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Support 9C and the Delta 9 Trust

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One plant, many uses... many voices, one message...

Why 9C and the D9 Trust are needed...

9C stands for the Combined Council of Cannabis Consumers, Clubs, Clinics, Collectives, Corporations and Communities...

Quite an all-encompassing mouthful, so '9C' is the simple abbreviation. 9C will be the social enterprise that drives and delivers advocacy, training, education and professional development courses. As well, 9C will be creating and using media including: company websites with resources and member services, a dedicated social media team, secure discussion forums & secure e-mail, art & photography, videos / animation, magazines, books, posters, craft and other campaigns & exhibitions.

Combining on-line sales, clinical services, residential facilities and product development, 9C will be able to expand to cover the spectrum of opportunities available with Hemp and Cannabis products, now and in the future, as regulations are changed. This will ensure that the community has continuing relevance and is able to support and guide desired policies.

Becoming an industry leader means 9C will operate with high standards and values including integrity, openness, diligence and compassion; respect for the power of the human spirit to survive, the appreciation of the natural processes that provide this gift, and the dignity and care for the patient, their journey and their story.

Combining healthy nutrition and multi-modal therapeutic programmes, we plan to offer support for patients such PTSD, Glaucoma, Arthritis, Dementia, epilepsy, early-stage cancer and other non-terminal conditions and social health issues such as diabetes, obesity, anxiety / depression, substance addiction etc that are not being included in any State or Federal 'trials'.

The D9 (Delta 9) Trust will be run for community benefit as a not-for-profit charitable entity. It will support the industry through scholarships, research programs and national activities that further the case for Medical Cannabis and Industrial Hemp in Australia. The D9 Trust will develop and manage the museum, expo, gallery, media and artistic spaces.

The D9 trust – with tax deductible status - will stand as the alternative to Cancer Charities for donations and bequests for those who wish to contribute to research and discovery in Cannabinoid-based therapies and protocols as alternatives and adjuncts. The trust will also mobilise a National Action and Volunteer Network - with admin, legal & material support.

Why crowd-funding is required...

Simply, it takes money to do anything on a reasonable scale – people, resources - the various bills have to be paid. Banks and  'conventional' finance, Australian philanthropists and VC Angels are unwilling to move into the medical or industrial space without clear legislation and an industry track-record. Basically, the Big Finance line is: 'once it is legal, and someone else has done it (profitably) for a couple of years, we might be able to get our heads around the risks, business and regulatory models, and eventually, possibly, partially (maybe) support Cannabis industries'.  But they do not want to have a bar of it today. If there is not outright shock from the 'horror' of drugs, then it is the usual indifference that faces any start-up enterprise.

Cannabis users certainly need a bigger, stronger, more cohesive presence at the negotiating table. Other industries such as Big Pharma, Big Agriculture, Western Medicine (including the Cancer Industry), Big Alcohol and Tobacco and even Big Finance are not benevolent – they will try to deny, then limit reforms, but if they cannot, then they will want to dominate Cannabis.

We all know they will want what suits their corporate agendas to satisfy shareholder greed. If they invest in emerging Cannabis industries, it will be because they expect to own the Patents, to dominate the industry and to steer the industry in the direction that suits them, not for the benefit of the patients, or the small businesses or other individual stakeholders.

By the time the Federal legislation is enacted - without strong intervention from the Cannabis communities and minor stakeholders - the big players such as cashed-up foreign corporations and Big Pharma will have put themselves into a dominant position, and any challengers and start-ups will simply be bought out or otherwise closed down. Competition in products or market share will be stifled because the regulatory model will be biased towards corporations, profit and only selected 'approved' products, with strict regulatory control – not broad enough to allow genuine market forces to prevail.

Why nation-wide collective action is called for...

We must take action now, whilst the legislation is in formation, otherwise, we will have to accept what we are given by corrupt politicians working for their corporate masters. We all know that the politicians are even more sensitive to the numbers game of votes than to numbers game of money.

9C does not plan to be a political party, but we certainly will operate in the political sphere. We cannot take on the 'system' purely financially – no-one has that much money – but we can play the games using the numbers of people who are behind the cause. Now is the time for EVERYONE to step-up and be counted - and collective action, well resourced, will be effective.

