Claybourne Co. Takes Home the NCIA’s Best of 420 Award Live at the Clio Cannabis Awards Ceremony in Las Vegas
Just two short weeks ago, the NCIA’s Marketing & Advertising committee proudly announced Claybourne Co. as the winner of the second annual Best of 420 Award for the brand’s “Rolling with Claybourne Road to 420” campaign live from the MGM Grand in Las Vegas during MJ Unpacked.
During a wonderful evening hosted by Michael Kauffman, MAC member and Executive Director of the Clio Music and Clio Cannabis programs,Kary Radestock, MAC committee chair, presented the Claybourne Co. team with a Clio trophy recognizing the brand’s creativity, community impact, and the overall success of their “Stash and Grab” merch drops spread throughout California highlighting the launch of the brand’s statewide delivery program.
Claybourne Co. celebrated California locations which have very few dispensaries, also known as “Pot Deserts,” and gave the cannabis community an opportunity to come together.
Photo by David Becker/Invision for Clio Cannabis Awards/AP Images)
The MAC committee had many in attendance including Vice Chair Eric Becker of MadisonJay Solutions, Chair Kary Radestock of Hippo Premium Packaging, committee member and Clio Cannabis Executive Director Michael Kauffman, Committee Organizer Allison Disney of Receptor Brands, Best of 420 subcommittee lead Tara Coomans of Avaans PR and member Vanessa Valdovinos of HUSH.
Congratulations to all the nominees and we look forward to celebrating the “Best of 4/20” again in 2023! Stay tuned for more details to be announced in the coming months as we’re excited to continue providing this platform to elevate the industry’s most successful, creative, and community-focused campaigns next year.
If you’re interested in contributing to these efforts (and other special projects like it) then we invite you to join the association and apply to participate on one of our 14 member-led committees this coming term. Complete details will be released later month and applications to apply for the 2022-2023 term will open up in early December for all annual NCIA members in good standing.
Don’t forget! Blooming and Evergreen members are automatically guaranteed a seat (single or multiple) on one of our 14 sector committees. If you want to take your industry involvement to the next level, now is the time. Don’t pass up this opportunity to enhance your team’s leadership skills and expand their professional networks all while providing the opportunity to effect change and develop best practices to shape the future of our industry.
Photo by David Becker/Invision for Clio Cannabis Awards/AP Images)
What happens in Vegas certainly stays in Vegas but if you’re really looking to relive the magic then you can view the full album of 2022 Clio Cannabis Award winners here. Plus learn more about the other 2022 Speciality Award recipients honored at the event including NCIA’s Best of 4/20 marketing campaign contest here.
Service Solutions | 9.27.22 | The Devil is in the Details: Claiming Your Employee Retention Credit as a Cannabis Business
NCIA’s Service Solutions series is our sponsored content webinar program which allows business owners the opportunity to learn more about premier products, services and industry solutions directly from our network of established suppliers, providers and thought leaders.
In this edition originally aired on Tuesday, September 27, 2022 we were joined by the experts from ERT Credit for an exclusive webinar outlining how cannabis businesses can take advantage of The Employee Tax Credit (or ERC) which has currently only been claimed by a small fraction of cannabis businesses, and most importantly, as a payroll tax credit is not subject to Section 280E.
Think your cannabis-related business does not qualify for COVID-19 relief funds worth up to $26,000 per employee.? You’ll leave the session with a roadmap for next steps to determine eligibility and maximize your claim so you don’t miss out on a potentially guaranteed refund worth hundreds of thousands of dollars and in some cases millions.
At the conclusion of the discussion our panel hosted a moderated Q&A session to provide NCIA members an opportunity to interact with leading minds from the cannabis accounting and technology space, join today to contribute to future conversations!
40:46 – Audience Q&A (If your business is still operating – what are the taxes due on the tax credit?)
42:04 – Audience Q&A (I was told that ERC money is not available for the cannabis industry due to 280e. How are you navigating that compared to others trying to provide the same services?)
44:31 – Audience Q&A (Does this apply to cultivation facilities also?)
46:42 – Audience Q&A (What if we apply and don’t receive our money or we are denied the credit?)
48:09 – Audience Q&A (What if my accountant/lawyer says I don’t qualify?)
49:41 – Audience Q&A (How can I find more details on how to navigate the 280e concerns?)
50:58 – Audience Q&A (So if you went out of business before or soon after getting the tax credit you would not have any (or minimal) tax impact from taking the tax credit?)
53:24 – Audience Q&A (Do I have to spend the money on my payroll? Or can I use it towards my other business expenses? Any other restrictions?) 54:26 – Audience Q&A (So is this a credit for my company towards next year or do I get an actual check like a refund?)
01:05:28 – NCIA Lobby Days 2023 Member Appreciation
Sponsored By:
Committee Insights | 9.28.22 | Cannabis Ballot Initiatives in the November 2022 Election
In this edition of our NCIA Committee Insights series originally aired on Wednesday, September 28, 2022 members of NCIA’s State Regulations Committee convened a panel of government affairs, business development and licensing experts for an in-depth discussion focusing on cannabis ballot initiatives up for a vote this coming November.
They provided a detailed overview on the status of each campaign so that you’ll learn how best to position yourself for success and what you can do to help push these efforts across the finish line. If you’re considering business Arkansas, Maryland, Missouri either of the Dakotas then this session is specifically geared for you.
At the conclusion of the discussion they hosted a moderated Q&A session to provide NCIA members an opportunity to interact with leading minds from the cannabis regulatory and licensing space, join today to contribute to future conversations!
Learning Objectives:
• Provide practical information to NCIA members about the cannabis ballot initiatives and potential new business opportunities.
Sumer Thomas
Director of Regulatory Operations
Canna Advisor
Nicola Batten
CEO & Founder
koLaB Consulting
Larry Luksha
Government Relations & Business Development
Veritec Solutions
Joseph Smith
Senior Managing Associate
Thompson Hine LLP
Service Solutions | 9.21.22 | Does Your Video Surveillance Monitoring Method Put Your Business at Risk?
