Want to know more about Toke Tank and how we got started? Take a listen to the THC Legal Group’s Cannabis Thought Leaders Podcast series, where our very own The Queen of Clovers (Elizabeth), is interviewed by Abe Cohn. In the podcast, they discuss how to market your weed brand, where the industry is headed and our views on the wonderful world of weed. Continue reading Toke Tank Featured on THC Legal Group Podcast!
No Danksgiving table is complete without a hearty side of candied cranberries; if there’s marijuana involved, that’s even better. We asked Robyn Griggs Lawrence, author of The Cannabis Kitchen Cookbook, to share her version of this classic recipe. As Robyn explains, “As the country’s attitude and laws about cannabis continue to mature, so does the way this wonderful herb is grown and imbibed…today’s cannabis consumers want organic, sustainably grown cannabis expertly infused with the desired flavor and effect into restaurant-quality, home-cooked food and drinks.” Continue reading Cranberries with Rum-Soaked Raisins, Toasted Pine Nuts and Canna-Applejack [Danksgiving]
Hemp-derived CBD products are growing in popularity, from cannabis-derived non-psychoactive oils and nutritional supplements to pain relief and refreshing beauty routines. Kannaway is one company leading the industry with their revolutionary new products. We asked Blake Schroeder, CEO of Kannaway, about his thoughts on CBD, hemp and cannabis. From Kannaway products qualifying for world anti-doping standards, to helping him get a good night’s sleep, read on for Blake’s insight. Continue reading CBD for Health and Wellness: Spotlight on Kannaway
The cannabis industry (both medical and recreational) has many proponents, both avid cannabis users and those who abstain. We hear a lot from our fellow weed smokers, but we don’t often get to connect with those who are actively supporting and forwarding the industry, and don’t choose to use cannabis personally. Howard Cohn, Managing Partner of THC Legal Group is a non-cannabis user who is still passionate about supporting the budding industry; his practice represents marijuana startups and specializes in intellectual property protection. Read on to find out what he had to say.
Howard Cohn, Managing Partner of THC Legal Group
I have been a registered patent attorney for over 35 years and during the course of my career, I have worked with some truly amazing and innovative companies. While cannabis has been legal in some form or another in various states for the last couple of decades, only recently has it made its way to the forefront of the Startup community. As a law firm specializing in startup law and intellectual property protection, we have been increasingly contacted by new cannabis businesses seeking our counsel. We are thrilled and honored to be a part of the cannabis journey for so many brilliant and passionate young companies.
As a registered Patent attorney, I have a license from the United States Trademark and Patent Office (USPTO) to draft and prosecute patent applications anywhere in the country. Additionally, I am licensed to practice “traditional” law in several other states throughout the nation. Our headquarters is in Cleveland, Ohio, an incredibly exciting place to be for anyone involved in the cannabis industry. As of September 8, 2016, House Bill 523 was put into effect and officially legalized medical marijuana in Ohio. The mechanics involved in applying for and acquiring a dispensary license has not been fully issued but hopefully, Ohio’s cannabis market will be operational by the first quarter of 2018.
Principally, our interest in the cannabis industry stems from two separate imperatives. The first is a deep-seated concern with excessive government intrusion in the private lives of its citizens. As a schedule 1 drug under the Controlled Substance Act (CSA), cannabis is considered to be an exceptionally harmful substance with zero medicinal benefit. Yes, it was as shocking for me to write that sentence as it was for you to read it. We want to see the government remove itself, as much as is reasonably possible, from the private lives of its citizens. Cannabis criminalization is a paradigmatic example of the sort of government interference that we find intolerable.
Second, as a legal group specializing in intellectual property protection, we are obsessed with working with people that are innovators and visionaries. The cannabis industry is exploding with passion and excitement and we love helping these amazing entrepreneurs fulfill their dreams.
Like any business, cannabis companies must take any and all steps available to protect their economic interests. Given the novel and unique nature of cannabis law, it is imperative that cannabis companies work with attorneys who are specialists in this field.
Fundamentally, intellectual property covers ideas, inventions and other creative productions of the mind. Depending on the nature of the idea, different avenues of intellectual property protection are required. Cannabis companies should work to protect their branding materials (logo, names, taglines) with trademarks (if and when possible) and novel inventions with patents.
Cannabis’s status as a Schedule 1 Drug under the Controlled Substance Act (CSA) has created massive difficulties in a number of regulatory sectors for businesses in the industry. For our purposes, trademarks have been particularly burdened by their CSA classification and have proven to be challenging to acquire. Under trademark law, an individual/company cannot acquire a trademark on a good that cannot be legally sold in commerce. Of course, as an illegal substance, cannabis cannot legally be sold in commerce (at least at a federal level) and we must therefore develop creative and dynamic solutions to help companies acquire trademark rights.
To a large extent, the cannabis industry is so fascinating because of the people who have engineered and driven it. I will not get into too much detail but a client of ours had a particularly brilliant idea involving an agricultural tool to expedite the growing process of the cannabis plant. This client had a tremendous amount of experience in growing other vegetation, which he was able to call upon to develop a unique system specifically tailored to cannabis. We wish him a great deal of success.
