Underground Economies: The Pot Biz

This was a six part series produced in collaboration with Oakland Local. In total there were 13 blog posts made in association with this story. It would not have been possible without the support of the Spot.Us community and the editorial support of Oakland Local.

 

(Click for photo slideshow)

  

Shifting Sands in the Cannabis Industry »

by Ryan Van Lenning In California, let alone in the rest of the country, a patchwork of regulations make for an ever-shifting and sometimes thorny business landscape. …read »  04.02.10

 

Insurance: Underwriting Cannabis »

by Ryan Van Lenning You know a business is becoming an economic force when the insurance folks start knocking at your door… read » 03.31.10

 

The Ripple Effect: Cannabis-related businesses expand—and profit »

by Ryan Van Lenning Not everybody breaking into the marijuana industry wants to grow plants or run a dispensary. In fact, entrepreneurs of all stripes are launching new efforts to cash in on the budding popularity of the cannabis business. … read » 03.30.10

 

New opportunities: underground gangs going legit, grandparents needing extra money and more »

by Ryan Van Lenning For the unemployed or underemployed, one can send out only so many unanswered resumes before the notion of becoming a “potrepreneur” begins to look attractive… read »  03.29.10

 

Oaksterdam: Expanding cannabis education »

by Ryan Van Lenning After just two years, Oaksterdam University is an institutional heavy-weight, drawing hundreds of students from all over the United States to learn to cultivate marijuana and legally sell the plants.… read »  03.26.10

 

Want some weed? Mapping the Business of Pot in Oakland »

by Spot. Us

Now that the tax and regulate cannabis initiative is officially on the November ballot, California may become the first state in the nation to legalize the recreational use of marijuana by adults.… read »