Los Angeles Cannabis Task Force, in Anticipation of Measure M Passing, Announces New Board President and Executive Director

Calls For Yes on Measure M

Announces "State of the City and State" Town Hall and Regulatory Seminars on March 3

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Feb 24, 2017, 10:19 ET

LOS ANGELES, Feb. 24, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- The Los Angeles Cannabis Task Force (LACTF) today announced that nationally-recognized cannabis consultant and business executive Avis Bulbulyan has been named President of its Board of Directors. As founder and CEO of SIVA Enterprises, Bulbulyan leads the most consistently successful cannabis licensing consultancy in the United States, and brings over a decade of experience supporting the creation of fair, inclusive regulations and licensing expertise to the LACTF.

Task Force Chair Ariel Clark also announced the appointment of Ruben Honig to the position of Executive Director. Honig is founder and principal at Ceres Strategies consultancy, and a recognized leader in the Los Angeles Cannabis Industry. At Ceres Strategies, Honig specializes in local licensing and governmental affairs throughout California. In coming weeks, the Task Force will announce the formation of their regulatory and licensing advisory board, made up of nationally recognized experts in creating regulations on a state and national level.

"As one of the biggest markets in the world, what happens in LA impacts the entire cannabis industry," said Honig. "The LACTF has advocated for a fair, open system that maximizes access and opportunity since day one, and now the stakes have never been higher. We urge everyone to get out and vote yes on Measure M. What the MCRSA and AUMA do for the state of California, Measure M will do for the city of Los Angeles."

Over the past year, the LACTF has worked closely with the city council, stakeholders, neighborhood councils, minority groups, and representatives of law enforcement to develop responsible public policy and to create an inclusive set licensing system in the largest cannabis market in the world. In addition to creating good public policy and giving law enforcement the tools to fight the illegal black market, Measure M lays the foundation for:

Business licenses;
Compliance and oversight;
Education;
Penalties for violations and illegal businesses;
Minority participation; and
Tax revenues to benefit the whole community

"Several associations, including the UCBA Trade Association, the Cultivators Alliance, the Los Angeles Delivery Alliance, GLACA, and the Southern California Coalition have all worked tirelessly with the city council on the creation of a workable cannabis industry. It's now time for everyone to work together for a safer industry and towards a common goal," said Bulbulyan. "Come March 8, it's going to be a new day and it is the intent of the LACTF to work with all stakeholders and the city council to create a cannabis industry in Los Angeles that will be the model for other cities and states. For this to be successful, everyone has to participate, including the citizens of LA."

On March 3, the Task Force and management consultancies MGO and ELLO will host a "State of the State and City" event at the Los Angeles Athletic Club. Speakers include: