The Marijuana Freedom and Opportunity Act (Finally) Makes Its Debut

After more than two months since Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer announced forthcoming marijuana reform legislation, this week finally saw the bill’s introduction. The Marijuana Freedom and Opportunity Act removes marijuana from the schedule of controlled substances, allowing states to determine their own cannabis policies without fear of federal interference.

The Marijuana Freedom and Opportunity Act, cosponsored by Senators Bernie Sanders (I-VT), Tim Kaine (D-VA), and Tammy Duckworth (D-IL), would specifically remove marijuana from the Controlled Substances Act, effectively decriminalizing the substance at the federal level and allowing states to determine their own cannabis policies without the threat of interference.

The full text of the bill describes further provisions, including providing funding to cannabis businesses owned by women and people of color through the Small Business Administration; funding studies on traffic safety, impairment detection technology, and health effects of cannabis; restricting advertising that could appeal to children; and setting aside $100 million over five years to help states develop streamlined procedures for expunging or sealing prior cannabis convictions.

“We commend Senator Schumer for joining the growing chorus of Congressional leaders stepping forward with alternatives to the failed prohibition of marijuana,” said Aaron Smith, executive director of the National Cannabis Industry Association (NCIA). “With millions of Americans already living in states that successfully regulate adult-use cannabis and support for national legalization at record levels, this legislation would finally align federal marijuana policies with mainstream voter sentiment.”

 

Oklahoma O-Kays Medical Cannabis Ballot Initiative

On Tuesday, voters in Oklahoma approved a measure that will make medical cannabis legal in the state with over 56% popular support.

The referendum, known as SQ 788, will allow patients 18 and older to use medical cannabis to treat their conditions with a recommendation from their doctor, and individual under the age of 18 would need the signatures of two physicians and his or her parent or legal guardian. Physicians can recommend cannabis for any condition for which they think cannabis would be a helpful treatment.

With the addition of Oklahoma, there are now effective medical cannabis laws in 30 states, as well as the District of Columbia, Guam, and Puerto Rico. A total of 46 states allow for the medical use of cannabis in some form.

“In spite of a well-financed and misleading opposition campaign, Oklahoma voters proved that medical cannabis is no longer a controversial issue by enacting a sensible law at the ballot box tonight.” said Aaron Smith, executive director of the National Cannabis Industry Association (NCIA). “The passage of this law is not only a great victory for some of the Sooner State’s most vulnerable citizens – it will also create new business opportunities as the state’s underground market for medical cannabis is replaced by licensed businesses with the potential to create thousands of jobs and millions in new tax revenue,” continued Smith.

About SQ 788
:
Oklahoma state will establish rules governing the licensing and regulation of facilities to cultivate, process, and dispense medical cannabis, and allows patients to cultivate limited amounts of medical cannabis at home.

The passage of SQ 788 marks the first time that a state medical cannabis ballot initiative has been approved by voters in an electoral primary. Observers were skeptical of the initiative passing in an unprecedented election cycle, particularly given strong and well-funded efforts from opponents to the referendum in the months before the vote.

 

Canada Legalizes Cannabis – When Will The U.S. Follow?

by Rachelle Lynn Gordon, NCIA Editorial Staff

On June 19, Canada became the first G7 nation and second in the world after Uruguay to fully legalize cannabis for adult use, paving the way for what is estimated to be a CAD$9.2 billion dollar industry by 2025. Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau Tweeted in response to the move:

“It’s been too easy for our kids to get marijuana – and for criminals to reap the profits. Today, we change that. Our plan to legalize & regulate marijuana just passed the Senate. #PromiseKept”

The passing of the iconic Bill C-45, also known as the Cannabis Act, was met with raucous applause from the across the globe and sent marijuana stocks soaring. Provinces and territories now have until October 17 to develop and implement their own regulations for the sale of cannabis products; according to the federal statute, adults will be able to carry and share up to 30 grams of marijuana in public and cultivate up to four plants at home.

But when will the United States follow suit and become a part of the multi-billion dollar global cannabis market?