Personally, I don’t use cannabis but as I alluded to earlier, I think it is absolutely critical that people who do choose to enjoy the plant are permitted to do so. Cannabis has tremendous heeling properties, both physical and mental, and I am supremely excited to be a part of an industry that has helped so many people in so many different ways.
While I have certainly received a few raised eyebrows when people learn about our firm’s specialty in cannabis law, the overwhelming amount of feedback we’ve received has been positive. Fortunately, the stigma of the lazy and inept stoner has been replaced with an appreciation for the very real and material industrial benefits the cannabis business has for individuals and States alike.
It is difficult to know with certainty when cannabis will be fully recreationally legal but there is no doubt that its legalization is inevitable. In the meantime, we expect to see an increasing number of states legalize cannabis, either medicinally or hopefully, recreationally.
We are often asked by our clients to supply them with a good counterargument to critics of cannabis legalization. It is crucial for both advocates and dissidents alike to remember that the key question is not whether or not one personally chooses to use cannabis, but rather as a matter of public policy; do we really want to throw people in jail for their choice to enjoy this gift from mother earth?
Photo: Toke Tank; Howard’s headshot provided by THC Legal Group
Have you ever worn a hemp t-shirt? They’re soft, comfy and more environmentally friendly to create; Cannabis Activist Clothing is one company providing kickass style while also spreading a positive, pro-cannabis message. They’re running a Kickstarter campaign to launch their products and gain more widespread awareness of cannabis activism and the benefits of hemp as a superior material. Read on for Dustin Kay, Co-Founder of Cannabis Activist Clothing’s insight into how hemp can change the future.
Dustin Kay, Co-Founder of Cannabis Activist Clothing
Cannabis Activist Clothing stylishly supports and brings attention to the benefits of cannabis/hemp without gimmicks. Cannabis Activist® is hemp activism in comfort and fashion. We outfit the cannabis enthusiast with fashionable ways to support and spread awareness of the superior resources of cannabis/hemp.
The idea for Cannabis Activist Clothing came to me after realizing the prohibition of cannabis is far more harmful than the resource itself. Despite its multitudes of ecological, economical and public benefits, there is still stigma surrounding cannabis brought about by almost a century of “reefer madness” propaganda. This disadvantaging stigma can only be broken by awareness. I created Cannabis Activist Clothing to be fashionable and comfortable styles of supporting and bringing attention to the safe, sustainable solutions of cannabis/hemp.
Hemp fiber creates very luxurious fabrics and has been developed into high quality materials such as fleece, twill, stretch knits and even silk. Our hemp blends have a look and feel unlike any typically used clothing fiber. Hemp fiber is soft and porous which retains color exceptionally well while maintaining a good look and cushy feel for a long time. It has been said that hemp doesn’t wear out, it wears in, providing a soft touch and comfortable look outlasting many other commonly used fibers by years.
Cannabis Activist strives to provide cannabis/hemp supporters with an easy and effective way to support hemp and spread awareness of cannabis in fashion. Cannabis Activist Clothing is a cannabis conversation starter which stylishly helps enlighten others to the safe, sustainable solutions of cannabis/hemp. Public awareness of the truth about cannabis/hemp is the key to legalization. Cannabis Activist Clothing spreads the cannabis message in style.
Being located in Utah has been challenging, yet one of the driving forces of my cannabis clothing campaign. The Utah public’s lack of awareness to the benefits of cannabis is staggering in this area, despite being neighbors with Colorado, however, there are a plethora of passionate and knowledgeable cannabis activists in this state. Whether I wear Cannabis Activist in Utah or elsewhere, I can always expect happy smiles and head nods from kids passing by on the sidewalk, or a friendly cannabis chat with the older couple in the grocery line. Cannabis Activist Clothing seems to have universal appeal even in the most conservative states I’ve been to.
I have been involved with many respectable and reputable hemp material suppliers for over a decade now. Our hemp fabrics are the finest in the industry. Our clothing is cut-and-sewn, tagged and dyed in the same factories major label apparel is made. I’ve also been a professional designer, screen printer and embroidery specialist in the Northern Utah area for over 15 years. I work with a phenomenal screen printing and embroidery company based in Ogden, Utah where I can personally oversee the printing, embroidery, quality and shipping of Cannabis Activist Clothing. We have a high quality policy we intend to continue.
I’ve very much enjoyed using cannabis over the years. Mr. Nice Guy and a strain called Huckleberry I picked up in Nor Cal years ago have been my all-time favorites. I like many kinds, but those two strains and I are rather fond of one another. I prefer kush over haze any day but I don’t discriminate!
I believe, as citizens, the key to supporting legalization is awareness. Spreading public awareness of the vast benefits of cannabis/hemp, being active in the movement and voting is the way toward liberation. When we educate others to the truth of cannabis and stand up united, there’s nothing we can’t accomplish. Cannabis Activist Clothing is also a stylish and effective way to be active in educating others and supporting cannabis legalization.
