific corridor now a legal cannabis zone, federal enforcement of prohibition becomes “untenable” President Obama recently told HBO’s Bill Maher. However, that doesn’t mean that a conservative administration won’t make life more difficult for legal cannabis states to create and maintain regulated legal markets.

Many remain nervous. A cannabis attorney I spoke with this morning suggested that this election could mean huge changes to his business, and could easily dampen the growth of the budding industry that he and his firm have helped to create.

At a NORML Women of Washington fundraiser last night, dozens of industry folks gathered to watch the election results. Many were shocked by the rejection of Hillary Clinton, and feared what it might mean to hard-fought victories of women and minority communities. “Although I am happy about the major advances for marijuana legalization that happened all over the country last night, and what that means for my company and our culture, it is impossible for me to celebrate as I have never felt so devalued as a woman,” Cannabis Basics’ CEO Ah Warner told MJNN. “The fact that quite possibly the most qualified candidate ever lost her bid for the Oval to the personification of celebrity, bigotry, misogyny and greed is a devastating wakeup call about who we really are as a country. My heart bleeds for the women, no matter what their accomplishments, who will go to their graves knowing that they were never more than second class citizens.”

Others are optimistic about the economic opportunity of the expanding legal marketplace. “My business just got better,” a cannabis media executive told me. “Eight new markets just opened up. Think of all the new brands that need building, all the companies who will need our expertise and advice. I’m excited! We’re ratcheting our industry up to the next level.”

For while voters soundly rejected Hillary Clinton and the political status quo, Republicans, Democrats and Independents alike overwhelmingly embraced legal weed. The legal cannabis genie is out of the bottle as the topic of legalization take its rightful place on the centerstage of political discourse, creating a dissonance between federal and state law that will force a change in federal marijuana policy.

What began as an “experiment” in Colorado and Washington just four years ago has now spread from coast to coast, in red states and blue states. Last night’s election was a victory for America’s fastest growing industry – and it will certainly mean new interest, investment and acceptance.

The Wink In Weed: Leap Day Cannabis Industry Report

February 29, 2016 by drheins 3 Comments

By David Rheins

Happy Leap Day. The last two weeks of February have been such a whirlwind of hyperactivity for myself and Team MJBA that I need the extra day to tell you all about it.

On February 17^th, MJBA Seattle presented, “Managing Your 502 Business,” a two-hour business boot camp designed to provide Washington’s licensed cannabis companies with “must have” information and best practices. Sponsored by NWMJ Law, the professional education seminar featured presentations from top industry authorities, including Act Resources, Dani Espinda; Mosaic Insurance’s Norm Ives; business coach Debbie Whitlock and NWMJ Law’s Anne Van Leynseele.

The entire event was recorded, and can be viewed on MJChannelOne:

[youtube http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=68iRB9vebNQ&w=420&h=315]

The very next day, Team MJBA packed up our tent and made our way down to Seattle’s Pier 91 for CannaCon. The three-day event, February 18^th, 19^th and 20^th, has become a keystone event for MJBA/MJBA Women’s Alliance, one where we participate as exhibitor, and media sponsor. This year, both Morgan and I were featured speakers, I had the honor to moderate 10 panels, and conduct a host of 1:1 taped interviews with CannaCon speakers, exhibitors and other industry leaders (special thank you to Darin Bruce and his AV team).

BDS CEO Roy Bingham delivered a keynote at CannaCon

This was MJBA’s fourth CannaCon and I could not help but be struck by both how large and professional the industry and “the business of cannabis” show has become. Everyone who is anyone in cannabis was present: Washington’s top cannabis regulators came out to participate as panelists, including WSLCB Director Rick Garza, WSDH’s Kristi Weeks, and the WSDA’s Steve Fuller. This year’s panelists include a very diverse representation from the broad tent of our cannabis community, including long-time activists like Cat Jeter, Kristin Flor, Don E Wirtshafter and Vivian McPeak; legendary growers like Ed Rosenthal, Kyle Kushman and Farmer Tom Lauerman; media personalities like Katherine Grimm and Cheryl Shuman, and a host of power women in cannabis, including Eden Lab’s AC Braddock, Seattle Hempfest’s Sharon Whitson, Washington’s Finest Cannabis founder Crystal Oliver, Cannabis Basic’s Ah Warner, Kush Creams’ Megan Schwarting, and Washington Bud Company’s Shawn DeNae.

[youtube http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=h_ewkwNh5kc&w=420&h=315]

On Thursday, February 25^th, MJBA Spokane held its February Meetup at a new venue, The Black Diamond. Jon Legualt, Belladonna Growhouse, was our host and a featured presenter. He shared the stage with Washington’s Finest Crystal Oliver, who updated the group on what’s happening with Spokane’s Clean Air regulations and how they are impacting Eastern Washington producer/processors, and Kevin Oliver, executive director of Washington NORML, who gave the group a report from the legislative fronts in Olympia and Washington D.C. Front Runner ceo Brian Yauger unveiled his latest offering, MJTicker.com, a real-time business intelligence portal designed especially for participants in the legal cannabis industry.

