Committee Insights: Cannabis Vaping – Avoid Being an Easy Target
NCIA’s #IndustryEssentials webinar series is our premier digital educational series featuring a variety of interactive programs allowing us to provide you timely, engaging and essential education when you need it most. The NCIA Committee Insights series showcases content produced in partnership with one of our 14 member-led committees.
Join us for Episode 2 of the vape-related #IndustryEssentials webinar series, presented by NCIA’s Cannabis Manufacturing Committee. In this highly informative session, we’ll delve deep into the world of cannabis manufacturing risk management, focusing on essential tips and strategies to help manufacturers avoid and effectively manage risks associated with the production of cannabinoid-containing products.
The 2019 EVALI outbreak stirred up the cannabis vape industry making some businesses an easy target in the court of public opinion. However, vaping continues to be a popular form of consumption among GenZ users, creating a demand for companies to design safer products and expand their due diligence testing during the product development phase. NCIA’s second vaping webinar of 2023 will sit down with industry experts to discuss what their companies are doing to avoid being an easy target, prevent another EVALI-like crisis, and how to navigate an industry in the absence of regulations.
Learning Objectives:
• Risk assessment and due diligence protocols to determine consumer exposure limits.
• Best practices and manufacturing standards during product development
• Youth prevention strategies
• Insights gained from emissions testing of vape products
Don’t miss this opportunity to stay ahead in the ever-evolving cannabis industry. Register now and join us for an engaging discussion on cannabis manufacturing risk management.
Committee Insights: Balancing the Scales – Social Equity in Legal Cannabis Delivery
NCIA’s #IndustryEssentials webinar series is our premier digital educational platform featuring a variety of interactive programs allowing us to provide you timely, engaging and essential education when you need it most. The NCIA Committee Insights series showcases content produced in partnership with one of our 15 member-led committees.
As the legal cannabis industry grows exponentially, there remains a pressing need to address historical inequities and provide a platform for individuals adversely affected by past cannabis laws. This webinar aims to shed light on theimportance of social equity in cannabis delivery regulations and offer actionable solutions for a more inclusive industry.
Learning Objectives:
• Understand the historical context of cannabis-related offenses and their disproportionate impacts.
• Recognize the importance of social equity provisions in cannabis regulations.
• Identify best practices for implementing social equity in cannabis delivery.
• Engage stakeholders in constructive dialogues for industry-wide change.
Target Audience:
• Cannabis industry professionals and regulators.
• Entrepreneurs interested in cannabis delivery services.
• Social justice advocates and policymakers.
• Legal professionals.
Panelists:
Mark Slaugh
iComply
Michael Diaz-Riviera
Better Days Delivery Service
Bryce Fluellen
Euphorium
Tee Tee Brown
Euphorium
Moderator:
Kenya Alexander
Green to Green Solutions
HHS Recommends Rescheduling: Now What? | 9.14.23 | Fireside Chats with NCIA’s Government Relations Team
NCIA’s #IndustryEssentials webinar series is our premier digital educational platform featuring a variety of interactive programs allowing us to provide you timely, engaging and essential education when you need it most. The Fireside Chat series of NCIA’s #IndustryEssentials webinars are an opportunity for industry professionals to hear from our government relations team and guests about the latest developments in federal policy LIVE.
For more than fifty years, the federal government has maintained that cannabis is a Schedule I drug, meaning that it has a high potential for abuse and no accepted medical value.
That recently changed when the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) recommended to the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) that cannabis be placed in Schedule III, meaning that it has moderate to low abuse potential, a currently accepted medical use, and a low potential for psychological dependence.
There’s no doubt this move was an historic one– but what does it mean? What’s next? How will it impact your business? Join NCIA’s Aaron Smith and Michelle Rutter Friberg as they unpack all these questions surrounding cannabis rescheduling impact and more!
Fireside Chats with NCIA’s Government Relations Team: HHS Recommends Rescheduling; Now What?
NCIA’s #IndustryEssentials webinar series is our premier digital educational platform featuring a variety of interactive programs allowing us to provide you timely, engaging and essential education when you need it most. The Fireside Chat series of NCIA’s #IndustryEssentials webinars are an opportunity for industry professionals to hear from our government relations team and guests about the latest developments in federal policy LIVE.
For more than fifty years, the federal government has maintained that cannabis is a Schedule I drug, meaning that it has a high potential for abuse and no accepted medical value.
That recently changed when the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) recommended to the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) that cannabis be placed in Schedule III, meaning that it has moderate to low abuse potential, a currently accepted medical use, and a low potential for psychological dependence.
There’s no doubt this move was an historic one– but what does it mean? What’s next? How will it impact your business?
Join NCIA’s Aaron Smith and Michelle Rutter Friberg as they unpack all these questions and more! Register today and don’t miss your chance to hear from two of the foremost government relations experts in the cannabis industry.
Panelists:
Aaron Smith
Chief Executive Officer
National Cannabis Industry Association
Michelle Rutter Friberg
Director of Government Relations
National Cannabis Industry Association
Member Blog: Transforming Your Cannabis Business with Modern Experiences
The cannabis market is growing globally at a considerably good pace. According to studies, did you know that increasing legalization, favorable cultivation norms, and the use of technology are some of the factors promoting the development of the cannabis industry?
Due to this, many researchers are projecting the growth of this market from $43.2 in 2022 to $72 billion in annual sales by 2030. While the industry as a whole is growing, however, some businesses are looking for ways to bring something new to customers.
But the question is, when change is the only constant in this market, how can you do it right? Well, don’t worry because we’re here to help.
This article mentions a few tips and suggestions on transforming your business with modern experiences and growing your profits. Let’s dig in!
Install Kiosks for a Better In-Store Experience
One of the best modern ways to elevate your cannabis store is to introduce user-friendly kiosks. These will help your customers find everything easily in the store.
Moreover, you can also increase the product range with these kiosks. For example, if you sell dry herbs, you can also place a station for pre-roll cones to transform into a one-stop store. You can buy pre-roll cones in bulk and make an addition to your business.
It will increase your customers’ convenience and boost your sales for better profits. So, invest in kiosks to transform the in-store experience and align with today’s shopping trends.
Embrace Technology
Another key player in providing a modernized experience to your customer is leveraging technology for your business. You should invest in user-friendly apps and convenient online delivery services to elevate customer experiences.
It is a great way to tap into the target group that seeks convenience and accessibility. Busy schedules often keep people busy, and they may not get the time to visit stores. Thus, providing an app to place orders makes it easier for them.
Likewise, you can consider further offering 24/7 delivery services to accommodate varying schedules and situations. It will not only increase your customer base but also help you stand out among your competitors.
Workshops and Events
Embrace a fresh approach to your cannabis business transformation by hosting workshops and events. It greatly enhances modern experiences. These gatherings help establish strong customer relationships and bring mutual benefits.
For customers, it’s a chance to learn, explore, and connect with fellow enthusiasts. They gain valuable insights into your products and their uses. Your business, in turn, gains loyalty and trust by offering educational and interactive opportunities.
You can conduct these events online and offline according to the demand. You can also introduce games, outings, and more for the community. Moreover, to enhance it further, you can also offer special discounts to the ones who attend your events. This positive connection leads to repeat visits and word-of-mouth recommendations.
Bottom Line
We hope the above information helps you modernize your cannabis business for success. You can use kiosks for easy shopping, embrace technology for convenience, and host engaging workshops. This builds happy customers and loyalty. These steps cater to changing preferences and show you’re a leader.
Committee Insights: Cracking the Code – Unraveling the Challenge of Coverage for Novel Cannabinoids
NCIA’s #IndustryEssentials webinar series is our premier digital educational series featuring a variety of interactive programs allowing us to provide you timely, engaging and essential education when you need it most.
