Top Five Reasons to Attend Cannabis Caucus Events

1. Registration is complimentary for members!

Back with a fresh new look, NCIA’s popular Cannabis Caucus Series are meaningful networking events that pop up in five of the most burgeoning cannabis markets every three months. We launched this event series three years ago as an exclusive opportunity for NCIA members and their guests to connect with each other, learn about regional issues from influential guest speakers and get the latest news about NCIA’s federal policy work

One of the many benefits of NCIA membership is complimentary access to all of our 15 Cannabis Caucus events a year. Even better, depending on your membership level, you get complimentary tickets for up to to five of your colleagues! This is equivalent to $250 worth of tickets! If you’re an NCIA member and you aren’t taking the opportunity to attend these events, you’re leaving money on the table.

This year, we’re offering limited complimentary tickets to a select group of non-members who are passionate about advocacy and want to join the movement to protect our industry. If this is you, please fill out this form and we will follow up shortly.

Of course, if you’re not yet an NCIA member, you should consider joining to receive unlimited access to these events and more! Contact Membership@TheCannabisIndustry.org for more information!

2. You’ll make meaningful connections with industry leaders

During last year’s Cannabis Caucus events, more than 1,000 attendees turned out for our 32 events nationwide. This means that although these events are growing increasingly popular, they are still small enough to make meaningful connections with other industry leaders in your region. Instead of just making small talk with someone in passing, you’ll get to to have real conversations with some of the most influential leaders in the industry. Year after year, we hear about people striking business partnerships, friendships and impactful connections at these events because they offer the time, space and opportunity to do so.

3. NCIA convenes industry influencers

As the largest national trade association in the U.S. and the only organization representing nearly 2,000 cannabis-related businesses at the national level, we have pretty deep connections. We know that 70 percent of the individuals who attend Cannabis Caucus events have executive level decision-making authority and 30 percent have heavy decision-making influence. All of this is to say that the caliber of the meaningful connections you will make have the potential to benefit your business in very real ways and quickly. We also know that these boutique events are frequently attended by industry pioneers and dedicated policy reform advocates, the movers and shakers of the industry, who have helped support the movement for decades.

4. Simplified, accurate federal and regional policy updates

For many people, federal policy developments can seem a bit dry and/or overly complex. However, in our industry, understanding and staying current on the changing tides of policies can make or break your business. At Cannabis Caucuses, we’ll break down all of the recent federal policy issues you need to know in order to protect your business. Better yet, our intel is coming straight from our Government Relations team on the Hill. Consider this your opportunity for simplified, accurate federal policy insights to inform your business strategy.

At every event, we also recruit influential policy makers, government officials, or industry executives as guest speakers to shed light on important regional issues. Take the opportunity to meet the guest speakers afterwards to ask questions during the nearly two hours worth of networking. When else would you get this opportunity?

5. They’re fun!

This might not be one your boss cares so much about, but we do. Your registration includes hors d’oeuvres, plus enjoy drinks from a cash bar in a relaxed, sophisticated setting. Repeatedly, we hear from guests that Cannabis Caucus events are their favorite because of the quality of the event, the caliber of the attendees and the sense of community and camaraderie they foster.

Register today!

 

WEBINAR: Michigan Voted to Legalize Adult-Use Cannabis – What You Need To Know Now

On Election Day, Michigan voters resoundingly approved Prop 1 to legalize and regulate adult-use marijuana under state law. It’s an exciting time with great possibilities, but what does this mean for the future state of Michigan’s legal cannabis landscape?

Watch this recording of the webinar from NCIA’s State Regulations Committee, presenting its first-ever interactive webinar designed to help you answer the pressing questions about Michigan’s new adult-use market.

Join NCIA’s State Regulations Committee members, including Chair Maureen McNamara of Cannabis Trainers, Committee Vice Chair Michael Cooper of MadisonJay Solutions, and Barton Morris of Cannabis Legal Group, as they help us fill in the blanks for adult-use regulations in the state of Michigan. The webinar helps answer what we currently know about the laws, any key open questions that remain, and what potential market entrants should be doing now to get ready.

Watch the webinar “Michigan Voted to Legalize Adult-Use Cannabis: What You Need To Know Now” hosted by members of NCIA’s State Regulations Committee.

Save the Dates! NCIA’s New 2019 Events Just Announced

Ready to hang your 2019 calendar on the wall? You’re in luck, because NCIA has just published the 2019 event calendar! Due to popular demand for even more regional networking opportunities nationwide, NCIA is launching two new regional event series in 2019: Industry Socials and Harvest Celebrations and refreshing our well-known Cannabis Caucus Series.

NCIA’s Industry Socials are about cultivating regional communities of industry professionals, so that they can connect and learn from each other. Cultivating community is the most effective way to strengthen our industry and your business. Touring five cities in the West Coast, East Coast and Heartland regions, NCIA’s Industry Socials are the premier opportunity for cannabis professionals to harness NCIA’s extensive national network by creating meaningful connections with each other and with NCIA staff in a relaxed cocktail setting. Join us to expand your network and cultivate our community! Tickets to Industry Socials are complimentary to NCIA members and only $25 to non-members. Registration opens for the West Coast Tour on November 27!

NCIA’s Harvest Celebrations will be hosted in five cities in October to honor the cannabis harvesting season and celebrate the continued growth of our industry! Proceeds from NCIA’s inaugural Harvest Celebration events will foster support for NCIA’s federal lobbying work on behalf of businesses serving the industry and the industry at-large.

In light of these new 2019 NCIA events, we also have exciting new sponsorship opportunities to offer! Download the 2019 Event Sponsorship Deck or contact us for more information. Consider this your opportunity to get your brand in front of thousands of new businesses in diverse regions nationwide. We’ll see you there!

Wrapping Up 2018 Cannabis Caucus Events, Introducing New 2019 Events!

October marked the last NCIA events of the year with Cannabis Caucus events in eight regions nationwide and an outstanding 2nd Annual California Cannabis Business Conference in Anaheim, California. As this year’s events comes to a close, we have so much to reflect on and exciting new events to announce!

During this quarter’s Cannabis Caucus events, more than 400 NCIA members, representing 250 member companies, totaling in more than 750 attendees turned out for our eight events nationwide. This means that although these events are growing increasingly popular, they are still small enough to make meaningful connections with other industry leaders in your region. Instead of just making small talk with someone in passing, you’ll get to to have real conversations with some of the most influential leaders in the industry. Year after year, we hear about people striking business partnerships, friendships and impactful connections at these events because they offer the time, space and opportunity to do so.

In the industry’s largest markets, Northern California, Southern California, and Colorado, more than 100 industry professionals turned out at each event. But, perhaps most impressive was the 75 plus attendance in the Midwest, maybe a harbinger of the positive momentum garnered by statewide reform initiatives in this year’s midterm elections!

Cannabis Caucus Highlights

A the Northeast event, attendees heard the latest news surrounding medical cannabis in Maine from State Sen. Eric Brakey (R-District 20), as well as Maine’s adult-use cannabis laws from David Boyer, Maine Political Director at Marijuana Policy Project.

The event in Northern California featured special guest speaker Heidi Mattos, a payroll tax specialist from the State of California Employment & Development Department, who shared critical insights into state payroll tax regulations. In Southern California, we heard a special presentation on “Understanding California Agricultural Labor Laws As It Relates to Cannabis Cultivators” from guest speaker Eduardo Blanco, Special legal Advisor from the CA Agricultural Labor Relations Board.

The Southwest event featured Ryan Black, Campaign Co-Chair for Anita Malik, Candidate for Arizona’s Congressional District 6, discussing federal cannabis reform. Lastly, in the Pacific Northwest, Lara Kaminsky, Executive Director of The Cannabis Alliance (an NCIA Allied Association), spoke about the latest developments in Washington state’s cannabis industry, including the current status of the edibles product ban.

See the full photo album on Facebook!

What Makes NCIA Regional Events Unique

As the largest national trade association in the U.S. and the only organization representing more than 1,700 cannabis-related businesses at the national level, we have pretty deep connections. We know that 70 percent of the individuals who attend our regional events have executive level decision-making authority and 30 percent have heavy decision-making influence. All of this is to say that the caliber of the meaningful connections you will make have the potential to benefit your business in very real ways and quickly.

We also know that these boutique events are frequently attended by industry pioneers and dedicated policy reform advocates, the movers and shakers of the industry, who have helped support the movement for decades. Repeatedly, we hear from event attendees that these events are their favorite because of the quality of the event, the attendees and the sense of community and camaraderie they foster.

