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.

• • Premier Sponsors
    • Apeks Supercritical
    • Cannasure Insurance Services
    • Cannabrand
    • McAllister Garfield P.C.
    • Thomas G. Haren – Cannabis Attorney
    • Vangst Talent Network

• • Supporting Sponsors
    • The Arcview Group
    • BDS Analytics
    • CannaRegs

• • Media Partners
    • Sensi Media
    • Stoner Magazine

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