The way to be able to do what the community wants, and to show, and lead, the way to a fair, patient-orientated and social benefit business model is to simply do it that way– and to do so, requires that the financial load be spread across the many who will benefit. Those who do have the vision and who want to be involved in something that will make headway and lead to positive change are many. A few thousand people, each contributing a few hundred dollars is all it takes to start the ball rolling and become the collective voice that will not be silenced and that respectfully asks that our needs now be heard.

Anyone can contribute, any amount or more than once. Finally, it is the collective action required to make our voices heard at a national level, whilst we develop a strong, professional business framework for local participants - to keep foreign or corporate interests from dominating. It is now time for EVERYONE to stand together to create our 'future history', today!

Every member of every community that has Cannabis or Hemp as a central idea can contribute. Individually, it has been, and will continue to be, a struggle for change – but collectively, with focus and resources, change is inevitable. It would be unfair to ask any one individual or small group to take out a mortgage, or to borrow heavily, or to commit personal assets as collateral – a problem shared is a problem halved... or in this case, less than 0.1% per person.

Those who contribute in this early stage will be recognised and future benefits will flow back in time to those who need the services we will offer – everyone will win, except the greedy, the objectionable or the divisive – our victory will be their karma, repaid. This initiative is to help unite the factions, and to realise the united voice and strength of the Cannabis community, with the ability of such numbers, directed passions and the desire to see real change that is long overdue.

There are good people in the cannabis communities, and for some, the most valuable contribution they can make is with their knowledge, their experience, their time. Those opportunities will be available, but until we have the structure, the location, and the resources available, we are still relatively isolated, fractured and powerless against the corporations that have the funding and incestuous connectedness to politicians. The time is right for 9C to help shape our future.

These powers - who want to come along and take what we have been fighting for over many years – simply see Cannabis law reform as their next profitable plaything upon which to greedily feast, like a blood-sucking tick – not as the gift from nature that will make the world a better place in so many ways. We must now take action to reclaim our rights.

The property, facilities and resources planned...

The location of the property to be acquired for this enterprise is a regional area of Tasmania, close to spectacular World Heritage Forestry, with remarkably clean air and abundant fresh water. It is a large building that can be easily re-purposed and renovated quickly and cost effectively. It makes an ideal base for many activities in the area, current and planned.

Volunteers from the Cannabis community will have the chance to help transform the property into a modern, purpose-designed Cannabis healing and education centre. The property will have clean, modern residential accommodation (self contained apartments) for up to 16 people; and can also be configured for up to 30 more in units suitable for couples, patients & carers or families – all available for use by patients, students or interns / volunteers.

There are also seminar and training rooms, offices and media studios. Specific hackerspace, laboratory and product development studios, as well as arts and crafts spaces will be accommodated. Flexible visitor transportation and quality on-site healthy cooking using produce from the organic food garden will be a core experience – fundamental to the healing programmes offered.

Access will be available to all in the community who are supportive of Industrial Hemp and Medical Cannabis and who wish to learn, teach and experience the whole spectrum of possibilities - to be immersed in healing energy, to take positive steps to life-long wellness and to attain spiritual wholeness. 9C will be responsive to unique & under-represented stakeholders.

Further properties and development opportunities are available for expansion of clinic space, consulting rooms, training and professional development, cultural activities and – when licensed - growing and processing facilities – including a cloning nursery and Seed Bank. There is also space for further development of complementary business enterprises that will support the 9C Foundation and D9 Trust activities financially; and with resource pooling opportunities such as admin and logistics.

Redevelopment of the buildings and grounds will be done to high standards of energy efficiency and comfort, using natural materials and furnishings such as hemp, bamboo, wool etc.; upgrading to renewable energy sources and sustainable design.

The role of Mentors and Expert contributors...

Dependent on their skill-set, knowledge, experience and contribution level, mutually agreed roles will be available for those who wish to contribute expertise, professional experience, time and other executive support. 9C will be interested in hearing all proposals – we will keenly support and facilitate partnerships and business opportunities that align with our values.

The spaces will be available for use by community members for their events such as if they want to run tutorials using the facilities sharing their expertise – or to be guest lecturers for the more comprehensive education programme to be run. Projects that can benefit the community will be welcome to use our space and resources – want to make a documentary, want to record an album, want peace and quiet to write a book of patient stories? We want to facilitate your endeavours.

All those who contribute will be acknowledged on the website (unless otherwise requested) – higher level contributors will have the option to provide artwork (to specification) for a premium listing in the business directory as well. There will be various gifts and swag available in time, as well as priority and/or discounted treatment options, including accommodation, meals, transportation, products etc for the initial crowd-funding supporters.

