Federal Survey: Teen Marijuana Use Rates Tick up Slightly to 2015 Levels

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Federal Survey: Teen Marijuana Use Rates Tick up Slightly to 2015 Levels | NORML

ANN ARBOR, MI — Self-reported rates of past year marijuana use by teens increased 1.3 percent from 2016 to 2017, but remain well below past years’ levels, according to survey data released by the University of Michigan’s annual Monitoring the Future report. “When combining responses in all three grades (8th grade, 10th grade, and 12th grade), data suggest […]

Federal Survey: Teen Marijuana Use Rates Tick up Slightly to 2015 Levels | The Daily Chronic

The Daily Chronic

GreenRushReview.com Reports Marijuana Industry Among The Best Industries For Entrepreneurs in 2015

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San Francisco, CA (PRWEB) February 19, 2015

GreenRushReview.com, a cannabis business news website recently reported that with marijuana being legal for medical use in over 23 states and the potential for it to soon be legal for recreational use in four, the marijuana industry is among the best industries for entrepreneurs in 2015.

Business publication Inc.com reports that although the legal cannabis industry is still very young, there is already very strong demand for all forms of cannabis – whether medical or recreational, edibles, extracts, or concentrates. The industry is flourishing and is expected to grow even bigger as more states legalize the herb.

The same INC article also reveals that in the first quarter of 2014, the state of Colorado had already raised $ 25 million from businesses for licenses, fees, and taxes. Marijuana’s retail market in Colorado generated a whopping $ 350 million revenue for 2014, and is predicted to grow by 20 percent this year and reach $ 420 million.

Cannabis has become a major industry in the United States, particularly after Colorado allowed for the sale of recreational cannabis in early 2014. According to IBISWorld, revenue for the medical marijuana growing industry has increased 16 percent per year in the last five years, thus amounting to approximately $ 2 billion in 2014.

Examples of companies successfully capitalizing on the cannabis boom are plentiful. One rising star featured on GreenRushReview.com is India Globalization Capital, Inc. which builds indoor vertical farms that utilize state-of-the-art technology to produce organic leafy green vegetables, but whose facilities will eventually allow them to grow legal cannabis.

With countless untapped business opportunities in the marijuana field, Inc.com mentions that the first movers in the industry are likely already on their way to long-term viability.

According to a Forbes.com article, the marijuana industry is a desirable sector to enter primarily because its customers are big spenders. A cannabis consumer typically spends an average of $ 1,869 on their habit annually, as opposed to Americans spending roughly $ 1,500 each year on their pets.

GreenRushReview.com strives to be a convenient and reliable online resource for all cannabis consumers, entrepreneurs and investors. The website aims to provide the general public with extensive coverage on news, and opinions on the multi-billion marijuana industry and culture in North America, including industry stocks, prices, implications, trend developments, investment opportunities and legislation.

The site also hosts a cannabis industry directory, related videos, articles, company profiles and press releases.

The term “Green Rush” refers to the swift surge of activity brought about by the legalization of medical marijuana in over 23 states, and the acceptance of comprehensive cannabis and medical marijuana programs.

GreeRushReview.com is part of a portfolio of cannabis industry sites, which includes http://www.BestMedicalMarijuanaStocks.com (top medical marijuana company news), http://www.MarijuanaStocksReport.com (cannabis small cap stock news) and http://www.MarijuanaStock.net (financial cannabis company news).

Companies seeking exposure on GreeRushReview.com can contact editorial(at)greenrushreview(dot)com for more information.







Related Cannabis Press Releases

Will 2015 bring legalization ofhemp?

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Will 2015 bring legalization of hemp?
There was a bit of excitement in the enviro blogworld last year, with posts boasting titles like “President Signs Farm Bill Legalizing Hemp” and “U.S. House of Representatives Votes to Legalize Industrial Hemp.” The legislation, some say, is a …
Read more on Treehugger

New law allows Illinois universities to conduct hemp research
Illinois universities can legally grow industrial hemp now, but it may be a while before seeds are planted. A new law, effective Jan. 1, allows state institutions with four-year agriculture degrees to research hemp with a license from the Illinois …
Read more on Chicago Tribune

GreenRushReview.com Reports on Cannabis Developments to Watch Out For in 2015

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San Francisco, CA (PRWEB) January 28, 2015

The year 2014 was a big one for the cannabis industry due mainly to the outcome of the November elections, but 2015 appears to be an even bigger one. GreenRushReview.com, a cannabis industry news website at http://www.greenrushreview.com, reports on the top three cannabis developments to watch out for in 2015: Budding new markets, Republican control, and business accelerators.

New Markets

Massachusetts, Illinois, and Nevada are among the three states worth watching, as they are all expected to open medical marijuana dispensaries sometime this year – each one expected to generate significant revenue. There are, of course, numerous hurdles and setbacks to be encountered.

At present, Massachusetts has 15 dispensary licenses but the state has been criticized for their dispensary delays and the manner in which it handled licensing due to conflicts of interests. Dispensaries are expected to start early this year, although potential political setbacks are expected.

In Illinois, reports share stories of entrepreneurs that are on edge, and that continue to complain about the amount of time it has taken for legislators to plan out the industry regulations. It is still uncertain when the state will name the companies to receive the allowable 60 dispensary permits and 21 cultivation licenses. Winners were supposed to be named at the end of 2014, but officials are still screening applicants.

The medicinal cannabis industry in Nevada is expected to give tourists another reason to visit Sin City due to a reciprocity law that allows tourist with MMJ cards to acquire medical marijuana when visiting the state. Patients from anywhere in the country, therefore, can be served. The state recently granted 55 dispensary licenses, plus over 300 various types of permits for cannabis businesses. Of course, lawsuits and controversies over licensing still exist, which could possibly delay the opening of a number of businesses.

Republican Control

When voters in Alaska, Oregon, and Washington DC approved recreational marijuana in November, they also voted in enough Republican candidates to have the GOP control both the Senate and the House.

Republicans now in control may possibly affect how the industry moves forward, as it is widely known that the views of conservatives are less friendly compared to their liberal counterparts. An article in Brookings, however, points out that unlike most issues – marijuana policy does not fall neatly along party lines. Some Democrats and Republicans support it, while other Democrats and Republicans oppose it. For now, businesses will simply have to wait and see how Republicans response to cannabis at the federal level.

The Rise of Business Accelerators

Business accelerators, considered key components in industries such as agriculture and technology, help create the needed infrastructure for budding entrepreneurs and business to thrive. Accelerators offer multiple forms of support, such as mentoring, investment, and networking. These services are crucial to the development of the marijuana industry, and are particularly practical for startup companies that lack a business plan, capital, or even a basic understanding of the business.

Investor network ArcView Group, partnered with Colorado’s CanopyBoulder, is offering a 12-week accelerator program for businesses in the cannabis industry. According to a BizWest article, twenty companies will be selected for aid in 2015, and will be given $ 20,000 in seed capital and numerous support services. Mentoring will be provided in exchange for ArcView’s and CanopyBoulder’s 9.5 percent equity stake in each company that participates.

GreenRushReview.com strives to be a convenient and reliable online resource for all marijuana consumers, entrepreneurs, and investors. The website aims to provide the general public with extensive coverage on industry news, and opinions on the multi-billion marijuana industry and culture in North America, including news on industry stocks, prices, implications, trend developments, investment opportunities, business opportunities, and legislation. The site also hosts press releases that are pertinent to the industry, video and a large industry directory.

The coining of the term “Green Rush” refers to the swift surge of activity brought about by the legalization of medical marijuana in over 23 states, and the acceptance of comprehensive cannabis and medical marijuana programs.

GreenRushReview.com is a cannabis news site that continually strives to deliver the latest and most relevant news on the marijuana industry in North America.

GreeRushReview.com is part of a portfolio of cannabis industry sites which includes http://www.bestmedicalmarijuanastocks.com (top medical marijuana company news), http://www.marijuanastocksreport.com (cannabis small cap stock news) & http://www.marijuanastock.net (financial cannabis company news).

Companies seeking exposure on GreeRushReview.com can contact editorial(at)greenrushreview(dot)com for more information.







