We have already established the nature of the rapidly evolving cannabis industry, so staying connected and informed is crucial. Industry associations play a vital role in fostering this connectivity, offering a wealth of resources, advocacy, and networking opportunities to support cannabis professionals and businesses. This topic will introduce you to some of the leading cannabis industry associations, each with unique benefits to help members navigate challenges, stay updated on regulatory changes, and promote best practices within the sector.
From policy advocacy and compliance support to business development resources and educational events, these associations provide valuable platforms for collaboration and growth. Whether you’re looking to expand your network, influence cannabis policy, or access specialized training, joining an industry association can be a powerful step in advancing your involvement in the cannabis economy.
Let’s explore the key cannabis industry associations, their missions, and how they empower individuals and businesses across the cannabis landscape.
The Indigenous Cannabis Industry Association
The Indigenous Cannabis Industry Association exists to promote the exploration, development, and advancement of the cannabis industry for the benefit of all Indigenous communities. ICIA is dedicated to the advocacy and empowerment of our Indigenous cannabis businesses, influencers, and aspiring entrepreneurs along with being a conduit of connection and data for Indigenous Nations as we push towards a vision of an equitable, just, and sustainable Indigenous cannabis economy.
You can find out more about ICIA here.
National Cannabis Industry Association
Founded in 2010, NCIA is the oldest, largest, and most effective trade association serving the cannabis industry. Our membership consists of hundreds of small businesses and tens-of-thousands of cannabis professionals who know that we are stronger and more prosperous when we work together to lift up our entire industry.
As the only national advocate for small cannabis businesses, NCIA works every day to advance policy reforms favorable to the whole industry — not just the wealthiest few.
Minority Cannabis Business Association
“Founded in 2015, the Minority Cannabis Business Association (MCBA) is the largest national trade association dedicated to serving the needs of minority cannabis businesses and our communities. MCBA represents minority and allied cannabis businesses, aspiring entrepreneurs, and supporters who share a vision of an equitable, just, and responsible cannabis industry. Our mission is carried out by a 15-member Board of Directors comprised of diverse industry veterans, medical and legal professionals, advocates, and community leaders.”
Marijuana Policy Project
The Marijuana Policy Project (MPP) is the number one organization in the U.S. dedicated to legalizing cannabis. We’ve passed 15 medical cannabis laws, and we played a leading role in 14 of the 24 legalization states. No organization in the movement has changed as many cannabis laws, impacted as many patients and consumers, created as many new markets, or done more to end cannabis prohibition in the U.S. than MPP.
Cannabis prohibition has failed.
It’s time for a new approach, and MPP is leading the way. MPP — including its staff, strategic partners, and supporters — is working toward the day when cannabis is legalized for adults and patients across the U.S. While there are many organizations that agree with that ultimate goal, what sets MPP apart is our approach and our track record. Since our founding in 1995, we’ve been making real progress in reforming U.S. cannabis laws by:
Advocating for legislation and supporting ballot initiative campaigns to allow seriously ill patients to use medical cannabis with their doctors’ recommendations;
Promoting legislation and supporting ballot initiative campaigns to replace cannabis prohibition with a sensible system of regulation;
Lobbying in Congress and leveraging state progress to drive sensible federal reform policies;
Working for fair cannabis policies that promote inclusion, equity, and justice both in legislation and in the cannabis industry;
Garnering widespread media coverage of the need to reform cannabis policies;
Building coalitions of supportive individuals and organizations to advocate on behalf of cannabis policy reform;
Sponsoring public information campaigns, grassroots activities, and educational initiatives;
and much more!
National Organization for the Reform of Marijuana Laws (NORML)
A Voice for Responsible Marijuana Consumers
Since its founding in 1970, NORML has provided a voice in the public policy debate for those Americans who oppose marijuana prohibition and favor an end to the practice of arresting marijuana consumers. A nonprofit public-interest advocacy group, NORML represents the interests of the tens of millions of Americans who use marijuana responsibly.
Because NORML lobbies state and federal legislators, donations to NORML are not tax deductible.
During the 1970s, NORML led the successful efforts to decriminalize minor marijuana offenses in 11 states and significantly lower marijuana penalties in all others.
Today NORML continues to lead the fight to reform state and federal marijuana laws, whether by voter initiative or through the elected legislatures. NORML serves as an informational resource to the national media on marijuana-related stories, providing a perspective to offset the anti-marijuana propaganda from the government; lobbies state and federal legislators in support of reform legislation; publishes a regular newsletter; hosts, along with The NORML Foundation, an informative website; NORML Legal Seminars, NORML Conferences; and serves as the umbrella group for a national network of citizen-activists committed to ending marijuana prohibition and legalizing marijuana.
Our sister organization, The NORML Foundation sponsors public advertising campaigns to better educate the public about marijuana and alternatives to current marijuana policy; provides legal assistance and support to victims of the current laws; and undertakes relevant research.
The oldest and largest marijuana legalization organization in the country, NORML maintains a professional staff in Washington, DC and a network of volunteer state and local NORML Chapters across the country.