If you’re a frequent reader of Cashinbis, you already know that we aren’t a publication who regurgitates information and news articles; rather, we are focused on learning from the leaders themselves, the people who are embedded in this industry and are looking at this from the ground floor up. With this in mind harnessed with our own due diligence, we have pinpointed the top 8 bottlenecks of our growing industry.

8. Consumer Perception

How cannabis and hemp are perceived is a relevant setback to our industry. Although the stigma has quickly been diminishing, there is definitely a long way to go in terms of educating our national and world culture about the plant, it’s purpose, and how it can make an impact in the medical, entertainment, and even the manufacturing spaces. What it all comes down to is education. We need to move forward from where we are with a united goal to educate and enlighten our population about what cannabis and hemp really is. Doing such will open doubters’ eyes to see past the false knowledge and stigma that’s been ingrained into us for years.

What it all comes down to is education.

7. Ability to Scale

As our industry grows, the demand for legal supply will explode! As we’ve seen with Colorado passing, they had higher demand than they had supply, and that was a problem. It is the hottest commodity in the market and more are interested in cannabis either medically or recreationally; therefore, we need to be able to fine-tune our processes and focus on sustainability as the green rush epidemic spreads nationwide.

6. Banking

You’ve seen it in the news and if you’re an entrepreneur in this space, you’ve experienced it first-hand with the teller at the bank. Banking institutions are not friendly towards cannabis-related businesses and often do not accept their application to apply for an account. Businesses are commerce, and commerce needs cash flow and traditional services that a bank may lend. Without having the financial security and support of a bank, our industry’s growth is limited.

Without having the financial security and support of a bank, our industry’s growth is limited.

5. Laws

As simple as it sounds, everyone knows this to be true. State laws, city laws, individual consumptions laws, laws dictating whether or not you can grow your own medical supply… It’s endless and ever-inhibiting! The growing process is not a collection of successful first tries, we need to experiment with what works and implement a lasting structure that will empower our industry to grow.

4. Distribution

Distribution goes hand in hand with the need for laws that unite across state lines. With our current industry, manufacturers are not allowed to send their products out across state borders. What this means is that instead of the standard distribution model that we see in other industries, businesses in this particular realm are having to replicate their model, factory, and products in each legal state; which is by no means efficient to growth. We need a centralized system.

3. Regulation

Our industry needs a standard of regulatory practices in order to maintain consumer safety, ensure proper and quality manufacturing practices, and gain the respect as a fully functioning respectable industry. Right now, we are still in the trail phases and as with any other industry, we are in need of a standard of doing business to ensure the success of a positive future for cannabis.

2. Medical Research

It hasn’t been since recently that the medical field began taking a curious notice in the cannabis plant. For years, institutions and research facilities have repeatedly denied doctors and researchers from looking into the medical benefits in cannabis and its hundreds of compounds. Although it is changing as more reputable facilities are doing their part in the research and development of the plant, we still have a stretch of land before us that we need to cover and delve into to really recognize the medical breakthroughs that the plant itself enables.

For years, institutions and research facilities have repeatedly denied doctors and researchers from looking into the medical benefits in cannabis and its hundreds of compounds.

1. Federal Legalization

And this is what it all boils down to: Getting our federal government to re-legalize cannabis and open the doors to the future of the cannabis industry. The prohibition needs to be lifted in order for our businesses to reach their full potential. When the federal government is onboard with us, it will allow our endeavors to live and breath without the fear of being shut down and reprimanded.

These points are the 8 bottlenecks that we have seen to be the ‘caps’ that are holding back the growth of our industry. So, as we see the above change and/or come into existence, expect to see a flourishing industry in our future.

