Issue link: https://www.e-digitaleditions.com/i/724773
California Lieutenant Governor Gavin Newsom gave a keynote presentation that stressed respon- sibility for regulators and industry professionals to communicate efficiently and to learn from other states that have implemented legalization of recreational cannabis. 2 0 | t h e c l e v e r r o o t THE NATIONAL CANNABIS INDUSTRY Association is one of the most an- ticipated event series in the cannabis space. This year, nearly 150 NCIA member organizations set up booths in Oakland, California, June 20–22 to display their products and services to the community. The Clever Root team has attended dozens of cannabis conferences and expos in the last two years, but we have to say this event was one of the best and most inclusive, with all bases of the booming industry covered. Thousands of people from all walks of the cannabis industry hit the expo floor to build relationships with other organizations in the space. Connec- tivity and togetherness were both prevalent themes at the Oakland NCIA Summit, as the future of the cannabis industry requires a community that is willing to stand together. The Arcview Group was on hand to match investors and cannabis entre- preneurs that are filling up this vibrant space. Arcview also announced the opening of a Bay Area office as the space heats up. Cannabis is slowly but most defi- nitely emerging from the shadows of Federal prohibition. This is undeniable when you see the level of profession- alism on display at the NCIA Business Summit. Still, there is work to be done if the future of the cannabis indus- try will be open to everyone. Most authorities agree that legal can- nabis is just over the horizon, and much of the industry is preparing for a major shift in both regulations and social stigma. NCIA members enjoyed several panels discussing the ways the cannabis industry needs to bridge standards of science, safety and technology. California's Lieutenant Governor, Gavin Newsom, gave a keynote pre- sentation that stressed responsibility for regulators and industry profes- sionals to communicate efficiently and to learn from other states that have implemented legalization of recre- ational cannabis. Newsom reminded those in atten- dance that the Blue Ribbon Commis- sion he fronted last year concluded that youth exposure issues, environ- mental protections and educational programs will be necessary for Cali- fornia to address and implement if the state wants to set an international stan- dard for future cannabis economies. Newsom also expressed the impor- tance of flexible legislation designed to be respectful of the opposition's concerns without restricting an open and fair market. He touched on the subject of traceability, which many panel presenters focused on during their time behind the microphone. In closing, Newsom reminded people that there is still a lot of work to do between now and November, and insisted that "by no means is this a done deal" as far as the No- vember ballot initiative for adult use legalization. Knowledge is power, and we came away with some powerful knowledge. For information on events, checkout NCIA at www.thecannabisindustry.org. CANNABUSINESS by Seth Doulton, The Clever Root's Government Consultant/CA Board of Equalization District 2 Agriculture Liaison Exhibitors from various corners of California's cannabis industry came together to showcase, network and connect. PHOTOS: CANNABIS CAMERA Looking Ahead to THE OAKLAND NCIA BUSINESS SUMMIT AND EXPO LOOKS AT THE FUTURE OF CALIFORNIA CANNABIS ■cr the Green Rush