If marijuana is legalized nationwide, it could generate up to $28 billion for federal, state and local governments.

That’s according to the non-partisan Tax Foundation, which estimates a mature marijuana market could raise $7 billion for the federal government if a $23 per pound tax was applied — a similar tax level to the one put on tobacco.

Legal marijuana markets in Colorado and Washington have already raised more revenue than initially estimated.

Jill Stein is a candidate for president who is seeking the Green Party nomination in 2016 Presidential Election. She also ran in 2012 and got nearly half a million votes. The Green Party of the United States includes nationwide cannabis legalization in its platform so it is no surprise that Stein is a huge supporter of legalizing the plant.

The federal War on Cannabis hit a road bump recently after a major victory in California’s Ninth Circuit Court last month. A Congressional amendment last year stated that the Department of Justice could not allocate funding in 2015 and 2016 to states with regulations on the use, distribution, and possession of medical marijuana.

Lynette Shaw succeeded in overturning a nineteen year old civil injunction, making it illegal for her to work in the cannabis industry, by using the Congressional amendment as the basis for her argument.

Retail marijuana sales in the United States are expected to be $4.5 billion this year, but constant changes in state regulations are creating hurdles for business people trying to make money off pot.

That’s the word coming out of the Marijuana Business Conference & Expo being held in Orlando, Florida, this week.

Chris Walsh, editorial director of Marijuana Business Daily, says marijuana sales doubled in the United States from 2013 to 2015.

Right now, 19 states have legalized medical marijuana. Another four states, as well as the District of Columbia, allow marijuana for both medical and recreational uses.

Walsh estimates 100,000 people are directly and indirectly employed in the industry, and 80 to 90 percent of companies are profitable.

On April 29, blockchain startup Tierion announced it has raised $1 million in a seed round led by Blockchain Capital and Fenbushi Capital, with participation from Digital Currency Group.

Tierion is using blockchain technology to create a global platform to verify the integrity of any data, file or business process. The Hartford, CT.-based company provides developers with an API and tools for creating apps that connect to the blockchain.

What Last Week's Investor Pitch Forum Was Like.

LET'S PRETEND that you're operating or want to start a cannabis business. Maybe you want to grow, make edibles or concentrates, start or expand a dispensary, or produce ancillary products like rolling papers and vaporizers.

Where do you get the funding? You can't get approved for a standard bank account if you're involved in the weed industry. So unless you own a scary clown mask and starter pistol, or have a wealthy elderly relative with a serious heart condition, your options are limited.

Leslie Bocskor is an investment banker and founder of Electrum Partners, an advisory services firm specializing in medical and recreational cannabis, and ancillary businesses. Bocskor was recently named most valuable member of the year by the ArcView angel investor network. But he's not just an investments guy. He also has an artistic side. He helped create the Figment Project - an international arts festival held in three countries - and he once acted as a regional organizer for Burning Man in its early days.

On May 6, 2016, the Washington State Department of Health announced that it had reviewed and approved two programs for medical marijuana consultant training, with both programs ready to register students.

NGR Enterprises, based in Seattle, is offering in-person training for its Washington Medical Marijuana Certification Program, which is a 20-hour program with a course fee of $379.00

A Florida law providing protections to just five medical marijuana growing operations, in what may become one of the nation's largest markets, has instigated a rush of legal challenges from dispensaries eager to enter the Sunshine State's green rush. 

Medical-marijuana startup LeafLine Labs has begun an effort to raise $21 million, according to a regulatory filing.

The company, along with rival Minnesota Medical Solutions, grows and harvests oil from marijuana plants to use in state-approved medical therapies. Neither company has struggled much to raise capital: Eagan-based LeafLine previously raked in more than $14 million.