Mendocino Farmer, Casey O’Neill, and Flow Kana CEO, Michael Steinmetz, Offer Answers to Community Questions
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Flow Kana co-founders Michael Steinmetz and Flavia Cassani on the left and Amber and Casey O’Neill of HappyDay Farms. [Photo: Business Wire]
Today, we give time to first a rebuttal piece by well-known Mendocino grower, Casey O’Neill, and following that, a piece by the Flow Kana CEO Michael Steinmetz.
First, Casey O’Neill:
It is clear that our community (myself included) is struggling with the fundamental issue of the rise of capital operating in the cannabis space. In regards to the post above, I would say that investment capital and control of an organization are two different things. Though Gotham Green has a board seat, it does not have a controlling interest in Flow Kana. After working with Michael for the last 5 years, I believe in his intentions to support a supply chain based on small, independent farms and I believe in his ability to maintain control of the company.
In the meantime, I have this to say about the presence of large capital investment in the local cannabis space: It makes me uneasy. I’m aware of the risks involved with inviting the types of issues and characters that often accompany large companies and investment. That said, thanks to the regulatory disadvantages heaped upon local, independent farms, I feel to wholesale reject investment tied to out-of-county capitalist interests would be a death sentence for the independent businesses given the expense of state distribution and regulatory cost.
Assuming for a moment that out of county investment is necessary to the survival of local businesses, the task then becomes to appraise that support with a critical eye, which is a fundamental goal of mine. Coming as I do from a background of back-to-land farming and self-sufficient homesteading, I have to be honest: no one makes the first cut. Pretty much anyone in a suit who worked in investment immediately makes me suspicious, which is why I think that capital should be isolated from the farms into a different segment of the industry.
At the end of the day I think the real struggle is this: regulations have forced independent farms to either interface with capitalist realities we all hoped to avoid, or die. That said, while I think we must accept the rise of capital in the space, there is a line. My initial thoughts regarding the deductions in the… article about Jason Adler as he relates to the future of Flow Kana (and cannabis) suggest at least a little conspiracy theory wrapped in confirmation bias. That said, some of the suggestions made are downright absurd. I think asking questions is healthy, and I intend to do so, but I think the type of conjecture [in the post] is divisive in a way that is harmful to the overall health of our communities.
The loss of our ability as farmers to participate in direct-to-consumer sales with the transition out of the collective model meant we faced a stark choice. We had to choose; do we go out of business after having fought so hard for a place for small farms in the new system, or do we work to build a company that can help small farms compete? For us, not having a commercial building and not being able to process on farm, we’ve been very grateful that Flow Kana processes our product and gets it into the marketplace while covering the cost until sale.
We grow many crops because that is what we believe in. We want to fight for diversified farms with broad crop portfolios. The fact that Flow Kana is engaging in supporting food production is of deepest importance to me, and is a cornerstone of the model that I want to see in this world.
I work to see just and equitable regulations developed, but the system is what it is, whether we like it or not. I worked many hundreds of hours to build the cannabis cooperative movement, trying to navigate the shifting landscape of market and regulation. I found that I lack the business skills to lead such a project and that we were drastically under resourced. I still have a deep belief in cooperatives, and hope to see them grow over the next few years, and I continue to participate in the efforts. That said, I am disillusioned by the blockages placed in our way by the state including the 4 acre cap and the single license requirement.
At the end of the day, I’m uneasy about capital, but it is the reality that we face and I would prefer to be involved and try to help steer it than to see it run away with the show. As capital continues to pour in, we will need it on our side as well. We didn’t build this new system, the state did, and it is built in a way that makes the rise of capital in the space an inevitability. Multinational, cultivation-focused businesses have no interest in seeing independent farms survive. As the industry grows and scales and eventual federal legalization arrives, drastic change will continue to be the norm. Capital in cannabis is inevitable, Flow Kana as a non-cultivation business has a mutual dependence on the success of independent farms.
Casey O’Neill
Below, Michael Steinmetz (CEO and Founder of Flow Kana) answers concerns about the company. (For a look at Flow Kana’s FAQ page, go here.)
…I’d like to answer and clarify some comments at this time:
1) There is no relationship between Marlboro/Altria and Flow Kana. Michael Steinmetz (CEO and Founder) controls the majority of the Flow Kana board and therefore all decisions.
Inaccurate claims of the existence of a relationship have come from multiple degrees of separation between common investors:
- Gotham Green invested in Flow Kana in May 2018 (Press Release July 2018). Gotham Green holds a minority position with a single vote on Flow Kana’s board, held by Michael Henderson Cohen.
- Jason Adler, a partner of Gotham Green, was an early board member in Cronos.
- Cronos later received investment money from Altria in March 2019. This investment in no way impacts or involves Flow Kana.
There is no relationship between Flow Kana and Cronos/Marlboro/Altria, and absolutely zero investment / ownership / control / or influence between the companies.
I can say unequivocally, and without a shadow of a doubt that I have never met, nor had a conversation with anyone from Altria, period. Same goes with Pebble Labs, another company upon which Jason Adler is on the board, with whom Flow Kana has absolutely zero affiliation- this is the first time I have ever heard about this company.
Neither of these companies have ever set foot at the Flow Cannabis Institute (FCI), nor have they been in any conversations with any leadership team members at Flow Kana. Just like you have no control over who your uncle, or your cousin dates and/or marries and by default brings into your extended network, I cannot control the other investments or deals that our investors make in ventures separate from our own. All claims of a relationship between Flow Kana and Altria are completely false.
I, Michael Steinmetz, hold the majority of the votes at the board level (more than 51%), and therefore have full control of every decision. Since the beginning of Flow Kana, I have made every effort to listen to not only the employees of Flow Kana, but also to the farmers, and leaders in our community; every decision I make is guided by you. Investment does not correlate with control. Board control ultimately decides the fate of the company and I have taken every measure to ensure that I maintain the controlling majority.
In this phase of the industry, of global hyper-growth, we all require the help of many partners and strategic alliances. I can’t stress enough how lucky we are to have investment that illustrates a commitment to support decentralized agriculture and the independent, small farming community through infrastructure and continued marketplace development.
I spend a lot of time with each and every one of our investors. Not only meeting and getting to know them and vetting their references, but also asking to sit down with their families (significant others and kids). While some people take investors and investments rather lightly, I take an extraordinary amount of time and care doing my thorough diligence to ensure it’s the right partner for the journey. I can assure you, I have done that here, and have also included several of our farmers in this diligence process. I am comfortable saying most of our investors have either spoken to farmers we work with on the phone, or gone personally to tour their farms. For Gotham specifically, I can confidently share that they were put through an exhaustive vetting process by me, and they spent time with several of our founding farms, including Waterdog Herb, Huckleberry Farms, Elysian Fields and HappyDay Farms. Though, it would be impossible for all of our farmers to meet every investor, we go out of our way to include them in the process as we know it’s important for all of us to be aligned. I am proud to say that all of our investors are values-aligned and committed to our vision, and are with us for the long term.
2) Accusations of local government corruption within Mendocino County
At Flow Kana, everything we do is in service of strengthening and expanding the ecosystem for independent legacy cannabis farms. We have no business model without independent farms.
Due to our scale, we work with many counties and local government officials across the state which gives us the perspective to say without any doubt that we are lucky to have the dedicated local government we have in Mendocino. Flow Kana doesn’t get any special perks. Our permits receive just as much scrutiny, cost just as much, and take just as long as everyone else’s in Mendocino. We participate in an open and transparent public process with the county, and our goals are to expand opportunities for independent farmers.
3) Questions regarding corruption in Venezuela and my background
I was surprised that my country of birth is being correlated with my values as a person; xenophobia is such a sad side of human nature. It is true that Venezuela has become a corrupt and truly horrible place to call home. This is not because the place or its people are bad, it is in fact victim to the worst and most corrupt government of our world today. Ever since Hugo Chavez got into power in ‘98, Venezuela and its people have suffered a rapid decline and painful instability. The country is subject to a fascist, dictatorial regime, that is dressed as socialism, and is at the brink of bankruptcy – it is why I left.
But somehow the beautiful country where I was born manages to survive these atrocities, which speaks to their resilience. There are over 25 million people in Venezuela, and these are people that have the same hopes and dreams that every person has, to live peacefully, to prosper, to raise their families. I love Venezuela’s beauty, its people, its rich culture, and I miss what it used to be so much.
Mendocino reminds me very much of the Venezuela of my childhood — not just its beauty, but its family-focused values and sense of community. It’s probably why I was drawn to, and chose Redwood Valley to set my roots and build my life.
I’ve experienced the struggles of my countrymates first hand — I’ve been in marches, fighting against the corrupt armed police system, and witnessed as they threw tear gas canisters and killed indiscriminately. I’ve been injured, and fortunately not severely hurt. I was blessed I was able to get out, many of my friends don’t have that option. A corrupt government does not define its individual citizens, and I would love the opportunity to have the power of influence to one day be able to affect the change that Venezuela desperately deserves. I am proud to call myself Venezuelan and hope to one day help to build a better future for my country.
4) Questions about my experience prior to cannabis
I graduated from Carnegie Mellon, and was fortunate to be able to work at NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory and at Merryl Lynch, for a year. Following that, I built (and subsequently sold) a food distribution company in Venezuela. I was incredibly proud of that company, but sadly the government’s greed, and success in destroying the private sector, made it impossible to continue. It’s been alleged that I was involved in a cryptocurrency project, and I have no idea what this refers to. I have nothing against cryptocurrency, in fact I do believe it could be a disruptive technology for humanity, but it is not something I have ever been involved with nor pursued.
In closing, I hope this email helps clarify some of the unsubstantiated online conversations you may have seen, or been approached about. You are welcome to reference this and I hope that it eases questions asked in ‘fear of the unknown’.
I continue to be as committed as ever with my wife and my new baby girl (born here in Mendocino), to be of service to this community, to add value to this county, and to work as hard as I possibly can to support small farmers, who are real stewards of the land and whose lives inspire us daily at Flow Kana. An example of this has been our continued dedication to diversified agriculture through a program that has been so dear to us since Flow Kana’s inception. Our CSA program with MendoLake Food Hub has now made us the largest purchaser of locally-grown produce in Mendocino. We are also the second largest employer in the county. We are also the number 1 flower brand of the entire state. These are incredible responsibilities that I do not take lightly.
I believe the most precious thing that we can offer this planet and mankind besides our love, is our work. Our labor is an offering of our energy, our time, our imagination, our mind, our greatest self, and ultimately our ability to take action. It’s through our labor (love in action) that we share our greatest self and our gifts to one another. And it is only through our actions, and not our words, that I will continue to share with this community, what Flow Kana is all about.
Thank you for caring enough to question and seeking the truth.
Here in the service of my community,
Mikey
Join the discussion! For rules visit: https://kymkemp.com/commenting-rules
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Oh good grief, big time or small grower. The vast majority are opportunists that didn’t want to get a 9 to 5 and likes long vacations in Costa Rica, to be honest who doesn’t? It’s annoying you give these people a platform to try and convince the public that they are honest hard working, Caring folks. Perhaps you could publish an opinion piece or several opinion, pieces by honest working folks in Humboldt who have been negatively affected by weed growers?
Send them to me….
Also, just off the top of my head: https://kymkemp.com/2017/10/06/14-year-old-fortuna-girl-tells-county-supervisors-shes-tired-of-smelling-pot-in-her-home/
Kym,
I think you are making some serious mistakes here. A hit piece by the AVA as part of your unusual introduction to one side of a debate is a pretty heavy hand on the scale. You seem to be arguing ad hominem on both sides of the debate. Although I like one side of the controversy and dislike the other, I think it is unfitting of a reporter/editor to pre-load a debate with personal considerations.
Though Mr. John Sakowicz’ previous article reads like a hit piece itself I think that comes through in the text. Your personal affinity for the position of (and the person of) some of the presenters on the other side of the debate also doesn’t mark them as truthful. A regular theme of the defense of people accused of “he said/she said” mis-behavior is the parade of nice people who say: “I know so and so and they would never. . .” I think you’ve stepped into that zone.
b.
Rather than condemn RHBB for being what it is, you should offer praise to Kym Kemp for being the torch bearer in this small but divided community. I know same as you, RHBB operates to the pleasure of optimistic opportunity for expression of meaningful thought. There has to be at least 3 sides to hold debate. Sometimes KK stirs the kettle in order to get the broth cooking.
I notice you didn’t declare a side in the debate.
Condemn? No, critique. We all make mistakes and I think I’m watching one of Kym’s few mistakes
Side? Well, I love Casey and trust his judgement as much as I trust my own. When presented an opportunity to “work with” a beloved family member who is also a venture capitalist to support their entry into the “legal” cannabis community, I declined. Too dangerous to know who their other friends and obligations and loyalties are and what they would do when push came to shove.
Loving Casey (and myself) doesn’t give me enough confidence to follow him down this path.
And that is wisdom. Fine reply. Bring it.
Everyone in the community owes Kym a thank you.
Without her having this blog the cannabis community would not have a good local place to communicate. I have learned so much from this website and i have Kym to thank for this. This is truly one of the best local news sources you could ever fine.
Rod- thanks for the reminder. Kym gets me frustrated and even angry sometimes with her Pollyanna outlook. But she allows even me to vent my opinion and perspective. Kym runs the best bulletin board in town even if we don’t always love her store. Thank you, Kym!
Indeed.
A short time ago, I attempted to do a small portion of what Kym Kemp does. It was a motorcycling forum 6 years ago. It’s gone now.
She is a powerhouse who works extremely hard. Frequently I see how she manages extroverted commenters. We’re better because of RHBB.
A media outlet discussing issues concerning local community members. Allowing for all opinions and rebuttal by those being questioned. Thank you Kym I applaud you for making this platform available. Thank you for all your hard work. Now back to vetting this Flow Kana company. I think we have all deduced John likes sex and is a drama queen if you break up with him. Michael, you do not need to defend your heritage all of us who are truly from here accept all cultures, no need to defend anymore. You would win more people over here by not saying anything.
“John likes sex”? Let’s try John likes to cheat and lie. That sounds a bit closer to the truth. We all like sex…we don’t all destroy families with deceit for over a decade. I appreciate Kym linking the AVA piece. Speaks volumes to his credibility as a person. Looking at the piece with fresh eyes and reading his comments on his original post, my guess is he has ties to Root One, who hasn’t even opened for business yet as a distributor. He mentioned them multiple times without even mentioning the other long standing distributor on the coast.
It’s a quagmire.
Stay away from quagmires.
Giggity
lol, just generalizing was avoiding being wordy.
b.,
I may be making a mistake but mostly I’m worried about making it by giving a person whose veracity is in question a platform to publish. I actually held myself back from mentioning a number of other concerning issues with Sakowicz’s background (See Boston Globe attachment below). And yes, ideas are more important than personalities but his background concerns me greatly.
You say, “I think it is unfitting of a reporter/editor to pre-load a debate with personal considerations.” And I think it is my job to let my readers know about my concerns with a person’s truthfulness.
Kym,
My concern is not that you investigated nor that you commented, its about where and how. I know that you step in to many streams to calm the energy through the respect that you’ve earned.
