Empower Your Voice: Unveiling NCIA’s Updated Congressional Scorecard

In just over 200 days, people across the country will head to the ballot box to make their voices heard. As you take the time to consider the issues that matter the most to you and which candidates best align with those values, NCIA is here to help with our recently updated congressional scorecard.

Our scorecard shows how members of Congress have voted and who has supported various cannabis bills over both the previous (117th) and current (118th) sessions. 

With more than 500 members, it can be hard to keep track of votes and congressional support on the issues that matter the most to you and your business. During the 117th congress, the House of Representatives voted on both the Secure and Fair Enforcement (SAFE) Banking Act (H.R. 1996) and the Marijuana Opportunity, Reinvestment, and Expungement (MORE) Act (H.R. 3617). There has not yet been any floor votes on these bills (or other) priority cannabis legislation over the course of the current (118th) congress. That being said, our scorecard does show how members of the Senate Banking Committee voted on the SAFER (Secure and Fair Enforcement Regulation) Banking Act during a September 2023 markup of the bill. The scorecard also shows which members of the Senate have signed on as cosponsors of the SAFER Banking Act (keep in mind there are about a handful of members who signed onto the SAFE Banking Act, but have yet to support this newer iteration). 

Though it may seem silly, I’m envious of your ability to look at these voting records. As a resident of Washington, D.C., I (along with hundreds of thousands of my neighbors) am subject to taxation without representation and have no voting member of Congress. D.C. has also been unable to fully implement its voter approved 2014 adult-use initiative due to congressional interference, but that’s a story for another blog!

I hope this scorecard helps you continue to hold your elected officials accountable- both at the ballot box and through civic engagement. I also hope this tool will empower you to get involved with government- at any level- whether that be by setting a meeting with one of your representatives’ district offices, attending a town hall meeting, or volunteering on a campaign. Don’t forget to make sure you’re registered to vote, and if you’re unsure about who your elected officials in Washington are, you can click here. Lastly, one of the best (in my humble opinion) ways to make an impact on elected officials is by attending our annual cannabis industry lobby days. Make sure you mark your calendars for May 14-16 and register today to get the best rate!

Navigating the Cannabis Landscape: Federal Cannabis Reform Outlook for 2024

A month into 2024, Congress is (still) grappling with a number of urgent, must-pass bills related to issues like border security, aid for Ukraine and Israel, and the federal budget. At a time when the government seems more dysfunctional than ever, it’s important to remember that this chaos results in cannabis issues (and unfortunately, many others) having difficulty in gaining traction in Congress. As a result, cannabis legislation and priorities have been slow moving so far this year- but I feel confident that there’s light at the end of the tunnel!

SAFE Banking 

To recap: the ever-elusive SAFE Banking Act was reintroduced in 2023 by Senators Jeff Merkley (D-OR) and Steve Daines (R-MT) alongside Representatives Earl Blumenauer (D-OR) and Dave Joyce (R-OH). Soon after, the Senate Committee on Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs held a hearing titled “Examining Cannabis Banking Challenges of Small Businesses and Workers” discussing both the bill and the topic of cannabis banking broadly. 

As the momentum for SAFE Banking increased, so did some Senators’ concerns– primarily surrounding a provision that would bar federal banking regulators from taking discriminatory enforcement action against any industry. 

As a result, an updated version of the bill called the SAFER (Secure and Fair Enforcement Regulation) Banking Act was introduced, marked up by the Committee, and passed out of Committee by a vote of 16-14 in late September 2023. 

That brings us to 2024. Although SAFER has not been scheduled for a floor vote yet, NCIA is cautiously optimistic on its chances this year — whether that be as a standalone bill or attached to another larger financial services related package. That being said, the bill will undoubtedly face an uphill battle no matter how it arrives at the GOP-controlled House of Representatives.

Other Congressional News

Outside of SAFE(R) Banking, there has been some additional congressional cannabis news in 2024 including a Senate letter urging descheduling, a bicameral letter regarding Chinese-related illicit grow operations, and a new Congressional Research Service (CRS) report on the impact of moving cannabis from Schedule I to III in the federal Controlled Substances Act.

In late January, Senators Elizabeth Warren (D-MA) and John Fetterman (D-PA), led nine of their Democratic colleagues (including Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer [D-NY]), in sending a letter to Attorney General Merrick Garland and Drug Enforcement (DEA) Administrator Anne Milgram. The letter urged Milgram and Garland to remove marijuana from Schedule I of the Controlled Substances Act entirely, commonly known as descheduling. 

