Marijuana Business Magazine - March 2018

FROM THE CEO'S DESK l t’s interesting, though not surprising, how quickly the focus of the can- nabis markets has shifted to the international scene. With people like Jeff Sessions causing headaches in the United States, it’s natural that the experienced cannabis entrepreneurs who built the industry here now look to diversify abroad. The most well-known of these markets, of course, is Canada. With full rec- reational legalization only months away, savvy companies and investors are moving at full speed to grab Canadian market share and develop partnerships that will serve them well as the industry there develops. Receiving less attention – but likely to offer significant opportunities – is the advancing legalization of medical marijuana around the world, particularly in Europe and South America. The challenges of pursuing opportunities in these markets are ones that experienced U.S. business leaders are very familiar with: business strate- gies forced to accommodate the very fragmented nature of each individual country’s laws and regulations. The skill sets that long-term cannabis entre- preneurs have gained navigating the divided landscape – moving quickly to secure new opportunities and build alliances and partnerships across state borders – will be very applicable as the international markets develop. Perhaps most interesting on the landscape is the role Canada is playing, and will continue to play for the foreseeable future, in developing the global marketplace. Without question, Canada’s top licensed producers are leading the way in partnerships, import/export agreements, IP transfer and funding of the opportunities in other countries. To help all of you better understand these developments and position your businesses to capitalize on them, MJBizDaily is significantly ramping up our coverage of international developments. Look to the daily news updates at http://mjbizdaily.com (be sure to sign up for the free news alerts email), in the pages of this magazine and at the developing agenda of MJBizConINT’L, to be held in Toronto Aug. 14-16 (learn more and sign up to get updates at http://mjbizcon.com ). The cannabis industry will continue to evolve in response to, and in spite of, political developments in the United States. You can rely on the team at MJBizDaily to keep you in touch with the latest news, insights, best practices and professional connections you will need to thrive – no matter what comes next. Cassandra Farrington President & CEO Global Horizons 8 • Marijuana Business Magazine • March 2018