Our Speaker Jeff Bradshaw

 

 

Larry Shelley introduced our speaker, former club member Jeff Bradshaw, who delivered a timely and relevant presentation on the impacts to business of the forthcoming legalization of Cannabis. Jeff informally referred to his presentation as "The Wild West of Cannabis Legalization".

 

The main message from his presentation was that there is much uncertainty in regards to the impending legalization of this drug, some of which arises from the many varieties that will become available as products. These varieties can have a variety of phisiological effects, not all of which would necessarily lead to impairment. Further complicating matters is the fact that Cannabis has been available for medicinal purposes since 2001.

 

There are two main Cannabis plant species that will become available in October: Cannabis sativa, and Cannabis indica. Consumers can expect to purchase varieties or hybrids of either of these species.

 

Although the medicinal benefits of cannabinoids are widely touted, most of the evidence reported is anecdotal, and under studied. Still, the two main cannaboids, THC and CBD, can lead to differing effects, with THC being the primary intoxicant.

 

Despite the aboundance of confusing information circulating, there are definite steps that companies can, and must, take to be ready for legalization on October 17.