SALEM — The Oregon Liquor Control Commission continues to move ahead with implementing its seed-to-sale tracking system for recreational marijuana, despite a lawsuit filed by an unsuccessful bidder.

Oregon’s cannabis industry is going overground. From 1 October, sellers will be allowed to sell to the all-new, all-legal recreational market.

At this year’s Oregon Medical Marijuana Business Conference (OMMBC) in Portland, attendees were anticipating a world of opportunity for growers, processors and retailers. The national medical market is worth over $3bn, and some project this number to grow tenfold as more states make medical or recreational pot legal.

But now that growing and selling marijuana has moved out of the shadows, how do entrepreneurs claim a share of all that growth? In talking to speakers and exhibitors, I managed to boil it down to a few simple rules.

Stay in school

For thousands of years, the world’s most well-heeled wine lovers have gathered together amid runny cheese and rare truffles to discuss the relative merits of various fermented grape juices. Arguing over a particular vintage’s “notes of sandalwood” and “hints of elderberry” with an air of insufferable pretension so palpable it’s a shop-worn cliche, those at the upper echelons of power and influence routinely pop the cork on bottles that cost more than the rest of us spend on rent for a month—or a year.

By Romain Bonilla 

It’s hard to overstate the importance of conferences to the cannabis community. Getting together, if even for a few days, provides us with amazing opportunities to learn, network, and share – and it’s no surprise why some travel thousands of miles to attend cannabis conferences across the country. As a drug policy reform activist for the past seven years, I have been to my fair share of marijuana conferences, and still to this day, I’m blown away by the exceptional work of marijuana reformers and the progress we’ve accomplished as a movement.

PORTLAND, Ore. -- National nonprofit organization 'Grow for Vets' is raising money and support for veterans suffering from PTSD and other medical conditions, as well as handing out free marijuana. 

The organization hosted a free cannabis giveaway and rally at Refuge PDX in Portland on Saturday. Both Veterans and non-veterans received gift bags containing information about Grow for Vets and free pot-related products. 

The rally aimed to raise veterans' awareness about alternative treatment options, and to highlight the frequency of prescription drug abuse and suicide. 

September 11, 2015 – U.S. Cannabis Spot Index up fractionally to $2,133.  The national price may be at—or close to—its seasonal high.

Thirteen years ago when I was aspiring to do something about this crazy mixed up world, I endeavored to earn the title marijuana activist. I didn’t know much about cannabis, except I liked it and knew it shouldn’t be criminalized. I didn’t know anything about medical marijuana, and was pleasantly shocked when someone told me medical marijuana was legal in a few states.

PORTLAND, Ore. — Portland Police say they’re investigating an attack and robbery at an illegal mobile medical marijuana cart.

Authorities say the owners of the Smoke Buddy mobile trailer reported on Thursday that a man and woman attacked them as they were opening up for the day.

The man flashed a knife, stole marijuana and fled. The woman, who swung a stick at the cart owner, was arrested.

Police said 34-year-old Kelly Green was booked into Multnomah County Jail on investigation of robbery. She is to be arraigned Friday.

The Oregon Health Authority says mobile marijuana sales are illegal. The Smoke Buddy isn’t registered with the state dispensary program.

Cannabis industry leaders and policy makers will gather in Portland for the fourth edition of the Oregon Medical Marijuana Business Conference this weekend. With previous successful events in Ashland, Eugene, and Portland, the OMMBC has proven to be the largest medical marijuana industry event in the Pacific Northwest, and is rated highly on the national cannabis investment scene. With the implementation of Measure 91 right around the corner, this weekend is expected to be the largest yet.

Many times we get the question from employers asking what to do when medical marijuana is legal. What can employers learn from municipalities in the state of Oregon? Oregon is a state where marijuana is an acceptable medical treatment alternative.

We think it is perfectly legitimate to have the same attitude about marijuana as you do about alcohol. Hopefully, your firm just does not tolerate being under the influence of alcohol. Likewise it is appropriate to have the same attitude about marijuana, even if you are in a state with legalized marijuana laws.

Interestingly enough, there was an article listing Oregon municipalities’ policies regarding this topic as listed in The Oregonia by Nuran Alteir. And, as you know, Oregon has legalized marijuana.