High Time for Federal Legalization

“With leading policymakers on both sides of the aisle calling for reform, there has never been more momentum behind the effort to replace criminal marijuana markets with regulated businesses, but we still have a long way to go.” says Aaron Smith, executive director for the National Cannabis Industry Association (NCIA).

Despite the fact that 29 states, as well as Guam, Puerto Rico, and the District of Columbia, have legalized cannabis for medical and/or adult-use, the plant is still illegal at the federal level. This has led to immense headaches for business owners within the legal space who only wish for their companies to thrive but are hindered by lack of access to traditional banking and fundraising opportunities and stuck operating within individual state lines.

Lawmakers from legal states have heard their constituents’ voices loud and clear and have joined together to develop the STATES Act, short for “Strengthening the Tenth Amendment Through Entrusting States.” Introduced by Senators Elizabeth Warren (D-MA) and Corey Gardner (R-CO), the bill aims to protect states that choose to legalize cannabis by creating an exemption to the U.S. Controlled Substances Act, and would remove industrial hemp from the Controlled Substances Act entirely. The bill would also allow banks to work with cannabis businesses more easily. Representatives David Joyce (R-OH) and Earl Blumenauer (D-OR) have already introduced a companion bill in the House.

When asked about the STATES Act by reporters, President Trump replied that he would more than likely support the measure, stating: “I support Sen. Gardner, I know exactly what he’s doing. We’re looking at it. But I probably will end up supporting that, yes.”

Full Legalization Needed for Market to Thrive

Adopting a federalist approach on the issue of cannabis law reform will certainly mean that individual states will be allowed to flourish, but it stops short of the immense financial opportunities that federal legalization could bring.

“The cannabis industry is vibrant and expanding rapidly, but until the threat of federal interference is removed, our economic potential is limited,” said Aaron Smith, NCIA. “Lack of access to financial services, exorbitant tax pressures, and the absence of interstate and international commerce are all problems that we can fix by turning up the pressure on Congress.”

U.S.-based companies and investors are missing out on huge financial investment opportunities due to cannabis’ current status as a Schedule I controlled substance. According to a recent white paper released by NCIA’s Policy Council, as of February 2018, 39 of the 89 federally-licensed producers (LPs) of cannabis in Canada were publicly traded, raising a total of $1.2 billion CAD in January 2018 alone. On June 20th, it was announced that Tilray would be joining Cronos Group as the second Canadian LP listed on the U.S.-based NASDAQ; behemoth Canopy Growth is listed on the NYSE.

In late 2017, Canopy announced the sale of nearly 10 percent of its stock to U.S.-based alcohol giant Constellation Brands (known for Corona and SVEDKA vodka) for a cool $191 million dollars. Now that cannabis is legal in Canada, there are certain to be even bigger deals fastly approaching that U.S. operators are missing out on.

Impressive Advancements are Being Made – Just Not in America

The United States is also being left behind in terms of research and development and intellectual property within the cannabis space. In countries such as Israel, where the federal government appropriates money to researching marijuana, rapid advancements are being made that could be groundbreaking – and have global effects. In 2017, there were more than 110 clinical trials involving cannabis in Israel – far more than any other developed nation. It was also recently revealed that China now holds around half of the IP related to hemp in the world. This puts Americans at a disadvantage as the rest of the world competes to create innovative and life-altering cannabis medicines and technology.

“R&D requires access to capital and federal and academic support,” explains Frank Lane, President of Cannabis Financial Network. “These remain elusive in the U.S. because cannabis remains federally illegal. The U.S. is slowly allowing more University backed cannabis research but at a much slower pace then Israel, Canada and have allowed research on a federal level for years. The U.S. will be playing catch up as medical cannabis continue to be adopted globally.

Exports Expected to Rule Canadian Market

While legal domestic sales won’t begin for several months, some Canadian LPs have already been exporting cannabis products to several countries that have approved the plant for medical purposes. It was announced last October that Cronos Group had reached a deal to put their products in over 12,000 pharmacies across Germany, where the government is choosing to use their own socialised healthcare systems to handle the distribution of cannabis product to patients. Obtaining these lucrative government contracts means big money for exporters, and unfortunately for entrepreneurs from the U.S. looking to cash in may be too late by the time legalization occurs.