[youtube http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hy5YgjDTntE&w=420&h=315]

And finally, to close out the month, MJBA New York is hosting a Leap Year Happy Hour at Manhattan’s swanky Gansevoort Hotel. Hosted by MJBA NY’s Stu Zakim and Paul Abramson, the evening of information, community and opportunity takes place at the ultra-hip hotel, located at 420 Park Avenue!

Coming up next: MJBA Portland hosts a special Meetup: “Game On: The Business of Cannabis and Sports,” Wednesday, March 2^nd at the On Deck Sports bar. Sponsored by CannaGuard Security, the event will feature opening remarks by NBA All-Star turned cannabis entrepreneur Cliff Robinson, who’ll debut his new “Uncle Spliffy” brand. Then an industry panel will discuss the many business opportunites that exist at the intersection of sports and cannabis. VIP Panelists include Uncle Spliffy’s Linda Miller, Siverback Advisory Groups’ Marc Belsher, and Fore-Twenty Golf’s Matt Enos.

Reserve your spot for this historic discussion here:

Wink-In-Weed: Cannabis Class Is In Session

February 15, 2016 by drheins 1 Comment

By David Rheins

Class is in session for participants in Washington’s legal cannabis trade. Coming off of the collegial CCC show in Portland, Team MJBA is back in Western Washington this week continuing our quest to provide professional education and promote best business practices for our nascent industry.

Collaboration was the theme of CCC 2016

On Tuesday, February 13th, 6-8:30 at the Factory Luxe in Seattle, MJBA and NWMJ Law will present,“Managing Your 502 Business,” a 2-hour bootcamp designed to review essential business basics, tools and best practices that every I-502 licensed business should follow. Attorney Anne Van Leynseele, NWMJ Law, will lead the this 2-hour interactive bootcamp, aided by a VIP Panel of cannabis business experts, including Norm Ives, Mosaic Insurance, CPA Dani Espinda, and business consultant Debbie Whitlock.

[youtube http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9mshbd7MS3E&w=560&h=315]

Seating is limited, so reserve your place today!

Thursday, February 18 is the start of CannaCon, a 3-day celebration of all things canna-business at Pier 91 on Seattle’s waterfront. This year marks MJBA’s fourth CannaCon. It has been truly amazing to witness as the show and the industry develop together. CannaCon founder Bob Smart was one of MJBA’s first business members, joining us back in the fall of 2013!

In preparation for the show, Bob, Dave Mesford and I paid a visit to KLAY 1180 AM last week, appearing on “The 411 on 420” talk show, hosted by Amy Ansel and Darrel Bowman.

The 411 on 420, hosted by Amy Ansel and Darrel Bowman

Billed as “the world’s largest cannabis marketplace for products, services and ideas” the 2015 Seattle event claimed more than 11,000 attendees, over 200 exhibitors and 50 educational sessions, with over $6 million in business conducted on the floor.” This year’s CannaCon promises to be even bigger, with a complete sell out of exhibitor booths, and an all-star lineup of speakers. The event seminar schedule features three separate tracks: Cultivation, Technology and Business Development, and includes some of the industry’s top voices, including Ed Rosenthal, Ah Warner, Megan Schwarting, Farmer Tom Lauerman, Aaron Pelley, Don Wirtshafter and Kyle Kushman.

I will have the honor of playing moderator for much of the Business Track sessions on Thursday and Friday. We’ll cover a host of important topics. I’m particularly excited about our “Town Hall” session Thursday at 1PM with Washington’s top cannabis regulators: WSLCB Director Rick Garza, Washington Department of Agriculture’s Steve Fuller, and the Washington Department of Health’s Kristi Weeks.

MJBA’s Morgan will be moderating and participating on a Women in Cannabis Panel, along with Crystal Oliver, Danielle Rosellison, Sharon Whitson and Shawn DeNae.

Marijuana Channel One will be capturing all the excitement. Look for our live streaming and tweets, and our exclusive interviews with industry thought leaders here.

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. .

Senator Jeanne Kohl-Welles Leaving State House Aims For King County Council

September 23, 2015 by MJ News Network 2 Comments

WASHINGTON: Washington State Senator Jeanne Kohl-Welles, a long-time backer of marijuana legal reform, will not seek re-election as a democratic State Senator in the next election, choosing instead to set her sites on a District 4 Seat on the King County Council.

Cannabis Basics’ CEO Ah Warner hosted a fundraiser for Democratic Senator Jeanne Kohl-Welles, a long-time marijuana reform advocate

The veteran politician, named “Advocate of the Year” at this year’s Hempfest, is busy raising money for her campaign, appearing at fundraisers this month hosted by prominent cannabis industry leaders, including travel journalist and national NORML Board member Rick Steves and Ah Warner, CEO of Cannabis Basics.

Thurs. Sept 24 6-9PM, Sorrento Hotel

She will also be appearing with 4 other prominent Washington women politicians — Kent City’s Gwen Allen-Carston; Spokane’s Karen Stratton; Cat Jeter Pierce County;and Heather Holderich, Firecrest City — at the “Power to Influence,” a women-only cannabis industry event presented by the Marijuana Business Association’s Women’s Alliance, and sponsored by a power trio of leading women-run cannabis brands: Washington Bud Company, Eden Labs, and NWMJLaw.

