Get to know the team at Berkeley Patients Group, a founding member of NCIA, based in the Bay Area of California. Established in 1999, Berkeley Patients Group is the nation’s longest-running dispensary. Etienne Fontan and Sabrina Fendrick talk about the importance of establishing banking services for our industry, as well as other struggles related to federal prohibition. Etienne Fontan also currently serves on NCIA’s Board of Directors.
by Etienne Fontan, Director of Berkeley Patients Group
In the early days of Berkeley Patients Group (BPG), we had visions of a mature, responsible industry that would provide affordable, high quality medicine to everyone who needs access. We envisioned a future where truth and science trumped fear and lies. We dreamed of an industry with quality and testing standards and favorable banking regulations. And we did everything in our power to push this agenda forward with courage, integrity, and the patients at the center of everything we do.
Look how far we have come.
Today, many of our early visions have come to fruition. Through our hard work and relentless drive, we live in world that is far more tolerant to cannabis than ever. We live in world where more than half of America lives in a state with some form of legal cannabis. But there is still an incredible amount of difficult work to be done.
Throughout my tenure at BPG, I have worked tirelessly to innovate and question our own thinking and overall direction. I have been instrumental in constantly redefining (and occasionally disrupting) the industry. These efforts have driven positive change for our business and our industry alike.
“Change is the law of life.
And those who look only to the past or present are certain to miss the future.”
— President John F. Kennedy
After 23 years in this industry, my focus continues to be on our very bright future. We are in a time of great progress and rapid development; visionary leadership at the helm of the NCIA is integral to further legitimizing and solidifying our nascent industry.
When you cast your vote by May 16th, please cast your vote for innovation, progress, and integrity. I look forward to continuing to serve all of you.
In order to cast a vote, you will need to log into NCIA’s secure member ballot using your member company login. Only ONE ballot can be submitted per member company.
If you do not remember your password or are having trouble logging in, please contact us at info@thecannabisindustry.org or (303) 223-4530.
Please be sure to download and review our complete Voter Guide (PDF) before casting your vote.
Even if you couldn’t attend NCIA’s 5th Anniversary Banquet held in Las Vegas on November 11th, you can still reflect on five years of industry advocacy, education, and community with a few of our founding members in this video presentation.
We are proud of the nearly 1,000 member-businesses that have come together as the unified voice of the cannabis industry.
Not yet a member of NCIA? It’s never too late to get involved in paving a prosperous future for the cannabis industry — join today!
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