We’ve seen so much interest and had so much fun exploring these topics that we couldn’t wrap it up just quite yet! Next month, NCIA’s Risk Management & Insurance Committee explores why insurance for novel cannabinoids can be such a challenging code to crack…
In this session you’ll learn from our panel of leading risk management, insurance and compliance experts how to navigate liability and legislative loopholes so you’ll better understand exposure alongside a patchwork of federal and state requirements.
You’ll leave this webinar with a better understanding of how novel cannabinoids are defined in various insurance policies, why they’re difficult to insure and the science behind this novel cannabinoid coverage conundrum.
Join us for this insightful webinar as we strive to unravel the complexities of insuring novel cannabinoids and equip you with the knowledge needed to make informed decisions regarding your insurance coverage. Reserve your spot today and crack the code to safeguard your products, operations and workforce!
The cannabis industry has experienced rapid growth in recent years, with more and more states legalizing its use for medical and recreational purposes. As a result, cannabis dispensaries are becoming increasingly popular, with many people visiting them for the first time. For dispensary owners, managers, and budtenders, it’s essential to provide a positive customer experience to build brand loyalty and attract repeat business. This blog will discuss the importance of focusing on the customer experience at cannabis dispensaries and how understanding terpenes, cannabinoids, and THC percentages can improve the overall experience for both new and experienced users.
Understanding the Customer Experience
What makes a great customer experience at a cannabis dispensary? A positive experience can be characterized by:
Knowledgeable Staff:
Budtenders and other staff members should be well-trained and able to provide accurate and easily digestible information on various cannabis products, including their effects and appropriate dosages.
Welcoming Atmosphere:
Dispensaries should be clean, well-organized, and aesthetically pleasing, making customers feel comfortable and at ease during their visit.
Product Selection:
A wide variety of high-quality cannabis products should be available to cater to the diverse preferences and needs of customers.
Personalized Recommendations:
Budtenders should be able to make personalized recommendations based on the customer’s preferences, desired effects, and level of experience with cannabis.
Terpenes, Cannabinoids, and THC: Key Components of Cannabis
To provide an exceptional customer experience, it’s essential for dispensary staff to understand the key components of cannabis, including terpenes, cannabinoids, and THC percentages. These components play a significant role in the overall effects of cannabis and can help staff make tailored recommendations for customers.
Terpenes:
Terpenes are aromatic compounds found in many plants, including cannabis. They give each strain its unique aroma and taste, and they can also have therapeutic effects. There are over 100 different terpenes in cannabis, with some of the most common ones being myrcene, limonene, and pinene. Understanding the terpene profile of a specific strain can help staff recommend products based on the desired flavor and aroma, as well as the potential therapeutic benefits.
Cannabinoids:
Cannabinoids are the chemical compounds found in cannabis that interact with the body’s endocannabinoid system, producing various effects. Many Cannabis products advertise “full-spectrum” CBD, meaning that the product not only contains CBD, but can also contain the other cannabinoids as well as terpenes, essential oils, and up to 0.3% THC. There are over 100 different cannabinoids in cannabis, with THC (tetrahydrocannabinol) and CBD (cannabidiol) being the most well-known. THC is responsible for the psychoactive effects of cannabis, while CBD has various therapeutic effects without causing a “high.” Dispensary staff should be familiar with the different cannabinoids and their effects to help customers choose products based on their desired experience.
THC Percentages:
The THC percentage of a cannabis product indicates the concentration of THC, which largely determines the psychoactive effects of the product. Generally, higher THC percentages lead to more potent effects. However, it’s important to note that the overall effects of a cannabis product are influenced by other factors, such as the terpene profile and the presence of other cannabinoids. Dispensary staff should be able to explain the significance of THC percentages and guide customers in selecting products with appropriate potency levels.
Educating Customers and Tailoring Recommendations
Dispensary staff should prioritize educating customers about terpenes, cannabinoids, and THC percentages to help them make informed decisions about their purchases. By understanding these components, customers can better tailor their cannabis experience to their preferences and needs.
For example, a customer looking for a relaxing experience may be interested in a strain high in myrcene, a terpene known for its sedative and relaxing effects. In contrast, someone seeking a more uplifting and energizing experience might prefer a strain with a higher concentration of limonene, which is associated with elevated mood and increased energy. Additionally, customers with little to no experience with cannabis may prefer strains with lower THC percentages to avoid overwhelming psychoactive effects.
When assisting customers, dispensary staff should ask about their preferences, desired effects, and experience level with cannabis. Based on this information, they can recommend strains and products that align with the customer’s goals while considering the terpene profile, cannabinoid content, and THC percentage. This personalized approach can help customers feel more confident in their purchases and lead to a more satisfying experience.
For HR Professionals: Training and Development
To ensure that dispensary staff can effectively educate customers and provide tailored recommendations, it’s crucial for HR professionals to invest in comprehensive training and development programs. Training should cover a wide range of topics, including:
Cannabis Fundamentals:
Staff should have a solid understanding of cannabis basics, such as the differences between indica, sativa, and hybrid strains, and the various forms of cannabis product, methods of ingestion and their varying timing of effects (e.g., flower, edibles, concentrates, tinctures, and topicals, vaping, eating, and drinking).
Terpenes, Cannabinoids, and THC:
As discussed earlier, staff should be well-versed in the role of terpenes, cannabinoids, and THC percentages in determining the effects of cannabis products.
Customer Service Skills:
Staff should be trained in effective communication, active listening, and empathy to better understand and serve their customers.
Compliance and Regulations:
Dispensary staff should be knowledgeable about state and local regulations regarding cannabis sales, as well as safety protocols and best practices for handling cannabis products.
By providing thorough training and development opportunities, HR professionals can ensure that dispensary staff are equipped to deliver an exceptional customer experience.
The Role of Technology in Enhancing the Customer Experience
As the cannabis industry continues to grow and evolve, technology is playing an increasingly important role in enhancing the customer experience at dispensaries. In this section, we’ll explore several innovative technologies and tools that can help dispensary owners, managers, and staff provide an even better experience for their customers.
Point-of-Sale (POS) Systems:
Modern POS systems designed specifically for cannabis dispensaries can streamline the sales process and improve the customer experience. These systems can track customer preferences, manage inventory, calculate taxes, and ensure compliance with state and local regulations. By investing in a robust POS system, dispensaries can provide a more efficient and personalized service for their customers.
Digital Menus:
Instead of relying on printed menus that can quickly become outdated, dispensaries can use digital menus to display their product offerings. These menus can be easily updated to reflect current inventory, and they can also include detailed information about each product, such as terpene profiles, cannabinoid content, and THC percentages. By providing customers with easy access to this information, digital menus can help them make more informed decisions about their purchases.
Online Resources and Mobile Apps:
Dispensaries can enhance the customer experience by offering online resources and mobile apps that provide valuable information and tools related to cannabis consumption. For example, they can develop educational content about terpenes, cannabinoids, and THC percentages or create interactive tools that help customers determine their ideal dosage based on their preferences and experience level. By providing customers with access to these resources, dispensaries can support them in their cannabis journey and help them make more informed decisions.
Customer Engagement and Community Building
Another crucial aspect of providing an exceptional customer experience at cannabis dispensaries is fostering a sense of community and engagement among customers.
Events:
Hosting events such as product launches, tastings, and guest speaker sessions can provide customers with an opportunity to learn more about cannabis, sample new products, and connect with other like-minded individuals. These events can also help establish a dispensary as a trusted source of information and a hub for the local cannabis community.
Educational Workshops:
Dispensaries can offer workshops that focus on various aspects of cannabis, such as understanding terpenes, cannabinoids, and THC percentages, cooking with cannabis, or cultivating cannabis at home. These workshops can help customers gain a deeper understanding of cannabis and its various uses, ultimately improving their overall experience.
