Pubdate: Wed, 02 Jul 2014
Source: Albuquerque Journal (NM)
Copyright: 2014 The Associated Press
Contact:  http://www.abqjournal.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/10
Author: Russell Contreras, the Associated Press
Page: C1

EX-GOV. JOHNSON HEADS POT STARTUP

Nev. Company Makes Marijuana Oils, Drops

(AP) - A Nevada-based startup that plans on selling medical and 
recreational marijuana products named former New Mexico governor and 
U.S. Libertarian presidential candidate Gary Johnson as its CEO and 
president, the company announced Tuesday.

The announcement came as Cannabis Sativa Inc. said it had acquired 
marijuana research business Kush while company officials work to 
navigate changing state laws on marijuana and potential challenges 
from the federal government, which still views marijuana as a 
controlled substance.

Johnson said he hoped to expand Cannabis Sativa into a major 
marijuana business and intends to work out of New Mexico to help 
develop products that are legal in states such as Colorado and Washington.

"I generally believe this is changing the planet for the better," 
said Johnson , who will be paid $1 a year and receive equity in the 
company. "It also is a bet on the future. ... We think we have the 
creme de la creme of marijuana products."

Johnson, who owned a construction company that helped build Intel 
Corp.'s Rio Rancho plant before entering politics, said the company 
will make marijuana-based oils aimed at helping children with 
epilepsy. The two-term governor also said it will make 
cough-drop-like products for recreational use.

"Couple of things hit you when you try the product. One is, wow, why 
would anybody smoke marijuana given this is an alternative?" Johnson 
said. "And then secondly, it's just very, very pleasant. I mean, very 
pleasant."

In addition, Cannabis Sativa announced Tuesday it named Kush's 
founder, Steve Kubby, as its chairman.

Kubby was the 1998 Libertarian Party nominee for California governor.

The company still is working to determine what its limitations are 
under federal law, which is in conflict with Colorado and Washington 
state laws, Johnson said.

However, Johnson said he's betting more states and the federal 
government eventually will allow recreational use of marijuana.

"I think in 10 years, for the most part, the U.S. will legalize 
marijuana," Johnson said. "And what the U.S. does, so does the world."
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MAP posted-by: Jay Bergstrom