“Many European and Latin American countries are approving cannabis for medical use,” Lane adds. “These are billion dollar markets that countries like Canada and Uruguay are seizing because they have federally legalized cannabis and become adept at developing pharmaceutical grade products.”

U.S. Canna-Businesses Must Double Down on Reform Efforts

Until the federal government ceases to consider cannabis a Schedule I narcotic, American businesses will continue to lag behind and miss out on multi-billion dollar opportunities. Therefore, it is more important than ever that the industry continue to communicate with policymakers in order to create impactful change – before it’s too late.

Attending events such as the NCIA Quarterly Cannabis Caucus series is a perfect way to engage with local politicians and fellow entrepreneurs while also staying up to date on the latest legalization developments.


Read more about how the U.S. is falling behind in the global cannabis market in this report produced by NCIA’s Policy Council.

Video: Another Successful NCIA Lobby Days

NCIA’s Aaron Smith re-caps another successful Cannabis Industry Lobby Days! Watch this video to hear more about NCIA Members’ experiences and why you should plan to join us next year in D.C.

Are you an industry leader looking to invest in continued national advocacy for the industry but not yet a member of NCIA?

NCIA’s staff and professional lobbying consultants work year-round in our nation’s capital to build support for the cannabis business community and the policy changes needed for our industry to reach its full potential. That work has led us to the tipping point we are seeing today and it’s all been made possible by the financial support of our members.

Adding your name to the growing list of responsible businesses behind this effort will bring us even closer to reaching the day when the cannabis industry is treated fairly under federal law.

Already a member of NCIA but want to enhance your support for this vital work?
Sponsor a quarterly Cannabis Caucus event in a city near you! All profits from event sponsorships support the efforts of our robust team in D.C. 

 

 

 

 

NCIA Update From Capitol Hill

NCIA’s team in Washington, D.C. and our allies in Congress have been busy advancing cannabis reforms on Capitol Hill over the last couple of weeks. The Congressional appropriations process for the FY2019 federal budget is well under way and cannabis has been at the center of some of the debates around government spending.

Last week, the Senate Appropriations Committee approved legislation that would renew protections for state medical cannabis programs when the current spending budget expires in September. The language, which was introduced by Sen. Patrick Leahy (D-VT), prevents the Department of Justice from using any resources to target medical cannabis patients or providers who are in compliance with state laws.

While this provision has been amended into the budget since 2014, this is the first time that this provision has been included in the original language of the spending bill by either chamber of Congress. Thanks to the hundreds of member-businesses that have invested in NCIA’s work on Capitol Hill over the years and the growing public support for national cannabis reforms, this policy is no longer a controversial issue for Congress.In fact, leading up to the Senate hearing, Sen. Lankford (R-OK) attempted to include a budget rider that would effectively nullify the medical cannabis protections but later withdrew it, citing lack of support.

Over on the House side, an amendment offered by Rep. David Joyce (R-OH) which would have restricted the Treasury Department from using tax dollars to sanction banks for providing financial services to the legal cannabis industry came very close to passing but ultimately did not make it into the budget package. NCIA is working with our allies in the Senate to include the banking protections in that chamber’s version of the federal budget in the days ahead.

Another champion for social justice and sensible cannabis policies, Rep. Barbara Lee (D-CA), introduced a first-of-its-kind resolution bringing attention to the racially discriminatory enforcement of marijuana prohibition. Lee’s Realizing Equitable & Sustainable Participation in Emerging Cannabis Trades (RESPECT) Resolution calls on states with legal cannabis to enact policies to ensure that people of color and communities that have suffered the most under prohibition policies have equal access to business opportunities within the emerging legal cannabis industry.

NCIA applauded Rep. Lee and the bipartisan group of lawmakers who are leading the charge on tackling this important issue.

Meanwhile, other nations may be surpassing the U.S. in enacting sensible marijuana policies. Just today, the Canadian Parliament passed legislation that would legalize adult-use cannabis for our neighbor to the North beginning in October 2018. For more information about how the U.S. cannabis industry risks falling behind other nations due to outdated federal laws, download NCIA’s recent white paper, “How the U.S. is Falling Behind in the Global Cannabis Market.”