What’s Next? NCIA’s New 2019 Regional Event Series Announced

NCIA has just published the 2019 event calendar! Due to popular demand for even more regional networking opportunities nationwide, NCIA is launching two new regional event series in 2019: Industry Socials and Harvest Celebrations and refreshing our well-known Cannabis Caucus Series.

NCIA’s Industry Socials are about cultivating regional communities of industry professionals, so that they can connect and learn from each other. Cultivating community is the most effective way to strengthen our industry and your business. Touring five cities in the West Coast, East Coast and Heartland regions, NCIA’s Industry Socials are the premier opportunity for cannabis professionals to harness NCIA’s extensive national network by creating meaningful connections with each other and with NCIA staff in a relaxed cocktail setting. Join us to expand your network and cultivate our community! Tickets to Industry Socials are complimentary to NCIA members and only $25 to non-members. Registration opens for the West Coast Tour on November 27!

NCIA’s Harvest Celebrations will be hosted in five cities in October to honor the cannabis harvesting season and celebrate the continued growth of our industry! Proceeds from NCIA’s inaugural Harvest Celebration events will foster support for NCIA’s federal lobbying work on behalf of businesses serving the industry and the industry at-large.

In light of these new 2019 NCIA events, we also have exciting new sponsorship opportunities to offer! Download the 2019 Event Sponsorship Deck or contact us for more information. Consider this your opportunity to get your brand in front of thousands of new businesses in diverse regions nationwide.

Partner Blog: From Fashion Lifestyle to Cannabis – A Natural Move?

NCIA is giving away a limited number of tickets to the inaugural Hall of Flowers show happening next week in Santa Rosa. It’s shaping up to be one of the must-see B2B events in the cannabis space for premium brands and industry innovators, all thanks to the fashion and lifestyle industry vets running the show.

Hall of Flowers, set to take place September 17 and 18 at the Santa Rosa Fairgrounds, is the brainchild of Dani Diamantstein, Rama Mayo, and Aaron Levant, three pioneers in the trade show space who have spent the past 15 years producing the most successful fashion and lifestyle trade shows in the world. It’s no surprise they meticulously understand what makes an experience like this worthwhile.

“There are a lot of brands that are flourishing and there are a lot of people focusing on the manufacturing and cultivation, while there are also people partnering with some in the fashion industry,” notes Diamantstein. “I see a lot of similarities between producing trade shows 10-15 years ago and right now within the cannabis space in terms of forging one on one personal relationships, cultivating trust, and exchanging new and creative ideas. This is the perfect time to launch this kind of show.”

The show will be open for two days of discovering, meeting, and tasting and industry pioneer and entrepreneur Gary Vee will be hosting a keynote on Monday end of day. The team has centered the show to be about the experience as a buyer, retailer, and distributor, and have brought together the best across branding, design, packaging innovation, and of course, product. This means some of the most in-demand brands within the cannabis industry will be on-site – over 80 of the leading CA licensed cannabis brands and 60% of CA’s licensed dispensaries are confirmed to attend.

“We’ve spent over 4 years producing this show, perfecting the logistics, regulations, and invite list so that our guests can show up and do what they do best,” says Diamantstein. “We want everyone to have a successful two days while also enjoying work.”

Visit this link and enter code ‘NCIA’ to confirm your complimentary ticket and attend as a guest of NCIA.

Follow @hall_of_flowers on Instagram for real time updates on confirmed brands and visit hallofflowers.com for additional information.

 

NCIA’s Q3 Summer #CannabisCaucus Series Re-cap

The month of July offered not only NCIA’s 5th Annual Cannabis Business Summit in San Jose, but also in the days leading up, we visited with YOU — our members — in 8 regions across the country for our Q3 Quarterly Cannabis Caucus event series.

Across 8 cities, we connected with nearly 1,000 attendees from coast to coast. Northern and Southern California events, as well as Colorado, saw more than 150 attendees at each!

In Northern California, attendees heard from guest speaker Eduardo Blanco, Special legal Advisor, CA Agricultural Labor Relations Board, as he spoke on “Understanding California Agricultural Labor Laws As It Relates to Cannabis Cultivators.” This informative talk provided vital insight into how organized labor regulations impact the cannabis industry.

In New York City at our Northeast regional event, we heard an update on what’s happening in the New York Legislature from Assembly Member Richard Gottfried (D – 75th District).

In Southern California, we were pleased to welcome Jessica McElfresh, Board Member of the Association of Cannabis Professionals, as our guest speaker in San Diego. Jessica provided a comprehensive overview of San Diego regulations and the slow but steady fight she has helped lead to progress the cannabis industry in Southern California over the years along with the local AAP group, the Association of Cannabis Professionals.

We returned to Portland, Oregon for our Pacific Northwest Caucus to hear from Matt Maletis, Commissioner for the Oregon Liquor Control Commission, where attendees dove into a Q & A session with the Commissioner on issues like analytical testing inconsistencies, METRC reporting, as well as the topic of “oversupply.”

At our Midwest Caucus in Cleveland, guest speaker Erin C. Reed, Senior Legal Counsel, from the State of Ohio Board of Pharmacy offered a regulatory update in Ohio, including how licenses are being distributed and how THC levels are broken down for various tiers of medical conditions. Additionally, we hosted a pre-event mixer for newly awarded licensee holders in Ohio, hosted by our Gold Sponsor Frantz Ward LLP, in the Vu Room of Bar 32.

In the Southwest, we gathered in lively Las Vegas, Nevada and heard from NCIA Member Scot Rutledge of Argentum Partners, with an update on Nevada’s social consumption campaign efforts.

We also returned to Miami, Florida to connect with current NCIA members as well as many newcomers to the industry.

In Denver, Colorado, we enjoyed a lively turnout of more than 150 attendees on the top floor of the History Colorado Center located in the heart of Denver featuring wrap around glass walls and an outdoor covered terrace with stunning views of the Front Range and downtown skyline. Guests


Thanks to our sponsors for their participation and support of yet another successful quarter of NCIA’s Cannabis Caucuses.

Annual Sponsors
Husch Blackwell
Bernstein IP
Simplifya

Gold Sponsors
CannaGather
Frantz Ward LLP

Silver Sponsors
New Growth Insurance
Cannatech Builders

Bronze Sponsors
Marijuana Doctors
Emerge Law Group

You can access the resources and presentations shared during these events on our website.
Resources & Presentations

Don’t forget to view our full photo album on Facebook and tag yourself and your colleagues!

Want to get even more involved in NCIA? Want more information about your membership benefits, NCIA’s programming, or content? Please take a moment to fill out this Engagement Form to tell us what you’d like to learn more about. Whether you’d like to submit a guest blog topic for our website, be a guest on our weekly podcast, learn more about our Political Action Committee, or sponsor an upcoming event, just click the box next to your interests, and an NCIA staff member will get back to you.

Engagement Form

VIDEO: Join us at a #CannabisCaucus near you this month!

NCIA’s popular Quarterly Cannabis Caucus event series returns to a city near you in July! Watch this video to learn more about the event series and to hear from NCIA members why you should attend, like garnering insights about how recent policy developments impact your business, and connecting with other industry executives in your region! This event is free for NCIA members, and just $50 for non-members.

Register today to secure your spot!

Northern California – Tuesday, July 10 – San Francisco, CA
Northeast – Tuesday, July 10 – New York, NY
Southern California – Thursday, July 12 – San Diego, CA
Pacific Northwest – Thursday, July 12 – Portland, OR

Midwest – Tuesday, July 17 – Cleveland, OH
Florida – Tuesday, July 17 – Miami, FL
Southwest – Tuesday, July 19 – Las Vegas, NV
Colorado – Tuesday, July 19 – Denver, CO

Top 5 Reasons to Attend NCIA’s Quarterly Cannabis Caucuses

by Rachelle Lynn Gordon, NCIA Editorial Staff

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

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

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

Policy is Changing at a Rapid Rate

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

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

Legislators Want to Hear From You

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

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

Regional Events Offer Curated Look at Local Markets

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

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

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

Wide-Ranging Networking Opportunities

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

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

They’re Fun!

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

Register now for July’s Quarterly Cannabis Caucus series!

