by Michelle Rutter, Government Relations Coordinator
Earlier this month, the Senate Judiciary Subcommittee on Crime and Terrorism held a hearing entitled ”Researching the Potential Medical Benefits and Risks of Marijuana,” which was presided over by Sens. Graham (R-SC), Whitehouse (D-RI), Klobuchar (D-MN), Grassley (R-IA), and Blumenthal (D-CT). Witnesses included Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand (D-NY) and Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand (D-NY), federal officials from NIDA (National Institute on Drug Abuse), NIH (National Institute of Health), and the FDA (Food and Drug Administration), and members of the medical and legal community. For more information on the hearing and the witnesses, click here.
The first panel included Sens. Gillibrand (D-NY) and Booker (D-NJ), who both testified on the benefits medical cannabis can provide and noted that they are both original co-sponsors of the Compassionate Access, Research Expansion, and Respect States Act (S. 683), better known as the CARERS Act. Some of the key points that the Senators mentioned during the hearing included removing cannabis from its designation as a Schedule I drug, dismantling NIDA’s monopoly on cannabis used for research, and the urgent need to ease restrictions to allow for more research.
The next panel was comprised of two government agency officials: the Director of the Division of Extramural Research at the National Institute on Drug Abuse at the National Institutes of Health, and a doctor who is Deputy Center Director for Regulatory Programs at the FDA. Both panelists repeatedly stressed the importance of continued research into the therapeutic and medicinal benefits of cannabis, as well as the development of cannabis-based drugs. The FDA official also highlighted that the DEA is currently reviewing a recommendation on cannabis’s designation as a Schedule I drug, and the decision is pending.
The third panel included two doctors and a lawyer representing the DEA. The first doctor noted that THC and CBD do have therapeutic value but stressed the need for more research to determine if/how to mitigate any negative side effects of medical cannabis use. The second doctor on the panel is a well-known cannabis opponent, whose testimony sounded more like “reefer-madness” than a Senate hearing on cannabis in 2016. The lawyer present gave a moderately short statement, but did state that the DEA regulations around Schedule I drugs already provide a great deal of flexibility for research and can and are waived to allow legitimate studies and that the reclassification of cannabis to Schedule II would have little impact on the barriers to research – a statement that most in the cannabis community would strongly disagree with.
During questioning, Sen. Graham (R-SC) asked if the witnesses believed that cannabis should be re-scheduled as a Schedule II drug. Both the FDA official and the NIDA/NIH official weighed in, and with the same conclusion: more research is needed in order to make that determination. Chairman Graham also asked how to best facilitate medical cannabis research, which was answered by the DEA’s lawyer, who responded that the “flexibility” in the regulatory system could allow for it.
What does it mean?
Past Congressional hearings regarding cannabis have typically focused on the harms, not the benefits, of marijuana. As such, it’s a positive sign that the Chairman of the Senate Judiciary Subcommittee on Crime and Terrorism, Lindsey Graham (R-SC), held a hearing on the potential therapeutic benefits of medical cannabis. The main takeaway from the hearing was the desire from all parties – Senators, government officials, and medical professionals alike – for more research on cannabis, its compounds, and its effects.
Regardless, this hearing shows the progress that the industry has made in Congress and the momentum building nationwide behind the cannabis movement.
Top 3 Ways to Get Involved with Congress at Home During August Recess
by Michelle Rutter, Government Relations Coordinator
Each year, Congress recesses for the month of August. Traditionally, this time has been used for Members to return home to their districts and meet with constituents and, of course, campaign for re-election. Though this makes August a quiet month in D.C., it’s a great time for you and your colleagues to get involved with the political process, engage with Members of Congress, and educate them on cannabis policy.
Here are the top 3 ways you can get involved at home during August recess:
Attend (or plan) a town hall
Town hall meetings are an excellent way for businesses, local leaders, and representatives of the cannabis movement to communicate with elected officials about issues affecting your community. Make sure you call or check your Representative and Senators’ websites to see if any town halls have been scheduled during August recess. If they aren’t planning on holding one, consider planning a town hall yourself and inviting various elected officials to talk about cannabis policy in your community and on the federal level.
