by Michael Correia, NCIA Director of Government Relations
Following a brief shutdown in the wee hours of Friday morning, Congress came to yet another short-term budget deal to continue funding the federal government until March 23, 2018.
In normal budget cycles, Congress passes a fiscal year budget that goes from October 1 until September 30. But in these extraordinarily partisan times, Congress has been unable to agree on an annual budget and has patched together short-term funding bills called Continuing Resolutions (CR’s), which maintains current funding levels. Since just last September, there have been five such short-term CR’s. These short-term funding bills have not only hampered basic government functions, but have also affected military readiness and has even led to a federal government shutdown, which has lowered the public’s already dismal opinion of Congress.
After much negotiation between House and Senate leaders, it appears that the parameters of a two-year budget solution have been agreed to. The new budget deal is both bipartisan and bicameral (which has become a rarity in Washington, D.C.) and addresses many controversial issues that have hindered previous negotiations. This new budget deal increases funding levels for the military, provides billions in disaster relief, addresses infrastructure, education, child care, and attempts to combat the opioid epidemic.
But, in typical Congressional fashion, the details still have yet to be finalized. The Congressional Leaders have agreed to work with the leaders of the appropriations committees to ensure that all budget priorities are met.
So, what does this mean for your business and what does this mean for medical cannabis protections?
Since 2014, the federal budget has included language that protects medical cannabis operators from Department of Justice prosecution. These protections will be maintained in this short-term funding bill, so medical cannabis programs and businesses are protected until at least March 23, 2018. However, it is imperative that Congress maintains these protections (and even expand protections for adult-use) in the longer budget that is being negotiated between now and March 23. NCIA will continue our Congressional lobbying efforts and work with our partners and other advocates to continue these protections.
Our team in Washington, D.C., works everyday to make the industry’s voice heard, but nothing matches the power of a personal story personally told. Remember to join us for NCIA’s 8th Annual Cannabis Industry Lobby Days this year on May 21-23 in Washington, D.C.
VIDEO: Save The Date For NCIA’s 8th Annual Lobby Days!
JUST ANNOUNCED! On May 21-23, 2018, NCIA Members will descend on Capitol Hill in Washington, D.C. for the 8th year in a row.
WHAT IS LOBBY DAYS? Every year, the National Cannabis Industry Association hosts the annual Cannabis Industry Lobby Days in Washington, D.C. This year, Lobby Days will bring over 300 cannabis industry professionals together to make their voices heard in the halls of Congress.
WHY ARE LOBBY DAYS IMPORTANT? With victories in eight states across the country during the 2016 presidential election, as well as the challenges posed by the new administration, fixing federal policies is more critical than ever. This year, we will continue to emphasize the importance of protecting legal cannabis businesses and patients, reforming section 280E of the federal tax code, and solutions to the banking crisis, all of which are critical to respecting state marijuana laws. Our team in Washington, D.C., works everyday to make the industry’s voice heard, but nothing matches the power of a personal story personally told.
Watch this short video to see highlights from last year’s 7th Annual Cannabis Industry Lobby Days, and to learn more about why you should plan to join us this year as we create momentum for cannabis policy reform in the halls of Congress.
Last year represented the most robust growth phase for NCIA in our seven-year history. The increase in membership and revenues has allowed us to expand our presence in Washington, D.C., provide better benefits and service to our members, and produce the best events in the industry.
Organizational Highlights
NCIA membership rolls increased by 40% during 2017 and NCIA is beginning the year with 1,530 dues-paying members.
Increased revenues allowed increase our budget for lobbying and public affairs on behalf of the cannabis industry by over 60%.
NCIA launched its Policy Council which has led the development of four policy white papers and has generated additional funding for our work in Washington, D.C.
NCIA worked with the Governors of the first four states to regulate marijuana to generate a sign-on letter urging the administration not to interfere with their states’ cannabis programs.
As we enter into our 8th year as your national industry association, we’re grateful to our more than 1,500 member businesses across the country who make our work possible. This year, it is more important than ever to unify as an industry and make our voices heard in the halls of Congress. Start planning now to join us in Washington, D.C., on May 21-23, 2018 for our 8th Annual Cannabis Industry Lobby Days. Let’s stand together and show our nation’s decision-makers what a legitimate, responsible cannabis industry looks like. See you in D.C.!
Department of Justice Rescinds Cole Memo: Here’s what to expect
This morning, Attorney General Jeff Sessions announced the Department of Justice’s move to rescind the “Cole Memo” and two additional memos related to marijuana enforcement policy. These memos, issued in 2013 and 2014, have helped to clarify the Department’s response to state-legal cannabis activity.
This is disturbing news for the cannabis industry and the majority of U.S. voters who support legal cannabis. However, the rescinding of this memo does not necessarily mean that any major change in enforcement policy is on the horizon. This has been, and still will be, a matter of prosecutorial discretion.
NCIA’s team in D.C. is working tirelessly to ensure that the administration and the Department of Justice uphold President Trump’s campaign promise to not interfere with state-legal cannabis programs by making sure they understand that regulated cannabis is successfully undercutting the criminal market, while funding important state programs.
At this time, it’s critical the cannabis industry unify to amplify that message so it’s crystal clear. It’s also imperative that Congress take action to align federal legislation with the majority of states, which now allow some form of legal cannabis.
One pressing issue before Congress is Senator Leahy’s appropriations amendment which would prevent the DOJ from using resources to undermine state medical cannabis laws. (The Senate’s version of the Rohrabacher-Blumenauer Amendment in the House.)
Please call your U.S. Senators today and urge them to include the Leahy Amendment in the upcoming Omnibus Appropriations Bill.
Talking points to help guide your call are included on our online action page.
To learn more about NCIA’s advocacy efforts or the NCIA-PAC, please contact NCIA Government Relations Manager, Michelle Rutter by emailing Michelle@thecannabisindustry.org.
And, of course, if your business is not yet a member of NCIA, please join today so that we have the resources we need to prevent any rollback of the progress we’ve made in recent years.
