PRESS RELEASE: Members of Congress Join Cannabis Business Leaders at Nation’s Capitol to Advocate for Federal Marijuana Policy Reform

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Wednesday, May 23, 2018

CONTACT:
Morgan Fox, Media Relations Director
216-334-9564, Communications@TheCannabisIndustry.org

Members of Congress Join Cannabis Business Leaders at Nation’s Capitol to Advocate for Federal Marijuana Policy Reform

Cannabis industry conducting national lobbying this week to advocate for state-regulated cannabis programs and equitable treatment for legal businesses

Washington, D.C. – On Wednesday, cannabis business leaders with the National Cannabis Industry Association (NCIA) joined members of Congress at the U.S. Capitol to draw attention to the success of regulated legal cannabis programs around the country and to advocate for policy reforms to protect the legal industry.

Lawmakers including Representatives Earl Blumenauer (D-OR), Diana DeGette (D-CO), Matthew Gaetz (R-FL), Barbara Lee (D-CA), Eleanor Holmes Norton (D-DC), Lou Correa (D-CA), Ruben Gallego (D-AZ), and Jared Polis (D-CO) voiced their support for preventing the federal government from prosecuting businesses operating in compliance with state laws, as well as current legislative efforts to open access to financial services, create parity in the tax code for legal cannabis businesses, end racial disparity in marijuana enforcement, and expand access to medical cannabis for our nation’s veterans.

This event coincides with NCIA’s 8th Annual Lobby Days, during which more than 200 cannabis industry leaders representing 23 states and the District of Columbia met with hundreds of congressional offices to discuss the success of legal cannabis programs and promote policies that will end governmental discrimination against their industry.

“The states have already proven that replacing the criminal marijuana markets with tightly-regulated and transparent small businesses is working,” said Aaron Smith, executive director of the National Cannabis Industry Association. “Now the responsibility falls on Congress to reform federal laws so that the legal cannabis industry can be treated fairly, like any other legitimate business sector in the U.S.”

Also on Wednesday, NCIA is releasing a new report analyzing the progress made in states where cannabis is legal for medical and adult use. The report provides a detailed look at the economic and social impact of legal cannabis programs, success in reducing access for minors, ways to address continuing racial disparity in marijuana enforcement as well as access to legal business opportunities, and the need for fairness in banking and tax policy.

The full report is available at https://thecannabisindustry.org/2018StateProgressReport.

To arrange interviews with Cannabis Industry Lobby Days participants or NCIA staff, please contactcommunications@thecannabisindustry.org.

NEXT WEEK: Cannabis Business Leaders Participate in National Advocacy Day for Legal Marijuana

MEDIA ADVISORY
Friday, May 18, 2018

CONTACT:
Morgan Fox, Media Relations Director
216-334-9564, Communications@TheCannabisIndustry.org

NEXT WEEK: Cannabis Business Leaders Participate in National Advocacy Day for Legal Marijuana

Washington, D.C. –  Next week, more than 200 cannabis industry leaders from across the country will descend upon Washington, D.C. for the National Cannabis Industry Association’s 8th Annual Cannabis Industry Lobby Days. Over the course of the two-day event, citizen lobby meetings will be held with Congressional offices to discuss the positive economic and social impact that regulating cannabis markets has already had on states with modern marijuana laws and advocate for the fair treatment of the legal businesses created by those laws.

On Wednesday, May 23 at 9:30 AM EDT, cannabis business owners and members of Congress will hold a press conference at the House Triangle. They will discuss efforts to harmonize federal laws with the legal marijuana programs on the books in 46 states and the District of Columbia, including legislation to open access to financial services and create parity in the tax code for state-licensed cannabis businesses.

SAVE THE DATE: Wednesday, May 23 – 9:30-10:00 AM ET
Press Conference with Congressional Leaders and Legal Cannabis Professionals
House Triangle (House side of the Capitol’s East Front)
Washington, D.C. 20016
Members of the media may RSVP to communications@thecannabisindustry.org

Meetings between cannabis business leaders and congressional offices will take place throughout the day on both Tuesday, May 22 and Wednesday, May 23. Meetings are generally closed to the media. For other coverage options or to arrange interviews with attendees or NCIA staff, please contact communications@thecannabisindustry.org.

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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.

Congressional Committee Approves Medical Cannabis Protections in Appropriations Spending Bill

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Thursday, May 17, 2018

CONTACT
Morgan Fox, Media Relations Director
216-334-9564, morgan@thecannabisindustry.org

Congressional Committee Approves Medical Cannabis Protections in Appropriations Spending Bill

Historic move is first time provision to protect state medical cannabis programs from federal interference has been included via House committee; language was amended to previous spending bills since 2014

Cannabis business leaders heading to Washington next week to continue momentum and push for more comprehensive reforms

Washington, D.C. –  The House Committee on Appropriations for Commerce, Justice, Science, and Related Agencies (CJS) approved a measure in a voice vote on Thursday that would renew protections for state medical cannabis programs when the current spending budget expires in September. The amendment, which was introduced by Rep. David Joyce (R-OH), prevents the Department of Justice from using any resources to target medical cannabis patients or providers who are in compliance with state laws.

This is the first time that this language has been included in the spending bill by the House Appropriations Committee. Originally added to the federal budget in 2014, this restriction was consistently renewed as an amendment by the Senate Appropriations Committee or a continuing resolution in subsequent budgets, most recently in March. Current protections are set to expire on September 30 unless the new spending bill is approved or the current budget is extended.

“With 9-in-10 Americans supporting medical cannabis, it’s great to see that protecting legal providers has finally become a non-issue in Congress,” said Aaron Smith, executive director of the National Cannabis Industry Association. “Now, it’s time for Congress to expand these protections by preventing federal overreach in all state cannabis laws, including those that allow responsible adult use and have successfully replaced criminal markets with thriving, regulated industries.”   