Stay engaged with NCIA for more news about the advancement of federal cannabis reforms and to learn about how you can get more involved.  

Top 5 Reasons to Attend NCIA’s Quarterly Cannabis Caucuses

by Rachelle Lynn Gordon, NCIA Editorial Staff

NCIA is proud to announce the return of our Quarterly Cannabis Caucus series this July. These informative and engaging networking events bring together industry professionals, thought leaders, and policymakers with the goal of keeping the community informed about cannabis reform developments across the country from both a political and business viewpoint. Held on Tuesdays and Thursdays in each quarter in the eight most active legal markets, the Quarterly Cannabis Caucus series is a great way to stay up-to-date in this fastly emerging space.

“People attending a Caucus can expect to meet and network with professionals from all parts of the industry including license holders, law firms, insurance providers and other ancillary businesses, all while gaining some key insights into the future of federal and local cannabis policy,” explains Thomas Rosenberger, Executive Director of NCIA’s Ohio affiliate, the National Cannabis Industry Association of Ohio.

What are the top five reasons why you should attend an NCIA Quarterly Cannabis Caucus?

Policy is Changing at a Rapid Rate

Cannabis legalization isn’t happening overnight, but lawmakers across the country at both the local and federal levels are working around the clock on a variety of bills aimed at easing restrictions and promoting business growth. It’s critical for business leaders in the community to stay informed on the latest developments both in their home states and nationwide.

“The cannabis industry is the most highly regulated industry in the country, and faces challenges at the federal level that no other industry does,” Rosenberger adds. “Getting involved with events like the Quarterly Cannabis Caucus series is key to advancing the policy reforms necessary to expand the industry and grow your business.”

Legislators Want to Hear From You

NCIA is committed to strengthening dialogue between industry professionals and legislators across the board in order to promote impactful reform. Cannabis Caucus events offer attendees the chance to voice concerns with their local lawmakers and interact with candidates who may affect future legislation.

“I’ve been going to the NCIA Quarterly Caucuses for the past few years, and I find them totally invaluable, not only for networking but also to get engaged with what is happening on a policy level,” says Shawna McGregor of Grasslands: a Journalism-Minded Agency. “I have been able to hear from local politicians about where they stand on the industry and have appreciated that insight and exposure.”

Regional Events Offer Curated Look at Local Markets

As those in the cannabis space know, each state – and sometimes even municipalities and counties within those states – that has decided to legalize the plant for medical and/or adult-use has widely varying rules and regulations. It is the intention of the Quarterly Cannabis Caucus events to offer a glimpse at both local and national developments with a keen focus on what’s happening within the regions represented.

“Because NCIA holds Caucuses in every region, they are a great place to connect with members across the country who care about getting a nascent industry legalized and regulated on a state and federal level,” adds McGregor.

“I do business in multiple states so it’s nice that I can have my team members attend their regional Caucus and then report back to me on what’s happening in their area,” states Brett Johnson, Founder of SpectrumGro. “It helps me stay ahead of the game.”

Wide-Ranging Networking Opportunities

Quarterly Cannabis Caucuses bring together professionals from every vertical within the space, from cultivators and dispensary owners to accountants and attorneys in order to impact both policy and profits. Attendees have the chance to develop business relationships with other movers and shakers within their communities.

“NCIA offers a tremendous venue for meeting with a very professional and curated group of cannabis business people,” says Scott Jordan of Vertical Companies. “I try never to miss an event if possible.”

They’re Fun!

NCIA members work hard to advance the cannabis industry every day, and Cannabis Caucus events offer the chance to have an impact while also having a good time. Caucuses are held in a relaxed yet engaging setting, and light hors d’oeuvres and a cash bar are provided, plus tickets are free for NCIA members.

Register now for July’s Quarterly Cannabis Caucus series!

America’s Own Homegrown Industry

Co-authored by NCIA and BDS Analytics

It all begins with the humble plant.