Then, just days ago, Senators Joni Ernst (R-IA) and Angus King (I-ME) alongside Congressmen Pete Sessions (R-TX), Jared Golden (D-ME), and David Valadao (R-CA) led 48 of their colleagues in calling on Attorney General Merrick Garland to prevent any national security risk and end any illicit human trafficking connected to Chinese-linked marijuana farms in the United States. 

In the bipartisan, bicameral letter, the lawmakers pointed out that Chinese nationals (some with potential ties to the Chinese Communist Party), are operating marijuana farms across the country and even potentially engaging in human and drug trafficking in conjunction with these operations. The lawmakers asked the Department of Justice for a briefing on the topic by the end of the month and posed several specific questions for the agency. 

In mid-January, the Congressional Research Service (CRS) released a new report titled “Legal Consequences of Rescheduling Marijuana” that primarily focused on “Legal Consequences If Marijuana Moved to Schedule III” and considerations for Congress. CRS works for members of Congress and their committees and staff on a confidential, nonpartisan basis and is highly regarded here in Washington, D.C. 

Biden Administration

In 2022, the Biden Administration announced that it would ask the Secretary of Health and Human Services (HHS) and the Attorney General to initiate the administrative process to review how marijuana is scheduled under federal law. 

As a result, in August 2023, news broke that the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) recommended to the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) that cannabis be rescheduled and 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. Since then, the DEA has been conducting their review of where marijuana should be placed in the Controlled Substances Act, which will then be followed by a public comment period. 

To be clear, NCIA supports ending the criminalization of our industry by removing cannabis (including THC) from the federal Controlled Substances Act altogether so that our businesses are treated like all other lawful American businesses. That being said, it’s likely that the DEA will follow the HHS recommendations and choose to place marijuana in Schedule III.

While NCIA continues to draft our response to the inevitable announcement — whatever it may be — we also want to hear from our members about their views on this critical issue. If you are a member of NCIA, check your inbox for a link to our online survey in order to make your voice heard. If your business isn’t yet a member but you want to get off the sidelines of the cannabis reform movement, join today!

NCIA is proudly the only organization focused on representing independent businesses in our nation’s capital and the work we do moving policy reforms forward is only possible because of the hundreds of businesses that make up our membership.

It goes without saying that 2024 is shaping up to be a big one for federal cannabis policy reform. Stay connected and engaged by attending one of our upcoming Stakeholder Summits where you can engage and learn from state officials, federal policymakers, and even me!

If you really want to play a bigger role in advancing cannabis policy reform, we hope you’ll also join us in Washington, D.C. for our 12th Annual Cannabis Industry Lobby Days this May. See you there!

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 

You can find the full agenda HERE

What can you take home from #CannaBizSummit?

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. 

 

 

 

Webinar Recording: A Spring Federal Policy and Government Relations Update

In this webinar from the morning of Friday, March 27 at 10:00 AM MT, NCIA’s Director of Public Policy, Andrew Kline, presents an update focused on federal cannabis policy issues taken up by NCIA’s Policy Council, including vaping illnesses, highlights of the findings from the Illicit Market Summit, and comments to be submitted to the DEA and NIDA. We also explore the COVID-19 responses across the United States.

Michelle Rutter Friberg, NCIA’s Deputy Director of Government Relations, shares information about how to stay politically active on behalf of cannabis policy reform while still practicing physical distancing during the COVID-19 pandemic. We explore the impact that COVID-19 is having on small cannabis businesses, plus an update on the action and movement we’ve seen in Congress, including a recent letter sent regarding Small Business Administration loans for cannabis businesses.

Speakers

Michelle Rutter Friberg
Deputy Director of Government Relations, National Cannabis Industry Association

Michelle Rutter Friberg is deputy director of government relations for the National Cannabis Industry Association. Prior to working for NCIA, Michelle was a research analyst at a government affairs firm in Washington, D.C., where she analyzed and tracked legislation on numerous issues. Michelle graduated from James Madison University in 2012, receiving her Bachelor of Arts degree in Political Science with a minor in History. During her studies, she held a year-long internship with Virginia House of Delegates member Tony Wilt (R). There, she communicated with constituents, businesses, and government officials alike, facilitating meaningful conversations. Michelle was also a member of a pre-law fraternity where she planned events and hosted social functions that sought to encourage long-lasting professional and personal relationships with members. A native Virginian, Michelle currently resides in the Washington, D.C. neighborhood of Capitol Hill.

