Welcome to the Kaya Cast Podcast, your trusted source for the inside scoop on the cannabis industry!

In this special episode, I sit down with the founder and CEO of the National Cannabis Industry Association (NCIA), Aaron Smith. NCIA is recognized as the oldest and largest cannabis trade association in the world. For those few who may not be familiar with their groundbreaking work, Aaron gives us a brief overview of NCIA’s mission to represent businesses from all cannabis verticals, advocating for fair treatment under federal law.

As the cannabis industry continues to grow and evolve, Aaron and I delve into the complexities of changing federal law, the NCIA’s dedication to the cause, and the unique challenges they face in today's political climate.

We discuss the hot topic of cannabis reclassification — a subtle but seismic shift in policy that could transform the industry by moving cannabis from a Schedule 1 to Schedule 3 substance. Aaron explains the significant implications of this change, acknowledging both the medical benefits of cannabis and its perceived risks, juxtaposing its current classification alongside substances like heroin and LSD.

We also unpack the key distinctions between Schedule 1, 2, and 3 classifications and their impacts on the industry — from medical research to the possibility of interstate commerce.

Stay tuned for an enlightening conversation that sheds light on the strategic efforts underway to integrate cannabis more fully into the legal American framework. Whether you're a seasoned dispensary owner, a budding entrepreneur, or simply curious about the future of cannabis in the U.S., this episode is a must-listen!

Don't forget to subscribe to Kaya Cast Podcast for more insights on helping your dispensary grow and scale.roll up & tune in!

Episode keywords/tags:
#cannabisindustry #NCIA #AaronSmith #cannabispolicy #federalreclassification #cannabislegalization #cannabisreform #Schedule1 #Schedule3 #tradeassociation #dispensarygrowth #cannabisentrepreneurship #KayaCastPodcast

Aaron Smith is Co-founder and CEO of the National Cannabis Industry Association, the largest trade association representing legal cannabis businesses in the U.S and the only one focusing on ensuring that the interests of small and independent businesses are represented in the national dialogue surrounding marijuana policy reform.

Aaron has been a central figure throughout the modern history of the cannabis reform movement. Prior to launching NCIA, Aaron distinguished himself as a public advocate for marijuana policy reform — first under the auspices of a California-based medical cannabis advocacy group, Safe Access Now in 2005, and then as the California state policy director for the Washington, D.C.-based Marijuana Policy Project until founding NCIA in 2010.

Aaron has successfully built coalitions with elected officials on both sides of the aisle in order to advance marijuana law reform legislation. He has also been a keynote speaker or participated in panel discussions on cannabis policy and the role of the industry in driving reform at countless national events.

Find out more about NCIA at:
https://thecannabisindustry.org/

https://www.linkedin.com/in/f-aaron-smith/
https://www.linkedin.com/company/national-cannabis-industry-association/

https://www.instagram.com/nationalcannabisindustry/
https://twitter.com/NCIAorg
https://www.facebook.com/TheNCIA