The fastest-growing industry in the United States relies 100 percent upon the simple cultivation and harvesting of one plant, cannabis sativa — its buds, its leaves, and the diversity of organic compounds the plant provides, including THC.

If the plant is grown indoors, as is most legal cannabis in the United States, it first needs a building before it ever digs roots and spreads a canopy. The building requires complicated lights, many of which are manufactured in the United States. It demands a wilderness of HVAC networks, to maintain a healthy temperature and humidity level. Irrigation systems, potting soil and soil amendments, complex sprinkler systems in case of fire, high-tech security systems — all of these and much more must be in place before the first plant begins to rise towards the light.

And these first steps produce jobs and work: real estate professionals, lawyers, accountants, bookkeepers, electricians, carpenters, plumbers, HVAC specialists, irrigation experts, sprinkler and alarm installation technicians, factory workers. Once the building is ready, the company needs horticulture experts and trimmers, among others. And it requires ongoing work, too, from electricians and other trades specialists, as things break and need to be replaced or updated. The cultivation of the plant alone is a rapidly-developing career field.

But hands-on growing represents just one small patch of the cannabis landscape. Every step along the way, from seed to store, propagates work for people in hardhats, lab coats and blazers. And all of the jobs are Made in the USA. Even more, due to the patchwork regulatory environment, cannabis industry jobs also tend to root, and stay put, within individual states and communities.

Legal cannabis today in the United States is the ultimate homegrown industry. Detailed sales data from industry market research firm BDS Analytics reveals astounding growth within states where cannabis is legal. For example, during the first quarter of 2018 in Colorado, where sales of recreational cannabis have been legal since 2014, dollar sales of concentrates in recreational shops grew by 47.4 percent compared to the first quarter of 2017. Concentrates do not represent a tiny piece of the overall recreational marketplace: During this year’s first quarter, adult use concentrates sales hit $85.35 million, and captured a full 30 percent of the recreational marketplace. That’s an enormous chunk of the state’s mature adult use cannabis market, and yet sales still expand by close to 50% within a year.

And with all of that growth, quarter after quarter, comes increased need for workers.

States with laws that replace criminal marijuana markets with regulated industries are also benefiting from significant tax revenues that support important programs like school construction, law enforcement, and drug education. According to the National Cannabis Industry Association’s  , the five states that allowed adult-use sales realized nearly $800 million in combined state tax revenue alone.

Industry investment and market research firms The Arcview Group and BDS Analytics predicted in their study US Legal Cannabis: Driving $40 Billion Economic Output that the industry will hatch 414,000 jobs in a multitude of fields both directly and ancillary related to cannabis by 2021 — everything from delivery drivers to retail sales pros to extraction technicians, warehouse workers, bakers, marketing gurus, and PhDs in pest control.

The industry’s impact is certainly felt in Colorado, which began retail cannabis sales for adult use on Jan. 1, 2014 — the first in the nation to do so. Many economic experts attribute the state’s lowest-in-the-nation unemployment rate, at least in part, to the cannabis boom.

Colorado’s ascending sales results, as well as those in the other cannabis-legal states, would likely resound with even more oomph if two difficult issues could be resolved: banking, and the ability to write off business expenses for cannabis companies.

As the industry’s leading national advocate, NCIA is working hard on both fronts.

The Small Business Tax Equity Act of 2017, co-sponsored by Rep. Carlos Curbelo (R-FL) and Sen. Ron Wyden (D-OR), seeks to let cannabis companies operating legally under state law to implement business-related tax credits or deductions for expenses — the entire issue is often referred to simply as 280E (the applicable section of the tax code) as shorthand. For now, the federal government treats marijuana sales in legal states the same way it treats sales of illegally-trafficked drugs — needless to say, people illegally selling controlled substances cannot itemize tax deductions or claim business-related tax credits but NCIA believes that state-licensed businesses should not be caught up in the wide net cast by 280E.

Meanwhile, the Secure and Fair Enforcement (SAFE) Banking Act seeks to provide a “safe harbor” and additional protections for depository institutions that want to engage with cannabis companies that are in compliance with state law. Rep. Ed Perlmutter (D-CO) and Sen. Jeff Merkley (D-OR) are co-sponsors of this important legislation, which finally would, among other things, provide cannabis companies access to bank loans — taken for granted in most industries, but long outlawed in legal cannabis.

