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!

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.

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.

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.