Image source: Marco Piuri

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Buy tickets: http://buytickets.at/061313/r/cashinbis

The Marijuana Investor Summit 2015 is an opportunity to learn about the legal cannabis and hemp markets, educate ourselves about investing in the industry, and participate a half-day bootcamp as either an investor or entrepreneur. Right now, we have the first mover’s advantage, but with states rapidly legalizing and public perception changing before our very eyes, that opportunity is going to quickly vanish into a growing market. The time to surround yourself with successful leaders who are spearheading the ‘green rush’ and getting to learn from the best of the best is now. This 3-day event is about diving headfirst into the market and taking full advantage of this unique opportunity to make your mark in history.

When we say you’ll be learning from the best of the best, we know what we’re talking about, we’ve interviewed them. Let’s refresh our intellect:

David Friedman

Marijuana Investor News, Publisher

“The key to success is failure. Any good entrepreneur will tell you that they learned from failure, not success. So, somewhere along the way, we all have to fail. We can’t be afraid to admit that and we have to then move on. The worst thing you can do in any relationship, business or personal, is hold on too long. It makes a bad situation worse and everyone loses in the end.”

Read more: Outsourced CFO Raising Capital for Cannabis Companies

Randy Shipley

CannaFundr.com, Founder & CEO

“Work hard and don’t be afraid to bootstrap your company. If, as an entrepreneur, you can build a company to a stage where you have a product and customers that are buying it, it is far easier to raise capital at a much better valuation. You also have to be aware of your strengths and your weaknesses and build a team of founders/partners that offset any weaknesses you have. Investors will invest in strong teams that have an ability to execute across the many various functions of the business – so make sure you have your bases covered.”

Read more: Connecting Accredited Investors to Cannabis Entrepreneurs

Morgan Paxhia

Poseidon Asset Management, Founding Partner & Chief Investor

“Raising money is both an art and science. For many entrepreneurs, this is their first major sale for that particular venture. Investors are looking for strong management teams, tenacious drive, and a product/vision that is unmet in the market. Timing and valuation are also important aspects to consider.”

Read more: Investing with Passion and Integrity in the the Next Great Industry

Emily Paxhia

Poseidon Asset Management, Founding Partner & Director of Relations

“You have to be a little crazy to be an entrepreneur because, from a rational perspective, it is a wild undertaking; However, you have to be grounded and clear on what needs to happen to get the business to the next level. If unsure, an entrepreneur should have the ability to put the ego aside and seek mentorship or support. “

Read more: Investing with Passion and Integrity in the the Next Great Industry

Alan Brochstein

420 Investor & 420 Funders, Founder

“Entrepreneurs have the opportunity to gain as a new legal industry is built. Consumers should end up with a higher quality, safer, and more standardized product. It’s this alignment of pragmatic reasons with an easy-to-embrace philosophical choice for most Americans that suggests to me a revolution is ahead for this industry.”

Read more: 420 Investor: Capitalizing on Cannabis

Thomas Quigley

Florida Cannabis Coalition, CEO

“Any number of things will happen over the next few years that could accelerate cannabis sales. The loosening of banking regulations could lead to a feeding frenzy from the larger financial firms who have been waiting on the sidelines. That could set off a string of high value IPOs. Medical breakthroughs will attract the attention of the soon to be TRILLION dollar health care industry. Right now, we’re going to focus on building a few hundred $50M companies.”

Read more: The Common Bond of Cannabis

Cashinbis is the growing collection of voices of the mavericks, the leaders, and the ground-breakers of this industry. So, if you’re serious about this space and believe in investing and being a part of this movement, we look forward to shaking hands with you at the Marijuana Investor Summit 2015!

Image source: Brian Papantonio

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It was only a matter of years ago when the cannabis industry was shunned to extreme depths and now, in the United States, we have 23 states legalized for medical cannabis and 5 states legalized for medical and recreational use. If this isn’t an indicator of how unbelievably fast this industry is coming to the forefront of our culture… I’m not for sure what else would be. Maybe the fact that for the first time in history, small business owners are having the opportunity to take a stab at the market without the fear of mega-corporations stepping in and wiping them out. Maybe it’s the fact that researchers and scientists alike are now recognizing the undeniable benefits of the cannabis plant and how it can be used to treat various diseases. Maybe, just maybe it’s the fact that through education, awareness, and inspiration this industry is breaking through the grip of stigma that has been suffocating it for so long.