Top Highlights from NCIA’s April Quarterly Cannabis Caucus Events

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

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

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

Highlights from Northern California, the Northeast, and Southern California

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

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

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

Highlights from the Midwest, Florida, and the Pacific Northwest

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

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

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

Highlights from the Southwest and Colorado

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

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


Upcoming July Cannabis Caucus Events

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

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

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


Thank you to our sponsors:

Annual Sponsors
Bernstein IP
Cannabrand
Husch Blackwell
Simplifya

Silver Sponsors
COVA
Vicente Sederberg LLC

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

Our Members in Action at NCIA’s 2018 Cannabis Industry Lobby Days

by NCIA Editorial Staff

The cannabis industry has seen exponential growth in the mainstream support for regulated cannabis markets from both sides of the political aisle. This progress is a direct result of the relationships NCIA has built on Capitol Hill, as well as the personal stories told by our members each year at our annual Lobby Days events in Washington, D.C.

NCIA’s 8th Annual Cannabis Industry Lobby Days, hosted May 21-23, was the industry’s most impactful fly-in yet, as our members made more inroads to Congress at a time when the nation has reached a tipping point in the fight to protect legal cannabis.

“So many more people keep coming to Lobby Days which is amazing to see,” said Karson Humiston, founder of Vangst. She’s one of Forbes’ 30 under 30 and the only female in cannabis to make the list. She’s focused on telling members of Congress about the potential for job creation and the economic impact of a fully recognized cannabis industry. “We are talking about jobs as much as possible in order to educate members of Congress about the economic stimulation regulated cannabis is bringing to the states and the need for federal legalization,” she said.

NCIA announced the release of its 2018 State Cannabis Progress Report during this year’s Lobby Days. The publication outlines a myriad of economic and social benefits already being realized by states with successful cannabis programs, including job creation, tax revenue, and reductions in crime and teen use.   

So far 2018 is shaping up to be much different from the past seven years, largely because of Republican backlash against Attorney General Jeff Sessions attempting to ramp up federal interference in state cannabis programs by rescinding the Cole Memo. Historically, the GOP has been less publicly supportive of reforming cannabis laws, although there has been a strong current of support among certain segments of the party. Now, they listen and many have even joined us in support of banking and tax reforms needed for our industry to reach its full potential, in addition to their traditional support of federalism issues related to cannabis. Advocates, patients, and NCIA member-businesses all over the United States are keeping this positive momentum going.

At the Lobby Days welcome reception on the evening of Monday, May 21, NCIA Executive Director Aaron Smith said he was delighted with the turnout. “There are so many new faces, so many old friends, and Lobby Days veterans,” he told the audience of cannabis professionals, who had just arrived in Washington prior to the two full days of meetings with congressional offices. “Starting tomorrow, we will descend upon Capitol Hill to show lawmakers what a responsible, politically engaged cannabis industry looks like.” He called Lobby Days one of the cannabis industry’s most important events of the year.

NCIA member and founder of Washington, D.C.’s National Cannabis Festival and the National Cannabis Policy Summit, Caroline Phillips, said that she was proud to see so many members coming to her backyard to demonstrate their unity. “This is a really wonderful opportunity to share with members of Congress the diverse and innovative ideas of the cannabis industry and to show off the professionalism, creativity, and care that the people in the industry put into their work, “she added. “I think a lot of members on the Hill are starting to understand the cannabis industry is a lot more than just stereotypes, and for them to have one-on-one interactions with some of the best professionals in our industry is extraordinarily valuable.”

New to Lobby Days was Attorney Blake Mensing. He was eager to join the crowd of professionals to advocate for the fair treatment of cannabis businesses. “I think that this is the eighth year that this is happening really shows that the industry is coming out of the shadows and the momentum has built to the point that there’s a small probability that things are going back to the way they were [prior to the reform victories of the last decade].” Mensing founded The Mensing Group after he left his job as a Municipal Attorney in Massachusetts to start a cannabis-only practice. “It’s the first time I’ve ever had fun being a lawyer,” he remarked before heading into Senator Orrin Hatch’s (R-UT) office.

Professional football player Mike James also joined NCIA this year to advocate on behalf of his fellow athletes who would prefer to treat their health issues with medical marijuana instead of opiates. The active NFL running back has played for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and the Detroit Lions during his career, which has wreaked havoc on his body, leaving him with chronic pain that he used to treat with opioids. “Within the NFL, I’m trying to go through their process and change policy. That way, hopefully, they can be an example for society,” he said. Currently a free agent, he’s the first and only active player with a medical marijuana card.

From the need to expand medical access to cannabis, to tax and banking reform, to addressing the injustice of racially disproportionate marijuana enforcement, NCIA hit the Halls of Congress to educate members of Congress and their staffs on what’s happening in their own backyards and the successes of regulating cannabis.

For example, when it comes to tax reform, Heather Sullivan of 3C Consulting said the cash-flow is only one of the issues they have to worry about from the 280E tax burden. “It’s a tough decision come tax season,” she said. “Do you set aside those tax rates so you don’t have that money to use for other things for your business, or do you play the game and run the risk that you’re not going to get audited?” Many cannabis businesses face similar issues, which can effectively ruin a company over time.

There were many Congressional offices that were receptive to the efforts and positions of NCIA members during Lobby Days. Heather took a meeting with Sen. Bernie Sanders’ (I-VT) office, for example, and after leaving the meeting she felt that it went wonderfully, stating, “Senator Sanders is a proponent for the safe and regulated use of cannabis whether in the medical side or the adult use side, so it was a meeting that for us was an opportunity to tell Bernie and his staff how much we appreciate the hard work that he’s done, ask him what we can do as an industry to help them continue the progress that they’ve already made and learn more about where his focus is.” Sullivan is well-versed in the issues facing cannabis businesses today and knows many other officials are still in need of convincing.

In spite of heavy opposition from Attorney General Jeff Sessions, as well as House leadership, the cannabis industry saw a huge victory when protections for medical marijuana were included in this years’ fiscal budget. Now, with the help of our members who flew in to speak about their personal issues and experiences, we can all look forward to an even more progress and a better outlook for the U.S. cannabis industry.

 

VIDEO: Aaron Smith invites you to #NCIALobbyDays this May 21-23

Over the last several years the cannabis industry has experienced unparalleled economic growth. But, as business owners in the industry, we know first hand that this success also comes with persistent challenges. As long as we still experience the crippling effects of federal policies like 280E and unfair banking regulations, our success is merely potential.

This is why it is essential that cannabis business owners are also industry advocates. With the challenges posed by the current administration and the uncertain federal policies governing our industry, it is critical that we make our voices heard on Capitol Hill.

Join 300+ cannabis industry professionals at NCIA’s 8th Annual Cannabis Industry Lobby Days on May 21-23 in Washington, D.C. to advocate for our industry and forge a unified front with the industry’s most politically engaged leaders. Register before April 30 for a chance to win tickets and travel for two to #CannaBizSummit July 25-27.

Watch this video to hear more from NCIA’s Co-founder and Executive Director Aaron Smith.


For more information about NCIA’s 8th Annual Cannabis Industry Lobby Days,
log on to www.TheCannabisIndustry.org/LobbyDays2018 and register today.

Quarterly Cannabis Caucuses: “The Strongest We’ve Been, When We Need it the Most”

by Brian Gilbert, Events Manager

The turn of the new year brought with it new challenges and opportunities for the cannabis industry. We were shocked by the rescission of the Cole Memo, but optimistic about our industry’s continued growth and progress over the past few years. Knowing that now – more than ever – the industry needed an opportunity to take unified action at the federal level, NCIA enthusiastically hosted the third year of it’s Quarterly Cannabis Caucus event series and the turn-out was nothing short of inspiring. In the eight nationwide events in January, more than 1,200 cannabis industry professionals took unified action to reform federal cannabis policies by attending Cannabis Caucus events.

In fact, throughout the rest of the Quarter, we smashed attendance records and saw our network mobilize around a national campaign to support the Leahy Amendment in the Senate.

Highlights in Northern California, Southern California, and Pennsylvania

  • Returning to Oakland, our guest speaker Lindsay Robinson, Executive Director of California Cannabis Industry Association, provided an in-depth update on the recent launch of adult-use sales across the state plus pending rules and regulations.
  • In Newport Beach, Congressman Lou Correa (D – CA, 46th District) addressed our highest attended Quarterly Cannabis Caucus to date, encouraging industry leaders to keep up the pressure and engage with their elected officials in light of rescinding of the Cole Memo.
  • We hosted our first-ever event in Pennsylvania with nearly 100 people in attendance.