Cannabis has been part of my life for over two decades. It has been a helpful assistant, a critical thought-provoker and the creative catalyst to my life’s work. I whole heartedly believe cannabis has played a big part in defining me as an American and the freedom we stand for. It’s been the reason I’ve met some of my favorite people and the cannabis activists who inspired me to design this clothing line. It enhances my sense of compassion for others and the planet, and is an effective medicine for many ailments without harsh side effects. I’ve witnessed first-hand the medicinal powers of cannabis remarkably alleviate a child’s chronic seizures and an old man’s rheumatoid arthritis. Cannabis deserves the credit for the passionate cannabis activist that I am and will continue to be.
Following the success of our Kickstarter funding campaign, we will be producing a new hemp hoodie line, a beautiful hemp sundress line, along with men’s T’s, ladies T’s & V’s, tank tops, hats, long sleeves and tote bags all made with our high-quality hemp materials.
I would guess that marijuana will be federally legalized in the United States in approximately 8 years, granted we eventually elect a commander-and-chief smart enough economically and ecologically to support it. I recent read an article on Toke Tank explaining polls are showing a growing majority, well above 50% of Americans are in support of ending marijuana prohibition. If we don’t get a commander-in-chief in office who can influence and accommodate that demand, these politicians obviously aren’t working for the people.
After we fulfill our backer’s rewards following the success of our Kickstarter funding campaign, we plan to design new Big & Tall hemp clothing, new hemp jeans & cargos and launch a reusable hemp shopping bag campaign to help eliminate the pollution caused by plastic grocery bags.
When you make a pledge to the Cannabis Activist Clothing Kickstarter campaign, even if it’s just $1, you are helping create a highly fashionable hemp clothing line that will stylishly support and spread awareness of the safe, sustainable and renewable resources of cannabis/hemp. I leave it to you, the Cannabis Activists, to help us grow organically by liking, sharing and pledging to Cannabis Activist Clothing, and Be Heard Without Saying a Word.
Like Dustin, we at Toke Tank owe our passion, drive and cannabis activism to love of the plant itself. Hemp has the power to change the future. It is durable, renewable and environmentally sustainable; the plants mature to a full harvest within 120 days and don’t require harmful pesticides or dangerous fertilizers.
Check out more details about the benefits of hemp here. To learn more about Cannabis Activist Clothing, click here.
Photos: Cannabis Activist Clothing, Toke Tank
October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month and a cannabis industry company is stepping up in support.
Bloom Farms, a medical cannabis company based out of San Francisco, has just released a limited edition pink vape pen and vape cartridge in support of breast cancer awareness. The vape pen is a version of their award-winning Highlighter vape pen.
Bloom Farms has also donated $5000 to Susan G. Komen Circle of Promise. This initiative aims to counter the inequality in breast cancer survival amongst African American women. The Circle of Promise is a resource for women in the fight against breast cancer.
Bloom Farms’ Single Origin Reserve vape cartridges are made with 100% pure cannabis oil. Their newest cartridge feature a strain called Goddess, a limited edition strain.
Cannabis users are some of the most friendly, thoughtful and socially responsible people on the planet. Legal marijuana has only started to blossom and it is important for those in the budding industry to give back by supporting social causes such as breast cancer awareness month. Learn more about Bloom Farms here.
Photo: Unsplash, Evan Thompson
The best business people know that incorporating feedback into new projects can make your products even better than before. Roger Volodarsky, CEO of Puffco, contributes his entrepreneurial success to being a cannabis fan first, and an entrepreneur second. By targeting cannabis industry leaders and showing them their innovative products, they were able to gain traction and make a name for themselves. We recently chatted with him about what sets the Puffco Plus apart from other vapes and his thoughts staying ahead of the curve in the quickly moving cannabis industry. Continue reading Finding Your Purpose with Puffco’s Roger Volodarsky
Those wishing to eat local, source organic products and lower the environmental impact of their food have lots of options these days, but those wishing to source their marijuana with the same conscious mindset have a harder time finding a reliable product. Honest Marijuana in Colorado is one company paving the way for providing a greener green. We chatted with Anthony Franciosi from Honest Marijuana about how they are taking a more environmental approach to cannabis; read on to see what he had to say. Continue reading A Greener Green: Interview with Honest Marijuana’s Anthony Franciosi
We love connecting with other individuals who share our values and truly believe that cannabis can change the world. From medical values to recreational enjoyment, there are many ways that marijuana has helped increase the quality of life for its users.
We recently spoke with Chef Melissa Parks, Executive Chef of VERT Edibles and author of Herb: Mastering the Art of Cooking with Cannabis about her new products, thoughts on the industry and personal reasons for cannabis consumption. Here’s what she had to say about how she got into the business, and where she sees it headed in the future. Continue reading Connecting Food, Science and Medicine with Chef Melissa Parks
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