I imagine myself writing an opinion piece that you find wanting and feel that it would only be fair for you to look up my life story and discover the worst moments of my behavior. I would expect that, if not from you, from the crowd. I would not feel comfortable with you stepping in front of me and distributing that information before I got a chance to speak.
If I were in Casey’s position I would probably appreciate your protecting me from real (and unreal) scrutiny by making it all about someone else’s lack of character. I think both writers of this piece– Casey and Michael Steinmetz– deserve more scrutiny than that, not because they are bad but because their statements deserve to be questioned. They may be absolutely honest and yet be wrong.
The well being of much of the community depends upon their actions, much less so on Mr. Sakowicz.
Mr. Sakowitz is entitled to give his opinion. We are entitled to have opinions about his opinion…”we” includes me. Frankly, my opinion of a man whose character includes accusations of embezzlement, addiction to cocaine, lying about employment, cheating on his wife, and destroying the career of his lover does not leave me feeling great about having posted his unproven accusations. It took every part of my belief in free speech to allow that post. And, as you can see by reading the comments posted here, a number of people believed that because I allowed it, I must have approved of it.
In effect, Mr. Sakowitz borrowed my reputation to advance ideas that I do not approve of–so yes, I’m going to at least indicate that there are problems with his prior behavior that I believe ought to give pause to a thinking person. I have to allow free speech. I don’t have to act like I think bad ideas are good ones.
I see the need you are addressing. From reading the quality of your work helping to form this community, I would expect that your actions would be both well thought out and consistent with your understanding of the situation. Many people would have looked at the situation and avoided it all together. We all benefit from your bravery and honesty.
I try to be honest. And sure as heck don’t always succeed but I’m getting better I think…
Now, if I could only be honest with myself about why I’m making cookies (for my kids?…uh, then why did I eat so many of them…)
…”Frankly, my opinion of a man whose character includes accusations of…”
Accusations or downright paid time for those things via a jury of peers?
Accusations are a dime a dozen, as we’ve witnessed untold times. It’s gotten to the point we kid and say ‘never trust a person who’s never been targeted by flying monkeys’.
I haven’t researched him thoroughly. But I believe he admitted to the cocaine addiction, the embezzlement and the affair. I only have so much time though and was just quickly running through articles. I would caution checking the first two to be sure I’m correct. The last one I am sure of.
Cocaine is only ok if relegated to strict specific times of the year… A random wendesday? Not cool… Fourth of July or New Year’s eve? maybe that’s acceptible. Rule of thumb, you should not be doing hard drugs over the age of thirty.
9-5? We’re out here 16 hours a day. Sorry you work a job that you hate but don’t blame others for it.
Sounds to me that the Flow Kanna opinion piece letter has merit.
Well, then you lack reading comprehension and are [edit] easily fooled. [edit]
The big g players in the opinion piece are still in the response. giving the opinion piece merit.
“Neither of these companies have ever set foot at the Flow Cannabis Institute (FCI), nor have they been in any conversations with any leadership team members at Flow Kana. Just like you have no control over who your uncle, or your cousin dates and/or marries and by default brings into your extended network, I cannot control the other investments or deals that our investors make in ventures separate from our own.”
That doesn’t sound like private investors. Sounds like corporate investors.
Yes of course merit,
California-based marijuana producer and distributor Flow Kana closed a $125 million funding round – which appears to be the largest private funding round for a cannabis company in the United States.
The previous record was held by the $119 million raise that Acreage Holdings closed in July 2018.
Flow Kana’s latest funding round was led by Gotham Green Partners, a New York-based private equity firm THAT HAS PREVIOUSLY INVESTED IN THE COMPANY.
More merit for ya.
https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2018-12-07/former-hedge-fund-manager-lerner-strikes-gold-in-altria-pot-deal
Flow canna is” also the second largest employer in the county. We are also the number 1 flower brand of the entire state. These are incredible responsibilities that I do not take lightly.”
Michael steinmetz said
It makes me think of the fact that Pacific Lumber Company became owned by Maxxam after its owner sought Wall Street investment.
It didnt work out well for this county really. Maxxam even bankrupted (reniged) on the retirements of the lifelong employees.
Really resonating with casey oneills point. Basically: What we are actually uncomfortable with is the entry of capital ,wall street, into our local economy.
Thank you for providing some context, people are so quick to believe in conspiracies these days…SMDH
Seriously, we all know how ruthless Monsanto and hedgefunders are. Don’t talk to us as if we’re silly no-nothing’s.
And what specifically do they have to do with Flow Kana, [edit]?
Confirmed: Monsanto’s Glyphosate Is Killing Bees, Disrupting The Gut Microbiome
https://bit.ly/2m4gprZ September 25, 2018
Yes context like the context of creating a new company called Cronos to avoid negative publicity probably during discussions for that big tobacco money. Guess they are not really natural or maybe you are ok with pesticides in your corporate cannabis. I know when I test my products the results come back ND for not detected because I am Natural. Makes one wonder how they remediate, oh never mind, if ya got money you just start a new company cause they have millions to burn. Have ya heard the news that money shit really does grow on trees.
PharmaCan Capital Corp., doing business as Cronos Group (TSX VENTURE: MJN) (“Cronos Group” or “the Company”) is pleased to announce that its wholly owned subsidiary, Peace Naturals Project Inc. (“Peace”)
Introduction
On May 18, 2017, Peace Naturals Project Inc., now Cronos a licensed producer of cannabis for medical purposes located in Ontario, began a voluntary Type III recall of 74 lots of dried marijuana and cannabis oil that were produced between November 23, 2015 and January 06, 2017. The affected lot numbers are found below. Peace Naturals was not so natural which is just cronos in sheep’s clothing.
Reason
Following an unannounced inspection by Health Canada at the Peace Naturals Project Inc. site in March 2017 to conduct random sampling of cannabis products, test result of one of the two samples of leaves collected tested positive for piperonyl butoxide at low level concentration of 0.78 parts per million (ppm). Peace Naturals Project Inc. undertook further testing on various products at their site which indicated the presence of low levels of piperonyl butoxide in dried marijuana, cannabis oil and marijuana plants. As a result, on May 18, 2017, Peace Naturals Project Inc. initiated a voluntary Type III recall for products sold between November 26, 2015 to March 13, 2017.
A Type III recall refers to a situation in which the use of, or exposure to a product is not likely to cause any adverse health consequences.
Piperonyl butoxide is a synergist that is combined with pesticides to increase their effectiveness. Piperonyl butoxide is not found in the seventeen pest control products that are authorized for use on cannabis plants under the Pest Control Products Act. Piperonyl butoxide is found in pest control products that are approved for use in food production. All tested lots did not exceed any of the levels permitted in food production for piperonyl butoxide.
Health Canada has received one adverse reaction report related to Peace Naturals Project Inc.’s products sold affected by the recall. Health Canada recommends that any individual affected by the recall immediately stop using the recalled product and to contact Peace Naturals Project Inc., at the following number 1-888-647-3223.
Wow, just google this Sakowicz guy’s name and you see all of these stories pop up where he’s right in the middle of some kind of mean spirited drama of his own making. The stories that come up on him truly depict a sorry dishonest attention getter.
From the Anderson Valley Advertiser:
The Perpetually Re-Invented Mr. Sakowicz
by Bruce Anderson, April 11, 20185 Comments
There are lightning rods and then there’s John Sakowicz. Sako, as the ubiquitous County gadfly is widely known, regularly pops up in the local media and he has been the subject of national news stories. He is synonymous with controversy, the latest in Colorado. A March 30th letter to the editor of the Denver Post tells us that Sako has initiated a high profile case of kiss and tell.
“Let’s get this straight: John Sakowicz (of City of Ten Thousand Buddhas, Calif.) and Colorado Appeals Court Judge Laurie A. Booras had an alleged consensual, adulterous, long-term sexual affair despite Sakowicz’s apparently long marriage. Yet, it appears that Sakowicz only placed his complaint of “adultery” (and public sex, etc.) against Booras after his wife found out about their decade-long complicit affair and filed for divorce. Many of Judge Booras’ alleged actions, including calling a fellow judge a “little Mexican,” are dismaying at a minimum, and unbecoming of a public official. Yet, also dismaying seems Mr. Sakowicz’s timing, a potential usage of this situation for his own personal reasons, which could perhaps be seen as an exacerbation or exploitation of the #MeToo movement. — Karey Christ-Janer; Berthoud, Colorado”………..
Casey seems well intentioned, but it’s really hard to believe “Mikey” Steinmetz…What a load of crap….”Deny, deny, bs followed by more bs about starting from nothing only to end up better and smarter than all of you!
And, oh by the way, let me mention Michael Cohen as if that name doesn’t have any negative connotation.”
I’ll pass on Flow Kana
CaseyO,
This turned out to be a bait and switch. This article has been around for days. I’d hoped for a bit more transparency. Canned speeches don’t help serve us little people.
Of course you want more money and care not about it’s source. It’s first and foremost just that, more money. Have you for one moment deeply considered the ramifications of out of the area control, it’s greed, and total lack of compassion for those of us who’re hurting? People are being consumed by your partners, and you know what I mean. I can’t imagine how you sleep.
“I’d hoped for a bit more transparency”
Just making a wild guess here, but pretty sure Casey cannot read minds. If you have a question that is still unanswered, why don’t you ask those questions instead of making vague remarks?
This post wasn’t here yesterday. Neither was CaseyO.
Which means that I should talk to a fence post.
BTW stop using my name, use your own.
Business sucks sometimes you make it sometimes you dont but it seems they sold a huge chunk of interest to the devil by stepping away from the mom and pop idea in order to save their business. Smart for biz but counter productive to the keeping it small and local vibe. Too bad they couldnt make it work on their own.
Well said. I never did have faith in corporate America.
I guess we’ll have to wait and see how this pans out. I don’t think it will end well considering the players with the big money, they chew up and spit out little guys for profit. I myself would never have anything Monsanto attached to myself in any way no matter how distant. Are those frankenvegies that are displayed? ( sorry, couldn’t resist)
Good luck you guys, I think you are going to need it…
“Sako” is running for mendo Supervisor. Good! He won’t be able to outrun his past, and the media spot light will be focused on HIM and his dishonest shenanigans will finally be exposed !
“April 11, 2018 at 3:09 pm
Sako’s several crackpot letters to the Federal Communications Commission demanding non-renewal of the KZYX broadcast license included one which he signed as Third Place Winner in a Norman Mailer Foundation poetry competition. An inquiry to the Foundation revealed no such thing.
Sakowitz loves to make stuff up, be ungallant and cry “wolf!” People who might wish to wreck Mendocino County should vote for him for supervisor.”
Mikey,
“All claims of a relationship between Flow Kana and Altria are completely false”
That is until …
“In this phase of the industry, of global hyper-growth, we all require the help of many partners and strategic alliances.”
Which tongue do you normally speak? Or are you comfortable using both?
Reading is tough business. Understanding what you’ve read is nearly impossible, no?
Oooopsie,
Traci Lerner’s $1.4 billion hedge fund. Her biggest publicly disclosed equity holding, pot producer Cronos Group Inc., surged as much as 33 percent Friday after Marlboro cigarette maker Altria Group Inc. took a stake in the Canadian company.
The largest individual shareholder, Cronos board member Jason Adler, added $17.8 million to his fortune on Friday, bringing his stake in the firm to $125.3 million, including the value of unexercised stock options. Adler is managing partner of New York-based Gotham Green Partners, a private-equity firm that invests in cannabis companies.
https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2018-12-07/former-hedge-fund-manager-lerner-strikes-gold-in-altria-pot-deal
MedMen Enterprises Inc. MMNFF-1.26% bucked the downward trend to trade up 6%, after the company said it has entered an agreement with funds managed by cannabis investor and private-equity firm Gotham Green Partners for a senior secured convertible credit facility of up to $250 million.
MedMen Chief Executive Adam Bierman said the money will be used for general working capital, including making some of its retail licenses operational, with a focus on Florida, integrating other recent or pending transactions, including those related to PharmaCann LLC, expanding geographically through new acquisitions and for other purposes.
The notes will be issued in three tranches with the initial tranches expected to be in the amount of $100 million. In the first 12 months, interest may be paid in kind, meaning by issuing more debt. <——Corporate shell game.
So, it’s an equity holding a private-equity firm, for a senior secured convertible credit facility of up to $250 million. (i believe this to be a Senior Rest Home, owned by the investor’s grandparents. And the grandparents live there.)
It would be hard to pick the biggest fraud in history.
Probably gonna make grandma and her friends trimmers. Today’s retirement home is tomorrows cannabis production facility. An abundance of resources that burns oatmeal for fuel, lol, reducing its carbon footprint.
Yes in all seriousness the grandaughter is leveraging a retirement home. She received 250 million from a merchant bank (like a credit union some friend or relative own) loan in Canada associated with these other hedgefunders. After she apparently lost her job at a hedge fund company that got sunk in the 2008 real estate fiasco. Aligns herself with Cronos to make the pitch for the big tobacco money. Grabs the 1.8 billion from Altira and acquires 42% of Cronos to which Jason has a large stake and earns 17 million in one day off the altira deal. Jason also has a stake in Flow Kana approximately 22 million prior to Flow Kana receiving an additional 175 million from Jason’s company. That 175 million is a type b fund transaction (not having to disclose where the money came from cause it is considered a debt transaction) with only one investor which is, drumroll please……..you guessed it Gotham Green Partners, LLC.
Well, what did we learn. The federal government not allowing us to bank allows failures who derstroyed our economy in 2008 to seize our industry. We need to stop the division and blame those really at fault, those damn Canadians. They are just redcoats in sheep clothing.
When we are ready to discuss the white label Flow Kana products let me know. I got a friend in Germany who has some questions, lol.
I’ve heard this story before, except that time it was about junk bonds, Chaz Hurwitz, Maxxam and the Pacific Lumber company.
Yes, very similar and basic corporate tactic in mergers and acquisitions. This is on her Wharton Alumni bio page, this is what she does;
Risk arbitrage, an example of something called event investing, involves trading securities of companies when they are in the midst of some major event — a takeover, management shake-up, or bankruptcy, for instance.
Cannabis is a risk because of the federal laws. So best ways for big tabacoo to get in is to use people like her and Jason and feed an abundance of money who in turn are using Mikey to get to us. It’s actually brilliant on big tabacoo’s part. They are totally removed from all liabilities including avoiding tax code 280E thanks to that merchant bank in Canada. While they gain a foothold in the cannabis industry.
“Cannabis is a risk because of the federal laws. ”
~the Asian herb plant is a risk because people refuse to do their due diligence.
Assumption and presumption are just what they are — law not with standing. —Bailey vs Alabama 7 Peters 219
All political parties globally are operating within the paradigms that the Matrix provides.
“It behooves our citizens to be on their guard, to be firm in their principles, and full of confidence in themselves. We are able to preserve our self-government if we will but think so.” –Thomas Jefferson to Thomas Mann Randolph, Jr., 1800
Investment risk not a risk of law to clarify but thx.
~check.
I want to se an org chart
i like that idea jim clark
Cronos is a Canadian company so I can’t find one. Couldn’t even find a connection to their Redwood cannabis subsidiaries in California.
