The National Cannabis Industry Association (NCIA) held a fundraiser at the home of Libertarian Congressional Candidate Steve Collett with the help many groups in the marijuana and medical cannabis industry.
By Sam Sabzehzar | July 9, 2011
Steve Fox, far right, speaking with Jeff Raber from The Werc Shop, a medical cannabis laboratory specializing in testing the plant's cannabinoid levels, among other things. In the background, The Farmacy's Joanna LaForce speaks with NCIA Founder and Executive Director Aaron Smith. (Photo credit: MedicalMarijuana411.com)
Members of the newly formed NCIA gathered in Southern California over the weekend to celebrate the cannabis industry’s first lobbying group in Washington D.C. specifically dedicated to promulgating the interests of cannabis businesses.
Petitioning Congress is something you can do everyday, but there are also professional lobbying groups that can take the collective voice of an industry and speak loudly in the face of opposition.
Aaron Smith, who founded the group in 2010, has hit the ground running and, through the help of generous supporters and members, has galvanized the most influential advocates in the industry.
“It really means a lot to see the industry come together for a common cause… to be treated like any other small business,” says Smith. “That’s what we’re all here for and that’s what NCIA is all about.”
“The fact that you’re all here tonight is really encouraging to me to know that the industry is behind this.”
The National Cannabis Industry Association, through their lobby efforts, are helping educate the elected officials and shift perception of the plant, for an industry that is already leading the way in it’s research and availability of the plant.
“There’s so much accumulated wisdom and knowledge in this room that we’re going to win,” says a hopeful Michael Backes, Director of Cornstone Research Collective and newly elected Board Member of NCIA. “We have the kind of brain trust we need to take this to the next level.”
“This one is unique to a certain kind of version of a future where we have cannabis incorporated into our society appropriately,” adds Backes.
“The plant has done everything it’s had to done and now it’s up to us, and I hope to support NCIA in that vision.”
About the NCIA
The National Cannabis Industry Association was founded on the principle of power in numbers. Thousands of American businesses are involved in some fashion in the cannabis industry, yet they are often ignored at the federal level.
These businesses, collectively, are a tremendous economic force and should have a voice on the national stage. We are that voice.
NCIA publicly advocates for the unique needs of the emerging cannabis industry and defends against those aiming to eliminate the legal market for cannabis and cannabis-related products.
NCIA is the nation’s only industry-lead advocacy group engaging in legislative efforts to expand and further legitimize the legal cannabis market in the U.S.
NCIA is the only national marijuana policy reform organization with a fully democratic process that allows its members to choose the board of directors through annual elections.
If you are a member of the cannabis industry and are interested in becoming a member of NCIA, please visit www.TheCannabisIndustry.org
