This week, the NCIA hosted a Cyber Caucus Series. It was an exclusive opportunity for NCIA members and their guests to connect with each other, learn about regional issues from knowledgeable guest speakers, and get the latest news about NCIA’s federal policy work.
The event wasn’t all serious talk; each day had a virtual “happy hour” where viewers had the opportunity to make their own cannabis-infused drinks and snacks from the comfort of their own homes.
For those who didn’t have the time to attend this virtual event, we’ve put together a recaps of the recipes, information, and talking points that occurred over the course of the Cyber Caucuses.
Ongoing Legislative Efforts
The benefits of NCIA membership providing members with access to professional and powerful advocates working on their behalf. These legislators have deep and well-established relationships on both sides of the aisle, and the organization is considered the most robust organization working on marijuana reform.
The presenters discussed current legislative priorities being undertaken by the organization, including things like:
- SAFE Banking: This addresses how the cannabis industry faced a lack of access to banking in the midst of the coronavirus pandemic. The NCIA was successful in getting SAFE included in the House version of the HEROES Act. They are actively working to solve the problem that cannabis businesses face while the federal government will not provide them with relief funds, generated traction on social media with #CannabisIsEssential.
- Amending Section 280E: NCIA filed an amicus brief in support of Harborside’s appeal in the 9th Circuit over the current state of the 280E tax, which causes headaches for cannabis business owners all over the country.
- Equal treatment: For the cannabis industry at large, but also for more inclusion and discussion within its own sphere, in terms of race, gender, and those with disabilities.
New Member Benefits
Presenters also went into detail regarding the benefits of joining the NCIA. Top talking points included:
- The ability to learn from industry experts
- Being able to share their own expertise with the industry
- Having access to direct messaging between NCIA Members
- Driving business leads without face to face events
- Connecting with other event attendees before and after events
- Exclusive access to #IndustryEssentials webinars and other member-only content
The official public launch is June 29th.
Upcoming Events
With the volatility of the coronavirus, many in-person events have been shifted around.
The Cannabis Business Summit and Expo
The Cannabis Business Summit and Expo, has been rescheduled to September 29th through October 1st at the Moscone Center in San Francisco. The situation is being carefully monitored and members will be quickly informed of any potential changes. Tickets are available here.
NCIA’s 10th Annual Lobby Days
Like many other events, Lobby Days were postponed due to the outbreak of COVID-19. They have currently been rescheduled to September, but the organization is actively monitoring the situation to see if in-person activity will be safe or possible at all. An announcement is projected for the coming weeks.
Happy Hour Recipes
We’ve taken the drink and snack recipes from all of the caucus episodes and condensed them here! Make your very own cannabis-infused treat at home.
Drinks
Spice up your Friday—or Monday, or Wednesday, or whatever day of the week you want to quench your thirst—with these cannabis cocktails. Warning: you will have to gather your own supplies. Options include:
- Tequila Wake and Bake: Combine Lemon Haze, a paloma, and Redbull for this citrus-y drink.
- Purple Gimmie: Mix together BlueBerry AK and a gin gimlet for a refreshing, grown-up cocktail.
- Old Blue: Toss some Blue Cookies into a traditional Old Fashioned for a new spin on a classic drink.
- Berry Happy Mule: Remix your “berry” Moscow Mule with some Strawberry Cough.
Snacks
Satisfy your munchies with these cannabis-infused treats.
- Cannabis Gold Fish Crackers
- Cannabis Fruit Roll Ups
- Cannabis Watermelon Gummybears
- Cannabis Granola Bars (with Earl Grey)
Even though the event was virtual, this caucus series offered members the opportunity to interact and network. A virtual happy hour is better than no happy hour at all, after all.
If you’re interested in becoming an NCIA member, check out their website here.
