By Steven Siegel, BioTrackTHC (FL)

Mr. Siegel aims to help legitimize the cannabis industry through providing cutting-edge technology that brings transparency, accountability, and security to cannabis operations. The Department of Justice, in the fall of 2013, in summary stated that they would not interfere with state-approved cannabis activity should the state “build a strong and effective regulatory and enforcement system,” a key piece of which is a robust and accurate cannabis inventory and sales tracking system. The quality of Mr. Siegel’s cannabis traceability system for the State of Washington has catapulted both the technology and the conversation into the national spotlight—with both supporters and detractors of cannabis legalization expressing support for such a solution. In fact, demonstrations of the traceability system to U.S. congressmen and other high-level government personnel have garnered additional political support and catalyzed progress for the industry as a whole. (The 2/14/2014 Department of Treasury guidance regarding banking services to cannabis businesses was issued shortly after one such demonstration.)

Mr. Siegel’s technology is at the forefront of cannabis transparency, and he is seeking a seat on the NCIA board to bring his unique position and experience to serve the industry. BioTrackTHC’s position as the only company providing cannabis tracking services to both the private and public sectors and Mr. Siegel’s extensive experience in politics will continue to open many opportunities to further the industry’s forward motion. We wish to bring these new inroads to NCIA and to further the inroads NCIA already has.

The federal government is looking for ways to allow for financial institutions to do business with cannabis businesses while minimizing the risk of money laundering. BioTrackTHC has a solution. State governments need assurance that if they legalize cannabis in some form, they will have expert advice as to how to structure their market properly and in compliance with the DOJ’s guidance. BioTrackTHC is already providing that. Cannabis operators are looking for ways to show that they are responsible, tax-paying business leaders. BioTrackTHC can make that a reality.

See the full Board of Directors Voter Guide here.