FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
DATE: May 12, 2025

CONTACT:
Aaron Smith, CEO & Co-founder
(888) 683-5650
Media@TheCannabisIndustry.org

Cannabis Business Leaders Heading to Washington, D.C. for 13th Annual Lobby Days and National Stakeholder Summit
National Cannabis Industry Association Members Taking Over 100 Congressional Meetings to Advocate for Fair Taxation and Respect for State Laws

Washington, D.C. – The National Cannabis Industry Association (NCIA), the nation’s largest and longest-running trade association representing legal cannabis businesses, is hosting its 13th Annual Cannabis Industry Lobby Days and inaugural National Stakeholder Summit, this week in Washington, D.C.

These signature events bring together business leaders, policymakers, and advocates from across the country to advance critical federal cannabis reforms and discuss the future of the regulated industry.

“This year’s advocacy events are more important than ever as our industry faces economic headwinds, and the need for Congressional action has never been more urgent,” said NCIA Chief Executive Officer and Co-founder, Aaron Smith. “Our industry has created tens of thousands of jobs, generated billions in tax revenue, and proven that responsible regulation works to public health. Yet, federal prohibition continues to enrich illicit markets and put Americans at risk. It’s long past time for Congress to align federal law with the vast majority of states that have legalized cannabis in some form — and with the vast majority of American voters who support those state reforms.”

For the first time, NCIA is kicking off the fly-in with an afternoon Stakeholder Summit featuring panel discussions with regulators, policy makers, and industry leaders.

Key Details:

What: NCIA’s National Stakeholder Summit
When: Tuesday, May 13, 2025 –1:30-5:00 P.M.
Where: The 507, 507 8th St. SE, Washington, D.C.

What: NCIA’s 13th Annual Cannabis Industry Lobby Days
When: May 14-15, 2025
Where: Congressional Meetings throughout Capitol Complex

Featured Stakeholder Summit Speakers Include:

• Gillian Schauer, Executive Director, CANNRA 
• Tabatha Robinson, Director, Maryland Cannabis Administration 
• Shawn Casey, Chief Government & External Affairs Officer, Virginia Cannabis Control Authority 
• John Kagia, Director of Policy, Office of Cannabis Management 
• Madison Moskowitz, Senior Advisor, Office of Senator Ron Wyden (D-OR) 
• Amber Littlejohn, Of Counsel, Ice Miller 
• Kaitlyn Boecker, Government Affairs Specialist, Reason Foundation 
• Michelle Rutter Friberg, Director of Government Relations, NCIA

During Lobby Days, NCIA members will meet directly with members of Congress and their staff to discuss challenges faced by legal cannabis businesses and advocate for federal policy reforms such as the Strengthening the Tenth Amendment Through Entrusting States (STATES) 2.0 Act, which would end federal prohibition and respect state cannabis programs.

Lobby Days participants are also organized in opposition to the No Deductions of Marijuana Businesses Act which seeks to prohibit legal cannabis businesses from taking ordinary tax deductions, even if cannabis is rescheduled or becomes legal under federal law. 

The National Stakeholder Summit will feature expert panels and in-depth discussions on regulatory challenges, economic sustainability, and the future of federal cannabis policy.

NCIA expects nearly 100 participants in both its Lobby Days and National Stakeholder Summit, which are both generously sponsored by its longtime members, FundCanna and Vertosa. 

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About NCIA: The National Cannabis Industry Association (NCIA) is the largest cannabis trade association in the U.S. and the only organization broadly representing cannabis-related businesses at the national level. NCIA promotes the growth of a responsible and legitimate cannabis industry and works toward a favorable social, economic, and legal environment for that industry in the United States.

About FundCanna: FundCanna is the leading provider of flexible capital solutions tailored to licensed cannabis operators. Committed to supporting the growth and success of the legal cannabis industry, FundCanna offers fast, reliable financing to help businesses thrive in an evolving regulatory landscape. Learn more at www.fundcanna.com.

About Vertosa: Vertosa creates industry-leading active ingredients for infused products, partnering with brands to deliver safe, stable, and scalable cannabis and hemp emulsions. Their cutting-edge infusion technology powers some of the most recognized products on the market today. Discover more at www.vertosa.com.