Fall Harvest Means Cannabis Testing Laboratories Running at Full Capacity

Posted on by The Queen of Clovers
This guest article was provided by Kaylei Conor, a writer on the legal cannabis landscape.

EVIO Labs across the country prepare for farmers bounty.

Author – Kaylei Conor (@kayleiconor)

September means football season for fans who love the NFL and NCAA, and it also means back to school for millions of college students. In recent years, September has also come to mean that it’s harvest season for the nation’s newest legal cash crops: Cannabis.

It wasn’t that long ago that the only data generated from the annual fall cannabis harvest was that of arrest records published by law enforcement and photo-ops of thousands of cannabis plants seized by the DEA.  This year, Wall Street research analysts will have their eyes glued on the results of this year’s coast-to-coast cannabis harvest like never before, as more and more cannabis and cannabis-related deals are trading on public exchanges for investors to take advantage of what is arguably the fastest growing agricultural sector in the world. Continue reading Fall Harvest Means Cannabis Testing Laboratories Running at Full Capacity

First Ever African-American Owned Cannabis Grow Opens in Nevada

Posted on by The Queen of Clovers

As Nevada’s recreational marijuana market begins to mature, the state is seeing a massive amount of demand for weed – they are even struggling to keep it on the pot shop shelves! One new enterprise is in the “City of Lights” is GFive Cultivation, the first ever African-American owned and operated cannabis cultivation operation licensed in Nevada. It’s breaking new ground in the industry and officially starting their first harvest.

Created by childhood friends Larry Smith and Shawn Holman, GFive Cultivation is a family-owned and operated lifestyle brand that specializes in providing ethically grown premium grade medical marijuana. The “green” product will sell in licensed dispensaries and production facilities in the Las Vegas area. Additionally, mogul Damon Dash joined the company to provide strategic marketing initiatives to promote growth and build visibility.

“Although new and emerging, we’re entering the Green Rush, not for us, but for our community,” states Founder and CEO, Larry Smith. “GFive is not only a company but a family building a business enterprise and creating a lasting legacy for the next generation. For our community far and near, we want to provide a positive outlook to the community and exercise financial freedom, legally.”

Officially growing now, GFive Cultivation will produce more than 20 strains including Gorilla Glue Gelato, Platinum Girl Scout Cookies, Kimber Kosher and Panama Red in customized packages to all licensed dispensaries.

Learn more about their operations here.

Photos: G Five Cultivation

Edibles, Made with Love [Spotlight on Love’s Oven]

Posted on by The Queen of Clovers

It’s all about connection.

Edibles are hot in the cannabis market right now, since they provide endless ways to get high without smoking. From beverages like High Tea to even chocolate bars, it seems like the sky really is the limit! In this article, we share Love’s Oven’s unique story, as told by one who knows it best, Peggy Moore.

What is your name and title?

Peggy Moore, Partner at Love’s Oven

How / Why did you get into the cannabis industry?

My father-in-law suffered from Alzheimer’s and my Mom has epilepsy.   Seeing the amazing relief and effects this plant can have on people is what initially got me interested in the industry.  Then in 2011 an opportunity became available to be part of Love’s Oven and I decided that this industry could be an opportunity for me to help others as well as to put to use my 33 years of health insurance experience in a small business environment.

What do you like most about cannabis?

The thing that I enjoy the most about cannabis is how it brings people together.  It’s an industry and culture that connects passionate people.  What’s beautiful is when you’re at a cannabis related event and seeing people from all different backgrounds coming together in one space.  It’s all about connection.

What sets Love’s Oven apart from its competitors?

At this point I believe all of our competitors are making great products.  What we really strive for is making sure that we consistently are above the bar when it comes to quality assurance and compliance.  We have an entire Quality Assurance team in place at Love’s Oven who have developed and implement our Good Manufacturing Practices and Food Safety programs as well as other programs such as HACCP and OSHA.

How do you ensure that your products are the best they can be?

At Love’s Oven we are hyper critical of the quality of product that is shipped from our facility.  Every individual product is physically and visually inspected by one of our employees before it is packaged.  In addition to these inspection points every individual piece is placed into its own sealed wrapper to ensure freshness and combat any outside elements from reaching the product before the consumer opens it.  We also have a program where we “secret shop” our own products at the store level and buy them back and we conduct additional quality assurance tests on those products to make sure they meet our standards even after they leave our facility.

Do you have any customers who want to try edibles for the first time?

