Member Contributed Content

Member Blog: How Cannabis Insurance Can Safeguard Your Business from Legal Risks

The cannabis industry is growing rapidly, yet with this expansion comes a complex array of legal risks. From compliance with regulations to managing liability claims, cannabis businesses face unique challenges that require specialized insurance solutions. Cannabis insurance provides essential protection, enabling businesses to operate legally and securely while minimizing potential financial hazards. This article explores…

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Member Blog: The Cannabis Crisis Plan – Business Insurance for the Future

Is Your Cannabis Business Prepared for the Unexpected? In an industry as scrutinized as cannabis, a crisis can escalate quickly—having a solid plan in place can make all the difference. Given its unusual balance between federal illegality and regional legality, the cannabis industry sometimes feels like it’s under a microscope.  Indeed, because of this microscope,…

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Committee Blog: The Tale of Two Cities – The Complexities of Cannabis vs Hemp

Hemp is federally legal but now the number of states banning hemp derived products are on the rise. Cannabis is federally illegal, however, we are now at 40 states with legalized cannabis markets. There is also the growing anticipation for the DEA to approve the reclassification of cannabis from Schedule 1 to Schedule 3, as…

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Committee Blog: What is Craft Cannabis? Understanding Small-Batch Cultivation and Artisanal Products

What is Craft Cannabis? Following state legalization and/or decriminalization, it doesn’t take long for dispensaries to be fully stocked with cannabis brands eager to get their products on shelves. Unfortunately, the flood of flower from cultivators that invest early into the new markets quickly turns into a creek as small independent farmers struggle to meet…

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Committee Blog: Cannabis Companies – Be Ready and Prepared for an IRS Audit

Published by NCIA’s Banking & Financial Services Committee (BFSC) Contributors: Tapan Ramachandran, CEO, Otterz Inc. | hello@otterz.co Neil Rosenfield, Tax Principal, Baker Tilly – neil.rosenfield@bakertilly.com Steven Gotsdiner, Senior Director, Tax, HBK, – sgotsdiner@hbkcpa.com Rochelle Dallons, CEO, Yield Bookkeeping Services – r.dallons@yieldbookkeeping.com As the cannabis industry continues to expand, operators face unique challenges in tax compliance and…

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Member Blog: Maximizing Success in the Cannabis Industry – Unpacking Market Maturity and Strategic Approaches

The cannabis industry is evolving faster than ever, with new markets opening up and existing ones maturing. But how do you know if your state is primed for growth or if you’re navigating an already saturated market? To thrive, it’s essential to understand where your state sits on the legalization journey and what strategic actions…

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Member Blog: Building a Strong Brand – 9 Tips for Cannabis Business Improvement

In the competitive world of cannabis, branding is everything. A strong brand can set your business apart from the rest, making it memorable to consumers. In fact, studies show that 77% of consumers make purchases based on brand loyalty. With so many options available, how do you ensure your brand stands out? Well, don’t worry;…

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Committee Blog: Extracting the Truth – Best Practices for Cannabis Extraction

Published on behalf of members of NCIA’s Cannabis Manufacturing Committee We stand at a pivotal juncture in the cannabis industry, defined by rapid technological advancements in extraction methods and an increasingly complex regulatory landscape. How do we make sense of it all? Before you can have consumables, topicals and concentrates, you must first extract the cannabinoids…

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Member Blog: What Schedule III Could Bring

The reclassification of cannabis to Schedule III would acknowledge its accepted medical use and lower potential for abuse compared to Schedule I substances. This shift would bring cannabis more in line with other prescription medications, necessitating rigorous standards for quality control and safety. For cannabis testing labs and product manufacturers, this means heightened scrutiny and…

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Member Blog: Retail Dispensary – Vault to Floor Efficiency

Cannabis dispensaries face unique challenges in maintaining security while ensuring a seamless customer experience. Efficiently moving products from the vault to the retail floor is crucial for both operational efficiency and security. According to a report, theft at cannabis dispensaries has surged by over 30% in recent years, underscoring the need for robust security measures….

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