MMJ: Cashing In on the Cow

Hey man, is there any GOOD NEWS in California? Please help. - Poly Anna

I can indeed bring you good news! Some towns and counties are looking to shed their NIMBYness (NIMBYosity?) and embrace the 21st century.

In SoCal towns like Adelanto and Desert Hot Springs, local officials have decided to create reasonable regulations and encourage large-scale cannabis cultivation projects. According to reports, industrial property values in Adelanto have already seen a huge spike in growth. Not bad for a former Air Force town turned prison town turned early pioneer in the cannabis industry. Imagine that: Pot, not prison, may save this town.

Out in Desert Hot Springs, city officials expect to generate at least $5 million per year through fees and taxes and plan to turn their town into a sort of regional hub for the cannabis industry.

I would like to thank these towns and the activists and lawyers and political figures that worked to bring them into the future. While I may have my own concerns about large-scale, super-commercial grows, the cannabis industry could be a boon for many small towns looking to boost their economy. It worked for Humboldt County after logging fell off; Fresno and Stockton, I’m looking at you.

Any ideas on how to invest? I have some cash, but I do not have any idea on how or which way to invest – either in production or sales. - Sally C.

Indeed. You know, a random dude asked me just this morning how to get in on the cannabis industry. He had no idea what he wanted to do, he just wanted to “make money,” as if it were that simple. Keep a few things in mind: I am not a financial expert. And: Cannabis is still illegal under federal law. Depending on what happens this November, California’s cannabis industry could be full of social justice, money and fat buds, or chaos and chicanery. People can and do lose money.

That being said: the Arcview group is a good place to start. You just missed the International Cannabis Business Conference, but the Marijuana Investor’s Summit is happening in San Francisco this weekend. More info at www.marijuanainvestorsummit.com. Do your due diligence and talk to people that have been in the business for at least five years. Have fun and good luck!