Marijuana Business Magazine - January 2017

FROM THE CEO'S DESK A nother year has come and gone for the cannabis industry, one full of developments that continued to cement the status of legalized mari- juana markets as part of the future global economy. California and Canada are well on their way to establishing marketplaces to serve consumers and medical patients at home and abroad with safe, legal cannabis products. Investors continue to enter the space, with greater confidence and larger checks. The M&A market is heating up. The first main- stream alcohol company has made a big play into cannabis. … Who will be next to move? The industry is showing signs of increasing maturity in other ways. Data hacks, IP theft and executive disputes all grabbed headlines in 2017. The industry is looking in the mirror and seeing ways in which our issues are not so different from those affecting society at large, including diversity and sustain- ability. Once high-flying industry darlings face tough roads ahead to recapture market share. While these are unfortunate developments for the companies and individuals involved, in many ways they are necessary elements of a healthy business ecosystem that needs to constantly keep its eyes open both for threats and for opportunities. As MJBizDaily enters 2018, I have my eyes open to all these continued mar- ket developments and how they affect my own business, as well as leading the team here to develop better business information services to help you understand these changes. Emerging markets, emerging technologies, emerg- ing strategies and intelligent solutions will be the fuel that drives the future of the cannabis industry. We’re specifically focused on what’s next – hence the refocus of the annual spring conference to MJBizConNEXT. Check out all the details at https://mjbizcon.com/next and get registered now. Don’t miss this chance to learn, connect and experience things that will help you effectively navigate your own business through this changing landscape. There is a longstanding Chinese blessing/curse: “May you live in interest- ing times.” Whatever you may say about the cannabis industry, for all its risks and hiccups, for all its ups and downs, this is the most interesting adventure I’ve ever had. And I’m glad all of you are here on this adventure with the team at MJBizDaily. Wishing each of you happiness and prosperity in the new year, Cassandra Farrington President & CEO 2018 in the Windshield 8 • Marijuana Business Magazine • January 2018