Andrew Kline
Director of Public Policy, National Cannabis Industry Association

Andrew Kline is NCIA’s Director of Public Policy. In this new role established in early 2019 at NCIA, Andrew leads NCIA’s substantive public policy efforts, striving to prepare and protect the state-legal cannabis industry. He will also lead NCIA’s Policy Council, a group of NCIA members focused on influencing federal and state public policy. Kline most recently served as President of the National Association of Cannabis Businesses (NACB), the first self-regulatory organization for the high-growth cannabis industry. At the NACB, Andrew led the creation of national standards for the state-legal cannabis industry, oversaw its standards governance board, and led day to day operations and strategic planning. Kline has a deep and celebrated background in public policy, law enforcement, and coalition creation/management. He is renowned for his ability to create solutions to complex domestic and global public policy issues that appeal to both private and public constituencies.

Why it’s Critical For Cannabis Business Owners to Advocate for Policy Reform

by Rachelle Lynn Gordon, NCIA Editorial Contributor

Cannabis legalization reform has been in the works for years and will certainly continue for years to come due to the plant’s Schedule I status. In addition to the activists and organizations who have paved the way for marijuana legalization for decades, such as NORML, Marijuana Policy Project, and Students for Sensible Drug Policy (SSDP), cannabis business owners are now at the forefront of what will most certainly be a multi-billion dollar industry within a short matter of time. But why is it important for these cultivators, dispensary owners, and investors to be directly involved with legalization advocacy?

“Advocacy is critical at this stage, where there is still so much progress to be made at the state and federal levels,” says David Murét, Co-founder & COO of Viridian Staffing. “While I believe that national legalization is now a foregone conclusion, the form in which it takes and who it will end up benefiting is still an open question.”  

At this point in time, 30 states and the District of Columbia have legalized medical and/or adult-use cannabis, each one with their own set of rules and regulations. As more and more states begin to come online and design their own programs, lawmakers will look to states where cannabis is already legal in order to learn from both successes and mistakes. At the federal level however, things are far more complicated.

While marijuana remains an illegal drug in the eyes of the federal government, certain protections are in place for businesses that are operating in compliance with their own states’ regulations. Several members of Congress representing these states have been pushing for even further protections and/or straight legalization, in spite of current Attorney General Jeff Sessions’ staunch anti-cannabis stance. In January, Sessions rescinded the Cole Memo, which had previously stated that federal funds shall not be directed towards enforcing federal cannabis policy within states that have passed for those operating in compliance with the items stated in the memo. However, this doesn’t mean that state prosecutors have to go after compliant businesses

Fortunately, the move was a moot point. A rider bill in the federal budget proposal, which is essentially a must-pass in order to prevent a government shutdown, maintained the protections that the Rohrabacher-Farr amendment (now Rohrabacher-Blumenauer amendment), which prevents the DOJ from going after state-legal medical cannabis. A bipartisan group of 62 members of Congress sent a letter to House appropriations leaders calling for action.

“We respectfully request that you include language barring the Department of Justice from prosecuting those who comply with their state’s medical marijuana laws,” the lawmakers, led by Reps. Dana Rohrabacher (R-CA) and Earl Blumenauer (D-OR), wrote. “We believe such a policy is not only consistent with the wishes of a bipartisan majority of the members of the House, but also with the wishes of the American people.” These protections are now included through September 30th.

David Sutton, President & COO of NanoSphere Health Sciences, agrees that time is of the essence in order to create new legislation that will positively impact the industry in years to come.

“Cannabis business owners and professionals have to participate in advocacy,” he argues. “No matter how many states adopt some form of cannabis legalization, the industry still needs change at the federal level. Without a federal shift in cannabis policy, operators in the industry will remain hampered and handcuffed from growth.”

Many canna-business owners are not only involved with pro-legalization policy efforts with the industry’s future in mind, but also the end consumers. High-profile cases of medical marijuana patients becoming ill due to flower containing mold and instances of widespread pathogen prescences from certain cultivators have increased efforts to prevent these products from getting to market.

“We have a responsibility to ensure this business grows in the right way,” explains Brett Johnson, Founder & CEO of Spectrum-Gro. “We have to be the adults in the room. I am always advocating for the end users – we need to guarantee safe and consistent products that are free from harsh chemicals and other pathogens. If the current leaders in this industry do not advocate for the future, there could be negative results across the board – from cultivation to the consumer.”