Invite Members of Congress or their office staff on a tour of your business
Even though cannabis is arguably more mainstream than it’s ever been, many elected officials still have not had the chance to experience what the responsible and legal cannabis industry looks like firsthand. Whether you’re involved with growing, processing, or dispensing cannabis, or operate an ancillary business, a tour with a Member of Congress and/or their staff can be invaluable to them. Reach out to your elected officials’ district office and ask if they would be interested in a tour- their answer may surprise you!
Schedule a meeting with your Member’s district office
August recess means Members of Congress are home for an entire month and is a great opportunity to meet with them and their staff! There are very few things more compelling than a personal story when talking to elected officials, so whether your experience has been with the benefits of medical cannabis, the unfair tax burden of 280E, or the struggle for traditional banking, be sure to schedule an appointment with your district office to tell that story. Click here to find out who your Representative is and visit their website to see where their district office is located.
We all have a responsibility to educate and engage with elected officials in order to change the perception surrounding cannabis. August recess is the perfect opportunity to get involved with federally elected officials without having to leave home! If you need advice, help, or materials to assist you, remember to contact NCIA’s Washington, D.C. office by emailing michelle@thecannabisindustry.org.
Member Spotlight: Cannabis Consumers Coalition
In the cannabis industry, the life cycle of growers, retailers, extractors, and infused product manufacturers would not exist were it not for the consumers. As we move toward self-regulating our industry from the inside out, it’s important to consider all views and perspectives in those decision-making processes. This month, we check in with Larisa Bolivar of Cannabis Consumers Coalition to talk about the work she’s doing to protect the interests and concerns of cannabis consumers.
I have been in the cannabis industry/movement since 2001 when I moved to Colorado as a medical cannabis refugee, and I have been a cannabis consumer for 25 years. I helped to establish safe access for Colorado patients through my organization called Caregivers for Safe Access, which became the Colorado Compassion Club and the first dispensary in Colorado prior to 2009. After several years on hiatus from the front lines of the movement, and spending time consulting on policy, business and communications in the emerging industry, I saw a need for more consumer-focused advocacy and that what was missing was a consumer protection agency. Much of the conversation had been focused on the needs of the industry, and that continues to play out today. It is my mission to change that. I believe that consumers are who drive the economy.
I believe my background is perfect for the task of playing watchdog for the industry. I have worked in startup and corporate environments in multiple emerging markets, including software, dot-coms, clean tech, and cannabis. My work in clean tech and software really prepared me for working in a tightly regulated environment. The clean tech company that I worked at, GridPoint, a billion-dollar-valuated startup with successful launch and exit is a smart grid company focused on energy management in the utility space, one of the most regulated industries in our country. When working in software, I worked as a technical recruiter staffing sensitive, high-level technical contracts mostly in defense, which is also highly regulated. I understand highly regulated environments really well, and it is easy to forget the consumer when trying to jump through so many regulatory hoops. I believe that with a strong consumer voice, we will eventually have fewer regulations.
Larisa Bolivar, Executive Director of Cannabis Consumers Coalition.
How does CCC provide unique value to the cannabis industry and movement?
The mission of the Cannabis Consumers Coalition is to provide cannabis consumers with a voice in the growing cannabis industry, and to ensure consumer rights and ethical behavior on behalf of cannabis-related businesses. The biggest value we provide is giving consumers a powerful voice and helping them to realize the purchasing power they have with their dollar in helping to hold the industry accountable to operating in an ethical, consumer-centric model. We provide consumers with a powerful voice, and have been very effective in changing laws to protect consumers. This occurred recently when we obtained and released the names of pesticide violators in Colorado. We quickly made a lot of enemies, and good friends, in the industry. Some business owners have called us anti-industry, which is quite the contrary. I risked my life trailblazing medical marijuana and laying the foundation for the launch of a billion-dollar industry in Colorado. This was pre-regulation, prior to when moneyed interests got into the game and created the framework for regulations. The industry began with blazing the path to create that possibility, breaking ground for the foundation to be laid. As such, I feel personally accountable for it, along with many of my peers and supporters who were also trailblazers and pioneers.