Social Media:
Actively engaging with customers on social media platforms can help dispensaries stay connected with their audience, provide real-time updates on products and promotions, and gather valuable feedback. Dispensaries can also use social media to share educational content, answer customer questions, and participate in industry-related conversations.
Loyalty Programs:
Dispensaries can implement loyalty programs that reward customers for their repeat business, encouraging them to return and further engage with the dispensary. Loyalty programs can include discounts, exclusive promotions, or early access to new products, and can be an effective way to strengthen the customer-dispensary relationship.
Focusing on the customer experience at cannabis dispensaries is crucial for building brand loyalty, attracting repeat business, and maintaining a competitive edge in the growing cannabis industry. Dispensary owners, managers, and budtenders must prioritize educating customers about terpenes, cannabinoids, and THC percentages to help them make informed decisions and tailor their cannabis experience to their preferences and needs. HR professionals play a key role in ensuring that staff receive comprehensive training and development, enabling them to provide exceptional service and create a positive customer experience. By investing in the customer experience, dispensaries can set themselves apart and thrive in the competitive cannabis market.
Defining the Conversation: Minor, Novel & Synthetic Cannabinoids
There is more to cannabis than THC and CBD. As our understanding (and commercialization) of cannabis evolves, new compounds like CBG, delta-8-THC, THCv, and others are coming onto the scene. These various “minor” cannabinoids, however, bring with them a host of new issues.
NCIA’s Cannabis Manufacturing Committee, Scientific Advisory Committee and Hemp Committee are all collaborating on a series of #IndustryEssentials webinars over the next few months which will explore these issues with various subjects ranging from basic and advanced overviews of these molecules, regulatory recommendations, risk management and compliance concerns all the way to consumer and manufacturer safety.
To kick off this series we’re showcasing an initial session taking place on Wednesday, December, 14th at 3PM ET / 12PM PT introducing and framing the myriad regulatory, scientific, linguistic, and ethical issues that come with the rise of minor, novel, and synthetic cannabinoids.
Learning Objectives
• Understand the role of minor, novel, and synthetic cannabinoids in the cannabis industry and the unique issues relating to their current status.
At the conclusion of the discussion they’ll be hosting a moderated Q&A session so don’t miss your chance to participate in this interactive educational experience with leading manufacturing, biochemical, and legal professionals from the hemp and cannabis industries.
15-minute Introductory Session
But before we get started … Acquire the foundational knowledge needed to dive deep into this session by watching this introductory video on Minor, Novel and Synthetic Cannabinoids.
During this brief 15-minute presentation our panelists Scott Seeley of Eastgate IP and James Granger of Clear Cannabis Inc, both members of NCIA’s Cannabis Manufacturing Committee, will walk you through the categories of compounds, outside of the commonly known big two – THC and CBD, and explain what is known about these compounds along with what the industry can do to move forward to provide safe products to consumers.
Committee Insights | 12.7.22 | How To Use A Marketing Mindset To Raise Capital For Your Cannabis Company
NCIA’s #IndustryEssentials webinar series is our premier digital educational series featuring a variety of interactive programs allowing us to provide you timely, engaging and essential education when you need it most.
In this edition of our NCIA Committee Insights series, originally aired on December 7 and produced by NCIA’s Marketing & Advertising Committee, our panel of cannabis finance specialists, leading operators and capital raising experts will guide you through best marketing practices and considerations to deploy when fundraising in the cannabis industry from a marketing perspective.
Learn tips and tricks and do’s and don’ts from marketing pro’s and industry insiders to best position your company to get the attention of investors in the current market conditions just as you’ve done when targeting consumers.
Cultivating Community in a City Near You: Announcing NCIA’s 2023 Event Calendar
It’s been a year of big change for NCIA. As we come to the end of 2022, we want to take a moment to send a message to our members and supporters about these changes, and most importantly, get excited for what’s next for the future of NCIA events.
The End of An Era
The events industry has faced unforeseen challenges these last couple of years, and NCIA was not isolated from these issues. Outside of needing to postpone our large tradeshows until late 2021, we also had to postpone a whole calendar of approximately 40+ events nationwide which was our primary way of connecting our community and meeting with our members face to face. Our team overcame these challenges by building our expansive digital presence and online events program to continue to provide education and exposure opportunities to our members, however this did still require a significant pivot in organizational strategy. Due to the residual hardships brought by the pandemic, we learned earlier this year that the Cannabis Business Summit & Expo was not going to be able to be produced on the scale or quality that we or our members had come to expect throughout the years. So, in tandem with our previous tradeshow co-producers, we made the difficult decision to dissolve our existing partnership and accepted an offer from them to acquire our tradeshow portfolio. For those who have been attending our tradeshows since 2014, we can’t thank you enough for your participation in those events and making them so impactful for the industry. There are too many good memories to revisit, and hope you take a moment to remember some of your personal highlights throughout the years as we look forward to coming together for new events in 2023.
Looking Ahead to 2023
For now, we will be taking a hiatus from the tradeshow space. This will allow our team to refocus our efforts into other impactful networking and educational opportunities. We’re excited to get back to our roots and focus our efforts on intentional and innovative gatherings that connect Main Street cannabis businesses with each other and with NCIA’s advocacy efforts.
We’ve listened to the feedback from our members, and know that in-person networking remains essential to building your business and growing your network. In these uncertain economic times, every dollar spent and any time away from your business impacts your bottom line. As the leading cannabis trade association representing small-business owners, we’re committed to making the investment to meet our members where they are, and to continue facilitating experiences where our members can make key connections with fellow business owners. Moving into 2023, we’re reinvigorating our events program starting with our regional Industry Social and Cannabis Caucus event series, leading into the cannabis industry’s biggest policy and advocacy event of the year: NCIA’s 11th Annual Cannabis Industry Lobby Days.
We invite you to move forward with us as we enter a new chapter in our history. Without further ado, we are excited to announce the lineup of events for the first half of 2023!
Join NCIA to Take Advantage of Complimentary Tickets
As always, NCIA members receive complimentary access to all of these events based on membership level. Looking to have an expanded presence at each event? Consider upgrading your membership today in order to include your entire team or prospective clients.
Huge thanks to the initial sponsors of these events which have made a significant investment in NCIA’s community building efforts moving into 2023! Learn more about each of these pioneering businesses helping drive our mission forward and reach out to schedule a meeting with their team surrounding the upcoming events.
Gold Sponsor
Silver Sponsor
Bronze Sponsor
Support These Events Through Sponsorship
Has your company had trouble breaking through the noise on a crowded expo floor this past year? Is your brand looking for quality B2B connections with market leaders? Want to play a larger role and align your business with NCIA’s community building and educational efforts?
Consider one of our affordable sponsorship packages, starting for as low as $500, which will allow you to reach thousands of leading cannabis businesses while supporting NCIA’s advocacy work on behalf of small cannabis businesses. Contact our team at sponsorship@thecannabisindustry.org to learn more.
We can’t thank our community enough for the continued support of NCIA and our events. We look forward to seeing you, in person, next year!
Service Solutions | 10.26.22 | Show Me the Money – The Current State of Cannabis Lending
NCIA’s Service Solutions series is our sponsored content webinar program which allows business owners the opportunity to learn more about premier products, services and industry solutions directly from our network of established suppliers, providers and thought leaders.
In this edition originally aired on Wednesday, October 26, 2022 we were joined by the experts from cannabis-focused financial institutions FundCanna, Safe Harbor Financial, and AVANA Companies to dive deep into the current state of cannabis lending with leading industry journalist John Schroyer of Green Market Report.
A decade after California and Colorado became the first adult use states, the regulated U.S. cannabis market encompasses over 70,000 cannabis-related businesses. Shockingly, most of those businesses still lack easy access to debt and other forms of growth and operating capital. From federal prohibitions and the impact of IRS regulation 280e, to state and local taxation issues, the costs of operating a regulated cannabis company continue to remain nearly unendurable.
