I am so excited for my first year attending The National Cannabis Festival, and I am in for a treat! As I have looked through pictures and learned more about the festival and its operations, I have gained a better understanding of how the cup and judges function. I am particularly thrilled to meet one of the judges, Alan Amsterdam.
The best thing is we got the chance to talk with Alan before the actual National Cannabis Festival. Aside from sharing a bit of his experience as a judge in The National Cannabis Festival, we will travel back in time as he shares his journey in working relentlessly to turn Initiative 71 into a Law.
With his experience as a cultivator, cannabis entrepreneur, and co-author of Initiative 71, I am thrilled to learn how to achieve significant progress with your community to succeed in this ever-changing industry. Let’s get started!
Who is Alan Amsterdam?
Meet Alan Amsterdam, a cannabis entrepreneur, cultivator, and co-author of Initiative 71. He is also the owner of Capitol Hemp, a head shop and hemp store in Washington DC, that opened its doors back in 2007. The cannabis scene in the city was then largely an underground game. However, Alan and his team took the bold step of coming out publicly, embracing the culture, and letting the world know that “DC does have a cannabis scene.”
But let’s take a step back into Alan’s history. His first experience with cannabis was at the age of 13 in 1980. He quickly realized that cannabis helped him with efficacy, but faced opposition from his mother, the system, and schools. Despite this, he continued to grow and eventually began selling joints to classmates for extra pocket money.
Throughout the 80s, Alan continued to grow and sell cannabis but also pursued his education, attending university in the interim. After graduating, he realized that he still wanted to be involved in the cannabis industry, even though there was no such industry in America at the time, other than the underground scene that carried the risk of imprisonment.
In 2007, Alan opened Capitol Hemp, which initially began as a head shop and hemp store but also had political roots. The store was the first public establishment to embrace the cannabis culture and be vocal about it in DC. The store’s success helped propel Alan to become a prominent figure in the cannabis industry, and he was instrumental in the passing of Initiative 71, which legalized recreational cannabis use in DC in 2014.
Alan’s Life in Amsterdam
After realizing that there was no education available in America regarding cannabis plants, he decided to move to Amsterdam, a city known for its progressive cannabis culture. With his family’s origins tracing back to Amsterdam, it made perfect sense for Alan to move there and begin his journey.
Upon arriving in Amsterdam, Alan stumbled upon the cannabis growing scene and eventually bought a coffee shop called The Noon in the late 90s. The coffee shop, which is still around today and has been renamed The Light Supply, was situated near a popular rock and roll club called Parody, making it an incredible location to be in.
Alan was fortunate to be in a place where he could communicate with people, have discussions about cannabis and the plant itself, and even grow it. However, growing and selling cannabis was still illegal, though tolerated in Holland. Alan faced challenges from the Dutch government which eventually pushed him out of the country.
Despite facing challenges in Amsterdam, Alan learned a lot about the cannabis industry, and it only fueled his passion to bring the culture and industry back to America. In the early 2000s, he returned to the United States, where he began growing cannabis underground.
Going back to DC
After spending time growing cannabis underground in the DC Baltimore area, Alan Amsterdam began to realize that hiding in the basement wasn’t going to be his future. He didn’t want to spend the rest of his life waiting for the door to be broken down, so he began to explore other options.
It was during this time that Alan met his friend Adam Heidegger, who was a hardcore activist in the city. They decided to join forces and open up Capitol Hemp, a store that would focus on educating consumers about the benefits of hemp. They wanted to be at the forefront of the hemp industry, and they saw an opportunity to make a difference in the community.
At Capitol Hemp, they wanted to be a “hempster” on the front, where they could educate consumers about the benefits of hemp, while also having a little specialty store in the back where people could get their items for personal use. The store was an instant success, and it helped to raise awareness about the benefits of hemp.
Over the years, Capitol Hemp became a prominent figure in the DC cannabis community. The store was known for its quality products and knowledgeable staff, and it became a hub for cannabis enthusiasts in the area. Alan and Adam’s vision for Capitol Hemp helped to shape the hemp industry in DC, and they became trailblazers in the industry.