Consumers deserve the right to know that the cannabis they are purchasing is indeed the quality that is being marketed. They also need a strong voice to fight for their rights, and that is what I myself provide, especially with my history of activism, along with the support of our legal team at Fox Rothschild LLP. An Am Law 100 law firm, they have nearly 750 attorneys spanning multiple practice areas and across multiple industries, and have a reputation for working with nonprofit organizations and community groups.
Another value we provide is in helping businesses strive to provide the best consumer experience and high quality products. Quality end products in the cannabis industry are multi-faceted, starting with how a plant is grown, how it’s positioned in the market, to the consumer experience at retail outlets. All of it is so interrelated.
Here in Colorado, the issue of public consumption is hot and there are a couple of initiatives in the works this year to address that need. Can you tell me more about that and how you’re involved in this effort?
Indeed this is probably the hottest issue Colorado. Voters voted for the right to use cannabis legally, yet there are no places to consume. This also poses issues for cannabis consumers visiting the state. There are bed and breakfasts and some hotels that allow for consumption, but there are no places to consume and socialize. There are two initiatives in consideration.
There is the Responsible Use initiative put forth by Denver NORML, which is a private club designated license that requires people to become members, bring their own cannabis and allows for permitted events. The other initiative, The Neighborhood Approved Cannabis Consumption Pilot Program Initiative, will give permission to businesses, including bars, to allow cannabis consumption. Either one will be good for consumers. One is more exclusive, and by requiring membership it keeps things manageable and accountable by limiting the amount of people who can join, it does alienate neighborhood groups and businesses. My concern with the initiative permitting businesses to allow consumption, including bars, is that tourists new to cannabis consumption and consuming alcohol, can easily over-consume the two if they are not “seasoned” cannabis consumers.
Why did you join NCIA?
We joined NCIA after careful research into industry trade groups and selected the one that was the most diverse, influential, and had an ethical and inclusive industry. It is our desire to see a successful multi-billion dollar industry built on a foundation of integrity and inclusiveness, and NCIA offers that. While we may not align with the philosophies of all members, the organization pushes integrity in all that is does, and what I like the most is that it has organized councils that are really committed to creating an exemplary foundation for the entire industry, not just its members. You can see this in their Minority Business Council, where the discussions are always industry and community focused. I also like the networking available, especially meeting other passionate cannabis business owners across the country and having dynamic and energizing conversations.
NCIA is seeking a Business Development Specialist
NCIA is now hiring to expand our ten-person national team!
We’re seeking a Business Development Specialist. The application process is detailed below. (Do not call NCIA’s office to apply or follow up.)
Business Development Specialist – Membership and Relationship Sales:
This position can be based in any of the following regions: Denver, CO; Portland, OR; Seattle, WA; or San Francisco, CA. NCIA, the undisputed leading trade association in the fastest growing industry in the US is seeking a sales consultant and account executive, able to up-sell existing members and attract new members to the organization, and its mission.
This full-time position will handle business development and current client relationships in a specified territory.
We’re a hard working team seeking a candidate who is self-motivated, innovative, and dedicated to giving our team and clients the very best.
Key Responsibilities:
Prospect multiple direct-to-plant businesses, via cold-calling (50-70- cold calls per day on certain days), networking, and email/e-marketing.
Attend cannabis industry events to network and prospect, and represent the association.
Articulate the association’s value proposition to decision-makers to assess buying interest.
Promote the association’s products and services with various management levels and professionals across business disciplines.
Achieve or exceed goal for evaluations and first meetings on a monthly basis.
Qualify all sales leads based upon specific lead qualification criteria definitions.
Provide baseline research within targeted accounts to identify the key contacts and critical account information prior to calling.
Develop superior customer service relationship with prospects.
Learn and demonstrate a fundamental understanding of the association’s products and services, and clearly articulate capabilities and advantages to prospective members.
Contribute to every component of the critical functions associated with fulfilling the sales cycle (forecasting, reporting, customer database maintenance and data entry, correspondence, and communications).
Engage with social media platforms, create alerts on keywords, research topics and share information with individuals responsible for decision making in this industry.
Update lead rank/stage and prospect interaction in CRM. A high level of proficiency with CRM workflow, web-based demonstrations, shared calendars, Skype and instant messaging, as well as with office software such as Word and Excel and their Google equivalents is required.
