There are a ton of cannabis conferences these days, but none like the International Cannabis Business Conference, being held in San Francisco this weekend. The ICBC really stands alone in mixing business, politics, activism and fun. What other event allows you to listen to the first African American Surgeon General, two current members of Congress and Tommy Chong? And then actually party with Tommy Chong while listening to Del the Funky Homosapien aka Deltron 3030? Also, Rocker T opens up for Del and his positive, reggae-inspired hip hop always gets the party bumping. We here at Marijuana Politics are happy to help organize the ICBC, but I can honestly say that I would love to attend this event regardless of any affiliation.
The panels at the ICBC will be extremely interesting and informative. I am really looking forward to hearing about the journey of Dr. Joycelyn Elders and hear her describe what it was like to call for the U.S. to study ending the Drug War back in 1993, endorsing the important-but-unsuccessful-at-the-ballot-box Proposition 19 in 2010 and now actually seeing an African American President allow states to implement legalization measures passed by their voters. Congressmen Dana Rohrabacher and Earl Blumenauer have been warriors for the cannabis cause, so hearing about their work and what’s next in Congress will be great as well. Congressmen Blumenauer has recently predicted that the U.S. would legalize marijuana federally within 5 years, so I’m wondering if he will be sticking to that prediction at the ICBC.
The end of the first day is what I’m really looking forward to: the celebrity interview with Tommy Chong and then the exclusive ICBC party that night. Tommy Chong has been through so much from rising to fame as part of a lovable comedic stoner duo to serving time in federal prison for helping sell bongs (and agreeing to such a prison sentence when the feds threatened his wife and son) to some mainstream success (although as a stoner again) in That 70s Show to beating cancer to having cancer come back to an array of now-legal cannabis business interests. To party with such an icon will be priceless.
The second day will also be great as Andrew Sullivan is one of the most original political commentators of our time, who has helped promote cannabis legalization from a conservative perspective; it has been about a year since he quit blogging daily, so it will be great hearing what he has been up to. Henry Wykowski’s tax presentation will prove invaluable for everyone in the cannabis industry, as will the other business panels that day and the networking opportunities with many great folks in the industry. But I must admit, I am really looking forward to partying with Tommy Chong! You don’t want to miss it!
