By Luke Ramirez, Walking Raven Retail and Medical Marijuana Center (CO)

As a board member of the NCIA I will advance the image of business people in the cannabis industry. Through activism and relentless networking with canna-business professionals of Denver, I was introduced to Aaron Smith and the NCIA three years ago. I knew that both of my companies would be joining a short time later. It was an easy decision after observing the organization’s commitment to professionalism and positive media image; they reflected the ideals my companies follow.

I have leveraged my company’s platform to further cannabis advocacy for business professionals, and I’ll use the board seat as further leverage to help our industry gain respect with mainstream businesses and government officials. Last year, my business, Cannabusiness School and Consulting, worked with the NCIA team, traveling to their symposiums in Chicago and Las Vegas, recording the symposium speakers and making their presentations available in an online format for those who could not attend. (http://cannabusinessschoolandconsulting.com/nevada/ and http://cannabusinessschoolandconsulting.com/midwest-symposium-ncia/)

My time spent traveling to cannabis events nationwide gives me the perspective of what our industry needs on a national level; not just the needs of my peers locally.  I have been a contributor to charities such as The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society and the Harm Reduction Action Center; I’ve also contributed to groups such as Students for Sensible Drug Policy (SSDP), and the Campaign to Regulate Marijuana like Alcohol (Amendment 64). These activities are an effort to elevate the perception of the cannabis professional. My track record shows that I’m committed to elevating the image of the cannabis community, willing to volunteer my time and resources.

The reputation I’ve earned in our community as a dispensary owner comes from my ability to build relationships and get involved with multiple trade groups, both locally with groups such as the Marijuana Industry Group and nationally with the National Cannabis Industry Association. I am very much a team player, and interested in the image and longevity of our industry; you can count on me to make decisions based off our needs as a whole and not my business’s agenda. Don’t hesitate to ask folks in our industry!

See the full Board of Directors Voter Guide here.