Highlights in the Midwest, Florida, and the Pacific Northwest

  • NCIA returned to Columbus, Ohio, following our inaugural event in July 2017 where our second state affiliate, NCIAO was launched.
  • After discontinuing our events in Florida in 2017, we hosted our first event of 2018 in West Palm Beach and saw an incredible turnout of nearly 100 cannabis industry professionals.
  • Our newly combined “Pacific Northwest” region returned to the Portland area with guest speaker, Casey Houlihan, the Executive Director of Oregon Retailers of Cannabis Association.

Highlights in the Southwest and Colorado

  • Our return to the Southwest region saw a record turnout in Las Vegas where we were honored to be joined by Sen. Tick Segerblom (D – NV, District 3) and nearly 100 attendees.
  • We concluded the Q1 series with a blowout event at the Ellie Caulkins Opera House in Denver, Colorado, where we saw the largest demonstration of support for our community-building efforts yet with nearly 300 in attendance! In addition to Chuck Smith of Colorado Leads & COO of Dixie Brands, we were joined by Borahm Lee of Break Science, who provided entertainment throughout the event.

 

NCIA’s Q1 Call to Action

Throughout the month of January we encouraged attendees to participate in an online Call to Action which allowed them to contact their Senators and urge support for the Leahy Amendment, which would ensure that vital medical cannabis protections are included in the appropriations bill. More than 30% of our attendees (378 to be exact) took action to support the Leahy Amendment by using our online advocacy platform. In 2017, Sen. Patrick Leahy (D-VT) sponsored the amendment in the Senate, which passed through committee, but we still need your help to get it in the final version of the bill!

The Upcoming Q2 Cannabis Caucus Event Series

We’re excited to announce that registration for our Q2 Cannabis Caucus Events is now open! Join us in new regions and cities for meaningful networking opportunities with industry professionals, policymakers and government officials.

Thank you to our sponsors:

Annual Sponsors
Bernstein IP
Cannabrand
Husch Blackwell

Gold Sponsors
Simplifya

Silver Sponsors
COVA

Bronze Sponsors
McAllister Garfield, P.C.

Event Hosts
California Cannabis Industry Association
National Cannabis Industry Association of Ohio

Promotional Partners
Las Vegas Medical Marijuana Association
United for Care

VIDEO: 2018 Quarterly Cannabis Caucus event series returns to a city near you

NCIA’s popular Quarterly Cannabis Caucus event series returns to a city near you in January! Watch this video to learn more about the event series and to hear from NCIA members why you should attend. This event is free for NCIA members, and just $50 for non-members.

Register today.

Northern California – Tuesday, January 9 – Oakland, CA
Northeast – Tuesday, January 9 – Philadelphia, PA
Southern California – Thursday, January 11 – Newport Beach, CA
Midwest – Tuesday, January 16 – Columbus, OH
Florida – Tuesday, January 16 – West Palm Beach, FL
Pacific Northwest – Thursday, January 18 – Troutdale, OR
Southwest – Tuesday, January 23 – Las Vegas, NV
Colorado – Tuesday, January 23 – Denver, CO

Continuing the Momentum – Q3 #CannabisCaucus Events Unite NCIA Members During Successful Summer

by Brian Gilbert, NCIA Events Manager

NCIA and our dedicated members have been keeping busy during the Summer months, and July was no exception as our acclaimed Quarterly Cannabis Caucus event series returned with numerous editions held across the country in both new and familiar locations.

We took these opportunities to further connect with and update our network on the incredible positive energy exhibited by our members and supporters throughout the summer including:

• The 4th Annual Cannabis Business Summit, our most highly attended & well publicized event to date. Read and watch more highlights from the #CannaBizSummit here.

• The 7th Annual Cannabis Industry Lobby Days, our most impactful advocacy-focused event. This Summer, following our trip to D.C., we have seen a substantial increase in the number of co-sponsors on cannabis-related legislation we focused on in May.

Huge thanks to our nearly 900 individual supporters, 400 member businesses, 8 sponsors, 5 guest speakers, and 2 state affiliates that joined us throughout July for our Quarterly Cannabis Caucus event series. Continue on to review event highlights from our Q3 events with photo coverage from our Colorado and Midwest events, and view the full album on Facebook here.

In our first week, NCIA’s hosted our first event in Maine, and it was a smashing success! Attendees were caught up to speed on how the landscape has been developing with implementation of the adult use initiative passed last November by David Boyer, the Maine Political Director of Marijuana Policy Project.

In addition, our Washington members and supporters were joined by guest speaker Rep. Roger Goodman (D- 45th District) who provided attendees with a Washington Legislative Update.

At the end of the week, we had yet another record setting event in Colorado! Just over 200 cannabusiness professionals joined us for an inspiring evening of networking and information sharing. The event was extra special as we were joined by newly elected members of our Board of Directors; Christie Lunsford of Pro MAX Grow and Endocannabinoidology, Sean McAllister of McAllister Garfiled P.C., and Shannon Fender of Native Roots Colorado.

In our second week, we hosted our Tri-State event in Brooklyn, NY where special guest Dylan Schwartz, Candidate for New York City Council in the 51st District of Staten Island provided a New York Legislative Update and explained the history and importance surrounding his cannabis friendly candidacy. In Oregon, we returned to Portland where we hosted Jesse Sweet, Administrative Policy & Process Director of Oregon Liquor Control Commission at ecotrust once again.

In our final week, we were excited to hold our first-ever event in San Jose, CA, at our Northern California Caucus, as well as officially welcome the new Executive Director of the California Cannabis Industry Association, Lindsay Robinson! In Southern California, we moved our caucus to San Diego and Josh Drayton, Deputy Director of the California Cannabis Industry Association provided attendees with an in depth update on the current status of MAUCURSA. We concluded our Q3 #CannabisCaucus series in the Midwest with an inaugural event in Columbus, Ohio where we also officially launched our newest state affiliate, the National Cannabis Industry Association of Ohio. In addition to an optional, pre-caucus tour of member business Apeks Supercritical, attendees were also treated to hearing from State Senator Kenny Yuko (D-25th), a lead proponent of the recently passed medical cannabis legislation.

We hope you join us for our final Quarterly Cannabis Caucuses of 2017 in October! As a show of appreciation for the continued support of these community building efforts, we’re pleased to announce that we’ll be offering an exclusive early bird rate for all those who register in the next week! Secure your spot before August 24th to receive 50% off admission, this includes non-member tickets and additional tickets outside of those allotted to current NCIA members businesses. See below for a full list of dates, locations & venues:

  • Washington – Georgetown Ballroom –  Seattle, WA – Tuesday, October 10 – REGISTER NOW
  • Northeast – Providence Biltmore – Providence, RI – Tuesday, October 10 – REGISTER NOW
  • Colorado – The Riverside – Boulder, CO – Thursday, October 12 – REGISTER NOW
  • Oregon – The Kennedy School – Portland, OR – Tuesday, October 17 – REGISTER NOW
  • Tri-State – [Venue TBD] – New York City, NY – Tuesday, October 17 – REGISTER NOW
  • So. California – [Venue TBD] – Los Angeles, CA – Thursday, October 19 – REGISTER NOW
  • No. California – Hyatt Vineyard Creek – Santa Rosa, CA – Tuesday, October 24 – REGISTER NOW
  • Midwest – The Robey Hotel – Chicago, IL – Thursday, October 26 – REGISTER NOW

As always a huge thanks goes out to all our sponsors, media partners, and event hosts that continue to support the growth of this thriving community and which made Q3 another success! Follow the links below to learn more about each of these amazing businesses or groups then reach out to see how they might be able to help you with your cannabis industry needs.

Video: 4th Annual #CannaBizSummit Re-cap

In this month’s video newsletter, NCIA Director of Events and Education Brooke Gilbert shares some of the highlights from last month’s 4th Annual Cannabis Business Summit & Expo, held in Oakland, California. With more than 5,000 attendees, 80,000 square feet of expo floor, in-depth workshops and tours, and exceptional keynotes and panel discussions, #CannaBizSummit attendees got connected and inspired with us over the course of three days in June. Thanks to everyone who attended and made the event NCIA’s best yet!

 

Highlights From NCIA’s 4th Annual Cannabis Business Summit & Expo

by Brooke Gilbert, NCIA Director of Events and Education

NCIA’s biggest and most influential event, the Cannabis Business Summit & Expo, wrapped up a few of weeks ago in Oakland, CA. We hope you had as much fun as we did! Did you miss out on attending, or would you like to relive your experience? Check out these event highlights below to get a glimpse into this year’s edition of the Cannabis Business Summit & Expo:

Our largest event to date with 5000+ attendees.

Keynote address from President Vicente Fox, the former president of Mexico, who spoke about the social injustices created by the war on drugs and the positive effects of global cannabis legalization. Listen to his full keynote here.

