Issue link: https://digital.copcomm.com/i/599676
f a l l / w i n t e r 2 0 1 5 | 4 3 hopeful licensee either had to have the capital to buy a build- ing or pay the inflated lease rates to the few property owners willing to take the risk of having marijuana on their property. By the time you lined up to submit your application, the costs were minimally in the hundreds of thousands of dollars, and more likely the initial investment was in the millions. The lucky ones who obtained a license were now so singularly focused on the execution of their business models that there was little interest in the small groups that formed as industry associations. However, that changed as business owners were able to settle in, and by the end of the first year of recreational sales, businesses were looking for an opportunity to be part of an industry group that would be an opportunity to network, influence public policy, and share creative concepts to further the collective interests of the various business that are directly involved in the industry, and the companies that provide them goods and services. That's when the Colorado Cannabis Chamber of Com- merce was formed, with a focus on business concerns, like any other chamber. Our goal is to build on the concepts of being regulated like alcohol, and to continue to work towards sensible regulations that aren't based on false fears or regulation for regulation's sake. As our industry matures, so do the demands of the con- sumer. No longer are consumers just looking for anything they can buy, nor are they simply focused on the potency of the product. Quality is the focus of the experienced consumer, and as the demographic moves towards a more mature and discretionary consumer, it's not just the quality of the marijuana they are examining. The quality of the con- struction of the vapor pens, or the nutritional value of the edibles or the quality of the food or beverage itself is just as important as the strain or the name of the grower. Much like an epicure, the new marijuana consumer is educated about the plant and is demanding more care in the products they are purchasing. As the market expands, the focus will eventually become more about who made the product and the demand will become very focused on higher quality offerings for the distinguished consumer. The Clever Root is proof that we're already moving in that direction, and rightly so. Many chefs are working to cre- ate high-quality edibles; finer quality compounds are being used to create topicals and creams; vapor pen technology is becoming more accurate with exquisite designs and quality materials. Overall, the quality of every aspect of the product offerings is becoming a focus, because of the acceptance of marijuana as a legal product and the mainstreaming of marijuana in the minds of the societies that legalize it. Many of the Chamber's members, including my own company, are focusing on the highest quality ingredients, natural flavors versus artificial, and experimenting with food offerings that are not just for shelf space, but designed for the consumer with flavor in mind, not just intoxication. We are delighted to be included in the inaugural issue of The Clever Root, and look forward to seeing our members products and creative talents highlighted here in the future. PHOTO: YARYGIN VIA THINKSTOCK Dan Anglin Chairman of the Board of Directors Colorado Cannabis Chamber of Commerce Dan Anglin is a Founder and the Chairman of the Colorado Cannabis Chamber of Commerce. An owner of multiple marijuana companies, and an experienced member of the regulated marijuana industry. Dan is currently focusing his expertise on launching a new brand of high quality edibles, beverages, vapor pens, and concentrates with a specific focus on the high end consumer.