Next week, more than 200 cannabis industry leaders from across the country will descend upon Washington, D.C. for the National Cannabis Industry Association’s 8th Annual Cannabis Industry Lobby Days. Over the course of the three-day event, citizen lobby meetings will be held with Congressional offices to discuss the positive impacts that legal cannabis businesses are already having in their states and advocate for the fair treatment of the legal cannabis industry. For more information, please visit https://thecannabisindustry.org/ncias-8th-annual-cannabis-industry-lobby-days/

Cannabis is legal for adults in nine states and the District of Columbia, and 46 states have legalized some form of medical cannabis. A Quinnipiac University poll released last month showed that 93% of voters support legal access to medical cannabis and 70% oppose enforcing federal marijuana laws in states that have approved cannabis for medical or adult use.

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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.

Steve Fox, Leading Advocate for the Legalization and Regulation of Cannabis, Assumes Expanded Role in Cannabis Industry’s Federal Lobbying Efforts

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
DATE: April 26, 2018
Contact: Aaron Smith, Executive Director
(303) 223-9727 — Communications@TheCannabisIndustry.org

Steve Fox, Leading Advocate for the Legalization and Regulation of Cannabis, Assumes Expanded Role in Cannabis Industry’s Federal Lobbying Efforts

Long-time federal lobbyist, NCIA co-founder, and manager of Colorado’s successful 2012 legalization initiative to provide strategic guidance and direct lobbying services

NCIA further expands DC presence with the addition of marijuana policy veteran Morgan Fox as media relations director

WASHINGTON, DC – The National Cannabis Industry Association (NCIA) is pleased to announce that it has retained Steve Fox and his firm VS Strategies to play an expanded role in the organization’s federal lobbying efforts. Steve will be joining forces with NCIA’s three-person, full-time government relations staff and the association’s other retained lobbying firm, Federal Advocates.

Over the past 16 years, Steve has played a prominent role in reforming marijuana laws across the country. In addition to co-founding NCIA in 2010, he launched the SAFER campaign in Colorado in 2005 which changed perceptions of cannabis in that state by educating voters about the relatively low health risks associated with cannabis in comparison to alcohol, setting the stage for the historic success of the 2012 Amendment 64 campaign, which he managed.

“This is a pivotal time for our movement and for the cannabis industry,” said Aaron Smith, NCIA’s executive director. “NCIA has significantly added resources to our government affairs efforts year after year, and adding Steve to our team will be a tremendous asset as we continue that expansion. It is important that we replace the failed policies of marijuana prohibition with laws and regulations that set the foundation for a vibrant, equitable, and responsible cannabis industry with opportunities available to all American entrepreneurs. Steve has demonstrated a commitment to these kinds of policies at the state and federal level and we look forward to working with him to usher in comprehensive federal laws that facilitate these goals.”

Steve started his cannabis reform work in 2002 when he joined the Marijuana Policy Project (MPP) as director of federal policies. In that role, while serving as the only full-time marijuana lobbyist on the Hill from 2002 through 2005, he successfully lobbied U.S. Reps. Maurice Hinchey (D-NY) and Dana Rohrabacher (R-CA) to call for the first-ever pro-marijuana vote on the floor of the U.S. House on what is now known as the Rohrabacher Amendment.

In late 2016, Fox helped NCIA launch its Policy Council and became director of the Council, which produces materials to educate policymakers about cannabis industry-related matters and proposes legislative and/or regulatory solutions. Members of the VS Strategies team will continue to advance the work of the Policy Council, while Steve spends more of his time on direct lobbying in Washington, D.C.

“When I started lobbying to reform marijuana laws in 2002, it was hard to imagine we would eventually be where we are today,” said Steve Fox. “We are at the cusp of finally bringing an end to marijuana prohibition at the federal level and I am excited to re-engage with my full energy. Over the course of 16 years of advocacy on behalf of cannabis patients, consumers, and entrepreneurs, I have developed many valuable relationships. Through this new role with NCIA, my hope is to tap into these relationships and work with a broad range of companies and organizations as we collectively help shape the future of cannabis.”

NCIA is also announcing today the addition of Morgan Fox (no relation to Steve) to its staff in Washington, D.C. Morgan has spent close to 10 years as a communications professional with the Marijuana Policy Project, rising to the position of communications director. Starting in mid-May and leading into the association’s 8th Annual Cannabis Industry Lobby Days, Morgan will serve as NCIA’s media relations director, ensuring that the issues facing the legal cannabis industry are discussed rationally in the press.  

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The National Cannabis Industry Association (NCIA) is the largest cannabis trade association in the U.S. and the only one representing cannabis 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.

Hundreds of Cannabis Business Leaders to Advocate for Fair Treatment During 8th Annual Cannabis Industry Lobby Days

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
DATE: April 23, 2018
Contact: Bethany Moore, Communications & Projects Manager
(303) 223-9727 — Communications@TheCannabisIndustry.org

Hundreds of Cannabis Business Leaders to Advocate for Fair Treatment During 8th Annual Cannabis Industry Lobby Days

National Cannabis Industry Association members to meet with Congressional representatives to advocate for the fair treatment of the legal cannabis industry.

Washington, DC – On May 21-23, cannabis business leaders from across the country will convene in Washington, D.C., for the National Cannabis Industry Association’s 8th Annual Cannabis Industry Lobby Days. Over the course of the three-day event, meetings will be held with Congressional representatives to discuss the negative impact that outdated federal prohibition has on the legal cannabis industry, which is a rapidly growing sector of the U.S. economy.

The fly-in takes place amid mounting support for regulated marijuana markets. In just the last few weeks, Sen. Cory Gardner (R-CO) announced that President Trump will support federal cannabis policy reform, Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-NY) announced plans to introduce a bill that would decriminalize marijuana at the federal level, and former House Speaker John Boehner expressed support for legalization and joined the board of a legal cannabis company.