Qualifications
Professional level sales experience required. Experience in association sales is preferred, as is experience in the cannabis industry. Ideal candidates will be located to work from the Denver, CO office, or work from home office in Seattle, WA, Portland, OR or San Francisco, CA.
Your sales process will be primarily telephone and online application based with regular territory visits. The Business Development Specialist reports to NCIA’s Director of Development. Frequent travel throughout the U.S. is required.
How to apply
Follow all of the instructions below to e-mail a one-page cover letter and resume to jobs@thecannabisindustry.org.
Please include the job title, “Business Development Specialist” in the subject line of your email.
In your cover letter, please specify how you learned about the job opening, your stance on marijuana law and the industry’s role in reform, and why you think you would be an excellent fit for the position sought. Feel free to include any other information you deem relevant, as long as your cover letter is limited to one page.
Your cover letter and resume must be sent as one single PDF document that includes your first initial and last name in the file name.
When your application is received, you should receive an automatic email confirmation. Do not call NCIA’s office to follow up. If we are interested in more information or an interview, we will contact you within about a week.
Salary:
Base salary plus commission, negotiable.
Benefits:
Full health, dental, and life insurance coverage, an employer-matched retirement plan, and a generous PTO policy.
Education:
4-year Degree
Colorado Cannabis Cultivators: Participate in an Energy Use Case Study
The Cannabis Conservancy (TCC) is inviting all types of growers (indoor, greenhouse, and outdoor) in Colorado to participate in an Energy Use Case Study for the Colorado Energy Office (CEO). Growers can choose to be named and celebrated for their participation or remain absolutely anonymous. Participation is requested as soon as possible, and no later than July 31, 2016. If you are interested, contact Jacob Policzer, President of TCC, today.
The Study TCC has been contracted by the Colorado Energy Office to conduct a research report on energy use in the marijuana cultivation industry. The purpose of the report is to understand where the industry is developing in Colorado, how energy (and water use) by the industry is impacting our grid (and water supplies), what is feasible and available to the industry in terms of operational and technological efficiencies and funding, and to create a baseline for the industry with accurate data. As part of this study, TCC is required to conduct case studies and work with growers of varying operational types (outdoor, indoor, and combination) in the state to track interval load data to create a baseline for the industry.
Grower Involvement Growers will be required to have smart meters and sub meters installed at their operations and participate in an individualized on-site participant energy workshop. TCC will pay for the installation and maintenance of the meters as well as compensate growers for workshop participation. The choice to participate anonymously or publicly is absolutely at the discretion of the participant.
The individualized participant energy workshop will include: document reviews, building envelope analysis, grow system analysis (based on TCC Sustainability Standards), interviews, and meter installation.
What are the Benefits to Growers? By participating in the case study, growers will learn very detailed information about their energy consumption, which is the first step in system optimization, leading to higher yields and cost savings. Growers will also receive energy and water use consultation services from TCC for system optimization and are one step closer to Sustainability Certification. If growers choose to be named in the case study they are demonstrating their industry leadership and commitment to sustainability.
What is the Colorado Energy Office (CEO)? The CEO’s mission is to improve the effective use of all of Colorado’s energy resources and the efficient consumption of energy in all economic sectors, through providing technical guidance, financial support, policy advocacy, and public communications.
What is The Cannabis Conservancy (TCC)? TCC’s mission is to empower and assure that the regulated cannabis industry achieves environmental, economic, and social sustainability.
Video Newsletter: #CannaBizSummit Recap and Seed to Sale Show Announcement
Did your team join us for NCIA’s 3rd annual Cannabis Business Summit & Expo in Oakland last month, where we got inspired, educated, and connected with more than 3,000 cannabis industry professionals?
In this month’s video newsletter, hear from NCIA’s Aaron Smith and Brooke Gilbert as we look back on the most exciting and successful event in NCIA’s history, and announce our upcoming Seed To Sale Show, happening in Denver, January 31-February 1, 2017.
Each year, Congress recesses for the month of August. Traditionally, this time has been used for Members to return home to their districts and meet with constituents and, of course, campaign for re-election. Though this makes August a quiet month in D.C., it’s a great time for you and your colleagues to get involved with the political process, engage with Members of Congress, and educate them on cannabis policy. 