NCIA’s Service Solutions series is our sponsored content webinar program which allows business owners the opportunity to learn more about premier products, services and industry solutions directly from our network of established suppliers, providers and thought leaders.
In this edition originally aired on Wednesday, September 21, 2022 we were joined by the experts from Netwatch North America and Sapphire Risk Advisory Group to discuss the stark differences between the most common methods businesses choose for video monitoring to clear up the confusion about the best method for your type of business.
Every business needs a video surveillance system to guarantee the security of its premises and improve business operations. As a high-risk industry, cannabis businesses have an even greater need for these systems. Cultivation facilities, processing labs, and dispensaries are high-value targets for potential criminals due to the large amounts of currency and cannabis products stored on-site.
In addition, these systems are necessary to remain compliant with local or state law. However, while regulations require cannabis businesses to equip their facilities with a functioning video surveillance system, regulations can be less restrictive about how these systems are monitored. Yet, the method of video monitoring chosen can determine how effective the business can be at reducing and preventing criminal activity.
You’ll leave the program with a roadmap for next steps to take to evaluate the methods currently in place, how best to conduct an assessment and implement new systems to ensure the security of your business AND the safety of your employees.
In this session, you will learn:
• What are the most common video monitoring methods for cannabis businesses?
• How does each method monitor, detect unauthorized activity, and comply with canna regulations?
• What is the best option for your type of business?
41:30 – Audience Q&A (When should I reach out to a PVM company during the cannabis business planning process?)
43:29 – Audience Q&A (What VMS systems does Netwatch currently integrate with?)
44:45 – Audience Q&A (Do insurance companies reward operators for proactive video? Is activity reporting for proactive surveillance a regulatory requirement in MA or other jurisdictions?)
46:42 – Audience Q&A (How does working with a security company like Sapphire help to save my company money?)
48:26 – Audience Q&A (How important and common are camera analytics in the industry?)
52:09 – Audience Q&A (Should I choose the security integrator/manufacturer to work with first or my video monitoring method?)
54:39 – Audience Q&A (How do you get in touch with a risk consultant?)
55:50 – Final Thoughts & Upcoming Events w/ Netwatch & Sapphire Risk Advisory Group
Committee Insights | 8.16.22 | Cannabis Consumption Lounges & the Next Wave of Hospitality Disruption
In this edition of our NCIA Committee Insights series originally aired on Tuesday, August 23, 2022 members of Risk Management & Insurance Committee convened a panel of cannabis regulators and legal experts alongside leading event and hospitality operators to provide cannabusiness professionals the inside scoop on new regulations being adopted to manage/establish cannabis consumption establishments.
Dive deep into the ins & outs of Michigan’s cutting edge regulatory structure and learn from those operating in the space across the country with our panel of experts.
Learning Objectives
• Review of leading edge regulatory framework providing a model for MI consumption lounges
• Highlight the license structure for temporary events – how do consumption, sales and/or both formats function within this framework?
• How have these regulations evolved since first adoption?
• Review dram shop liability and offer an educationally lensed analysis
• Discuss how that may or may not be a good framework to apply to cannabis?
Committee Insights | 8.23.22 | Changing the Game for Women in Cannabis
In this edition of our NCIA Committee Insights series originally aired on Tuesday, August 23, 2022 members of NCIA’s Retail Committee convened an all-star panel of leading investors, entrepreneurs and C-Suite executives alongside retail and marketing experts to discuss how the time to “move the needle” for women in cannabis is gone… It’s time to change the game.
Female executive representation in cannabis has shrunk to 22% in 2021 from 36% in 2019 (below the average 30% in mainstream businesses). Learn how to advance women and tap into the single greatest market opportunity for legalization and sales. Tune in now to get actionable solutions to implement today and get your business and our industry back on track.
Learning Objectives:
• Discover the definition of a female-friendly cannabis retail experience
• Get a suite of actionable solutions to increase success and profitability
• Learn the best career paths in cannabis for female candidates
• Learn where male dispensary buyers are missing the mark
• Identify opportunities across the supply chain to attract women
Service Solutions: Taking Your Profits Higher – Navigating the Maze of Cannabis Marketing
NCIA’s Service Solutions series is our sponsored content webinar program which allows business owners the opportunity to learn more about premier products, services and industry solutions directly from our network of established suppliers, providers and thought leaders.
In this edition originally aired on Wednesday, July 20, 2022 we were joined by Fox Rothschild LLP whose national cannabis team discussed discussed how agencies and companies can comply when marketing products.
A successful business relies on marketing and advertising to grow and bring in new customers. But what happens when those promotional efforts are heavily regulated or even restricted? These are questions and hurdles cannabis businesses face, but there are ways to navigate this maze.
04:04 – How is marketing & advertising cannabis different than other industries?
07:45 – How is marketing & advertising for cannabis different from state to state?
13:40 – Are these state restrictions for cannabis OK under the First Amendment and do similar state constitutional free speech protections exist or apply here?
15:25 – Virginia State Board of Pharmacy & Thompson Case
16:26 – Central Hudson Case & The Four-Part Test for Commercial Speech
19:57 – Equal Protection Challenges on the Horizon
26:00 – California Cannabis Consumption Event Permitting Process
31:39 – How is marketing & advertising for hemp-based CBD products different than other industries?
37:28 – What is a curative healthcare claim and how can cannabis (or CBD-based) companies develop creative methods to comply while still distinguishing themselves?
41:40 – What trends and challenges do you see on how cannabis products are being advertised and sold?
Service Solutions | 7.13.22 | Scarcity Shouldn’t be Scary – How to Fund Your Growth
NCIA’s Service Solutions series is our sponsored content webinar program which allows business owners the opportunity to learn more about premier products, services and industry solutions directly from our network of established suppliers, providers and thought leaders.