The success of the industry truly astounds despite such profound roadblocks. Success in alleviating such banking and taxation headaches would further stoke what is already the hottest industry in the country.

Research into the economic benefits of cannabis legalization and regulation is just beginning, and for now it remains too early to make definitive declarations about how legalization will influence the economic path of different communities. Undoubtedly the effects will vary from location to location — the effect on San Francisco, for example, may be entirely different from the effect on Fort Collins, Colorado.

One early study, conducted by the University of Colorado-Pueblo’s Institute of Cannabis Research, found that legalization in Pueblo, a diverse, blue-collar area about two hours south of Denver, could be responsible for the County’s recent success. In addition, the study rejected predictions that legalization would bring increased homelessness and crime to the region.

“When compared to similar communities in states where cannabis is not legal in any form, Pueblo appears to be doing better on a variety of measures,” the study says. “Overall, the positive changes that are noticed in Pueblo County, such as increasing real estate values, higher income per capita, and more construction spending may be attributed to legalization of cannabis in the state of Colorado.”

To date, cannabis still represents a fairly small slice of the employment pie in Colorado. A recent study conducted by the Federal Reserve Bank of Kansas City estimated the industry directly supports 17,821 jobs today. The study’s author writes: “Employment in the marijuana industry is a relatively small share of total employment in Colorado, but in recent years it has been one of the state’s fastest-growing industries,” adding that between 2016 and 2017 jobs in cannabis rose by 17.7 percent.

The study also noted the effect Colorado’s cannabis industry has had on state government coffers; in 2017 alone, it added $247 million to the budget. Cannabis tax receipts go to a variety of places. The state’s Building Excellent Schools Today school construction program, for example, receives the first $40 million from excise taxes on wholesale cannabis, and Colorado Gov. John Hickenlooper recently signed a bill that will drastically increase this amount. Local governments receive another 10 percent of the taxation haul.

Nationwide, the cannabis industry now supports close to 10,000 active cannabis licenses — that is, businesses that need licenses to grow, manufacture, distribute or sell the plant, according to CannaBiz Media, which tracks marijuana licenses. These “touch-the-plant” businesses are the sturdy and rapidly expanding trunk of a flourishing industry — without them, none of the other jobs and businesses that are sprouting up around cannabis sales today would exist.

But if touch-the-plant businesses are the trunks of the industry, the branches, leaves and flowers are the ancillary jobs — those that don’t grow, manufacture or sell marijuana directly. Of those anticipated 414,000 cannabis jobs by 2021, many will not sprout directly from licensed businesses. For example, software developers targeting the cannabis industry are flourishing. Entrepreneurs across the country are opening factories that make everything from plastic containers and child-safe bags for cannabis, to customized extraction equipment. New legal, public relations, marketing, and other professional services appear every day that revolve around the industry.

During a recent economic conference, Ian Siegel, the CEO of ZipRecruiter, which is a prominent job recruitment marketplace, said of cannabis: “Twenty-nine states have legalized marijuana [in some form]. There’s a 445 percent job growth in job listings in the category year-over-year.” By comparison, Siegel said other hard-charging industries like technology and healthcare lag far behind, with job growth at 245 percent and 70 percent respectively. He also noted that cannabis jobs expansion grew at a more rapid pace during Q4 2017, which saw an increase of 693 percent compared to the previous year.

As growth rockets ahead (new jobs, workers with new skills, growing tax revenues, etc.), the same trajectory is beginning to rise in Canada, where adult-use cannabis use is expected to begin later this summer. Despite Canada’s relatively small size — with a population of 35 million, it is smaller than California and dwarfed by the United States population of nearly 326 million — it enjoys a distinct advantage on the global stage: Canada allows cannabis exports. Growers and manufacturers in Canada ship cannabis to Germany, Israel and other countries that seek cannabis for their medical programs (only one other country in the world, Uruguay, enjoys legal adult-use cannabis use and sales). This is a fairly small market, for now. But as more and more countries embrace the medical, if not adult-use, benefits of cannabis, it is a marketplace destined to expand and grow increasingly dynamic. Permitting cannabis exports remains another NCIA priority.

