Legalized weed looks like a cash cow, and just like any other billion-dollar industry, it will be heavily regulated

In one episode of HBO's hit show The Wire, Stringer Bell, the brutal head of a Baltimore heroin cartel, demands that his meetings about the day-to-day operations of the "game" be run in strict compliance with Robert's Rules of Order: the street-corner pushers have to be recognized by the chair before speaking. Though the scene seemed outlandish, perhaps it was ahead of its time.

The new collaboration will allow both companies to ensure the widest range of cannabis-related news and information reaches a rapidly-growing global audience.

The WeedLife Network, a business social network and digital marketplace with more than 40 websites and app tools developed for the cannabis industry, is announcing an information partnership with 420Intel.com – as part of the network’s mission to rapidly distribute essential information to those interested in the ever-developing legal cannabis industry.

“Hip-hop, more so than any other genre, embodies the spirit of entrepreneurship,” former A&R exec Tayyib Smith told CNN Money while discussing his new Institute of Hip Hop Entrepreneurship. One might argue this entrepreneurial spirit was already alive and well in the Jamaican dub reggae and Jamaican style “toasting” from which hip-hop traces its origins. Thus, it is not surprising that the most recognizable family in reggae is keeping its progenitor’s legacy alive through enterprise.

Assembly Bill 2516, which would create a new medical cannabis cultivator license for “micro farmers,” passed the Assembly on Wednesday.

“We are trying to ensure small medical cannabis growers on the North Coast can continue to do business as this industry moves forward,” state Assemblyman Jim Wood (D-Healdsburg) said in a release. “It is not fair to require the small farmers to adhere to the same standards as larger operations. We are going to ensure the California Department of Food and Agriculture can develop regulations specific to small farmer practices.”

Accusations made by a former employee that a Minnesota-based medical marijuana company illegally transported cannabis oil out of state prompted an investigation and audit by local authorities.

The employee said that at least $500,000 worth of cannabis oil (or about 370 grams) was sent from Minnesota Medical Solutions's Otsego growing facility to their parent company's New York location in order to meet that state's production deadline, according to a search warrant filed on May 26 in Hennepin County.

"We are confident the claims relied upon by regulatory authorities to begin the investigation will be found to be false," according to a statement released by Vireo, the parent company.

According to the search warrant:

DENVER, June 1, 2016 -- Over 100 Colorado retailers are using LeafLink.com, an online ordering platform for the cannabis industry, to order products from more than a dozen marijuana infused product brands, including Keef Cola, Dixie Elixirs, Cannapunch, Wana Brands, Foria, and ZOOTS. The platform, which launched in March, is designed exclusively for the cannabis industry, meaning that each retailer on the platform must have a valid license from the Colorado Marijuana Enforcement Division (MED).

Two years after Colorado began its first retail sales of cannabis, towns and cities across the state are enjoying the benefits in a number of ways. With sales this year expected to reach $1 billion, local governments are seeing windfalls of tax revenue, which is funding education, recreation, infrastructure improvements, and even aid to the homeless.

The small town of Mountain View may be able to dispel its reputation for collecting revenue through speeding tickets, now that two pot shops reside there.

The cannabis industry has shown tremendous growth over the past few years and new markets are appearing right in front of our eyes. With all of the publicity and legalization in various states, cannabis is becoming less taboo and turning into big business, and many enthusiasts are looking for ways to work in this budding industry. 

Just like the food, wine, and spirits industries have their specialized experts, connoisseurs, and sommeliers, it’s time for the Cannabis industry to employ true quality searchers and finders.

Tasting

As one of the fastest growing industries in the United States, marijuana has quickly becoming a booming industry. With profits on the rise and states ready to legalize, many people are interested in working in this industry.

However, many people are also unsure when it comes to getting their foot in the door.

After all, where do you even begin?

Compiling the advice of top marijuana experts along with industry insights, discover the top 6 ways you can break into the cannabis industry today. 

1.) Cater your expertise

Marijuana may be a specialized industry, but it has needs just like any other type of business. From IT to marketing, there’s a cannabis business seeking your expertise.

This guy must be high!

That’s what I thought after reading the following sentence in a recent Motley Fool piece...

There simply aren't any enticing investments at the moment to take advantage of marijuana's state-level expansion, meaning you safest best is to monitor marijuana's expansion safely from the sidelines.

Tell that to the members of my Green Chip Stocks community who bought the following stocks last year after I recommended them...

OrganiGram Holdings (TSX-V: OGI)

Aphria (TSX-V: APH)