Madeline Grant, NCIA Government Relations Manager
Would you like to join us in Washington, D.C., this year?
For the 11th Annual Lobby Days, hundreds of cannabis industry professionals will be descending on Capitol Hill. It is more important than ever to speak up and advocate for federal reforms that will allow our industry to thrive.
We need your input on Capitol Hill on May 16-18.
These are our top four reasons to get registered today for this event that will be impactful and exciting:
New Congress members
We saw a new generation of freshman Congressmen elected to Congress in midterm elections last November. Many of these new faces have replaced the long-standing prohibitionists who dominated Congress. Many of them are more progressive and more open to our issues. We can benefit from the infusion of fresh blood, new minds and new perspectives into Congress.
NCIA’s Lobby Days are the best way for you to have direct access to these offices. This will allow us to start working together on our issues. You will educate and inform these new members on the issues we face, including tax reform, veterans’ access to medical care, and the SAFE Banking Act. What number of new co-signers are possible for this bill? Let’s get together to find out.
Discussion of incremental and complete reform
New members of Congress bring new staffers who need to be trained on cannabis policy reform. It is important that we reach all Hill offices in an environment with hundreds of issues. NCIA members will be able to share their stories about cannabis when they descend on Capitol Hill. While the government relations team is always on Capitol Hill, meeting with offices, it is rare to hear directly from businesses.
We are now at the beginning the 118th Congress and cannabis legislation will continue being introduced. This is our chance to get members on board. It’s all about taking baby steps. As we educate congressional offices, they will now be able to contact NCIA for information and resources. NCIA has seen a marked increase in the number of co-sponsors for cannabis legislation over the past ten lobbying days.
The government relations team will give us talking points on incremental reforms such as SAFE banking or 280E reform when we meet with them. We also have the chance to get their views on comprehensive reform. We have seen bills such as the Cannabis Administration and Opportunity Act and States Reform Act. These bills were not successful in the legislative process, but it is important that Hill offices understand the importance and impact of federal and state conflict on the cannabis industry.
Meet 200+ politically active industry professionals
It is not a conference, it is something completely different. There is no expo floor, panel discussions or a podium. It’s just people. Lobby Days attracts some of the most engaged and politically-engaged leaders in our industry. You will have the opportunity to meet and work with industry leaders who have been around for many years. From lobby day veterans who come every year to support our industry, you’ll get the inside scoop on the Beltway. This video recaps last year’s 10th Annual lobby days.
Learn how lobbying works and take the lessons with you
Although this is not our first rodeo we are happy to accept that it may be your first. NCIA’s government relations staff offers training both before and on-site. You will receive materials to help tell your story, including descriptions of priority legislation and background information about the offices that you’ll be speaking to. You don’t have to do it all alone. To help you navigate the halls and corridors of Congress, we will pair you up with a small number of cannabis industry peers.
NCIA’s Lobby Days will give you the ability to travel back to your state and advocate for the industry. You will know what to say and how to say it.
We can all make a difference together and push our industry beyond the tipping point. NCIA members from hundreds of countries have already registered for the event. So what are you waiting to do? Register now to book your hotel and schedule your flight. We are excited to meet you.
Register now for NCIA’s 11th Annual Cannabis Industry Lobby Days
The post Come Meet Congress-11th Annual Cannabis Industry Lobby Days appeared originally on The National Cannabis Industry Association.
