In this edition of our Committee Insights series originally aired on Wednesday, June 9, 2021 members of our the Scientific Advisory Committee gave an update on testing standardization in the cannabis industry.
They reviewed which standards are in development from international Standards Development Organizations, such as ASTM International and AOAC International. They also discussed recent events that are leading to the creation of more test method standards, such as vapor emissions testing motivated by EVALI cases. They end with a conversation about what the Industry might look like in regard to testing once more standards are published.
Attendees will gain these key insights:
• Understand the meaning of “standards” and “standardization”
• Learn about the test method standards that are in development by ASTM and AOAC
• Learn about recent events that are leading to the creation of more test method standards
Panelists:
Tiffany Coleman
Director of Quality and Processing
Carbidex, Franklin Fields, BioBizz, The Botanical Co.
Jim Makoso
Director
Lucid Labs
Luke Mason
Owner/Lab Director
Aurum Labs
Alena Rodriguez
Managing Director
Rm3 Labs
Committee Insights | 5.25.21 | Third Party Certifications
In this edition of our Committee Insights series originally aired on Tuesday, May 25, 2021 members of our the Cannabis Cultivation Committee convened a panel of certification experts for an educational webinar regarding Third-Party Cannabis Certifications.
Throughout this webinar, panelists explore several types of certifications along with the associated benefits. These certifications include but are not limited to cGMP, CSQ, and Sun+Earth Certified.
Jacob Policzer
Director of Science and Strategy
The Cannabis Conservancy
Chrystal Ortiz
Owner
Herb and Market Dispensary
Kara Lavaux
Cannabis Compliance Expert
Allay Consulting
Tyler Williams
Founder and Chief Technical Officer
Cannabis Safety & Quality
Service Solutions | 5.19.21 | Holistic Energy Management Solutions | APPI Energy
In this edition of our Service Solutions series originally aired on Wednesday, May 19th a dynamic panel of energy experts led by the team at APPI Energy hosted in-depth session on building out an integrated infrastructure to yield a healthier environment for growth. Let the experts walk you through what it means to have a holistic approach to energy management; a strategy that focuses on all aspects of your facility, from securing favorable electricity and natural gas supply contracts, to implementing renewable energy solutions while reducing costs, to exploring the wide array of funding options available to you. You’ll leave this webinar with insights into the energy markets, as well as proven, technology-agnostic solutions for cannabis businesses.
Learning Objectives:
• Exploring specific, cannabis-centric energy solutions to help you meet your sustainability goals while reducing costs, including but not limited to: renewable energy, energy storage, and combined heat and power.
• Reviewing options for secure funding for energy solution technologies and on-going projects
• Effective ways to formulate future energy profiles to ensure you have the best pricing and strategy in place
• Available solutions for reaching 100% renewable energy goals
Panelists:
Dan Forgacs
VP of Market Intelligence & Analytics
APPI Energy
Oliver Hoad
EMP – Energy Consultant
APPI Energy
Chris Fraga
Founder & CEO
Alternative Energy Development Group
Ben Samways
Executive VP
Energy Efficiency
Alternative Energy Development Group
Margo Madden (Moderator)
Vice President
Energy Solutions
APPI Energy
Committee Insights | 5.12.21 | Are You Ready for the New Wave of Cannabis Capital?
In this edition of our Committee Insights series originally aired on Wednesday, May 12, 2021 members of NCIA’s Banking & Financial Services Committee convened a panel of cannabis financial experts to explore the current landscape surrounding cannabis capital, how we got here, as well as how best to prepare for future trends. Panelists discussed what new investors will look for, and what to do in preparation for a capital raise both in financial and behavioral terms.
Attendees will walk away with these key takeaways:
• Understand how to make small changes in current practices which will allow you to find the capital they seek
• Sources of capital and which is right for your stage of business
• Understanding of investor match and cues to the right actions sources of funding for your business.
Panelists:
Deborah Johnson, Director of Business Development, MCA Accounting Solutions
Cliff Whatmore, President, MAB Investments, SFO
Sumit Metha, CEO, MAZAKALI
Curtis Winar, Director, Strategic Services, Cannabis Industry Practice Leader – Frost, PLLC
Peter Su, Vice President-Private Banking/Cannabis Banking Team Leader, Dime Bank
Catalyst Conversations | 5.4.21 | How to Maximize Your Marketing Budget & Efforts
In this edition of our Catalyst Conversations series originally aired on Tuesday, April 6, the NCIA Marketing and Advertising Committee teamed up with the Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Committee to create a powerful discussion every Social Equity operator should join in on.
Smaller operators spend a lot of money and energy on marketing efforts, but too often it’s wasted on lots of tactics and noise and not enough on strategy and precision. Marketing is one of the least understood, and under-utilized aspects of business that small business owners fail to properly take advantage of. The return on investment is often too little, because they don’t make the right investment and don’t understand how to best leverage the assets created and platforms available as part of a greater strategy.
During this webinar, you will gain a better understanding of the importance of marketing and how to best leverage different marketing strategies (and platforms) to benefit your business, particularly as a Social Equity or Legacy operator. Learn how to bring simple marketing tactics into your overall business strategy, while also getting pragmatic information on what you should look for when vetting marketing firms. Maximize your ROI and know how your money is being spent!
