Oregon’s marijuana laws and regulations are undergoing rapid change, making it hard to keep up, even for the most astute, attentive observer. It is part of my job to stay up-to-date on the latest developments, so I know first-hand how difficult it is. I also know that I’m not alone as I discuss changes and potential changes virtually daily with activist and industry colleagues. These important, rapid changes are just a few of the reasons why you should purchase your early-bird tickets for the Oregon Medical Marijuana Business Conference (OMMBC) by this Friday, before prices go up. You have until 11:59:59pm this Friday to pay $299 for the conference, before tickets go up $100.

The Oregon Medical Marijuana Program (OMMP) went through several important changes this past legislative session, some good, some bad, while the Oregon cannabis industry welcomed the huge news that the state had released the rules and regulations regarding the early start of cannabis sales to non-patient adults on October 1st. Rules have changed or will change for medical growers, patients, processors and dispensaries. I haven’t even gotten to the recreational marijuana regulations being developed by the Oregon Liquor Control Commission (OLCC) through the agency’s main Rules Advisory Committee (RAC) and subcommittees following Oregon’s historic Measure 91 legalization campaign.

The OMMBC features experts in the field of marijuana law, from the local level to the Halls of Congress. Attorneys Leland Berger and Paul Loney have a vast amount of experience representing the Oregon cannabis community and industry. Attendees will get the latest information on local control issues as some cities and counties have implemented reasonable time, place and manner regulations while others have banned marijuana businesses outright.

I, as an OLCC RAC member, will provide the latest information regarding OLCC recreational rules, as will others with expertise in various fields. Senator Floyd Prozanski and Representative Ann Lininger will provide an update on state legislation and provide a peak into where the Oregon Legislature will be headed. Renowned tax attorney and IRS 280e expert, Henry Wykowski, will be on hand to provide great information on what is deductible on your federal tax returns. And the one and only Congressman Earl Blumenauer will have the latest on federal law and let us know where he sees Congress taking cannabis law in the upcoming years.

In addition to the great information provided by attorneys, politicians and experts, the OMMBC gives entrepreneurs the opportunity to learn from each other and network in fun, engaging settings. Great music and comedy have been staples of the OMMBC and this year won’t be any different. The downtown Portland Hilton provides a great venue for this event and I am confident that everyone will have a fun, informative time. I know that the economy is tough, but $299 is really a bargain to be able to pick the brain and network with some of the best minds in the cannabis industry and marijuana politics. Get your tickets by Friday and save yourself some bucks! Hope to see you there!

Anthony Johnson

Anthony, a longtime cannabis law reform advocate, was Chief Petitioner and co-author of Measure 91, Oregon's cannabis legalization effort. He served as director of both the New Approach Oregon and Vote Yes on 91 PACs, the political action committees responsible for the state's legalization campaign. As director of New Approach Oregon, Anthony continues to work towards effectively implementing the cannabis legalization system while protecting small business owners and the rights of patients. He sits on the Oregon Marijuana Rules Advisory Committee and fights for sensible rules at the legislature as well as city councils and county commissions across the state. Anthony helps cannabis business comply with Oregon's laws and advises advocates across the country. He also serves as content director of both the International Cannabis Business Conference and the Oregon Marijuana Business Conference, helping share the vision of moving the cannabis industry forward in a way that maintains the focus on keeping people out of prison and protecting patients. He was a member of the Oregon Health Authority Rules Advisory Committee, assisting the drafting of the administrative rules governing Oregon’s state-licensed medical marijuana facilities. He first co-authored and helped pass successful marijuana law reform measures while a law student at the University of Missouri-Columbia School of Law. He passed the Oregon Bar in 2005 and practiced criminal defense for two years before transitioning to working full-time in the political advocacy realm. His blogs on Marijuana Politics are personal in nature and don't speak for or reflect the opinions of any group or organization.