Either way, the cannabis revolution is here, across the United States — where it all began. It is the ultimate homegrown industry, one we all should embrace, nurture and strengthen. It’s good for America, and good for America’s cities, towns and citizens.


This post was co-authored by the National Cannabis Industry Association, the largest cannabis trade association in the U.S. and the only one representing cannabis businesses at the national level and BDS Analytics, the leader in providing comprehensive cannabis market intelligence and consumer research. Learn more about NCIA by visiting: thecannabisindustry.org. Learn more about BDS Analytics by visiting: bdsanalytics.com.

Top Highlights from NCIA’s April Quarterly Cannabis Caucus Events

So far, this year has been pivotal for cannabis federal policy. From the rescinding of the Cole Memo, to the inclusion of medical cannabis protections through September and most recently, Sen. Cory Gardner’s (R-CO) commendable work defending states’ rights. Between the quantity of information about cannabis policy changes and managing your day-to-day business operations, staying up to date with accurate news on both the national and local level can be challenging. That’s why NCIA’s Quarterly Cannabis Caucuses are so important for our industry to convene, connect, and stay current on issues impacting the industry.

Thanks to our Government Relations team based in Washington, D.C., participating in our Cannabis Caucus events means that you can get accurate insights into cannabis policy straight from the Hill, as well as local guest speakers offering regional updates from the ground. You can also take advantage of a meaningful networking experience with cannabis executives in your region in a relaxed, professional setting. Cannabis Caucuses are your best chance to get even more engaged with NCIA’s policy work and industry leaders nationwide.

This April, the Quarterly Cannabis Caucus events were held in eight regions nationwide and 1000+ cannabis industry professionals participated!

Highlights from Northern California, the Northeast, and Southern California

In San Jose, Josh Drayton, the deputy director of CCIA, provided an update on CCIA’s state-wide activities representing the industry.

In Boston, we were joined by guest speaker Shanel Lindsay from the Massachusetts Cannabis Advisory Board to share the latest on the social equity program as well as state legislative updates.

In Los Angeles, we saw a huge turnout of more than 350 attendees at the historic Hollywood Roosevelt, and welcomed special guest speaker, Jennifer Hawkins, a business tax specialist at the California Department of Tax and Fee Administration. Jennifer offered an overview on California cannabis excise tax for cultivation and was joined by Alexis d’Angelo, the Southern California Membership and Outreach Liaison for CCIA.

Highlights from the Midwest, Florida, and the Pacific Northwest

Returning to Ann Arbor, Michigan, we were thrilled to welcome Robin Schneider and Jeff Irwin from the Michigan Coalition to Regulate Marijuana Like Alcohol, where we raised over $5,000 for the campaign!

In Tampa, guest speaker Sally Kent Peebles from Vicente Sederberg LLC gave an update on the Florida medical marijuana program, detailing the licensing process.

In Seattle, we heard from guest speaker Chris Thompson, who serves as director of legislative relations at the Washington State Liquor and Cannabis Board.

Highlights from the Southwest and Colorado

At our first event in 2018 in Scottsdale, Arizona, we welcomed nearly 100 attendees to network with their regional colleagues and learn about the recent rescission of the Cole Memo. Attendees also heard from Arizona State Rep. Mark Cardenas (D-Phoenix), who introduced legislation this year that would put a adult-use measure on Arizona’s November ballot.

In Boulder, Colorado, Sen. Tim Neville (R-16th District) joined us to share a motivational talk about the future of the industry to attendees, and an update on what’s happening in the Colorado Legislature.


Upcoming July Cannabis Caucus Events

Get your tickets now!
Early bird tickets are 50% off additional member tickets and non-member tickets now through June 11!

We’re excited to announce that registration for our July Cannabis Caucus Events is now open! Join us in new regions and cities for meaningful networking opportunities with industry professionals, policymakers and government officials.