Attendees will walk away with these key insights:
• Understand the importance of Marketing and how best to leverage different marketing strategies and platforms, based on your brand, location, goals, budget and target audience
• Get pragmatic information on what you should look for when vetting Marketing firms
• Learn how to incorporate simple marketing tactics into your overall business strategy
Speakers:
• Amy Larson, VP of Marketing & PR, Simplifya
• Josefine Nowitz, Co-Founder, Cannabis Creative Group
• Kay Villamin, Co-founder & Creative Marketing Director, Hush Chicago
• Devin Jones, Store Manager, Elev8 Eugene
Announcing The Top 8 Finalists | Best of 4/20 Marketing Campaigns
In a year that has tested everyone’s resilience, our industry found new legitimacy as cannabis was deemed “essential” by lawmakers and regulators during the pandemic. As we slowly emerge from a shut down, the members of the Marketing & Advertising Committee (MAC) all agreed that 4/20 celebrations have brought a new meaning in 2021.
We celebrate that we have survived, and grieve for those who have lost so much.
We celebrate that cannabis legalization has moved forward – and rapidly – in several more states.
We celebrate that our industry continues to adapt so well, as it has throughout the last few decades.
Part of that celebration was reflected in clever and innovative 4/20 promotions. Of course, they were executed under CDC and county health guidelines because we know compliance, don’t we? Several NCIA member retailers, brands, and companies rose to the occasion, and we as marketers wanted to recognize that creativity and ingenuity. So, this year NCIA’s MAC committee asked for nominations for the best 420 Marketing Campaigns…and our members did not fail to deliver!
On Tuesday, May 5th, 2021 at 3:00PM EDT, NCIA’S MAC committee will recognize and showcase several of those marketing successes in our #IndustryEssentials Best Of 4/20 Marketing Campaigns celebration webinar. And, in a twist, we’re letting YOU decide who is the best of the best!
We’ve collected dozens of incredible entries and have boiled it down to EIGHT finalists to showcase during the broadcast. Congratulations to our finalists!
NCIA members will vote live to determine the top three. You won’t want to miss this interactive program featuring the best and brightest minds in the marketing space sharing each other’s most successful strategies surrounding the biggest retail day (and year) for our industry.
Here is a quick overview of the finalists (in no particular order):
Rebelle’s 4/20 Series began with a campaign to petition Governor Cuomo in New York to legalize cannabis. CGP ran a series of billboards around New York in high traffic areas and another at the entrance of the Lincoln tunnel. Finally, CGP conspicuously placed a billboard in Albany with the hopes of gaining attention from the Governor. This campaign was done with the help of Verdes, a design agency who has worked with the likes of Nike and Target. The messaging was loud and clear: “Legalize Loud, Legalize New York, Legalize Now”, “New York Wants All The Smoke”, “I (Pot Leaf) NY”. Their team banded together with the creation of personal Instagram accounts that coordinated messages daily, highlighting the inequities and harm done by the prior war on drugs. Billboards were highlighted on news channels in Brooklyn and Albany.
The loud billboards must have worked. Once legalization passed in New York, messaging shifted gears. The next round of ads debuted April 20th on the NASDAQ Billboard in Times Square. This time, it’s a message of celebration: “Happy 420”, “Let’s Get Loud”, “Let’s Rebelle”. After their 420 moment, Rebelle celebrated NY legalization 4/20 it’s first ever Rebelle 420 party at an outdoor restaurant patio location, Ten Hope in Brooklyn.
Golden State Greens was back at it again with it’s first in-person event since Covid labeled “4/20 Social.” Just like an ice cream social, attendees were able to mingle and munch safely distanced outside while listening to their favorite local and international artists. A list of top vendors displayed and gave away products to the lucky guests meeting friends in various hospitality areas. A series of social media posts leading up to the event encouraged followers to share with their friends by rewarding customers with in-store incentives. A group of media teams documented, captured, streamed and produced a recap of the event. A series of well known influencers hosted on stage and in front of the camera to guide guests/digital viewers through the experience. Massive discounts were given storewide and a percentage of all the proceeds for the day were donated to the charity our social following determined through their voice in voting.
In 2020, the year when 4/20 was an entire month, Higher Celebrations, an ancillary cannabis gifting company introduced the Dabvent Calendar, an epic month-long countdown to the most recognized cannabis holiday of the year. The Dabvent Calendar gathered 20 brands and 20 Instagram cannabis influencers to partake in a collaborative giveaway that honors every day in April as we do in December while counting down the days until Christmas. A nod to the classic Advent Calendar, the Dabvent Calendar contained daily elements of surprise and delight revealed by popular cannabis influencers such as @Chronicalewinsky (46K Followers) and @Bettykrockerbakes (21K Followers) leading up to the 20th. The physical calendars were gifted to influencers, including small products or swag items representing each major 420 Daily Giveaway that was announced by Higher Celebrations every day at 4:20 MST.
Edibles manufacturer WANA planned a series of activities that incorporate fun, pandemic-safe celebrations as well as opportunities to support the social justice causes brought to the forefront during last summer’s consciousness-raising demonstrations. #4ward20 reflects on the challenges of the past year while embracing the optimism on the horizon. In addition to consumer activities, #4ward20 honored dispensary partners by sharing special gifts with the essential workers who have kept the industry going throughout the pandemic.