Eighty thousand square feet of sold-out exhibit space featuring 250+ exhibitors, and 33 media and industry partners.

Twenty hours of educational content over three days, featuring six workshops and 30 breakout sessions spread across five educational tracks and led by 150+ industry experts.

Two plenary sessions, one featuring a discussion of the strategies to reform Internal Revenue Code Section 280E, and the second featuring a discussion of the results of a 16-month stakeholder-driven process that resulted in a comprehensive white paper detailing regulatory recommendations for packaging and labeling of cannabis products.

Twelve tours at four locations including analytical testing laboratories Steep Hill Labs and CW Analytical Labs, as well as retail cannabis facilities Magnolia Wellness and Berkeley Patients Group.

On-site bookstore and book signings from current cannabis industry authors including John Hudak, Ewe Blesching, Chris Conrad, Steve DeAngelo, Jorge Cervantes, and Donna Shields.

One hundred seventy-three press personnel from 65 outlets joined us for the three days, generating 1.4 billion impressions worldwide.

• #CannaBizSummit received 177,278 impressions on Twitter.

View the entire official photo album from the 4th Annual Cannabis Business Summit & Expo online here: TheCannabisIndustry.org/CBS17Blog

A big THANK YOU to all our attendees, volunteers, speakers, sponsors, exhibitors, and partners for contributing to another successful year at our Cannabis Business Summit & Expo.

We look forward to seeing you at a future event! Register today for one of our upcoming Quarterly Cannabis Caucuses, taking place throughout the month of July, as well as our first-ever California Cannabis Business Conference, taking place September 21 – 22 in Anaheim, CA, in partnership with the California Cannabis Industry Association.

Find out more at TheCannabisIndustry.org/Events.

The Cannabis Industry Takes D.C. – Highlights from NCIA’s 7th Annual Lobby Days

by Michelle Rutter, NCIA Government Relations Manager

With the uncertainty that the new administration has brought the cannabis industry, it’s become more important now than ever before to be proactive in government and in our nation’s capital. Last month, NCIA did just that by hosting our 7th Annual Cannabis Industry Lobby Days. 250 cannabis industry professionals joined us in Washington, D.C., to meet with more than 300 Capitol Hill offices and tell their stories.

Photo by Ben Droz

Lobby Days kicked off with a breakfast and training session for our attendees, where they learned lobbying basics and were briefed on our talking points. There, attendees met with their groups and gathered their materials to drop off in Capitol Hill offices for staff.

Photo by Ben Droz
Photo by Ben Droz

Once the training session was complete, we led our attendees down to our group photo location. Every year, NCIA has nearly doubled the number of participants at Lobby Days.

Photo by Ben Droz

Following our (very large!) group photo, meetings on Capitol Hill commenced. We scheduled more than 300 meetings with congressional opponents, advocates, members from relevant committees, and others. In addition to the meetings we had scheduled, we also dropped in on various offices and left information about our issues with staff for them to review. In all, we made contact with nearly all of the 535 congressional offices on the Hill!

Photo by Ben Droz

Simultaneously during our Hill meetings, NCIA hosted a private luncheon for Rep. Carlos Curbelo (R-FL), the new sponsor of H.R. 1810: The Small Business Tax Equity Act, which addresses the unfair burden of 280E faced by the cannabis industry. Over the years, NCIA has consistently worked to increase our Capitol Hill advocates and are thrilled that Congressman Curbelo will be leading the charge on 280E reform.

Photo by Ben Droz

After a busy day of meetings on Capitol Hill, NCIA hosted a fundraiser for the NCIA-PAC, the Political Action Committee (PAC) for cannabis industry professionals. We had six members of Congress show their support by joining us: Reps. Earl Blumenauer (D-OR), Salud Carbajal (D-CA), Carlos Curbelo (R-FL), Ruben Gallego (D-AZ), Jared Polis (D-CO), and Dina Titus (D-NV).

We were thrilled to raise $60,000 for the NCIA-PAC, which supports federal candidates who are open to the challenges and concerns our industry faces, support cannabis reform at the federal level, and introduce or support pro-cannabis legislation.

Photo by Ben Droz

Our second day got off to a great start with a press conference held in front of the United States Capitol Building. NCIA executive director Aaron Smith was joined by seven members of Congress (Reps. Blumenauer, Steve Cohen [D-TN], Curbelo, Diana DeGette [D-CO], Eleanor Holmes-Norton [D-DC], Polis [D-CO], and Titus [D-NV]) to address the need for reform federal marijuana laws.

Photo by Tony Hitchcock
Photo by Tony Hitchcock

Once the press conference concluded, our second day of meetings on Capitol Hill began. There were more than 50 meetings scheduled for Day 2.

Photo by Ben Droz

Overall, it was an incredibly successful Lobby Days, and our biggest yet! We’ve already seen co-sponsorship on cannabis-related bills increase, and it is undoubtedly related to the meetings and personal stories NCIA members shared. We look forward to seeing you all in Washington, D.C., for our 8th Annual Cannabis Industry Lobby Days in 2018!

 

 

 

Photo by Ben Droz

Thank you to the co-chairs of NCIA’s Policy Council for their premier sponsorship of our 2017 Cannabis Industry Lobby Days:

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LivWell - LogoCanndescent_Logow_vapes_logo

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).

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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!

Premier Sponsor
Vangst Talent Network

Supporting Sponsors
The ArcView Group
BDS Analytics
CannaRegs
Lifted Logistics

Media Partners
Sensi Media
Stoner Magazine

Event Hosts
California Cannabis Industry Association
Hey Jackpot!
Meadow
Om of Medicine

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!

NCIA’S Quarterly #CannabisCaucus Event Series Continues!

by Brian Gilbert, Events Manager

NCIA started the year off with the continuation of our Q1 Quarterly Cannabis Caucus event series, this time seeing us return to the 8 strongest regions visited throughout 2016. Thank you to the nearly 600 cannabis business professionals which joined us across the month in Seattle, Cambridge, Denver, New York City, Portland, Santa Monica, Oakland and Chicago. Weren’t able to make it to one of our caucuses in January? Download the resources provided at the event on our Cannabis Caucus Resources page.

As the cannabis industry navigates the potential challenges of new leadership in Washington, D.C., there’s never been a more important time to connect with your fellow industry peers and arm yourself with information about possible changes to federal policy. In order to better prepare our members for the uncertain times ahead and provide them the tools needed to help continue the positive momentum seen for our issues on the federal level, we’re pleased to announce the dates & locations for the Q2 editions of our recurring networking and educational event series.

NCIA’s Cannabis Caucus events are the best place to network, hear from industry thought leaders and elected officials, and engage with our advocacy work on the national level! The Quarterly Cannabis Caucuses are held on Tuesdays and Thursdays in the first month of each new quarter. Read on to learn about specific speaker and location updates regarding our Q2 events. Then, mark your calendar, register today and join us at a Caucus near you next month!

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  • Massachusetts champion Rep. Dave Rogers (D – 24th Middlesex District) will be addressing attendees in Cambridge, MA for our final Northeast event before heading to Portland, ME in July.

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  • City Attorney Pete Holmes will be in joining us in Seattle, WA in order to educate attendees of recent developments and upcoming challenges for this Spring.

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  • Colorado State Senator Tim Neville (R – 16th District) will be addressing attendees in Boulder, CO at The Riverside as we continue our back and forth between the two cannabis industry epicenters in Colorado. Senator Neville will be discussing the 2017 Colorado Legislature’s approach to cannabis and his efforts to protect Colorado’s cannabis industry from a possible Federal crackdown.

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  • The Tri-State event is moving to Jersey City for NCIA’s first event west of the Hudson at the captivating Maritime Parc event complex featuring stunning views of the NYC skyline from their Atrium Room.

Headshot - QCC17Q2SCA - Pamela Epstein

  • To avoid conflicts with the 4/20 holiday, we’ve rescheduled the Southern California event to take place on 4/27 and we’ll be joined by Pamela Epstein of Green Wise Consulting & Hoban Law Group as guest speaker.

Headshot - QCC17Q2CHI - Mark Passerini

  • We’ll also be bringing the Midwest NCIA community together in Michigan as we head outside of Chicago for our return to Ann Arbor. We’ll be hosting the event at Om of Medicine and joined by their owner & proprietor Mark Passerini to provide a regional policy update.