Maybe the fact that for the first time in history, small business owners are having the opportunity to take a stab at the market without the fear of mega-corporations stepping in and wiping them out.

Whatever the case may be, the cannabis industry is an opportunity and it won’t be long until mega-corporations are released from abiding by federal restrictions and not getting involved. As an entrepreneur, this is your chance! This industry is your platform for finding new aspiration, making a difference, and being a part of history that will be taught in schools in the future. We interview new entrepreneurs every week and are nothing short of inspired by the paths they’ve taken to get here. Some have been part of the industry for decades, while some have come into this from other career paths. Whatever the story may be, these entrepreneurs, investors, and leaders are the very people who are scaling this industry to its projected size.

If you are an entrepreneur in this amazing space, you know this. We aren’t telling you anything remarkably new. You know that every move you make is a direct effect on the future success of your endeavor. Entrepreneurship is about failing and persevering, creating and excelling, living out a passion and creating value in your respective industry. This industry is a collection of intellects, inventors and craftsmen, and at Cashinbis, we are dedicated to showcasing the best of the best. Our mission is to educate, inspire, and accelerate the industry by highlighting leaders like you. Now is your time to make an impact! The industry is still in its infancy stage which allows you the limitless potential to do something great, to add value, and to grow your brand awareness.

Cashinbis is respected for its engaging approach to highlighting businesses in a new light and has been called the “Forbes of the Cannabis Industry.” In order to legitimize the legal cannabis space, we have to prove to the naysayers that we are passionate, conscious, and brilliant leaders. We have to invest in ourselves, our businesses, and tell the story of our products so we can take advantage of the unsaturated space that now exists. Everyone grows up and this industry will be no different. Take the upper-hand of the first-mover advantage that’s been granted to you and get to work! Focus on what it is you’re doing and don’t deviate. Play on your resources and network to expand your reach; invest in getting your brand out to the masses. Now is the time to make an impact and be a chapter in the history books that will be printed in years to come!

Our mission is to provide you the platform to do just that. We scour the legal states for the type of people we know are going to be part of that history lesson. We reach out to those individuals whose voices have yet to be heard, but need to be. We believe in those who believe in investing in themselves and their endeavors. Why do you do what you do? Where is your passion derived from? Is your business offering something to the community that you need to reach the masses?

We reach out to those individuals whose voices have yet to be heard, but need to be.

The industry as it is now is a whirlwind. It’s a breathtaking experience that continues to evolve, but when the smoke clears, who will be the leaders of the industry? Whose brand will be respected as the ‘it’ brand? Investors and entrepreneurs alike are clamoring to get involved, so our advice to you is this – Believe in yourself, believe in your product, and invest in your brand! Create value and dedicate your resources to taking your message to the headlines, to the forefront, and there you will find yourself as one of the key leaders of this industry!

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A New Leaf: The End of Cannabis Prohibition

by Alyson Martin (2014)

“I’m going to be completely honest with you, this is the only book I read in 2014. It was written by two journalists and is really the first book that explores this new landscape; it talks about Allison Holcomb in Washington and it talks about the developments here on the ground in Colorado. They reported from every state with a medical cannabis law, had real in-depth interviews with not only business owners, but also patients, growers, and doctors. It’s an analysis of how all these recent milestones have not only made cannabis legal, but have affected the whole war on drugs, both domestically and internationally! So, it’s definitely a must-read!”

Read more from this entrepreneur: Jane West, Women Grow and Edible Events Co.

