New program will provide participants with training and education and help bring regional issues into the national cannabis policy conversation

WASHINGTON, D.C. – The National Cannabis Industry Association is pleased to announce the official launch of its new Allied Associations Program (AAP) designed to facilitate cooperation and assistance to state and local trade organizations representing the cannabis industry. The AAP provides the means for the leaders and staffs of NCIA and Allied Associations to learn from, work with, and support each other in their mutual efforts to build the cannabis industry within the states and across the country.

The ultimate goal of the AAP is to develop closer relationships between NCIA with state, local, and sector-specific trade associations to harness our collective knowledge, and work together to advance the cannabis industry. As the only national trade association for the cannabis industry, NCIA is uniquely qualified and positioned to help those trade associations thrive and be as effective as possible for their memberships.

Allied Associations will be able to participate in complimentary workshops and information sessions hosted by NCIA, as well as monthly updates on NCIA’s work and any relevant legal or policy updates. Organizations will receive complimentary tickets to NCIA’s regular events and will get exclusive discount codes to all events to share with their members. The first workshop will take place during the upcoming 5th Annual Cannabis Business Summit in San Jose, CA on July 25-27.

As part of the AAP launch, NCIA’s two state affiliates — California Cannabis Industry Association (CCIA) and NCIA of Ohio (NCIAO) — are transitioning into the program as founding members. Members of CCIA and NCIAO are encouraged to maintain memberships with both NCIA and their state associations in order to continue supporting the important work each organization is doing to defend cannabis businesses and to enjoy the membership benefits offered by of both.

“CCIA is excited to help launch the new Allied Association Program with NCIA,” said Lindsay Robinson, executive director of the California Cannabis Industry Association. “Ever since California’s regulatory roll out, we have been considering the best way to focus our efforts on building a successful industry in our state and we welcome this opportunity to further align our work with the goals and objectives of our members.”

“Transitioning into the Allied Associations Program will provide NCIA of Ohio the flexibility needed to address the problems facing Ohio’s program as it prepares to launch,” said Thomas Rosenberger, executive director of NCIA of Ohio. “We’re excited for the opportunities this program will provide and look forward to working with NCIA and other Allied Associations to further advance the cannabis industry.”

Organizations that have already become Allied Associations include the Marijuana Industry Trade Association of Arizona (MITA AZ), Association of Cannabis Professionals (ACP), Texas Cannabis Industry Association (TCIA), Missouri Cannabis Industry Association, Las Vegas Medical Marijuana Association (LVMMA), Louisiana Cannabis Association, Craft Cannabis Alliance (CCA), Coachella Valley Cannabis Alliance Network (CVCAN), Oregon Retailers of Cannabis Association (ORCA), The Cannabis Alliance (The Alliance), Washington Sungrowers Industry Association (WSIA), California Growers Association (CGA), California Cannabis Industry Association (CCIA), NCIA of Ohio, and Asian Americans for Cannabis Education.