There are many ways business owners and professionals within the cannabis space to get involved with advocacy. NCIA Lobby Days brings hundreds of industry professionals and thought leaders to Washington, D.C. in order to tell their stories to lawmakers and push for cannabis reform. In addition, working with local organizations within their own states and jurisdictions is a wonderful way for entrepreneurs to spread awareness and potentially help build legislation in their communities.

“If we want to see how big the industry could be and how many lives can be changed for the better, you cannot simply rely on just hope, everyone needs to act,” adds Sutton. “Change comes from the masses and the masses need each and every owner and professional to participate in industry advocacy.”


Rachelle Lynn Gordon is a Minneapolis-based writer and reporter and graduate of Hamline University. She has contributed to publications such as Cannabis Now Magazine and High Times.

 

2018 NATIONAL CANNABIS INDUSTRY FORECAST

Michelle Rutter, NCIA

by Michelle Rutter, NCIA Government Relations Manager

With the beginning of 2018, we start another election year. Multiple states in the midwest are running medical cannabis ballot initiatives, while Vermont is set to become the first state to legalize adult-use cannabis through the state legislature. In Washington, D.C., policy moves at a slower pace, but with Attorney General Jeff Sessions in office, it’s important to remain vigilant. Let’s take a look at what may happen in cannabis policy across the country:

MEDICAL CANNABIS POLICY

UTAH

  • The Utah Patients Coalition (UPC) is leading a 2018 ballot campaign to establish a medical cannabis program. The initiative seeks to protect terminally and seriously ill patients with specific debilitating medical conditions, including HIV/AIDS, PTSD, and chronic pain, among others. In addition, the initiative allows for caretakers to administer medical cannabis and would issue four types of licenses if passed: cultivation facilities, processing facilities, independent testing laboratories, and dispensaries.
  • The Chairman of the Senate Finance Committee, Orrin Hatch (R-UT) has introduced a medical cannabis research bill, and has even said on the Senate floor that medical cannabis can be an alternative to opioids. Passing the 2018 ballot initiative in his home state of Utah will be critical to furthering advocates’ work at the federal level.
  • A recent poll done by the Salt Lake Tribune found that 3 in 4 Utahns support legalizing medical cannabis. The campaign must collect 113,143 signatures from registered voters in order to qualify for the ballot. As of October 2017, the coalition had already garnered 20,000 signatures.

MISSOURI

  • A group called New Approach Missouri has formed and is in the process of collecting signatures for a proposed constitutional amendment to their state constitution that would legalize medical cannabis. The initiative would create a statewide system for production and sale of medical cannabis and provides for limited and regulated patient cultivation. Interestingly, the initiative levies a four percent retail tax, but all revenue in excess of the cost of regulating the medical cannabis program will go towards Missouri’s veterans.
  • New Approach Missouri must to collect 160,199 valid signatures from registered voters in order to be placed on the ballot. As of December 2017, the campaign had collected roughly 100,000 signatures. A poll done in 2015 showed that 85% of Missourians support implementing a medical cannabis program.

OKLAHOMA

  • Oklahomans for Health is the proponent of the upcoming state question SQ788, which would create a medical cannabis program. Obtaining a state-issued medical marijuana card would require a board-certified physician’s signature, though there are no specific qualifying conditions. The measure would enact a seven percent tax on marijuana sales, with revenue financing regulatory costs. Any surplus would be distributed: 75% to the General Fund to be used for education, and 25% to the Oklahoma State Department of Health to be used for drug and alcohol rehabilitation.
  • The initiative has already qualified, and will appear on the ballot in November 2018. Polling data is scarce, however, a 2013 poll showed that 71% of Oklahomans supported legalizing medical cannabis.

SOUTH DAKOTA

  • A group known as New Approach South Dakota is behind an effort to legalize medical cannabis in 2018. The group was also hoping to submit signatures to legalize adult-use cannabis, but was unsuccessful. The measure would set an excise tax on marijuana that would include a $50 per ounce tax on cannabis flower for buyers, and would have other taxes apply to buying immature plants and other parts of the cannabis plant.
  • In November 2017, New Approach South Dakota submitted roughly 15,000 signatures to qualify for the ballot- that’s just 1,000 more than required. The state hopes to review submitted ballot initiatives in the coming months.