The Raid
Alan’s journey in the cannabis industry has been filled with challenges and obstacles, one of which was the legality of the industry. Although cannabis was illegal in many states, including Washington DC, Alan and his team at Capital Hemp were determined to make a difference.
One of the ways they did this was by labeling their products as tobacco, which allowed them to operate within the legal system. However, there were still many nuances and legal issues that they had to deal with. In 2011, they faced a major setback when their store was raided by the authorities. Despite this setback, they were able to make a deal with the city to get their belongings back.
The deal allowed them to get all of their items back, which were worth around $350,000. However, some of the items were broken, and they were forced to shut down both of their locations. Despite this setback, they were fortunate enough not to face any charges.
Initiative 71, the legalization initiative
According to Alan, the raid made them push initiative along with his friend and business partner Adam Eidinger. They initially wanted to start the initiative right after getting raided, but they waited until the 2014 election. Both of them were determined to legalize cannabis in Washington D.C. by starting a legalization initiative. They were aware that initiatives in D.C. were like propositions and needed to go through congressional review even if they were approved by the people. Nonetheless, they went ahead with the initiative called 71, which passed with an impressive 71% of the vote.
This initiative was their way of getting back at the city that forced them out of business for selling glass, an accessory for marijuana. They were bitter and angry but persevered to become the birthplace of Initiative 71, as dubbed by Kaplan.
When they started the initiative, it was just the two of them and a friend who worked for Dr. Bronner’s, a company that had helped them with a previous legalization effort in California. Dr. Bronner’s agreed to fund their polling efforts, a critical step for any legalization initiative. Most organizations in the industry wouldn’t touch an initiative that didn’t have at least 62% polling, the golden number.
However, they managed to pull 69% and won with 71%. Dr. Bronner’s cut the check, and they worked with the Drug Policy Alliance, along with other organizations in the industry, to push the initiative. Although some organizations initially laughed at them, they succeeded, and their effort became a significant milestone in the history of cannabis legalization in Washington D.C.
The Power of Initiative 71
Initiative 71 was a turning point for cannabis legalization in Washington, DC. For those not familiar with initiatives, they are similar to propositions where, if the people vote for it, it can become law. However, unlike in California where a proposition can automatically become law, DC has to go through the city council and congressional review before it can become law. The federal government has control over DC, making the city council’s power limited.
The Initiative passed with an incredible 71% of the vote, giving birth to the initiative that Capitol Hemp founders are known for. The power of the initiative and the proposition was realized, and the people could now be the legislative branch that the politicians did not want them to be. According to Alan, he thought of doing a documentary that tells the story of Initiative 71 and gives a formula for how to do an initiative.
Alan and Adam want to educate people on how to effect change through initiatives and propositions, and this could make politicians nervous because they will feel the pressure of the people. The founders figured out that initiatives give people power, and it is a great way to effect change.
How will this Initiative affect local politicians?
Initiative 71 was a pivotal moment for the cannabis industry. It created a situation where politicians were forced to make a decision, and it put pressure on them to follow through on their promises. This kind of legal blackmail means that there is no running or hiding once a decision has been made, and this is what makes it so powerful.
It’s not enough for politicians to just make a decision though. They need to follow through on their promises and put their feet on the fire. This is where the power of the people really comes into play. Politicians need to understand that they cannot just brush off the concerns of their constituents, especially when it comes to an issue as important as cannabis legalization.
The importance of cannabis legalization is becoming more and more apparent every day. As more science and research come out, people are realizing the benefits of cannabis, whether it’s for medical reasons or just for relaxation. Unfortunately, there are still obstacles to overcome, and big corporations like alcohol, tobacco, and pharmaceutical companies are using their money and influence to sway politicians.
In Washington, DC, the challenge is even greater because of the federal government’s strict laws and regulations. But despite all of this, Alan believes that the power of the people will ultimately prevail. Initiatives like Initiative 71 can force politicians to take a stand and make a decision, and grassroots efforts can put pressure on them to follow through on their promises.
The importance of initiatives like Initiative 71 cannot be overstated. They empower people to take control of their own destinies and make the changes they want to see in the world.
