NCIA Accepting Applications For 2024-2026 Board of Directors Term
NCIA is now accepting applications for eligible candidates to apply for the board through Friday, November 17, 2023.
The National Cannabis Industry Association is a nonprofit organization run for and by its membership, so we hope you’ll consider this opportunity to apply for a seat on the NCIA Board.
Serving on NCIA’s Board of Directors is no small task. Board members are responsible for overseeing the strategic direction of the largest and most influential cannabis industry organization in the country. Board Members are also responsible for building membership, fundraising, and ensuring that NCIA continues to be the strongest force advocating for the fair and equal treatment of the industry on Capitol Hill.
Current NCIA members in good standing are eligible to apply for a seat on the board. NCIA members who are interested and qualified to serve on our board are encouraged to submit an application for review by our nominating committee before the November 10 deadline.
Candidates may apply directly for a board position during the open application process. The application form asks for information about the candidate’s professional background, unique talents, skills, and viewpoints, and ability to contribute or raise financial resources for NCIA. Candidates must be fiduciaries of a NCIA member-business or be designated by a company fiduciary to serve on our board.
Who Qualifies To Run For A Board Position?
To be considered for a seat on the board, a candidate must be a fiduciary (e.g. owner, president, CEO) of a current member business at any level of membership or must be a representative of the business that has been appointed to serve by a fiduciary. Candidates must submit an application online by November 10.
What Are The Requirements For An NCIA Board Member?
Board members serve two-year terms and are responsible for overseeing the association’s overall strategy and budget, assisting in the development of strategic relationships, and serving as ambassadors of NCIA, which represents hundreds of member businesses. In general, the NCIA board meets in person twice and conducts 3-4 additional video conferences per year.
How Are The Board Positions Selected?
Once the application period closes, NCIA’s Nominations Committee will convene to carefully review and score all applications. The committee will ultimately select a slate of nominees to fill eight (8) available board seats that are best suited to bring additional talent, resources, and diversity to our growing organization, based on their qualifications.
Our Nominating Committee will comprise the chairs of our 14 member committees as well as a select number of current board members whose terms are not expiring this year. Once the Nominating Committee selects the slate of eight members will be notified at the end of this year.
NCIA Director of Communications Bethany Moore checks in with what’s going on across the country with the National Cannabis Industry Association’s membership, board, allies, and staff. Join us every other Thursday here on Facebook for NCIA Today Live.
Reach thousands of leading cannabis businesses while supporting NCIA’s advocacy work to protect and expand the industry by securing the right sponsorship package for your marketing needs. Contact us at Sponsorship@TheCannabisIndustry.org to learn more
NCIA Board of Directors Results – 2023-2025 Term
National Cannabis Industry Association’s nominating committee has completed the association’s annual board of directors election and six candidates have been elected to serve on the board for the 2023-2025 term.
Congratulations to the winners, and thank you to all of the candidates for their commitment to NCIA!
“I am honored to have the opportunity to serve on the NCIA board of directors and to work alongside some of the most inspirational cannabis advocates in the industry. NCIA and its leadership have worked tirelessly for years to advance legalization and create an equitable, just, and inclusive cannabis community. I look forward to working closely with my fellow board members to help both NCIA and the cannabis industry pave an even more successful path forward.”
“I am deeply honored to be on the Board of Directors for the NCIA. It has been an incredible experience being a member for the past 5 years and to see comprehensive reform inch closer and closer with the relentless efforts of the NCIA team and other advocates/organizations. I am truly hoping that in working together with the industry, we will be able to see the descheduling of cannabis within the next few years. I vow to represent small businesses and want to ensure we have a significant place in the industry at the National level. Working with the rest of the board representing all aspects of the cannabis industry, I am hoping that we can see change happen! We’ve been through so much. Let’s do this!”
The new board members-elect will join the NCIA executive director and the 12 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.
Video: NCIA Today – Thursday, November 3, 2022
NCIA Director of Communications Bethany Moore checks in with what’s going on across the country with the National Cannabis Industry Association’s membership, board, allies, and staff. Join us every other Thursday on Facebook for NCIA Today Live.
Video: NCIA Today – Thursday, October 22, 2022
NCIA Director of Communications Bethany Moore checks in with what’s going on across the country with the National Cannabis Industry Association’s membership, board, allies, and staff. Join us every other Thursday on Facebook for NCIA Today Live.
NCIA Accepting Applications For 2023-2025 Board of Directors Term
NCIA has extended the application deadline for members seeking to apply for a seat on our board of directors. We are now accepting applications for eligible candidates to apply for the board through Friday, November 25, 2022.
The National Cannabis Industry Association is a nonprofit organization run for and by its membership, so we hope you’ll consider this opportunity to apply for a seat on the NCIA Board.
Serving on NCIA’s Board of Directors is no small task. Board members are responsible for overseeing the strategic direction of the largest and most influential cannabis industry organization in the country. Board Members are also responsible for building membership, fundraising, and ensuring that NCIA continues to be the strongest force advocating for the fair and equal treatment of the industry on Capitol Hill.
Current NCIA members in good standing are eligible to apply for a seat on the board. NCIA members who are interested and qualified to serve on our board are encouraged to submit an application for review by our nominating committee before the November 25 deadline.
Candidates may apply directly for a board position during the open application process. The application form asks for information about the candidate’s professional background, unique talents, skills, and viewpoints, and ability to contribute or raise financial resources for NCIA. Candidates must be fiduciaries of a NCIA member-business
Who Qualifies To Run For A Board Position?
To be considered for a seat on the board, a candidate must be a fiduciary (e.g. owner, president, CEO) of a current member business at any level of membership or must be a representative of the business that has been appointed to serve by a fiduciary. Candidates must submit an application online by November 25.
What Are The Requirements For An NCIA Board Member?
Board members serve two-year terms and are responsible for overseeing the association’s overall strategy and budget, assist in the development of strategic relationships, and as ambassadors of NCIA, they represent more than 1,000 member businesses. In general, the NCIA board meets in person twice and conducts 2-3 video conferences per year.
How Are The Board Positions Selected?
Once the application period closes, NCIA’s Nominations Committee will convene to carefully review and score all applications. The committee will ultimately select a slate of nominees to fill six (6) available board seats that are best suited to bring additional talent, resources, and diversity to our growing organization, based on their qualifications.