In addition to ultimately ending federal marijuana prohibition, the cannabis industry’s immediate priorities include a solution to the cannabis banking crisis, which prevents many legitimate businesses from accessing basic financial services, and reforming Section 280E of the federal tax code, which forces cannabis business to pay triple the effective federal tax rates of any other industry.

The Cannabis Industry Lobby Days will include a press conference with business leaders and members of Congress at the House Triangle on Wednesday, May 23 at 9:30 AM EDT. National Cannabis Industry Association staff and members will be available to the media throughout the three days.

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The National Cannabis Industry Association (NCIA) is the largest cannabis trade association in the U.S. and the only one representing cannabis 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.

Cannabis Business Groups Raise Over $50,000 for California’s Fire Relief Efforts This Week

For Immediate Release
November 9, 2017
Contact: Bethany Moore
(303) 223-9727 — communications@thecannabisindustry.org

Santa Rosa, CA – The National Cannabis Industry Association (NCIA), the nation’s largest trade association representing legal marijuana businesses, and its California affiliate, California Cannabis Industry Association (CCIA) hosted a fundraiser on the evening of Monday, November 6 in support of the Redwood Credit Union’s Fire Relief Fund.

Held at the Hyatt Vineyard Creek in Santa Rosa, over 200 cannabis professionals attended the event along with nearly 30 corporate sponsors, raising $52,415 for fire relief efforts.

The overall mood of the room was that of unity and solidarity with the local community, as many of the attendees were reconnecting for the first time since the fires ravaged the area. The evening featured speakers from several cannabis business organizations, including Aaron Smith of National Cannabis Industry Association, Lindsay Robinson of California Cannabis Industry Association, and Hezekiah Allen of California Growers Association. Attendees also heard from Santa Rosa City Council Member Ernesto Olivares and Paul Gullickson, Editorial Director at the Press Democrat, who reviewed the scope of the devastation in the area from the fires.

“The legal cannabis industry is replacing criminal markets with responsible businesses that are invested in the communities in which they operate,” said NCIA executive director Aaron Smith. “We are proud to be able to support the victims of the fires as they rebuild their homes and businesses in Sonoma County and the surrounding region.”

“We’re deeply grateful to the organizations and individuals who have generously donated to the North Bay Fire Relief fund to help support fire survivors and relief efforts in our community,” said Matt Martin, Redwood Credit Union’s Vice President of Community Relations.

This fundraiser is expected to be one of many hosted by the local cannabis industry in support of various fire relief efforts over the coming months.

Co-hosts of the event included Berkeley Patients Group, Boveda, California Growers Association, CCIA-Sonoma County, Flow Kana, Harborside Health Center, SPARC, and Sonoma County Growers Alliance.

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The National Cannabis Industry Association (NCIA) is the largest cannabis trade association in the U.S. and the only organization 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.

NCIA Statement on Senate Appropriations Approval of Medical Marijuana Protections

Washington, DC – National Cannabis Industry Association executive director Aaron Smith issued the below statement in response to the Senate Appropriations Committee’s approval by voice vote today for the renewal of medical marijuana protections in the Department of Justice budget.

The provision, commonly known as the Rohrabacher-Farr Amendment, was offered in the committee by Sen. Patrick Leahy (D-VT). It amends the Commerce, Justice, Science, and Related Agencies Appropriations bill, forbidding the use of federal funds to prevent the implementation of states’ medical cannabis laws. The amendment has been included in each annual budget bill since 2014.

“It’s great to see the members of the Senate Appropriations Committee stand up for medical cannabis patients, the responsible businesses that serve them, and the states that have worked hard to create safe, regulated programs. More than 90% of Americans favor medical marijuana policies, and this amendment is a common-sense way to respect that overwhelming support.

“Now it’s time for the House to do the same. Patients deserve access to care, states deserve respect, and members of the House deserve the opportunity to vote on amendments like this that have the strong support of their constituents.”

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Media Release: Governors Urge Trump Administration to Respect State Marijuana Laws

Governors of First Four States to Regulate Adult Cannabis Sales Urge Trump Administration to Maintain Existing DOJ/Treasury Policies

Governors tell Attorney General Sessions and Treasury Secretary Mnuchin, “Changes that hurt the regulated market would divert existing marijuana product into the black market and increase dangerous activity in both our states and our neighboring states”

Washington, D.C. – Today, the governors of the first four states to have regulated cannabis sales for all adults sent a letter to Attorney General Jeff Sessions and Treasury Secretary Steve Mnuchin, urging the Trump Administration to maintain existing policies related to the enforcement of federal marijuana laws. In addition to providing justifications for maintaining existing policy, the governors also asked for the opportunity to engage with Administration officials prior to any possible change in regulatory or enforcement systems.

The signatories on the letter are Governor Kate Brown of Oregon, Governor John Hickenlooper of Colorado, Governor Jay Inslee of Washington, and Governor Bill Walker of Alaska. Since November 2012, each of these states, following the passage of ballot initiatives by the voters, has regulated the cultivation, production, and sale of cannabis for all adults. In November 2016, the voters of California, Maine, Massachusetts, and Nevada passed similar measures. Those states are now or soon will be in the process of crafting adult-use cannabis regulations.

The National Cannabis Industry Association welcomed this proactive approach from the governors and echoed the sentiments contained in the letter.

“There is no denying that regulated cannabis businesses are preferable to underground markets dominated by gangs and cartels,” said National Cannabis Industry Association executive director Aaron Smith. “The regulated markets are creating jobs, generating tax revenue, and taking marijuana sales off the streets. The Trump Administration should be working with the states to ensure the regulated markets are functioning properly and safely, not working against the states to shut them down. We hope, following this written request, there will be a thoughtful and productive dialogue between state and federal officials.”