How Dr. Bronner Helps the Initiative 71
Alan states that the cannabis economy is currently in a state of chaos, with the gifting scenario and federal government opposition causing significant challenges. He reflects that if someone had told him this would be the reality when Initiative 71 passed, he would never have believed it.
Prop 19 was the legalization measure that failed in California, and that was the reason Alan’s company received funding from Dr. Bronner. Dr. Bronner’s had a bus traveling around the country to college campuses to encourage voter registration. David Bronner, who was friends with Adam, Alan’s partner, reached out to them for help, knowing that Capitol Hemp was doing well financially. He asked them for a $25,000 loan, saying that he knew they had good banking connections. Since Adam worked for the bank, he was on their board of directors and knew a little about the bank’s finances. Alan and Adam agreed to loan $12,500 each from Capitol Hemp to help keep the bus campaign going.
According to Alan, he admires Dr. Bronner and said that he deserves credit for being a leading corporation in promoting psychedelics, cannabis, workers’ rights, and more. David Bronner and his family have demonstrated corporate responsibility, and other companies should take note. By adopting even just a few of Dr. Bronner’s practices, they could improve the happiness of their employees and the confidence of their customers in their products.
The Evolution of a Cultivator
Growing up, cannabis was all around Alan. It was the preferred choice of drug for most people in his high school, but it wasn’t until he was 13 that he decided to start growing it himself. He and his friends didn’t know what they were doing, they just had seeds in a bag and planted them in the woods, hoping for the best. But then, Alan stumbled upon a book that would change everything.
Mel Frank’s Marijuana Grower’s Guide was Alan’s introduction to the world of cannabis cultivation. It wasn’t a comprehensive guide by today’s standards, but it gave him the tools and knowledge he needed to get started. Alan had a demand for cannabis in his high school, and he saw an opportunity to make some money. So, he started growing and selling it, and it became his livelihood.
During the 80s, indoor cultivation became more popular and seeds were easier to find. Alan and his friends heard about seed banks in Amsterdam and began the hunt for new strains. They stumbled upon Neville, a famous grower who had a seed bank, and started growing different strains, from Northern Lights to fruity ones that didn’t smell as much, for fear of getting caught.
Cannabis as More Than Just a Recreational Drug
They learned how to clone plants, and it opened up a whole new level of cultivation. They traded clones with friends, keeping what they liked and killing what they didn’t. But then, Alan went to college and stopped growing for a while. It wasn’t until he found himself in a good position in life that he decided to move to Amsterdam and get back into the cannabis space.
In Amsterdam, everything changed for Alan. There were dozens of seed companies with hundreds of strains to choose from. He became a sativa specialist, even though they were more difficult to grow, because they made him feel a certain way. He started to realize that cannabis had more to offer than just getting high – it could make him happy, help him sleep, and even make him hungry.
Fighting for the Legalization and Acceptance of Cannabis as Medicine
But it wasn’t until Alan’s mother got cancer that he saw the true potential of cannabis as medicine. He tried to introduce it to her, but she rejected it, afraid of the legal consequences. That’s when Alan decided to fight for the legalization and acceptance of cannabis as a legitimate medicine.
Alan in National Cannabis Festival
The National Cannabis Championship is back for its second year, and Alan is excited to be a part of it again. He has been working with the organization since the first event, and this year he will be a judge once more. As a cannabis connoisseur, Alan is eager to see what the DC area has to offer this season.
Last year, due to COVID restrictions, the judges didn’t get to interact with the growers. However, this year, the judges will have the opportunity to meet with the growers and have a conversation. Alan is particularly excited about this development because it allows him to express his thoughts on the strains in a more nuanced way. Judging is never about catching people out but rather about offering constructive criticism to help people improve.
Alan knows firsthand the importance of constructive criticism. He has had his fair share of harvests that didn’t go well. From spider mites to plant diseases, he has had to learn through trial and error. However, with each experience, he has learned what works and what doesn’t. So, he is always happy to offer advice to other growers who may be struggling.