Our Nominating Committee will be comprised of the chairs of our 14 member committees as well as a select number of current board members whose terms are not expiring this year. Once the Nominating Committee selects the slate of six, members will be notified at the end of this year.
Video: Voices of NCIA’s DEI Scholarship Recipients
Laws and regulations need to be designed and implemented with equity and fairness in mind. NCIA’s Diversity, Equity, Inclusion Committee is focused on recommendations that will create access to opportunity for those most adversely affected by cannabis prohibition.
A more diverse cannabis industry means a more prosperous one. We aim to foster a more equitable industry where participation and success are possible regardless of the numerous factors that have historically held many people, businesses, and communities back.
At the core of NCIA’s Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Program is our Equity Scholarship Program, which provides our Equity Members one year of complimentary membership to NCIA. Hear from some of the business owners who became a part of NCIA’s DEI Scholarship Program in this video.
If you share our vision for a more inclusive and equitable cannabis industry, please support NCIA’s DEI program through sponsorship. DEI program sponsors not only help us continue to provide complimentary memberships to equity operators, but it also comes with benefits! Click here to learn more about the program.
NCIA Board of Directors Selects 2022 Officers
by Aaron Smith, NCIA’s CEO and Co-founder
On Monday, February 7, NCIA’s Board of Directors conducted its first meeting of the year and gladly welcomed Michael Cooper of Madison Jay Solutions and Peoples’ Ecosystem CEO Christine De La Rosa as newly-seated members of the leadership team.
A longtime member of NCIA, Christine also serves as chair of the association’s Diversity Equity & Inclusion Committee. Michael is Chair Emeritus of NCIA’s State Regulations Committee and current Policy Co-Chair. Both have joined 13 other incumbent board members and will be serving during the 2022-24 board term.
NCIA commends Christine and Michael for their leadership and dedication to building an industry we can all be proud of.
The board also selected its slate of 2022 officers. By unanimous vote, the following directors have been appointed:
Along with CEO Aaron Smith, the board officers make up the governing leadership of the largest trade association representing the cannabis industry. NCIA is proud to be a member-led organization that looks out for what’s best for all legal cannabis businesses – large and small.
NCIA Deputy Director of Communications Bethany Moore checks in with what’s going on across the country with the National Cannabis Industry Association’s membership, board, allies, and staff. Join us every Friday on Facebook for NCIA Today Live.
NCIA Announces Incoming Board Members
The National Cannabis Industry Association (NCIA) is announcing a slate of incoming members of its Board of Directors today, including six incumbent Board members and two new nominees selected by the organization’s Nominating Committee to serve for the Board’s 2022-24 term.
The organization’s Nominating Committee selected six incumbent board members and two new nominees to serve on the board for the 2022-24 term. The newly-selected board nominees are MadisonJay Solutions Managing Member and NCIA Policy Council Co-Chair Michael Cooper and The People’s Ecosystem CEO and Chair of NCIA’s Diversity Equity & Inclusion Committee, Christine De La Rosa.
“We’re pleased to welcome the new and returning members for the next board term. Their leadership will be instrumental in advancing our vision for a legal, well-regulated, and inclusive cannabis industry,” stated NCIA CEO, co-founder, and Board member Aaron Smith.
As the longest running trade association for cannabis businesses, NCIA has been advocating on behalf of the cannabis industry since 2010. The organization has always maintained a transparent and representative leadership selection process in order to reflect its diverse membership, composed primarily of small businesses in the burgeoning industry.
“As the only broadly representative trade association representing the cannabis sector at the national level, we will always lead with integrity and advocate for the policies that are best for the industry as a whole, not just a handful of operators,” continued Smith. “That means always standing up for policies based in equity, restorative justice, inclusive markets, and against protectionist policies such as arbitrary license caps. I’m confident our board will continue to exemplify those core values in the year ahead.”
The incoming slate of Board members will join directors already serving on the Board for the 2021-23 term. The full list of current Board members and their bios is available here.
Video: NCIA Today – September 3, 2021
NCIA Deputy Director of Communications Bethany Moore checks in with what’s going on across the country with the National Cannabis Industry Association’s membership, board, allies, and staff. Join us every Friday here on Facebook for NCIA Today Live.
NCIA Accepting Applications For 2022-24 Board of Directors Term
NCIA is accepting applications for eligible candidates to apply for its board of directors now through Thursday, September 30, 2021.
The National Cannabis Industry Association is a nonprofit organization run for and by its membership, so we hope you’ll consider this opportunity to apply for a seat on the NCIA Board.
Serving on NCIA’s Board of Directors is no small task. Board members are responsible for overseeing the strategic direction of the largest and most influential cannabis industry organization in the country. Board Members are also responsible for building membership, fundraising, and ensuring that NCIA continues to be the strongest force advocating for the fair and equal treatment of the industry on Capitol Hill.
Current NCIA members in good standing are eligible to apply for a seat on the board. NCIA members who are interested and qualified to serve on our board are encouraged to submit an application for review by our nominating committee before the September 30 deadline. Candidates may apply directly for a board position during the open application process. The application form asks for information about the candidate’s professional background, unique talents, skills, and viewpoints, and ability to contribute or raise financial resources for NCIA.
Who Qualifies To Run For A Board Position?
To be considered for a seat on the board, a candidate must be a fiduciary (e.g. owner, president, CEO) of a current dues-paying member business at any level of membership and must submit an application online by September 30.
What Are The Requirements For An NCIA Board Member?
Board members serve two-year terms and are responsible for overseeing the association’s overall strategy and budget, assist in the development of strategic relationships, and as ambassadors of NCIA, they represent nearly 2,000 member businesses. In general, the NCIA board meets in person twice and conducts 2-3 video conferences per year.
How Are The Board Positions Selected?
Once the application period closes, NCIA’s Nominations Committee will convene to carefully review and score all applications. The committee will ultimately select a slate of nominees to fill eight (8) available board seats that are best suited to bring additional talent, resources, and diversity to our growing organization, based on their qualifications. Our Nominating Committee will be comprised of the chairs of our 14 member committees as well as a select number of current board members whose terms are not expiring this year. Once the Nominating Committee selects the slate of eight, members will be notified later this year.
Hurry Up And Wait: Descheduling, DEA Licenses, And Other Reform Legislation to Watch
By Morgan Fox, NCIA’s Director of Media Relations
The cannabis world is still eagerly awaiting the introduction of Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer’s comprehensive descheduling legislation, but that doesn’t mean things haven’t been moving on the policy front in recent weeks!