It is envisaged that volunteers will study, develop skills, and then go back into their local communities to share their knowledge and develop local enterprise and information hubs with the support from 9C outreach programmes – confidently and safely networked with the 9C organisation to share resources, advocate effectively locally, and join in national activities.

Intern positions will be available three or four times a year, and the roles and conditions (inc. accommodation and meals) will be posted on the 9C website. The valuable contributions of Interns and volunteers in the formative stages will be taken into account if applying for future full-time paid positions.

What 9C offers and expects for patients...

What does 9C want for patients? Rights – the right to access, without persecution, freely and simply, the Cannabinoid treatments that work best for that person and their unique situation. Patient support and services includes education, training and holistic treatments in a residential setting. 9C will develop programs and procedures that capture the clinical evidence, in any form, that will strengthen the case for access to Cannabinoids, with full equity to conventional treatments.

As well as collecting and standardising the results from patients using Cannabis that will make a stronger case for negating the slow, limited trials that have been called for – using the 9C media facilities, we plan to capture and publish patient's stories. These professionally documented cases will be then be available to show the human face of Cannabis therapies as we push for whole plant, grow rights and an expansion of the applicable conditions covered in the otherwise very limited trials offered thus far by various State and Federal proposals. Mammalian pets such as dogs, cats, horses etc will also be recognised and treated in the search for a more complete picture.

As legislation develops, and opportunities arise, 9C will move into the sectors that will be available to research, grow, process and test quality whole-plant extracts in various forms: including oils, tinctures, concentrates and edibles. With the ability to produce such Cannabinoid treatments, our clinical services and professional training will move to the next level, providing the best in syndicated patient care from practitioners using our standardised protocols and quality-controlled products.

Target 1 = $420K
Included in Target 1 is the following:

>  Purchase of real estate, including renovation and fit-out of building to suit future purposes – This campus will be the headquarters for 9C and the D9 trust, media centre, audiovisual production studios, product R & D laboratories and studios, and day-to-day space for on-line education, residential training activities and other interactions with clients.

>  Development of media and social media presences such as websites, blog, newsletters and secure members-only discussion forums, knowledge stores and databases, and wikis; plus collecting evidence to demonstrate and show by example and case studies.

> Educating all stakeholders, including the general public, through media campaigns, educational material and active networking.

> On-site non-cannabinoid intensive treatments focused on diet and lifestyle, combining theory and practical work. 

> Production of high-quality education materials and development of training courses in growing, processing and treatment specialties – overcoming geographical issues – you can learn from the best, on-site, or via the Internet.

> Creation and implementation of a 'visitors' program and multiple residency posts for artists and health practitioners.

> Permanent display showroom - with samples and exhibitions of products and materials made from Hemp.

> Small-scale R & D and production of products across all sectors for evaluation, refinement and market development – we want to be ready to go from Day 1 – not to be dominated by foreign companies or imported products.

> Development of products that meet market needs - available on-line and through selected national outlets. These products will help fund further advocacy, education and development work, whilst supporting the D9 Trust in further community work and social enterprise programmes.

Target 2 = $840K
Included in Target 2 is all the above for Target 1, plus:

> Research and development of efficient procedures, best practices and industry-wide protocols and standards.

> As legislation permits, establish a growing and processing facility that can supply commercial quantities of standardised cannabinoid preparations, and provide a model for expansion and scaling-up of operations.

> Create a physical space to provide treatment with Cannabinoids, using standardised and documented methods, in conjunction with recognised medical experts and in partnership with research institutions worldwide. 20 to 30 patients will be able to be treated on-site at the facilities being established. Sick pets will also be catered for in time.

> Extra costs required for renovation and fuller fit-outs of studios, labs and other discrete functional spaces and business units – including the acquisition of plant and equipment to lower debt and thus the burden on cashflow.

> Establishment of further appropriate legal structures and governance teams to allow the advancement of the industry with a patient-centred social justice charter whilst maintaining positive cashflow to support growth..

> To provide the best information, training and advocacy at a national and international level through media campaigns, direct and group networking and professional exchange schemes, via curriculum resources.

> Establishment of trusts, prizes, scholarships and national partnerships that will advance the cause of Cannabis on an individual level – offering opportunities to outstanding and deserving applicants to make their mark in the future.

> Creation, development and support for networking events, conferences, training and business opportunities.

