By Étienne Fontan, Berkeley Patients Group (CA)

I’m honored to be nominated for another term on the NCIA Board and I am seeking reelection. Since day one of NCIA’s founding, I have provided stability and leadership to the NCIA membership. It has been my honor to do so, and I look forward to continuing to serve. I am a founding and current member of NCIA’s Board of Directors, serving as Chairman of the Board from 2012-13. My company, Berkeley Patients Group (BPG), is also a founding member of the NCIA and continues to be an active member-business, sponsoring events, participating in lobby days, and recruiting new members.

As pioneers of the cannabis industry, BPG and I bring decades of experience to the NCIA Board. We are well positioned to continue helping build NCIA into a powerful force in Washington, D.C. We know first-hand the struggles it takes to operate and maintain a successful dispensary under great duress while simultaneously working to improve and grow the business. Last year, our local U.S. Attorney initiated forfeiture proceedings to seize the property housing our dispensary. Within hours, NCIA came to our defense and helped us tell our story, to both media and elected officials. I experienced first-hand how vital NCIA is for our industry.

I hope to maintain my board seat in order to assist the many new entrants in our burgeoning industry. I am committed to supporting the growth of our industry, and I need your help to continue this work. BPG has been a consistent participant and sponsor of numerous NCIA events, helping to build NCIA and the industry as a whole. BPG will continue to assist in broadening the NCIA membership base through event sponsorships and direct recruitment. I appreciate your ongoing support and ask for your vote in the upcoming NCIA Board election.

See the full Board of Directors Voter Guide here.