We’ve been fortunate to have some pretty good local and national media exposure over the years and it’s inevitable whenever a story runs about us we always receive calls from customers who want to try our products for various reasons.  Our biggest thing with first time edible users is know your limits…  The tagline we created at Cannabis Business Alliance during an educational campaign we were running for edibles is Start Low – Go Slow.  That means start out with a very low dosage of THC and wait to feel the effects (up to two hours) before you take anymore!

What is the Cannabis Business Alliance and what role do you play in it?

I am the Executive Chair for the Cannabis Business Alliance (CBA) which is an industry leading resource and trade association for business owners. We advocate for sensible and collaborative public policy that protects employees, patients, and clients of the medical and retail marijuana industry. We promote values that enhance the emerging cannabis industry’s role in the state’s business economy, build respect for the industry in the communities we serve, and support client and patient access, education, and safety.

Do you enjoy using cannabis? If so, what is your favorite strain?

I’ve been known to use our products on occasion!  It’s a great alternative to a couple glasses of wine after a long day of work as well as a fun addition to anything adventurous.  As far as strains go I’m a big fan of the indica strains for relaxing and I’d have to say my favorite at the moment is Northern Lights.

How do you like to customize your marijuana experience?

When I use cannabis it’s usually to relax.  Typically, that involves shutting out all distractions (no screens of any kind…phone, computer, iPad, TV, etc.) and enjoying the company I am with.

What is your favorite of Love’s Oven products?

Our Rosemary Cheddar Crackers are absolutely my favorite.  They are amazing as a snack on their own or mixed in your favorite soup.

How has marijuana helped define who you are?

Cannabis has really given me that opportunity to go after that “second career” that I’ve always wanted.  My first career was very rewarding and successful but this allows me to really pursue my passions and be a creator and innovator.

Additionally, Love’s Oven is a true family business.  My partners in the company are two of my sons, Joshua and Walter and my sister, Teresa.  I never dreamed that I would own a marijuana business with my boys and sister but it’s really brought an already strong family bond even closer together.

How have you dealt with canna-bias throughout the years?

I’d say the best way to deal with “canna-bias” is communication.  The biggest part of that communication is listening and being open to why someone might be biased.  You never know what kind of story they may have but be willing to listen and really care about what they have to say.

What products have you most recently released?

Love’s Oven has recently gone through a full re-branding exercise with new logo and packaging graphics.  With that we “revamped” some of our product offerings by adding on a couple of new high CBD products on both the medical and adult use side.  We also launched our concentrate company called Concentrated Love which produces shatter, wax, CBD sap, rosin, live resin, etc…  In the very near future be on the lookout for a line of Love’s Oven “Sweets” (gummies and confections) and “Chocolates”.

Where can people find your products?

Love’s Oven is fortunate enough to be distributed throughout Colorado through both medical and adult use stores.  Without our great customers we wouldn’t be here so a big shout out and thank you to everyone who stocks Love’s Oven.  And…if you don’t have Love’s Oven on the shelves yet give us a shout and we’ll show you some Love!

In your opinion, what is the biggest benefit to legalized marijuana?

I’d like to comment on two of the biggest benefits.  Legalized marijuana has, as reports show, greatly reduced the black market which has a whole host of benefits.  Additionally, the other big benefit is quality.  Consumers are getting a much better product nowadays…and who doesn’t love that!?

What do you believe the future of marijuana holds?

Expansion and acceptance.  I think we need to keep our lines of communication with our community, city, state and federal leaders and work with them to show that legalized marijuana is an amazing thing.  With that, as we saw in the past November elections, we will continue to see states and municipalities legalizing marijuana.

What are you working on next?

Love’s Oven is working on expanding into other markets.  We’re working on expanding (cautiously) into Oregon, California and Nevada…hope to see you out there!

Is there anything else you would like to share?

Maybe just our new tagline…which we think is appropriate when making any decisions (especially what kind of edible to try): Choose Wisely – Choose Love

Learn more about Love’s Oven here on their website.

 

Photos: Toke Tank, Love’s Oven

MMJ: Precision Dosing with Ardent

Posted on by The Queen of Clovers

I love that we are finally beginning to see mainstream patients turn to cannabis a legitimate option.

Cooking with cannabis is fun, enjoyable and many times, medically necessary, but how do you know you are doing it correctly? With weed science being something that not everyone is an expert in, we’re glad to see companies like Ardent filling the void. Keep reading to learn more about Shanel Lindsay, Founder and President of Ardent, and Co-Founder and Co-Chair of the Northeast Cannabis Coalition.

What is your name and title?

Shanel Lindsay, Esq., Founder and President of Ardent

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How / Why did you get into the cannabis industry?