ADULT-USE CANNABIS POLICY

MICHIGAN

  • The Coalition to Regulate Marijuana Like Alcohol has officially submitted ballot language to the State of Michigan that would legalize consumption and possession of marijuana for adults 21 and over in Michigan. The proposal enacts an excise tax on marijuana at the retail level in addition to the standard state sales tax and provides for state regulators to grant business licenses for cultivators, processors, testing facilities, secure transporters, retail stores and microbusinesses.
  • In November 2017, the Coalition to Regulate Marijuana Like Alcohol turned in more than 360,000 signatures to qualify for the ballot– that’s 100,000 signatures beyond the 252,000 required by the state. Polling done in early 2017 showed that 57% of Michiganders would support legalizing cannabis.

VERMONT

  • Vermont is poised to make history and become the first state to legalize adult-use cannabis through the state legislature in early 2018. In December 2017, Vermont House Speaker Mitzi Johnson (D) said, “It will be up for a vote in early January. I expect that it likely will pass in early January.”
  • The state came incredibly close to passing language that would have legalized adult-use cannabis back in 2017, however, the legislature was unable to make changes Governor Phil Scott (R) requested before the session ended. The Governor has since stated that he is “comfortable” with signing legalization legislation.

OHIO

  • The group that unsuccessfully ran a ballot initiative in 2015 to legalize cannabis in Ohio is making a comeback in 2018. In December 2017, a team announced that they will work to place a cannabis legalization measure on the ballot in 2018. Known as the Regulate Marijuana Like Alcohol Amendment, the measure would allow people over the age of 21 to purchase and use cannabis legally. The amendment would also create a taxed and regulated cultivation, processing, and sales system.
  • Valid signatures from 305,592 registered voters are required before July 4, 2018, in order to qualify the measure for the ballot.

NEW JERSEY

  • Unlike New Jersey’s Governor Chris Christie (R) , Governor-Elect Phil Murphy (D) is setting a positive tone on cannabis in the state. Murphy has advocated for legalization multiple times, and even made one of his campaign promises to legalize adult-use cannabis in his first 100 days in office.
  • Democrats in the state legislature have already introduced multiple bills to tax and regulate adult-use cannabis, predicted to be worth more than $1 billion in the state. The full legalization bill currently being considered is S3195, sponsored by state Senator Nicholas Scutari (D). Sen. Stephen Sweeney (D), the state senate’s president, has already promised to pass the bill within the first three months of Murphy’s administration.
  • Recent polling shows that over 60% of New Jersey residents support legalizing cannabis.


CANNABIS DECRIMINALIZATION

VIRGINIA

  • In November 2017, voters in Virginia elected Ralph Northam (D) as their next Governor. Northam made cannabis decriminalization a centerpiece of his gubernatorial campaign, and has even spoken about the hemp cultivation and the medical benefits of cannabis.
  • Virginia lawmakers considered but did not act on decriminalization legislation during the 2017 session. However, with the State Crime Commission conducting a study on the effects of decriminalization in the state at the request of the Republican Senate majority leader, advocates remain hopeful in 2018.


FEDERAL CANNABIS POLICY

  • While 2018 is shaping up to be a busy year for cannabis policy at the state level, things will likely move slowly in Washington, D.C. NCIA will be working to ensure language protecting medical cannabis patients (the Rohrabacher-Blumenauer amendment, formerly known as the Rohrabacher-Farr amendment) remains in federal law. NCIA will also be lobbying to expand that language to apply to adult use states (McClintock-Polis amendment) and to include a banking amendment that would allow cannabis businesses access to financial services (Heck amendment).
  • As leadership in both houses of Congress continue to negotiate the final version of the tax reform bill, there will be opportunities next year for Congress to make additions and changes on future individual tax legislation. NCIA will be looking at any possible avenues to have 280E legislation be included in future bills if the opportunity arises. Action on the cannabis banking bill is unlikely in 2018, however, NCIA will continue to advocate for a committee hearing, gather more cosponsors on HR 2215: The SAFE (Secure and Fair Enforcement) Banking Act, and work to identify a Republican lead sponsor for the bill in 2019.
  • NCIA will also be working to ensure that the Cole Memo remains in place. Attorney General Jeff Sessions has recently said that the Department of Justice will be reviewing current memos, and that “Guidance documents can be used to explain existing law… but they should not be used to change the law or to impose new standards to determine compliance with the law… This Department of Justice will not use guidance documents to circumvent the rule-making process, and we will proactively work to rescind existing guidance documents that go too far.” While Attorney General Sessions is very clearly personally opposed to cannabis, it’s important to note that personal feelings are not official Justice Department policy.
  • In addition, NCIA is working behind the scenes to educate the Trump Administration on cannabis policy, maintain the Cole Memo, protect cannabis patients and consumers, and make positive remarks regarding medical cannabis in 2018.

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