Learn what may change in the coming six to 12 months so you’ll know how to access debt capital most cost-effectively in this ever evolving environment. No matter your place in the industry or the supply chain from cultivators, manufacturers, vendors, suppliers, distributors and retailers this conversation will provide the insights to meet your financial needs.
At the conclusion of the discussion our panel hosted a moderated Q&A session to provide NCIA members an opportunity to interact with leading minds from the financial services space, join today to contribute to future conversations!
Panelists:
Adam Stettner
Founder & CEO
FundCanna
Sundie Seefried
Founder and CEO
Safe Harbor Financial
02:13 – Equity vs. Debt: With equity dried up, should cannabis companies be looking at debt financing to grow now?
07:28 – Equity vs. Debt: What do borrowers need to do before approaching a debt provider (vs. an equity provider)?
13:25 – Equity vs. Debt: What can cannabis companies or entrepreneurs do to improve their overall credit worthiness prior to seeking capital?
17:16 – How has the interest rate increases by the Federal Reserve impacted capital markets (and the industry at large) in 2022?
26:07 – Audience Q&A: “If there’s “no reason not to have banking” for your cannabis business how can I easily (and inexpensively) establish and maintain a compliant bank account?”
28:56 – Lending: What significant lending challenges are your clients currently facing within the industry?
33:56 – Lending: What advice can you provide business owners for evaluating lenders that you should (or shouldn’t) work with and tips for avoiding predatory lending practices?
39:05 – Cannabis Reform: What impact do you expect President Biden’s recent announcement will have on the industry?
49:32 – Audience Q&A: “Are your financial institutions planning to offer lending and banking services in New York, New Jersey and other new markets?”
51:42 – Audience Q&A: “With the mindset of “Investors are betting on the Jockey not the Horse.” What type of CEO or founding team would be a red flag or not a viable investment?”
55:19 – Audience Q&A: “How can I start to shift my retail company from being primarily a cash-only business?”
1:05:03 – NCIA Member Appreciation Credit Sequence
Sponsored By:
Service Solutions | 9.27.22 | The Devil is in the Details: Claiming Your Employee Retention Credit as a Cannabis Business
NCIA’s Service Solutions series is our sponsored content webinar program which allows business owners the opportunity to learn more about premier products, services and industry solutions directly from our network of established suppliers, providers and thought leaders.
In this edition originally aired on Tuesday, September 27, 2022 we were joined by the experts from ERT Credit for an exclusive webinar outlining how cannabis businesses can take advantage of The Employee Tax Credit (or ERC) which has currently only been claimed by a small fraction of cannabis businesses, and most importantly, as a payroll tax credit is not subject to Section 280E.
Think your cannabis-related business does not qualify for COVID-19 relief funds worth up to $26,000 per employee.? You’ll leave the session with a roadmap for next steps to determine eligibility and maximize your claim so you don’t miss out on a potentially guaranteed refund worth hundreds of thousands of dollars and in some cases millions.
At the conclusion of the discussion our panel hosted a moderated Q&A session to provide NCIA members an opportunity to interact with leading minds from the cannabis accounting and technology space, join today to contribute to future conversations!
40:46 – Audience Q&A (If your business is still operating – what are the taxes due on the tax credit?)
42:04 – Audience Q&A (I was told that ERC money is not available for the cannabis industry due to 280e. How are you navigating that compared to others trying to provide the same services?)
44:31 – Audience Q&A (Does this apply to cultivation facilities also?)
46:42 – Audience Q&A (What if we apply and don’t receive our money or we are denied the credit?)
48:09 – Audience Q&A (What if my accountant/lawyer says I don’t qualify?)
49:41 – Audience Q&A (How can I find more details on how to navigate the 280e concerns?)
50:58 – Audience Q&A (So if you went out of business before or soon after getting the tax credit you would not have any (or minimal) tax impact from taking the tax credit?)
53:24 – Audience Q&A (Do I have to spend the money on my payroll? Or can I use it towards my other business expenses? Any other restrictions?) 54:26 – Audience Q&A (So is this a credit for my company towards next year or do I get an actual check like a refund?)
01:05:28 – NCIA Lobby Days 2023 Member Appreciation
Sponsored By:
Service Solutions | 7.13.21 | Learn How to Grow Your Cannabis Business with Acumatica Cloud ERP
NCIA’s #IndustryEssentials webinar series is our premier digital educational series featuring a variety of interactive programs allowing us to provide you timely, engaging and essential education when you need it most. The Service Solutions series is our sponsored content webinar program which will allow business owners the opportunity to learn more about premier products, services and industry solutions directly from our network of established suppliers, providers and thought leaders.
With shifting public sentiment, state-specific cannabis laws, and licensing requirements, the Cannabis industry is in a constant state of change. From securing capital and licensing to hiring qualified people and meeting compliance mandates, the path to success is filled with challenges, but a mobile, adaptable business management solution will expedite and ensure your progress.
Enterprise resource planning (ERP) solutions provide Cannabis companies like yours cloud-based financials, inventory management, sales, operations, as well as tracking, monitoring, and reporting on raw materials from seed to sale. Learn how Acumatica – the leading innovator in Cloud ERP – will make your growing business more agile and efficient.
Learning Objectives
• Hear an Acumatica company overview, real success stories from Cannabis companies just like yours, followed by a product demo.
• Learn how ERP can be used to track, monitor, and report on raw materials and finished goods.
• How to manage accounting, sales, operations in one system and track the cost of goods – manage staff, assign tasks, and reduce manual error calculations.
• Streamline the signal flow throughout your business with the world’s fastest growing and most adaptable cloud ERP solution, Acumatica.
Panelists:
Sean Chatterjee
Vice President, Partner Sales
Acumatica
Eric Moreau
Director, Presales
Acumatica
NCIA’S Quarterly #CannabisCaucus Event Series Continues!
by Brian Gilbert, Events Manager
NCIA started the year off with the continuation of our Q1 Quarterly Cannabis Caucus event series, this time seeing us return to the 8 strongest regions visited throughout 2016. Thank you to the nearly 600 cannabis business professionals which joined us across the month in Seattle, Cambridge, Denver, New York City, Portland, Santa Monica, Oakland and Chicago. Weren’t able to make it to one of our caucuses in January? Download the resources provided at the event on our Cannabis Caucus Resources page.
As the cannabis industry navigates the potential challenges of new leadership in Washington, D.C., there’s never been a more important time to connect with your fellow industry peers and arm yourself with information about possible changes to federal policy. In order to better prepare our members for the uncertain times ahead and provide them the tools needed to help continue the positive momentum seen for our issues on the federal level, we’re pleased to announce the dates & locations for the Q2 editions of our recurring networking and educational event series.
NCIA’s Cannabis Caucus events are the best place to network, hear from industry thought leaders and elected officials, and engage with our advocacy work on the national level! The Quarterly Cannabis Caucuses are held on Tuesdays and Thursdays in the first month of each new quarter. Read on to learn about specific speaker and location updates regarding our Q2 events. Then, mark your calendar, register today and join us at a Caucus near you next month!
Massachusetts champion Rep. Dave Rogers (D – 24th Middlesex District) will be addressing attendees in Cambridge, MA for our final Northeast event before heading to Portland, ME in July.
City Attorney Pete Holmes will be in joining us in Seattle, WA in order to educate attendees of recent developments and upcoming challenges for this Spring.
Colorado State Senator Tim Neville (R – 16th District) will be addressing attendees in Boulder, CO at The Riverside as we continue our back and forth between the two cannabis industry epicenters in Colorado. Senator Neville will be discussing the 2017 Colorado Legislature’s approach to cannabis and his efforts to protect Colorado’s cannabis industry from a possible Federal crackdown.
