Activists, Advocates, and Opportunists at the Gate
The tone in the North American cannabis industry over the past several months has been one of harsh realities and unprecedented struggles for everyone from small local growers to large multistate operators. Meanwhile, hope for federal legalization seems to lessen with every passing year. Unsurprisingly, as the United States industry chugs along in limbo, other countries see progress almost overnight. If countries like Germany are the hare, the U.S. definitely is the tortoise. Beyond the obvious challenges of banking , Internal Revenue Code Section 280E, and surplus flower in many markets, another enemy to the movement has emerged more recently: criticism within our own community. I’m an optimist who avoids negativity, but even I have found it difficult to ignore the tone that has settled over some quarters. True, bickering on grow forums and Reddit about the best nutrients , lights , or trimming machines is nothing new among passionate people disputing best practices or personal pref...