Anyone know how to find this in Canadian or international companies registered outside the US?
It would look like one hell of a Venn Diagram.
FULL DISCLOSURE: Casey sold out years ago.. he has a salaried position with Flow Kana in addition to them buying 100% of his (HappyDay) farm’s CSA veggies and 100% of his cannabis at top dollar (not the price they pay other family farms). It obviously pays to be an influencer.
Sounds like a ‘great success’ for him but definitely not for our community, he’s playing us for fools!
True believers😃😃😃😃
Anyone who was smart stayed away. All these Folk think these wall street a**holes are their friends and really concerned with the longevity of us in this massive market. This is just as a joke as the people who ran Humboldt county into the ground. This is not a community anymore, this is a dying area. Filled with greed and attitudes with no achievements.
Where Humboldt had a foundation to set a international and national platform for cannabis , our local government blew it because they didn’t want it here, took away our homes, torn our families apart, and turned away massive amounts of money for permitting in the early ages, then taxed us in 2016 with ridiculous amounts when they realized they messed up with not collecting money for cannabis, and then mismanaged the funds, something Humboldt is notorious for, Hippies cant have hands on money. Why not implement something a long time ago and provide education for our children to rise? Where is the money going? Everyone can see in dispensaries FK marketing is a terrible and emotional slogan and the packaging is some of the worst on the market.
Now there are countries and states such as Massachusetts, Florida, and Michigan who are further ahead of Humboldt in putting cannabis money back into their communities. Good luck to everyone who thinks this is beneficial for us. Good luck to Humboldt and hoping someone finds the leadership to turn this county around, but for the rest of the world, no one wants to come back here to our County once they see it once, why would you when you can get a front row seat to someone shooting up heroin at the bus stop? Its a sad day when my fellow friends say thats what they remember most when visiting recently. Where are the mental health facilities to help our homeless? Flow Kana you have the money, open these clinics! Put money into the community we can see if you want to stand with Jason Adler.
How do we stand with pride now? Thank you to the poor leadership and lack of research on Flow Kana Humboldt. We fought for so long to keep Corporations out, …. but your welcoming in with open hands! How can you be in the spotlight and proud? Once again Humboldt you have failed your long time residents and the people who put money back into this community.
You brag about working in corporate America then want us to believe you???
That right there says why you shouldn’t be here. Those creds are not respected here. Get a clue. You wanna make a bunch of money off of us that you dont spend a penny of locally? Nope. We want our money circulating locally as many times as possible.
Welcome to Humboldt.
We’ve kept as many big companies out as we could.
We’ve seem the devastation environmentally and economically from big companies who ptomise big things but end up using us and our resources up before leaving.
Lets see 2 rich white dudes telling us how much they care and want to help. Yawn we’ve read that story too many times.
I dont trust you and i hope you get run out.
Let our local folks make the money not someone who lives elsewhere.
There are those of us here who value our way of life way more than making piles of money.
Its pretty clear we dont want you here so why try so hard? You sound like a better fit for so cal and the famous folks farms.
Plus its your employees warning us of merger talks with Philip Morris.
They know whats up.
Do you really think we would believe some ceo bs??? We know your type mr. ceo. Lies and more lies to make yourself rich of our backs.
Plus i dont hear any grower voice from humboldt just mendo. We are not fools. Ive not heard one person in humboldy say how happy they are with your work. Your employees couldnt even answer questions about how the herbs tracked thru your facility when you had your public meeting event in so hum. That to me says management/owners havent set up a good system.
Nothing about your company seems good.
Hi, Nope.
“You wanna make a bunch of money off of us that you dont spend a penny of locally? Nope.”
How do you know a penny of it is not spent locally? My farm distributes through Flow Kana and my family shops locally, donates to the schools and non-profits and the dollars made through distributing through Flow Kana are definitely getting reinvested into the community. Not to mention the fact that many would have gone under last season without Flow Kana as our “local” distros didn’t have the capacity to distribute all of the licensed weed in this community. Not to mention that fact that several of our “local” distros ALSO have out of the area investment money and I don’t see anyone saying a thing about that. In fact, there is one “local” distro that has been bought out by an outside investment group. Don’t see anyone talking about that either. hmmmm…
So not only are the dollars made by the farms being reinvested into the community, but Flow Kana is also using investment dollars to support our local non-profits who are STRUGGLING. Tens of thousands of dollars have been donated by Flow Kana to SoHum organizations. I know of 10 local non-profits who have received $$ this year alone.
“Plus i dont hear any grower voice from humboldt just mendo.”
You know why people aren’t speaking up in Humboldt? I’m going to venture a guess. It’s because this town is even SMALLER than Mendo. And there are quite a few people commenting on KymKemp saying things that are not only divisive but are threatening towards those who are working with and actually believe in and like Flow Kana as a company.
Why don’t we stop with the divisive BS…THIS is what is destroying our community, not companies like Flow Kana.
Well said.
The reason why Humboldt County nonprofits are struggling the last few years is because many giving hands have been chopped off and they will continue to struggle until they die Within the next 5 to 10 years I predict that most of these nonprofits will go bankrupt. Mateel Community Center, KMUD radio, Healy Senior Center, and whoever else relied on those hands of many that cared about their community and is Left Behind to suffer the woes of are supervisors even the taste of the cove fundraiser for the local hospice had lowered attendance then I’ve ever seen. The Salmon Creek School is not running this year and could have problems in the future. Alot of the community volunteer fire departments are also struggling. I would like to see a list of contributions from legalized growing situations and distributors that are going to keep our community alive in a time when a lot of the community’s are struggling. I know I could use a few extra dollars are fifty to a hundred pounds. Could also be useful any money donations could be dropped off at the Community Credit Union drop box C/O Joe Dirt any extra pounds of marijuana can be dropped off at the old Christian Science reading room care of Feed the people I hear they are in need of produce.
Only a small amount of The Growers were able to navigate the system to be legal. Most were left out. For many different reasons
Then a lot of what was left has been abated, are the sheriff’s and fishing game has serve warrants. With all of the above having astronomical fines these threats have caused many people to stop growing and leave the area making property values go down and putting a pinch on many of the local businesses that rely on many people having extra money to share.
Well said, too.
I like joe dirts reaponse!
Cough.
Yes,
Can you quote the exact amount your farm paid into the eradication fund paid solely to kill my farm? Anyone’s farm?
Has anyone told you that you’re the divisive entity?
Intuition tells me that you’ve dropped a dime on multiple Original Growers. Do you care?
What has been your out of pocket fees and expenses paid or promised to buy into the Governor’s scheme?
Do you really believe that installing state government into the middleman position is good for consumers as well as cultivators?
I can go on but what for? The list of inhumanities conducted by “legal” is still growing.
Oh Please. Forgive me for trying to feed my family and to generate income that supports my community. Forgive me for getting into a process where at the time I felt as though I didn’t have any other options. We are all just doing the best we can at any given moment with the information we have available to us. But my intuition is telling me that you live in the realm of black and white thinking and this industry is nothing but shades of gray. So arguing with you will be a waste of my time. Wish you nothing but the best.
And I wish the best for you. I apologize for hurting your feelings.
Others ought to be inspired by your courage and convictions.
Can we still converse, on a friendly basis?
I bet when a big time offer comes in from big alcohol/big tobacco steinmetz will sell out.
Silicone valley these days is just a bunch of fake plastic people who are obsessed with creating businesses that they can sell for tons of money. That’s literally their only motivation and plan. That’s modern venture capitalism.
That being said there’s no hard feelings against Casey for signing up with those guys. He’s just trying to survive and signing up with Flow Kana might be his best option.
yeah, it’s really sad that money becomes the end all. and some people are never happy and always crave more money.
” He’s just trying to survive and signing up with Flow Kana might be his best option.”
~oh piddle.
You seem like an old person who bought land back when it was cheap and now you are old and your kids are all grown up and your mortgage is paid off.
Just in case you are not aware, it’s hard to survive these days on 20 dollar an hour jobs if you have kids and a mortgage. I have two jobs, two kids, and a mortgage and those two jobs still aren’t enough to pay the bills.
I dont blame anybody for working with/for a corporation if they have a family and bills to pay.
“I dont blame anybody for working with/for a corporation if they have a family and bills to pay.”
~you know what, Faro? You’re right. And, i don’t blame those caught in the fraudulent commercial corporation trap, anymore than i hold those w/Driver’s License , REGIStration and insurance as traitors. One has to do what one has to do to make it thru. Certainly family comes first.
But on this thread, as many others, we’re talkin commercial corporate crap (that begins as fraud and no way out), compared to the quality that life, liberty, and freedom produce. Big diff.
Yep.
None of this response negates that Jason Alder is on the board of Flow Kanna, and Pebble Labs, is heavily invested in Biotech, and has ties to Altria. There is no need to ‘set foot’ in any other business, their representative sits right on Flow Kanna’s board… and Is heavily invested… Let’s be real, that’s a fact..
As far as attacks twards anyone’s national origin.. that’s a pretty low Jab..I will contend.. I find that distasteful, and in bad spirits…I also appreciate Casey, admitting to being uneasy about large capital, and pursuing this endeavor with a watchful eye.
“Legalization” has brought a whole slew of troubles to our region. If small farmers just accept these models and bow thier heads to Sactown.. Nothing will change. Why settle for investors like Jason Alder, and distributors like Flow Kanna?
True, Sactown wrote the laws.. But we foraged the industry.. Why let them continue to over regulate us silently.. and brow beat us with complicity? The rise of capital is inevitable… but it’s fall is not entirely unbeknownst… Flow Kanna or any other company like it.. has never been needed to bring quality Organic, micro nutrient rich, flavorful colorful Vibrant produce to the farmers markets..
I am not continuous twards companies such as Flow Kanna, for their apparent success.. I am ampresenive because it’s built on a foundation of inequality and injustices.. And paid for by the Eradication, and suffering of neighbors and community members who have wronged no one.. As large investors laugh at stealing others independently run Life style, and bring in large conglomerates to quash the counter Culture… With Bright and Cheerfully clever PR bull-hype campaigns..
^^^ THIS ^^^
Well said Small Fry.
Come to think of it, the mom and pop ecig ‘industry’ who created the Tim the Toolman Taylor styles of vape we take for granted today, ran smoothly for about 10 years… until big tobacco got into the game too. Now people are dying from ‘tainted’ ‘blackmarket’ cbd oils and … hold on to your hat… the latest one was ‘dispensary’ cbd oil. But, my point is, they’ve forever tried to take down the mom and pop vaping ‘industry’ and now they are succeeding by blaming the ‘industry’ instead of the culprit itself. (Oil Tinctures are great, but oil vapes not so great). The more the larger companies push the oil vapes, the sooner the entire industry itself will go down down down. History proves Future.
Thanks Shak!
The whole Vaping escaped right now is crazy! It sound like Vitamin E acetate may be the culprit..? I have never understood why one puts essentially “Anti-freeze” into the formula’s …(Propylene Glycol).. when they can be made without it..And essentially just made from Vegitable Glycerin.. A flavoring called diacetyl found in microwave popcorn, can also cause Popcorn lung, but it’s not used anymore, in the commercial spectrum.. .. And the Lead…in the glass isn’t good either.. A few vapes have exploded in peoples faces… Lame! I only use titanium metal Vaps, because I am paranoid about the metal contamination.. But nothing will ever beat some nice flower! Vapes, definitely helped me over come my cigarette addiction years ago.. and I have used them since.. Cannabis only.. never a problem.. But yeah, it will be interesting to see what the future hold for the vaping world.. Any excuse to take out the smaller competition…. A lot of the tribes have thier own Tabacco companies.. but you’ll never see them off the Rez… Ras Brethren King uses natural tabacco leaf to wrap splifs.. but never touches a cigarette.. a little different approach.. I guess the point I am presenting is that there are alternatives.. to the norms..
Great points, but wait… there’s more.
Anti freeze was dangerous, so they REPLACED that dangerous ingredient with PG, not the other way around. PG is considered safe. (or was it VG?)
Correct, The Diacetyl was addressed years ago and the scare about it was based off this ONE factory worker who they thought had it from the popcorn, but come to find out, it wasn’t that. Even so, the favorite flavoring companies of the vapers stopped using diacytal upon request. (except for a few of the flavors that they couldn’t, so they put bold diacytal warnings on the description notes). IOW, the (the better companies don’t use it, and vapers can request diacytal free eliquids… most vapers make their own eliquids anyway, after they learn the ropes).
I’m not familiar with the exploding glass or lead glass. Is that mainly with the cbd oil vapes? China makes most of the elements, so, yeh, I suppose lead glass wouldn’t even cross their minds. China’s made a lot of great items too, though, for those who walk them through every step of the way. They’ve (a few of the better companies) even made cool promises to not copy until at least 3 months after making them for designers.
Whenever a new WTF pops up, I refresh Dr. F’s website every day until he’s addressed it. (Dr. Farsalinos). Another great site for staying abreast of all the crazy stuff and the great stuff is CASAA.org.
YES! Alternatives are always welcome. Natural beats toxic chlorine papers any day of the year imo. Pipes are even better.
CONGRATS for quitting smoking! Vaping has helped millions around the globe to finally get off the smoky smokes, I’m thrilled it worked for you too. (I kinda like ya, want to keep ya around).
adding: titanium wire is great with a temperature control mod. The curves (temperature curve mods) is fascinating, but way over my head. I bet it’s 2nd nature to you. Kanthal? Now, I can tell you lots about Kanthal lol.
Actually,
PG, propylene glycol, is not antifreeze, it is IN antifreeze. It’s also in asthma inhalers, baby toothpaste, and essentially every artificial flavor known to man. It’s been proven safe.
Additionally, titanium wire has not been decided as 100% safe, as there is a possibility of titanium oxide forming. Other issues exist as well, thus, we do not know for certain about titanium wire.
Kanthal, of course, has been widely tested to be safe. It’s used in toasters, heaters, ovens.
Stainless steel has been proven to be safe, as well.
Very good to know that ppl know about Dr. F. Do keep up with his site.
News outlets around the world are running with this story, and telling people not to vape.
There are 33k deaths each month in the US from tobacco. That should put this into some kind of perspective.
Also, there is NO need to use additives in your cannabis concentrates if they are already high quality. Thickeners are used because people think that thicker oil means higher quality.
Generally they’re right, thicker oil is better, but, one never knows, if you don’t know your source. That’s where local ideals are important.
Ideals about small batches, taking care of your product, because people are using it as a healthy alternative.
I’ll just close by saying y’all need to invest seriously in your cartridges, 100 of them for $18 from china sounds great, but unless you’re paying at least $5 per cartridge, you are getting dangerous garbage.
I’ll also note that I have found the last 2 articles regarding this Flow Kana subject has got me riveted, and I am enjoying seeing people participate.
Thanks for your input, Ninja. You basically confirmed everything I tried to convey, but you were more articulate. Thanks for that.
I’m still behind the ‘curves’ with Titanium, but it looks like I’m in good company, because they still don’t know everything they need to know.
Kanthal has been number 1 for many many years, which is why it’s a favorite. It’s been through the wringer and back by various testers and users, no denying that part.
