Ex-Microsoft manager plans to create first U.S. marijuana brand

Ex-Microsoft manager plans to create first U.S. marijuana brand
By Jonathan Kaminsky

SEATTLE | Thu May 30, 2013 6:45pm EDT

(Reuters) – A former Microsoft executive plans to create the first U.S. national marijuana brand, with cannabis he hopes to eventually import legally from Mexico, and said he was kicking off his business by acquiring medical pot dispensaries in three U.S. states.

Jamen Shively, a former Microsoft corporate strategy manager, said he envisions his Seattle-based enterprise becoming the leader in both recreational and medical cannabis – much like Starbucks is the dominant name in coffee, he said.

Shively, 45, whose six years at Microsoft ended in 2009, said he was soliciting investors for $10 million in start-up money.

The use, sale and possession of marijuana remains illegal in the United States under federal law. Two U.S. states have, however, legalized recreational marijuana use and are among 18 states that allow it for medical use.

“It’s a giant market in search of a brand,” Shively said of the marijuana industry. “We would be happy if we get 40 percent of it worldwide.”

https://www.reuters.com/article/2013/05/30/us-usa-marijuana-idUSBRE94T0ZE20130530