In this edition originally aired on Wednesday, July 13, 2022 we were joined by e2b Teknologies whose team of leading integration & technology experts discussed some easy steps to prepare your business for funding and accelerated growth. As you all know, competition was stiff for funding prior to 2022 but with the current economy and rising interest rates, capital is much harder to acquire today. You should be taking steps get noticed and get the MONEY you need to grow your business now.
After viewing you’ll walk away with a better understanding of:
• How to leverage a team properly
• What’s most important – It may not be what you think.
• What’s necessary in terms of reporting, compliance, and record-keeping
• Evaluating potential technology partners
Sit back and settle in for an informative and timely program outlining the challenges facing operators and how you can position yourself for success with the right tools to help succeed at scale.
Service Solutions | 6.22.22 | Enforcing Cannabis Contracts with Alternative Dispute Resolution
NCIA’s Service Solutions series is our sponsored content webinar program which allows business owners the opportunity to learn more about premier products, services and industry solutions directly from our network of established suppliers, providers and thought leaders.
In this edition originally aired on Wednesday, June 28, 2022 we were joined by the International Institute for Conflict Prevention and Resolution (CPR) to discuss the benefits of using alternative dispute resolution (ADR) methods (including arbitration and mediation) in cannabis contracts, thus bypassing the courts.
The cannabis industry continues to grow rapidly, both in the United States and globally. However, cannabis companies face issues when entering into contracts that they hope to enforce. Because the federal Controlled Substances Act prohibits cannabis sales as a matter of federal law, many courts will not enforce a contract between cannabis companies, even if state law permits the legal sale of cannabis. Therefore, cannabis investors, businesses, and those who do business with them need a tool that makes their contracts enforceable.
Benefits of using ADR methods include greater enforceability plus faster speed to a decision, decision-makers with industry expertise, privacy and confidentiality, and the parties’ ability to create a process to fit specific needs and timelines. Participants will also learn how to include an ADR clause in their contracts, so they can take advantage of these benefits.
Panelists:
Mia Levi
Vice President of Global Development for Dispute Resolution
International Institute for Conflict Prevention and Resolution (CPR)
Positioned for Success – Highlights from the Insights & Influencers: NY Opportunity Tour
Any cannabis insider knows that New York is poised to become the next cannabis epicenter since legalizing last year. As such there is naturally incredible interest in learning about the business opportunities, how to best position yourself for success, as well as networking with potential future partners and clients. To meet these needs for our members and supporters, NCIA hosted the “Insights & Influencers: NY Opportunity Tour”, a weeklong series of events across New York featuring stops in Rochester, Albany and Brooklyn in partnership with founding members Canna Advisors, a trusted advisor to cannabis entrepreneurs who are starting or expanding a cannabis business.
(C) Sam C. Long / Honeysuckle Media, Inc.
Returning with our first in person events of the year, we couldn’t have been more thrilled to meet face-to-face with nearly 150 attendees who were either current or prospective business owners operating in New York and interested in expanding their operations or trying to break into the industry. With stops in Rochester, Albany, and New York City, the events brought together attendees from across the Empire State to not only learn about the developing regulatory landscape and opportunities to get involved with the burgeoning cannabis industry, but also the latest developments with NCIA’s work on federal cannabis policy.
(C) Sam C. Long / Honeysuckle Media, Inc.
Speakers were NCIA CEO and co-founder Aaron Smith and representatives from Canna Advisors including Bob Wagener, Vice President of Real Estate Development; Sumer Thomas, Director of Regulatory Operations; and Vincent DiMichele, Regulatory Content Manager. During the hour long presentation, numerous topics were covered that were relevant to business owners in the cannabis industry such as:
• The possibility of federal legalization and the work NCIA is doing to ensure small — or “main street” — cannabis businesses have a seat at the table as legislation is written
(C) Sam C. Long / Honeysuckle Media, Inc.
• Benefits of starting the license application process early and the importance of community engagement efforts
(C) Sam C. Long / Honeysuckle Media, Inc.
• Understanding zoning requirements and ensuring your business can operate in the best location possible
(C) Sam C. Long / Honeysuckle Media, Inc.
• Developing staffing needs and protocols so the team behind your operations is positioned for success and growth
• Engaging in public comment periods including the New York Office of Cannabis Management’s (OCM) current 60 day comment period open now through August 15 surrounding regulations for packaging, labeling, marketing, advertising, and laboratory testing of adult-use cannabis
Throughout the tour, representatives from the OCM were on-site to chat with participants, answer questions that attendees had, and generally get to know those interested in owning or operating a cannabis related business in the state. We are proud to facilitate those connections at our events time and time again, so that regulators and business owners alike can meet in person to build relationships which in turn helps break down the barriers to communication down the line.
Nevillene White, Manager of Community Relations and External Affairs for OCM, joined our Albany gathering right next door to The Egg performing arts venue located inside of Empire State Plaza. Throughout she was able to supplement the presentation by providing comments directly to crowd feedback during updates on the licensing process in the Capitol.
(C) Sam C. Long / Honeysuckle Media, Inc.
Trivette Knowles, Press Officer and Manager of Community Outreach for the OCM, was present in Brooklyn and commented ”We need more events like this to show people that cannabis touches all walks of life,” he said. “It’s part of the culture.”
(C) Sam C. Long / Honeysuckle Media, Inc.
NCIA’s Aaron Smith closed out each of the events with a final call to action for everyone in the room: Contact New York’s U.S. Senators Chuck Schumer and Kirsten Gillibrand to urge them to support the SAFE Banking Act and bring it to the floor for a vote. As the Majority Leader in the Senate, Sen. Schumer has the power to allow the legislation to be voted on but has not done so, stating a preference for more comprehensive legislation. Smith also discussed the Cannabis Administration and Opportunity Act (CAOA), which addresses federal legalization on a broader scale. A final version of that bill is still yet to be introduced however, and passage of the SAFE Banking Act would provide protections to financial institutions working with cannabis business and would have a positive impact on the cannabis industry while support for CAOA and comprehensive reform builds in Congress.