I hope a genius comes along and invents a home test for testing the ingredients of any thc oils, or even vapor eliquids, food, and any consumed product whatsoever, so that the public can once again take full control of their purchases. Having to rely on the product recall news after the facts, is pretty ridiculous, when the consumers could be testing each new batch of whatever it is they purchased, themselves. Lord knows the good companies have been keeping track of all of the batch info since the beginning, now it’s our turn. Responsibility.
Vapor Ninja,
https://mjbizdaily.com/deaths-illnesses-related-to-vaping-cannabis-on-the-rise-health-authorities-say/
You get to use these things for now at least but, don’t ask the rest of us to feel sorry for you when your lungs stop working.
Let’s be clear, I’m actively helping in the banning of these things. They’re killers. I’d like you to stop posting lies.
Yes, there are problems with some THC cartridges right now.
As of this post, two people have died, and approximately 200 are sick.
I have not lied.
Nicotine vapes, e-cigs, are not the culprit here, nor is PG.
I never said additives to THC oils were safe. PG is not used in THC concentrates.
If somebody DID add PG to concentrates, it would not be harmful.
You can ‘actively’ try to ban ‘these things’, but, be sure of what exactly your’re trying to ban.
I’m all in favor of mandatory testing for all products sold in dispensaries.
However, to ban hash oil entirely, is throwing the baby out with the bath water.
To ban vaping entirely is madness and irresponsible towards the public good, health, and well-being.
I was clearly speaking about nicotine vaping (kanthal, PG, etc.). These things do not exist in concentrates.
The ‘coils’ are ceramic in high quality cartridges. As I stated, poor quality cartridges are no good for anyone.
Please re-read my comments with these things in mind, and perhaps you’ll have a friendlier attitude.
Vaping is not your enemy. Tobacco is.
Dare I say alcohol is as well, with 88k deaths per year in the US not counting auto fatalities ?
“I’m all in favor of mandatory testing for all products sold in dispensaries.”
~how, oh how did we ever manage FORTY PLUS YEARS HERE without testing?
Corporations have to be tested for their toxicity.
It’s the low temperature vaporizing, combined with unsanitary reuse of the devise. It’s a labor saving devise that is one tiny step different than a smoked cigarette. A lit cigarette burns some portion of the lung killing accumulated residue.
Stop and think about the gizmo you’re promoting, it’s a killer.
If the devise could be used once and disposed of, it might be safe for cannabis usage. But you and the industry sell the reusability without telling the truth concerning the health hazards.
The products being created to run through this thing are not pure. THC doesn’t harm when flame scorched. The high temps are part of good sanitation.
Why are these ill-conceived devises killing?
They’re washable. They’re also replaceable.
What else ya got?
Why are people suddenly having problems just when the ‘blackmarket’ v ‘dispenceries’ hits the headlines?, would be a better question.
We’re waiting…
~this ‘problem’ seems to stem from you bringing up phony vape pens.
Back to the future: (somebody said sometime)
“I champion an economic order ruled by free prices and markets…the only economic order compatible with human freedom.” Wilhelm Röpke
Ya know what, shak? I’d REALLY, really, r e a l l y embrace the pleasure of leaving a Farmer’s Market with some of that dark dank you guys talk about, -first i buy the CBD oil . . . marihunie has pretty much always come my way. My point is -you know, why in God’s green Earth are we not acting like Americans???
I’m not sure I understand your post, so I’ll just ramble and see if I light on anything you recognize as being on target.
I brought it up due to the banning endeavors of everything vape related which also affects the mj industry. Neither industry, (ecig or mj) have had major problems like they SUDDENLY have at this time now that the headlines are all about permit fees, fines, raids, and ‘we need to do more studies so please throw money at us’ headlines. The ecig world has been fighting the bans since 2009 and have heard every attempt under the sun. Even when the recent crisis is THCvit E oil related, those who have been attacking vaping all these years are trying to blame vaping in general.
Vaping started out as a mom and pop gadget and then turned so popular the world over that it became organized in order to fight the ban happy war lords.
All that’s needed is honest reporting and investigations into WHO the eff is adding anything to the thc vapes or any vapes. Instead, they’d rather blame all the mom and pops everywhere.
NEXT is, YES, I agree, why can’t we just all be American’s and live and let live. I agree, it should be open market at any mom and pop farm or farmer’s market. Records and word of mouth alone will sort the wheat from the chaff. It would end the sabotages by nefarious people too. Having to deal with an angry community is a lot tougher than making an extra few bucks from a handler.
“I’m not sure I understand your post, so I’ll just ramble and see if I light on anything you recognize as being on target.”
Oh, shak, you’re a sweetie. You make me laugh at myself :-))
❤️
Actually, Rod Glass, you are incorrect.
Combustion is the lung killer. Carbon. Heat. It destroys the fine hairs in the lungs.
Science agrees with this, and so does the medical establishment, for the most part. Including my own doctor.
Let me be clear, I do not sell vaporizers, I do not have any stock in any vape companies, I have no ‘stake’ in this debate except for the fact that it saves lives by getting people off of combustion.
Most medical marijuana physicians urge their patients to vaporize their cannabis. I’m talking about raw cannabis, the flowers. However, they also recognize that vaping concentrates has the benefit of reducing the consumption of plant matter ingested, thus saving the lungs even more (in comparison to combustion especially).
My own life was saved from a horrible tobacco addiction, that was beginning to kill me. Vaping has saved my life, and about 13 million others in the US alone.
My lungs have cleared up, my symptoms have disappeared. The studies are in, vaping is 95% safer than combustion. There are no mysteries, or unknown factors.
Sites like this one, http://www.ecigarette-research.org/ , may help you to see that ample research has been done, and if you look to the UK, their physicians have all decided on the positive effects of harm reduction. In fact, vaporizers are being sold in UK hospitals for patient use.
I suggest you update yourself with proper information, vapes have been declared almost 100% safe. Let me be clear, they are not as safe as air, of course…..
Also allow me remind you that 33,000 people in the US have died this month from ‘safer’ combustion cigarettes.
Thank you , and, my apologies for distracting the thread into a vape discussion, but I just had to respond.
Why are people dying from vapes?
We’ve already heard the sales promotions.
Now we’re hearing of the illnesses and deaths.
It took awhile but the truth has been exposed.
A nationwide recall is being demanded, in order to preserve public safety.
We’ll see who needs to do some homework.
Congrats for quitting smoking the combustionables Ninja!
Vaping has made it easy to switch over from the tar sticks, without having to give up the ‘habit’ that people aren’t ‘willing’ to let go of. The pursuit of happiness is strong in all of us, especially to those who are being ‘forced’ by others to ‘fall into line’ or or or…
Yeh, the 95% SAFER than combustionables seems to be the culprit here. Crazy world isn’t it.
The lobbyists have been extra busy pushing for all vapes to become Big Pharma medical only. They’ve pushed for this since vaping began over a decade ago.
Calif legislators sent out a PR stating they’ll be sitting this one out afterall…. BUT the truth is, they’re just trying to calm down the masses while they push for National regulations that put vaping smack into the hands of big corporations, such as Big Pharma.
“These bills propose to raise taxes, ban flavors, limit online sales, and one bill even goes as far as requiring vapor products to be approved for market only as medical drugs/devices.” -Casaa
Here’s a petition to inform the administration exactly what’s really going on, so they can make a more informed choice. Constitutionally, it’s not their job anyway, to mess with the people, but it is what it is due to sleepy heads like moi all these past years.
https://www.votervoice.net/CASAA/Campaigns/68346/Respond?unregistered=AwqRr2-i06-qM03eApV2BA
No matter how many times we share that the problem was a rogue THC oil with E oil solu, the lobbyists who are hell bent on finally getting their way, just won’t listen. That’s to be expected though. BUT, that’s no reason to refrain from sharing the truths with those who matter… the general public who are still trying to quit those combustionables.
Thank you for your posts.
My apologies for rambling on and on, but it’s difficult not to when the lobbyists are insisting that smoking is better than switching. Good lawdy miss molly.
“Let’s be clear, I’m actively helping in the banning of these things. They’re killers.” -Rod Gass
hmmmmm, there’s many ways that can be taken. Thanks for projecting.
Trying to make a point without clarity is cowardly. Projecting?
Until the killer is identified and controlled, an industry recall is demanded. Nobody knows what is going on, except people are dying from lung infection. The numbers are exponential, they’ve doubled again.
https://mjbizdaily.com/marijuana-retailers-focusing-consumer-education-vaping-illness-no-sales-impact/#comment-329268
Acting as a prosecutor whose entire case is based off propaganda and fear is what is cowardly.
They, as you know, tracked the freaky problem to Vit E oil enhanced THC oil.
The overall banning of all vapor products can be tracked back to the Tobacco Master Settlement Trust Fund… especially the states who cashed out their bonds.
Posters who run around like chicken little full of msm, don’t help.
In this case, they’re helping the ex-smoker to return to smoking, which is exactly what the tobacco tax reliant states want.
An expert researcher begs us to use our heads and look at the epidemiological principles:
“…E-cigarettes have been popular in the US and globally since 2009-2010. There are approximately 10 million vapers in the US today, many of whom have been using e-cigarettes for years, and many more millions worldwide. The average age of adult vapers in the US is approximately 40 years (data from my study on the NHIS surveys that will be published soon). Until this summer, there were no reports of any outbreaks of disease (in the respiratory system or elsewhere), in any age group, in any part of the world. Suddenly, within a short period of time (few weeks), in a specific geographic region (e-cigarettes are available worldwide, not only in the US)…”
http://www.ecigarette-research.org/research/index.php/whats-new/2019/274-us-lung
But, but, but, it must be the tool that millions of people have been using without problems for over a decade. Yeh, that’s it, says the freaked out over loss of tobacco sales tax bond money people.
Like the good Dr. says, “In conclusion, from an epidemiological perspective, the current situation with cases of acute respiratory failure reported in the US, is extremely unlikely (I would say, certainly not) attributed to products that have been available in the worldwide market for years and have been used by millions of consumers. The exact cause for these conditions should be urgently determined, and the emotional, irrational hysteria against e-cigarettes (in general) needs to stop as soon as possible. ”
Amen Dr. F, Amen.
I wish I could copy/paste his entire message, it’s that important and informational. The link will have to suffice.
But, wait, there’s more!
“Boston University public health professor Dr. Michael Siegel says that “in their zeal to demonize e-cigarettes, the CDC and other health agencies have put the lives of our nation’s youth at risk. They should have issued a warning 11 days ago. During the past 11 days, how many youth continued to vape THC oils because of the failure of health agencies to accurately convey the known information about the potential causes of the outbreak?”
“CDC is holding a press briefing this afternoon. If the agency doesn’t clearly describe the likely cause of the lung injuries, it will become clear—even to observers outside the vaping world—that federal public health officials are using this sad series of events to advance their decade-old effort to kill vaping.”
https://vaping360.com/vape-news/84138/health-officials-name-a-likely-culprit-in-lung-disease-outbreak/
I especially liked the part about what someone said the FDA said, but I can’t copy/paste the photo I don’t think. Let me try…
nope, it didn’t work. Oh well.
And then even more from Dr. Siegel who’s fuming. (he’s the one who convinced the courts to win the lawsuit against big tobacco years ago).
https://tobaccoanalysis.blogspot.com/2019/09/alert-major-breakthrough-in.html
A page full of links for further information, such as:
“Cigarettes cannot and shall not be banned and are protected by law, in accordance with the Master Settlement Agreement.”
https://vapinglinks.blog/2019/09/05/michigan-governor-declares-cigarettes-safe/
and other fun things like creating flavor blackmarkets. Hopefully enough posters will remind the vapers to only use water base flavors without diacytal. All the vapers know it’s the flavors that keep them vaping instead of going back to smoking. The $ hoes know that too.
From Leafly:
https://www.leafly.com/news/health/vape-pen-lung-disease-advice-consumers
“New York health authorities have confirmed that synthetic vitamin E oil (tocopheryl-acetate) is tainting most seized vape carts in that state. Pen makers report using it because it’s a cheap thickener. The FDA is now specifically looking at forms of vitamin E oil. New York has subpoenaed three thickener-makers—Floraplex, Honey Cut, and Pure Dileunt—after tests showed all three products were tocopheryl-acetate.
The FDA has received about 120 samples for testing. So far, they’ve found vitamin E acetate in 10 of the 18 THC samples. The FDA is testing seized carts for THC, nicotine, cutting agents called diluents, additives, pesticides, opioids, poisons, and toxins.
Health officials have confirmed that among the tainted carts are ones with the brand names Chronic Carts, Dank Vapes, and West Coast Carts, but the condition is linked to multiple illicit market brands across multiple states.”
From Australia:
https://athra.org.au/blog/2019/09/07/an-update-of-the-lung-disease-outbreak-in-the-us/
Even has a video to explain a few things.
Why are people dying from vapes?
Need glasses?
Well well well, would you take a look at this.
FDA paves the way for Big Tobacco ‘harm reduction’ product.
https://www.fda.gov/news-events/press-announcements/fda-permits-sale-iqos-tobacco-heating-system-through-premarket-tobacco-product-application-pathway
This article explains states cashing out their smoke bonds, which really put them further in debt and in a panic.
https://www.propublica.org/article/how-wall-street-tobacco-deals-left-states-with-billions-in-toxic-debt
Dr. S. has been diligently analyzing the data.. all but 3 or so of the incidents were caused by the thc oil… and those oils apparently had an extra oil added to them. (Vit E).
I should have checked his site earlier, doh. lol. https://tobaccoanalysis.blogspot.com/2019/09/
Yep
You know the counties are the greed mongers that let this happen and now big money is in ……… no wonder the county makes it near impossible to get permitted. Big money had no problem writing huge checks. Everyone else bets the farm
What? The county makes it possible to file for a permit that looks good on paper and then commence to do whatever you want for a few years, you even get to sell on the black market with no oversight. I’d say the county even encourages this behavior. If you have a little cash up front you work hard you can make a killing .
Aesop Fable – Spoken 2700 years ago give or take a century.
The Wolf in Sheep’s Clothing
A Wolf found great difficulty in getting at the sheep owing to the vigilance of the shepherd and his dogs. But one day it found the skin of a sheep that had been flayed and thrown aside, so it put it on over its own pelt and strolled down among the sheep.
The Lamb that belonged to the sheep whose skin the Wolf was wearing began to follow the Wolf in the Sheep’s clothing. So, leading the Lamb a little apart, he soon made a meal off her – and for some time he succeeded in deceiving the sheep, and enjoying hearty meals. The End.
I do like this whole account, but we need to face the fact that marijuana is not an essential element of a healthy diet. Marujuana is a high value commodity.
The idea that a beneficent company is “saving small farmers and protecting a lifestyle”, is pure bullshit. Flow Canna intends to profit from the production, distribution and marketing of Cannabis. That is why it exists. To make money.
Vertical integration is not a new concept, and the marketing strategy for this commodity is surmising that Cannabis is somehow in short supply, which is not true.
Flow Canna appears to be about simple control of and profiting from, the cannabis market. The rest of this story looks like the purest assembly of mistruths, and deception.