Cannabis Caucuses are FREE for current NCIA members and just $50 for non-members. In addition to intimate networking opportunities with leaders in the industry, you’ll get a detailed update on the latest federal policy developments, meet local policy-makers, and receive a packet filled with legislative analysis and information on how to get the most from your NCIA membership.

Northeast – Cambridge, MA – Tuesday, April 11 – REGISTER NOW
Washington – Seattle, WA – Tuesday, April 11 – REGISTER NOW
Colorado Boulder, CO – Thursday, April 13 – REGISTER NOW
Oregon – Portland, OR – Tuesday, April 18 – REGISTER NOW
Tri-State – Jersey City, NJ – Tuesday, April 18 – REGISTER NOW
No. California – San Francisco, CA – Tuesday, April 25 – REGISTER NOW
So. California – West Hollywood, CA – Thursday, April 27 – REGISTER NOW
Midwest – Ann Arbor, MI – Thursday, April 27 – REGISTER NOW

Not yet a member of NCIA? Join online prior to the event in order to access your free tickets or pay up front then have your admission fees applied toward membership once you join at or immediately following the event.

Finally, huge thanks as always to our sponsors, media partners and event hosts that made Q1 such a success and will be joining us again in April! We hope you’ll join us in showing them some appreciation for the enormous support. Please follow the links below to learn more about each of these amazing businesses or groups then reach out to see how they might be able to help you.

Premier Sponsors
urban-gro

Supporting Sponsors
CannaRegs
CRichter ~ HR Consulting

Media Partners
Sensi Media
Stoner Magazine

Event Hosts
California Cannabis Industry Association
Om of Medicine

Wondering how your company can engage with the cannabis industry’s top decision-makers? Contact us at sponsorship@thecannabisindustry.org to learn more about supporting your industry’s political voice and highlighting your brand at NCIA’s Quarterly Cannabis Caucuses and NCIA’s 7th Annual Cannabis Industry Lobby Days in May!


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Highlights From NCIA’s Seed To Sale Show

by Brooke Gilbert, Director of Events and Education

NCIA’s inaugural Seed To Sale Show was a smashing success! Take a look at some of the highlights below, which made this a must-attend event for those in the cannabis industry:

More than 2,200 attendees.

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The first ever Cannavation and Cannatech Awards, which recognized trailblazing individuals and companies driving the growth and elevation of the cannabis industry. You can see a full list of the winners here in our official press release.

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An in-depth informational keynote from Mowgli Holmes, co-founder and chief scientific officer at Phylos Bioscience, on the evolving genetic understanding of the cannabis plant and what that means for further transparency within the cannabis supply chain.

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Eight hours and 15 minutes of educational content over two days, featuring breakout sessions, committee-guided roundtables, and open Q&A sessions led by more than 40 industry experts.

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15,000-square-foot expo hall buzzing with activity, featuring a total of 116 sponsors, exhibitors, and partners.

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More than 50 media personnel from more than 30 media companies joined us throughout the two days, generating more than 4.5 million impressions worldwide.

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View the entire official photo album from the 2017 Seed To Sale Show online here: TheCannabisIndustry.org/seedtosale2017photos

We look forward to seeing you at a future event! Register today for one of our upcoming Quarterly Cannabis Caucuses, taking place throughout the month of April, our 7th Annual Cannabis Industry Lobby Days, taking place May 15 – 16 in Washington, DC, and our flagship event, the Cannabis Business Summit & Expo, taking place June 12-14 in Oakland, CA. (The Cannabis Business Summit was named Best Business Event of 2016 by the Denver Post’s ‘The Cannabist‘ and was recently honored as one of the 50 Fastest-Growing Shows in the World by Tradeshow Executive)

Find out more at TheCannabisIndustry.org/Events.

Announcing NCIA’s 2017 Quarterly #CannabisCaucus Schedule

Registration Now Open for NCIA’s 2017 Quarterly #CannabisCaucus event series!

Following the successful first year of NCIA’s Quarterly Cannabis Caucus event series, we are excited to announce our 2017 schedule starting in January. Thank you to the 3000+ people across the country that attended throughout 2016 to network, hear from industry thought leaders and elected officials, and to engage with our advocacy work on the national level!

The Quarterly Cannabis Caucuses will continue to be held on Tuesdays and Thursdays throughout the first month of each new quarter in the cannabis industry’s 8 most established regions. You can view the full list of dates and locations for Q1 here and we will then follow the same schedule in April, July and October. Please join us next month in a region near you!

Northeast – Cambridge, MA – Tuesday, January 10 – REGISTER NOW
Washington – Seattle, WA – Tuesday, January 10 – REGISTER NOW
Colorado – Denver, CO – Thursday, January 12 – REGISTER NOW
Oregon – Portland, OR – Tuesday, January 17 – REGISTER NOW
Tri-State – New York, NY – Tuesday, January 17 – REGISTER NOW
Southern California – Santa Monica, CA – Thursday January 19 – REGISTER NOW
Northern California – San Francisco, CA – Tuesday, January 24 – REGISTER NOW
Midwest – Chicago, IL – Thursday, January 26 – REGISTER NOW

Interested in sponsorship opportunities at the Cannabis Caucuses? Check out our Sponsorship Guide and contact Brian Gilbert at brian@thecannabisindustry.org to become a sponsor!

Each Cannabis Caucus will remain free of charge for current NCIA members and include:

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an in-depth federal policy update from senior NCIA staff or staff from a district congressional office

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an informational packet filled with detailed legislative analysis and recent federal policy developments

NCIA's Colorado Quarterly Cannabis Caucus with Dana Rohrabacher

an organizational update so you can keep up to date with what NCIA is doing for you

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the opportunity to network with the leaders in the cannabis industry

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In-person opportunities to learn about exciting new products and services showcased by our member businesses

So what are you waiting for?! Sign up today and join us in January to learn from the experts on what to expect and how to contribute moving into 2017.

Don’t see your region on the list? Don’t worry! There will be plenty of ways for you to engage with NCIA in 2017 and if you’re interested in learning more about ways to help grow the NCIA community near you please contact Jeremy DePasquale at membership@thecannabisindustry.org today.

We couldn’t be more thankful to all our sponsors, media partners and event hosts that made 2016 such a success and hope you’ll join us in showing them some appreciation for the enormous support! Please follow the links below to learn more about each of these amazing businesses or groups then reach out to see how they might be able to help you.

Premier Sponsors
Atman Market
Cannasure Insurance Services
Canna Advisors
Guardian Data Systems
LivWell Enlightened Health
MJ Freeway
THC Design
urban-gro

Supporting Sponsors
CannaRegs
CRichter ~ HR Consulting

Media Partners
DOPE Magazine
Sensi Media

Event Hosts
California Cannabis Industry Association
Cannabis Cultural Association
Illinois Cannabis Industry Association
Jane
Marijuana Industry Trade Association of Arizona
Meadow
Newman Ferrara LLP
United for Care

Interested in sponsoring an upcoming Cannabis Caucus in your area or a series of events across the country? Contact Brian Gilbert at brian@thecannabisindustry.org to inquire on availability and pricing.

See you at the next #CannabisCaucus in 2017!

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Register today! NCIA’s Cannabis Industry Lobby Days – May 16-17, 2017

Eager to get more involved in cannabis politics and make your voice heard? Wondering how you can help secure the future of our industry in a time of uncertainty? Good news! NCIA’s annual Cannabis Industry Lobby Days in Washington, D.C. are coming in May.

It’s one of the most important ways you can stand up for cannabis reform and your business, and we don’t want you to miss it.

So CLICK HERE TO REGISTER TODAY and join us on May 16 and 17 for NCIA’s 2017 Cannabis Industry Lobby Days. NCIA’s Lobby Days provide the best opportunity to show our nation’s decision-makers what a responsible and legitimate cannabis industry looks like.

NCIA’s 2016 Cannabis Industry Lobby Days.
Photo: Kim Sidwell, Cannabis Camera

NCIA members from across the country descend on Capitol Hill to tell their stories and urge their representatives to fix the unfair tax and banking policies crippling our industry.

With victories in eight states across the country during the 2016 presidential election, as well as the challenges ahead of us as we see a new administration come in to the White House, fixing federal policies is more critical than ever. Our team in Washington, D.C., works every day to make the industry’s voice heard, but nothing matches the power of a personal story personally told.

Ready to sign up? Register for NCIA’s 2017 Cannabis Industry Lobby Days now, and we’ll start the planning to make your experience the most influential it can be. (NOTE: NCIA’s Lobby Days event is only open to members, so if you haven’t joined NCIA yet, now is the time!)