Of course we encourage anyone reading to take this call to action even further, and plan to join NCIA at our upcoming 10th Annual Cannabis Industry Lobby Days from September 13-14 in Washington, D.C. Find out more details and register online here.
We can’t thank all our members and supporters who attended the events on our “Insights & Influencers: NY Opportunity Tour” enough, as well as our co-hosts, Canna Advisors, for making these events possible!
(C) Sam C. Long / Honeysuckle Media, Inc.(C) Sam C. Long / Honeysuckle Media, Inc.(C) Sam C. Long / Honeysuckle Media, Inc.(C) Sam C. Long / Honeysuckle Media, Inc.(C) Sam C. Long / Honeysuckle Media, Inc.(C) Sam C. Long / Honeysuckle Media, Inc.
Interested in attending our next in-person event this Summer? Register now for the Colorado Industry Social taking place on Thursday, July 28 in Denver, CO.
Want to know how you can sponsor events like these? Please contact our Events Team at events@thecannabisindustry.org to explore possibilities.
Committee Blog: Announcing The NCIA Best of 420 Clio Cannabis Award
The Clio Cannabis Awards, September 29, 2022 in Las Vegas at the MGM Grand
During the winter of 2021, when vaccines were not yet widely available, and many people were still in lockdown, the NCIA Marketing and Advertising Committee was determined to shine a light on those in our community who were fueling opportunity and growth during a difficult time for many businesses.
MAC Chair Kary Radestock of Hippo Packaging assembled a subcommittee tasked to amplify top member marketing efforts and thus the Best of 420 Award program was born. The 2021 event received dozens of submissions from all over the U.S. across all business sectors and budget sizes and was conducted and presented virtually. See last year’s winners here.
For 2022, NCIA and the Marketing and Advertising Committee are bringing it back and this year, it’s going to hit differently.
Through the guidance of our subcommittee co-chaired by Melinda Adamec of Gabriel Marketing and myself, Tara Coomans of Avaans Media, we’ve also enlisted Michael Kauffman of the Clio Awards, Angela Wong of The People’s Ecosystem, and Vanessa Valdovinos of Hush Chicago to provide support to this year’s process and expand this award.
The winning honoree will be presented live at the 2022 Clio Cannabis Awards to be held on September 29th at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas.
What’s Staying The Same:
NCIA invites all cannabis companies and brands, both B2B and B2C to submit their 420 campaigns—NCIA membership is not required. Budgets of all sizes and companies of all types, B2B and B2C, are encouraged to apply.
It’s still FREE
A jury of NCIA members and peers who will evaluate submissions and recognize the top entry.
What’s Changing:
Winners: There will be one winner and this winner will be chosen based on three criteria.
Judging Criteria
Criteria: Judges will evaluate entrants in three ways: Community Impact, Creativity, and Results.
Community Impact: How did your campaign bring your community together? How did it highlight the best of the cannabis community to others? Did it support an advocacy campaign such as DEI, sustainability?
The cannabis industry is showing the world how an industry-aligned can create positive change. How does your campaign positively impact either the cannabis industry, your customers, the environment, underserved or unrecognized cannabis users, or businesses?
Creativity: How creative was your overall 420 campaign? How creative are you in getting out your message and implementing the campaign?
Results: Was it an effective campaign by your own goals and KPIs?
This category is one of the most important because our judges will judge the results based on your goals. Regardless of budget size or market size, show us your results. Results are those KPIs that are important to YOU. Make sure you grab those baselines so we can see your progress!
Judges:
Selected from a diverse slate of NCIA members, including past winners and NCIA committee members from a cross-section of perspectives, including the Sustainability Committee, the Diversity and Equity Committee and the Marketing and Advertising Committee.
Submission Process and Deadline
Submit your company’s campaign today by following the link below! Act fast as entries will be collected over the following six weeks, with a deadline to submit by Friday, Jul 22, 2022.
Good luck to everyone and have a fantastic 420! Submissions are being accepted now! We look forward to seeing your exceptional campaigns!
About Clio Clio is the premier international awards competition for the creative business. Founded in 1959 to celebrate creative excellence in advertising, Clio today honors the work and talent at the forefront of the industry in a variety of specialized fields, including: sports, fashion, music, entertainment, cannabis, and health. As a leading authority on the diverse and ever-changing creative landscape, Clio celebrates creativity 365-days-a-year via its global ad database Ads of The World and its content platform Muse by Clio. https://clios.com/ https://musebycl.io/ https://www.adsoftheworld.com/
About Clio Cannabis Expanding on Clio’s enduring reputation for establishing best-in-class programs honoring creative ideas in a variety of specialized verticals, Clio Cannabis celebrates the creators at the forefront of cannabis marketing and communications. Launched in 2019, Clio Cannabis sets the bar for creative work in a rapidly growing industry, builds a greater understanding of a developing category, and elevates creative contributions from top talent and agencies. https://www.cliocannabisawards.com/
Media Partner
For hints and tips on winning award programs, with hints and tips from the entire Marketing and Advertising Committee, listen to the replay of our recent webinar:
Fireside Chats w/ NCIA’s Government Relations Team | 2.23.22 | Cannabis in the Empire State: Considerations, Implications and Ramifications
NCIA’s #IndustryEssentials webinar series is our premier digital educational platform featuring a variety of interactive programs allowing us to provide you timely, engaging and essential education when you need it most. The Fireside Chat series of NCIA’s #IndustryEssentials webinars are an exclusive quarterly opportunity for NCIA members to hear from our government relations team and guests about the latest developments in federal policy LIVE.
In our first government relations chat of the new year Mike and Michelle were joined by New York State Senator Liz Krueger and NCIA board member Michael Cooper of MadisonJay Solutions for a dynamic discussion about the recent passage of the Marijuana Regulation and Taxation Act and the future of the cannabis industry in New York.
