Recap: Cannabis World Congress and Business Expo

The Cannabis World Congress & Business Exposition is a business-to-business trade show event for the legalized cannabis industry. It is held 3 times per year in the largest media, financial, and business markets: New York, Los Angeles, and Boston. It is the leading forum for dispensary owners, growers, suppliers, investors, medical professionals, government regulators, legal counsel, and entrepreneurs looking to achieve business success and identify new areas of growth in this dynamic and fast-growing industry.

During our time at this year’s CWCBE we spent some time with Josh Drayton, director of communications & outreach at CCIA: California Cannabis Industry Association. Josh moderated a panel discussion focused on The State of CA Cannabis Policy Reform. We were able to get him to weigh in on a few topics outside of his panel discussion including the success of the organization with moving the industry forward.

OVERVIEW
The California Cannabis Industry Association (CCIA) was formed in 2013 to unite the legal cannabis industry to help educate and act as a resource to lawmakers and members. CCIA is the most influential trade association in the state, representing the diverse interests of the cannabis industry including retail, cultivation, manufacturing, delivery, distribution, testing, insurance, packaging, and various ancillary services. Its unified voice includes over 500 California businesses representing over 670 brands and approximately 15,000 employees. Over the past six years, CCIA has consistently advocated on behalf of cannabis businesses to advance a comprehensive regulatory framework that achieves important policy objectives, encourages investment and innovation, protects small businesses, and enhances public and consumer safety.

CCIA continues to work diligently with the legislature as well as administration and licensing authorities on open-market regulations and solutions that foster a robust cannabis industry while prioritizing public safety and health.

LEGISLATIVE PRIORITIES
The CCIA Legislative Platform establishes legislative priorities to alert our state and federal policymakers of the needs of the industry. It also provides general direction to CCIA legislative advocates, affiliates, coalition partners, members, and the public. Legislative priorities are updated as needed, with input from CCIA’s policy committees, members, affiliates and coalition partners. Final recommendations are made by CCIA’s Legislative Committee and are approved by the Board of Directors. Current priorities include legislation pertaining to:

• Enforcement/Barriers to Entry
• Tax Reduction/Relief
• Hemp Regulation
• Access
• Cannabis Samples
• Testing
• Prop. 64 Funding
• Child-Resistant Packaging
• Access to Banking
• Social Equity
• DUI-Cannabis Impairment
• Employment Discrimination
• Tribal Governments
• Cannabis Products for Pets