Healing the Hopeless

by Dr. Max Gerson (2002)

“I think it’s a book that anyone can read and really learn a great deal from. It’s about food and where it comes from nowadays and why it’s so important to grow food that is natural and organic, as well know what’s in the other products that you’re using daily, like deodorant. People need to know what’s in these types of products and why it’s so important to know what you’re putting on and in your body. Cannabis is mentioned in there as well and it talks about how it has helped many people with their particular ailments. People don’t have to suffer; There is natural relief out there for people. This book shows how people that are diagnosed with an illness can reverse their disease. It stresses how you need to get your body back to a state in which your immune system can actually fight the disease. I’m not going to say that chemo and radiation is a bad thing, but I’ve seen the harm that it’s capable of and I don’t believe it’s the right treatment for everyone and this book shows an alternative way.”

Read more from this entrepreneur: Andrew Stevens, Grow and Nourish, LLC

Humboldt: Life on America’s Marijuana Frontier

by Emily Brady (2013)

“I ended up finishing Humboldt in one sitting and then immediately after that, I went out and found a ton of other books to read and videos to watch and really just did my research. I just remember clearly that it was that specific weekend when I had the realization, bought those books, and got started!”

Read more from this entrepreneur: Dane Pieri, Marvina

Marihuana: A Signal of Misunderstanding

by G G Nahas and A Greenwood (1972)

“…was a pivotal document for me to finally obtain and read. These were the findings of Richard Nixon’s blue ribbon panel on marijuana. It shows the fact that we knew that the propaganda and hysteria was unfounded when we started the drug war. I first read of this in 1993 and it really galvanized my opposition to this senseless prohibition.”

Read more from this entrepreneur: John Davis, Northwest Patient Resource Center

Lighting Up Profits: Understanding Greenhouse Lighting

By: Erik Runkle (2004)

“Lighting Up Profits: Understanding Greenhouse Lighting by Erik Runkle is a fantastic resource for (new and seasoned) growers. Erik is one of our many mentors and has been generous enough to proof the technical information we post on our website. Although this book is written for the professional greenhouse grower, it is an excellent resource for residential growers as well as a ‘must read’ if you are serious about your craft.”

Read more from this entrepreneur: Chris Pieser, Chameleon Grow Systems

Smoke Signals, A Social History of Marijuana – Medical, Recreational and Scientific

by Martin A. Lee (2012)

“As far as recommendations for professionals in the cannabis industry, I’d recommend Smoke Signals, A Social History of Marijuana – Medical, Recreational and Scientific by Martin A. Lee as a good historical overview of the co-evolution of man and the miraculous cannabis plant.”

Read more from this entrepreneur: David Rheins, MJBA

The Emperor Wears No Clothes

by Jack Here (2010)

“Oh, I have a book that is not something you should just put on your list, but is REQUIRED reading for anyone who is interested in or consumes cannabis or Industrial Hemp goods and food. Go grab it off the bookshelf, it’s called The Emperor Wears No Clothes and is by the legendary founders of the industry, Jack Herer and Chris Conrad. It is the story of prohibition accompanied by copies of all the historical documents that Jack and Chris dug out of the National Archive. They are the ones who exposed everything that we currently know about cannabis and hemp to the public and really inspired the beginning of the movement that we now know today as the Green Rush!”

Read more from this entrepreneur: Joy Beckerman Maher, Hemp Ace International LLC

Too High to Fail

by Doug Fine (2012)

“My most recent inspiration stems from, Too High to Fail by Doug Fine. Cannabis’s $35.8 billion annual revenues already exceeds the combined value of corn ($23.3 billion) and wheat ($7.5 billion). The book is full of logical and moral discussion on the multiple uses of cannabis. It is a must read for anyone somewhat interested in the movement or cannabis industry.”

Read more from this entrepreneur: Jeff Buesing, GreenRush Investors

Other Great Books for Entrepreneurs

The Innovator’s Dilemma

by Clayton Christensen (2011)

“As someone who has focused the past 15 years on studying what separates good companies from bad ones, I have learned a great deal from Clayton Christensen, a Harvard professor known best for coining the term ‘disruptive innovation.’ I have read most of his books – starting with the first one, The Innovator’s Dilemma.”

