NCIA Deputy Director of Communications Bethany Moore checks in with what’s going on across the country with the National Cannabis Industry Association’s membership, board, allies, and staff. Join us every Friday here on Facebook for NCIA Today Live.
Join NCIA Deputy Director of Communications Bethany Moore and our Government Relations Director Mike Correia for a quick discussion about last week’s historic passage of the MORE Act.
It’s hard to believe that it has been seven years since I first started working for NCIA. I remember like it was yesterday when I saw the job advertised and thought, “this has got to be the coolest job in America” (which it is!). Being Director of Government Relations has afforded me the opportunity to grow personally and professionally, meet wonderful and exciting people, build something great, be at the forefront of a national movement, and make a little history at the same time. I wouldn’t change one day.
But, these are uncertain times. This COVID-19 pandemic will touch everybody, sooner or later (including myself), and I can’t help but think about those less fortunate than me. My thoughts go out to everybody during these trying times and know that we will only get through this by helping out each other. Although I usually don’t spend much energy reminiscing about the past, when the future is so exciting and limitless; I find it therapeutic and something to take my mind off the stresses we are all feeling.
A lot has changed since I first began my journey in 2013. We hadn’t even had our first legal sales (that would take place in Colorado in 2014). At the time, NCIA had four staff and about 300 member businesses and although the challenges were great, the uncertain future was exciting. Even though I remember thinking on my first day “okay, you have no staff, no budget, no office; where to begin?”
I always knew where I wanted to go.
My vision had 6 main points:
1. Increase the visibility, and acceptance, of the cannabis issue on Capitol Hill and the general public;
2. Bring professionalism to the cannabis industry;
3. Provide cannabis industry representation in D.C. equal to other industries;
4. Build up a government relations office we can all be proud of;
5. Succeed on the eventual federal legalization of cannabis;
6. Transition NCIA into a traditional trade association, post-legalization.
I knew this would not happen overnight, and I knew I wanted to do it right, no cutting corners, and so I took the long view.
I remember coordinating my first NCIA Lobby Days, where 30 brave souls ventured to D.C, now, well over 200 attend! I remember holding our Lobby Days training session in the back of a bar (nothing like learning how to lobby while drinking beers!), whereas now we use hotel ballrooms, provide breakfast, and have multiple speakers. I remember printing our Lobby Days meeting schedule on an Excel spreadsheet (feels like ages ago!), while now we use an app! I remember my first press conference and being too nervous to think straight.
I remember the Washington Post Style Section story on me, and riding the Metro the next day looking at people reading the paper with me on the cover! I remember CBS news following me around Capitol Hill, and having Gayle King give me a shout out! I remember attending marijuana working group meetings on Capitol Hill, when only a handful were interested in the issue, whereas now over 50 regularly attend.
I remember when Congress voted on the Rohrabacher-Farr amendment (that protected medical marijuana from federal prosecution), which won (a year before most people thought it would). I remember that vote, because it was the same day my daughter was born (running back and forth between Capitol Hill and the hospital!).
I remember hiring Michelle Rutter as my coordinator (who has been by my side for almost six amazing years). I remember moving into our first office (and not having to do business at Starbucks any more!).
I remember attending one of my first Congressional fundraisers and a Senator visibly backing away from me as we shook hands (as if I had the plague!). I remember the creation of the Congressional Cannabis Caucus (we were finally legit!).
And I remember the House passage of the SAFE Banking Act (my proudest moment so far!).
When I was hired, I had envisioned federal legalization taking 8-10 years. I am now in year seven and am still optimistic about my dream being realized in that time. Slow and steady wins the race. Legalization will not happen overnight. It will not happen this week, this month, or even this year. And legalization will not happen because “somebody else” gets involved. It will only happen if YOU get involved. Get educated on the issue. Support advocate organizations pushing for cannabis reform. Make donations to state legalization efforts. Join NCIA and come to our Lobby Days this September!!
Eleven states have legalized adult-use cannabis laws (which grows every election!). The support on Capitol Hill has never been higher. NCIA has almost 20 total staff, about 2,000 member businesses, and a beautiful Capitol Hill townhouse that members of Congress use for events. My phone rings off the hook with politicians wanting our money and endorsements. NCIA has most definitely “arrived.” I couldn’t be happier with the results we have achieved and prouder with what we have built. After seven wonderful years (and two amazing daughters), I am still lobbying for NCIA. The journey continues on…
Be safe everybody!