According to Alan, the secret to producing exquisite cannabis is in the little things. Getting the timing right, curing the plant for long enough, and other such nuances can make all the difference. So, he is looking forward to seeing what the growers bring to the table and to sharing his thoughts with them. After all, it’s all about getting better and producing the best cannabis possible.
The Ganjier Program
As the pandemic swept across the world, people found themselves locked in their homes, looking for new ways to occupy their time and expand their knowledge. For Alan, this came in the form of the Ganjier Program, a course designed to educate individuals about the scientific aspects of cannabis cultivation and consumption. The program was particularly appealing to Alan, as it was taught by some of the most respected names in the industry, including Mel Frank, Kevin Joe Jury, and Frenchy Cannoli.
Having worked in the cannabis industry for many years, Alan had accumulated a wealth of practical knowledge about growing and using the plant. However, he recognized that he lacked the scientific vocabulary to talk about cannabis in a more technical way. The Ganjier Program provided him with an opportunity to bridge this gap and gain a deeper understanding of the plant.
After passing the first level of the Ganjier Program, Alan became a certified ganjier. Through the program’s systematic assessment protocol, he learned how to evaluate cannabis through multiple criteria, including terpene profiles and olfactory experience. This education was particularly helpful to Alan as he prepared to judge the National Cannabis Festival championship, where he would be evaluating the entries of various growers.
Alan was excited to see how the stigma around cannabis was shifting as more people became educated about the plant’s benefits. The Ganjier Program included instructors such as Wendy Kornberg, a third-generation cannabis farmer out of Northern California. Her expertise and background illustrated the normalcy of cannabis cultivation and helped break down the stigma associated with it.
Alan shares his thoughts about The National Cannabis Festival
Alan speaks a lot of good words for Caroline Philips, the founder, and producer of The National Cannabis Festival. According to him, Caroline is a true warrior in the cannabis festival industry. She has taken the festival from its inception and brought it to where it is today. Every year, she exudes more confidence and professionalism, and it’s evident in every interaction. As someone who has worked with many festivals in the past, the level of professionalism she brings is a breath of fresh air.
It’s no secret that the cannabis industry is male-dominated, and corporate cannabis dominates the landscape. However, Caroline has managed to navigate this space with ease, handling everyone from the underground players to the big corporate guys. Her ability to handle all these aspects of the industry is a testament to her strength and determination.
It’s amazing to see how the festival has transformed the DC landscape. The city was once a desert for cannabis-related events, but now there’s a thriving community. The festival has become a staple in the community, and it’s exciting to see it grow year after year.
What’s even more impressive is that the festival is held at RFK Stadium, which is owned by the federal government. The Feds have allowed the festival to continue on their land, and they’re not even involved in the process. This kind of acceptance is a huge step forward for the industry and shows that times are changing.
Donate an Ounce of Cannabis
The legalization of cannabis has been a hot topic for years now, with many states in the US taking different approaches to the issue. In Washington DC, the situation is no different. With the passing of Initiative 71, residents were allowed to gift up to one ounce of cannabis to another person. The intention behind this was to allow people to share their homegrown cannabis with others, much like how a neighbor would share apples from their apple tree.
However, this clause in the law was taken to another level by some stores, which began offering “gifts” of cannabis with the purchase of another item, such as a t-shirt or a sticker. While this technically followed the law, it raised some eyebrows about the true intentions of these stores.
But now, in 2023, DC is taking another step forward in the legalization of cannabis. They are offering opportunities for stores to apply for cultivation centers, processing facilities, and dispensaries. This is a huge step forward for the small guys who have been fighting against the multi-state operators (MSOs) in other states. In most cases, MSOs have an advantage with their political connections and deeper pockets. But in DC, the opportunity is being given to the little guys, which is a refreshing change.
While there are still concerns about how the government will regulate the cannabis industry in DC, many are cautiously optimistic that the city will be able to have a thriving cannabis scene within the next year. It’s an exciting time for the industry, and we can’t wait to see how it will unfold.
To learn more about Alan and his story, listen to this episode:
If you want to learn more about Alan and Capitol Hemp, visit his website: https://capitolhemp.com/
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