Read more from this entrepreneur: Alan Brochstein, 420 Investor

The Art of War

by Sun Tzu (2007)

“This may sound corny, but Ann Rand’s ‘The Fountainhead’ has always been an inspirational read for me. Its nuances ripple as emerging ideas and technologies attempt their way into a static society. Business wise, I still refer to Sun Tzu’s The Art of War – A staple for every entrepreneur.”

Read more from this entrepreneur: Michael Freelander, Indica LLC

The Secret

by Rhona Byrne (2010)

“A book that has really stayed with me and is probably one that many other people have already read is The Secret by Rhonda Byrne. It’s all about positive thinking and urges you to keep trying and keep going. I think the message is relevant to all areas of your life. You have to stay positive and do what you can to keep going and be the best person that you can be to others. I think it’s one of those things that you’ll get back in return when you come by other people in your life.”

Read more from this entrepreneur: Andrew Stevens, Grow and Nourish, LLC

Good to Great

by Jim Collins (2011)

“In terms of business and management books, I highly recommend Good to Great by Jim Collins. In this book, Collins analyzes several well-known companies that have stood the test of time over multiple generations, as well as other well established companies that went out of business despite having been successful for many years. Through his thoughtful analyses, he was able to demonstrate that the culture and management style of an organization and its key employees has a greater impact on the company’s long-term success than any other factor. In Good to Great the author provides numerous examples of where companies have made strategic and often unintended blunders in the creation of their corporate culture. It also teaches readers how to avoid the same mistakes while managing their own business. Definitely a must-read for any entrepreneur.”

Read more from this entrepreneur: Ajay Narayan, MJ Legal

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In our view, the event was an incredible success and on behalf of our team, we would like to thank you for spending the day with us. It was great to have the opportunity to meet so many of you face to face and it was fantastic to see so many industry leaders in the same room, enjoying themselves.

• American Verification Processing Solutions
• CannaVest
• Canna Energy
• Cheryl Shuman Inc.
• Forbidden Leaf
• Green Rush Alliance
• GreenBroz
• Hempy’s
• Inda-Gro
• My420Mate
• Proteus 420
• US Weed Channel

Cashinbis proved to be a great success for legal cannabis businesses. At the event, we unveiled the innovative companies and products that our sponsors offer. We strongly believe that networking and teaming up with like minded professionals is the key to thrive in the medical marijuana market. Our goal is to lead the green rush networking community and we have received strong interest from many enthusiasts and entrepreneurs who are interested in growing with us.

As the green rush era moves towards increasing professional services, there’s no doubt that more and more cannapreneurs are looking to future-proof their businesses by improving the overall workflow and efficiencies in their enterpise – allowing them to dedicate more time to meet with other professionals who can help them succeed through networking.

Once again, Cashinbis would like to thank you for spending such an enjoyable day and for choosing to be a part of Green Rush Expo 2014. See you at our next event so stay tuned!

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This is a one-day expo incorporating vendor booths inside the Marina Village Conference Center Starboard Venue. This venue is completely inside with a view of the San Diego Bay. The booth vendors range from glassware and investors to grow equipment and hemp lotions and will help to showcase their product and services.

This event is a promotional opportunity for companies and contributors involved in the legal cannabis industry. It is one of the first events of its kind to happen in the San Diego area and will bring a lot of opportunity to business owners and enthusiasts through networking.

Green Rush Expo will bring the San Diego 420 community together because of its diverse range of companies attending. The expo will highlight all the innovative and successful products that have been created within the industry. It is very important for the community to see and learn about the full potential of the legal cannabis industry.

Attendees will be vendors, patients, and marijuana enthusiasts. There will be food served and drinks at Marina Village Conference Center Starboard Venue along with music. At the end of the event Cashinbis will raffle off products from the sponsors so dropping off a business card is suggested for all attendees wishing to learn or take advantage of the green rush movement.

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