The National Cannabis Roundtable (NCR), an alliance of cannabis companies and service providers, has welcomed three new members to its organization. The NCR is dedicated to shaping the cannabis industry in a way that supports the domestic market, protects consumers, and advances social equity.
Ascend Wellness Holdings: A Multi-State Operator with a Focus on Quality
One of the new members of the NCR is Ascend Wellness Holdings, a vertically integrated operator with assets in seven states. Ascend Wellness Holdings offers a range of cannabis products and services, including cultivation, processing, distribution, retail, and delivery. The company aims to provide high-quality cannabis to patients and consumers, while also contributing to the social and economic development of the communities it serves.
Frank Perullo, Co-Founder and Director of Ascend Wellness Holdings, expressed his pride in joining the NCR and its mission. He said, “We are proud to join the important federal work being led by the National Cannabis Roundtable to advocate for social justice, promote sensible policies, and contribute to the sustainable and safe development of the cannabis industry. This is an exciting time as we are watching legalization rapidly sweep the country, creating opportunities for operators and meeting the needs of patients and consumers. We look forward to supporting the mission of NCR and working together to create an industry we all will be proud of.”
Proper Brands: A Vertical Cannabis Company in St. Louis, Missouri
Another new member of the NCR is Proper Brands, a vertical cannabis company based in St. Louis, Missouri. Proper Brands operates a cultivation facility, a manufacturing facility, and four dispensaries in the state. The company offers a variety of cannabis products, including flower, pre-rolls, edibles, concentrates, and topicals. The company also strives to educate consumers and promote responsible cannabis use.
John Pennington, CEO and Co-Founder of Proper Brands, shared his enthusiasm for joining the NCR and its vision. He said, “We are thrilled to join NCR, an exciting partnership that aligns our vision for positive change in the cannabis industry. Joining forces with an exceptional team of leaders and organizations, we are poised to drive transformative policy improvements, ushering in a new era of progress in the economic and social landscape of cannabis.”
Verano: A Vertically Integrated Company with Operations in 13 States
The third new member of the NCR is Verano, a vertically integrated company with operations in 13 states. Verano produces and sells a wide range of cannabis products, including flower, concentrates, edibles, beverages, and wellness products. The company also operates over 70 dispensaries under various brands, such as Zen Leaf, MÜV, and The Healing Center. The company is committed to delivering quality cannabis to patients and consumers, while also supporting social equity and community engagement.
Darren Weiss, President of Verano, expressed his gratitude for joining the NCR and its efforts. He said, “The National Cannabis Roundtable conducts important work advancing sensible and equitable cannabis reform policies that seek the best possible solutions for legal cannabis businesses, patients, and consumers nationwide, and we’re incredibly grateful for the opportunity to join them in support of these critical objectives. As cannabis continues to be recognized for its numerous economic, social, and scientifically proven health benefits the federal government now officially acknowledges, we’re thrilled to support the National Cannabis Roundtable and their impactful advocacy initiatives.”
The National Cannabis Roundtable: A Leader in Cannabis Policy Reform
The National Cannabis Roundtable was founded in 2019 by former Speaker of the House John Boehner and other cannabis industry leaders. The organization’s goal is to advocate for cannabis policy reform at the federal level, through sensible regulation, criminal justice reform, social equity, and community reinvestment. The NCR works with policymakers, stakeholders, and experts to advance legislation and regulations that support the cannabis industry and its consumers.
Saphira Galoob, Executive Director of the National Cannabis Roundtable, welcomed the new members and highlighted the organization’s achievements and priorities. She said, “I am pleased to welcome these new members that are joining us during a pivotal year for the cannabis industry. As nascent industry leaders, their collective insights and support of a diverse and equitable industry will further fortify NCR’s ongoing efforts to engage with policymakers, collaborate across sectors, and drive meaningful change in the evolving landscape of federal cannabis policy. In 2023, we saw significant progress in cannabis reform, with the passage of the SAFE Banking Act, the MORE Act, and the CAOA in the House, as well as the introduction of the CAOA in the Senate. In 2024, we will continue to work with Congress and the administration to advance these bills and other measures that will create a fair and regulated cannabis market in the U.S.”