We’re excited that this year’s Lobby Days are being held in conjunction with the Spring 2017 Marijuana Business Conference & Expo , May 17-19 in Washington, D.C. MJBizCon is generously extending a $100 discount on full conference registration for Lobby Days attendees so be sure to register for Lobby Days and we’ll send the discount code in your confirmation e-mail.

We look forward to seeing you in D.C.!

Thank you to the co-chairs of NCIA’s Policy Council for their premier sponsorship of our 2017 Cannabis Industry Lobby Days:

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Are you interested in sponsorship opportunities for your company at NCIA’s most important policy event of the year? Contact us at sponsorship@thecannabisindustry.org to find out more!

Cannabis Caucus Takes Action!

by Brooke Gilbert, Director of Events and Education

At the end of October we wrapped up the fourth and final 2016 installment of our Quarterly Cannabis Caucus series. Thank you to the more than 700 attendees who joined us in cities across the United States throughout the month of October to network and to effect change on the local and national level!

We have a lot to be thankful for with the recent wins for cannabis in California, Nevada, Maine, Massachusetts, Montana, Arkansas, North Dakota, and Florida. However, a lot of uncertainty still lies ahead with the new administration. One thing we do know for certain is the Rohrabacher-Farr amendment currently offers the medical cannabis industry some amount of protection. This amendment bans the Department of Justice from spending money to prevent the implementation of state-level medical marijuana programs, in addition to removing funding for federal medical cannabis raids, arrests, and prosecutions in states where these programs are legal.

This important amendment needs to be reauthorized each year to stay in effect. At the end of September, Congress passed a continuing resolution to fund the government through December 9th. This means that in December, Congress will have to return and pass a funding bill for future government spending.

Throughout the final installment of our quarterly cannabis caucuses we urged attendees to take action by contacting your elected officials and asking them to sign on to a letter supporting the re-authorization of the Rohrabacher-Farr amendment. If you didn’t take action on-site at the caucus, we encourage you to take action now and contact your representative here:

TheCannabisIndustry.org/CallCongress

Weren’t able to make it to one of our caucuses in October? Check out the photo highlights below, and download the resources provided at the event on our Cannabis Caucus Resources page.

Thank you to our sponsors for making the final installment of our 2016 Quarterly Cannabis Caucuses possible!

Premier Sponsors
Atman Market
Cannasure Insurance Services
Canna Advisors
Guardian Data Systems
LivWell Enlightened Health
MJ Freeway
THC Design
urban-gro

Supporting Sponsors
CannaRegs
CRichter ~ HR Consulting

Media Partners
DOPE Magazine
Sensi Media

Event Hosts
California Cannabis Industry Association
Illinois Cannabis Industry Association
Marijuana Industry Trade Association of Arizona
Meadow
Newman Ferrara LLP

Be on the lookout for 2017 Quarterly Cannabis Caucus dates in the coming weeks. See you at the next Caucus in 2017!

Q4 #CannabisCaucus Dates & Locations!

By Brooke Gilbert, Director of Events & Education

Wow, does the time fly! It seems like just yesterday we were debuting the Quarterly Cannabis Caucus event series and now here we are – 8 months and 36 events later – getting ready to kick off the final round this October across the country.

Registration is now open for the fourth installment of our regionally based Cannabis Caucus series. Join an ever-growing community of cannabis industry professionals coming together quarterly to make meaningful connections, share the latest developing trends, and take action on pressing issues, all while receiving crucial national and state-specific policy updates affecting their businesses day-to-day.

We invite you to join us in a city near you this October for the final Cannabis Caucuses of 2016:

Tuesday, October 11 – Portland, OR – ecotrust – Register!
Thursday, October 13 – Boston, MA – Hyatt Regency Cambridge – Register!
Thursday, October 13 – Miami, FL – Marseilles Hotel – Register!
Tuesday, October 17 – Baltimore, MD – The Grand – Register! — ***Rescheduled, please note updated date***
Tuesday, October 18 – Chicago, IL – The Chop Shop – Register!
Tuesday, October 18 – New York, NY – Newman Ferrara LLP – Register!
Thursday, October 20 – Boulder, CO – The Riverside – Register!
Thursday, October 20 – Phoenix, AZ – mod – Register!
Tuesday, October 25 – Las Vegas, NV – Place on 7th – Register!
Tuesday, October 25 – Santa Rosa, CA – (TBD) – Register!
Thursday, October 27 – Long Beach, CA – The Grand – Register!
Thursday, October 27 – Seattle, WA – Sole Repair Shop – Register!

During July, we were able to update more than 200 member businesses on our federal advocacy efforts and provided them with the information and tools needed to engage with their elected officials during August recess. We also encouraged our members to participate in our on-site social media campaign to help put a face to our growing industry and bring visibility to the most pressing issues affecting us on a daily basis. You can help us keep the conversation going by using the #WeAreTheCannabisIndustry, #IAmTheCannabisIndustry, #CannaBanking, #DeScheduleNow, and #Reform280E hashtags on social media. Huge thanks to all those who have already participated!

Haven’t been to one of NCIA’s Quarterly Cannabis Caucuses before? Check out these photo highlights from our Q3 Northern California edition which took place at Gateway Cannabis Accelerator in Oakland, CA to see what you’ve been missing!

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As always, a huge thanks to the support of our sponsoring member businesses and hosts who contributed to our efforts to foster cannabis community across the country!

Premier Sponsors
Cannasure Insurance Services
MJ Freeway
Canna Advisors
Dixie Elixirs

Supporting Sponsors
CannaRegs
CRichter ~ HR Consulting
LivWell Enlightend Health

Media Partners
DOPE Magazine
Sensi Media

Event Hosts
California Cannabis Industry Association
Illinois Cannabis Industry Association

Want to download the information we provided during the third quarter of our Cannabis Caucuses? Check out our Cannabis Caucus Resources page.

Have any feedback from a Caucus you attended in July? Fill out our short attendee survey to provide us with valuable feedback we’ll use to improve future events.

Interested in sponsoring an upcoming Cannabis Caucus in your area or a series of events across the country? Check out our Cannabis Caucus sponsorship guide which outlines pricing and benefits.

See you at the next Caucus in October!

Ten Highlights (with Photos!) from #CannaBizSummit 2016

by Brooke Gilbert, Director of Events and Education

The 3rd Annual Cannabis Business Summit & Expo was NCIA’s biggest and most influential event to date! Check out these top ten event highlights which made this year’s Summit one to remember:

1. More than 3,200 inspired attendees:

The National Cannabis Industry Associations's Cannabis Business Summit in Oakland, California2. An exciting keynote from California Lieutenant Governor Gavin Newsom, who spoke about the need to end the prohibition of cannabis from a social justice perspective:

The National Cannabis Industry Associations's Cannabis Business Summit in Oakland, California3. Moving remarks from Oakland Mayor Libby Schaaf, who spoke about being the proud leader of a city whose economy is fueled by cannabusinesses:

The National Cannabis Industry Associations's Cannabis Business Summit in Oakland, California4. An inspiring presentation from Ahmed Rahim, founder and CEO of world renowned B-corporation Numi Organic Tea, who shared insights into establishing a conscious culture for your company which takes people, planet, product, and profits into account to work for a better tomorrow:

The National Cannabis Industry Associations's Cannabis Business Summit in Oakland, California5. Fifteen hours and 45 minutes of educational content over three days, featuring 30 breakout sessions and seven workshops, and led by more than 160 industry experts:

The National Cannabis Industry Associations's Cannabis Business Summit in Oakland, California6. Fifteen tours at five locations, including retail marijuana facilities, cultivation facilities, and analytical testing laboratories:

The National Cannabis Industry Associations's Cannabis Business Summit in Oakland, California7. A sold-out expo hall buzzing with activity for 20 hours, where more than 140 sponsors and exhibitors spread out over more than 37,000 square feet of expo hall space:

The National Cannabis Industry Associations's Cannabis Business Summit in Oakland, California8. More than 100 media personnel from more than 80 media companies, generating worldwide coverage, including in dozens of mainstream news outlets:

The National Cannabis Industry Associations's Cannabis Business Summit in Oakland, California9. Attendees from 47 U.S. states (including the District of Columbia and Puerto Rico) and 16 countries:

The National Cannabis Industry Associations's Cannabis Business Summit in Oakland, California10. Thirty-one media and organizational partners involved in the success of the Summit – thank you!