First up, the DEA announced that it was finally moving forward with approving applications to cultivate cannabis for research purposes, which would effectively end the federal government’s stranglehold on research production. The agency spent years fending off lawsuits from applicants, who correctly asserted that not only was the monopoly limiting research, but the cannabis being grown at the single licensed facility at the University of Mississippi was basically unusable for research purposes anyway. This announcement comes several years after the DEA publicly stated that it would begin the licensing process. Better late than never.
Next, Sen. Ron Wyden, who is also working closely with Majority Leader Schumer on descheduling along with Sen. Cory Booker, introduced S. 1698 last week. While text of this bill is currently not publicly available, the name suggests that this legislation would direct the FDA to allow hemp-derived CBD, made legal under the 2018 Farm Bill, to be used as a dietary supplement or in food. Some perceive this bill as necessary to get some regulatory clarity from the FDA, which has been dragging its feet and missed several deadlines for CBD regulations. Many in the industry blame this lack of regulation for larger retailers staying out of the CBD market, which has led to massive supply gluts of the substance and has been hypothesized to be a leading cause for the recent boom in Delta 8 THC production.
And earlier this month, Rep. David Joyce, an Ohio Republican who co-chairs the Congressional Cannabis Caucus, introduced a narrowly tailored bill to remove cannabis from the schedule of controlled substances. The bill assigns regulatory responsibilities to the FDA and the Alcohol and Tobacco Tax and Trade Bureau and gives them a one-year deadline to come up with a regulatory structure similar to alcohol. It also contains provisions similar to the protections that exist in the House-approved SAFE Banking Act, calls for studies on how cannabis impacts pain and driving, and improves access for veterans. Notably, this bill does not contain any social equity or restorative justice language.
While the chances of such legislation passing in the Democrat-controlled House are slim, it could serve as a doorway to get fence-sitting Republicans into the debate. It could also be a tool to identify those members of the GOP who are steadfastly opposed to any legalization bill and out of touch with their constituents, many of whom would directly benefit from cannabis policy reforms and who are increasingly in support of ending federal prohibition.
We’re also getting word that the Marijuana Opportunity, Reinvestment, and Expungement (MORE) Act is getting reintroduced in the House this week (and may have already been at the time of this publication). This legislation made history last December when it became the first descheduling bill to receive a floor vote – and pass – in either chamber of Congress. We are hopeful that there will be some revisions from the previous bill, including the removal of a provision that would allow federal licensors to deny applications for cannabis business licenses based on prior state or federal felony convictions, and the inclusion of a more sensible and robust regulatory framework.
We are less than halfway through the calendar year, and it is shaping up to be a momentous one for cannabis advocacy! Stay tuned for more updates from Capitol Hill.
P.S. On the state side, Alabama became the latest state to approve an effective medical cannabis law. Yes, Alabama. That brings the count of medical states to 36, after unfortunately losing Mississippi to a shameful court decision. So far in 2021, four states have approved adult-use or medical cannabis legislation, and more are expected to do so in the coming weeks and months.
NCIA Welcomes New and Returning Members to Board of Directors
NCIA, the country’s largest cannabis trade association and industry advocacy organization, will be seating its newly-appointed Board of Directors today.
The board also conducted its 2021 officers election today.
Khurshid Khoja and Kris Krane were re-elected as the board’s Chair and Vice Chair, respectively.
Narbe Alexandrian was re-elected as Treasurer and Chris Jackson was elected to the position of Secretary.
Henry Wykowski will continue to serve as the board’s General Counsel.
The organization’s Nominating Committee brought on four new board members.
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Seun Adedeji is the CEO of multi-state cannabis retailer Elev8 Cannabis with operations in Massachusetts and Oregon, and the youngest African-American dispensary owner in the United States.
Kimberly Cargile is the CEO of A Therapeutic Alternative, a California-based cannabis retailer, and a long-time advocate for medical cannabis patients.
Rebecca Colett is the CEO of Calyxeum, a licensed cannabis cultivation company based in Michigan, and has years of experience in the legal cannabis industry championing minority inclusion, veteran access programs and workforce development.
Cody Stross is the CEO of Northern Emeralds, a cannabis cultivator based in Northern California, and has significant experience in many areas of the cannabis industry as well as being a founding member of a cannabis trade association representing businesses in the Emerald Triangle.
Two incumbent Board members were also re-elected for another term: Kris Krane, current vice-chair of NCIA’s Board of Directors, and president and co-founder of 4Front Ventures; and Taylor West, partner at Heart + Mind Media.
“We are pleased to welcome these new and returning Board members for the next term as we enter what is arguably the most exciting time for cannabis policy reform in history,” said Aaron Smith, co-founder and chief executive officer of the National Cannabis Industry Association. “With their invaluable contributions and insight, NCIA will be well-positioned to improve the legal and regulatory landscape for the cannabis industry, lead it into new frontiers, and continue to be the most broadly representative proponent of cannabis businesses in the United States.”
The full list of Board members and their bios is available here.
Outgoing members include founding board members Troy Dayton and Etienne Fontan as well as Aaron Justis and Mark Passerini.
“On behalf of myself and the rest of the NCIA community, I want to extend my heartfelt gratitude to the Board members who are relinquishing their positions for their unwavering support of our efforts over the years to end prohibition and help the cannabis industry and its association grow,” said Smith. “We look forward to continuing our work with them in many capacities during this time of unprecedented opportunity.”
Announcing NCIA’s Incoming Board Members
The results of NCIA’s 2021-2023 Board of Directors nominations process are in!
We are appreciative to have received so many very thoughtful and impressive applications from dozens of NCIA members seeking to fill six available seats. Congratulations to the incoming members, and thanks to everyone who applied for a seat this year.
Please welcome four new members and two re-elected incumbents.
The slate will be joining board members Narbe Alexandrian, Cody Bass, Omar Figueroa, Liz Geisleman, Ryan Hurley, Chris Jackson, Khurshid Khoja, and Manndie Tingler at the board’s next (virtual) meeting scheduled for January 27.
Video: NCIA Today – August Recap, Diversity, Equity, & Inclusion Update, Election Predictions, and more!
