Medical Marijuana Exec’s Legal Troubles a Setback for Cannabis Industry Regardless of Outcome

5 Comments:

1. 

   Steve

   May 24th, 2012 at 6:08 pm
   I tried to warn you that Dhar is not a good guy. He is also lying and stealing money from people opening up We Grow stores. His own store closed in Oakland because it was losing money. He is now promising great things to new potential franchises. This is not the guy the industry needs as a spokesman. He is a liar and a cheat and this investigation is only scratching the surface. Check his background, he has ripped off many people and continues to steal for his own personal gain.
2. 

   Doug Banfelder

   May 24th, 2012 at 7:43 pm
   We should all hope the industry is by now bigger than any allegations lodged against a single individual.

   It is true, however, that our collective daily actions determine how we are perceived by the general public and policymakers.

   We all bear personal responsibility for this collective image, so our behavior needs to be beyond reproach.

   One of the best ways to forge a positive image is to be active and engaged within our local communities.

   Self-policing is also important, especially in a field attracting more than its share of profiteers, con artists and other undesirables.

   Advocacy groups such as Chambers of Commerce and other organizations wishing to build their rep as credible players should have codes of conduct – and enforce them to keep the “gene pool” at least reasonably clean.
3. 

   chrisw

   May 24th, 2012 at 11:57 pm
   Great points, Doug. Btw, we are hosting a national industry conference this November, and we want to have a panel discussion on the importance of community involvement (including the best ways to go about this).
4. 

   Max Tanner

   May 25th, 2012 at 12:15 am
   Savvy investors consider such an isolated action as almost meaningless. Industry has to grow, no
   turning back.
5. 

   Doug Banfelder

   May 25th, 2012 at 1:02 am
   Thanks Chris.

   I’ve been involved in my city’s neighborhood issues for years, serving on a zoning board, participating in block watches and merchant associations, working with councilmembers to address crime and blight concerns, etc.

   This experience with local and state officials provides a foundation of mutual respect that is very helpful in facilitating substantive discussions about MMJ.

   A panel discussion on this topic would be terrific.