I’ve been a medical marijuana patient for more than 15 years, and consistently struggled to dose accurately with my medicine. I eventually began testing my material in the laboratory, and was amazed to discover the loss that occurs when using kitchen tools to make cannabis medicine. I realized I could develop a technology to help any patients to consume cannabis in the right dosage and form they were seeking. That’s when I created the decarboxylator. It allows patients to transform the plant into an accurate therapy at the touch of a button. With a streamlined, precision device, the patient gets peace of mind knowing that this important has been done correctly and the ability to make any cannabis product at a fraction of the cost.

What do you like most about cannabis?

The positive health benefits of course; the fact that consuming cannabis helps people with both chronic and short term illnesses. I also love that we are finally beginning to see mainstream patients turn to cannabis a legitimate option.

We’ve heard great things about Ardent and your new decarboxylator. Can you tell us more about it? How does it work? Why is decarboxylation important for cannabis consumers?

Decarboxylation refers to the process of converting raw cannabis into its active bioavailable form, and it’s a critical step for administration.  Done with imprecise tools (like the oven or the crockpot) wastes around 30% of the available medicine, costing patients a ton of money and making accurate dosing impossible. Our decarboxylator uses dual precision sensors, a fully encapsulating heating core and decarb algorithm to deliver precise, permeating heating cycles that perfectly activate flower, kief, trim, or concentrate. Patients save money and have a simple, discreet way to make any cannabis product, including edibles, topicals, and sublingual therapies.

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Do you enjoy using cannabis? If so, what is your favorite strain?

Absolutely. On the uplifting, energetic side my favorites are Sour Tangie, Dream Queen, Clementine, Stardawg.  For pain and inflammation I steer towards Kosher Kush, OG Kush and Cookies strains.

How do you like to customize your marijuana experience?

I like to incorporate my cannabis therapy into an overall health and wellness plan. I pair my medicine with different dietary elements in order to enhance the effects. I like fresh made edibles, so I often decarb flower or kief in the morning so I can blend mix it in with my meals throughout the day.

How has marijuana helped define who you are?

Cannabis, and really the fact that it has been illegal and so stigmatized has for sure shaped who I am.  I saw early on that I was going to have to develop a thick skin and fighting spirit to defend my own freedom and push to change the perceptions around this amazing plant.  Becoming a professional and parent, it was hurtful not only to be judged for cannabis use, but to see the devastating effects of the racially and socioeconomically biased war on drugs. But there is an overwhelming joy in this struggle, when that change is made, and you can see firsthand people taking control of their health, and for some, finding relief when there was no hope left. In a deeper sense, it has shown me the fallacy in judging or condemning things before fully understanding them.

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What is the Northeast Cannabis Coalition? What part do you take in the group?

I am Co-Founder and Co-Chair of the Northeast Cannabis Coalition, and we are a group of cannabis business owners who are dedicated to ensuring that cannabis legalization rolls out the right way, both in Massachusetts and as adult use spreads across the Northeast. We are focused on empowering small business owners and entrepreneurs, providing them opportunities to network, expand their businesses, and connect with funding sources.  Our Startup High entrepreneur and investor showcase was the first of its kind in Massachusetts and we are excited for this year’s event as well as focused development sessions we are hosting for entrepreneurs in the space.

How have you dealt with canna-bias throughout the years?

Science and data.  People fear or ridicule cannabis most often because they are uninformed. You’d be surprised how quickly just one data point or study can begin to open a skeptic’s mind to the possibilities.

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In your opinion, what is the biggest benefit to legalized marijuana?

Safety, access and equity. When cannabis is illegal, there are no protections for patients, many of whom are often already very sick.  With legal cannabis comes standards and the ability to access the variety necessary to determine the right material and administration method for the patient or the person using for wellness. Legalizing cannabis begins to dismantle the biased enforcement mechanism, an important step toward true equality in civil rights.

Tell us a little about the Massachusetts Patients Advocacy Alliance.

MPAA is the primary stakeholder for the Massachusetts medical cannabis program. The MPAA represents a coalition of cannabis patients, providers, and organizations that worked to pass Question 3 to legalize medical marijuana in 2012. MPAA fights for implementation of MA’s medical marijuana program, and is on the front lines advocating for patient access both at the state and level. The executive leadership and our advisory board works with a base of over 15,000 supporters to impact safe access through educational endeavors and direct advocacy with elected officials and in cities and towns across the state.

In your opinion, how has the recent trends in the recreational cannabis industry affected medical marijuana patients?

We bear the huge responsibility of protecting medical patients and the medical program as we move towards adult use. The two programs (medical vs. adult use for health and wellness) absolutely need to remain separate.  For patients, accessing tax-free medicine is critical, and there are certain strains and products that medical patients need that aren’t commercially popular. A safe space for patients will always be crucial, and we as an industry need to advocate for those protections.

