GROWING HIS POT OF GOLD: Gene Simmons softens stance on cannabis

Gene, Gene – the trading machine.

KISS bassist Gene Simmons was at the TSX Venture Exchange Tuesday ringing the morning bell as Canadian cannabis producer Invictus — which has two licensed sites in Edson, Alta. and Hamilton, Ont. — changed its share ticker name from IMH to GENE.

“Yes, it is easy to remember but it really comes from genetics,” insisted Simmons, 68, dressed in a black suit and grey tie for his new role as the Vancouver-based Invictus’ “Chief Evangelist Officer.”

For those confused about this new relationship given Simmons’ staunch teetotaler status — he’s never drank, smoked cigarettes or weed or done any drugs (except under a doctor’s care he says of the latter) and lashed out at abusers — he understands.