Leading up to April 20, Wana Brands released a daily #4ward20 Challenge, providing ideas on ways individuals can celebrate each and every day. Ideas ranged from the silly (“get dressed up, even if it is just to feel good at home”) to the socially minded (“go on a distanced walk with a friend”) to the philanthropic (“donate money or time to a social equity organization”). Consumers were encouraged to share their activities by posting photos and videos to social media sites with the hashtag #4ward20 and tagging Wana Brands for a chance to win limited-edition #4ward20 swag.
This year on 4/20, the brand hosted Glass House Fest, a socially distanced hybrid digital-and-in-person music festival held at a secret location in LA featuring critically acclaimed rapper and producer, Flying Lotus along with supporting performers including Duckwrth and comedian Mike E Winfield.
The event included a fully immersive, virtual cannabis greenhouse experience, featuring interactive elements and a discount easter egg redeemable in the store’s merch shop. Glass House Fest was hosted live and in accordance with CDC guidelines, as well as virtually through the event livestream. Live music and cannabis experiences have historically gone hand in hand. Glass House Fest was developed to bring back a sense of normalcy to their customers’ everyday lives, and the hybrid event could serve as a blueprint for future industry activations.
Green Thumb Industries and its Rise dispensaries celebrated with their “Year of Essential” 4/20 campaign full of in-store activations, promotions, giveaways and paid media.
Each location was highly decorated with posters, 180 feet of pennant strings, flags, welcome mats, floor decals to help maintain social distancing and large wrapped bongs. There were price promotions in every market the entire month of April.
Traditionally, paper is the first wedding anniversary gift. To celebrate the first “year of essential”, Rise locations in Illinois, Maryland, Nevada and Florida gifted customers with rolling paper and copies of Lizzie Post’s “Higher Etiquette” and Lizzie hosted a GTI/Rise livestream event on April 19 at 4:20pm. Lizzie Post is the great-great granddaughter of etiquette legend Emily Post who 100 years ago wrote the book “Modern Manners”. The discussion centered on respect for cannabis culture to help usher in a new 4/20, and Lizzie shared tips on “canna-courtesy.” There were prizes and incentives for staff as well. The “Year of Essential” is a positive reminder that self-care and well-being are of utmost importance.
To kick off the week of 4/20, PLUS hosted “Waking + Baking: Cannabis Cooking Class and Dance Party,” a free virtual cannabis cooking class and dance party featuring a one-on-one interview with PLUS Chief Science Officer, Ari Mackler. The live cannabis brunch party was hosted and produced by Michelle Lhooq (@MichelleLhooq), a popular and respected LA-based cannabis journalist and author.
Viewers started off their lazy Sunday morning with a cooking class led by PLUS’ Research and Design team learning how to bake hash-infused scones and marmalades using PLUS’ Hash Gummies as the main ingredient. Registration for the event came with a discount code on PLUS gummies to entice viewers to purchase Hash Gummies for use in the cooking class.
Considering 4/20 landed on a Tuesday, PLUS chose a Sunday to offer those who may not be able to celebrate cannabis mid-week the chance to honor its history on the quietest day of the week. It brought together the community for some lighthearted fun after a year of pandemic-related stress.
As a fun way to celebrate 4/20 at home, Nugg Club engaged cannabis enthusiasts through a virtual and immersive experience that was accessed via nuggclub.com/420 (which started live on 4/15). Along with their 4/20 Home Edition Nugg Club box, members were invited to the site to enjoy curated selections of cannabis inspired by music, art, and deals from local restaurants to curb the munchies.
Nugg Club is a subscription cannabis club and helps anyone explore the world of cannabis at a discount. The company surprises consumers each month with a box of full-sized, premium cannabis products that are carefully curated and personalized for each customer and delivered at a wholesale price. The 4/20 box was a specialized tailored edition of that box.
All of the entries were terrific, and it was challenging to narrow the field to only eight (8). Your input and votes will determine the “People’s Choice” winners of the best of 4/20.
We are a resilient industry, and about to emerge into a new post-pandemic environment.
Please join us to celebrate epic marketing in a year of uncertainty and change. Register now and join us on May 5th!
We would also like to extend a big THANK YOU to everyone who submitted entries, and offer Honorable Mentions to all of these companies for their efforts!
Committee Insights | 4.27.21 | Top Challenges for Cannabis Industry Employers Emerging from the Pandemic
In this edition of our Committee Insights series originally aired on Tuesday, April 27, 2021 members of NCIA’s Human Resources Committee convened a panel of human resource and legal experts to lead a discussion on the pandemic’s impacts on the workplace and explore the challenges facing cannabis businesses emerging from the pandemic.
During this program, speakers provided practical considerations for reducing potential liabilities for remote and returning workforces. The session will also walk attendees through key considerations for administering vaccination policies while also highlighting areas of suggested focus beyond the pandemic response as businesses increasingly return to fuller operation.