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Surf Roots Radio Launches Reggae Musics Biggest Online Radio Expansion in 2015

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Hermosa Beach, CA (PRWEB) January 22, 2015

The #1 online reggae radio station*, SURF ROOTS RADIO, has landed aggressive industry partnerships in 2015 allowing the station to exponentially increase it’s distribution, media, and market presence creating the first online reggae radio network and breaking ground on a new era for the Reggae Rock industry.

The new Surf Roots Radio Network will launch 4 new music streams (Reggae Nation, Island Mix, 420 Radio, and On The Rise), introduce the new and anticipated Surf Roots Television Channel, and launch it’s new Surf Roots App set for release March 1, 2015. This comes as no surprise as Surf Roots Radio is a crucial player in the growth of U.S. based reggae music, supporting the explosion of artists such as Rebelution, SOJA, Slightly Stoopid, Dirty Heads, Pepper, Iration and many more onto the mainstream.

Establishing the first “Pandora-like” Reggae Radio Network, the addition of new streams will allow listeners to experience 5 different styles of the reggae music genre in one location 24/7. REGGAE NATION will be streaming traditional Jamaican reggae and authentic roots; Surf Roots ISLAND MIX will feature the best of Hawaiian and Island Reggae; Surf Roots 420 will feature programming focused strictly on reggae herb tracks, playing tribute to cannabis culture; Surf Roots ON THE RISE will feature a unique opportunity for up and coming and developing artists to be heard. The Surf Roots downloadable app (available on Android and IOS) has also received an upgrade to match Surf Roots’ increased market position. In addition to the four new radio streams, the app has improved streaming quality, smoother buffering and listener customization including sleep timer & alarm clock, more social media connectivity, and renovated design to support all the latest operating systems.

With new distribution partner TuneIn® Radio, the Surf Roots Radio Network has expanded their listeners from an organic 300k+ per month to potentially reaching 50 MILLION active listeners per month in over 230 countries who listen on average to 2.3hrs of radio per day. Surf Roots stations will also be featured in all the new connected cars, as well as computers and hand held devices. TuneIn® will be featuring Surf Roots as one of their featured stations throughout 2015, with co-branded marketing and promotions.

Surf Roots Television is an audio visual augmentation that will bring together an award winning production team to deliver cutting edge programming spanning live performances, music videos, artist interviews, and behind the scenes views of reggae’s growing global culture. Featured on YouTube, Apple TV, SurfRoots.com and more, the distribution network reaches the best in surf culture through it’s featured distribution partner GrindTV.com. GrindTV.com is the largest extreme sports website, and through GrindTV.com Surf Roots Television will reach 14 MILLION unique, and a total of 41 MILLION users per month. With the third highest distribution rates of any sports site next to ESPN and FOX Sports, GrindTV.com will assure a solid and well honed footprint for these musical productions, bringing high quality audio video programming to your device.

Surf Roots Radio Network’s mission is to deliver the highest quality reggae music programming to it’s global listener base. Supporting the reggae industry since 1999 out of a deep rooted love for the artists and music, station owners Dave Resin & Tim Gray launched Surf Roots Radio in 2011 establishing the station as one of the first reggae stations to pay publishing royalties for every spin through full licensing via Sound Exchange, ASCAP, BMI and SESAC. “The expanded formats for Surf Roots Radio and TV give us the ability to showcase the world of reggae in a whole new way. This is true multimedia for our audience,” says Resin. They are currently accepting new strategic sponsors and partnerships that are looking to capitalize on Surf Roots’ large audience with opportunities for title positions on all radio streams and television programming.

For more information visit Surfroots.com or follow @surfroots on your favorite social media outlet.

*data via Live365

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MEDIA & SPONSORSHIP CONTACT:

Ilka T. De León, MBA – SEEN PR, Inc, (855) 733.6777 x. 2007 [email protected]

ARTIST & LABEL CONTACT:

Dave Resin & Tim Gray – SURF ROOTS RADIO – [email protected]







Spafinder Wellness 365 Releases Spa & Wellness Forecast for 2015

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New York, NY (PRWEB) January 13, 2015