The Tri-State event is moving to Jersey City for NCIA’s first event west of the Hudson at the captivating Maritime Parc event complex featuring stunning views of the NYC skyline from their Atrium Room.
To avoid conflicts with the 4/20 holiday, we’ve rescheduled the Southern California event to take place on 4/27 and we’ll be joined by Pamela Epstein of Green Wise Consulting & Hoban Law Group as guest speaker.
We’ll also be bringing the Midwest NCIA community together in Michigan as we head outside of Chicago for our return to Ann Arbor. We’ll be hosting the event at Om of Medicine and joined by their owner & proprietor Mark Passerini to provide a regional policy update.
Cannabis Caucuses are FREE for current NCIA members and just $50 for non-members. In addition to intimate networking opportunities with leaders in the industry, you’ll get a detailed update on the latest federal policy developments, meet local policy-makers, and receive a packet filled with legislative analysis and information on how to get the most from your NCIA membership.
Northeast – Cambridge, MA – Tuesday, April 11 – REGISTER NOW Washington – Seattle, WA – Tuesday, April 11 – REGISTER NOW Colorado –Boulder, CO – Thursday, April 13 – REGISTER NOW Oregon – Portland, OR – Tuesday, April 18 – REGISTER NOW Tri-State – Jersey City, NJ – Tuesday, April 18 –REGISTER NOW No. California – San Francisco, CA – Tuesday, April 25 –REGISTER NOW So. California – West Hollywood, CA – Thursday, April 27 –REGISTER NOW Midwest – Ann Arbor, MI – Thursday, April 27 –REGISTER NOW
Not yet a member of NCIA? Join online prior to the event in order to access your free tickets or pay up front then have your admission fees applied toward membership once you join at or immediately following the event.
Finally, huge thanks as always to our sponsors, media partners and event hosts that made Q1 such a success and will be joining us again in April! We hope you’ll join us in showing them some appreciation for the enormous support. Please follow the links below to learn more about each of these amazing businesses or groups then reach out to see how they might be able to help you.
Wondering how your company can engage with the cannabis industry’s top decision-makers? Contact us at sponsorship@thecannabisindustry.org to learn more about supporting your industry’s political voice and highlighting your brand at NCIA’s Quarterly Cannabis Caucuses and NCIA’s 7th Annual Cannabis Industry Lobby Days in May!
Highlights From NCIA’s Seed To Sale Show
by Brooke Gilbert, Director of Events and Education
NCIA’s inaugural Seed To Sale Show was a smashing success! Take a look at some of the highlights below, which made this a must-attend event for those in the cannabis industry:
More than 2,200 attendees.
The first ever Cannavation and Cannatech Awards, which recognized trailblazing individuals and companies driving the growth and elevation of the cannabis industry. You can see a full list of the winners here in our official press release.
An in-depth informational keynote from Mowgli Holmes, co-founder and chief scientific officer at Phylos Bioscience, on the evolving genetic understanding of the cannabis plant and what that means for further transparency within the cannabis supply chain.
Eight hours and 15 minutes of educational content over two days, featuring breakout sessions, committee-guided roundtables, and open Q&A sessions led by more than 40 industry experts.
More than 50 media personnel from more than 30 media companies joined us throughout the two days, generating more than 4.5 million impressions worldwide.
Wow, does the time fly! It seems like just yesterdaywe were debuting the Quarterly Cannabis Caucus event series and now here we are – 8 months and 36 events later – getting ready to kick off the final round this October across the country.
Registration is now open for the fourth installment of our regionally based Cannabis Caucus series. Join an ever-growingcommunity of cannabis industry professionals coming together quarterly to make meaningful connections, share the latest developing trends, and take action on pressing issues, all while receiving crucial national and state-specific policy updates affecting their businesses day-to-day.
We invite you to join us in a city near you this October for the final Cannabis Caucuses of 2016:
Tuesday, October 11 – Portland, OR – ecotrust – Register!
Thursday, October 13 – Boston, MA – Hyatt Regency Cambridge – Register!
Thursday, October 13 – Miami, FL – Marseilles Hotel – Register! Tuesday, October 17 – Baltimore, MD – The Grand – Register! — ***Rescheduled, please note updated date***
Tuesday, October 18 – Chicago, IL – The Chop Shop – Register!
Tuesday, October 18 – New York, NY – Newman Ferrara LLP – Register!
Thursday, October 20 – Boulder, CO – The Riverside – Register!
Thursday, October 20 – Phoenix, AZ – mod – Register!
Tuesday, October 25 – Las Vegas, NV – Place on 7th – Register!
Tuesday, October 25 – Santa Rosa, CA – (TBD) – Register!
Thursday, October 27 – Long Beach, CA – The Grand – Register!
Thursday, October 27 – Seattle, WA – Sole Repair Shop – Register!
During July, we were able to update more than 200 member businesses on our federal advocacy efforts and provided them with the information and tools needed to engage with their elected officials during August recess. We also encouraged our members to participate in our on-site social media campaign to help put a face to our growing industry and bring visibility to the most pressing issues affecting us on a daily basis. You can help us keep the conversation going by using the #WeAreTheCannabisIndustry, #IAmTheCannabisIndustry, #CannaBanking, #DeScheduleNow, and #Reform280E hashtags on social media. Huge thanks to all those who have already participated!
Haven’t been to one of NCIA’s Quarterly Cannabis Caucuses before? Check out these photo highlights from our Q3 Northern California edition which took place at Gateway Cannabis Accelerator in Oakland, CA to see what you’ve been missing!
As always, a huge thanks to the support of our sponsoring member businesses and hosts who contributed to our efforts to foster cannabis community across the country!
Want to download the information we provided during the third quarter of our Cannabis Caucuses? Check out our Cannabis Caucus Resources page.
Have any feedback from a Caucus you attended in July? Fill out our short attendee survey to provide us with valuable feedback we’ll use to improve future events.
Interested in sponsoring an upcoming Cannabis Caucus in your area or a series of events across the country? Check out our Cannabis Caucus sponsorship guide which outlines pricing and benefits.
See you at the next Caucus in October!
July Quarterly Cannabis Caucuses Are Coming!
By Brooke Gilbert, Director of Events & Education
Registration is now open for the third quarter of our Quarterly Cannabis Caucus events series! Join more than 600 cannabis industry professionals this July in networking and sharing best business practices, as well as the latest national and local policy updates.
Tuesday, July 12 – Portland, OR – Opal 28 – Register!
Tuesday, July 12 – Washington, D.C. – The National Press Club – Register!
Thursday, July 14 – Boston, MA – Hyatt Regency Cambridge – Register!
Thursday, July 14 – Miami, FL – Biltmore Hotel – Register!
Tuesday, July 19 – Chicago, IL – The Chop Shop – Register!
Tuesday, July 19 – New York, NY – LMHQ – Register!
Thursday, July 21 – Denver, CO – Jane HQ – Register!
Thursday, July 21 – Phoenix, AZ – mod – Register!
Tuesday, July 26 – Las Vegas, NV – Place on 7th – Register!
Tuesday, July 26 – Santa Monica, CA – Real Office Centers – Register!
Thursday, July 28 – San Francisco, CA – Gateway Cannabis Accelerator – Register!
Thursday, July 28 – Seattle, WA – Sole Repair Shop – Register!
The second round of NCIA’s new quarterly educational and networking series took place this April and they were a success by every measure. Thank you to the 235 member companies and 650+ supporters who joined us over the course of three weeks in 12 different states around the country.
Haven’t been to one of NCIA’s Quarterly Cannabis Caucuses before? Check out these photo highlights from the second quarter:
NCIA’s Colorado Quarterly Cannabis Caucus with Dana Rohrabacher
We could not have held these events without the support of our sponsoring member businesses and hosts so huge thanks to all those listed below!
Want to download the information we provided during the second quarter of our Cannabis Caucuses? Check out our Cannabis Caucus Resources page.