The heart of the letter to Attorney General Sessions and Treasury Secretary Mnuchin is the following paragraph, which details the dangers of changing current policy and underscores the benefit of maintaining the status quo:

“The Cole Memo and the related Financial Crimes Enforcement Network (FinCEN) guidance provide the foundation for state regulatory systems and are vital to maintaining control over marijuana in our states.  Overhauling the Cole Memo is sure to produce unintended and harmful consequences.  Changes that hurt the regulated market would divert existing marijuana product into the black market and increase dangerous activity in both our states and our neighboring states.  Likewise, without the FinCEN guidance, financial institutions will be less willing to provide services to marijuana-related businesses.  This would force industry participants to be even more cash reliant, posing safety risks both to the public and to state regulators conducting enforcement activity. The Cole Memo and FinCEN guidance strike a reasonable balance between allowing the states to enact reasonable regulations and the federal government’s interest in controlling some of the collateral consequences of legalization.” (emphasis added)

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Read NCIA’s white paper providing real-world examples of how 280E harms small businesses across the country.

Meet the people who are building a cannabis industry based on compassionate care, responsible education, and cutting-edge innovation – WeAreTheCannabisIndustry.com

Representing well over 1,000 member-businesses nationwide, the National Cannabis Industry Association (NCIA) is the largest cannabis trade association in the U.S. and the only one 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.

Media Release: Sweeping Bipartisan Marijuana Bills Introduced in Congress

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
March 30, 2017
Contact: Aaron Smith, Executive Director
(303) 223-3554 — aaron@thecannabisindustry.org

Bipartisan Members of U.S. Senate and House Introduce Sweeping Measures to Reform Marijuana Policy and Support Cannabis Businesses

In a key development, Rep. Carlos Curbelo (R-FL), Republican member of House Ways and Means Committee, joins Rep. Earl Blumenauer as lead sponsor of critical 280E tax reform bill

WASHINGTON, DC – Today, a bipartisan group of U.S. senators and representatives introduced seven measures to advance more sensible cannabis policy at the federal level. The bills covered a broad range of issues related to resolving the tension between state and federal cannabis laws.

“The flurry of bills on the Hill today are a reflection of the growing support for cannabis policy reform nationally,” said National Cannabis Industry Association (NCIA) executive director Aaron Smith. “State-legal cannabis businesses have added tens of thousands of jobs, supplanted criminal markets, and generated tens of millions in new tax revenue. States are clearly realizing the benefits of regulating marijuana and we are glad to see a growing number of federal policy makers are taking notice.”

The Small Business Tax Equity Act of 2017, introduced in the House by Rep. Carlos Curbelo (R-FL) and Rep. Earl Blumenauer (D-OR) and in the Senate by Sen. Ron Wyden (D-OR), Sen. Rand Paul (R-KY), and Sen. Michael Bennet (D-CO), would allow state-legal cannabis businesses to take normal business deductions like any other legal business. Currently, the law prohibits cannabis businesses from deducting expenses related to sales.

“Cannabis businesses aren’t asking for tax breaks or special treatment,” said Smith. “They are just asking to be taxed like any other legitimate business. NCIA and its members appreciate this strong support for a fair approach, and we’re especially proud to newly gain that support from Rep. Curbelo.”

The Regulate Marijuana Like Alcohol Act, introduced in the House by Rep. Jared Polis (D-CO), would regulate marijuana like alcohol by inserting marijuana into the section of the U.S. Code that regulates “intoxicating liquors.” It would give oversight authority to the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, and would establish a permitting system to cover the cost of that oversight.

The Responsibly Addressing the Marijuana Policy Gap (RAMP) Act, introduced by Sen. Wyden and Rep. Blumenauer in their respective chambers, covers a broad range of issues at the federal level, including banking and tax fairness for businesses, civil forfeiture, and drug testing for federal employees. The two Oregon officials see the provisions in this bill, collectively, along with the other two bills introduced today, as the “Path to Marijuana Reform.”

The Marijuana Revenue and Regulation Act, introduced by Sen. Wyden and Rep. Blumenauer, contains the provisions included in the Marijuana Tax Revenue Act and the Regulating Marijuana Like Alcohol Act.

# # #

Read NCIA’s white paper providing real-world examples of how 280E harms small businesses across the country.

Meet the people who are building a cannabis industry based on compassionate care, responsible education, and cutting-edge innovation – WeAreTheCannabisIndustry.com

Representing well over 1,000 member-businesses nationwide, the National Cannabis Industry Association (NCIA) is the largest cannabis trade association in the U.S. and the only one 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.

National Cannabis Industry Association Statement on Press Secretary’s Comments Regarding Trump Administration Marijuana Policy

Washington, DC – National Cannabis Industry Association executive director Aaron Smith issued the following statement in response to Press Secretary Sean Spicer’s comments regarding the Trump Administration’s marijuana policy in the press briefing today:

“It would be a mistake for the Department of Justice to overthrow the will of the voters and state governments who have created carefully regulated adult-use marijuana programs. It would represent a rejection of the values of economic growth, limited government, and respect for federalism that Republicans claim to embrace.

“These programs are working. Marijuana interdictions at the Mexican border are down substantially, youth use has not increased in states with legal access to cannabis, and responsible cannabis businesses are contributing tens of thousands of jobs and hundreds of millions of dollars in economic impact to their communities.

“The American people overwhelmingly support this approach. National polls show that 60% of Americans believe that marijuana should be legal for adult use. Furthermore, 71% of Americans – including majorities in both parties and every age group – oppose the federal government cracking down on these voter-supported programs.

“It was especially disappointing to hear Press Secretary Spicer refer to the opioid crisis in relation to marijuana. Science has discredited the idea that marijuana serves as any kind of gateway drug, and the addiction and death rates associated with opioids simply do not occur in any way with cannabis. In fact, scientific research increasingly shows that access to cannabis significantly decreases rates of opioid addiction and death.

