But think about how life rolled even just ten years ago. It would have been pretty bloody legendary if a candidate stepped up and started singing the praises of legalizing marijuana. Or it would have been political suicide.

So thank whatever universal life force you may (or may not) believe in that those days are gone. Because Gretchen Whitmer is singing those praises like a songbird. And even if doing so is no longer considered legendary, she is definitely THE candidate for the cannabis industry.

A Vote for Gretchen Whitmer Is a Strong Push toward Marijuana Legalization

“We’ve seen other states do it wrong,” says the former state Senate Minority Leader and gubernatorial candidate. “In Michigan, we’ve got a chance to do it right,”

Yes. Ultimately, voters will make the final decision this November on whether marijuana will be legalized. (In other words, get out there and vote.) But having a pro-legalization spokesperson at the helm – i.e. Whitmer as governor – will ensure the process will be far less obstructed by monkey wrenches.

“We can’t continue to be hamstrung by old notions of marijuana and look at the reality (of the situation today). Patients say the system isn’t working.” And she’s seen this firsthand. Unfortunately.

“My mother died of brain cancer. I would have given her anything to ease her pain or help her fight. It’s a real concern, and the legislature has turned a deaf ear to it,” she sats. “Not just to medical marijuana, but to decriminalization overall.”

Was Whitmer Destined for Politics?

I depends on your definition of destiny.

The young Gretchen Whitmer wasn’t an aspiring politician. She wasn’t drafting bills on the playground or running acceptance speeches by her ten-year-old peers. In fact, she grew up loving sports. And upon noticing the dearth of women in sports broadcasting, she’d set her sights on that as a career.

It was while getting a bachelor’s degree in communications at Michigan State University that her trajectory shifted. She did an internship with state Representative Curtis Hertel when the House of Representatives was split 55-55 between Democrats and Republicans.

“It changed everything for me,” she said. “I saw how important it was that we all have a voice during the debates.”

Then a good (brutally honest) friend reminded her that few people actually make it on air and that getting a law degree would give her something extra to bring to the table. So instead of ratting out her hair in preparation for her potentially meteoric rise to female presence at ESPN, Whitmer went to MSU’s law school and got a law degree.

“I loved law school and never looked back.”

For Whitmer, It All Comes back to Public Service

Right out of law school, she started working on cases dealing with the regulation of utilities as well as doing some legal work for the Funeral Director’s Association. It was far from glamorous, but it did lead her back to what really sparked her interest.

And that’s public service.

Since those early days, Whitmer has taken the traditional route to political success, including three terms in the Michigan House of Representatives, two in the Senate, some time in private legal practice, as well as serving as temporary Ingham County prosecutor.

She’s always been passionate and involved. In fact, while running the race to become a gubernatorial candidate, she visited 78 of Michigan’s 83 counties, and met with any and all groups that were politically engaged.

You can even plan on rubbing elbows with her at the 1st Commercial Cannabis Conference and Expo in Detroit on October 30th and 31st. Whitmer truly sees legalizing marijuana as a huge building block toward better serving the public.

“This is an opportunity to go a step further and say, here in Michigan, we’re going to embrace the legalization, but we’re also going to grow our economy,” she says. “We’re going to create real clear rules so that we can do this so that we don’t leave patients, we don’t leave small business owners to fend for themselves.”

All of that, and she’s going to “fix the damn roads” too. Pretty impressive. And just two really important reasons to hit the polls this November. So have at it.

And if you have an up-and-coming cannabis business and are looking to start promoting your marketing efforts out ahead of the vote, contact us today. It’s never too soon.

The post Gretchen Whitmer – the Woman, the Legend, THE Candidate appeared first on GROW Cannabis Marketing.

But the 1st Commercial Cannabis Expo and Convention at the Cobo Center on October 30th and 31st will be unlike any other. There will be nothing run-of-the-mill about this one.

And if you’re in the cannabis biz in Michigan, you’ll be kicking yourself if you miss it.

What Makes This Event Different?

Here’s the thing:

This conference isn’t just an excuse to mingle and network with others. Sure, there’ll be plenty of that. But this event will be a collaborative and mission-driven effort to bring together business, industry, and government to build solid partnerships and create the strongest state-run program in the United States.

The theme is “We Are Stronger Together” and it’s really the first time all the key stakeholders in this fight are joining forces to make a difference.

“Given the size and availability of Michigan’s market, and a favorable framework for businesses and patients, combined with the upcoming vote, we believed it was time to bring our state community together,” says Thomas Tong, the conference director.

And it’s no mistake that the event is one week prior to the November 6th election. This conference will act as the last major platform in support of state legalization. That’s a big deal.

The Power of Community

Far from a standard industry conference, this expo will be the first community industry event for Michigan. And get this – it’s not a for-profit event.

The goal of the 1st Commercial Cannabis Expo and Convention is to provide the best value for the lowest possible price. Organizers feel that helping facilitate a bright future for the cannabis industry in Michigan is the best profit they can make.

In an effort to strengthen community and boost exposure, there will be conference ambassadors and speed networking sessions, as well as onsite refreshments. (And nothing prompts networking like refreshments.)

What to Expect At the Conference

Along with networking and general good times, there will be more than 150 exhibitors and 40 sessions specific to Michigan’s emerging cannabis and hemp industries.

Of the over 1,200 participants expected to attend are most of the opt-in governments and state regulators, many large industry players, and Michigan companies just entering into the market. Local and industry leaders Adam L. Brooks, “The Guru of Ganja” Ed Rosenthal, Michigan gubernatorial candidate, Gretchen Whitmer, and the legendary Jon Sinclair are just a few of the high profile participants.

Dr. C.A. Mathis, aka Trick Trick, will also be present as an honoree. “Because I CAN,” says Trick Trick. As one of Michigan’s greatest defenders of choice and legalizing cannabis, he stands up for community and believes that exercising our rights is fundamental.

And Keith Stroup, founder of NORML, is also scheduled to appear. “For 50 years I have fought for the legalization of the responsible use of marijuana,” he says. “It is history in the making. The Michigan Commercial Cannabis Conference and Expo is a must to attend.”

It’s hard to argue that. And why would ya?

The 1st Commercial Cannabis Expo and Convention is October 30th and 31st at the Cobo Center in Detroit. So get your tickets today.

And be sure to look for us while you’re there. We’re eager to talk the marketing side of your cannabis business with you.

The post Why the 1st Commercial Cannabis Expo and Convention Matters appeared first on GROW Cannabis Marketing.