Buy into it, or don’t, but insist it be called what it is…
“Marujuana is a high value commodity.”
But it doesn’t need to be. Today, millions of Californians can legally grow up to six plants for “personal use”. And those same Californians can give up to an ounce away for free, to another adult, per day, legally.
Now try this meditation exercise: Imagine millions of Californians growing and sharing freely of their cannabis the way millions already grow and share zucchini. Now imagine yourself freely sharing this sacred herb with others. Imagine how happy and grateful they feel. It feels good, doesn’t it?
It’s * Flow Kana
Yes, I do understand what you mean Billy about it being a high value commodity I really do. I also understand the federal government’s lies told to the masses to oppress those growing that high value commodity. I can put names to faces of those that no longer walk this earth because of that high value commodity. As a teenager I had the pleasure of friends and family being buttstocked and thrown to the ground and being locked up for 5, 10 and 15 years for that high value commodity. As an adult I got to experience 12 armed DEA agents surrounding my vehicle while taking my then 75 year old grandma to lunch while they simultaneously raided my home with my kids present because I grow a high value commodity. I have seen a lot of wrong things happen because it is a high value commodity. I also have never forgotten and I will never forgive my government for what they have done because of that high value commodity.
To some Billy that high value commodity means a lot more. Life and liberty the core values of this country and my right to challenge when being oppressed. My rights as a free man against tyranny.
I agree with the other guy, everyone should grow their own.
Marijuana should be produced for public consumption, and it should be absolutely free.
Free marijuana = perfect freedom (for a pot user).
All the problems surrounding cannabis, come from the money.
AND: From my point of view, you are not really free if you are struggling to make money, for whatever reason.
And, L.L., I worked jobs in the straight world, for 55 years, to get my “freedom”. I still gotta buy food, gasoline etc, and I don’t own a pot farm. I think you have the best world, no matter what you had to go through in the past, so keep on rocking in the “free” world…
Did you give your work away for free? Why do you expect others to? Who pays your way now?
Never said to work for free. I sure don’t!
I said marijuana should be free.
Plant some public pot today. Doesn’t have to be 25% THC either…
I don’t think much time will go by before Cannabis will be $10/oz, like it was in the 60’s. Probably be sold down in GBV at the Farmer’s Market, next to the strawberries…
It won’t be Humboldt Gold, but there should be pastures of plenty, soon…
It’s a weed, grows anywhere, and anyone can grow it. Easy!
Even I can do it!
Sorry Billy, People don’t grow thier own vegetables these days.. not a majority of people. They don’t grow thier own tomatoes, maybe some strawberries or zucchini’s.. People in large populations centers, mostly do not grow food.. Many are perfectly adept at maintaining lawns and landscaping though?? Weird..
That being said, plenty of people will grow thier own cannabis for sure, that’s awsome.. However, I am willing to bet the majority will actually not…
Capturing Wild Pigs
A thought to remember, Marx said, “Remove one freedom per generation and soon you will have no freedom and no one would have noticed.”
There was a chemistry professor in a large college that had some exchange students in the class. One day while the class was in the lab, the professor noticed one young man, an exchange student, who kept rubbing his back and stretching as if his back hurt. The professor asked the young man what was the matter. The student told him he had a bullet lodged in his back. He had been shot while fighting Communists in his native country who were trying to overthrow his country’s government and install a new communist regime.
In the midst of his story, he looked at the professor and asked a strange question. He asked: “Do you know how to catch wild pigs?” The professor thought it was a joke and asked for the punch line. The young man said that it was no joke. “You catch wild pigs by finding a suitable place in the woods and putting corn on the ground. The pigs find it and begin to come every day to eat the free food. When they are used to coming every day, you put a fence down one side of the place where they are used to coming. When they get used to the fence, they begin to eat the corn again and you put up another side of the fence. They get used to that and start to eat again. You continue until you have all four sides of the fence up with a gate in the last side. The pigs, which are used to the free corn, start to come through the gate to eat that free corn again. You then slam the gate on them and catch the whole herd.
Suddenly the wild pigs have lost their freedom. They run around and around inside the fence, but they are caught. Soon they go back to eating the free corn.
They are so used to it that they have forgotten how to forage in the woods for themselves, so they accept their captivity.”
The young man then told the professor that is exactly what he sees happening in America & Canada. The government keeps pushing us toward Communism/Socialism and keeps spreading the free corn out in the form of programs such as supplemental income, tax credit for unearned income, tax exemptions, tobacco subsidies, dairy subsidies, payments not to plant crops (CRP), welfare entitlements, medicine, drugs, etc., while we continually lose our freedoms, just a little at a time.
One should always remember two truths:
1. There is no such thing as a free lunch, and
2. You can never hire someone to provide a service for you cheaper than you can do it yourself.
Generally, when you take someone else’s words from the internet, you add a link to the place you got it from…
That way we dont have the tools to accuse you of plagiarizing.
Its polite to the people who wrote it, too.
Lighten up. Don’t be an attribution-nazi. Since when have forum posters become liable to the same rules that journalists and academics are (supposed to be) subject to?
It’s simply mythopoeia employing metaphor to illustrate the concluding maxims.
And if you had a counter-argument, you would have shared it, instead of lobbing an ad-hominem attack against Centra HumCo’s ethics. Your reply says much more about you.
I agree with Brian. If you use someone’s stuff, say so. It isn’t hard.
OK
It’s not the first time with HumCo to not attribute.
I was polite.
I’m sorry you disagree.
I’d agree with you that commentors dont have to adhere to any “standards” or “ethics” that journalists try to maintain.
I’ve been moderated for being rude to HumCo in “debate” about concepts she puts forward here.
So this is just me trying to be better in my ways, and help her ways too.
I dont think it’s that bad of a deal.
Sorry I overreacted. You and Kym have a valid point. I just like to follow discussions and arguments when positions are debated so I can learn and assess. I really don’t have a horse in this race.
Fair enough.
~thanks THoGM.
” I just like to follow discussions and arguments when positions are debated so I can learn and assess. ”
It was a story about Capturing Wild Pigs. It came in an email years ago – without any author’s name attached to it. I thought it would fit right in.
Sorry if i led some of you astray on the Capturing Wild Pigs story’s author. Get on with your life.
In general tracking down the author is “best practice.” However, something like: I took this from an email and I don’t know who the original author was…is plenty good enough for the comment section and everyday conversation.
Thank you, Kym.
That was a great story, it really illustrates the process in ways that’s easily understood.
Had you of credited -Unknown… I wonder what the deflecting comments would have been. I guess we’ll know next time, right.
I always try to credit sources. In part this helps people do their own investigation on the matter. If the source is disputed I’ll just put : said somebody sometime… to indicate it’s not my original extrapolation.
shak and Ullr Rover,
~appreciate your inputs.
I wish i would have put “Unknown”.
This is not what we’re here for.
CHC, I don’t think you meant any harm by it. As a writer/photographer, I know how frustrating it is to see my words/photos reused without attributing them to me. But I recognize that in our culture, sharing information is done so quickly that we don’t always think to attribute it. But like the little boy and the dike, I really, really hope I can stem the leak. Please don’t take this as an attack. It’s just a statement of my preferred way for the future to unfold.
hahaha, I like that siggie. ‘said somebody sometime’. Good idea!
Did you hear how they’re trying to ban meme’s in USA due to too many Abe Lincoln quotes regarding the internet? lol. It’s true though. They’re on a mission to stop ‘disinfo’. lol. Good lawdy, where in the world did everyone’s sense of humor go?
Just dug this up:
The Rest of John Sakowicz’s Résumé
Several of the other companies listed on Sakowicz’s résumé had no record of his employment—including Colonial Management Associates (which was acquired by Columbia Management, which is now a division of Bank of America), Spear Leeds Kellogg (which was acquired by Goldman Sachs), Dean Witter (which merged with Morgan Stanley), Merrill Lynch and Alex Brown, now a division of Deutsche Bank.
Stock exchange spokespersons said they have no record of Sakowicz working on their floors either. (Sakowicz’s employment at Dean Witter and Merrill Lynch could only be verified through The Work Number, a third-party service used to give HR information to potential employers. Those companies could not say how far back in time The Work Number goes. At the other companies, spokespersons checked Sakowicz’s employment history.)
Sakowicz referred all questions to Schectman, who declined to comment for this story.
In an article on the web site of Sakowicz’s alma mater—John’s Hopkins University—Sakowicz makes other work claims that can’t be verified. The story, published in 1997, reports that at the time Sakowicz was a gay activist and poet living in Colorado Springs. He had recently been awarded a grant from Pen Foundation International for writers with HIV or AIDS, the story says, and he had published work in “mainstream periodicals like the New Yorker and the Atlantic Monthly”—perhaps the two most prestigious magazines in American journalism—but that he was refocusing his attention on the gay press.
https://www.theava.com/archives/464
Why does it matter if he plagiarized?
This isnt a college course.
Why does anyone need to prove anything?
Because if you’re going to lie to get a shit ton of money, what else are you willing to do? You’re right, it’s not a college course. But copyright and trademark infringement make people go bankrupt. And some of those you stole material from are not very nice.
Sako may not be trustworthy.
But a vetting article that calls the MD university “John’s Hopkins” is surely not to be trusted, either.
“A landmark $1.8 billion investment by North American tobacco giant Altria Group, along with Cronos’ ties to cannabis private equity firm Gotham Green Partners, might be Cronos’ pathway to securing a foothold in the United States,” Gorenstein told online news network Cheddar.
Despite the reassurance by the CEO of Flow Kana It’s counter-intuitive to believe that there’s no influence by Altria, Cronos, or Green Gotham Partners when the investments were made to “secure a foothold in the United States.”
Do you take us for fools?
Hey, Real Brian…..are you? I remember this story written by Gretchen Giles, Editor of the North Bay Bohemian over a decade ago. Sakowicz was writing for the North Bay Bohemian as a financial contributor. Guest what?
Giles was fired for inaccurately reporting the very bull crap you have posted here. FINRA has all of the work records and professional licenses of anyone who has worked in the businesses and institutions you list. FINRA is a public federal agency. Look up Sakowicz and others’ FINRA WORK HISTORY.
Sakowicz has unique insight as to how the dark money flows. Could you report out what he has? Didn’t think so. Too busy attacking a person, rather than what is before you. Sakowicz ISN”T the story. Flow Kana and their links to Wall Street’s dark money IS THE STORY.
GMO is the story. Sakowicz is a non-story.
Giles was fired……did I mention that? She was fired as the editor by the publisher of the North Bay Bohemian. Why? Didn’t do her homework. Giles rushed to judgement re: Sakowicz.
You seem to be delighted in false news. What gives? HH
http://www.greenmac.com/hiddenAgenda/Issue7/Giles_Sakowicz-KZYX.html
Show me she was fired for the reason you stated.
L-I-n-k-s
Why hasn’t John shown proof of his employment history?
Holy cow. The The John Sakowitz story keeps on growing!
https://www.theava.com/archives/3224
If I was a smaller farmer selling my product to flow kana or some other distributor. How much would I get per unit?
Legal Market you have to get your batch tested first. Cat III testing is a few thousand dollars. Then the results will determine the value. Samples right now are goin for 10-15 outdoor, 15-22 for DEP and 22 to 26 for indoor. I do have confirmation of some really nice indoor that sold for 32 a few weeks ago. Traditional Market is running on average of 15-18 for outdoor, 18-25 DEP and 28-36 for indoor with potential for 40 to 45 in various states in our union, says a friend of mine 😉
36- 45 for indoor? Are you out of your Fukn mind. Those prices don’t exist. Period.
No I am not. Actually prices, sold indoor in california’s legal market at 32. Actual price, sold indoor in Wisconsin 38. Actual price, sold indoor North Carolina 42. Actual price, sold indoor Alabama 40. Actual price sold indoor Florida 42. All current, all verified by myself. In Louisiana they are buying popcorn at 25.
I believe Ice-T said it best .” Go eat a bowl of di(kz!”
Bingo !!!
“GMO is the story. Sakowicz is a non-story.” Hanna Hemp
He has a bit part in the play, but, agreed, GMO is the play.
GMO cannabis seed isn’t just a horrible idea, it’s something to fear. We can’t define a future based on GMO cannabis. We require the real Earthy goodness each of us now trusts to be the best.
Just the hint of the possibility of destroying our seedstock for corporate profits is a never before seen upheaval of our reliable herb. There’s no reason to monkey with the time proven genetics. But, people are lining up to sell to the Dr. Frankenstein.
Real Brian: You like to “dig things up.” Dig up Giles firing yourself. Likewise, FINRA.
You know who else loves to talk about FINRA?
John Sacowitz;
News From the You’re-Getting-Sued-By-Sako Front
https://www.theava.com/archives/3224
Your a new commentor on Kym Kemp, I see…
John is watching too, as it so happens;
https://kymkemp.com/2019/09/04/flow-kana-and-small-farmers-an-opinion-piece/#comment-857859
Maybe he’ll post the links….
I hope everyone caught what I just threw here.
Lotta deceptive people coming around these parts.
You can ask Sakowicz to post. By the time you finish hacking up the messenger, there will be nothing left of your small farms. You want to work for Flow Kana? That’s your business. If you are totally confident of Flow Kana’s key people, history, background, how they treat employees and funding, then be a part of Flow Kana.
Let’s see how it all plays out for the county. You want to waste space writing about a person OR do you want to know the truth about Flow Kana, etc.?
You want to attack me, have at it. You’re boring.
I want to know what’s going on in Mendocino County. I want to know what our BOS know and don’t know. The story is Flow Kana.
The truth of John Sacowitz seems to be way more fascinating and deceitful than FlowKanas history.
Theres nothing online about Giles being fired for JS’ story.
If there is please post it.
I find the fact that you “remember” that from 10 years ago pretty fascinating.
I find your interest in FINRA fascinating, because it mirrors Sacowitzs language and interest in it too.
John has had 2 decades to show proof of his claims, and hasn’t yet.
That’s because John is likely just a Big Fat Liar.
TRB- I like your posts. I enjoy your research into going after peoples’ conspiracy theories and the author of this article. You research and write well. No argument. But…it’s kind of a rabbit hole in this case. Sure this John guy might suck and lie but we all care more about the info he is giving us about Flow Kanna. Even disreputable people are correct sometimes. What about the actual info on Altria investment in Cronos and Cronos control of Flow Kanna? It sounds like you are trying to discount all the info in this article because John is a douche. But the info is true! His guesses about the GMO stuff…okay- that is hypothesis. But knowing what little I do about corporate culture and “morality” I have seen everything I predicted about this fake “legalization” come to pass so far. Sometimes it takes a douche like John to shake people up with some true yet disturbing info. I’d love to see your research and your take on the actual info presented here about Flow Kanna.
Farce,
Thanks first of all.
To the meat of it:
John’s accusations of a Mendocino Govt. conspiracy, in with Trait, Pebble and Flow are big accusations.
Bigger than Kyms breaking of Zeke Flattens case of theft against the officers from Rohnert Park..
But as John said, they’re unsubstantiated, so really it is not a story.
That’s why no one is reporting it.
So what is the story?