Speakers:
Dean Rocco
Partner Wilson Elser
Melissa Hafey
Director Of HR Blackbird
Jeffrey David
Shareholder Call Jensen
Presenting Sponsor:
Policy Council Conversations | 4.21.21 | Creating Gender Parity
In this edition of our Policy Council Conversations series originally aired on Wednesday, April 21, 2021 we were joined by the authors of the recently-released white paper series entitled “Building New Foundations in the Cannabis Industry: Creating Gender Parity through Ownership, Leadership, Boards, Pay Equality, Branding, and Capital”, for a discussion in partnership with NCIA and the Arcview Women’s Inclusion Network.
In celebration of 4/20 and in honor of those that have come before us, this webinar will dive into the toolkits and the outcomes that will create Gender Parity, through Ownership, Leadership, Boards, Pay Equality, Branding, and Capital.
Are you a leader (or aspiring leader) in the cannabis industry? Is Diversity, Equity, Anti-Racism and Inclusion on your priority list? This webinar will be getting these big ideas into actionable takeaways.
The authors discussed the state of the industry and how businesses and individuals can embrace gender parity every day. The research, data, personal stories and case studies highlighted demonstrate why gender parity is crucial to business success in any industry, especially cannabis.
Have you read the papers? Listened to the podcasts? Just want to learn more about the topic? Everyone is welcome!
Committee Insights | 4.7.21 | Hot Topics for Accounting and Tax for the Cannabis Industry
In this edition of our NCIA Committee Insights series originally aired on Wednesday, April 7, 2021 we were joined by members of our NCIA’s Banking and Financial Services Committee to explore various topics around cannabis banking, accounting and tax.
Get your questions answered as it relates to 280E tax and 471(c ), other cannabis state and local tax considerations, cash and inventory management procedures, legal entity structure, cannabis tax planning and cannabis banking issues.
Panelists:
Curtis Winar
Director, Strategic Services
Cannabis Industry Practice Leader – Frost, PLLC
Peter Su
VP, Private Banking/Cannabis Banking Team Leader
Dime Bank
Naomi Granger
CFO
National Association of Accounting and Tax Professionals
NCIA’s Catalyst Conversations are an advanced #IndustryEssentials webinar series curated to give enrollees in our Social Equity Scholarship program the opportunity to network and gain access to valuable knowledge that will help them excel in the cannabis industry.
One of the most overlooked yet important tasks when creating your cannabis business is the design of your facility. Too often we are so engrossed in the myriad of other things that need to be accomplished that we do not give enough attention to this fundamental need of our business.
In this edition of our Catalyst Conversations series originally aired on Tuesday, April 6, 2021 we convened a panel of experts to demystify facilities design planning and share pragmatic steps from how to choose a company to work with to what questions you should ask, and most importantly how much it is going to cost.
Learning Objectives:
• Explain the importance of engaging facility designers at the onset of your project
• Provide pragmatic information on what you should look for when vetting facilities design companies
• Demystify the cost of getting a facility design for your emerging company
Panelists:
• Christine De La Rosa, CEO and National Co-Founder, The People’s Dispensary
• Jade Heller, Intern Architect, Fishbeck
• LaToyia Rucker, COO, Calyxeum
• Brian Anderson, Partner, Anderson Porter Design
• Jacques Santucci, Founder, Nucleus One
A special thank you to the benefactors of NCIA’s Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Program which are listed below!
Committee Insights | 3.30.21 | How Your Facility Design Ensures Business Success
In this edition of our NCIA Committee Insights series originally aired on Tuesday, March 30, 2021 we were joined by members of our Facility Design Committee for an advanced session covering best practices to ensure design and commissioning parameters set you up for operational success.
Attendees will walk away with these key insights:
• What do we call the planning phase, and how does this all tie into PDCA (Plan-Do-Check-Act)?
• What is commissioning (Cx)? When does it happen, what are the different terms of art from the cross-disciplines, and why is it vital to a facility and successful operations?
• How to optimize OpEx and CapEx – what is Operational Efficiency, how is it defined, and how does it affect facility design?
Panelists:
Dario Boyce
Project Manager
Anderson Porter Design, Inc.
David Dixon
President
davidcdixonllc
Tony Vannice
Principle
Operations Management Consulting
David Vaillencourt
CEO & Founder
The GMP Collective
Brian Anderson
Partner
Anderson Porter Design, Inc.
Fireside Chats w/ NCIA’s Gov. Relations Team | 3.31.21 | Lessons Learned From Canada
The Fireside Chat series of NCIA’s #IndustryEssentials webinars are an exclusive monthly opportunity for NCIA members to hear from our government relations team and guests about the latest developments in federal policy LIVE.
Join Mike and Michelle and their guests this month as they take a deep dive into lessons learned from Canada, including ways to reform laws, spotting red flags, and crafting regulations.
In 2018, Canada became the second country in the world to formally legalize the cultivation, possession, acquisition and consumption of cannabis and its by-products. While shifting political dynamics, successful ballot initiative measures, and the entrepreneurial drive of American small businesses may have started the regulated global cannabis market, the U.S. is quickly falling behind as that market expands internationally.
You can also expect to hear about raising capital, the stock and public markets, and the challenges Canada has had with bringing illicit activities into the legal market. Overall, you can expect to hear do’s and don’ts, lessons learned, and advice from international cannabis industry professionals.
