As the CEO of A Therapeutic Alternative and a long-time advocate for the cannabis industry, I believe that membership in the National Cannabis Industry Association (NCIA) is invaluable for any cannabis business. The NCIA is the nation’s leading trade association for our industry, providing a unified voice in Washington, D.C., and ensuring that the concerns of cannabis operators are heard at the federal level.

Being a member means staying informed and connected. NCIA offers access to critical policy updates, industry research, and educational resources that help businesses navigate the constantly evolving regulatory landscape. The networking opportunities are equally valuable—NCIA brings together like-minded professionals, creating a community where we can share knowledge, collaborate on best practices, and support one another’s success.

Most importantly, membership allows us to contribute to the collective effort to advance sensible cannabis policy. Our industry faces unique challenges, from banking and taxation to public perception, and NCIA is on the front lines working to address these issues. By joining, you are not just investing in your own business—you are investing in the future of the cannabis industry.

For me, being part of NCIA is about standing shoulder to shoulder with other leaders, ensuring that responsible operators have a seat at the table as this industry grows. If you care about the longevity, sustainability, and credibility of cannabis businesses, NCIA membership is one of the most impactful steps you can take.

NCIA has been a critical partner in our work at Vlasic Bioscience. Our goal is to make cannabis-based wellness more accessible, affordable, and trusted, which requires staying close to the policy conversations shaping the industry.

Through NCIA, we have been able to engage directly with lawmakers, stay ahead of regulatory shifts, and build relationships with key industry leaders. The perspectives we have gained through NCIA have helped guide key decisions and sharpen our long-term strategy.

Membership provides access to information, connections to decision-makers, and a clear view of where the industry is headed. We treat our membership as an essential part of our business, and we encourage all cannabis businesses to participate in shaping a brighter future for our industry through NCIA.

As a CPA serving cannabis operators for nearly a decade, I’ve seen how federal policy, or the lack of it, can make or break a business. I consider NCIA’s Lobby Days to be one of the most powerful benefits of membership. Being able to walk into congressional offices and speak directly to lawmakers about the real challenges our clients face, is essential in moving this industry forward. It gives us a voice in shaping policy that could help our clients survive another day, another tax cycle, or another year.

NCIA’s live events also create rare access to cannabis regulators, decision-makers, and industry pioneers. These are high-impact events where policy meets practice. The caliber of the people in the room is unmatched. From seasoned operators to leading-edge professionals, the networking is rich, intentional, and deeply valuable.

NCIA isn’t just another trade association; it’s where advocacy, education, and real business opportunities converge. If you’re serious about driving change and elevating your impact in this industry, you need to be in the room, and NCIA makes sure there’s a room to be in.