“As a candidate, President Trump said on many occasions that he believed marijuana policy – both medical and adult-use – should be left to the states. When asked if he would allow his Attorney General to shut down adult-use programs like Colorado’s, he said, ‘I wouldn’t do it – no…I think it should be up to the states, absolutely.’

“Voters agree, and that should guide the administration’s policy.”

NCIA Statement on Confirmation of Sen. Sessions for Attorney General

Washington, DC – National Cannabis Industry Association executive director Aaron Smith issued the following statement in response to Senator Jeff Sessions’ confirmation as new U.S. Attorney General:

“We look forward to Attorney General Sessions maintaining the current federal policy of respect for legal, regulated cannabis programs in the states, and we will work with him to do that. That policy, as outlined by the Cole Memo, has allowed carefully designed state regulatory programs approved by voters and lawmakers to move forward, while maintaining the Justice Department’s commitment to pursuing criminals and prosecuting bad actors.

“A change in policy will lead to hundreds of millions of dollars in marijuana sales shifting from state-regulated businesses back to the criminal, underground market.

“State-legal cannabis businesses generate billions of dollars in economic activity and support tens of thousands of good-paying jobs. The projected value of the legal cannabis industry in the U.S. for 2016 is $6.7 billion, and that market value is expected to grow to $21.8 billion by 2020. President Trump has promised Americans a thriving economy, and these businesses play a key role in 28 states.

“The many small businesses of the cannabis industry contribute not only to the economy, but also to the quality of life of our citizens, by helping countless critically ill patients, veterans managing PTSD, and parents combating a child’s epilepsy. Those small business owners are building a community dedicated to responsibility, professionalism, and engagement.”

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RELEASE: NCIA Announces Winners of First-Ever Cannavation and Cannatech Awards

Cannabis industry leaders in cultivation, infused products and extraction, and sales strategies honored at national business-to-business seed to sale show

DENVER — The National Cannabis Industry Association, the only national trade association representing the businesses of the legal marijuana industry, yesterday announced the first-ever winners of the NCIA Cannavation and Cannatech Awards, as well as the recipient of NCIA’s first Industry Excellence Award.

The awards were presented at Denver’s Seed To Sale Show, the nation’s only business-to-business conference focused solely on innovative best practices, science, and cutting-edge technology in cannabis cultivation, processing, and sales strategies. The Seed To Sale Show took place at the Colorado Convention Center, hosting approximately 2,000 cannabis professionals and more than 100 industry exhibitors.

The Cannavation and Cannatech Awards, the industry’s most prestigious awards show, was developed to recognize trailblazing individuals and companies driving the growth and elevation of the cannabis industry.

“The winners of our inaugural Cannavation and Cannatech Awards exemplify the innovation and creativity that is driving the cannabis industry,” said NCIA executive director Aaron Smith. “These technologies are moving our industry toward ever-greater energy efficiency, transparency, and responsibility. We’re proud to recognize these leaders.”

Determined by nominations from NCIA members, the Cannavation Awards were given to one member each in the categories of Cultivation, Infused Products and Extractions, and Sales Strategies who have disrupted and advanced the industry by bringing an innovative idea to life, The Cannatech Awards were given to a member in each category who has developed new technology that will change the industry for the better.

Winners of this year’s NCIA Cannavation and Cannatech Awards are:

Cannavation Award

• Cultivation – urban-gro
• Infused Products and Extractions – Mary’s Medicinal
• Sales Strategies – BDS Analytics

Cannatech Award

• Cultivation – Guardian Data Systems
• Infused Products and Extractions – Paradigm Supercritical Innovations, LLC
• Sales Strategies – Native Roots

NCIA also presented the esteemed Industry Excellence Award to Neal Levine of Colorado’s LivWell Enlightened Health, for the company’s exemplary community engagement, political advocacy and education within the industry.

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NCIA Statement on Sen. Sessions’ Comments Today Regarding Marijuana Policy

Washington, DC – National Cannabis Industry Association executive director Aaron Smith issued the following statement in response to Sen. Jeff Sessions’ comments about the federal approach to marijuana policy in today’s Attorney General confirmation hearing:

“In today’s hearing, Senator Sessions indicated that the Justice Department’s current guidelines for marijuana policy enforcement are ‘truly valuable’ in setting departmental priorities. That belief, along with the support for state sovereignty on cannabis policy expressed by President-elect Trump and his team, should lead Sen. Sessions to maintain the current federal policy of respect for state-legal, regulated cannabis programs if he is confirmed as Attorney General.

“Sen. Sessions also highlighted the conflict created by a Congress that has failed to reflect the will of the voters on cannabis policy. Voters in 28 states, representing approximately 60% of the nation’s population, have now chosen some form of legal, regulated cannabis program. National polling shows that 60% of Americans believe cannabis should be legalized. It’s time for federal lawmakers to represent the clear choices of their constituents.

“The current federal policy, as outlined by the Cole Memo, has respected carefully designed state regulatory programs while maintaining the Justice Department’s commitment to pursuing criminals and prosecuting bad actors. In return, the responsible cannabis industry has helped countless critically ill patients, contributed billions of dollars to the economy and to tax coffers, taken marijuana out of the criminal market and put it behind a regulated counter, and dealt a significant blow to international cartels and traffickers.”

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Meet the people who are building a cannabis industry based on compassionate care, responsible education, and cutting-edge innovation – WeAreTheCannabisIndustry.com.

NCIA Launches “We Are The Cannabis Industry” Campaign with Profiles, Digital Ads

Washington, D.C. – The National Cannabis Industry Association (NCIA) today launched We Are The Cannabis Industry, a campaign designed to tell the stories of real people who work in America’s legal marijuana industry and highlight how the emerging business sector is creating significant benefits for both individuals and the economy.

