Hundreds of members of the National Cannabis Industry Associates will be on Capitol Hill for next three days, in town for their annual visit to make a case for their emerging industry and advocate for federal reforms they say will boost the business.
The old hippies of yore would be amazed at this phenomenon, given that marijuana was very illegal in their time, some five decades ago. This is the ninth year, however, that the organization has arrived to lobby on behalf of the “responsible” cannabis industry.
“Now more than ever, it is important for lawmakers to see that our outdated federal policies are having a negative impact on real people, many of whom are carefully and conscientiously trying to replace the illicit market with regulated, responsible businesses,” said Aaron Smith, executive director of the Colorado-based group, which also maintains an office in Washington.
Their focus includes legislative briefings on The Secure and Fair Enforcement Banking Act, which protects financial institution who work with cannabis businesses who are in compliance with state laws.
The organization has already issued multiple policy guides, including “The New Politics of Marijuana: A Winning Opportunity for Either Party.”
• Jennifer Harper can be reached at jharper@washingtontimes.com.
Please read our comment policy before commenting.