As 2018 comes to a close, it’s a great time to sit down and reflect on the successes and challenges of 2018 for cannabis reform. We’re excited to present to you the first installment of our new quarterly Policy Webinar Series with NCIA’s Director of Government Relations Michael Correia, and Policy Council Chair Steve Fox. Watch the webinar and learn more about the successes our industry has had on Capitol Hill this year, the challenges that may be in store in 2019, and what you can do to take action.
Watch this webinar recorded on Thursday, November 8, for NCIA’s recap of the midterm elections and what they mean for cannabis policy reform nationally.
Speakers include Michael Correia, NCIA Government Relations Director; Morgan Fox, NCIA Communications Director; Matt Schweich, Deputy Director, Marijuana Policy Project; John Payne, New Approach Missouri; and Cole Haymond, Legalize ND.
Hear from representatives of the statewide cannabis campaigns in Michigan, Missouri, North Dakota, and Utah to find out what went right, what went wrong, and what happens next for regulators, businesses, and consumers. NCIA and the Marijuana Policy Project discussed the next states to watch and key federal legislation to follow in 2019.
by Michelle Rutter, NCIA Government Relations Manager
Last week, the National Conference of State Legislatures (NCSL) met in Los Angeles for their annual Legislative Summit. NCSL was created in 1975 with the goal of establishing a single national organization to support, defend and strengthen state legislatures. NCSL prides itself on being bipartisan and seeks to improve the quality and effectiveness of state legislatures, promote policy innovation and communication among state legislatures, and ensure that state legislatures have a strong, cohesive voice at the federal level.
At the Legislative Summit last week, NCSL hosted two separate panels on cannabis policy. The first was titled “Crossroads: States, the Federal Government and Marijuana,” while the second was titled “Changing Federal Landscape: Financial Services for Marijuana Businesses.” NCIA’s own Director of Government Relations, Michael Correia, spoke eloquently on the banking panel and educated attendees and legislators about the importance of cannabis business’ access to financial services.
NCSL isn’t the only policy related group to show interest in cannabis policy: both the U.S. Conference of Mayors and the National Association of Counties have recently adopted similar positions. In June, a group of 12 governors, both Republican and Democrat, signed a letter to congressional leadership asking that they pass the STATES Act.
Following the summit, NCSL issued two new policy directives related to cannabis: the first stated that NCSL “maintains that the federal government should respect state decisions to regulate cannabis, including hemp in non-FDA approved cannabis products,” while the second said “NCSL acknowledges that due to the expansion of legal cannabis, legitimate business enterprises need access to financial institutions that provide capital, security, efficiency, and record keeping.”
We couldn’t agree more.
by Michael Correia, NCIA Director of Government Relations
As the remaining days of winter wind down, each new day brings added excitement for me as we look forward to spring and NCIA’s 6th Annual Lobby Days, being held May 12th and 13th. Lobby Days has always been a highlight of my year, as it gives me an opportunity to meet our wonderful members from around the country and to showcase our industry to members of Congress.
Before joining the NCIA team in 2013, I spent more than 15 years working on Capitol Hill. One aspect that I will always remember is seeing all the interest groups converging on Capitol Hill to hold their individual lobby days and advocate for a particular issue. It gave me, as a congressional staffer, the opportunity to see first-hand who supported (or opposed) certain policy issues and to gain a thorough understanding about those particular issues, making the issue personal to me. As we get nearer to NCIA’s Lobby Days, it’s very important for you to find the time, make the sacrifice, become politically engaged, and ensure your voice is heard as we put a personal face on this industry.
For most NCIA members, cannabis reform is the number-one policy issue, but for congressional offices, it is only one of hundreds of issues they tackle on a regular basis. When NCIA members show up for Lobby Day, the marijuana issue is no longer theoretical, but personal.
It is the child with epilepsy, it is the returning vet with PTSD, it is the grandparent with cancer, or the parent dealing with chronic pain.
It is the local business owner, paying taxes, and providing jobs.
It is “regular” people asking congressional offices to support an issue that is broadly supported in the district.