Originally broadcast on Wednesday, February 23rd our panel discussed the process of getting the law passed, the goals for the new program, and the transition of the current medical and hemp industries to oversight by the new Cannabis Control Board.
Tune in today to learn lessons from those on the front lines of reform and gain insights on how the industry can help policymakers drive policy forward on the state and national levels.
Speakers:
New York State Senator Liz Krueger (D-New York)
Michael Cooper, Esq. Co-Founder & Managing Member MadisonJay Solutions NCIA Policy Council Co-Chair
Michael Correia Director of Government Relations National Cannabis Industry Association
Michelle Rutter-Frieberg Deputy Director of Government Relations National Cannabis Industry Association
Committee Insights | 3.1.22 | Cannabis and COVID-19 – What We Know and What We Don’t
In this edition of our NCIA Committee Insights series originally aired on Tuesday, March 1, 2022 members of NCIA’s Scientific Advisory Committee convened a panel of leading clinical, regulatory and cannabis technology experts to lead a very timely discussion surrounding cannabis and COVID-19.
This webinar gave an overview of the effects of COVID-19 on the body with a discussion on the research related to cannabis based treatments.
Learning Objectives:
• Learn about COVID-19 and how it infects the mammalian body’s organ systems.
• Discuss the endocannabinoid systems role in the immune response and how research supports its role in COVID-19.
• Outline implications of cannabinoid treatments based on available research including the most recent acidic cannabinoid study that has been all over the media.
• Identify areas of interest for future research.
Speakers:
Dr. Paloma Lehfeldt, MD, MA
Senior Director of Clinical Science and Partnerships
Goodness Growth Holdings
Lucy Postolov
Owner and President
Cannapy Health LLC / Postolova Acupuncture Group, Inc.
Bryant Godfrey
Partner
Foley Hoag
Jim Makoso
Director / CEO
Lucid Lab Group / Flowe Technology
NCIA Committee Insights: 10 Tips in 20 Minutes – A Guide to Building Winning Campaigns
In this edition of our NCIA Committee Insights series originally aired on Tuesday, February 22, 2022 we were joined by members of our Marketing & Advertising Committee for a virtual edition of their recent “Lightning Lesson” hosted inside the Elevation Lounge at NCIA’s 7th annual Cannabis Business Summit & Expo in San Francisco, CA last December!
Their talk covered everything your business needs to know to properly design a marketing campaign that will engage your community and ensure success at any budget. With a focus on campaigns surrounding 4/20, they’ll highlight the lessons learned from last year’s “Best of 4/20 Marketing Campaign Contest” to help set your company up to make a splash this Spring!
Additionally, we announced initial details surrounding the 2022 edition of the “Best of 4/20 Marketing Campaign Contest” which will include community-sourced judges, expanded entry categories as well as an in-person element being implemented into Cannabis Business Summit & Expo taking place from July 20th – 22nd once again at the Moscone Center in the heart of the Bay Area.
Missed last year’s virtual event or just want to refresh yourself prior to the program? Check out the recap blog here: https://bit.ly/3ntAV21
Sit back and relax while learning the tips you’ll need to both build and execute a successful marketing campaign surrounding our industry’s highest of holidays.
Fireside Chats w/ NCIA’s GR Team | 10.27.21 | Going Green: Considerations for Businesses & Policymakers
Mike and Michelle carry on their monthly conversations with regulators, policy makers and cannabis industry thought leaders to discuss the latest developments in federal policy LIVE. In this edition of our Fireside Chats w/ NCIA’s Government Relations Team series originally aired on Wednesday, October 27, 2021 the panel dove deep into the current landscape and future outlook for sustainability in the cannabis industry.
As the cannabis industry continues to grow, so does its environmental impact. This fast-growing and highly regulated industry (at the state level) is poised to lead on evolving business challenges, including the adoption of environmentally sound business practices that demonstrate to the broader agriculture sector that comprehensive environmental sustainability is achievable. But, challenges remain and the stakes are ever-increasing.
We’ll look at the intersection of the current environmental footprint of the cannabis industry, existing sustainability solutions (packaging, regenerative farming, renewable energy), political and economic issues limiting adoption of these practices by operators, and lay out strategies to remove those barriers. We’ll also be talking extensively about NCIA’s 2020 white paper (Read Now: https://bit.ly/3uDogfa) on environmental sustainability, so be sure to take a look!
Speakers:
Sabrina Fendrick, Essentia Endeavors
Ron Basak-Smith, Sana Packaging
Tiffany Watkins, Vanguard Media
Kaitlin Urso, Environmental Protection Specialist, Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment
Moderating:
Michael Correia, Director of Government Relations (NCIA)
Michelle Rutter Friberg, Deputy Director of Government Relations (NCIA)
Service Solutions | 10.26.21 | Capturing the $27 Billion Opportunity in Legal Cannabis Manufacturing
NCIA’s Service Solutions series is our sponsored content webinar program which allows business owners the opportunity to learn more about premier products, services and industry solutions directly from our network of established suppliers, providers and thought leaders.
In this edition originally aired on Tuesday, October 26, 2021 we were joined by Aptean, an industry-leading cannabis technology company, for an in-depth look at the key obstacles standing between cannabis manufacturers and profit margin.
The legal marijuana manufacturing market will grow by $27 billion over the next three years. But as opportunities increase, so does competition. To be at the forefront of this dynamic sector, you need to move fast – and run lean.
So, how can your manufacturing business improve speed and efficiency of production to maximize profit? Without compromising on product consistency, quality and control? And how can you run a transparent, accountable, compliant operation, to continue building consumer confidence in cannabis products? Discover the answers in this webinar!
Aptean’s cannabis manufacturing expert, Daniel Erickson, will outline how you can break through operational barriers to increase productivity, by taking a digital approach to manufacturing using new-to-market cannabis ERP software.
