The Three Wells team recently had the pleasure of attending the Cannabis World Congress Business Expo at the Los Angeles Convention Center. We went to panel sessions, asked questions, and visited as many booths as possible. It’s incredibly important to keep listening and learning from people about their companies and cannabis products for adults. After all, it’s part of our philosophy to Be Well. Live Well. Do Well.
“A Reasoned Tide of Objectivity”
The Keynote speaker, legendary cannabis pioneer and ambassador, Steve DeAngelo, gave a powerful speech about where the cannabis community has been and where it’s going.
Steve touched on ancient cannabis use for medical purposes, the rediscovery by the Romans, to modern day developments, all within “a reasoned tide of objectivity.” In California, he sees the legacy cannabis business owners merging with newfound corporate opportunities, with each side carefully evaluating each other’s partnership roles. In the end, Steve is passionate that diversity must play a critical role as the cannabis community expands both nationally and internationally.
CBD for Adults
Erica McBride and Geoff Whaling of the National Hemp Association shared insight into the latest developments of the federal 2018 Farm Bill that includes the Hemp Farming Act. It’s expected to pass Congress by year’s end, and it will certainly benefit hemp-based businesses. CBD products made from hemp lack the cannabinoid THC, the compound in cannabis that creates the mental high. There are currently an astounding number of health and wellness hemp-based CBD products on the market, but despite common marketing messaging, not all of them are legal in all 50 states. When finally passed, the Farm Bill will expand research and commercial opportunities, including industrial uses in everything from car bodies to clothes, to CBD-infused food, beverages, and dietary supplements.
California Cannabis Regulations
Highly-regulated industries require strenuous compliance which is never ending and never easy. Lori Ajax, Chief of the California Bureau of Cannabis Control and Cat Parker, Executive Director of the Los Angeles Department of Cannabis Regulation, brought people up to speed about the current state and local cannabis regulations and enforcement.
The bottom line is that while both agencies are actively seeking community outreach and cooperation, illegal dispensaries will encounter enforcement actions. Compliance is no day at the beach but it’s important to know that they are both genuine in their desire to help California businesses navigate the churning riptides of regulations. This doesn’t mean that the status quo is accepted by the California cannabis business community (an understatement for sure), but Lori and Cat come from a position of assistance, not animus. It’s an important distinction, and the alternative would not be good for the cannabis industry in California.
“It’s about Health & Wellness”
The cannabis and hemp communities are filled with passionate people dedicated to health and wellness. Products made from cannabis and hemp hold great promise for adults seeking relief from pain, muscle spasms, arthritis, and migraines, just to name a few conditions. The Expo was packed with exhibitors, and we took the opportunity to learn from several businesses on the show floor.
Elixinol™
Elixinol is a company that cultivates their own hemp in northern Colorado in addition to locally-sourced hemp in Europe and Australia. They utilize the plant’s “full spectrum” in their high quality CBD products, meaning they contain all the synergistic cannabinoids, essential oils, terpenoids, and other powerful compounds from the original hemp plant. For Elixinol, the sum is truly greater than the parts.
Nonnie’s Nectar Originals
Saturate Your Soul. Nonnie’s Nectar Originals was born out of a pursuit of healing and freedom from pain. Founder/CEO Ryan Beer’s grandmother (“Nonnie” in Italian) suffered from epilepsy and Ryan sought to alleviate her pain. Using medicinal-grade hemp, Ryan worked with industry experts to create CBD products specifically for Nonnie. After using them, she never had another seizure and lived a pain-free life with dignity. Ryan of course had a personal interest in exceptional products, and explained to us that all of the plants are organically grown in the U.S. The result is the highest quality, full spectrum extracts which contain no solvents, heavy metals, or pesticides.
Restorative Botanicals™
Feel Better, Naturally. That’s how Restorative Botanicals describes their CBD products. Based in Longmont, CO, the company also uses the complete spectrum of naturally occurring compounds found in hemp plants. These compounds include terpenes, flavonoids and phytonutrients extracted from organic, certified Colorado hemp. We asked Rick about the company’s hemp sources, and they are vigilant in keeping close partnerships with hemp farms in Colorado. Their passion is to provide effective and affordable herbal solutions for reducing aches and pains, calming the mind and body, and promote overall health and wellness. They also have a product line for pets which is a fast growing part of the CBD business.
Do you have questions about cannabis products for pets? Visit our Pets Page.
HempMeds®
“I Feel Great and I am Ready to Go”
– Liz Carmouche
Liz Carmouche is tough. As an MMA-UFC fighter, she has to be. Imagine training from two to eight hours a day in the gym, literally taking a pounding. Think pain is an issue? Inflammation maybe? To help support her body Liz uses a daily regimen of HempMed capsules, topicals, and oils. She wanted to get away from prescribed pharmaceutical opiates due to their many side effects and has done so with HempMed CBD products for the past two years. It’s also a family affair with her mom using them after knee surgery. Established in 2012, their products come from sustainable hemp that is non-GMO and cultivated without pesticides, herbicides, or chemical fertilizers. When listening to Liz her authenticity rings true, and because she makes her living in an UFC ring, the products she uses absolutely have to work.
Cannabis for Grown Ups
Everyone at Three Wells is continually learning about the cannabis lifestyle and medical marijuana for adults. At nearly every conference or exhibition we hear more stories from people who improved their lives by using medical marijuana or CBD products. It’s an on-going educational journey that we are passionate about sharing with our community and we are humbled by the opportunity to do so.
We want to hear from you so please share your stories and comments with us.
Philip Rebentisch is a writer and Content Editor for Three Wells.