Host Bethany Moore, NCIA’s Communications Manager and host of NCIA’s weekly Podcast ‘NCIA’s Cannabis Industry Voice‘ brings you an in-depth look at what is happening across the country in federal cannabis policy reform and with NCIA.
From the top, Bethany discusses the new NCIA #IndustryEssentials webinar series. Webinars that arenʻt just about getting some big-name talking heads on a Zoom call, but about getting the correct people with the most up-to-date information to help our members stay ahead of the curve. This new series provides insights you canʻt find anywhere else, from experts who will surprise and delight you with their in-depth knowledge on relevant industry topics.
We check in with NCIA Diversity, Equity, Inclusion Manager Tahir Johnson to hear some of the recent highlights from his new show “The Cannabis Diversity Report.” Launched alongside the NCIA Social Equity Scholarship program, this weekly conversation takes an in-depth look at navigating, regulating, and growing the cannabis industry as a minority operator.
Director of Public Policy Andrew Kline joins Bethany on NCIA Today to discuss the nomination of Kamala Harris as the Democrats’ vice-presidential choice. A former Biden staffer and advisor, Kline discusses the minute differences he sees in the nominees’ cannabis policy and his expectation that Senator Harris can help Vice President Biden’s views evolve.
2020 isn’t completely canceled, as we begin registration for this November’s #CannaBizSummit CYBER, register today!
NCIA Board of Directors Announces 2020 Board Officers
On Tuesday, February 18, NCIA’s Board of Directors met in Boston in advance of NCIA’s Northeast Cannabis Business Conference. During the meeting, new board officers were voted upon and instated into their roles for the current term.
NCIA is pleased to announce the following board officers:
Prior to this most recent officers election, Khurshid served as the board’s Vice-Chair and Kris served as Treasurer. This will be Henry’s fourth year as Secretary and Narbe’s first year as Treasurer. All four officers now make up the Executive Committee of NCIA’s board, along with Executive Director and Board Member Aaron Smith. NCIA deeply appreciates the dedication of our new officers and the entire board of directors.
NCIA Board of Directors Results Are In
The results of NCIA’s 2020-2022 Board of Directors nominations process are in!
Earlier this year, we announced a new application process for our annual Board of Directors nominations. We are appreciative to have received so many very thoughtful and impressive applications from over 50 NCIA members seeking to fill eight available seats.
Candidates not chosen during the selection process may now seek an independent nomination to go before a vote of the NCIA membership. Independent candidates must get the signatures (electronic) of 3% of the membership in order to qualify for the ballot.
If no qualified independent candidates are received by December 20, the slate of nominees recommended by the Board of Directors shall be declared members of the Board of Directors and shall commence their term in January 2020.
If one or more qualified independent candidates qualify, all candidates will be presented to the membership for an election in late December.
For information on the process or instructions on seeking an independent nomination, contact NCIA’s Hilary Srole at Hilary@TheCannabisIndustry.org by Friday, November 22.
Stay tuned!
NCIA Accepting Applications For 2020-22 Board of Directors Term
NCIA is accepting applications for eligible candidates to apply for its board of directors now through Friday, September 27, 2019.
The National Cannabis Industry Association is a nonprofit organization run for and by its membership, so we hope you’ll consider this opportunity to apply for a seat on the NCIA Board.
Serving on NCIA’s Board of Directors is no small task. Board members are responsible for overseeing the strategic direction of the largest and most influential cannabis industry organization in the country. Board Members are also responsible for building membership, fundraising, and ensuring that NCIA continues to be the strongest force advocating for the fair and equal treatment of the industry on Capitol Hill.
To ensure that the board makeup best reflects our membership, NCIA no longer requires board candidates to be Sustaining Members; all current NCIA members, at any level, are eligible to apply for a seat on the board. NCIA members who are interested and qualified to serve on our board are encouraged to submit an application for review by our nominating committee before the September 27 deadline. Candidates may apply directly for a board position during the open application process. The application form asks for information about the candidate’s professional background, unique talents, skills, and viewpoints, and ability to contribute or raise financial resources for NCIA.
Who Qualifies To Run For A Board Position?
To be considered for a seat on the board, a candidate must be a fiduciary (e.g. owner, president, CEO) of a current dues-paying Member business at any level of membership and must submit an application online by September 27.
What Are The Requirements For An NCIA Board Member?
Board members serve two-year terms and are responsible for overseeing the association’s overall strategy and budget, assist in the development of strategic relationships, and as ambassadors of NCIA, they represent nearly 2,000 member businesses. In general, the NCIA board meets in person twice and conducts 2-3 video conferences per year.
What’s New About This Year’s Process For Nominations?
The new process allows any fiduciary (e.g. owner, president CEO) of a member business to apply to serve a two-year term on the Board of Directors.
The selection process will now be overseen by a Nominations Committee and a slate of candidates will be chosen. Candidates not chosen during the selection process may seek an independent nomination to go before a vote of the NCIA membership.
How Are The Board Positions Selected?
Once the application period closes, NCIA’s nominating committee will convene to carefully review and score all applications. The committee will ultimately select a slate of nominees to fill eight available board seats that are best suited to bring additional talent, resources, and diversity to our growing organization, based on their qualifications. Our nominating committee will be comprised of the chairs of our 13 member committees as well as a select number of current board members whose terms are not expiring this year.
NCIA Members will then be notified of the slate and provided instructions for obtaining an independent nomination. Independent candidates must get the signatures (electronic) of 5% of the membership in order to qualify for the ballot.
If no qualified independent candidates are received by November 27, the slate of nominees recommended by the Board of Directors shall be declared members of the Board of Directors and shall commence their term in January 2020. If one or more qualified independent candidates qualify, all candidates will be presented to the membership for an election which will take place during the month of December.
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!
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.
2018 Board of Directors Election Now Open!
It’s time to vote in NCIA’s annual board of directors election! Participation in NCIA’s board election is one of the most important ways to engage as a member of your trade association, as it ensures that your values are represented within NCIA’s leadership.
If you are a member of NCIA, we encourage you to review the voter guide of this year’s candidates and cast your ballot between now and May 31 for the 2018-2020 term.
About NCIA’s Board of Directors:
As the largest national trade association for the industry, NCIA’s Board of Directors establishes the organization’s board objectives and strategic direction. Board Members are responsible for building membership, fundraising for the organization, and ensuring that NCIA continues to be the strongest force advocating for the fair and equal treatment of the industry on the Hill.