I see 3 possibilities;
1) cross pollination of board members in companies
2)science entering cannabusiness in a big new way
3)wall st. money entering cannabusiness.
None of these 3 stories are illegal or surprising.
Please tell me specifically what you are most worried about, and I’ll try to think about it.
Tobacco used to be medicine.
Now it is not.
Cannabis grown by individuals with specific intention is metaphysical medicine. It can also be used to heal your corporeal vessel.
The use of which has been passed down to us generation to generation from the hash eaters of antiquity.
Cannabis grown by corporations purely for profit is not medicine!
Corporate cannabis is an over regulated, commoditized, commercial product. Like tobacco is now.
Not medicine!
It’s been said that our community is greedy.
I say people that grow cannabis purely for profit are greedy.
This is our way of life.
Its not just an economic engine.
Those of you from our community who have abandoned us to serve your new Masters, while playing both sides of the fence.
Shame on you!
Stand together, or you will stand alone!
Stranger go home!
Thank you
I have to LOL at a lot of these posts. Talk about the criminal corporations and selling out or we are not in this for the money. All the while peeps are growing weed for years or even decades while not paying taxes, growing weed while it was a felony….very few people are working their ass off just for the good of the land. They grow to pay bills to afford a way of life but still for a PROFIT! There are only a few people who can throw stones from their glass houses, the rest are either hypocritical or have a political agenda. I personally don’t care what anyone wants to do. But the hypocrisy gets old peeps…
Wow are you outta touch. This is about the heartfelt story of Casey and Mikey who get 197 million dollars from Uncle Jason. It all starts with Aunt Traci who used a retirement home as collateral to start a company in Canada with Uncle Jason after its parent company was inspected by the Canadian health department and failed for having pesticides in their product. So then Aunt Traci sells 42% of the Canadian company to Grandpa Phillip for 1.8 billion dollars. This allows for Uncle Jason who helped Mikey out before with 22 million dollars now be able to give 175 million dollars to Mikey. Mikey takes that money to buy into a community ravaged by war, oppression and overall disdain for people like Grandpa Phillip. The community though possess a highly valuable commodity that Granpa Phillip wants really bad and Grandpa Phillip is willing to do anything to get it.
Mikey apparently oblivious to Grandpa Phillips scheme enlists one of the locals Casey into helping him start a business in this war ravaged community. According to Mikey he has told Uncle Jason he wants nothing to do with Grandpa phillip but this guy John who is running for office with a severely questionable past says Grandpa Phillip is involved. Mikey says but Uncle Jason promised and Casey is now getting flak for Mikey not understanding what a bad Grandpa Phillip is.
So you are right it’s about profit cause we all live in glass houses thanks to our rich uncles giving us each 197 million of hypocrisy. <—- this must be what the young call money nowadays.
Nailed it
This has been on my fridge for a number of years…
Here…
2
3
Good one that says it all in just a few drawings!
I like this guy Mikey but he hates socialist dictators like Chavez? Thats not going to sit well with the safe space socialists in Humboldt. Keep some of that capitalist stuff close to heart Mikey we have a lot of Looney Lefties up here. I wish you and your countrymen well.
Wow, Mikey didnt bring up all the Black Market bud that young Flow Kana buyers from Willits have been buying up in the range of 100’s of pounds per day…… Seems Flow Kana is the next Phylos Biosciences….. at least in the amount of community rejection they have now began to recieve. Now the community has gathered the knowledge that these clowns from Flow Kana want 50% of the market share after the farmers did all the work, we will all rise up and say enough is enough, were not your immigrant laborers Flow Kana….. screw Happy Days Farms and Casey Oneil as well! I heard all the black market bud was stored in Flow Kana warehouses untill they had pushed the price up after purchasing somewhere around 60,000 pounds, then when the price tripled Flow Kana tripled the rate they bought the cannabis for making enormous profits and changing the entire price landscape…..
Chase those crazy Wall Street Baldheads outta town….. Them crazy
Them crazy
We gonna chase those crazy baldheads out of town
Chase those crazy baldheads out of our town
I’n’I build a cabin
I’n’I plant the corn
Didn’t my people before me
Slave for this country?
Now you look me with that scorn
Then you eat up all my corn
We gonna chase those crazy
Chase them crazy
Chase those crazy baldheads out of town
Build your penitentiary, we build your schools
Brainwash education to make us the fools
Hate is your reward for our love
Telling us of your God above
We gonna chase those crazy
Chase those crazy bunkheads
Chase those crazy baldheads out of the town
Chase those crazy baldheads out of the town
We gonna chase those crazy
Chase those crazy bunkheads
Chase those crazy baldheads out of the town
Here comes the conman
Coming with his con plan
We won’t take no bribe
We’ve got to stay alive
We gonna chase those crazy
Chase those crazy baldheads
Chase those crazy baldheads out of the town
I said it once, and I’ll say it again. And I’ll keep on saying it.
When outside investors come into a local economy, wealth gets sucked out. It’s how capitalism works. It’s based on extraction. There’s nothing Flow Kana does in building a supply chain that local farmers can’t do themselves.
We can organize as a co-op, and, with an industrial revenue bond issued by the county, we can build out our own grading, processing, and warehousing facilities, with an e-trading platform, supported by e-payments and e-tracking.
An Electronics Communications Network (ECN) can integrate blockchain technology to facilitate real-time transaction of wholesale cannabis product between licensed operators in regulated markets. The platform can allow new and existing cannabis businesses to manage infrastructure in their supply chain, inventory and compliance functions.
We can do this. But we need to organize. And we need to elected a Board of Supervisors who are supportive of our us.
Nothing is more important. We are fighting for our independence. We are fighting to keep our beautiful way of life. I refuse to work for Wall Street dark money.
“It’s how capitalism works.”
Get an accounting book and let us know the definition of capital.
I suggest addressing your past before recruiting for the future.
You seem like a scam artist to me.
Your running for election with nothing but a totally checkered past.
Now your stoking fears and emotions on a hyper-sensitive subject in a hyper-sensitive area.
Your theories are self-admittantly “unsubstantiated”.
As unsubstantiated as your claims of prior employment it would seem.
The Boston Globe sure didnt find proof of your claims. And they’re good. Like bring down the Churchs’ clergy-sex-abuse-scandal good. Real good.
You?
Where is proof of anything you’ve said about yourself?
You can answer me as Hanna Hemp if you prefer, you might feel safer.
We needed to have the discussion it has been a swirling rumor to long. Shame on us for not doing it on our own sooner.
John’s a charlatan.
Taking advantage of anyone he can.
Unsubstantiated claims of a Mendo-Government-Conspiracy that includes monopolization and GMO and weed.
All very hot topics to his target audience.
He was hoping this article would be read by worried people in the region, who can not critique or research too well, and join his virtual election campaign.
He is co-opting terms like Dark Money to appeal to the skeptical nature we all rightly have of big money and its effects with corruption.
But, he has not addressed his checkered past. This includes evidence of fraudulent claims, adultry, embezzlement and more.
He is here to scam his way back into notoriety or prominence.
How can that not be obvious?
And TRB, for as much dirt you are digging up On John, What about Jason Alder?.. How about some Dirt on these Hedgers Huh? It’s absolutely True Mr. Alder is involved with Biotech companies..
You truly dont understand.
There is 15x the amount of press on John Sakowitz out there than you see on this thread…
None of it is good.
Embezzling money from GOP party, taking $12,000 that was supposed to go to AIDS housing….
Seriously. What am I the only one that knows how to research SF?
Why dont YOU dig something up on Adler?
Mabe there isn’t much at all on Adler bud.
Maybe your hope and faith is worthless…
I did do some research, I think John spells it out fairly well. These big wigs are in bed with some ruthless bed fellows. I suppose that is to be expected. But I just think investors like this can be predatory. LL lays everything out fairly well.. Bottom line… Flow Corrupts is swimming with the sharks fo sure..
I also think that these big investors have invested in a large spectrum of Cannabis Ventures.. Do they really have an intrest in seeing the Triangle thrive? Do they have intrest in seeing it fail, to boost up other investments? Either way, I think the problem, is they win. And I would bet the only thing they care about is the bottom line..
“For Jason Adler, it doesn’t matter whether the market goes up. Or down. What matters is that it goes…”
Jason Alder’s investment company explained..
https://www.nytimes.com/2011/03/18/business/global/18volatility.html
Honestly, looking at Pebble Labs, I actually think they are one of the smaller BioTech firms.. One of the things they specialized in, is the Zitca Virus.. I will say, they are Slightly more Ecologically minded than the bigger bio tech companies.. for example.. Pebble Labs approach is to not kill the mosquito, because of thier ecological significance, while other big companies focus is on actually killing the mosquito..
They also focus on Seafood Farming, and Ironleaf Tech.. which sounds like they focus on replicating the natural Bacteria’s in the organizm and splicing it into the genes… which, personally, I am skeptical. But.. I think there are worse techniques out there.. Not to say the ‘unknowns’ shouldn’t be skeptical of.. per say..
Honestly, though, I actually disagree w/ John, I am not apposed to bioengineered Bacteria, that can be applied on the outside of plants to stop diseases… Organically.. As long as it’s tested extensively not to harm benificial wild life… Personally, I just Am skeptical when it’s engineered inside the organism itself.. Like BT Corn.. and such.. where I am skeptical.. personally.. which is what Iron Leaf, and much of thier seafood tech is.. at pebble labs..But it is naturally occurring enzymes and such found in the organizms itself, as apposed to say anti freeze from a fish you would never eat. In other words, so it’s not like a ‘flavor savor’ tomatoe.. far as I understand…
That is not to say, this smaller BioTech Company is not in league in ways with bigger biotech conglomerates.. And they are linked to Trait Science labs.. as John pointed out..
Companies like Trait Science are the ones to be Leary of, as one of the big problems with BioTech, in my eyes, is the complete market domination, and promotion of chemicals that end up harming the ecosystem and our bodies..
As Dr. Zach explains, Round up.. a Bi-product of defoliant Agent orange.. is water soluble, as it’s extremely over applied, due to GMOs, it ends up in our rivers and our water cycles!
Actually, the lungs being soo sensitive, I am suprised while the California Gov. is being soo strict on testing standards, that they would even allow GMO’s from Trait Sciences to enter the market soo quickly.. the water soluble Cannabis seems like a concern to me, because as Dr. Zach explains.. Nature puts its poision’s in fatty lipids as a protection measure.. for a reason.. soo.. we shall see..
As for John’s past, I agree, that is not to be ignored as well, but it just appears to me that ‘both are dirty in this fight’.. Farmer beware..
I just tend to gravitate more twards the principal that the more “High Tech” expensive Agricultural technology that is thrown at Farmers, the bigger problems, we seem to create.. Once BioTech gets a hold, the profitably for Farmers often goes down, and often this is tied to distributors…
So… Maybe Faith and hope is not so worth less after all.. A world without hope is a dead world TRB.. I am hopeful and optimistic human kind will not end that way.. Power in Positivity…
Cheers.
I meant hope in John’s article particularly, but I didn’t make that clear.
Thanks for your thought out response…
Great job Small fry!
THX!
Brian,
I like how you’ve handled this.
Did I completely miss the clues where John Sakowicz is Hanna Hemp also?
If I did, old-poor pitiful-me.
https://kymkemp.com/2019/09/05/mendocino-farmer-casey-oneill-and-flow-kana-ceo-michael-steinmetz-offer-answers-to-community-questions-in-opinion-piece/#comment-858144
Make sure to read my first link in the comment too, it has an email from John repeating FINRA credentials.
My 2 cents:
Hanna Hemp is an obvious pseudonym being used for the first time here on RHBB.
Both Hannah Hemp and John refuse to post links backing up their claims, which are the same.
Plus, John has a history of deception that goes beyond his personal life.
The Boston Globe covered him, extensively actually.
Back in the 90’s. Kym posted one screenshot here, but theres many more articles about him.
That’s the paper that outed the church-sex-abuse-scandal, fyi, so they’re really good workers.
TRB, I would also like to point out, that as far as what I have read of your statements, I have never coined you as an actual Canna Farmer… I have only ever hear you state you grow your 6, and slam most Triangle farmers for “smart pots” and what not.. I value your opinions, but seriously, if you were ever put on a board to speak for farmers in the Triange, I would be raising some serious Hell Nooo’s.. I am not trying to say, that I represent or speak for anyone other than myself, but, I have always stated, I consider myself a small Original Market Farmer..
I respect your opinions, in other regards…
Like I said, I appreciate your “20% Idea” but it’s no absolute solution to the obstacles that are faced here..
My proposition is the only serious attempt at finding a small farm solution on these threads rather than a bunch of whining the way I see it.
Try coming up with something SF. Something realistic and possible.
If I had more than 6 plants, why would I mention in a public forum on RHBB where local detectives scan the threads?
I’m not anonymous like you and most others SF.
Sorry you dont see the light about John.
Here: ultraviolet. (Magic Tragic x cookies x red velvet) red velvet is also mine.
My own strain of 5 years of breeding.
You dont get any now.
She is beautiful.
The beauty of state-wide recreational cannabis;
Posting pictures, not anonymously, of great ganja.
Even though I said I wouldn’t, I’d still share with you SF…
She is frosty! But.. I have some Velvety Cookie cross genetics.. Thanks anyway TRB….
You have been weighed
You have been measured
You gave been found wanting
That being said I do want to thank you. You did put your balls on the line. You did bring a subject for us to begin a discussion we all needed our community to address. I do feel I have more knowledge as well because of that discussion and more admiration for my community and its inhabitants.
Now, you are not allowed to speak for us. You really have no place to tell anyone in this community what we need. This community last year kicked the crap outta the state’s corporate carpet baggers and we are not done. Why would we want another government entity involved in our industry we do not. I would rather see a corporation with hedgefunding backed ran by Rod Gass, 1911, Kym, Billy, indigent1, The Real Brian and CHC. Some of these mentioned hate what I do but I know they would work with me to make it right.
No, Flow Kana had nothing to do with the upswing in price per pound that was our community. Flow Kana had no license and if they did they would of dumped on the market. It’s a war, we do not take this war lightly. You and your big tabacoo types are just new enemy combatants. We will make you waste every penny you have and you will walk away empty handed. C’est la vie…..
So Right John,
Bob Marley wrote this tune for the likes of Flow Kana,……. We didnt need no Wall Street Immigrant Middle Man Taking 50% of our market share and buying pi t all the black market bud available to boost up the priice at which time Flow Kana tripled their cash….. like Bob Marley said….
Here comes the conman
Coming with his con plan
We won’t take no bribe
We’ve got to stay alive
We gonna chase those crazy
Chase those crazy baldheads
Chase those crazy baldheads out of the town
It’s not all that glitters is gold
‘Alf the story has never been told
So now you see the light, eh
Stand up for your rights, come on…
John is absolutely right in that if the local communities want control of our economic future we need to organize our economic present.
Cannabis as an economy is going to go the way of logging if we let outside players (like Hurwitz/maxam and PL) come in a take control of the resource.
There is plenty of local money available to organize and create an economic powerhouse that benefits the communities but that requires someone to galvanize the interested parties.
