by Michelle Rutter Friberg, NCIA’s Deputy Director of Government Relations
It may only be February, but the NCIA government relations team has been busy at work this year advocating for you and your business! Just over the last month, the SAFE Banking Act passed the House for the sixth time, we held our first mini-virtual lobby days, and Majority Leader Schumer provided an updated timeline for the Cannabis Administration and Opportunity Act (CAOA). Keep reading to learn the latest:
SAFE Banking
Last week, Congressman Perlmutter (D-CO) followed through on his promise to attach SAFE Banking to any viable legislative package when he filed it as an amendment to the America COMPETES Act, which is a large manufacturing bill. Now, the bill is headed to a “conference committee” – a term for when House and Senate leadership, as well as committee chairs and other members of Congress get together to negotiate differences in the two chambers’ bills.
Congressman Perlmutter and the other lead offices of SAFE Banking are currently talking with leadership about the importance of enacting the provision, however, Leader Schumer and Senator Booker have been clear about their opposition to passing SAFE without broader equity provisions. During early February, keep your eyes on the news to see if SAFE Banking makes it into the final, enacted language!
Virtual Lobby Days
Due to NCIA’s Evergreen members’ investment in shaping policy for the cannabis industry, we have been able to take our Government Relations work virtual by hosting our first ever Mini-Lobby Days! As we continue to represent a value-driven, responsible industry, our main goal is to educate congressional offices on all aspects of cannabis policy reform, including social equity, banking, 280E, scientific data, and much more.
During the first week of February, NCIA’s Evergreen Roundtable members participated in more than 30 virtual congressional meetings, including time with Sen. Cory Booker (D-NJ), Sen. Jeff Merkley (D-OR), and Rep. Dave Joyce (R-OH). Members also met with relevant committee staff and communicated the importance of holding hearings and markups on cannabis policy issues, as well as enacting reform while Democrats hold the majority in both chambers.
Sound interesting? Get in touch with Maddy Grant (Madeline@TheCannabisIndustry.org) to learn more about becoming an Evergreen member today!
Latest on CAOA
Back in September, NCIA and other stakeholders submitted responses to the Cannabis Administration and Opportunity Act (CAOA) discussion draft, led by Leader Schumer (D-NY, and Sens. Booker (D-NJ) and Wyden (D-OR). Since then, the Senate’s focus has been primarily on passing President Biden’s Build Back Better Act, which has significantly slowed progress on the CAOA. While the bill hasn’t been formally introduced yet, the sponsoring offices have slowly continued to have conversations with committees of jurisdiction to tee things up behind the scenes.
In a recent press conference in New York, Leader Schumer announced plans to introduce the CAOA in April. Can anyone say 4/20?
This update just represents a small snapshot of all that NCIA’s government relations team has been working on in D.C. – make sure to keep an eye on the blog, find us on NCIA Connect, and follow us on our social media channels to learn the latest!
Immerse Your Business at #CannaBizSummit
by Madeline Grant, NCIA’s Government Relations Manager
The National Cannabis Industry Association (NCIA) will be holding its 7th Annual Cannabis Business Summit & Expo next month in San Francisco, California. From December 15-17, don’t miss the opportunity to network, engage with hundreds of exhibitors from the cannabis ecosystem, and immerse yourself in educational content. Also, you can discover the industry’s most exciting brands and next year’s best-sellers at the all-new BLOOM: A Brand Experience, debuting at #CannaBizSummit. For the first time at the nation’s most influential cannabis industry event, attendees will have the opportunity to see, touch, and smell products from dozens of brands specializing in flower, pre-roll, vapor, edibles, and more.
Are you a member of NCIA? Then use your benefits!
Depending on the tier of membership, don’t miss the opportunity to use your discounts and complimentary tickets for #CannaBizSummit.
Seeding members receive $100 discount on admission to NCIA trade shows
Blooming members receive five complimentary tickets to NCIA trade shows
Evergreen members receive ten complimentary tickets to NCIA trade shows
What educational content will be available?
Rest assured that there will be no shortage of educational content from speakers around the country. As the cannabis industry is ever-evolving, it is important to keep engaged and educated. This year, your ticket gives you access to all panel discussions and keynote sessions. You’ll get to join discussions on a range of subjects spanning cultivation, business services, licensing, compliance, retail, distribution, advocacy, and much more. Here are a few of the panel topics to check out:
Pathways to Federal Legalization: An Update from D.C.
Harmonizing Federal and State Cannabis Policy
Transparency, Values, Authenticity: The Principles for Successful Leadership
Wellness in Action: Elite Athletes as Cannabis Advocates
Founded in 2010, NCIA is the oldest, largest, and most effective trade association representing legal cannabis businesses. Through education and networking, you’ll discover new insights that help and grow your business all while meeting hundreds of industry professionals from around the country. With representation of all cannabis sectors and all business sizes, there is opportunity for attendees to gain invaluable knowledge.
Are you an NCIA member or interested in getting your business more involved?
Along with our annual trade shows, NCIA offers a wide range of membership benefits to help businesses become stronger, smarter, and more prosperous by working together to defend and expand the responsible cannabis industry.
I encourage you to meet with one of the NCIA staff in San Francisco to discuss how to fully utilize your benefits as a member. Membership with NCIA offers opportunities in marketing, business resources, policy, advocacy, networking, and education. Additionally, your support as members continues to propel our mission to promote the growth of a responsible, sustainable, and inclusive cannabis industry and work for a favorable social, economic, and regulatory environment. Please email Madeline@thecannabisindustry.org to set up a time to chat.
Are you interested in getting more involved in policy and advocacy work?
NCIA’s priority is to defend and advance the interests of the responsible cannabis industry in our nation’s capital. Central to our mission is the belief that our members should be treated fairly under federal law and that the cannabis industry much like any other legitimate business sector in this country. NCIA launched the Evergreen Roundtable for leading businesses looking to make a meaningful investment in shaping policy for the cannabis industry. Evergreen Member companies receive exclusive access to private briefings from members of Congress, inside information from NCIA’s government relations team, and many more opportunities to participate in the national conversation around cannabis policy. If your company is interested in supporting at this level please fill out the form HERE to set up a meeting with our Government Relations team.
Let’s Recap…
If you are an NCIA member, make sure you utilize your membership benefits. Find a refresh of your benefits HERE.
If you are not yet a member of NCIA and are interested in learning more please send an email to madeline@thecannabisindustry.org.
Don’t miss out on the opportunity to immerse your business and employees at #CannaBizSummit.
There is a lot of work to be done to ensure a value-driven, responsible cannabis industry and NCIA appreciates your support.
by Madeline Grant, NCIA’s Government Relations Manager
Follow NCIA
Newsletter
Facebook
Twitter
LinkedIn
Instagram
News & Resource Topics
–
This Just In
Member Blog: What Consumers Really Want in a Pre-Roll
Member Blog: The Evolving Cannabis Legal & Regulatory Landscape in 2026