“Cannabis businesses generate billions of dollars in economic activity and support tens of thousands of jobs,” said Aaron Smith, NCIA executive director. “The people of the industry provide compassionate care for patients, responsible education for consumers, and cutting-edge innovation for quality and safety. We’re proud to tell their stories.”

The campaign’s cornerstone is an online site featuring a diverse cross-section of cannabis professionals whose expertise and personal experiences underpin a $7 billion industry.

The launch of the campaign also includes a D.C.-focused digital advertising buy, the first of its kind for the industry.

The first four profiles each highlight a specific aspect of the benefits of a legal, regulated cannabis industry.

• Scott Yoss works for a dispensary in Denver, where he focuses not just on sales, but on educating his customers about safe, responsible cannabis usage.

• Brian Eberhart is the assistant manager of a dispensary in Las Vegas, Nevada. He is a Marine Corps veteran who became addicted to opiate painkillers after a military training injury. He credits cannabis with helping him overcome his addiction, and the cannabis industry with giving him a new career path and opportunity for advancement.

• Shirlee McDaniels avoided opiates altogether after knee and hip replacement by treating her pain with medical cannabis. Now she works in a Denver dispensary and uses her experience to help other patients explore their options safely.

• Roger Schulz lost his long-time job with a plastics manufacturer in Ohio during the recession. He was unemployed for three years until he was connected with an Ohio-based advanced manufacturer that makes high-tech cannabis oil extraction machines and systems. Now he’s back to work, in an industry with huge economic vibrancy and growth potential.

New profiles will be posted to the site regularly in the coming weeks.

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NCIA Statement on Nomination of Sen. Sessions for Attorney General

Washington, DC – National Cannabis Industry Association executive director Aaron Smith issued the following statement in response to President-elect Donald Trump’s decision to nominate Senator Jeff Sessions for attorney general:

“Voters in 28 states have chosen programs that shift cannabis from the criminal market to highly regulated, tax-paying businesses. Senator Sessions has long advocated for state sovereignty, and we look forward to working with him to ensure that states’ rights and voter choices on cannabis are respected.”

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A Marijuana Mandate: NCIA Looks to a New Era for Cannabis Policy

“The tipping point has come,” as 16M+ voters choose legal, regulated approaches to marijuana in at least 7 states, putting new pressure on Congress to act

Washington, DC – The National Cannabis Industry Association, the nation’s largest cannabis trade association, today looked ahead to a new era for marijuana policy in the United States. At least seven states – Arkansas, California, Florida, Massachusetts, Montana, Nevada, and North Dakota – voted to open up legal, regulated cannabis access for either medical purposes or adult use. (Maine, voting on adult-use legalization, could push that number to eight, but currently remains too close to call.)

“Last night’s results send a simple message – the tipping point has come,” said NCIA executive director Aaron Smith.

“Voters have spoken clearly in states across the country. More than 16 million voters, including in two of the three most populated states in the nation, chose legal, regulated cannabis programs that promote safety, boost the economy, help sick patients, and address social injustices.

“It’s time for our leaders in Washington, D.C., to hear those voters. Responsible cannabis businesses are contributing to the economy and to their communities, and they’re here to stay.

“Now Congress and the new administration should work to protect patients, treat small businesses fairly, and respect the will of the voters in more than half the states in this country.”

More than 60% of Americans now live in medical or adult-use cannabis states. The projected value of the legal cannabis industry in the U.S. for 2016 is $6.7 billion, and that market value is expected to grow to $21.8 billion by 2020.

Priorities for congressional action on cannabis policy include:

• Protecting public safety and increasing transparency by opening up banking access for state compliant-marijuana businesses;

• Ending the crippling effect of federal tax code Section 280E, which was intended for criminals but taxes legitimate marijuana businesses at triple the effective rates applied to other businesses; and

• Descheduling marijuana – removing it from the Controlled Substances Act, which would allow states to set their cannabis policies without interference from the federal government, much as they currently do with alcohol.

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NCIA Statement on DEA’s Rejection of Marijuana Rescheduling Petitions

NCIA executive director Aaron Smith: “DEA’s decision flies in the face of objective science and overwhelming public opinion.”

Washington, DC – National Cannabis Industry Association executive director Aaron Smith issued the following statement tonight in response to reports that the Drug Enforcement Administration will reject petitions to remove marijuana from Schedule 1 of the Controlled Substances Act, which declares it to have no medical use and places it on par with much more dangerous drugs like heroin:

“DEA’s decision flies in the face of objective science and overwhelming public opinion. The reality is that half of U.S. states have already passed effective laws allowing patients legal access to medical cannabis, and it is changing lives.

“Continuing marijuana prohibition forces critically ill people to suffer needlessly, leaves life-changing treatments undeveloped, and keeps patients and providers in limbo between state and federal laws.

“We appreciate the positive step – however small – of opening up a few additional avenues for medical marijuana research. But patients deserve more, and Congress should help them by removing marijuana from the Controlled Substance Act, allowing state programs and medical research to move forward without interference.”

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NCIA Provides Testimony for Today’s Senate Judiciary Committee Hearing on Medical Marijuana

NCIA executive director Aaron Smith: “It’s long past time for our government to bring marijuana policy into alignment with the science.”

Washington, DC – The Senate Judiciary Committee will hold a hearing today at 2:30pm ET on the potential medical benefits of marijuana. National Cannabis Industry Association executive director Aaron Smith was invited to submit written testimony to entered into the record of the hearing.

Below are some excerpts from Smith’s testimony, followed by the full text.