10k people investing $10k is $100 million in capital. That is a big chunk to leverage
Ullr Rover,
You are correct. This isn’t about one or two individual farmers. This is about what’s happening to all local growers. This is about what a corporate take over will do and already has done. This is about the small farms that have been around for decades. Flow Kana has been here since around 2014 or so.
The small farmers need to create a workable co-op. And, they need to appear before the Mendocino BOS to express their concerns and ask for specific help.
The next Board of Supervisors meeting is September 10, with public comment beginning at 9 a.m.
Brian is expressing his opinion of the author of a piece being referenced here in order to caution against believing in the assertions of the author. Just like people have greater freedom in insulting me than in insulting fellow commenters, so too does Brian have greater latitude with John then he would with someone who doesn’t claim to be an author of a piece…
I agree with Hanna and Ullr.. absolutely! The triangle needs exceptions to the rulers. I would absolutely like to see cooperatives..
Mendo and Humboldt BOS have shown their colors. The People need to act outside of and in spite of local political entities. We don’t need the local government entities to form co-op’s and create this local powerhouse. The People can organize in spite of local inhibitions.
“The most common way people give up their power
is by thinking they don’t have any. — Alice Walker
We have the power to fire the shot heard ‘round the world’.
The surest method to failure is by trusting your government to be on your side.
Trust your genetic composition. You can feel truth and deception. Act as if you are a king. Try to be benevolent.
Truely, Thank you John. Your absolutely right. Thank you for exposing these connections.. You put your personal life in the spotlight to bring these issues to light, Thankyou.. I absolutely agree that changes to the Board of Supervisors, in Humboldt and beyond are needed…. Alternatives to Dark Wall Street Money are needed!
Also, a lot of little moneys and investments, might be a good way to generate funds to build these Co-Ops, and secure the triangles Independence..
To distill this whole thing: Flow Kana wants to monopolize the cannabis supply from Humboldt and Mendocino county, not doubt about it, and they will lose money for the next ten years to do it. GMO? No point for Flow Kana. Pot Smokers are deeply fearful of GMO. Also, John Sakowicz is a fear monger and a phony who claims to have worked all kinds of places he hasn’t, constantly makes shit up, and is generally a dick.
And Kym thankfully provides a platform and open forum for her community so we all gain more knowledge. Thank You, Kym!
Here is an interesting bio on Jason Adler listed by MarketScreener.com .
If you think Adler is interested in Mendocino County’s small farmers and their welfare and/or legacy, you are sadly mistaken.
BTW: the COO at Flow Kana is John Striff, formerly the COO at Sunkist. Sunkist doesn’t grow a single orange. Jason Adler doesn’t grow a single bud. These are the guys behind Flow Kana no matter how Mikey is spinning the PR/marketing side of things. Adler, Striff and MIkey are NOT one of you. If you don’t believe that and organize as a co-op, you are going to lose it all.
Take a look at the comments under Kym’s Blog re: the September 15th FK picnic. The comments are from people who were (past tense) affiliated with FK. They aren’t pretty in general but for a few exceptions.
****
MarketScreener.com, stock quotes, stock exchange, market price, stock market advice, technical analysis, stock chart analysis, Company News
MarketScreener Homepage > News > Business Leaders > Business Leaders Biography
Most read news Business Leaders Biography
Portrait of Jason M. Adler
Public asset : $ 69,395,766 USD
Linked companies : Cronos Group Inc
Summary
Jason M. Adler founded Geronimo LLC and Saiers Capital LLC.
He holds the position of Chief Executive Officer & Managing Member at Alphabet Ventures LLC.
He is also on the board of Cronos Group, Inc. and Principal at AlphaBet Partners Group LP.
Mr. Adler previously held the position of Chief Executive Officer at Saiers Capital LLC.
Jason M. Adler received an undergraduate degree from the University of Rhode Island.
Current positions of Jason M. Adler
Name Title Since
Cronos Group Inc
(Pharmaceuticals)
Director 2016
Alphabet Ventures LLC Chief Executive Officer & Managing Member 2015
AlphaBet Partners Group LP Principal –
Holdings of Jason M. Adler
Name Equities % Valuation
Cronos Group Inc (CRON)
Pharmaceuticals 6,679,092 3.74% 69,395,766 USD
Jason M. Adler: Personal Network
Name Linked companies
Michael Gorenstein Cronos Group Inc
Alphabet Ventures LLC
James D. Rudyk Cronos Group Inc
Michael Coates Cronos Group Inc
Alan Friedman Cronos Group Inc
K. C. Crosthwaite Cronos Group Inc
Murray R. Garnick Cronos Group Inc
Bruce A. Gates Cronos Group Inc
David Hsu Cronos Group Inc
William Hilson Cronos Group Inc
Xiuming Shum Cronos Group Inc
Thanks for sharing, Casey and Michael. Casey has a knack for putting into words the concepts that I have trouble wrapping my head around, and he hit the nail on the head with what he said about interfacing with capitalist realities. Much respect to you both <3
Capitalist realities? Those haven’t existed for centuries. Crony Capitalism took it’s place long ago.
Capitalist realities is you and me bartering and trading for goods.
Crony Capitalist is an authority figure demanding we grease his palm too.
Capitalism is used by every govt. It’s THE way all of us make money, spend money, save money….
The difference in the ism’s is …
Capitalism is the individual keeps what he makes.
The other ism’s (cronyism/fascism, communism, socialism, marxism, blablabla) is the authorities decide what we can keep.
Capitalism (true, undisturbed, unfettered), let’s you help whoever you wish to.
The Ism’s tell you who’s going to be helped this year and who’s not, so stick it.
Dang good, shak, dang good.
~i’m humble to be in the presence of so many who know what they’re talking about. For the life of me, i can’t put my finger on the source of ‘Legal’. And i so want to know, at this late date, why anyone w/a coupla functioning brain cells, s t i l l clings to Legal and Democracy?
Rod Gass @ 3:54 ” is there any positive outlook for California’s Floundering Legalization? Of course not, cannabis cannot be controlled, people require their herbs.”
The value is in the freedom correctness brings. Those who are standing are done with Legal, RHBB. Won’t you join in? It’s painless. Not an event…a lifestyle…a way of being.
Right backatcha CH. Thx!
Why do they stick to the falsehood called ‘legal’? Good question!
Most?: Because they have to go along to get along while they fight the ‘system’, the falsehood, through the ‘lawful’ way. Then they get frustrated because their pretend reps never listen, which creates an air of might as well give up. That’s what the system wants, is for us all to give up. THIS is why the Founding Father’s said to Fight the Battles Lawfully by readdressing all grievances ‘lawfully’, … then take it to the next step of super LAWFUL. (it’s our DUTY to protect and defend the constitution).Boycotting stores is one thing, but boycotting all taxes is another when you’re living paycheck to paycheck, which is why they keep us too broke and too tired to fight. BUT, when people hit rock bottom, there’s nowhere else to go but UP.
Others?: Too ignorant about unalienable rights that are inherent in every person on earth. They’ve been brainwashed into believing that the UN’s ‘collectivism’ (deletion of all individual rights at their whim) is THE constitution. Good Lordy these people are s t u p i d…. BUT, it’s NOT their fault, UNLESS they continue to be Willfully Ignorant after they’ve been steered in the direction of truth.
Read the USA constitution people, it only takes an hour.
Read the Declaration of Independence.. wow, another 20 minutes tacked on. oh my.
Read the Federalist Papers that shares with us the thinking process behind our Founding Fathers. …. okay, this one will take a day at least, BUT, there are audio versions to help us with those big words they used back then before the dumbing down of America happened.
Oh, time for Caleb’s hour. BBL.
Never forget the men who started this country were hemp growing, whiskey drinking, tax evading rebels who left their beds late at night to shoot at cops.
Shooting at law enforcement…? Here? When?
THE REBELLION
The Whiskey Rebellion took place throughout the western frontier. There was not one state south of New York whose western counties did not protest the new excise with some sort of violence. Probably the biggest concern about the excise tax was the revenues from it would support a national government the western people felt was not representing them well.
People in the West resisted the excise tax with different attitudes. Most simply refused to pay the tax while others rebelled with violence. Excise officers received most of the fury from the rebels. Each officer was to open an office in his county of operation. The easiest form of nonpayment was to prevent the excise officer from establishing an office in the county. To do this, rebels threatened anyone who offered to house the excise office. More often than not, the excise officer received threats to his well being. These threats were usually enough to discourage the officer from staying and trying to collect the tax. When an officer was brave enough to stay, the residents who opposed the tax committed such humiliations as tarring, feathering, and torturing the offender. This usually convinced the excise officer to leave the area.
https://www.nps.gov/frhi/learn/historyculture/whiskeyrebellion.htm
Aw. My misunderstanding.
yep. But they weren’t shootin at ‘cops’ per say, they were defending against thugs of any person disguised as an official that was hell bent on robbing them. In fact, if I remember correctly from a story I can’t find at this particular moment, a whole bunch of the ‘enforcers’ quit their day jobs and joined the rebellion. (they were tax payers too, one way or another).
An explanation of the fight:
“For the first three years of the new federal government’s existence (1789-1791), customs duties (taxes on imported goods) accounted for about 99.5% of federal tax revenues. Hamilton suggested the excise on distilled spirits to generate extra revenue that would help make up for an anticipated shortfall in funds to service the national debt. He also wanted to diversify the federal government’s revenue streams and excise taxes were a mainstay of European fiscal regimes. In England, excise taxes often accounted for upward of 40% of the central government’s revenue. But that was precisely the problem.”
https://www.nypl.org/blog/2016/08/31/whiskey-rebellion-soldiers-perspective
Before the central govt was created, each state would charge each state a tariff… it was ridiculous to say the least. The Constitution changed that crap show and all was well for a few years until greed overtook the likes of the sneaky ones like Hamilton. (for our own good, of course, lol).
We’re not supposed to have a standing army. As much as I cherish our servicemen, and their training and dedication, I do not cherish the unconstitutional standing army conception itself. The rebellion is one of the most important reasons why we’re not supposed to have one.
This video explains how it’s supposed to be. Not very many people realize this. If you’re one of the ones who’s been bullied away from learning the truths, after watching this video, you’ll probably understand why. If not, then, you will after watching the entire series.
War Powers and the Enemy Within: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EZMhzRJ997Y&list=PLU16omkJffq4auEcsaU1GdAL0TNyUndS6&index=4
~i stand corrected. ‘Cops’ was a bad choice of words since the popos didn’t wear uniforms then. ‘Revenuers’. They were shooting the revenuers.
Apology, Kym.
Sakowicz can take care of himself. He doesn’t need help from me or anyone.
The message: Growers need to organize themselves against the Real Brians in the County and Wall Street Shirts.
BTW, You know how I know what happened years ago in Mendocino on Giles? I was here. Where were you? Oh, FK and it’s pay-rolled white shirts weren’t here. Were you also previously with Sunkist like John Striff?
Is FK paying you to attack growers? Really bad form. [Edit: In this forum, you’re allowed to attack ideas and even character when necessary to show that ideas may be coming from a flawed place. But in general, that’s discouraged. And insulting freely will get you moderated or even banned.]
Sorry, Maybe I was too abrubt.
Growers need to organize themselves against the Real Brians in the County and Wall Street Shirts.
Look John, I’ve proposed a voter initiative mandating 20% of Californias retail cannabis shelf space devoted to product from farms under 10,000 sq ft.
I’m disappointed in the cap failure of 64.
I’m not anti-small farms.
But I’m very interested in someone who has so much bad press behind them.
How can I not be?
Kym I’m sorry if I broke the rules here:
https://kymkemp.com/2019/09/05/mendocino-farmer-casey-oneill-and-flow-kana-ceo-michael-steinmetz-offer-answers-to-community-questions-in-opinion-piece/#comment-858431
Feel free to delete it. Sorry. I can do better.
I’m very glad you brought up character flaws in a person considering running for a public office. thank you TRB.
lol, i think you’ve triggered a real rage here too, which tells me something about Personality as well…
The next question is who or what in the central valley has Altria invested in by some third party? Or are they just buying land?
I have a question for you Kym Kemp. Do you think there’s any credence to the fears voiced by many regarding Green Gothem Partners’ investment in Flow Kana. Surely, you can see how easily corporate hegemony puts independent farmers’ access to the retail market at risk? We only need to look to the dairy industry to see how these things generally work out for small farms. That $125 million to Flow Kana is more than a loan. It’s a down payment on controlling the market.
I’m not an expert on corporations. However, the system we have encourages corporate takeovers of small businesses. Am I concerned about Green Gotham in particular…no. Do I worry about corporations killing off the small farms…yes. Do I think there are questions that could be asked about our whole system of commerce…? Yes. Do I think Flow Kana is worse than other corporations? …No. In fact, what I’ve seen makes me think that they are, as run now, better. BUT I haven’t researched them deeply either–I just like the community oriented giving back to our area not just extracting resources that I’ve seen.
Kym,
~i can’t seem to locate Guest’s comment yesterday, about corporations not being the villain. Since you mention corporations, i’m replying with a quote to your comment. Thank you.
“I see in the near future a crisis approaching that unnerves me and causes me to tremble for the safety of my country… Corporations have been enthroned, an era of corruption in high places will follow, and the money-power of the country will endeavor to prolong its reign by working upon the prejudices of the people until the wealth is aggregated in a few hands and the Republic is destroyed.”
-Abraham Lincoln, November 12, 1864
” We only need to look to the dairy industry to see how these things generally work out for small farms. ”
That’s saying a mouthful. Humboldt milk is shipped to Sonoma County, blended in with the rest of the milk coming from hours and hours away, packaged and labeled “Humboldt” and shipped back.
Humboldt Creamery is made from locally sourced milk giving local dairy farmers access to the market. This is becoming the exception and not the rule. Independent dairy producers are losing access to the market through the consolidation of processors and verticle integration of the supply chain. My point is that the process of consolidation kills small independent farmers of any consumable product which is ruinous to the local economies in which these products are made. It’s worth paying attention to the plight of the dairy farmers because the dynamics may prove to be similar.
https://www.nbcnews.com/news/us-news/best-advice-u-s-dairy-farmers-sell-out-fast-you-n887941
~i totally agree. Thanks for the comparison and the link. I miss Humboldt buttermilk the most.
My opinion may not be up to snuff today but, can I just say this …
Building a wall down through the middle of our Cannabis Community is a recipe for disaster. $64 has started that by driving a wedge into the “this is yours and that is mine.” Everyone doesn’t see the same starting point.
Legal protections have been used as a weapon against undeserving people. Lives have been ruined. It’s worse than dog eat dog.
Huge volumes of speculation money have poured in. NO, not for product but, for the controlling interest in the prime cultivation villages.
I find it easy to parallel the verbiage of … the love of money, can ruin anyone. I’d say, nobody is capable of fully controlling their greedy ambitions.
So other than decriminalizing small amounts of possession, long overdue, is there any positive outlook for California’s Floundering Legalization? Of course not, cannabis cannot be controlled, people require their herbs.