Have any feedback from a Caucus you attended in April? Fill out our short attendee survey to provide us with valuable feedback we’ll use to improve future events.
Interested in sponsoring an upcoming Cannabis Caucus in your area or a series of events across the country? Check out our Cannabis Caucus sponsorship guide which outlines pricing and benefits.
See you at the next Caucus!
VIDEO: 1 minute, 12 cities, a million reasons to join NCIA’s Cannabis Caucuses
NCIA’s first round of Quarterly Cannabis Caucuses were a powerful example of how we can build a successful industry together. But don’t take our word for it! Check out the video above to hear from attendees themselves.
Don’t miss out on your next opportunity to be a part of NCIA’s influential, information-packed quarterly event series. Cannabis Caucuses are FREE for NCIA members, and just $50 for non-members.
Register today for the Q2 Cannabis Caucuses, coming to a city near you in April!
Oregon – Portland, OR – Tuesday, April 12 – REGISTER NOW Mid-Atlantic – Washington, D.C. – Tuesday, April 12 – REGISTER NOW Northeast – Boston, MA – Thursday, April 14 – REGISTER NOW Florida – Miami, FL – Thursday, April 14 – REGISTER NOW Midwest – Chicago, IL – Tuesday, April 19 – REGISTER NOW Tri-State – New York, NY – Tuesday, April 19 – REGISTER NOW Colorado – Denver, CO – Thursday, April 21 – REGISTER NOW Southwest – Phoenix, AZ – Thursday, April 21 – REGISTER NOW Nevada– Las Vegas, NV – Tuesday, April 26 – REGISTER NOW So. California – Newport Beach, CA – Tuesday, April 26 – REGISTER NOW No. California – San Francisco, CA – Thursday, April 28 – REGISTER NOW Washington – Seattle, WA – Thursday, April 28 – REGISTER NOW
Announcing NCIA’s January – June 2016 Events Calendar
Do you have questions regarding any upcoming events in your area or others across the country? Reach out to events@thecannabisindustry.org any time with your questions, comments, or concerns.
Interested in sponsoring one or a series of events in a particular region throughout the year in order to gain valuable exposure for your company to our nationwide network of established business owners? Please contact Brian Gilbert at brian@thecannabisindustry.org for more information on series rates and associated discounts for packages.
Interested in speaking at the upcoming Cannabis Business Summit? Please contact brooke@thecannabisindustry.org for more information on remaining opportunities.
Announcing the Quarterly Cannabis Caucus Event Series
Wow, where does the time go? The end of 2015 is in sight and 2016 is fast approaching! As per usual, these past 12 months made for another landmark year for our industry where we saw enormous growth across all sectors, as well as witnessed notable legislative victories in the House and the historic first-time introduction of cannabis-specific legislation in the Senate. We continue to see increased activity and support for our issues in D.C., due in no small part to our increasingly prominent voice within the halls of Congress, spearheaded by the work NCIA is doing with your support.
Now, we are excited to announce that starting in January, we’ll be debuting a new nationwide event series! NCIA’s Quarterly Cannabis Caucuses will be held in the cannabis industry’s 12 most active regions, on Tuesdays and Thursdays in the first month of each new quarter. The exact date will vary depending on your region, and you can view the full list of dates and locations here. The schedule for the first quarter will be:
Oregon Cannabis Caucus – Portland, OR – Tuesday, January 12 – REGISTER NOW
Mid-Atlantic Cannabis Caucus – Washington, D.C. – Tuesday, January 12 – REGISTER NOW
Northeast Cannabis Caucus – Boston, MA – Thursday, January 14 – REGISTER NOW
FloridaCannabis Caucus – Orlando, FL – Thursday, January 14 – REGISTER NOW
MidwestCannabis Caucus – Chicago, IL – Tuesday, January 19 – REGISTER NOW
Tri-StateCannabis Caucus – New York, NY – Tuesday, January 19 – REGISTER NOW
ColoradoCannabis Caucus – Denver, CO – Thursday, January 21 – REGISTER NOW
SouthwestCannabis Caucus – Phoenix, AZ – Thursday, January 21 – REGISTER NOW
NevadaCannabis Caucus – Las Vegas, NV – Tuesday, January 26 – REGISTER NOW
So. California CannabisCaucus – Los Angeles, CA – Tuesday, January 26 – REGISTER NOW
No. CaliforniaCannabis Caucus – San Francisco, CA – Thursday, January 28 – REGISTER NOW
WashingtonCannabis Caucus – Seattle, WA – Thursday, January 28 – REGISTER NOW
As NCIA heads into our sixth year of operation, we’re committed to growing and evolving our work to provide increased value to our members and reflect our unique position with the industry. The Quarterly Cannabis Caucuses have been designed to provide the quality and consistent programming you’ve come to expect from NCIA events, while also preparing you and your business to contribute to our legislative efforts on the national level.
You and your team will leave each Cannabis Caucus equipped with the tools to affect positive change on cannabis issues while making meaningful connections with vested industry players. Each Caucus will be free of charge for current NCIA members and include an in-depth federal policy update from senior NCIA staff or staff from a district congressional office, a comprehensive state and local policy update from a local elected official or a member of NCIA, an informational packet filled with detailed legislative analysis and recent federal policy developments, and an organizational update so you can keep up to date with what NCIA is doing for you. All of this will be offered as well as the opportunity to network with the leaders in the cannabis industry.
The Caucus also serves as an opportunity for our members to share their ideas and concerns with NCIA, which is committed to serving the industry in the best way possible
As the only national trade association representing cannabis business owners on Capitol Hill, we are your voice within the halls of Congress on a daily basis. We take this responsibilityseriously and by holding these quarterly member meetings, we hope you’ll take advantage of this opportunity to make your own voice heard within our ranks as well.
Every day it seems a new event is popping up, vying for your time, money, and focus. We here at NCIA know that our members’ time is one of their most valued assets, so we’ve created this event series to pack maximum information, value, and member benefit into a regular quarterly meet-up.
Do you have questions regarding the upcoming Quarterly Cannabis Caucus in your area or others across the country? Reach out to events@thecannabisindustry.org any time with your questions, comments, or concerns.
Interested in sponsoring one or a series of events in a particular region throughout the year in order to gain valuable exposure for your company to our nationwide network of established business owners? Please contact Brian Gilbert at brian@thecannabisindustry.org for more information on series rates and associated discounts for packages including NCIA’s Cannabis Business Summit 2016, taking place in Oakland, CA, June 20-22.
You’re Invited: Celebrating NCIA’s 5th Year Anniversary
By Brooke Gilbert, Director of Events & Education
As the close of 2015 approaches, and along with it NCIA’s 5th year of successful operation, we are very excited to be gearing up to celebrate this momentous occasion with all our members and supporters! Much has changed since NCIA formed back in 2010, and there can be no denying the monumental strides achieved since then by the cannabis industry.
To celebrate these successes, we will be holding a refined retrospective-themed banquet the evening of November 11 at a breathtaking location, The Vortex, in Las Vegas. At the entrance of The LINQ promenade, The Vortex feels like a work of art, with a name inspired by its 7,000-square-foot, color-changing canopy vortex of lights. The Vortex is one of Vegas’ premier outdoor event venues and features a second-story observation deck beneath its LED canopy, situated in a prime location overlooking The Strip.
As in years past, we will be honoring elected officials throughout the evening who have been champions of our issues. We have nominated Senator Ron Wyden (D-OR), Senator Jeff Merkley (D-OR), Representative Barbara Lee (D-CA 13th District), Representative Jared Polis (D-CO 2nd District), and Representative Barbara McClintock (R-CA 4th District) as the “Honorary Legislative Leaders” of 2015. During the banquet, we will be awarding one of these elected officials our coveted “Cannabis Industry Legislative Leadership” award distinguishing them as our industry’s champion this past year.
