NCIA Board Candidate Statement – Kevin Fisher

By Kevin Fisher, Rocky Mountain Remedies (CO)

As we are all aware, there has been a significant phase-shift in the public’s opinion of both medicinal and recreational cannabis.  New states are adopting marijuana programs at a very swift pace.  For NCIA to enjoy long-term success, it will require the stewardship and insight that can only be provided by individuals who possess multi-modal and multi-jurisdictional expertise.

To this end, through my current industry ventures, I have developed relationships and have garnered experience that would serve to benefit both the NCIA and its individual members. I have had a direct and active role in the design and construction of cannabis-specific facilities and have developed, grown, processed, distributed, and ultimately provisioned cannabis and myriad cannabis-infused products.

As Board Chair of the Marijuana Industry Group, I spent countless hours crafting industry positions that have been translated into rules and regulations that often serve as the template for new legislation in states beyond Colorado. I have been seated on a number of governor-appointed workgroups in Colorado which have addressed many of the issues associated with the legalization of adult-use cannabis including: testing protocols, lab standards, child-proof packaging, marketing and advertising, and potency limits (which we effectively quashed).

NCIA’s efforts at the federal level have always focused on issues, such as banking, that affect us all no matter our geography. I contend that this mission not be changed. However, I do believe that as marijuana commerce matures, expands, and evolves, federal oversight will become a reality and, in turn, if we are to thrive, it will necessitate a broader, active industry voice in legislative and policy development. It would be my duty as a board member of NCIA to grow our member and donor bases to provide the funds needed to keep our foot in the door and then to help provide the political and operational insight to ensure that reasonable regulations be promulgated and an environment conducive to our collective success is nurtured.

Thank you for your consideration.

See the full Board of Directors Voter Guide here.