About the election process: NCIA members will receive an email with a unique link to a secure online election ballot.
There are 9 open board of directors seats and 21 nominated candidates (including seven current board members seeking reelection). Please refer to your voter guide for information on all candidates and for more information on board election logistics before casting your vote online.
Each member business can only vote once and votes cannot be changed once submitted.
Votes are weighted according to membership status.
Voting closes at 11:59 PM EDT on Thursday, May 31.
Learn more about the candidates: 1. Download the VOTER GUIDE. 2. Watch the candidate VIDEOS. 3. Watch recordings of the moderated NCIA Board Nominee Forums which took place on May 2, 3, and 4! Take the opportunity to listen in as nominees answer critical questions about their candidacy and discuss their long-term vision for NCIA and the industry at-large.
Moe Asnani – iLava Gary Cohen – Cova John Davis (Incumbent) – Northwest Cannabis Troy Dayton (Incumbent) – The Arcview Group Etienne Fontan (Incumbent) – Berkeley Patients Group Michael Gruber – Salveo Capital (WITHDRAWN) Aaron Justis (Incumbent) – Buds and Roses Kris Krane (Incumbent) – 4Front Ventures Jaime Lewis (Incumbent) – Coldwater Consulting Olivia Mannix – Cannabrand John MacKay – Synergistic Technology Associates (WITHDRAWN) Michael Minardi – Minardi Law Mark Passerini – Om of Medicine Erich Pearson (Incumbent) – SPARC Ean Seeb (Incumbent) – Manna Molecular Gregg Steinberg – Growcentia Michael Steinmetz – Flow Kana Ian Stewart, Esq. – Wilson Elser Law Firm Kimley Svendsen – Waterstone Staffing Holdings, LLC Manndie Tingler – Papa & Barkley Taylor West – COHNNABIS
Note: Individuals who cast a ballot on behalf of their member-business are responsible for verifying that they are authorized to do so within their own corporate leadership structure.
Not yet a member of NCIA?
If you are not a member of NCIA but want to participate in the election, join today and we’ll provide you access to the online ballot. Your membership will also support the industry’s only unified and coordinated effort to reform federal marijuana laws as well as provide other member benefits enjoyed by the more than 1,500 responsible cannabis businesses that make up NCIA’s national network.
Board Election Videos! Get to the know the candidates this year.
NCIA’s 2018 Board of Directors election is officially here! We’re offering new ways for candidates to tell their stories and for NCIA members to get the information they need to cast their votes. Watch the videos below to get to know some of the candidates in this year’s election. Videos are posted in the order in which they were received.
(Ballots with unique links have been sent to NCIA member companies by Monday, April 30. If you are an NCIA member wishing to vote in the 2018 Board of Directors but have not received your ballot, please contact the Membership Department at Jeremy@TheCannabisIndustry.org)
The election closes at 11:59 PM EDT on Thursday, May 31.
Do you want to have an influential role in strengthening and protecting the industry we’ve built together? This is your chance. Joining NCIA’s Board of Directorsis the premier opportunity to contribute to the progress and success of the cannabis industry.
As the only national trade association for the industry, joining NCIA’s Board of Directors is the premier opportunity to contribute to the progress and success of the cannabis industry. NCIA’s Board of Directors is the executive body that establishes NCIA’s broad objectives and strategic direction. As such, the board has authority over NCIA’s bylaws, mission, budget, and provides oversight to ensure the organization continues to serve our members’ interests as the industry grows and matures.
NCIA prides itself on truly being an organization run for and by its members. Now until Friday, April 27, NCIA will be accepting nominations for candidates to run for the Board of Directors.
WHO CAN BE NOMINATED?
Any representative of a current NCIA Sustaining Member business may run for a seat on the board with the nomination by another representative of any other NCIA member-business.
For current NCIA members wishing to nominate a candidate, nominations are being accepted through this online form. Representatives of Basic or Sponsoring level member businesses who are interested in serving on the board are encouraged to contact us at membership@thecannabisindustry.org or (888) 683-5650 to upgrade your membership before seeking nomination. You can also ask another NCIA member to nominate you by reviewing our member directory!
HOW DO MEMBERS VOTE?
After nominations close at 11:59 PM EDT on April 27, NCIA will send information about all qualifying candidates in a Voter Guide. A secure online ballot will be open to all current NCIA members starting at noon EDT on Monday, April 30, and online voting will be open until until 11:59 PM EDT on Thursday, May 31.
For questions about participating in NCIA’s board election as a candidate or a voter, please contact NCIA Membership Director, Jeremy DePasquale at Jeremy@TheCannabisIndustry.org.
2017 Board of Directors Election Results
National Cannabis Industry Association members have voted in the association’s annual board of directors election and 11 candidates have been elected to serve on the board for the 2017-19 term.
Congratulations to the winners, and thank you to all of the candidates for their commitment to NCIA!
NCIA is proud of its open and transparent process for selecting board members. The board has oversight over the association’s strategic direction and budget, so it’s important that they represent the membership’s interest. The new board members-elect will join the NCIA executive director and the 11 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.
Board Candidate – Christie Lunsford, Pro MAX Grow
Five reasons to vote Christie Lunsford, COO of Pro MAX Grow for NCIA Board of Directors
Dedication.
I am a founding member of National Cannabis Industry Association. After experiencing firsthand the impacts caused by the lack of banking and 280e taxation, I sold off my cultivation and manufacturing licenses in 2012. This experience made me a passionate and active ambassador for NCIA. Over the last six years, I have fundraised, lobbied and actively recruited new members to ensure the future of the organization and the industry it serves.
Experience.
I understand cannabis. Over the last decade, I have contributed to and worked in all aspects of the nascent cannabis industry. My first passion was growing and making plant medicines. My product formulations have significantly impacted the health and wellness of over 30,000 cannabis medical patients and adult-use consumers across the U.S.
My firm, Endocannabinoidology has developed a reputation as a competent consultancy and has worked across the U.S. to open markets through science based cannabinoid education. Our business development has had remarkable success writing for and winning extremely desirable licenses for our clients in multiple markets.
As COO of Pro MAX Grow, I am building national growth and developing entrepreneurial relationships across the U.S. for our specialized horticultural LED lighting technologies. Our team is passionate about building a sustainable cannabis industry and addressing hot button topics like energy consumption.
Relationships.
