Entourage Cannabis has been active in the Oregon Recreational Cannabis market since its inception in 2017. Like most companies in the early days, we were a small team focused solely on the establishment and growth of our brand in an ever changing and competitive market. From trimming, running the extractor, delivering sales, and everything in between, we have worked every position within the company. This has given us valuable insight into many of the intricacies of our industry.
As our team has grown and the company became an established brand, it gave our team more time to engage in the advocacy and law making side of the industry. Both our CFO and myself, COO, have since joined committees with the NCIA to further our education and offer our insight and experience. Our top 3 executives traveled to the Capitol to meet with members of congress and advocate for SAFE banking and the removal of the 280E tax code. Our CEO is currently leading the charge in establishing safe and available recycling programs for discarded cannabis hardware. We are doing what we can to help establish the framework for a safe and healthy cannabis market on a national scale.
As our involvement and experience has progressed, there is one thing that is blatantly clear, cannabis operators are underrepresented in the Cannabis industry. The following is my take on the cannabis industry and how operators are underrepresented.
The cannabis industry has seen a surge in growth and acceptance in recent years, with many countries and states legalizing its use for medicinal and adult use purposes. However, as the industry evolves, it faces significant challenges, one of which is the underrepresentation of cannabis operators in advocacy and lawmaking processes. This gap can lead to policies that may not fully understand the intricacies of the cannabis market, potentially hindering its growth and development.
Representation matters in any industry. When stakeholders with firsthand experience are involved in decision-making processes, the resulting policies are more likely to be practical, effective, and beneficial for the industry and its consumers. In the context of cannabis, operators bring valuable insights into cultivation, distribution, marketing, and regulatory compliance that can inform better legislation.
Despite the rapid growth of the cannabis industry, many policymakers and legislators lack direct experience or understanding of how the industry operates. This disconnect can lead to a variety of issues, including misinformed regulations, inefficient and ineffective oversight, and regulations that could hinder the progression of the industry as a whole.
To address the underrepresentation of cannabis operators in advocacy and lawmaking, several steps can be taken:
Cannabis operators can actively engage with policymakers, offering their expertise and insights. Similarly, policymakers should seek out opportunities to learn more about the industry through workshops, site visits, and consultations.
Establishing strong industry associations can amplify the voices of cannabis operators, providing a unified platform to advocate for their interests and concerns.
Policymakers, regulators, and industry stakeholders should adopt a collaborative approach, working together to develop policies that strike a balance between regulation and industry growth.
As the cannabis industry continues to expand, the need for representation in advocacy and lawmaking becomes increasingly critical. By fostering dialogue, collaboration, and understanding between policymakers and cannabis operators, we can ensure that the industry’s growth is supported by informed, effective, and equitable policies.
In conclusion, the underrepresentation of cannabis operators in advocacy and lawmaking is a pressing issue that requires immediate attention. By addressing this gap and ensuring that industry stakeholders have a seat at the table, we can pave the way for a thriving and sustainable cannabis industry that serves the needs of consumers, operators, and society at large.
Stay educated my friends,
Entourage Cannabis