Panelists:
Michael Gorenstein
Executive Chairman
The Cronos Group
In this edition of our Committee Insights series originally aired on Tuesday, March 23, 2021 members of NCIA’s Retail Committee convened a panel of retail cannabis experts to lead a discussion of innovative retail cannabis marketing strategies & challenges. At the conclusion of the presentation they hosted a moderated Q&A session so don’t miss your chance to learn from these pioneers in the retail space!
Learning Objectives:
• Learn numerous innovative ways to market to customers during changing times
• Local, state and federal challenges to retail cannabis compliance
• Successful public relations and social media strategies
• Tools for building a marketing strategy
• What is your data worth and how can you capitalize on it?
Panelists:
Brandon Dorsky Hoban Law
Gary Strahle 3KEYMEDIA LLC
Allison Disney Receptor Brands
Byron Bogaard Highway 33
Tara Coomans Avaans PR
Larina Scofield Lucy Sky Cannabis Boutique
“If you don’t own your data, your data will own you” – Gary Strahle of 3KEYMEDIA LLC
Committee Insights | 3.17.21 | No Time to Waste – Putting Equity First In The Mid-Atlantic Region
In this edition of our NCIA Committee Insights series originally aired on Wednesday, March 17, 2021 we were joined by members of NCIA’s Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Committee to discuss the key positions that all activists should dig their heels in to ensure cannabis legislation is as equitable as possible.
With the Mid-Atlantic poised to becoming the next region to ride the wave of cannabis legalization, this was a timely conversation to help those in the region understand what demands they should be making with their lawmakers, all from the perspectives of those who’ve come before us in different markets who’ve fought these kinds of battles.
Brandon Bolton
Executive Director United CORE Alliance
Chelsea Higgs Wise
Executive Director Marijuana Justice
Chirali Patel
Executive Board Member New Jersey State Bar Association Cannabis Law Committee
Committee Insights | 3.17.21 | Energy Use and Working Towards Standardizations in Regulations
In this edition of our NCIA Committee Insights series originally aired on Wednesday, March 17, 2021 we were joined by members of NCIA’s Cannabis Cultivation Committee for an advanced session on energy use and procurement alongside sustainable cultivation practices.
Energy consumption is one of the largest costs for a licensed cannabis cultivation. During this webinar, we convened a panel of cannabis industry cultivation experts to share what cultivations are doing to lessen energy consumption and the potential need for standards and/or regulations to help promote “greener” cannabis cultivations.
Panelists:
Steve Mackey – Senior Vice President – Yobi (Host)
Ash Ganley – GrowRay Lighting Technologies
Adrian Geovenco – CEO & Co-Founder – InSpire Transpiration Solutions
Josh Holleb – Ceres Greenhouse Solutions
Ryan Disney – Botanist – Red Arrow Farm
Noni Goldman – COO – The Hub Craft
Sonny Antonio – CEO/Founder – Sunshine Design
Protected: Committee Insights | 3.10.21 | Leveraging Technology for your Advertising & Marketing
Committee Insights | 3.3.21 | Out of the Box Ideas to Market Your Cannabis Retail & Product Brands
In this edition of our NCIA Committee Insights series originally aired on Wednesday, March 3, 2021 we were joined by members of our Marketing & Advertising Committee for a lively conversation surrounding unique ideas on how to market and advertise your cannabis brand!
Our panel of esteemed experts highlight ten (or more!) creative examples others are doing to jump start your idea factory and get attention! They’ll each bring examples of other cannabis business brands doing out-of-the -ordinary things, and maybe a few from other industries that YOU can duplicate successfully in cannabis.
Laura Wilkinson Sinton
Founder & CEO
Caligrown™/AFC Products
Jake Wall
Chief Innovation Officer
avec bloom
Michele Ringelberg
Owner
ThrivePOP
Josefine Nowitz
Co-Founder
Cannabis Creative Group
Committee Insights | 2.23.21 | Future Proofing Your Business – Vaping Product Regulation Preparedness
In this edition of our NCIA Committee Insights series originally aired on Tuesday, February 23, 2021 we were joined by members of our Cannabis Manufacturing Committee for a discussion surrounding future vaping product regulations. You’ll learn what to expect and what manufacturers can do to support compliance, as well as help protect the environment and public health
Panelists include:
Emily N. Long
Byers Scientific
(Moderator)
Robert Thomas
Scientific Solutions
Ramon Alarcon
Wellness Insight Technologies Inc.
Arnaud Dumas de Rauly
Blinc Group
Committee Insights | 2.17.21 | Cannabis Business Culture & Hiring Practices Are Rapidly Changing…
In this edition of our NCIA Committee Insights series originally aired on Wednesday, February 17 we were joined by members of our Human Resources Committee for a discussion focused on the change in cannabis business culture and hiring practices experienced as a result of the pandemic.
The cannabis industry’s 2019 capital crunch leading into the 2020 COVID pandemic was a very difficult time for everyone in the cannabis community to say the least, and of course continues to present very difficult challenges. However, some positive culture shifts and creative hiring practices in the industry were born as a result. Because if one thing holds true about the cannabis community, it’s that we’re a gritty and resilient bunch!
Hear from cannabis industry recruitment leaders, Bryan Passman of Hunter + Esquire and Kimley Svendsen of Drive Talent, who will share insights from their frontline experiences.