“Nurture your network” is one of my favorite #protips. Over the years, I’ve developed a vast network of like-minded professionals who are in competitive businesses within the cannabis space. Together, we have crafted the cannabis industry. As an active mentor, I’am able to mold a whole new generation of entrepreneurs to support and collaborate with NCIA to ensure their mutual success.
Policy.
The cannabis movement is a catalyst for social change. In no other industry is the intersection between social justice, agriculture, science, technology, politics more impactful than this industry. I will assist in developing a plan to fund and convey how important the NCIA PAC is to shape political relationships that build support for our cause. The world is watching and we need strong political support to see both national and international legalization and pro-business policies through. It’s ground zero.
With your vote, I will take part in building long term strategies to insure the success of the cannabis industry and further legitimize cannabis as a plant medicine that serves medical patients and adult use consumers.
With your vote, I will continue to take part in strategic planning to resolve our lack of banking and unfair 280E taxation policy.
With your vote, I will work to build our PAC by actively fundraising and building relationships with candidates to insure pro-cannabis business policies.
With your vote, I will support and empower diversity in all levels of the cannabis industry.
With your vote, I will use my values based decision making to craft strategies that empower all parties’ clarity to see past conflict.
With your vote, I’ll utilize my background in strategic planning, risk mitigation and policy development to ensure the success of NCIA’s goals.
We are all responsible for a laying the foundation for a successful industry. I am confident that the addition to the board of my years of dedication, experience, policy work, relationships and vision will invigorate, strengthen and refine our mission.
Thank you for your time and your vote. I would be honored to serve you on the board of National Cannabis Industry Association.
About Ben Curren
CEO, Co-Founder of Green Bits
NCIA Member since 2014
Ben is dedicated to creating innovative, easy-to-use products that help small businesses delight customers, drive revenue, and streamline operations. After working on QuickBooks as a senior engineer, Ben started his own consulting firm, but had trouble finding an accounting program that worked the way he needed it to. This lead him to co-found Outright, an accounting program for freelancers and consultants. He sold Outright to GoDaddy, a billion-dollar web-hosting company, 4 years after founding the business.
Ben used his Outright proceeds to launch Green Bits in 2014, just as Washington cannabis retail stores were opening. Ben attracted top talent from his previous ventures and has since grown the retail management platform into a 20+ person startup serving 600+ cannabis retailers and securely processing over $1.4B per year.
He’s a father of two, husband, lifelong learner, mentor, and entrepreneur. He believes that you must understand why things are the way they are before you can successfully change them.
Candidate’s Statement
I’m humbled to have been nominated for the NCIA Board of Directors. In my tenure as a cannabis advocate, I’ve had the first cannabis company to compete in TechCrunch Disrupt, been quoted in Forbes, The Guardian, and NBC, and spoken at Harvard University alongside Senators about the future of software and payments in our industry.
For many years, software and technology have transformed not only small and large businesses, but also entire industries. The cannabis industry and its businesses are currently going through their own technology revolution. With seed-to-sale tracking, cannabis retailers are dealing with the most complex inventory tracking procedures in the world, and it takes sophisticated software to make all manual, error prone tasks automated so that these businesses always stay in compliance. Software is helping keep these stores open; allowing patients to receive their medication, business owners to create more jobs, and the industry to increase its transparency and legitimacy nationwide.
I’ve worked on projects for Google, helped build Quickbooks, and founded and sold software companies. I can bring another level of engineering expertise to the NCIA and its Board of Directors and help promote the growth of a responsible and legitimate cannabis industry.
The NCIA was founded on the principle of power in numbers. With my nomination, I bring a network of engineers and investors who are eager to help our industry grow into an even more responsible and legitimate part of the United States economy.
NCIA’S Q2 #CannabisCaucus Events Continue Successful Run
by Brian Gilbert, NCIA Events Manager
NCIA just wrapped up the the most recent editions of our regular member event series, the Quarterly Cannabis Caucuses. These events are designed to prepare our members for the uncertain times ahead and provide them the tools they need to help continue the positive momentum seen for our issues on the federal level.
Over the course of three weeks in April, we brought together more than 750 industry professionals, representing more than 300 individual cannabis businesses in eight cities spread across seven states. In Colorado, Northern California, and Southern California, we had more than 150 attendees join us at each event, all surpassing our previous attendance records set in 2016. The continued growth and support of these events has been incredible to witness! Thank you to all those who participated last month and provided us the opportunity to foster this growing community. Read on to view photo and event highlights from this quarter, as well as date and location info for our Q3 caucuses hosted in July.
We were thrilled in our first week to be joined in Washington by Seattle City Attorney Pete Holmes, in the Northeast by Massachusetts Representative Dave Rogers (D-24), and in Colorado by State Senator Tim Neville (R-16).
The following week in Oregon, Jeffrey Rhoads, Senior Policy Advisor on Marijuana to Governor Kate Brown, and Tara Sulzen, Regional Director for Rep. Earl Blumenauer, spoke in Oregon at ecotrust.
In our final week we were joined at Meadow in San Francisco by Jeff Sparks with the Office of CA State Senator Scott Wiener (D – 11th District). Then we welcomed Pamela Epstein, consultant and attorney at Green Wise Consulting and Hoban Law Group, to the historic Andaz Hotel for our first event in West Hollywood.
Finally, Jeff Irwin, the Political Director of the Michigan Coalition to Regulate Marijuana Like Alcohol, spoke at a standing-room-only event at Om of Medicine in Ann Arbor, Michigan. The event was NCIA’s first Michigan gathering in nearly four years, and with 75 attendees, set an attendance record for our Midwest Caucus. We were incredibly excited to see such a strong show of unity among the advocates and industry players following the announcement of a coalition to put adult-use legalization on the ballot in 2018.
Special thanks go out to our generous guest speakers who all provided valuable insights for our attendees on regional legislative issues and hot topics.
This quarter we were also joined at a number of events by current candidates for our 2017 Board of Directors election. Thank you to all those listed below that made an appearance to demonstrate their commitment to providing leadership for their national trade association!
Caela Bintner – Faces Human Capital Management AC Braddock – Eden Labs Shannon Fender – Native Roots Hector Fernandez – G FarmaLabs Matt Hoffman – Hand Grown Christie Lunsford – Pro MAX Grow Sean McAllister – McAllister Garfield, P.C. Brad Nattrass – urban-gro Inc. Keegan Peterson – wurk
Continuing the 2017 tradition of broadening our reach within regions, we’ll be bringing the July editions of our Northeast, Midwest, and Northern and Southern California events to new cities. Mark your calendar now and stay on the lookout for complete details once registration opens up later this month!
