On Tuesday, the Washington CannaBusiness Association (WACA) held its first members-only conference for I-502 license-holders to celebrate its inaugural 2015 legislative session. WACA members and its Board of Directors were on hand to celebrate the passage of the Cannabis Patient Protection Act, and voice support for a streamlined taxing structure that also eliminates double-taxing which is still working its way through the legislative process as part of special session negotiations. WACA members were also able to meet with Liquor and Cannabis Board staff, speak with elected officials, and workshop with strategic communications and government relations professionals about how to grow I-502 businesses as true community leaders.

WACA also presented a Legislator of the Year award to Senator Ann Rivers, sponsor of the bipartisan Cannabis Patient Protection Act and champion for creating a single, safe, quality-controlled and regulated cannabis marketplace in Washington State. “We are thankful for the overwhelming support of the governor and both political parties in passing critical legislation this session to help ensure the success of the regulated cannabis marketplace created by state voters. Senator Ann Rivers demonstrated true leadership this session by asking tough questions, working long hours and collaborating with her colleagues to get the Cannabis Patient Protection Act over the finish line. Regulated cannabis business owners, patients and general consumers alike will all benefit from her leadership and the Washington CannaBusiness Association thanks her for demonstrating such a deep commitment to public service,” said WACA Executive Director Vicki Christophersen. “We have a duty to honor the will of the voters in creating a regulated, safe and qualitycontrolled cannabis marketplace, while recognizing the need for a safe, medicinal marketplace for patients in need,” said Senator Rivers. “I am honored to receive the Legislator of the Year award and also wish to thank my colleagues for their hard work, without which this legislation would not have been possible. I especially thank the Washington CannaBusiness Association for their professional and collaborative approach to representing our state’s regulated cannabis business owners. I look forward to hearing from them in the future as we continue to fine-tune cannabis policy in Washington.”

More than 50 members representing over 40 502-licensed businesses attended Tuesday’s conference. “It sometimes can feel like we are all on our own as we try to keep our businesses afloat in this new industry,” said Angela Jayo, WACA member and CEO of Green America. “That’s why I value my membership in the Washington CannaBusiness Association. Not only is it a great way to compare notes with fellow license holders, but I can also call on WACA to help me with regulatory and public relations challenges in my city. There is so much work to be done. And WACA is a great investment because I know there is a direct connection between my business income and their successful work in Olympia for the entire cannabis marketplace. I think all license holders should join WACA so that we can demonstrate our shared values with the communities where we do business for safety and compliance and build our industry’s voice in Olympia, our home cities, the media and beyond.”