> Share and manage resources throughout the various Cannabis communities to ensure that all stakeholders can get their stories heard, and that no-particular group is left behind as we all move forward to the future we want.

> Production and publication of books and videos covering aspects across the entire Cannabis / Hemp spectrum.

> Higher level, full-time advocates working for the industry to develop the legislation and help shape the future.

> Develop funding models that will allow us to further our advocacy, education and social justice work whilst offering support to various Cannabis communities, stakeholders and in coordinating select, relevant events and functions.

> Design and build a HEMP / Cannabis Information Bus to tour the country - educating the public & hosting events.

> Expand the education / training activities and resources to include Hemp building, Industrial hemp processing and local value-adding opportunities to encourage a range of small to medium businesses to grow and flourish.

Stretching Further into the future = $2 million +
Of course, if the crowd-funding total exceeds the required targets – (after all, there are millions of Cannabis users in Australia and a couple of dollars each will certainly let their voices be heard loud and clear as one united SIG voting bloc) - we can bring activities forward and build size and momentum quicker. Our work will not stop at activism and education.

The task ahead is huge, and the challenges will continue – we can celebrate our successes, but we must continue to develop the industry and build our collective knowledge – we will never stop learning, we will always strive to serve the community and we will aim to innovate and lead. We can prioritise, but we must also plan well ahead and see the bigger picture - to look at the future that we want to live in – and start to create it now.

> Establishment of world-class laboratory testing facilities, including fee-for-service testing and scientific consulting services.

> Broader scale Hemp processing and industry management services to guide the way to fully realised Industrial Hemp and Medical Cannabis production and processing industries in Australia – creating Australian jobs, facilitating Australian business partners, and helping the Australian economy.

> Encourage agriculture and health sectors to benefit from the opportunities available by working with stakeholders to develop brands & standards via a united voice.

Becoming self-funding to continue to grow and meet industry needs and offer community benevolence...

> Scaled-up production of selected product lines - such as Organic AUSTRALIAN Hemp Seed and Hemp Oil - for sale in the on-line store. This will allow more people to access a superior product for their health needs, and the profits will go to help fund further activities and allow wider support for national community activities.

> Expansion of the clinics and education / training centres throughout Australia – building and growing a trusted community brand for reliable and fair Medical Cannabis services for all patients in all situations.

> Development of business units and on-line store to supply growing and processing equipment and supplies. Products will include automatic and semi automatic growing and processing combined with innovative products developed in-house at 9C.

> National directory of suppliers, processors, retailers and such, including annual trade conventions for networking

> Developing national training standards and curriculum to be implemented as recognised higher education units - including short and longer term modules for Doctors, Nurses, Scientists, Researchers, Pharmacists, Natural Therapy and Alternative Medicine professionals, Builders and Tradespeople, Artists, Textile and Craft workers, Chefs etc.

Opportunities in start-up, artisan and maker spaces, run by the community,  supported by other business units...

> Organisation and sponsoring regular medical and industrial seminars and events around the country, and hosting world experts in Australia; sending Australian delegates and representation to other important world events.

> 'Visiting Experts' seminars to keep Australian Cannabis professionals abreast of the latest world-wide developments.

> Work actively with the Federal, State and Local governments to achieve positive outcomes for our members and supporters, including pro-active position papers, advocacy and public support for sensible legislative models that benefit the community. These higher-level activities will be actioned in consultation with the board of trustees, drawn from the broader Cannabis communities.

> In-kind and monetary support for third-party industry development and business proposals, interfacing with other stakeholders as needed, whilst remaining as a community-focused, social-enterprise umbrella organisation.

Providing accessible quality services for the production, processing and distribution chain...

> Supplier of cloned tested plant stock to the industry and home grower market in conjunction with grow systems and training, for small scale and personal production of any recognised  type of medication (oil, juice, smoked, tea etc)

> Private label testing, processing and packaging services including for smaller batches, for collectives and social clubs.

> Secure packing and transport network for interstate and international marketplaces as legislation allows or when such demand is created .

> Creation of seed bank and nursery for greenhouse grown Cannabis, heirloom vegetables, fruits and herbs .

> Product development supported by 'alkaline eating'  cooking classes - books, webcasts, DVDs and Apps sales. 

> Expansion into other premises for education opportunities to be scaled up or with more accommodation and thus residential treatment and training options available.

Join the discussion on Facebook...

9C crowdfunding campaign

Organizer

Herb King
Organizer
Blackstone Heights, TAS

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