Spafinder Wellness 365™ today released its 12th report on the top 10 spa and wellness trends set to unfold in 2015 and beyond. In the sea of trends lists appearing each new year, the company’s definitive spa and wellness industry forecast is unique for taking a global view of what’s trending across the wellness landscape—including spa experiences, fitness, beauty, travel, nutrition and corporate wellness—and for providing in-depth information about each trend. READ FULL REPORT

“In our 12 years of trend-tracking, we have never seen spa/wellness concepts go so deep and global, be so meaningful and move in so many surprising, provocative directions,” said Spafinder Wellness, Inc.® Chief Brand Officer Mia Kyricos, who helped steer the research team, along with Susie Ellis, president of Spafinder. “Our goal is to provide an in-depth resource and help the industry make informed decisions by analyzing the social, cultural and economic shifts that fuel each trend.”

One trend that stood out as largely unthinkable even a few years back is the increasing adoption of cannabis as a source for healing ingredients and treatments. As a wave of medical/recreational marijuana legalization sweeps across the U.S. (soon in Uruguay and likely other global regions), cannabis is getting a “wellness makeover,” with new spa, beauty, travel and yoga applications.

The trends also take an unexpected turn, with wellness traditions from Islamic worlds ascending, and food and beauty ingredients and spa experiences from regions like the Middle East and Africa set to grab headlines. And there is a search for simplicity, with everything from retreats where silence comprises “Beyond the Stars” experiences to new master-planned “Wellness Communities & Cities” with “front porch” values like walking to work/school and growing one’s food. And in the “My Fitness. My Tribe. My Life.” trend, we see how boutique fitness/yoga will continue to transform the very ways people live, socialize, dress and travel by answering basic human needs for true community in an age of loneliness.

The report is developed by Spafinder Wellness, Inc. Research Director Beth McGroarty and Spafinder Wellness 365’s team of researchers, editors and industry experts. It is based on surveys with the company’s large network of consumers, travel agents and spa/wellness businesses conducted over the last year.

The top global spa and wellness trends for 2015 are:

FOREST BATHING: Mindfulness Meets Nature

The Japanese concept of forest bathing (“shinrin-yoku’) has nothing to do with water. It revolves around a deceptively simple practice: quietly walking, with a mind intent on the sounds, scents, colors and “feel” of the forest. Poetic? Yes. But it’s the medical evidence that’s taking it global: Chemicals that trees emit (phytoncides) show a long-lasting impact on people’s immune system markers. Look for more “forest therapy” trails, more doctors prescribing time in forests, more forest bathing programming at spa retreats and more chic “wild forest/nature” resorts, with seemingly as many wilderness guides as in national parks.

Check out: Blackberry Farm’s (Tennessee, U.S.) new “Deep Healing Woods” program or the stunning Treehotel (Sweden) focused on “the significance of trees for human beings.”

CANNABIS: New Spa & Wellness Connections

A wave of medical/recreational marijuana legalization is sweeping the U.S. (globally, Uruguay will be the first nation to legalize recreational usage in 2015). The upshot: an explosive “cannabusiness” market, giving this ancient, medicinal plant an upscale makeover. It’s moving from “dorm room to boardroom,” and new spa/wellness cannabis connections are proliferating. Look for more marijuana dispensaries adopting the look/services of spas; more cannabis “wellness tourism” with luxury spa experiences; new cannabis-branded day spas; more spas using non-high-inducing pain-relieving topicals and beauty products – and hemp seed and milk as hot superfoods.

Check out: one of the many spa-like dispensaries, Harborside Health Center (Bay Area, U.S.) and Primal Wellness, the first “cannabis day spa” (Denver, U.S.) and yoganja classes at House of Yoga (Toronto).

WELLNESS TRADITIONS FROM THE ISLAMIC WORLD: Beyond Hammams and Argan Oil

The world has been strikingly unable to “see” what the wellness traditions of the Islamic world offer (stretching from the Middle East to Africa and Asia), with its advanced food-as-medicine, and nature-based beauty and healing practices, refined for 1,000 years. But we predict more people will seek nutritional, beauty and “spa” traditions central to Islamic cultures in years ahead. Middle Eastern and African spices, grains and fruits will be the buzzed-about “superfoods,” ingredients used for both food and beauty (from camel’s milk to baobob fruit) will trend and spas will offer more experiences like rasul/mud treatments and sand bathing.