In this session, you will learn how a digital manufacturing strategy will enable your business to:
• Maximize crop yield and quality using online cultivation management tools
• Improve traceability for complete compliance and quality control from seed to sale
• Increase employee security, productivity and all-round motivation
• Easily diversify into new legal cannabis products to enhance your business revenue
Panelists:
Daniel Erickson
Senior Project Manager
Aptean
Service Solutions | 10.20.21 | Stay Compliant & Increase Productivity with an Effective Safety Program
NCIA’s Service Solutions series is our sponsored content webinar program which allows business owners the opportunity to learn more about premier products, services and industry solutions directly from our network of established suppliers, providers and thought leaders.
In this edition originally aired on Wednesday, October 20, 2021 we were joined by KPA to discuss best practices for maintaining an effective safety and compliance program at your cannabis company and their easy-to-use solution that can help automate the process.
With rapid growth, evolving regulations, and complex operations, creating a highly effective safety and compliance program can be challenging for cannabis companies. However, organizations who follow best practices for safety and compliance can see major benefits including improved efficiency in operations, reduced injuries and workers’ compensation premiums, and a better reputation and image in the community.
Watch this webinar with NCIA partner KPA to learn how you can improve your safety and compliance program! You will hear real-world examples of how Cannabis companies are managing their safety programs and see a short demonstration of the KPA EHS platform that can help you automate the process.
In this session, you will learn:
• What makes an effective safety program?
• How can you ensure leadership and active worker participation?
• What are the key elements of an effective safety training program?
• How can modern safety software improve performance and productivity?
Panelists:
Joe Souza
District Manager, EHS Operations
KPA
Dagen Boyd
Director, Business Development
KPA
Catalyst Conversations | 9.28.21 | Risk, Security, and Insurance Mean Something Completely Different in Regulated Cannabis
NCIA’s Catalyst Conversations series is an advanced webinar series curated to give enrollees in our Social Equity Scholarship program the opportunity to network and gain access to valuable knowledge that will help them excel in the cannabis industry.
In this edition of our Catalyst Conversations series originally aired on Tuesday, September 28, NCIA’s Risk Management and Insurance Committee teamed up with the Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Committee to create a powerful discussion every Social Equity operator should join in on.
Legacy and Social Equity operators face many hurdles. One of the biggest hurdles is creating a risk management strategy and gameplan in the regulated industry, which can prove to be very different from the risk management strategies that may have gotten them here in the first place. In the regulated industry, the greatest risks to survival aren’t always so obvious, and the ways to mitigate those risks can often seem too expensive, or even worse, the service providers may be difficult to trust. The still-existent impact of the War on Drugs cannot be underestimated in the role it plays in this dynamic.
During this webinar, we host a lively discussion about the very real threats to the survival of small cannabusinesses, and the ways to mitigate those risks.
Attendees will walk away with these key insights:
• Understand the current state of Security and Insurance in the regulated industry
• Get pragmatic information on what to look for when vetting Security and Insurance firms and coverage
• Learn how to incorporate simple tactics into your current business strategy.
• Understand how the impact of the War on Drugs and making the transition from Legacy markets may affect your outlook on Security and Insurance in a unique way, and what you can do about it
• Recognize the importance of assessing and mitigating financial risk in the regulated industry
A special thank you to the benefactors of NCIA’s Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Program which are listed below!
Committee Insights | 9.28.21 | Conscious Cultivation through Integrated Pest Management (IPM)
In this edition of our NCIA Committee Insights series originally aired on Tuesday, September 28, 2021 we were joined by members of our Cannabis Cultivation Committee for a deep dive into Integrated Pest Management (IPM) for hemp and cannabis growers.
More than just a buzzword, IPM is a method for preventing and mitigating damage caused by insects and diseases. Since cannabis cultivators are prohibited from using most pest control products available to flower and vegetable growers, a comprehensive IPM program is vital for commercial growers to maintain a healthy crop and a profitable business. Our panelists defined the overarching principles of IPM and provide specific steps that growers can take today to build an effective pest management program for their crops.
Learning Objectives
Definition of IPM and the related concepts behind it;
1) appropriate beneficial insects
2) timing with other regular pesticide applications
3) facility set up
4) cultural practices and how they affect your other practices like defoliation, air movement
5) employee safety, restricted entry interval, allergies, MSDS awareness
6) pest and disease prevention and treatment
7) contamination prevention methods
Shouhua Wang, Ph.D.
State Plant Pathologist
Nevada Department of Agriculture
Marguerite Bolt
Hemp Extension Specialist
Purdue University
Filipa Sousa Nunes
Integrated Pest Management Expert
Portugal
Service Solutions | 9.15.21 | 5 Growth Hacks Cannabis Retailers Can Learn from Mainstream Retailers
NCIA’s Service Solutions series is our sponsored content webinar program which allows business owners the opportunity to learn more about premier products, services and industry solutions directly from our network of established suppliers, providers and thought leaders.
In this edition originally aired on Wednesday, September 15, 2021 we were joined by American Security Services, a leader in home & business safe solutions for 75 years, to discuss cash management problems facing the cannabis industry today and what retailers have discovered as a solution.
In this session you’ll hear from operator-owners in cannabis retail and their financial partners about the growth hacking tips helping them grow greener profits, faster. Still UNbanked? This session will give you the tools you need to make decisions about your cash and asset management today and in the future.
In this session, you will learn:
• How to improve operational efficiencies at the point of sale through end-of-year financials.
• How to get provisional credit from the bank and increase cash flow.
• How to select the right Cannabis-friendly financial partners.
• How to identify hidden threats to your bottom line and overcome those threats with technology.
• How to set the bar for compliance safety and security that will last you the next 30 years.
Speakers:
Albert Porto, National Sales Manager, Smart Safes, American Security
Rony Ghaby, Director of Operations, Sectran Security
Steve Morss, Chief Cash Operations, Dama Financial, Cannabis Banking
Fireside Chats w/ NCIA’s Government Relations Team | 6.30.21 | CAOA or Chaos? – Unpacking Cannabis Administration & Opportunity Act
In this edition of our Fireside Chats w/ NCIA’s Government Relations Team series originally aired on Wednesday, September 1, 2021 we were joined by our CEO & Co-founder, NCIA’s board chair, and our esteemed Policy Council Co-Chair to unpack the Cannabis Administration & Opportunity Act with Mike & Michelle.