Washington – Seattle, WA – Tuesday, July 11 Northeast – Portland, ME – Tuesday, July 11 Colorado – Denver, CO – Thursday, July 13 Oregon – Portland, OR – Tuesday, July 18 Tri-State – New York, NY – Tuesday, July 18 So. California – San Diego, CA – Thursday, July 20 No. California – San Jose, CA – Tuesday, July 25 Midwest – Columbus, OH – Thursday, July 27
Finally, NCIA deeply values the community which we’re building around these events and our advocacy efforts as a whole. To that end, we hope all those who attended will be taking their involvement to the next level by participating in our 7th Annual Cannabis Industry Lobby Days, kicking off next week in Washington, DC!
As always a huge thanks goes out to all our sponsors, media partners, and event hosts that made Q2 another success! Please join us in showing them some appreciation for the enormous support by following the links below and learning more about each of these amazing businesses or groups. Then reach out to see how they might be able to help you!
Interested in sponsoring an upcoming Cannabis Caucus in your area or a series of events across the country? Contact us at sponsorship@thecannabisindustry.org to learn more about supporting your industry’s political voice and highlighting your brand at NCIA’s remaining Quarterly Cannabis Caucuses in 2017!
Board Candidate – Brad Nattrass, urban-gro
Brad Nattrass CEO at urban-gro Lafayette, Colorado
Member since November 2015 Industry sector: Ancillary
I am Brad Nattrass, CEO of urban-gro. With voting now open for the 11 open spots for the 2017 NCIA Board of Directors, I would like to invite your vote.
Our team of nearly 30 employees, located across the country, works with large scale cultivation facilities to provide advanced technology products and systems solutions. Our company was honored to be awarded an inaugural Cannavation Award for Cultivation at the recent NCIA Seed to Sale Show.
I am looking forward to being in Washington DC this month with my team and fellow NCIA members for NCIA’s Lobby Days May 16 – 17. We will be exhibiting at NCIA Business Conference and Expo in Oakland in June. I also greatly appreciate the Quarterly Cannabis Caucuses, and we’ve been a sponsor for many of these. Members of my team regularly attend these events across the country.
In serving on the Board, I am motivated to be part of expanding the voice of the commercial cannabis cultivator and representing ancillary businesses.
You can count on me to attend board meetings and faithfully deliver on all action items. As a member of the NCIA board, I will be of service to NCIA and my fellow members in three ways:
Bringing attention to the challenges faced by cultivators in every region of the country
Bringing a network of professionals to drive NCIA membership and sponsorship, and
Providing a relentless entrepreneurial drive to make a difference
First, I bring the pulse of cultivators on a national scale. Because urban-gro sells to hundreds of commercial cultivation facilities in every stage of development, we have a unique opportunity to learn about the specific concerns and challenges that growers face in all regions of the country. My national team will report to me on a monthly basis, and I will compile this information and report to the Board. This added layer of industry feedback will help the NCIA continue to create relevant programming to members in all regions of the U.S.
Second, with my company’s strong customer base, I bring a strong, supportive network of industry professionals. As an active ambassador for the NCIA, I am confident that I will be able to play a strong role in driving both memberships and participation (financial and individual).
Third, I have an incredible drive. With an MBA, and over a decade of experience in large scale agriculture. As an entrepreneur, I bring a unique skill set to the Board. I am a solutions focused individual that rises to the occasion when I encounter challenges. I will use this passion in support of NCIA’s evolving goals and activities.
I will be honored and humbled if you vote for me to join the NCIA Board of Directors. If you haven’t met me yet, please don’t hesitate to reach out and introduce yourself.
Plus during the election process if you tag #NCIAElection with support for my candidacy on or any others, my social media team will be sure to engage with the post.
Candidate Bio
Serving as the CEO for urban-gro, Brad manages the strategic vision of the company and oversees the sales, marketing, and finance divisions. Founded in 2014 as a company of three, today urban-gro has nearly 30 employees across the United States serving large scale commercial cannabis cultivators. urban-gro is an agricultural technology systems integrator that provides full design and expertise on lighting, climate control, automated fertigation/irrigation, water treatment, integrated pest management, and air purification. The company was listed as the 19th largest Cannabis ancillary business in 2016 by Cannabis Business Executive.
urban-gro has been a sustaining member of NCIA since 2014 and an avid participant in NCIA-sponsored events. In February 2017, urban-gro was a recipient of NCIA’s inaugural Cannavation Award for Cultivation.
Brad ventured out to begin his entrepreneurial career in 2005 after spending a decade working for agricultural giant Cargill Ltd. He co-found his first commercial lighting company in 2012 in Colorado. Seeing a need in the Cannabis industry for sustainable and efficient lighting solutions he co-founded urban-gro. As the needs of cultivation facilities continued to reveal themselves, he has led the company’s growth and product line diversification to serve those needs as well. He holds a Bachelor of Commerce Degree (Marketing) and an MBA, and currently resides in Broomfield, CO with his wife, Wendy, and their three children.
Board Candidate – Sean McAllister, McAllister Garfield, P.C.
If you don’t know me yet, ask leaders in the cannabis industry about me. They will tell you:
I’m old school. I’ve been working for cannabis law reform for 21 years, beginning on a prison moratorium campaign, leading to my role as Chair of the Board of Directors of Sensible Colorado funded by MPP, and now evolving into a well-respected cannabis business lawyer.
I’m a fighter. I’m not afraid to speak truth to power. Cannabis law reform is not done and we need aggressive advocates for the industry who don’t apologize for wanting to be treated like any other industry.
I’m not an extremist. I have supported reasonable regulations on cannabis, similar to alcohol (but not identical). But I have opposed unreasonably high taxes and other efforts to over-regulate cannabis. I will resist efforts to regulate marijuana so strictly that all profitability is taken out of it.
I favor a free market approach whenever possible. I understand local reasons why limits on licenses might be needed or desired, but I generally favor open licensing processes that let the market sort out the best actors rather than the state.
My firm is growing. I now have 14 lawyers in four states, Colorado, California, Oregon, and Florida. I am one of the only major cannabis lawyers licensed in both Colorado and California. I have the national perspective needed to help the Board make good decisions.