Casey, you better than anyone know the exact reasoning behind the regulatory disivantages small businesses face in this market. It’s called lobbying interests. People like your friend Mikey shaped the regulatory structure through their efforts. Since you’re first and foremost for the best interest of the “community” (would love to hear a definition of what that is) then I expect you to disclose to your peers exactly how much money and on what bills has and Is Flow Kana (Event Horizion Technology) lobbying for. Stop the PR selling BS for one second and remember where you and this “industry” came from.
Corruption does happen.
Look at this case hitting the net from Massachusetts;
Massachusetts mayor arrested for extorting marijuana vendors for 6-figure bribes
https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/nation/2019/09/06/massachusetts-mayor-arrested-extorting-marijuana-vendors/2231423001/
This story, what is happening right here, I read it before in a book by George Orwell, called Animal Farm.
So Hum had our own little Napoleonpig… a carpetbagger who claimed he was “born on the banks of the Matole.” Ended up in Sacramento some years ago, “consulting on legislation,” selling out small time growers to corporate fat cats.
There’s nothing new under the sun, except that some people will always see the game is rigged, especially when they be on the losing side.
“some people will always see the game is rigged,” (it’s about right v wrong)
~there’s 4 types of people you will meet in your life;
The people who try to wake up the slaves (Morphius)
The slave masters (Agent Smiths)
The people who have no idea they’re slaves (unborn)
The people who like being slaves (Agent Smith posing as Bane)
https://youtu.be/LHaMhMlvP1M
“Lucy in the sky with diamonds”
Nice analogy!
Agent Smith pretended to be Bane bc he needed the ‘bonus’ money to replace the gulp-timate that his masters rob from him every day via taxes, fees, INFLATION, etc.
(not the sharpest tool in the shed, that’s for sure).
Yes, go on with your story, please.
Your finger is on the exposed nerve. This is an opinion forum, speak your mind. The rest of us will help fill-in the missing documentation.
Whatever happened to hezekiah?
Hezekiah is probably in Sacramento acting as Flow Kana paid Rat.
HAVE ANY LOCAL FARMERS ACTUALLY MET AND SPOKEN WITH THESE PEOPLE HERE IN OUR COUNTY??? ADLER IS INCLUDED
Board of Directors of Cronos.
Mike Gorenstein
Chairman, President & Chief Executive Officer
Mike Gorenstein is the Chairman, President and CEO of Cronos Group.
Mr. Gorenstein is also a Co-founder and Member of Gotham Green Partners. Before joining the
Company, Mr. Gorenstein was the VP and General Counsel at Alphabet Partners, LP,
a New York City based multi-strategy investment management firm, focused on
identifying mispriced assets across various industries, asset classes and
geographies. Prior to Alphabet Partners, LP, he was a corporate attorney at Sullivan & Cromwell LLP where he focused on
mergers and acquisitions and capital markets transactions. Mr. Gorenstein graduated from the University of Pennsylvania
Law School with a Juris Doctor (JD), the Wharton School at University of Pennsylvania with a certificate in Business
Economics and Public Policy and the Kelley School of Business at Indiana University with a Bachelor of Science Business
in Finance.
Chairman of the Board
Jim Rudyk
Lead Director, Audit Committee Chair
James Rudyk is currently the Chief Financial Officer of Roots Corporation (“Roots”), a
position he has held since January 2016. Mr. Rudyk is a seasoned executive with
more than 25 years of financial and operational experience, and a track record of
supporting ambitious growth plans. Prior to joining Roots, Mr. Rudyk served as the
Chief Financial Officer of Shred-It International Inc. from 2009 to 2015, where he was
instrumental in helping the company grow from approximately $200 million to over $700 million in revenue and expand to
more than 17 countries around the world. He also served as Chief Financial Officer and Chief Operating Officer of Canada
Cartage Systems Limited from 2004 to 2009. He received his Bachelor of Arts and Master of Accounting degree from the
University of Waterloo. Mr. Rudyk is also a Chartered Professional Accountant and holds an ICD.D designation from the
Institute of Corporate Directors.
Lead Director
Chair of the Audit Committee
Member of the Compensation Committee
Kevin ‘K.C.’ Crosthwaite, Jr.
Compensation Committee Chair
Kevin “K.C.” Crosthwaite, Jr. serves as Senior Vice President and Chief Strategy and
Growth Officer at Altria. In this role, Mr. Crosthwaite identifies and pursues Altria’s
strategic and innovative product growth priorities. Since joining Philip Morris USA in
1997, Mr. Crosthwaite has held several leadership positions across Altria’s family of
companies, including President and Chief Executive Officer for Philip Morris USA,
where he oversaw operations for Philip Morris USA and John Middleton, as well as
Vice President, Strategy and Business Development, and Vice President & General
Manager at Marlboro. Mr. Crosthwaite also led Altria Ventures’ international efforts
with innovative tobacco products. Mr. Crosthwaite currently serves on the Board of Directors for United Negro College
Fund, The Richmond Forum and is a Board Observer for JUUL Labs. Mr. Crosthwaite received his Bachelor of Arts from
Marquette University and his Master of Business Administration (MBA) from Providence College.
Chair of the Compensation Committee
Jason Adler
Jason Adler is the Co-founder and Managing Member of Gotham Green Partners, a
private equity firm focused primarily on early-stage investing in companies in the
cannabis industry. Prior to co-founding Gotham Green, Mr. Adler was the co-founder
and Chief Executive Officer of Alphabet Partners, LP, a New York City based multistrategy
investment management firm, focused on identifying mispriced assets
across various industries, asset classes and geographies. Mr. Adler also founded
Geronimo, LLC, a broker dealer and member of the American Stock Exchange, that made markets in equity options, and
he began his career as a Market Maker at G&D Trading. Mr. Adler graduated with a B.A. from the University of Rhode
Island.
Member of the Audit Committee
Member of the Compensation Committee
Bronwen Evans
Bronwen Evans is an independent consultant drawing on 20 years of experience in
the charitable, corporate and government sectors to provide clients with business
development and brand strategies for transformational growth. Ms. Evans was a
Founding Director of the True Patriot Love Foundation, where she served as its first
CEO from 2012 to 2019 and raised record funds to support 25,000 Canadian military
and veteran families. Before that, Ms. Evans was the Vice President of Marketing and
Corporate Affairs at Medcan Health Management, and became the company’s first Chief Privacy Officer. She is a
recipient of The Queen’s Diamond Jubilee Medal (2012) and currently serves as Director, Secretary and Chair of the
Governance Committee of Kingsway College School. Ms. Evans holds a Bachelor of Arts in Philosophy with Honors from
McGill University, and a Master of Arts in Philosophy with a concentration in Biomedical Ethics from Carleton University.
Member of the Audit Committee
Murray Garnick
Murray Garnick serves as Executive Vice President and General Counsel of Altria. In his role since 2017, he leads the
company’s Law Department, Regulatory Affairs and Regulatory Sciences. Mr. Garnick previously served as Deputy
General Counsel for Altria Client Services, a subsidiary of Altria, which provides professional services and support to Altria
and its operating companies. At Altria, Mr. Garnick has led the legal support for sales,
marketing, regulation, and product development and intellectual property matters.
He has also supervised the management of tobacco, health and all other litigations
brought against Altria and its operating companies. Prior to joining Altria in 2008 as
Senior Vice President, Litigation and Associate General Counsel, Mr. Garnick served
for more than two decades as a senior litigation partner at the law firm of Arnold &
Porter in Washington, D.C. and currently serves on the Board of Trustees of Newseum
in Washington, D.C. Mr. Garnick received his Bachelor of Arts from the University of
Georgia and his Juris Doctor (JD) from the University of Georgia School of Law.
Bruce Gates
Bruce Gates is a Founding Partner of Three Oaks Strategies LLC, a management,
policy and communications consulting firm based in Alexandria, Virginia. He is also
the founding partner of Three Oaks Asset Management LLC, a family office/venture
capital firm. Prior to his retirement from Altria in November 2017, Mr. Gates served as
a Senior Vice President of External Affairs for Altria Client Services. In his role, he led
the Government Affairs and Corporate Affairs departments and directed the
company’s strategies involving governments, corporate communications, philanthropic programs and corporate social
responsibility. Before assuming that role in 2011, Mr. Gates was Altria’s Senior Vice President of Government Affairs. He
currently serves on the board of a private company, Aliro, and also on a number of non-profit boards, including The
Boulder Crest Retreat for Wounded Warriors and Veteran Wellness, D.C. Sail, and the Congressional Institute. Recently, he
joined the Board of Trustees for the Ford’s Theatre. Mr. Gates received his Bachelor of Arts from the University of Georgia.
Hanna Hemp, beautiful name, I like to say it outloud.
The above list of gold-diggers ain’t worth 2 cents. They’re here only for the easy pickens. You know what you’re doing but, I’m sure you can tell nobody wants what you’re peddling.
I think you’d be more effective on the East coast, or down below Sacramento.
You and John are symbolizing vultures circling the not yet dead. We’re flattered that you guys recognize the Triangle’s honest value, but, no we’re gonna keep doin’ just fine without your fraudulent business models.
Shouting at all caps is considered RUDE behavior.
Thanks, Rod Gass. Here’s a Canadian article from 2015 which speaks to monopolizing recreational mj use after medical mj use. It also addresses permitting which seems to go to large operations. Many of us in Mendocino County want to understand how large operations will affect smaller operations. Are there only so many permits to grow in our beautiful county? The BOS seems to penalize little farms. What’s your take?
https://montrealgazette.com/business/local-business/how-will-legalized-marijuana-change-canada-and-quebec
No take, I did a once over but I wasn’t interested.
Californian, born and bred, trying to make sense of my home. I can’t think about the way things are in the East.
Here’s what I mean …
“Who will provide the grand design,
what is yours and what is mine?
‘Cause there is no more new frontier,
we have got to make it here.
We satisfy our endless needs,
and justify our bloody deeds.
In the name of destiny,
and in the name of God.”
Don Henley and Glenn Frey, circa 1972, “Last Resort”
“xenophobia is such a sad side of human nature”
But a congenital mental defect among many suffered by Conservatives! That’s what Brexit is all about.
John Sakowicz,
I think you jumped the gun on your accusations.
You at least made it clear that your theories are unsubstantiated.
Thank you for your honesty with that.
Perhaps you should have stuck with introducing yourself more. Building from the ground up, if you’re genuinely trying to run a campaign to help.
To the people who dont know John currently, here he is speaking at a local engagement:
https://youtu.be/oV1Cm2yVlmA
I question the motive in picking on Flow Kana as much as you do though, John.
Why have you specified them, as opposed to running an election based on platforms regarding corporate influence protection, or something similarly general, in Mendo?
I’m still interested in what what I’m reading about your past.
But perhaps your a new man? Or better? Or different?
I should also be curious as to who you are now, especially if your running a campaign.
Feel free to indulge me, or not to.
I’ve been harsh on you, so I would understand a no-reply.
Gotham Green’s stock and company acquisitions;
Airgraft vaping company amount not noted
Jane Technologies $21M
MedMen $30M
GrowGeneration $12.8M
Coda Signature $24.4M
MedMen $250M
Flow Kana $125M
Dec 14, 2018 Chooze $4M
Nov 26, 2018 The High Note $15M
plus;
https://www.newcannabisventures.com/gotham-green-to-invest-additional-30-million-into-medmen-after-revising-terms-to-prior-250-million-financing/
https://www.newcannabisventures.com/chemistry-closes-6m-series-a-round-with-gotham-green-partners/ Chemistry
https://www.newcannabisventures.com/gotham-green-to-invest-32-million-in-u-s-cannabis-company/ Cannex Capital
https://www.newcannabisventures.com/cannabis-media-company-lift-prepares-to-go-public-with-new-york-private-equity-fund-backing/ shares of Lift
$50 million in iAnthus. https://www.newcannabisventures.com/ianthuss-mpx-bioceutical-merger-fuels-growth-and-institutional-interest/
https://www.newswire.ca/news-releases/the-high-note-inc-receives-strategic-investment-from-gotham-green-partners-to-fund-expansion-701235851.html The High Note Inc. (the “Company” or “The High Note … cannabis cultivation, extraction, packaging, distribution and retail sales. $15 million
https://www.newcannabisventures.com/plus-products-raises-c25-million-and-includes-gotham-green-partners-and-stable-road-capital-as-investors/ Plus Products
plus subsidies and buyouts of the above companies…
sample of Cronos
Cronos Group Inc
on Friday announced a $300 million buyout of U.S. CBD company Redwood Holdings, owner of CBD brand Lord Jones. https://www.benzinga.com/analyst-ratings/analyst-color/19/08/14202055/analyst-cronos-redwood-deal-just-the-tip-of-the-iceberg
in perspective;
[2018] Cannabis-related companies raised nearly $13.8 billion so far this year, compared to just $3.5 billion in 2017 https://fortune.com/2018/12/20/cannabis-investments-2018/
2019 projected to be a lot higher.
They’re generally overpaying tho…
I suspect how Flow Kana sells its self to farmers is very different from how they sell themselves to investors. Where do their values lie? What will happen when the money comes due? We have a long road ahead and it is best to not pass judgment on what farmers are doing today to survive.
Quit calling yourself Farmers and get a grip on reality.
Yes I agree we are just growers. However, if tabacco is considered a crop then technically we are farmers. Imagine the day when a Humboldt marijuana grower will get their well deserved cut of some federal subsidies.
https://farm.ewg.org/progdetail.php?fips=00000&progcode=tobacco
~not sure where tobacco fits in.
Definition of subsidy
: a grant or gift of money: such as
a : a sum of money formerly granted by the British Parliament to the crown and raised by special taxation
b : money granted by one state to another
c : a grant by a government to a private person or company to assist an enterprise deemed advantageous to the public
Merriam-Webster
What part of cannabis farmer do you not understand? Stop calling yourself Jesus Christ and get a grip on reality.
You’re not a FARMER. You are completely stoned if you truly believe that.
Why do you say cannabis farmers are not “farmers”? Farms come in all shapes, sizes and products.. There isn’t any basis to your accusations..
I’m a cannabis cultivator but I don’t really think of myself as a farmer. I guess because I don’t grow any thing else
I mean think of yourself however you wish.. The truth is, if one produces a crop on a track of land, or raises Animals, on that track, that is considered a ‘Farm’ …Someone who manages that property for the production of those crops, or live stock is ‘Farmer’.. It really is that simple.. Also, Fish Farming, is considered “farming”, so are say Hydroponic tomatoes and such.. Or, indoor farming.. Or Urban farming…And it doesn’t have to be for profit.. Sustenance Farming for self consumption is also considered farming As are industrial farms…. Size Crop or Technique of farming has little to do with the definition.
The truth for Me, I won’t let anyone else define me. Or my work. If I lived in an apartment, and I grew veggies on the windowsills, I probably would coin myself as a gardener..
But this… Your not a “farmer” is just a demoralizing statement.. truely.. Coin yourselves what you like. Me, I am a cannabis farmer, and I am proud.. But to each thier own..
Yep, self understanding in a complex social environment, our right and our responsibility. Thanks.
TY b.
The jury is in based on the comments!
Passionate stances from all. One glaring truth clearly stands out head and shoulders above the rest.
There is much more work to be done on all levels from seed to soil to sale.
Ever evolving never resolving…Sigh