In addition to the awards ceremony, included in each $250 admission is a three-course meal, an open bar, musical entertainment by Erothyme, and a special gift bag filled with mementos to commemorate the occasion. You will also have the chance to explore our photo gallery offering an industry retrospective of the past five years of growth while making your own memories along our red carpet. In addition, you can take part in our silent auction where we’ll be offering up lots of unique cannabis and cultural memorabilia along with a few once-in-a-lifetime travel packages.
A huge thank you to our generous sponsors for making this event possible!
Premier Sponsor:
Silver Sponsors: Bronze Sponsor:
P.S. – Looking for more ways to support our 5th anniversary celebration? There are still a few high-level sponsorship opportunities available, as well as the opportunity to become a “Friend of the Industry” through a $500 donation.
If you would like to showcase your brand while publicly supporting NCIA’s work during one of the most important evenings of the year, contact us at events@thecannabisindustry.org or (888) 683-5650 today.
Guest Post: The Potential of Brand Loyalty
by Patrick Hayden, Brightfield Group, LLC
Brand loyalty is a major topic in any industry today and particularly in the cannabis industry. However, brand loyalty can be a tricky concept. What exactly does it mean? How is it achieved or measured? And what are the tangible effects of strong brand loyalty? I’d like to offer some insight into this last question because of how large the potential revenue is for brands with loyal followings.
My firm, Brightfield Group, researches the top brands in the cannabis industry and why consumers select them. What we found in our recent survey of medical cardholders was that brand loyalty is a significant driver in purchasing decisions.
Using the edibles market as an example, we found that 73% of consumers have a favorite brand. Once they find it, they’re extremely loyal, with 60% of these consumers choosing that brand at least 75% of the time.
“Brand loyalty is as important to the cannabis industry as any other and perhaps more because there are no long-established, dominant brands.”
That’s tremendously powerful when you break down the numbers. Take California’s edibles market for example. It is worth about $250 million right now and is projected to grow to $1.2 billion by 2019. If 60% of consumers buy their favorite brand 75% of the time, that’s $112 million that’s won by the power of brand loyalty in 2015. It would be $530 million in 2019, assuming the percentages remain the same. Now this is a very simplified example, but using it one can see the magnitude of the revenue involved when brands build a loyal following.
Then consider how fragmented this market currently is. Going back to our example, the top 10 edibles brands in California combined make up less than 25% of the total market. While this is typical of an industry at this stage in its lifecycle, what it means is that there is a lot of market share still to be captured. That’s about $187 million available for capture this year and almost $1 billion in 2019, again using the numbers above. And that’s just in California. This same story is being played out across other states and other categories such as concentrates or topicals, which are even more fragmented.
The implication for existing brands is that they should exploit their first mover advantage, expand their footprint and increase market share as fast as possible, because the next stage in the industry lifecycle is consolidation, where scale becomes essential. However, in this industry, expanding that footprint isn’t so easy with the current regulatory challenges. That said, some brands are starting to do it, such as Cheeba Chews and Bhang, which are both top 10 edibles brands in multiple states. But there’s a long way to go.
Brand loyalty is as important to the cannabis industry as any other and perhaps more because there are no long-established, dominant brands. The field is wide open, and although there are challenges to building that loyalty, the revenue potential is huge.
Patrick Hayden is the President of Brightfield Group, LLC. Patrick has worked in both market research and investment management for 15 years, most recently as Director of Investment Analysis for a large, private pharmacy benefits manager. Previously he was a consultant with a global research firm helping hedge funds leverage emerging markets data to boost investment returns. Prior to that, Patrick worked in an alternative investment firm where he was involved in numerous private placements raising over $100 million.
He has a Bachelor of Arts in Economics from the University of Iowa and his MBA from City University of New York.
Submit Your Speaker Proposal for the 2016 Cannabis Business Summit!
By Brooke Gilbert, Director of Events and Education
As the director of events and education for the National Cannabis Industry Association, there are many joys that come along with managing our speaker bureau.
Putting together the agenda for our annual national conference, the Cannabis Business Summit, is without a doubt one of the most enjoyable and important responsibilities I manage. Time and time again we hear from attendees how valuable the information presented at our events was to them. We are always striving for the highest quality of speakers and most relevant session topics to help your cannabis business be successful in the long run.
This is where you, as a valued member of NCIA, come in.
“The organization and overall experience at [NCIA] events is always extremely professional. The Cannabis Business Summit was no exception. As someone who attends over 30 industry events a year, I believe this makes for an environment which is conducive to teach and learn.”
-Nick Tanem, Owner, Essential Extracts
Becoming a speaker at our Cannabis Business Summit establishes you as a thought leader in the cannabis industry. It presents you with the opportunity to address and educate a national audience of business owners and operators. It also gives you the direct opportunity to continue creating and contributing to the advancement of a responsible industry. By working together and sharing knowledge, we will continue to raise the bar collectively and propel us into a new era.
So what are you waiting for? Submit your proposal today! Have questions or suggestions about how you can contribute to NCIA’s educational programs? Connect with me at brooke@thecannabisindustry.org to discuss potential opportunities.
The link above will take you to our speaker proposal form, hosted by MemberClicks.
Cannabis Industry Teaches and Learns in Nevada
NCIA’s 2nd Annual Southwest CannaBusiness Symposium Brings Together Cannabis Industry Leaders in Las Vegas
On Saturday, August 23, NCIA hosted cannabis industry professionals for a day of information-packed sessions at its second annual Southwest CannaBusiness Symposium in Las Vegas, Nevada. Opening remarks featured Aaron Smith, executive director of NCIA, Congresswoman Dina Titus (D-Las Vegas) and Nevada State Senator Tick Segerblom (D-Las Vegas). Comments from the panelists focused on the local political atmosphere, touching on how Nevada, having passed legislation last year to set up a statewide medical program, is currently reviewing applications for licenses for medical marijuana dispensaries and cultivation centers. Additionally the Nevada legislature will consider a full legalization initiative during the 2015 session, although passage would require a 2/3 vote in both chambers. If the measure fails in the legislature, Nevada voters will have a chance to directly vote on legalization as a ballot initiative in 2016. Both Rep. Titus and Sen. Segerblom encouraged attendees to reach out to them and keep an open dialogue so that they can best represent the industry by understanding its needs.
The second panel, titled “Infused Products & Edibles Discussion,” featured experts in the fields of extraction, analytical testing, edible manufacturing, and retailing of infused products. Discussed on this panel were the importance of analytical lab testing to ensure quality products, the basics of different types of extraction methods, how to find your edible niche and establishing a brand, and the importance of educating your customers on the effects of infused products. Featured on this panel were Andy Joseph of Apeks Supercritical, Adam Mintz of Steep Hill Halent Labs, Julianna Carella of Auntie Dolores and Étienne Fontan of Berkeley Patients Group.
After these first two panels, attendees broke for a networking lunch where they could talk one-on-one and meet others already involved or looking to get into the industry. Walking around the conference floor you could hear conversations such as “What are current marketing regulations surrounding the sale of cannabis and infused products like in CO or WA?” and “How are you involved or wanting to be involved in the industry?” as well as lengthy discussions on attendees’ experiences regarding the Nevada application process which ended earlier in the week. Attendees also had the chance to visit sponsor booths to find out more about their products and services. The symposium’s sponsors this year included Eden Labs, MJ Freeway, Steep Hill Halent Labs of Nevada, Apeks Supercritical, HempMeds PX, and the ArcView Group.