Testimony excerpts:

“The medical community and the American public have been aware of the medicinal benefits of cannabis for decades. Sadly, however, the federal government has yet to engage in any meaningful research on medical cannabis. The DEA has put up bureaucratic roadblocks to legitimate science and has severely limited, if not completely obstructed, legitimate researchers who would study cannabis’ benefits. The result? Americans are denied the opportunity to see the results of FDA-approved, double-blind studies demonstrating the benefits of medical marijuana, while elected officials erroneously point to the lack of these studies as evidence of a lack of therapeutic benefits.”

“It’s long past time for our government to bring marijuana policy into alignment with the science and allow states to regulate cannabis properly without federal interference. This would replace the criminal market for marijuana, including medical marijuana, with a regulated, tax-paying business sector that is committed to the compassionate care, health, and wellness of its patients, rather than to generating profit at any cost.”

Full testimony as submitted:

Testimony Submitted for the Record
U.S. Senate Committee on the Judiciary
Subcommittee on Crime and Terrorism
Hearing on:
“Researching the Potential Medical Benefits and Risks of Marijuana”

Aaron Smith, Executive Director
National Cannabis Industry Association

July 13, 2016

Thank you Chairman Graham and Ranking Member Whitehouse for convening this very important hearing and for the opportunity to submit testimony for the record. I am Aaron Smith, co-founder and executive director for the National Cannabis Industry Association (NCIA).

NCIA is the only national trade association advancing the interests of the legitimate and responsible cannabis industry. Our industry supports tens of thousands of jobs, tens of millions in tax revenue, and billions in economic activity. Our membership includes more than 1,000 businesses across 40 states, including hundreds of state-regulated cannabis dispensaries that provide medicine for thousands of patients.

In my many years working in this industry, I have met countless people, heard numerous stories, and witnessed first-hand people who have benefited significantly from medical cannabis, especially when other medicines had failed to remedy their underlying maladies. The evidence is overwhelming — the results of medicinal cannabis have been nothing short of amazing.

Despite years of experience and positive results, questions about medical cannabis remain.

Is Cannabis Addictive?

According to the National Academy of Sciences’ Institute of Medicine’s 1999 report, Marijuana and Medicine: Assessing the Science Base,

“Compared to most other drugs … dependence among marijuana users is relatively rare … [A]lthough few marijuana users develop dependence, some do. But they appear to be less likely to do so than users of other drugs (including alcohol and nicotine), and marijuana dependence appears to be less severe than dependence on other drugs.”

In other words, cannabis is safer than alcohol and most prescription drugs on the market. In fact, on July 6th of this year, National Public Radio broadcast a story on how Medicare prescriptions for many drugs actually drop after medical marijuana is legalized in a state.

Yesterday the Senate debated S. 524, the Comprehensive Addiction and Recovery Act. It is our view that no debate on opioid addiction should take place without discussing how using cannabis to treat chronic pain can help alleviate the need for addictive painkillers. In fact, if doctors and other medical professionals across this country were able to recommend cannabis to their patients in appropriate circumstances and under medical supervision, we believe we would diminish the over-prescribing, dependency, and abuse of opioids we see today.

Research supports this theory. A study published by JAMA Internal Medicine in August of 2015 concluded that states with legal medical marijuana access saw a 25% drop in annual deaths from opioid pharmaceutical overdoses. A report published in Health Affairs this month found that a typical doctor in a state that had legalized medical marijuana prescribed 1,826 fewer doses of painkillers per year.

What Conditions Can Cannabis Treat?

People who are suffering from cancer, glaucoma, AIDS or HIV, Crohn’s disease, hepatitis C, and multiple sclerosis have found relief by using marijuana. Marijuana is also used to treat cachexia, anorexia, and wasting syndrome; severe or chronic pain or nausea; seizure disorders (such as epilepsy); arthritis; migraines; post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD); and Alzheimer’s disease. This is why medical cannabis is supported by, among others:

• American College of Physicians
• American Nurses Association
• American Public Health Association
• Lymphoma Foundation of America
• Leukemia & Lymphoma Society
• Epilepsy Foundation
• American Academy of HIV Medicine
• National Multiple Sclerosis Society

What Does the Research Say About Medical Marijuana?

As a California native, I remember in 1999 when the California legislature passed S.B. 847, which commissioned the University of California to establish a scientific program to expand the public scientific knowledge on purported therapeutic usages of marijuana. The Center for Medicinal Cannabis Research (CMCR) at UCSD, produced a report with a conclusion that read,

“As a result of this program of systematic research, we now have reasonable evidence that cannabis is a promising treatment in selected pain syndromes caused by injury or diseases of the nervous system, and possibly for painful muscle spasticity due to multiple sclerosis. Obviously more research will be necessary to elucidate the mechanisms of action and the full therapeutic potential of cannabinoid compounds. Meanwhile, the knowledge and new findings from the CMCR provide a strong science-based context in which policy makers and the public can discuss the place of these compounds in medical care.”

The medical community and the American public have been aware of the medicinal benefits of cannabis for decades. Sadly, however, the federal government has yet to engage in any meaningful research on medical cannabis. The DEA has put up bureaucratic roadblocks to legitimate science and has severely limited, if not completely obstructed, legitimate researchers who would study cannabis’ benefits. The result? Americans are denied the opportunity to see the results of FDA-approved, double-blind studies demonstrating the benefits of medical marijuana, while elected officials erroneously point to the lack of these studies as evidence of a lack of therapeutic benefits.

Why Is Marijuana Classified as a Schedule I Substance?

By every objective measure, it makes no sense that federal law classifies cannabis as a Schedule I substance alongside dangerous drugs like heroin. Moving marijuana from Schedule I to Schedule II would acknowledge that it has medical benefits, but would still classify marijuana on equal footing with much more dangerous drugs like cocaine and methamphetamines. There is no reason for Congress to move marijuana from one inappropriate schedule to another inappropriate schedule.

Ultimately, marijuana should be removed from the list of federally controlled substances, enabling states to enact their own approaches to marijuana laws, including medical marijuana laws, without the existing conflict between state and federal law. This will also allow expansion of research into the medical value of marijuana.