Attendees will gain insight into these key takeaways:
• Ways in which cannabis business cultures are continuing to evolve to reflect those within marquis companies in mainstream industries.
• How Hiring practices in all industries were turned upside down by the pandemic – the good and the not so good.
• It’s been a rough ride with more difficult times ahead, but panelists breakdown the ways our “essential” industry is still winning despite it all.
NCIA Committee Insights | 2.10.21 | New States Licensing Framework and Insurance Requirements
In this edition of our NCIA Committee Insights series originally aired on Wednesday, February 10, 2021 we were joined by members of our Risk Management and Insurance Committee for a discussion focused on new state cannabis medicinal programs as well as expanding adult-use programs and the insurance requirements that are part of the licensing process. Panelists reviewed the most common requirements for license hopefuls, took a deep dive into SOPs and best practices, and established key pillars for a sound, scalable risk management program.
Learning Objectives:
• Key licensing requirements pre and post application
• Imperative coverage to start your business
• Standard Operating Procedures that can be leveraged to ensure you have the right policies in place when you are opening your doors
• Key Risk Management Techniques
• What to do once you have a license & basic coverage
• Deep dive into key milestones and additional coverage that can be applicable as you scale your business
Panelists Include:
Jeffrey Samuels
Vice President Cannabis Practice
Embroker
Eric Rahn
Managing Director
Rahn & Associates Insurance Brokerage
Matthew Johnson
Vice President of Marketing
QuadScore Insurance Services
Michael DeNault
Risk Mitigation Specialist
Charles River Insurance
Kevin Haller, CPA
Principal of Akene Consulting
Cimone Casson
Executive of Cannas Capital
#IndustryEssentials Recording – Catalyst Conversations | 2.2.21 | 2021 Cannabis Industry Business Opportunities
NCIA’s Catalyst Conversations are an advanced #IndustryEssentials webinar series curated to give enrollees in our Social Equity Scholarship program the opportunity to network and gain access to valuable knowledge that will help them excel in the cannabis industry.
All NCIA member receive exclusive 30 day access to formatted video recordings of our #IndustryEssentials educational webinars following their live broadcast and prior to public release.
In this edition of our Catalyst Conversations series originally aired on Tuesday, February 2 we heard from experienced operators, consultants and technical assistance providers sharing best practices and advice on where to get started whether you’d like to apply for a license or start an ancillary business.
Speakers included:
• La Wanda Know, Cannabis Equity Assistance Program Technical Assistance Consultant
• Kevin Ford Jr, CEO, Uplift National
• Amber Norwood, Co- Founder, Weed The People Law
• Rebecca Colett , CEO, Calyxeum
Moderators:
• Christine De La Rosa , CEO and National Co-Founder, The People’s Dispensary
• Tahir Johnson , Membership and Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Manager, NCIA
A special thank you to the benefactors of NCIA’s Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Program which are listed below! These businesses have all taken their commitment to social justice to the next level by providing significant financial support for all our DEI efforts across the association. You can learn more about these initiatives on the NCIA’s website by following this link on then join the ranks of these pioneering businesses pushing for a more equitable industry.
NCIA Diversity, Equity, Inclusion Program Benefactors:
#IndustryEssentials Webinar Recording – Service Solutions: Why Good Manufacturing Practices are Critical for Cannabis Edibles Success (and Other Lessons from the Food & Dietary Supplements Sectors)
NCIA’s #IndustryEssentials webinars are our weekly educational series featuring a variety of programs allowing us to provide you timely, engaging and essential education when & where you need it most.
The Service Solutions series is our sponsored content webinar program which allows business owners the opportunity to learn more about premier products, services and industry solutions directly from our network of established suppliers, providers and thought leaders.
In this edition of our Service Solutions series originally aired on Tuesday, January 19 our panel of experts led by the team at ImEPIK discussed why food safety programs are important for those making edibles, even though they’re not federally required (yet). ImEPIK pulled together a unique group of experts who covered the importance of Good Manufacturing Practices in the U.S. and Good Production Practices in Canada, as well as certification standards and training options.
Learning Objectives
1. Discuss why a food framework will likely be adopted with cannabis edibles become federally regulated;
2. Recognize the importance of incorporating GMPs and GPPs as part of cannabis edibles production;
3. Establish what training and certification programs they’ll need to establish to prepare for federal requirements.
Panelists include:
Patricia Wester (MODERATOR)
Food Safety Expert and Owner
PA Wester Consulting
Kathryn Birmingham, PhD
COO and Vice President of Research and Development
ImEPIK
Kathy Knutson, PhD Food Safety and Cannabis Consultant – PCQI Lead Instructor
ImEPIK
Merril Gilbert
Co-Founder and CEO
TraceTrust
David Vaillencourt
Founder and CEO
The GMP Collective
#IndustryEssentials Webinar Recording – Service Solutions: Coming out of the Dark Ages – The Future of Controlled Environment Agriculture in Sealed Greenhouse Cultivation
NCIA’s #IndustryEssentials webinars are our weekly educational series featuring a variety of programs allowing us to provide you timely, engaging and essential education when & where you need it most.
The Service Solutions series is our sponsored content webinar program which allows business owners the opportunity to learn more about premier products, services and industry solutions directly from our network of established suppliers, providers and thought leaders.