Check out: Blackseed-infused, Senegalese skincare line, Tiossan, the “Baobob Feel Good” treatment at London’s K West Hotel & Spa or the planned Zulal Destination Spa (Doha, Qatar, 2017), the first retreat to immerse guests in the wellbeing traditions from across the Islamic world.

INDUSTRIAL REVOLUTION: Blue Collar Wellness

Free massage breaks for garment workers at a factory in Sri Lanka. A smartphone app connected to a wellness program at headquarters reminds long-haul truck drivers of healthy menu options. These aren’t happening yet (and the first wave of workplace wellness programs has focused narrowly on white-collar, management employees). But as employers battle the chronic disease, obesity, pain, and musculoskeletal and mental disabilities that can hit “blue collar” workers the hardest expect to see more wellness programs designed for them in the future – and a greater openness to participation by these workers.

Check out: Volkswagen’s “industrial athlete” fitness program and the results of PPG’s “Creating a Culture of Health Initiative” offered at manufacturing sites worldwide.

WELLNESS HOMES, COMMUNITIES & CITIES

In 2007 Spafinder named “spa real estate” a top trend…then the recession hit, and most “live-at-the-spa” developments crashed too. Now the wellness living market is roaring back but new developments take the concept of a healthy home much further. Delos Signature Homes (U.S.) “bakes in” dozens of wellness features: from air/water purification systems to circadian rhythm lighting. Entire towns/cities are master-planned around a 365-degree concept of wellness, and a new, global “Well Building Standard” aims to do for human health in the built environment what LEED did for sustainable building – and not just for homes, but offices, schools and hospitals. After centuries of real estate development myopically focused on “curb appeal,” now health is the new wealth.

Check out: Lake Nona, a vast wellness community in Orlando, Florida, offering every aspect of a “well-lived” life, or Avira Medini (Johor, Malaysia, 2015) where every generation lives “in the heart of wellness.”

MY FITNESS. MY TRIBE. MY LIFE: Super-Social Fitness

This trend takes a timeout from the manic “rowing is the new spinning” breed of trend-spotting to ponder a new socio-cultural reality: More people’s boutique fitness brand/studio has become their “life.” Social fitness defines who you know, what you wear, where you travel–even how you raise your kids. But it’s a global loneliness epidemic, fueled by a surge in urbanization, single-person households, longer work hours, and lives spent in front of screens that will continue to spur the new directions for the “my fitness is my family” uber-trend.

Check out: booze-less morning dance-fitness parties like Morning Gloryville (London) or Daybreaker (Los Angeles).

SPA ON ARRIVAL (& EN ROUTE): The New Travel Ritual

It used to be that with vacation and business travel, spa treatments were perceived as a luxurious add-on. Now the new travel ritual is treatments (and other fitness/wellness experiences) done right at arrival, or en route at airports, to fight jetlag or to kick-start productivity. We’ll see the spa/wellness explosion at airports continue to take off; more hotels/spa resorts serving up free massages at check-in; more online apps and concierges that make booking on-arrival massages/classes easy; and more spas open later, earlier, and even 24/7.

Check out: Cheval Blanc Randheli (Maldives) free “Jet Lag Recovery” massage that kicks off all guest stay and an example of the new, superfine, public airport spas–Sha Wellness Clinic (Spain), one of the world’s top wellness retreats, is opening spas this March at the Madrid airport.

HYPER-PERSONALIZED BEAUTY: Made-for-Me Will Matter More

We’re no longer just consumers, we’re collaborators. In 2015 look for a shift from “This color looks good on me.” to “This color was made for me,” from “Is this moisturizer the best for my skin?” to “This moisturizer is perfectly formulated for me.” In every corner of beauty care new opportunities to customize our primping and self-care experience will arise. We’ll see more beauty brands using in-store computer technology to create personalized solutions, more online skin coaching and more spas will let clients create bespoke everything.

Check out: Skin Authority’s online “Skin Coach on Demand” program, Mink, a personal 3D makeup printer using cosmetic-grade inks or Sha Wellness Clinic (Spain) where DNA testing identifies the right nutrients for your skin.