It’s long past time for our government to bring marijuana policy into alignment with the science and allow states to regulate cannabis properly without federal interference. This would replace the criminal market for marijuana, including medical marijuana, with a regulated, tax-paying business sector that is committed to the compassionate care, health, and wellness of its patients, rather than to generating profit at any cost.

Thank you again for the opportunity to submit testimony for the record. We urge you to permit researchers to study marijuana’s medical benefits. The evidence is simply too great to ignore.

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NCIA Calls on Congress to Restore Commonsense, Majority-Favored Marijuana Proposals to Appropriations Bills

Despite bipartisan, majority support in House and Senate, leadership blocks fix to dangerous banking crisis and strips provision allowing V.A. doctors to discuss medical marijuana with patients

Washington, DC – Recent actions by congressional leadership have derailed two commonsense, majority-favored marijuana policy reform proposals that had been expected to pass through the appropriations process. Today, the National Cannabis Industry Association (NCIA) called on members of Congress to work to restore those provisions as the budget negotiation process continues.

“Bipartisan majorities in the House and the Senate have supported the commonsense, compassionate ideas that law-abiding cannabis businesses shouldn’t be forced into dangerous all-cash operations, and that veterans who have put themselves in harm’s way for our country should be able to learn about how medical marijuana could help them deal with the physical and psychological aftermath of their sacrifices,” said NCIA executive director Aaron Smith.

“It was deeply disappointing to see those policies blocked behind closed doors this week. Given American voters’ overwhelming support of medical marijuana access, and the critical public safety issues caused by cannabis businesses’ lack of bank access, we call on lawmakers to stand up for their constituents and work to get these majority-supported provisions restored in the final budget.”

Last week, a former U.S. Marine working as a security guard at a licensed Colorado dispensary was killed by two armed robbers who likely targeted the dispensary because it is widely known that cannabis businesses without bank accounts are forced to keep large amounts of cash on their premises.

But on Wednesday, the House Rules Committee blocked any debate or vote on the Heck-Perlmutter amendment to the Treasury Appropriations bill which would have prevented funds from being used to sanction banks doing business with state-compliant marijuana businesses. This could have opened up banking access for legitimate marijuana businesses, easing the public safety crisis that has been created by forcing cannabis businesses to operate in all cash.

A similar amendment recently passed in the Senate Appropriations Committee on a bipartisan vote, and two years ago, the House passed it easily on a bipartisan vote with a 39-vote margin.

Early Thursday morning, a conference committee of House and Senate leaders stripped out an amendment to the Veterans Administration funding bill which would have allowed V.A. doctors to discuss medical marijuana with their patients in states where medical marijuana access is legal. Medical marijuana has shown substantial promise as a therapy for chronic pain, PTSD, and other issues with which many veterans struggle. The V.A. amendment had already passed with majority, bipartisan support in both the House and the Senate during regular debate.

A CBS News national poll from April shows that 56% of Americans support full legalization of marijuana, with 90% supporting legalization for medical use.

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Cannabis Expert Calling Network (ECN) Unveiled at Cannabis Business Summit and Expo

National Cannabis Industry Association Knowledge-Sharing Platform Features Cannabis Industry Thought Leaders and Experts

Oakland, CA – The National Cannabis Industry Association (NCIA) and Brainsy, Inc., today unveiled the Cannabis Expert Calling Network (ECN®), a knowledge-sharing platform connecting cannabis industry experts with information-seekers and entrepreneurs online or via paid telephone consultations.

The Cannabis ECN is accessible at https://cannabis.expertcallingnetwork.com and features NCIA members who create personalized profiles to showcase their expertise on a range of cannabis topics. Experts can designate their expertise in a variety of categories including: Industry Introduction, General Consulting, Compliance and Policy, Advanced Business Practices, Cultivation, Dispensaries, Extractions & Infused Products, Marketing & Media, Medical, and Money Matters.

“We’re seeing a huge demand for the exchange of knowledge as so many new people and businesses across the U.S. enter the cannabis industry,” said Aaron Smith, executive director of NCIA. “With the Cannabis Expert Calling Network, advice-seekers can connect with established industry experts in a way that’s simple and clearly structured. It’s a win-win for our members and for anyone looking for cannabis industry expertise.”

Experts participating in the launch of the ECN include a who’s-who of cannabis industry veterans and leaders. Many ECN experts will also be speakers or panelists during NCIA’s 3^rd Annual Cannabis Business Summit and Expo, June 20-22, in Oakland, Ca. Conference attendees who wish to talk with a speaker or panelist after the conference ends can request a one-on-one phone call with the participating expert through the ECN. Discussions can range from fifteen to sixty minutes in duration.

“As so many new states open up medical or adult-use cannabis markets, those of us already working in the industry have a huge amount of hard-won experience and knowledge to offer. The Cannabis ECN makes it easy for people to find us and for us to get compensated for sharing our time and expertise,” stated Jaime Lewis, CEO and Founder of Mountain Medicine, a participating expert.

At the core of the Cannabis ECN platform are cutting-edge knowledge-sharing tools including Brainsy’s patented ECN transactional calling platform. Experts also have access to features of the Personal Media ECN, including the ECN InCall® badge which enables experts to monetize their social media presence on other platforms such as Twitter or LinkedIn.

“The rapidly changing landscape and growth in the cannabis industry make it ripe for innovation and entrepreneurs,” stated Brian Christie, CEO of Brainsy, the ECN Platform provider. “We are pleased to be working with a well-respected and pioneering association such as NCIA to help make knowledge and expertise in the responsible and legitimate cannabis industry more accessible to people across the nation.”

The Cannabis ECN is made possible in part by the generous support of companies such as docGreens, CannaCon, and Dixie Elixirs. 

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