There is no easy way to say it, but politicians are risk-averse and take the path of least resistance. It is much easier for them to support an issue that is broadly “accepted” rather than what is perceived to be a “fringe” issue. Putting a face to our cause is so important to changing Congress’ perception of our industry.
If you follow the news, you know that Congress has gotten so polarized that it’s becoming harder and harder for them to pass basic legislation – even funding our nation’s budget. With all the issues going on in the world today, it is easy for political leaders to just forget about an issue and leave it to the side. Political change does not happen in a vacuum; it takes active engagement and continual struggle to achieve success. Our issue will not be swept aside and forgotten. Between the presidential election and so many states having ballot initiatives, 2016 is sure to be a truly historic year for cannabis reform. It is imperative that the next president continue on with the previous administration’s policies on cannabis (and do even more). The best way to ensure continual progress is having Congress affirm what is already happening at the state level and continue supporting pro-cannabis legislation in larger and larger majorities.
My goal has always been to build up the kind of respected, professional, effective government relations effort that every other industry in America has and that our members can be proud of, but I can’t do that without your help. My job in Washington, D.C., is not mutually exclusive to what is happening at the local level. When I walk into an office to discuss our issues, it’s always refreshing when they say “we’ve been hearing from our constituents on this issue.”
In addition to having your voice heard and putting a legitimate face on our industry, attending Lobby Days gives you an opportunity to meet our government relations office and witness first-hand what we are trying to accomplish at the federal level, along with meeting other cannabis reformers from around the country. This is just one part of our journey. Being professional. Being effective. Being heard. To help achieve all of our goals, I need your help. Please find the time to make sure your voice is heard and join us for Lobby Days.
Make your voice heard alongside your industry peers at this year’s Annual Cannabis Industry Lobby Days in Washington, D.C., on May 12-13.
Register before April 30 and you’ll be entered to win admission and travel expenses for two at NCIA’s Cannabis Business Summit & Expo, including airfare and lodging at the Oakland Marriott Convention Center June 20th through 22nd. The winner will be announced at Lobby Days, and you must be present to win.
By Michael Correia, NCIA Director of Government Affairs
As we come up on Halloween, I can’t think of a more fitting holiday to give a DC update (as most things coming out of Congress tends to scare us all!)
The election is just around the corner and, in addition to determining the make-up of Congress, there are four very important marijuana ballot initiatives voters will be deciding on. Voters in Alaska, Oregon, and Washington, D.C. will be voting on some form of an adult-use, tax-and-regulate structure (similar to Colorado), and Florida voters will decide on legalizing medicinal marijuana. The passage of all four, in addition to being positive developments in the states, would certainly help our work in D.C. Members of Congress are self-interested and they care about their states and their districts. When more states legalize marijuana, it makes my job easier, as it forces more members of Congress to address the issue.
After the election, Congress will come back for a very short (two week) “lame-duck” session. In that time, they will vote on party leadership posts and determine committee chairs, in addition to funding the government. Because the two issues NCIA members care most about are 280E tax reform and resolving the banking issue, the committees of jurisdiction in the House are the Ways and Means Committee and the Financial Services Committee. In the House, it’s a near certainty Republicans will stay in control; so for Ways and Means, it’s looking like Congressman Paul Ryan of Wisconsin will be Chair, and for Financial Services, it’s looking like Congressman Jeb Hensarling of Texas will be Chair (although both will be challenged by other members). Neither of them have been supporters of marijuana policy reform in the past and have voted in opposition to our amendments when they were on the House Floor earlier this year.
Control of the Senate is still up in the air, and it will come down to 3 competitive seats. The results should be known soon after polling places close, but in Louisiana, if no candidate receives over 50%, then a run off election is held in December. So it is conceivable that control of the Senate may not be determined until December 7. Exciting times indeed! The committees of jurisdiction in the Senate are the Banking Committee and the Finance Committee, and Senate Chairmen are picked based on Committee seniority.
Halloween also happens to be my one-year anniversary with NCIA! And what a year it’s been. I feel as if so much has been done in the past year, but there is so much more to do. I look forward to the upcoming year and am even happier to say that our DC operation is expanding. NCIA has hired Michelle Rutter as our new government affairs coordinator. Having her on board will make me more efficient and effective in my job and will allow me to focus more on strategy, fundraising, advocacy, and taking NCIA to new levels.