In response to a call for input on the draft language for a bill that would make cannabis legal and regulated at the federal level, NCIAhas submitted a detailed analysis and recommended improvements on behalf of the legal cannabis industry.
Since the discussion draft was released, the NCIA team has been hard at work putting together our comments, as well as soliciting feedback from key stakeholders like our board, policy council, Evergreen Roundtable, social equity scholarship program members, and our general membership. Now, at long last, it’s finally time for us to reveal to you what NCIA has submitted! You can expect a deep dive into restorative justice policies, regulatory frameworks, and the outlook for getting to 60 votes– don’t miss out– tune in now!
Speakers:
Michael Cooper, Esq., Co-Founder & Managing Member, MadisonJay Solutions, NCIA Policy Council Co-Chair
Khurshid Khoja, Esq., Founder, Greenbridge Corporate Counsel, NCIA Board Chair, NCIA Policy Council Co-Chair
Aaron Smith, CEO & Founder, National Cannabis Industry Association
Moderating:
Michael Correia, Director of Government Relations (NCIA)
Michelle Rutter Friberg, Deputy Director of Government Relations (NCIA)
Committee Insights | 8.31.21 | Taking Human Resources Higher as a Strategic Partner
In this edition of our NCIA Committee Insights series originally aired on Tuesday, August 31, 2021 we were joined by members of our Human Resources Committee for a discussion on how to create a healthy workplace, a positive employee experience and an effective relationship with your leadership team to make the right decisions for your company’s success.
Human resources is the hub of the workplace, the employee experience and leadership decisions with the cannabis industry being no different. Join our panel of human resource experts as they equip you with the skills needed to create positive employee experiences and influence change with other strategic leaders within their organization by effectively utilizing data.
Panelists:
Shawnee Williams (Moderator)
Recruiter & Account Manager
Illinois Equity Staffing
Nichole McIntyre
Director of Human Resources
urban-gro
Dan Walter
Managing Consultant
FutureSense LLC
Committee Insights | 8.24.21 | Advanced Risk Mitigation for Cannabis: Best Practices and Policies
In this edition of our NCIA Committee Insights series originally aired on Tuesday, August 24, 2021 we were joined by members of our Risk Management & Insurance Committee for a discussion on how to reduce the overall risk facing cannabis businesses through the implementation of proactive risk management practices.
Join our panel of experts as they walk through a number of hot-button issues specific to the cannabis industry, including cybersecurity, product liability, marketing risks, and the protection of high-value assets.
Our team of cannabis professionals will guide you through real-life scenarios to help you learn from the mistakes of others. Although cannabis is still an emerging industry, there is a broad array of tools that business owners can use to protect their bottom line and maintain their business’s operations through an emergency.
Some of the various risk-reduction tools that will be discussed in this webinar include specialized insurance policies, contractual risk transfer, common-sense business practices, appropriate investment review, and cutting-edge technology that helps protect large quantities of cash and cannabis. These insights will help members prepare for the unexpected and ensure business continuity through the coming years.
Panelists:
Matthew Johnson
Vice President, Risk Services
QuadScore Insurance Services
Danny Bozzuto
Co-Founder
Cannabis Connect Insurance
Kevin Mullins
VP, Emerging Market Sales
3SI
Chris Payne
Treasurer/Board Member
CLIC Risk Retention Group, Inc.
Cimone Casson
Cannas Capital
Insurance Agent
Policy Council Conversations | 7.20.21 | The Medicine and Research of Cannabis
In this edition of our Policy Council Conversations series originally aired on Tuesday, July 20, 2021 we were joined by the six primary authors of NCIA’s recently released whitepaper on the Medicine of Cannabis for an overview designed to help inform and guide policymakers and medical professionals on the science, history, and uses of medical cannabis.
The Medicine of Cannabis: An Overview for Medical Professionals and Policymakers – https://bit.ly/3Bn1UBy
This publication was developed by scientists and doctors working with NCIA’s Policy Council and Scientific Advisory Committee, and promotes policies that facilitate further research and fair, legal access. On this webinar you’ll hear from the writing team itself, including physicians, veterinarians, and a PhD researcher as they discuss their paper and summarize what your doctor and policy maker needs to know.
Learning Objectives:
• Overview the history of medical cannabis and its prohibition in the United States
• Brief intro to the Endocannabinoid System
• Explore the cannabis plant
• Learn about different conditions cannabis can treat and the research that backs it up
• Discuss policy implications for cannabis including the need to deschedule
Speakers:
• Dr. Stephen Dahmer MD, Chief Medical Officer, Vireo Health
• Dr. Paloma Lehfeldt MD, Director of Medical Education, Vireo Health
• Dr. Paul Muchowski PhD, Founder/CEO/CSO, Defined Research
• Dr. Lynn Parodneck MD, Medical Practitioner
• Dr. Tim Shu DVM, CEO, VETCBD
• Dr. Casara Andre DVM, Founder, Veterinary Cannabis Education & Consulting
Committee Insights | 7.20.21 | Subculture to Pop Culture: Creating Culturally Relevant Cannabis Brands
In this edition of our NCIA Committee Insights series originally aired on Tuesday, July 20, 2021 we were joined by members of our Marketing & Advertising Committee for a discussion on the importance of creating, cultivating & maintaining cultural relevancy for your cannabis (or CBD) brand. Stick around for the entire conversation as the panel dives deep into specific tools, metrics and methods for both research & analysis of your campaigns during the Q&A segment to close out the program.
As the industry transitions from margins to mainstream, cannabis brands reach wider audiences. With that comes the need to navigate an increasingly complex media landscape to capture consumer attention. Learn how to make your brand more valuable to consumers by understanding their passions, engaging with fans, sharing in cultural events, and participating in social conversations.