In this edition of our Service Solutions series originally aired on Wednesday, December 16 we were joined by the team at Ceres Greenhouse Solutions for a conversation in which they highlighted some of the important technologies involved in modern greenhouse design, as well as their unique approach to facilitating cultivation to market strategies for those looking to enter this world of cannabis growth.
What is Controlled Environment Agriculture (CEA)? What is sealed cultivation? What does control actually mean when we talk about growing? This webinar, brought to you by Ceres Greenhouse Solutions, will explore these questions and why they matter for professional cannabis cultivation. Controlled Environment Agriculture (CEA) in cannabis has been heavily focused on indoor environments with artificial lighting. Our focus is on incorporating principles of CEA with the intelligence of nature in order to maximize plant photosynthesis and facility energy efficiency. Using sunlight as the main ingredient, we will discuss how to create an ideal environment for high yielding and high quality production.
Learning Objectives
1. An understanding of what is traditionally meant by “Controlled Environment Agriculture” and how Ceres integrates CEA into our holistic facility design.
2. How to make a business argument for “Controlled Environment Agriculture”; better ensuring cultivation to market, production management, and prediction.
3. An explanation of different types of grows and the advantages and disadvantages of them, including: Indoor Grow, Sun Tubes (Skylights), Traditional Greenhouses, and the SunChamber™.
4. What is meant by the term “controlled”? How does control relate to energy consumption and increasing yields?
5. A holistic understanding of what a plant needs to thrive; from light absorption to photosynthesis.
Panelists:
Josh Holleb
Co-Founder and Co-Owner
Ceres Greenhouse Solutions
In these last few days of the year, I’m as eager as anyone to put it all behind us in the rearview mirror, but I’m also so grateful of what our members have made possible in 2020.
As we close out NCIA’s 10th year as the cannabis industry’s largest and most respected trade association, I’m just in awe of all the progress that has been made for the cannabis industry in spite of so many challenges.
When state governments were first grappling with the response to the pandemic, most deemed cannabis businesses as “essential,” allowing our industry to stay open to serve patients and adult consumers. Just a few years ago, this level of recognition as a vital sector of the economy would have been unthinkable — even to me!
What’s more, legal cannabis sales broke records throughout the months of this pandemic. It should be no surprise that #CannabisIsEssential to getting through a global pandemic.
Although our lobbying operation went virtual this year, NCIA was able to move the ball further than ever in Congress. The House of Representatives ended the year by passing the groundbreaking MORE Act, marking the first time either chamber of Congress has approved legislation to legalize cannabis since its prohibition over 80 years ago.
Public support for sensible marijuana policy and the legal cannabis industry stands at its all-time high. During the most divisive election in modern U.S. history, voters from across the political spectrum support ending prohibition and putting cannabis behind a regulated counter. In fact, adult-use cannabis initiatives garnered more votes than President-Elect Biden in every state where both appeared on the ballot — including the two he decisively won (New Jersey and Arizona). The hundreds of forward-thinking businesses that support our advocacy and education efforts have made this incredible progress possible, in spite of an otherwise dismal year.
It’s been almost ten months since we have been able to host in-person events but NCIA has continued to keep our community connected and informed through our Industry Essentials educational webinar series, Cannabis Caucus (cyber) events, and the Cannabis Business Cyber Summit.
NCIA also launched a second weekly podcast offering, The Cannabis Diversity Report, and celebrated more than 200 episodes of The Cannabis Industry Voice podcast (also top 50 U.S. Business News charts for Apple Podcasts), plus monthly live video updates with NCIA Today. During this temporary break from face-to-face networking, we’ve created several digital sponsorship opportunities for savvy cannabis businesses to elevate their brand while also supporting the work we are doing to advance the industry.
Amidst our national reckoning over systemic racism and police brutality, NCIA launched our Equity Scholarship program which now provides membership benefits to over 100 equity operators. Thanks to the financial support of a growing number of businesses that have stepped up to support social equity in cannabis, this important program will continue to be a priority in 2021 and beyond.
2020 was also a great year to be a member of NCIA. As the only full-service trade association in the cannabis industry, we take pride in providing our members with the resources they need to gain a competitive advantage over the industry’s free-riders and isolated operators.
Over the past year, we’ve expanded our membership benefits with the launch of our exclusive online community, NCIA Connect, as well as significant member-only discounts onSimplifya’s compliance platform.
I take pride that NCIA is the only association in cannabis providing our members with this kind of direct ROI in addition to professional political representation in our nation’s halls of power.
Our members are building the next great American industry. It’s an honor representing them through the thick and thin. Progress takes time but the work we are doing to build support for that industry in the halls of Congress and among the voting public is paying off.
On behalf of the whole team at NCIA, I wish you a happy holiday season and new year! I hope you’re enjoying it safely with those you love. We have even more in store for 2021 as we continue to support our members through advocacy, education, and community, so stay tuned.
With gratitude,
Aaron Smith Co-founder & CEO
P.S. If you are not yet a member of NCIA but somehow read all the way to this point, please take just a couple of minutes more to join today. NCIA membership is a simple investment in the future of your business and our industry.
P.P.S If you are a member, reach out and say hello. I’d love to hear about your plans for 2021 and find out how NCIA can help your business succeed.