Prior to working for NCIA, Michelle was a Research Analyst at a government affairs firm in Washington, DC, 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. 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, DC, suburb of Alexandria, VA.
As Congress starts winding down what many pundits have described as the least effective Congress in history, marijuana proponents can still celebrate modest successes this year and look forward to carrying our positive momentum into 2015.
For the first time in history, the House of Representatives passed pro-marijuana legislation. Unfortunately, the Senate will not take up the legislation, due to inter-party bickering. And although lawmakers just returned from thirty-seven days of recess, they are expected to be in session for as little as seven legislative days before going home for the November midterm elections. In those few days, Congress is expected to pass a spending bill that will fund the government until December, but is not expected to vote on any issues related to marijuana legislation. They are expected to convene after the election for a “lame-duck” session in November, and depending on the schedule, NCIA is planning to hold events in D.C. at this time.
This midterm election is anticipated to have low voter turnout, and it is expected that the House of Representatives will stay in Republican control for the next two years, while it is highly likely that the Senate will change hands and become Republican-led as well. Although our policy positions tend to be supported more by Democrats, we have many members of both parties supporting our issues, and we continue to make inroads with Republican offices.
Now is the perfect time for our industry to lay the groundwork and start building goodwill into next year, as marijuana issues are on the ballot in Alaska, Oregon, and Florida. Marijuana policies have not traditionally been high on politicians’ radars, but this year has seen a tremendous spike in attention and recognition of our issues. That means it’s imperative for our industry to continue becoming more politically engaged. It also means that we must continue to be active in our communities and show our neighbors and leaders the positive public face of the industry.
With two months to go before the elections, many politicians will be back in their districts doing campaign events, and all NCIA members should use this link to find their Members of Congress and attend any local events they are hosting. If your elected officials are supportive of our issues, make donations to their campaigns and help them get re-elected by volunteering on their efforts. If they are opposed to our issues, work for their opponents. We are right on the policies, but the reality is politicians need to get re-elected, and the people who help make that happen are much more likely to get a positive response in D.C.
I plan to do the same thing here in D.C. In fact, once I finish writing these words, I’ll be off to attend a fundraiser for Senator Mark Udall of Colorado and Senator Mark Begich of Alaska.
Michael Correia is NCIA’s director of government relations, based in Washington, D.C. Find out more about NCIA’s federal policy objectives.
WASHINGTON, DC – In an historic vote late last night, the U.S. House of Representatives took a major step to end the federal government’s war on medical cannabis patients and caregivers. With 219 Members of Congress, including 49 Republicans, voting in support, the Rohrabacher-Farr amendment to the Commerce, Justice, and Science appropriations bill forbids the use of federal funds to raid, harass, or otherwise interfere with medical cannabis patients or providers in states where medical marijuana is legal.
“On behalf of lawful cannabis businesses across the United States, NCIA applauds the Members of Congress who supported this historic step,” said National Cannabis Industry Association director of government relations Michael Correia. “Voters overwhelmingly support the idea that patients whose lives can be changed by medical cannabis should be able to get that medicine legally, and the time has come for the federal government to respect the states that have made that possible. The House took that step last night.”
“This is a truly historic vote and a great day for state-legal businesses that many advocates and business owners, myself included, have worked for years to make happen,” said Etienne Fontan, chief operations officer for Berkeley Patients Group in Berkeley, California. “We’re elated and hope this signals an end to federal interference in states where cannabis is legal.”
Berkeley Patients Group is a licensed medical cannabis collective in California and has provided legal cannabis to patients for 15 years and has been the target of federal property forfeiture action despite its standing as one of the nation’s most well-respected medical cannabis operations. Fontan, a Gulf War combat veteran who also serves on the Board of Directors for NCIA.
The Justice, Science, and Commerce appropriations bill making its way through the U.S. Senate does not currently include the language of the Rohrabacher-Farr amendment, so the provision must either be added during Senate debate or retained during the conference committee actions that will reconcile differences between the two bills.
“If you’ve been wondering when Congress would be forced to catch up to public opinion on cannabis, it started last night,” said Correia. “The House of Representatives has done its part to respect state laws, patients, and the will of the voters. The Senate should do the same.”
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