GUT REACTION:

“Listen to your gut…” usually means follow your best instincts, but it is one of the hottest trends for 2015. Look for an ongoing focus on the science of the gut and efforts to prove that by altering its make-up (aka “microbiome”) we can take our health and beauty to new levels, improve our immunity and resilience, reduce our chances for obesity and even create a happy and healthy mind. We’ll see more testing that proves the link between our gut and how we look and feel; there will be no stopping the proliferation of probiotics in what we drink, eat and put on our skin; and more spas (some of who have been on to this for decades) will offer ways to heal our leaking guts.

Check out: FX Mayr Health Center (Austria) and Canyon Ranch’s “Gut Feelings: Gastrointestinal Health and Immune Function” (U.S.)

BEYOND THE STARS: Luxury Redefined

Extraordinary affluence, an appetite for the different and new, a zeal for documenting #epic experiences and the search for solitude and silence are fueling a new trend: the quest for “Beyond the Stars” experiences– where air light and breathing room are the new luxury, and authentic and novel destinations are the Holy Grail of travel. With this shift, the luxury travel industry will be challenged to top itself with even more spectacular offerings and dazzle us with spectacular offerings and experiences.

Check out: The Fregate Island Resort (Seychelles), The Brando (French Polynesia), Amenoi Resort (Vietnam) the recently re-born Golden Door (U.S.)–and for extraordinary opulence, Antara Palace Wellness Destination Spa (Cyprus)

About Spafinder Wellness, Inc.: Spafinder Wellness, Inc.® is the world’s largest media and marketing company for the spa and wellness industry and the leading consumer resource for feeling good and living well all year round. With nearly 30 years of experience as a spa and wellness authority, millions of people find inspiration to keep well every day via the Spafinder Wellness 365® brand, also known for its widely distributed gift cards—available at 70,000-plus retailers worldwide—and its global network of 20,000-plus spas, salons, fitness, yoga and Pilates studios and travel destinations. The company’s Corporate Wellness 365® division offers incentive products and partnerships that help to foster wellness in the workplace. Learn more at spafinder.com, spafinder.co.uk and spafinder.ca.







Canna Advisors Starts 2015 in New Downtown Boulder Office

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Boulder, CO (PRWEB) January 20, 2015

Canna Advisors, a company of cannabis business consultants based in Boulder, CO, has kicked off the New Year in a new office in downtown Boulder in the 15th Street Design District near the Pearl Street Mall. Recently, the company began operating from its new location, which was acquired to accommodate their growing staff and business.

Diane Czarkowski, Managing Partner for Canna Advisors, said that the new location in the downtown region has offered a suitable place for the company’s team to come together and effectively collaborate. Where the company previously operated as a digital business with a single executive suite, Czarkowski explained that they now have a physical headquarters to better serve clients in a new and more efficient business environment.

When asked why Canna Advisors chose downtown Boulder for its locale, Czarkowski answered, “We like Boulder because it has a very entrepreneurial spirit. Many people are thought leaders in other industries in this area, and now it is becoming an area of thought leaders for businesses in the cannabis industry.”

Relocating has also given Canna Advisors the chance to work alongside other businesses in the cannabis industry in downtown Boulder, such as Canopy Boulder and CannaInsider. Czarkowski stated that Canna Advisors has been working with these businesses and others to provide their industry insight and valuable experiences.

Since 2009, Canna Advisors has helped clients win a business license, design professional facilities and manage their operations. Czarkowski explained that the company’s team of consultants has worked in several regulated markets around the country since opening, and the new office will continue to let them do this type of work.

In addition to the growth they experienced this past year, Canna Advisors is predicting another increase in their staffing for 2015. The company currently has several openings, including one for a Construction Project Manager position.

Czarkowski and other employees of Canna Advisors are especially pleased with the features of this new space.

The office is very “hightech,” according to Czarkowski. “We have our writers set up with dual-monitors, we have specialized printers so we can print up design plans and facility designs on the fly, and we have great conference rooms that include projectors for presentations and meetings,” she said.

The main conference room at Canna Advisors is situated in the middle of the office space and has an open design. This way, said Czarkowski, employees can participate in discussions and drop in to share insights at any time.