NORTHERN CALIFORNIA – San Francisco, CA – Tuesday, July 10
NORTHEAST – New York, NY – Tuesday, July 10
PACIFIC NORTHWEST – Portland, OR – Thursday, July 12
SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA – San Diego, CA – Thursday, July 12
FLORIDA – Miami, FL – Tuesday, July 17
MIDWEST – Cleveland, OH – Tuesday, July 17
SOUTHWEST – 
Las Vegas, NV – Thursday, July 19
COLORADO – Denver, CO – Thursday, July 19


Thank you to our sponsors:

Annual Sponsors
Bernstein IP
Cannabrand
Husch Blackwell
Simplifya

Silver Sponsors
COVA
Vicente Sederberg LLC

Bronze Sponsors
McAllister Garfield, P.C.
MarijuanaDoctors.com
Apeks Supercritical

NCIA Announces Board of Directors Election Results!

National Cannabis Industry Association members have voted in the association’s annual board of directors election and nine candidates have been elected to serve on the board for the 2018-2020 term.

Congratulations to the winners, and thank you to all of the candidates for their commitment to NCIA!

2018 Board Election Winners:

Troy DaytonThe Arcview Group
Etienne FontanBerkeley Patients Group
Aaron JustisBuds & Roses
Kris Krane4Front Ventures
Jaime Lewis – Coldwater Consulting
Mark PasseriniOm of Medicine
Ean SeebManna Molecular
Michael SteinmetzFlow Kana
Taylor WestCOHNNABIS

Six board incumbents were re-elected this year and three new board members will be joining the leadership team following the election:

Michael Steinmetz of Flow Kana, one of California’s most innovative companies dedicated to sustainability and empowering craft cannabis farmers.

“We are thrilled to be part of the NCIA board to ensure that the United States does not fall behind in the growing global cannabis conversations. With the continued end to prohibition throughout the country, it is imperative that all the legalized states come together to help bring clear policies to the federal level.”

Mark Passerini of Om of Medicine, a long-time NCIA member and the first board member to be elected from Michigan.

“It is an honor to serve this industry and movement in the capacity of NCIA board member! NCIA will have a tremendous amount of influence on the growth and direction of the cannabis space over the next few critical years. I am humbled to be a part of this community and will vow to do everything I can to make this industry the most successful, ethical, respected, and innovative it can be! I look forward to representing the Midwest as we tear down the wall of cannabis prohibition brick by brick.”

Taylor West of COHNNABIS, leading public relations professional and former NCIA deputy director.

“I’m so grateful for the opportunity to help guide NCIA into the future. I know first-hand how hard NCIA works on behalf of its members. Together with the staff and the other incredible leaders on the board, we’re going to keep building the organization to its fullest potential, both as a powerful voice for the industry and as a valuable business community.”

The new board members-elect will join the NCIA executive director and the nine other elected members at the next board meeting.

Members can contact us any time for more information about the board election results or the election process.

If your business is not yet a part of the movement, please join NCIA today.

Member Blog: The Cannabis Industry Requires New Security Thinking

by Tom Dillon, S2 Security Corporation

The legal medical and adult-use cannabis market has grown to an estimated size of 7.1 billion dollars. With this growth comes an array of new opportunities and challenges for cultivation centers and dispensaries. These entities are looking for solutions to ensure they meet regulatory requirements, secure their facilities and produce products of the highest quality.

Click to read the case study

Some of the security and operational concerns for cultivation centers may include:

  • Compliance with state-mandated requirements for facility and security system design
  • Tightly controlled access
  • Secured storage vaults
  • Complete security camera coverage, with the exception of bathrooms and locker rooms
  • Ability for state officials to log in to the security system remotely
  • Monitoring of the environment in cultivation rooms

Revolution Cannabis, a cultivation center located in central Illinois, addressed these challenges with a new access control system. The company not only met state regulatory requirements but also prevented any incidents from occurring.

To learn more about how Revolution Cannabis was able to solve their security and operational challenges, read the full case study.


Tom Dillon is a marketing associate at S2 Security, the leading developer of complete enterprise security solutions. As marketing associate he helps manage S2 Security’s marketing initiatives including content development, public relations product marketing. 

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