Jeanne Kohl-Welles is running for King County Council

MJNewsNetwork’s TwiceBakedinWA attended Ah Warner’s industry reception on Tuesday, September 22nd, and had a chance to ask Ms. Kohl-Welles about the future of legal cannabis legislation, how Washington’s new marijuana laws turn underage pot smokers into felons, and why the Democrat was running for King County Council.

[youtube http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Kb7HiM8-SUw&w=560&h=315]

[youtube http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=c31sz3vIA8A&w=560&h=315]

Seattle’s Cannabis Basics Issued Historic Cannabis Trademark

September 14, 2015 by MJ News Network 11 Comments

WASHINGTON: Seattle-based activist and entrepreneur Ah Warner informs MJNewsNetwork.com that she has just received historic news from the United States Patent and Trademark Office granting trademark protection for her Cannabis Basics company logo—prominently featuring a cannabis leaf watermark with four hands inside.

“By working closely with the USPTO Examiners, we were able to demonstrate how my client’s line of health and beauty goods differs from substances deemed illegal under the Federal Controlled Substances Act,” said Attorney Andrew Olmsted of The Olmsted Law Group, PLLC, “After many discussions and briefs to the Examiners, we were able to persuade them how the majority of Cannabis Basics’ unique products are not prohibited by the CSA and how trademark protection was warranted.”

Cannabis Basics’ trademark protection suggests a future where cannabis companies with legal products will be able to protect their intellectual property like other businesses. This protection is an indication of a positive change in popular opinion of Cannabis, and a step towards a public better educated on the non-recreational benefits of Cannabis and its byproducts.

Ms. Warner started her hemp company in 1995. “With in introduction of Medical Marijuana I discovered new science on human’s cannabinoid receptor system which lead to adding THC and other cannabinoids to produce a far superior product, ” said Warner. “Even my 85-year-old dad uses it for his inflammation, pain and skin issues.”

This latest success comes on the heels of another very big victory for Ms. Warner, who co-authored Washington State’s Cannabis Health and Beauty Aids (“CHABA”) legislation. CHABA defines products, oftentimes topically applied, with less than .3% THC, non-intoxicating and not meant for human or animal consumption, and is the first such legislation in the United States defining these niche cannabis products

The CHABA legislation defines products like Cannabis Basics’ line as not marijuana, even though the products have therapeutic amounts of THC. This action effectively removes CHABAs from the Washington Controlled Substances Act, allowing Cannabis Basics to sell its products in mainstream stores within Washington State, virtually anywhere health conscious consumers shop.

“This bill is about promoting small businesses and allowing entrepreneurs to find new ways to drive our economy, without legal recourse, as we [in Washington State] continue to be pioneers in the marijuana legalization process,” said the prime sponsor of Senate Bill 5493, Washington Senator Jeanne Kohl-Welles.

What started out as stand-alone companion bills SB5493 and HB173 with bipartisan support, passed as an amendment of a much bigger adult marijuana use tax bill, HB2136 this was signed into law on June 30^th by Washington State Governor Jay Inslee and went into effect July 1^st.

[youtube http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zUjkne2AP94&w=560&h=315]

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.

Senators Ann Rivers, Jeanne-Kohl Wells Keynote “The Power of Politics” on Wednesday, March 25th in Seattle

March 22, 2015 by MJ News Network Leave a Comment

WASHINGTON: The legal landscape for marijuana businesses in Washington is about to change radically as a result of new legislation under consideration in Olympia designed to bring the state’s unregulated MMJ system together with its nascent I-502 recreational pot industry. The authors of two leading marijuana bills are veteran women lawmakers – and to sell these changes through to the cannabusiness community – both will be featured speakers at “The Power of Politics,” a gathering of the important female cannabis executives. 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.

Republican Senator Ann Rivers, author of the market consolidating SB 5052, and Democratic Senator Jeanne-Kohl-Welles, author of SB 6083 calling for home grow for all adults 21+, will explore how Washington’s medical and recreational laws are changing, and how those changes will impact operators of the state’s cannabis businesses.

“This is the first time in the history of mankind that women are poised to lead an industry,” mistress of ceremonies and Washington Bud Company founder Shawn DeNae told MJNN in an exclusive conversation. “Blame it on the Age of Aquarius, on [Facebook COO] Sheryl Sandberg’s book Lean In’ or the female nature of the plant we love! Now is the time the important foundation of legal cannabis is being planned and women are helping guide that conversation.”

[youtube http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=210Y9i4uEWc&w=560&h=315]

Joining Senators Kohl-Welles and Rivers, will be Bellingham City Councilwoman Pinky Vargas, Mayor of Sultan Carolyn Eslick and 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.

“Direct communication with our lawmakers is vital and that is why the MJBA Women’s Alliance chose to have this event now,” DeNae explained. “ 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.”

MJBA Women’s Alliance’s “The Power of Politics” takes place on Wednesday, March 25th at 6PM at the Palace Ballroom in downtown Seattle. Tix are available online via EventBrite:

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