The Canna Advisors office also includes a private conference room for any who need to use it, and all who work in management positions now have their own private offices.

The office also has some cubicles throughout it with an open design, so employees feel free to collaborate and communicate at any time as well as to maintain a “team-oriented” environment, said Czarkowski.

The increase in staffing and the additional business that Canna Advisors has seen in recent years have both allowed the company to expand into its new space, Czarkowski said. She concluded, “All of us here at Canna Advisors are happy to have a new place to call home.”

About Canna Advisors

Canna Advisors is a Boulder, Colorado based company that has direct experience winning licenses, designing facilities and managing operations in the cannabis industry since 2009. Canna Advisors has designed facilities and developed procedures for the most regulated markets across the nation, winning licenses in every state engaged. For more information, please visit thinkcanna.com







Cannabis Industry Observers say 2015 Could Be the Breakthrough Year for Mainstream Investors

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Denver, Colorado (PRWEB) January 20, 2015

Some media pundits are already looking ahead to 2016, when a number of states are expected to vote on expanding the legalization of recreational marijuana, as the next major milestone for the cannabis industry.

But a large group of financial analysts beg to differ, and say this year could see a breakthrough event when it comes to mainstream investment in marijuana-related companies.

Earlier this month Founder’s Fund, a San Francisco-based venture capital firm, announced it was making a multimillion-dollar investment in Privateer Holdings, a private equity group that owns several cannabis-related companies.

Soon after that announcement, Privateer Holdings CEO Brendan Kennedy noted the Founder’s Fund investment signaled “that they, like us, believe that the end of (marijuana) prohibition and the social harms it causes is inevitable.”

The momentum towards the national legalization of marijuana also appears to be happening faster than many analysts expected – while bringing with it a new wave of investment.

According to research quoted by the magazine Inc., investors have placed over $ 104 million in cannabis and cannabis-related companies, while investment in the marijuana industry rose by 941.5 percent in 2014.

And Todd Harrison, former hedge fund manager and founder and CEO of the financial media company Minyanville, told Yahoo Finance that the cannabis industry “will be the single best investment theme for the next ten years, in my view.”

“Once we start to see this adopted across more state lines you’re going to see it picked up on Wall Street research desks,” he said in a 2014 interview, “and that’s where I think you see the move into mainstream investment.”

In Colorado, where the recreational, adult use of marijuana was legalized last year, there is a sense that the cannabis industry is already in a new phase of its history.

“There’s a feeling that we’ve reached the second chapter,” says Ryan Fox, CEO and founder of Kindman, one of Colorado’s oldest and most established producers.

“I got into the industry in 2008, when it just medical marijuana, and started the company in 2009,” he notes. “This company began with a credit card loan to buy $ 9,000 worth of equipment. And now, investors are realizing how lean and efficient our operations are, as well as understanding how huge the consumer demand for cannabis actually is.”

“2015 is going to be the year that we see mainstream investors enter the cannabis industry, with some of the larger organizations – the ones that have been the innovators in the cannabis industry – being the first to get offers from the institutional investors,” says Andy Rodosevich, co-founder of WeedLife – an social network marketplace that works with Kindman and other cannabis-related companies on online marketing and connectivity.

And Rodosevich points to Kindman, with its years of experience and its pioneering, pre-packaged brands of cannabis products that are already in use across Colorado, as “a great example of an organization that sees the future, and is ready for national distribution.”

About Weedlife

The WeedLife Social Network Marketplace is a series of free-to-use websites specifically designed for the marijuana industry and its consumers – bringing news, sales information and other important cannabis-related data together, all under one online roof. WeedLife’s network of web site apps creates an online social marketplace of ideas, products and connections that work with both cannabis producers, distributors and dispensaries, as well as the tens of thousands of ancillary companies supporting the industry.

WeedLife also allows cannabis consumers and businesses to communicate and learn more about each other in a more rapid timeframe — helping them to better target their products, services and customer needs — as the cannabis sector’s consumer demographic changes, evolves and matures.

For more information, visit: http://weedlife.com

Tags: cannabis, marijuana, marijuana legalization, cannabis industry, cannabis sales, investment, cannabis industry investment, Ryan Fox, Kindman, Andy Rodosevich, WeedLife