The National Cannabis Industry Associations's Cannabis Business Summit in Oakland, California

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View the entire official photo album from the 2016 Cannabis Business Summit & Expo online here:  TheCannabisIndustry.org/summit2016photos

We look forward to seeing you at a future event! Register today for the Seed to Sale Show, taking place January 31 – February 1 in Denver, Colorado. Find out more at SeedtoSaleShow.com!

Video Newsletter: #CannaBizSummit Recap and Seed to Sale Show Announcement

Did your team join us for NCIA’s 3rd annual Cannabis Business Summit & Expo in Oakland last month, where we got inspired, educated, and connected with more than 3,000 cannabis industry professionals?

In this month’s video newsletter, hear from NCIA’s Aaron Smith and Brooke Gilbert as we look back on the most exciting and successful event in NCIA’s history, and announce our upcoming Seed To Sale Show, happening in Denver, January 31-February 1, 2017.

 

For more information about the Seed To Sale Show, please visit http://www.cannabisbusinesssummit.com/denver-2017.

July Quarterly Cannabis Caucuses Are Coming!

By Brooke Gilbert, Director of Events & Education

Registration is now open for the third quarter of our Quarterly Cannabis Caucus events series! Join more than 600 cannabis industry professionals this July in networking and sharing best business practices, as well as the latest national and local policy updates.

Tuesday, July 12 – Portland, OR – Opal 28 – Register!
Tuesday, July 12 – Washington, D.C. – The National Press Club – Register!
Thursday, July 14 – Boston, MA – Hyatt Regency Cambridge – Register!
Thursday, July 14 – Miami, FL – Biltmore Hotel – Register!
Tuesday, July 19 – Chicago, IL – The Chop Shop – Register!
Tuesday, July 19 – New York, NY – LMHQ – Register!
Thursday, July 21 – Denver, CO – Jane HQ – Register!
Thursday, July 21 – Phoenix, AZ – mod – Register!
Tuesday, July 26 – Las Vegas, NV – Place on 7th – Register!
Tuesday, July 26 – Santa Monica, CA – Real Office Centers – Register!
Thursday, July 28 – San Francisco, CA – Gateway Cannabis Accelerator – Register!
Thursday, July 28 – Seattle, WA – Sole Repair Shop – Register!

The second round of NCIA’s new quarterly educational and networking series took place this April and they were a success by every measure. Thank you to the 235 member companies and 650+ supporters who joined us over the course of three weeks in 12 different states around the country.

Haven’t been to one of NCIA’s Quarterly Cannabis Caucuses before? Check out these photo highlights from the second quarter:

NCIA’s Colorado Quarterly Cannabis Caucus with Dana Rohrabacher

NCIA's Colorado Quarterly Cannabis Caucus with Dana Rohrabacher

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We could not have held these events without the support of our sponsoring member businesses and hosts so huge thanks to all those listed below!

Premier Sponsors
Cannasure Insurance Services
MJ Freeway 
urban-gro
Canna Advisors
Dixie Elixirs

Supporting Sponsors
CannaRegs
Sensi Media

Want to download the information we provided during the second quarter of our Cannabis Caucuses? Check out our Cannabis Caucus Resources page.

Have any feedback from a Caucus you attended in April? Fill out our short attendee survey to provide us with valuable feedback we’ll use to improve future events.

Interested in sponsoring an upcoming Cannabis Caucus in your area or a series of events across the country? Check out our Cannabis Caucus sponsorship guide which outlines pricing and benefits.

See you at the next Caucus!

VIDEO: 1 minute, 12 cities, a million reasons to join NCIA’s Cannabis Caucuses

NCIA’s first round of Quarterly Cannabis Caucuses were a powerful example of how we can build a successful industry together. But don’t take our word for it! Check out the video above to hear from attendees themselves.

Don’t miss out on your next opportunity to be a part of NCIA’s influential, information-packed quarterly event series. Cannabis Caucuses are FREE for NCIA members, and just $50 for non-members.

Register today for the Q2 Cannabis Caucuses, coming to a city near you in April!

Oregon – Portland, OR – Tuesday, April 12 – REGISTER NOW
Mid-Atlantic  – Washington, D.C. – Tuesday, April 12 – REGISTER NOW
Northeast  – Boston, MA – Thursday, April 14 – REGISTER NOW
Florida  – Miami, FL – Thursday, April 14 – REGISTER NOW
Midwest  – Chicago, IL – Tuesday, April 19 – REGISTER NOW
Tri-State  – New York, NY – Tuesday, April 19 – REGISTER NOW
Colorado  – Denver, CO – Thursday, April 21 – REGISTER NOW
Southwest  – Phoenix, AZ – Thursday, April 21 – REGISTER NOW
Nevada – Las Vegas, NV – Tuesday, April 26 – REGISTER NOW
So. California  – Newport Beach, CA – Tuesday, April 26 – REGISTER NOW
No. California  – San Francisco, CA – Thursday, April 28 – REGISTER NOW
Washington  – Seattle, WA – Thursday, April 28 – REGISTER NOW

NCIA’s High-Impact Quarterly Cannabis Caucuses – Q1 Photos and Feedback

Last week we wrapped up the first quarter of our newly established event series, the Quarterly Cannabis Caucuses. Thanks so much to the nearly 500 members, speakers, supporters, and volunteers that engaged with NCIA’s federal advocacy work at caucuses in twelve cities across the country!

Take a look at these photo highlights and member testimonials from the first quarter and get registered for the Q2 Cannabis Caucuses, coming in April!

The National Cannabis Industry Association's First Quarterly Colorado Cannabis Caucus



“Last night we attended the National Cannabis Industry Association meeting and were reminded about the crucial importance of advocacy in this election year. The continued reform of our drug laws and the nation’s growing access to cannabis is not a given.
Kiva Confections


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“I had the pleasure of attending both the Denver and Las Vegas NCIA caucuses and can’t begin to say enough good things. The content, location, and format were on point. I got to catch up with lots of colleagues, who were able to introduce me to prospective customers, and I was also able to meet several new entrants to the industry. I made amazing business connections and was able to set up 5 meetings for the following day.”
Amanda Ostrowitz, Co-Founder & Chief Strategy Officer, CannaReg§



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“Last night at NCIA’s Quarterly Cannabis Caucus, I opened it up by expressing the importance of national advocacy. We all know the importance of local and state advocacy but the biggest threat to my business is 280E. This is the IRS tax code that does not allow dispensaries to write off ANY expenses. We just want to be treated like every other small business in America. This tax theft will happen every year until the tax code changes. Simply put, the IRS has robbed me and my patients. This is just one reason why federal law MUST CHANGE. Get involved, get active, and join the National Cannabis Industry Association.”
 – Aaron Justis, Buds & Roses



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Looking for downloadable versions of the information we provided at the first round of Cannabis Caucuses? Check out our Cannabis Caucus Resources page.

The next events in the Quarterly Cannabis Caucus series will come to you in April. So check out the dates below, mark your calendar, and register online now by visiting the NCIA Events page!

Q2 QCC CalendarHave any feedback from an event you attended? Want to suggest a particular topic you would like covered at our next Cannabis Caucus in your area? Fill out our short attendee survey to provide us with valuable feedback we’ll use to improve future events.

Interested in sponsoring an upcoming Cannabis Caucus in your area or a series of events across the country? Check out our Cannabis Caucus sponsorship guide which outlines pricing and benefits, as well as discounts on packages for our third annual Cannabis Business Summit & Expo taking place this year in Oakland, June 20-22.

See you at the next Caucus!

Announcing NCIA’s January – June 2016 Events Calendar

As we head into the new year, we wanted to share with you our upcoming event calendar for the first 6 months of 2016! This includes the Q1 and Q2 events in our new event series, the Quarterly Cannabis Caucuses, a fundraiser for our federal PAC where members of our Board of Directors will be present, our 6th annual Federal Lobby Days, and our 3rd annual Cannabis Business Summit.

Click on the images below for more information on the upcoming events.

Quarterly Cannabis Caucuses

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6th Annual Federal Lobby Days
Cannabis Business Summit

So what are you waiting for? Register for an upcoming event today!

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Do you have questions regarding any upcoming events in your area or others across the country? Reach out to events@thecannabisindustry.org any time with your questions, comments, or concerns.

Interested in sponsoring one or a series of events in a particular region throughout the year in order to gain valuable exposure for your company to our nationwide network of established business owners? Please contact Brian Gilbert at brian@thecannabisindustry.org for more information on series rates and associated discounts for packages.

Interested in speaking at the upcoming Cannabis Business Summit? Please contact brooke@thecannabisindustry.org for more information on remaining opportunities.

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