I value inclusion and diversity in our industry. I will work to build our membership through my growing client base and ensure that all stakeholders have a voice in NCIA, including women and people of color.
I understand the problems with 280E. I have represented numerous companies in IRS audits and have seen how this issue is an existential threat to our industry.
I want to support and build the NCIA PAC. We must exert more political power to get laws changed.
I am a problem solver who believes in win-win situations.
I will be an articulate and professional voice for the industry as a Board member.
Sean McAllister Bio for NCIA Board Elections
21 years working on marijuana law reform, including founding Sensible Colorado in 2004 and serving as chair of its Board of Directors through adult use legalization in 2012.
McAllister Garfield has 14 lawyers, licensed in 5 states: Colorado, California, Oregon, Illinois and Florida.
Sean represents some of the largest infused products manufacturers in Colorado, which have been expanding to multiple states through licensing agreements and independent operations.
Sean’s firm has a Tribal Law Group that represents Native American tribes in multiple states seeking to do cannabis/hemp projects
Sean has litigated several groundbreaking cannabis cases, including defending the nation’s first cannabis products liability case, suing state regulators over enforcement actions, litigating pesticide standards, negotiating settlements for some of the most serious rules violations, litigating local bans on cannabis dispensaries; and assisting in authoring state and local ballot initiatives.
Sean handled the only federal prosecution of a licensed dispensary owner in Colorado, who was charged wrongly with federal money laundering and achieved a favorable outcome.
Sean is focused on being a top corporate counsel to dispensaries. His work involves all aspects of corporate formation, dissolution, governance, M&A, IP, promissory notes, civil litigation and land use matters.
Sean is a regular speaker at the nation’s largest cannabis conferences and is regularly quoted in the national press.
Sean has won several awards recognizing his advocacy for cannabis reform, including: Friend of Reform Award, Sensible Colorado, 2013 and 2015 MVP Award at the Cannabis Business Awards, and 2016 and 2017 named a Top Marijuana Lawyer by Denver’s 5280 Magazine.
Sean’s Firm is a sustaining member of NCIA. He also supports CCIA, NORML, DPA, MPP, Colorado Cannabis Chamber of Commerce, and National Cannabis Bar Association.
NCIA’s annual board of directors election is now open for all members looking to help select the leadership of the cannabis industry’s only national trade association!
If you are a member of NCIA, we hope that you will take some time to consider the great candidates vying for a seat on the board and cast a vote between now and May 22, when the online election closes.
For NCIA members:
In order to cast a vote, you will need to log into NCIA’s secure member ballot using your member company login. Only ONE ballot can be submitted per member company.
If you do not remember your password or are having trouble logging in, please contact us at info@thecannabisindustry.org or (303) 223-4530.
Please be sure to download and review our complete Voter Guide (PDF) before casting your vote.
Not yet a member of NCIA? If you are not a member of NCIA but want to participate in the election, join today and we’ll provide you access to the online ballot. Your membership will also support the industry’s only unified and coordinated effort to reform federal marijuana laws as well as provide other member benefits enjoyed by the more than 1,200 responsible cannabis businesses that make up NCIA’s community.
A few other important items about the board election:
Each member business can only vote once and votes cannot be changed once submitted online.
Members can vote for up to 11 of the 33 nominated candidates.
Votes are weighted according to membership status. If you are a member and would like to upgrade your membership to increase your influence in the board election, please contact us at (888) 683-5650 to process the upgrade before completing your online ballot.
There are eleven open board of directors seats and 33 nominated candidates (including eight current board members seeking reelection). Please refer to your voter guide for information on all the candidates and for more information on board election logistics before casting your vote online.
2017 Board Candidates:
Mitch Baruchowitz – Merida Capital Partners LP
Cody Bass (incumbent) – Tahoe Wellness Cooperative
Ken Berke – PayQwick, LLC
Jessica Billingsley (incumbent) – MJ Freeway
Caela Bintner – Faces Human Capital Management
AC Braddock (incumbent) – Eden Labs
Andy Brassington – Evergreen Herbal
Brian Caldwell – Triple C Collective
Jan Cole – Zol Solutions
Alex Cooley (incumbent) – Solstice
Ben Curren – Green Bits
Dasheeda Dawson – MaryJane Marketing LLC
Steve DeAngelo (incumbent) – Harborside Health Center
Shannon Fender – Native Roots
Hector Fernandez – G FarmaLabs
Bob Hoban – Hoban Law Group
Matt Hoffman – Hand Grown
Rob Kampia (incumbent) – Marijuana Policy Project Foundation
Kayvan Khalatbari (incumbent) – Denver Relief Consulting
Khurshid Khoja (incumbent) – Greenbridge Corporate Counsel
Steve Levine – Husch Blackwell LLC
Christie Lunsford – Pro MAX Grow
Marion Mariathasan – Simplifya
Randy Maslow – iAnthus
Sean McAllister – McAllister Garfield, P.C.
Norris Monson – Cultivated Industries
Ralph Morgan – Organa Brands
Brad Nattrass – urban-gro Inc.
Sal Pace – SMP LLC (Pueblo County Commissioner)
Keegan Peterson – wurk
Adrian Sedlin – Canndescent
Gregg Steinberg – Growcentia
Richard Walker – Thorburn Walker LLC
Participation in NCIA’s board election is one of the most important ways to engage as a member of your trade association, as it ensures that your values are represented within NCIA’s leadership. NCIA’s elected board is responsible for approving the organization’s budget and strategic plan as well as contributing to the organization financially and through developing membership.
Thank you for your membership and commitment to working together to build the responsible, legitimate, and sustainable industry that we envisioned at the founding of NCIA.
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Amy Larson of 
“I am deeply honored to be on the Board of Directors for the NCIA. It has been an incredible experience being a member for the past 5 years and to see comprehensive reform inch closer and closer with the relentless efforts of the NCIA team and other advocates/organizations. I am truly hoping that in working together with the industry, we will be able to see the descheduling of cannabis within the next few years. I vow to represent small businesses and want to ensure we have a significant place in the industry at the National level. Working with the rest of the board representing all aspects of the cannabis industry, I am hoping that we can see change happen! We’ve been through so much. Let’s do this!”
By Morgan Fox, NCIA’s Director of Media Relations
Rebecca Colett
Cody Stross
will tell you: