The Marijuana Conference 2010 was an interesting one. It was the first ever investors conference for the cannabis industry. It was an interesting mix of activists, entrepreneurs and investors. See http://www.themarijuanaconference.com.
The room was packed — over 200 people — and the information was pretty solid. Lots of information not only about dispensaries and growing medicine, but also about all sorts of ancillary services — bottles to put medicine in, insurance for dispensaries, public relations etc. It is very interesting to see the development of this new economy which has the potential to be massive, and good to see some mainstream NY investors showing interest.
It really seems like one of the keys to ending the marijuana prohibition is going to be the development of the cannabis economy. There are going to be some legitimate marijuana millionaires made in the next decade or two. Right now it is a hybrid economy — partially legal and partially not, with various activities being riskier than others.
The potential rewards for those willing to take some risk (seems like pretty modest risk right now, but that could change) could be significant.
Back in the 80’s I thought it would be a great idea to bring in a Jamaican Rasta grower and hook in with an Amish farmer. Maybe the time for such fun has come.
Seriously though – How much better would it be to have the Amish grow pot instead of tobacco?
I think it would be transfering evil to good at Biblical proportion.