Following lunch, the panel “Maintaining Responsible Business Practices” featured several distinct topics regarding establishing a culture of responsible practices within your business. The first topic highlighted the importance of setting standards of practice and self-regulation, especially regarding implementing programs that encourage customers to keep marijuana out of the hands of youth. Other topics included information on managing employees and effective human resource strategies, trademarking and protecting your brand, and an array of sustainable business practices that aid in lowering waste and increasing profits while contributing to a cleaner environment overall. Featured on this panel was Leslie Bocskor of Electrum Partners LLC, Carole Richter of CRichter ~ HR Consulting, LLC, Amanda Conley of Cobalt LLP, and Alex Cooley of Solstice Co-op.
Michael Correia, director of government relations for NCIA, followed to provide a federal update about what’s been happening in Congress. We’ve seen some positive movement within the House of Representatives recently. This past May, for the first time in history, a chamber of Congress passed pro-marijuana legislation. Congressmen Dana Rohrabacher (R-CA) and Sam Farr (D-CA) introduced an amendment to the appropriations bill covering the Department of Justice that limited the Department of Justice and DEA from interfering with states moving forward on medical marijuana. It passed 219-189, with an astonishing 49 Republicans supporting. Currently, the legislation is in the Senate and has Senators Rand Paul (R-KY) and Cory Booker (D-NJ) as co-sponsors. In addition, on July 16th, the House passed a similar amendment that would prohibit the Department of Treasury from penalizing banks that do business with state-compliant marijuana businesses. It passed 231-192, with 45 Republicans supporting it.
Rounding out the update was the mention of a potential upcoming issue that may have large implications for any marijuana cultivators using federal water reserves to grow. The Bureau of Reclamation, which manages water for the federal government, has stated that federal water should not be used for state-legal marijuana cultivation, since marijuana remains federally illegal. Although it is not yet a large issue, and so far the Bureau has only said that they will refer such cases to the Department of Justice, it looms as a potential trouble spot in Colorado and Washington State, and because Nevada gets most of its water from federal sources, it will likely become an issue in that state as well. Currently the Bureau of Reclamation is moving cautiously, and a group of senators have asked the Justice Department to give further legal guidance on this. NCIA will be providing updates on this issue as they are available.
The panel “Effective Messaging for Cannabis Professionals” rounded out the day and focused on tactics to use when talking with the media to communicate your message most effectively. Taylor West, deputy director of NCIA, provided advice focused on talking about a medical use program. She touched on the story of the development of the medical cannabis program in Nevada and the importance of emphasizing passion and compassion for patients. That story includes the quality of your product, your dedicated service, and your compassionate care in providing medicine to patients to improve their lives. Joe Brezny, executive director of the Nevada Cannabis Industry Association, provided advice on speaking with the media about the upcoming Nevada full-legalization measure. He touched on the Nevada Regulate Marijuana like Alcohol campaign messaging, which emphasizes that regulated marijuana is no worse than alcohol, that the marijuana market in Nevada is already present but in a black market run by cartels and drug dealers, and that legalizing and regulating marijuana is proving to work in states that have done so already. His key takeaways were that state-specific messaging is important to make it relevant to the political landscape of that state.
Thanks to everyone who joined us in Las Vegas for another successful event. Make sure you don’t miss any other great educational and networking events we have coming up!
ServSafe® & SELL-SMaRT™: NCIA Partners with Cannabis Trainers for Pilot Training Series
The National Cannabis Industry Association is pleased to announce an exciting new partnership with our member Cannabis Trainers™!
In a pilot project reflecting our commitment to high industry standards for quality, safety, and responsibility, NCIA will host a series of training courses focused on food safety and responsible selling, open to all cannabis industry professionals but heavily subsidized for NCIA member-businesses.
With cannabis businesses under a microscope, NCIA wants to help our members continue developing the kinds of best practices that define a professional, sustainable industry. That includes the safe handling of cannabis edibles and the responsible, knowledgeable, and safe sale of cannabis in any form to their customer base.
NCIA’s pilot series will include both ServSafe® Food Safety Basics courses and Sell-SMaRT™ Responsible Cannabis Vendor training courses produced by member business Cannabis Trainers™. The first trainings will take place in Denver, Colorado in August, with additional trainings to be scheduled in the coming months.
Maureen McNamara, the founder and chief facilitator with Cannabis Trainers™ has 20 years of professional training experience, with an extensive background in food safety and responsible alcohol service training. She has served as a consultant and facilitator for courses and course design with the National Restaurant Association and has partnered with the Colorado Restaurant Association to deliver their trainings since 1999. In that time, she has trained and certified over 10,000 employees, managers, and owners in these national certification programs. Additionally, she worked with the Colorado Department of Revenue’s Liquor Enforcement Division to develop the Responsible Vendor Act that was passed in 2005 and will be working with the Colorado Marijuana Enforcement Division to design the Responsible Cannabis Vendor Program this year. Maureen and the team at Cannabis Trainers™ deliver highly interactive, compelling workshops and now are ready to bring this expertise and customizable training for professionals in the cannabis industry.
The first ServSafe® food safety training program will take place on August 6th from 9 am – 12 pm at the Colorado Restaurant Association in Denver.
The nationally accredited ServSafe® program provides food safety training, exams, certifications, and educational materials to professionals in the food service industry. Blending the latest FDA Food Code, food safety research and years of food sanitation training experience, this will be the first-ever ServSafe® course solely for makers of cannabis infused edibles. Employees and managers alike will learn to implement essential food safety practices and work within a culture of food safety. This course is in full compliance with and fulfills the Colorado Marijuana Enforcement Division’s requirements to demonstrate an understanding of basic food handling safety practices or attend a food handler training course prior to manufacturing any Edible Retail Marijuana Product.
This three-hour course is $10 for each NCIA member employee and $45 for each non-member employee. Registration for the ServSafe® training program is available online here: http://ServSafeAug6.ezevent.com/
The first Sell-SMaRT™ training program will take place on August 19th from 12 pm – 5 pm at the Alliance for Sustainable Colorado non-profit space.
The Sell-SMaRT™ course is a responsible vendor training program aimed toward owners, managers, budtenders, and all front-line store staff to prepare for safely and effectively handling complex situations in operating a business. The responsible vending program will cover such topics as educating consumers about potency, dosage, and effects of different forms of cannabis. In addition this course will encompass issues regarding ID verification and following the numerous and varied legal regulations around selling cannabis.
This five-hour course is $97 for each NCIA member employee and $147 for each non-member employee. Registration for the Sell-SMaRT™ training program is available online here: here: http://SellSMaRTAug19.ezevent.com/
NCIA strongly believes that the knowledgeable, responsible production and sale of cannabis products is a cornerstone to the success of our industry. Educating yourself and your employees is one of the most important things you can do to build a sustainable future for your business.
If you aren’t yet a member of NCIA, please consider joining today! Membership starts as low as $100 a month or $1,000 a year and not only do you receive benefits such as discounted prices for these trainings, but you support the cannabis industry’s only unified and coordinated national campaign to change laws and public opinion.
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At the entrance of The LINQ promenade, The Vortex feels like a work of art, with a name inspired by its 7,000-square-foot, color-changing canopy vortex of lights. The Vortex is one of Vegas’ premier outdoor event venues and features a second-story observation deck beneath its LED canopy, situated in a prime location overlooking The Strip.
t year to set up a statewide medical program, is currently reviewing applications for licenses for medical marijuana dispensaries and cultivation centers. Additionally the Nevada legislature will consider a full legalization initiative during the 2015 session, although passage would require a 2/3 vote in both chambers. If the measure fails in the legislature, Nevada voters will have a chance to directly vote on legalization as a ballot initiative in 2016. Both Rep. Titus and Sen. Segerblom encouraged attendees to reach out to them and keep an open dialogue so that they can best represent the industry by understanding its needs.
regarding the Nevada application process which ended earlier in the week. Attendees also had the chance to visit sponsor booths to find out more about their products and services. The symposium’s sponsors this year included 
moving cautiously, and a group of senators have asked the Justice Department to give further legal guidance on this. NCIA will be providing updates on this issue as they are available.