Learning Objectives
• Learn what it takes to become a culturally relevant brand through real brand examples presented by the industry marketing experts who built them.
• Understand the risks and rewards of joining cultural conversations and specific considerations for cannabis and CBD brands.
Panelists:
Dana Mason, Brand Director at Cresco Labs
Alexis Mora, Head of Marketing at Harborside
Tara Rozalowsky, VP, Beverages & Edibles at Canopy Growth Corporation
Allison Disney, Partner, Business Strategy, Receptor Brands
Committee Insights | 7.14.21 | How to Increase Product Safety When We Don’t Know What “Safe” Is
In this edition of our NCIA Committee Insights series originally aired on Wednesday, July 14, 2021 we were joined by members of our Cannabis Manufacturing Committee for a discussion about how terpene limits, both in edibles and inhalables, as well as vapor products can be manufactured so as to place them as low as reasonably possible on the risk continuum.
With years of research and study ahead of us, it wouldn’t be appropriate to call many manufactured cannabis products “safe.” But that doesn’t mean we need to stop selling products until all the data is in. We know enough now to make manufactured products safer than the alternatives, in other words, provide a harm reduction benefit.
Learning Objectives:
• Principles of harm reduction and risk continuum
• Latest thinking in terpene limits (edibles and inhalables)
• Latest thinking in vapor hardware configuration and testing
Speakers:
Lior Chatow, Research And Development Manager, Eybna
Ramon Alarcon, Founder + CEO, Wellness Insight Technologies, Inc.
Arnaud Dumas de Rauly, Co-Founder & CEO, Blinc Group
Committee Insights | 7.14.21 | How to develop a Risk Assessment for your Canna-Business
In this edition of our NCIA Committee Insights series originally aired on Wednesday, July 14, 2021 we were joined by members of our Risk Management and Insurance Committee for a discussion on how to evaluate and rank risks to your cannabusiness.
Our experts discussed the potential impact of risk to cannabusiness operations and how to effectively identify and rank them. The discussion included risks posed by product sales, partnership agreements and corporate culture. The expert panelists also shared insights gained from their respective areas of specialty which include; Legal, Financial, Manufacturing, Technology and Insurance. Their insights will arm YOU with the tools needed to fortify yout operational practices and minimize or avoid costly losses.
Mathew Grimes
Vice President – Cannabis Specialty Group
HUB International Limited
Summer Jenkins
Business Development Manager
Cannasure Insurance Services
Service Solutions | 7.13.21 | Learn How to Grow Your Cannabis Business with Acumatica Cloud ERP
NCIA’s #IndustryEssentials webinar series is our premier digital educational series featuring a variety of interactive programs allowing us to provide you timely, engaging and essential education when you need it most. The Service Solutions series is our sponsored content webinar program which will allow business owners the opportunity to learn more about premier products, services and industry solutions directly from our network of established suppliers, providers and thought leaders.
With shifting public sentiment, state-specific cannabis laws, and licensing requirements, the Cannabis industry is in a constant state of change. From securing capital and licensing to hiring qualified people and meeting compliance mandates, the path to success is filled with challenges, but a mobile, adaptable business management solution will expedite and ensure your progress.
Enterprise resource planning (ERP) solutions provide Cannabis companies like yours cloud-based financials, inventory management, sales, operations, as well as tracking, monitoring, and reporting on raw materials from seed to sale. Learn how Acumatica – the leading innovator in Cloud ERP – will make your growing business more agile and efficient.
Learning Objectives
• Hear an Acumatica company overview, real success stories from Cannabis companies just like yours, followed by a product demo.
• Learn how ERP can be used to track, monitor, and report on raw materials and finished goods.
• How to manage accounting, sales, operations in one system and track the cost of goods – manage staff, assign tasks, and reduce manual error calculations.
• Streamline the signal flow throughout your business with the world’s fastest growing and most adaptable cloud ERP solution, Acumatica.
Panelists:
Sean Chatterjee
Vice President, Partner Sales
Acumatica
Eric Moreau
Director, Presales
Acumatica
Fireside Chats w/ NCIA | 6.30.21 | One for You, Nineteen for Me – Let’s Talk Section 280E!
In this edition of our Fireside Chats series originally aired on Wednesday, June 30, 2021 we hosted an all all-star panel of accounting experts & operators to dive deep into all things 280E with Mike and Michelle.
Tax day’s deadline extension this year was met with near universal support, but the extra month doesn’t change the cannabis industry’s biggest tax woe: IRC Section 280E. Section 280E of the Internal Revenue Code prohibits any company that traffics in a Schedule I or Schedule II controlled substance from taking standard business deductions on their federal taxes. The result? State-legal marijuana companies often pay up to an 80%-90% tax rate to the IRS.
However, new bombshell reporting from Marijuana Business Daily details the extent to which the IRS is going to collect these taxes. The US Census Bureau recently announced that they will begin to collect marijuana tax revenue numbers from legal states. And, in March, the Congressional Research Service released their latest report on 280E. Clearly, policymakers are interested in cannabis tax policy, but to what end?
How is the IRS enforcing it? What do you need to be aware of in terms of audits? Is 280E retroactivity a possibility post-legalization? How are policymakers viewing cannabis tax revenue? What is considered “cost of goods sold”? How have the courts ruled on 280E? Is there a fix possible? And, of course– what does it all mean for cannabis policy reform? Our expert panel will answer all of these questions and more, so don’t miss out– watch now!
Panelists:
• Michael Correia, Director of Government Relations, NCIA
• Michelle Rutter Friberg, Deputy Director of Government Relations, NCIA
• Naomi Granger, Founder, The Association of Cannabis Accounting and Tax Professionals
• John Schroyer – Senior Author, Marijuana Business Daily
• Beau Whitney – Senior Economic Advisor, NCIA
• Javier Armas – Founder, Javier’s Organics
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