What do you believe the future of marijuana holds?

While it’s tough to say what will happen on the federal level, there was an overwhelming and very public acceptance of cannabis last election day.  More people are understanding the hypocrisy of prohibition and realizing the potential of cannabis and hemp.  There is no going back once a person is personally impacted, so I expect we will continue to see a strong focus and interest on cannabis legalization and advocacy efforts throughout the nation.

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What are you working on next?

We are expanding to better serve demand, both in the U.S. and abroad. Launching our line of consumables is also top priority. Patients are constantly contacting us, especially requesting the sublingual administration methods, which to me are one of our most exciting developments.

Learn more about Ardent here on their website.

 

Photos: Courtesy of Ardent

Lighting the Cannabis Industry Afire – Spotlight on Joshua Haupt

Posted on by The Queen of Clovers

[The cannabis industry] is going to be massive; a major game changer.

Medical cannabis has been transforming people’s lives for longer than we can count; the history of marijuana use goes as far back as the Ancient Egyptians, possibly even earlier. We know you love hearing about the journeys of successful cannabis industry players, so read on for a look into the story of Joshua de Best Haupt, author of Three A Light, to learn why he got started in the world of weed, hear about his products and find out how it’s transformed his life so far. Continue reading Lighting the Cannabis Industry Afire – Spotlight on Joshua Haupt

Cranberries with Rum-Soaked Raisins, Toasted Pine Nuts and Canna-Applejack [Danksgiving]

Posted on by The Queen of Clovers

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]

Fearless Female Fashion Accessories: Spotlight on Erbanna

Posted on by The Queen of Clovers

“I went on a quest to find something with a better design aesthetic, feminine, odor-controlled and that didn’t scream ‘I’m carrying marijuana!’ but it simply did not exist.  So I decided to make it.”

There is a shortage of stylish smoking accessories for women; especially ones that help you stay discreet. Many women love to enjoy cannabis, especially since it helps reduce stress on a hectic day. For those who want to enjoy the benefits of marijuana without anyone noticing the strong smell of their weed, Erbanna is for you. Why did Erbanna create fashionable products for women in the weed world? Read on for a look into the company from the Owner and Founder of Erbanna, Ann Shuch. Continue reading Fearless Female Fashion Accessories: Spotlight on Erbanna

CBD for Health and Wellness: Spotlight on Kannaway

Posted on by The Queen of Clovers

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

THC Legal Group: Slaying Stigmatization & Protecting Cannabis Business

Posted on by The Queen of Clovers

“Personally, I don’t use cannabis, but I think it is absolutely critical that people who do choose to enjoy the plant are permitted to do so…The cannabis industry is exploding with passion and excitement and we love helping these amazing entrepreneurs fulfill their dreams.”

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.

What is your name and title?

Howard Cohn, Managing Partner of THC Legal Group

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How did you get started practicing cannabis law?

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.

What states do you practice in, and what is a brief overview of the cannabis laws there?

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.

Why are you representing the cannabis industry?

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.

Why do you think it’s important for cannabis companies to have adequate legal representation?

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.

What would you say is the best way for businesses in the cannabis industry to protect their intellectual property?

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.

Have you ran into any big hurdles regarding current cannabis laws?

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.

If you can share, what is the most interesting case you’ve had?

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.

What makes you passionate about cannabis?

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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.

Have you encountered canna-bias in the workplace or your personal life, and what steps have you taken to overcome it?

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.

Where do you see the cannabis industry headed in the future?

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.

Is there anything else you would like to share?

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

Hooray for Hemp: Spreading Awareness through Cannabis Activist Clothing

Posted on by The Queen of Clovers

“[Cannabis] has been a helpful assistant, a critical thought-provoker and the creative catalyst to my life’s work.”

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.

What is your name and title?

Dustin Kay, Co-Founder of Cannabis Activist Clothing

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What sets Cannabis Activist Clothing apart from its competitors?

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.

How / Why did you get into the cannabis clothing industry?

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.

What makes hemp a better clothing material?

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.

How does your company support cannabis/hemp legalization?

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.

What challenges do you face being located in Utah, a state where cannabis is still illegal?

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.

How do you ensure that your products are the best they can be?

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.

Do you enjoy using cannabis? If so, what is your favorite strain?

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!

What can we do as citizens to help support legalization?

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.

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How has cannabis helped define who you are?

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.

What products are you about to release?

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.

What year would you guess marijuana will be federally legalized in the United States?

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.

What are you working on next?

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.

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Is there anything else you would like to share?

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