Equally as important as the emotional connection (discussed in the first installment of this series) and the clarity of purpose (as discussed in the second installment), are the methods of expression used in developing a brand’s identity.

I like to think of the emotional appeal of a brand as the why, the clarity of purpose as the what, and the expression of brand identity as the how. The how is comprised of scores of subtle decisions: product nuances, tone used in copy writing, color palette decisions, visual symbolism, channels of communication, etc.

The Marijuana Control Board is in the final stages of crafting regulations that will guide Alaska’s forthcoming legal marijuana industry. Proponents of Ballot Measure 2 believe the vast majority of rules proposed so far realize both its spirit and intent. However, we are concerned that a few remaining provisions overlook important rights for Alaskans granted under the initiative. By far the most troubling is the fact that the proposed rules do not allow for social consumption in any establishments.

ILLEGAL AND UNFAIR PROVISIONS?

Many of the observers at the City of Detroit Zoning Board meeting on October 15 objected to some of the punitive and outright illegal proposals contained within the city’s ordinance regulating medical marijuana distribution centers in the city. Several attorneys who spoke to the Commission pointed out that at least one of their provisions likely violates state law, and others are just mean.

Apeks Supercritical is growing so fast supplying the marijuana industry in other states that it may have to start building an expansion by spring on its Licking County factory that opened just this year.

The votes are advisory only, meaning it's up to tribal leaders on the next step.

We all need more and better information about the pros and cons of marijuana. What can pain management doctors tell us about the value of it for their patients? And what detrimental effects does it have on people?

Law enforcement officials certainly have some opinions about the impact of marijuana on drivers. Judges and attorneys certainly could add some perspectives on the usage of marijuana, especially regarding its potential to create additional illegal drug use.

Anyone in a credit union considering offering banking services to marijuana businesses should take the time to make sure that their attorney is paying close attention to litigation between the Federal Reserve Bank of Kansas and the Fourth Corner Credit Union of Colorado. (See Fourth Corner Credit Union v. Federal Reserve Bank of Kansas, U.S. Dist Ct, CO, 15-cv-01644). This case has national implications. It may well clarify the legality of state efforts to legalize pot businesses.

The Oregon Liquor Control Commission on Thursday approved wide-ranging rules that will launch the state's recreational marijuana industry next year.

The commission spent the morning tweaking 77 pages of administrative rules that detail everything from the security that licensed growers must have to the kind of information that has to be listed on product labels.

Attorneys for the commission and the Oregon Department of Justice spent the afternoon revising the rules, which were approved when the board reconvened at the end of the day.

Timeless Herbal Care, a company formed by a group of Jamaicans, on Thursday became only the third local entity given permission to legally cultivate ganja, according to Phillip Paulwell, minister of science, technology, energy and mining.

"They were granted a permit this morning (Thursday) to cultivate marijuana/ganja for the purpose of research. They do have long-term objectives in terms of commercialisation, but they certainly would be awaiting the Cannabis Licensing Authority's regulations to pursue that aspect. What I do know is that they are very keen on doing research on the essential oils and to do value-added products for the export market," Paulwell disclosed.

Eighteen-year-olds could soon be allowed in Tempe medical-marijuana dispensaries, and stores may be allowed to lengthen their hours.

The changes would be part of a series of tweaks the city could make to its medical-marijuana rules.

Dispensary operator Steve White

is asking the city for some of the changes.

He believes the current rules hurt his customers.

For one, Tempe is the only city in the Valley that requires dispensaries to close at 6 p.m.

The festive season is nearly upon us. Which means so too is the period in which you have to buy gifts for extended family members you only see that one day of the year, because turning up without something for your five-year-old cousin is a real dick move.

If your budget doesn't quite stretch to whatever's flying off the shelves at Toys "R" Us this year, there are alternatives – like this: My First Grow, a "cannabis grow kit for kids". Retailing at £7.99, it contains hemp seeds, soil, a growing cup, instruction manual and a "My First Grow" sticker. Reassuringly, any toddler trying to smoke the produce from a My First Grow won't get high, because hemp carries very low quantities of the actual psychoactive chemical in cannabis, THC.