by Morgan Fox
In the last several years, few industries have witnessed the type of growth and maturation as the legal cannabis industry. Changes in state laws and public perception have allowed the regulated industry to evolve at an unprecedented rate, and new innovations and opportunities are being created every day that are attracting entrepreneurs more than nearly any other field.
Since 2010, the National Cannabis Industry Association has been representing the interests of businesses that provide reliable, regulated cannabis products to consumers or that provide services to those businesses. We work tirelessly to create a favorable social, economic, and legal environment for this industry, and to make sure our thousands of member businesses have the information and resources they need to succeed in this complex space. As the nation’s largest and most broadly representative cannabis industry trade association, we are dedicated to ensuring that cannabis markets remain open and competitive, promoting the voices of businesses of all kinds and sizes.
As an advocacy organization, our primary goal is to end federal cannabis prohibition. Our members get the benefit of knowing that they are contributing to our efforts to deschedule cannabis, allow interstate and international commerce, tax the industry fairly, and ensure that both plant-touching and ancillary businesses have access to financial services.
NCIA is also the premier trade show host in the cannabis space. With several large trade expos and conferences held throughout the country annually, as well as dozens of localized events, we create spaces for education and networking that are second to none.
We also regularly produce reports and resources for our members, as well as regulators and policymakers, covering a range of topics that are important to cannabis business and policy.
One of the benefits that members have been most excited about over the years is the ability to participate in NCIA’s member committees. These groups, including our Facilities Design Committee, are comprised of applicants who are at the top of their respective fields or possess particularly relevant expertise, and provide the cannabis industry with resources that can help guide best practices and shape laws.
This year promises even more progress for the cannabis industry, including ancillary businesses. Dozens of states will be considering cannabis-related legislation, and it is likely that several new states will approve the implementation of regulated cannabis markets for either adult or medical use, creating new business opportunities throughout the country regardless of their area of operation. This is especially true for the facilities field, which will be in heavy demand by producers, processors, and retailers who must meet extensive regulatory requirements for the spaces they occupy.
We will also be working to continue building momentum in Congress and are optimistic about the possibility of getting cannabis banking reform through the Senate and getting a floor vote for the MORE Act in the House. We expect several other pieces of cannabis-related legislation to receive attention as well.
We hope you will join us in supporting sensible cannabis policies and creating a fair business environment for the cannabis industry.
To learn more about the NCIA and its mission, visit www.thecannabisindustry.org.
High-Profile Monthly will be exhibiting at the NCIA’s inaugural Northeast Cannabis Business Conference on Feb. 19-20 at the Hynes Convention Center in Boston. We hope to see you there!
Morgan Fox is media relations director at the National Cannabis Industry Association.