I joined NCIA in early 2014 because the organization’s mission to elevate the industry is consistent with mine. I have been impressed not only by the work NCIA has done to present the industry externally with its lobbying efforts but also the tremendous job it has done to educate members, whether through emails, small meetings across the country on a variety of issues or the highly successful June conference in Denver.

A visit to Eden Labs is often a first step in the development of a company’s business plan. Another part of that plan should be active participation in the development of the entire industry. So the advice I give immediately is to join NCIA because it is an organization of professionals who enjoy networking and supporting each other, and most importantly, NCIA is one of the very few unifying organizations in the industry. Their focus is lobbying for issues that affect us all: Ending prohibition, banking access, and reforming 280E. We have to unify as an industry in order to educate the general public on these issues, but especially our legislative bodies. I have gone to Washington DC with NCIA to lobby and it is a very powerful and enlightening experience. Our voices matter and are effective!

An invaluable organization, NCIA is an endless network and resource for education on matters related to cannabis businesses, laws, and politics. In turn, NCIA members not only receive the benefit of developing best trade practices, but they are also equipped with the necessary tools for effective advocacy to execute meaningful social and political change for cannabis businesses on a national scale.

We joined NCIA to be part of the industry-leading association that is dedicated to the industry’s success. NCIA brings key players together, inspires community, shares best practices and keeps us up to date on the industry trends and news. We also like that NCIA is an active investor in cannabis companies. By being part of NCIA, we can stay informed and play a vital role in this burgeoning industry.

One of the first checks that Simplifya wrote when we launched in 2016 was membership dues to the NCIA because we strongly believe the cannabis industry needs strong representation and lobbying power on the national level. We are all working in our own ways to pave the way forward for the cannabis industry and being able to come together as a group of industry leaders with one voice is truly powerful and exciting.

My favorite part of being an NCIA member is the chance to meet all of the other interesting and accomplished men and women that are a part of growing and changing this emerging industry. Many of the NCIA members I met at my first NCIA event shared their own invaluable experiences and insights that helped guide me and Simplifya when we first started this adventure into the cannabis industry. It is so empowering to be a part of an organization like the NCIA that provides forums and regular opportunities for us to help each other grow and succeed.

The cannabis industry can’t expect to be treated fairly without a strong national industry association like NCIA. Cannabis is on its way to becoming the next Great American Industry and NCIA is the best vehicle to ensure that becomes a reality.

NCIA is not just a traditional trade association. It is the political lifeblood of an industry that is subject to more legal and regulatory hurdles than any other. NCIA is directly responsible for positive changes to federal banking regulations for legal cannabis businesses, something that has enabled hundreds of legitimate businesspeople to access the banking system. These are problems unique to the marijuana industry, and NCIA is the only group working to protect our business interests, and our freedom. To operate in the marijuana industry you must be a member of NCIA, or you’re in the wrong business.

In addition to everything NCIA does for our industry on a national level, I applaud their commitment to education, believing it to be a critical piece in bringing our industry into the light. We have had the pleasure of working together with NCIA on some educational webinars, and I couldn’t be more impressed by their team’s knowledge, insight, and dedication. Bravo. Thank you!

I joined NCIA shortly after launching the business because I wanted to get to know the industry and its leaders. I needed education and I needed community. With my NCIA membership, I got more than I bargained for.

It is exceptionally important to offer a unified, well coordinated, focused and deliberate message that professionally represents the needs and interests of our industry. NCIA represents this incredibly well and has done a tremendous job of constantly voicing our message on important and critical points which we require in order to be acceptably integrated fully with today’s society. A national professional presence is exactly what is needed for us to continue to make progress, and NCIA continues to deliver this effort in a very professional and energetic manner. The more members NCIA is able to represent, the more powerful our collective voice will ultimately become.

Influencing important new and inclusive cannabis policies is at the heart of NCIA and that’s why I was excited to become one of the organization’s first Evergreen members!