#IndustryEssentials Webinar Recording – NCIA Committee Insights: Retail Cannabis During a Pandemic
In this edition of our Committee Insights series originally aired on Wednesday, December 9th we were joined by members of Retail Committee to discuss some of the ways the ever-evolving cannabis industry has changed during the COVID-19 pandemic, specifically in the retail space, as well as some of the best practices you can follow to ensure the safety of your staff and clientele.
Panelists also discuss some ideas from retail insiders on how the retail cannabis space may evolve going forward due to the pandemic.
Learning Objectives
• How retail cannabis has evolved since COVID
• COVID retail best practices
• How might the retail cannabis industry change going forward
Speakers include:
Ryan Rappaport
Co-Founder & Managing Partner
Digital Venture Partners
(Moderator)
Gary Strahle
Technical Architect
3KEYMEDIA LLC
Jason Cragholm
Founder
QualSCORE
Larina Scofield
Director of Retail Operations
Lucy Sky Cannabis Boutique
#IndustryEssentials Webinar Recording – NCIA Committee Insights: Harvesting, Ergonomics of Trimming and Contracting
In this edition of our Committee Insights series originally aired on Monday, December 7th we were joined by a panel of commercial cultivation experts, along with special guests from the Occupational and Physical Therapy industries, for a comprehensive look at the art of trimming and how they handle the final stages of cultivation.
Harvesting is a laborious process. Even with machinery and thoughtful process engineering, the bulk of cannabis harvesting, including cutting down mature plants, hanging in drying rooms, and the artful hand trimming necessary for top-dollar bag appeal, are done by people.
For employees and owners, understanding the ergonomics of the harvesting and trimming process, from posture and Repetitive Motion Injuries (RMIs) to selecting the appropriately sized scissors, is an important aspect of People Health. The goal of ergonomics is to largely prevent musculoskeletal injuries and encourage higher, sustainable production efficiencies.
Panelists:
Jordan Stauder
GrowRay Lighting Technologies
Alex Hearding
National Cannabis Risk Management Association
Dr. Chris Hughes
Atlas Performance
LaToyia Rucker
Calyxeum Detroit
Presented By:
NCIA’s Cultivation Committee
#IndustryEssentials Webinar Recording – Catalyst Conversations: Opportunities for HBCUs in the Cannabis Industry
NCIA’s Catalyst Conversations Series is a brand new advanced webinar series curated to give enrollees in our Social Equity Scholarship program the opportunity to network and gain access to valuable knowledge that will help them excel in the cannabis industry.
In this month’s program, we rebroadcasted a session recently presented at our Cannabis Business Cyber Summit for those who may have missed it!
From this panel gain insight from some of the most successful entrepreneurs in cannabis, on how HBCU, their students, and alumni can take advantage of opportunities to participate in America’s fastest growing industry. Southern University made history as the first HBCU (Historically Black Colleges & Universities) to release its own line of THC medical cannabis products. African-Americans currently make up less than 5% of cannabis business ownership.
Panelists:
Tahir Johnson,
Membership & Diversity Equity, and Inclusion Manager
National Cannabis Industry Association
Chanda Macias
Chairwoman & CEO
National Holistic Healing Center
Kinchasa Taylor
Principle/Cannabist Specialist
Cannavation Analytics
Kevin Ford
Chief Executive Officer
The Uplift Companies
Hope Wiseman
Chief Executive Officer
Mary and Main
#IndustryEssentials Webinar Recording – Service Solutions: The Road Ahead – Cannabis Compliance in 2021 and Beyond
NCIA’s #IndustryEssentials webinars are our weekly educational series featuring a variety of programs allowing us to provide you timely, engaging and essential education when & where you need it most.
The Service Solutions series is our sponsored content webinar program which allows business owners the opportunity to learn more about premier products, services and industry solutions directly from our network of established suppliers, providers and thought leaders.
In this edition of our Service Solutions series originally aired on Wednesday, November 18 we were joined by a panel of experts led by the team at Simplifya for a comprehensive look at the complexities of cannabis industry compliance as we wrap up the challenges of 2020 and look ahead to what changes are in store for the industry post-election. From COVID-19 regulations and social distancing guidelines to the potential changes we can expect from a shift in power in the Senate and the White House; we will discuss the challenge of, and provide recommendations for maintaining compliance from a regulatory, banking, and accounting perspective.
Learning Objectives:
• What operators in newly legalized states can anticipate regarding regulations and operational compliance demands
• The impact a change in Senate power could have on banking compliance
• Insights into the complexity of cannabis accounting, and how to compliantly be prepared now that the IRS is stepping up its cannabis focus
Speakers Include:
Amy Larson
VP Sales & Marketing
Simplifya
Brooke Butler
Vice President of Partnerships
Simplifya
Scott Hammon
Assurance Partner & National Cannabis Practice Leader
MGO
The NCIA Committee Insights series showcases content produced in partnership with one of our 15 member-led committees.
For centuries we have collected, extracted, and studied countless plants for their medicinal, and sometimes poisonous effects. There are a handful of chilling tales of famous botanists and explorers falling victim to Angel’s Trumpet or even Poisonous Hemlock. NCIA’s Scientific Advisory Committee thought it fitting, for this special Halloween edition of their program to explore the spooky claim that cannabis has the potential to kill.
