WASHINGTON — A first-of-its-kind expo being held in D.C. is all about marijuana. The inaugural Cannabis Business Summit kicked off Sunday night with an awards ceremony at the Washington Hilton in Northwest.
Awards were given for innovation, activism and entrepreneurialism in this growing industry. The summit is like an industry trade show. With a list of speakers over two days, there’s an expo featuring the latest and greatest items in the pot business.
David Kohl, president and CEO of High Times magazine, said the publication will host two summits each a year. One will always be in D.C.
“I think it’s an interesting milestone,” said Keith Stroup, legal counsel for the National Organization for the Reform of Marijuana Laws. “The marijuana industry now feels comfortable coming to the District of Columbia.”
“But with our new marijuana law in the District,” he continued, “it’s one of the most progressive in the country. We’ve got a very good law in the District, but what we need is dispensaries.”
Some feel D.C.’s marijuana law, which legalizes recreational use of marijuana, goes too far. The new law doesn’t allow for the sale of marijuana, but makes it legal for a resident to carry up to two ounces and grow up to six plants.
But Kohl agrees that D.C. needs places where marijuana can be sold. He said so much depends on what Congress decides. Right now, it prevents D.C. City Council from legalizing and regulating marijuana sales.
