From left to right: Ohio Congressman David Joyce, ICIA executive director Mary Jane Oatman and Tom Rodgers of Carlyle Consulting.
The Indigenous Cannabis Industry Association hosted its first National Indigenous Cannabis Policy Summit in November in Washington, D.C., with the goal of highlighting the most pressing cannabis-related challenges and opportunities.
Founded by cannabis entrepreneur Rob Pero and led by executive director Mary Jane Oatman, the ICIA hosted the event to provide a platform for the voices critical to advancing Indigenous interests in cannabis.
The event brought together tribal leaders, elected and government officials, business leaders, health care professionals, veterans groups and advocacy organizations for two days of discussions and networking with an eye on how to create economic opportunity for Indigenous communities as it relates to cannabis.
“The ICIA is developing different ways to support our tribal community and entrepreneurs, including hosting events like the National Policy Summit [in November] that bring together changemakers, leaders and advocates,” Oatman said in a press release. “We are in the early phase of developing a robust mentorship exchange to provide our members with support and resources.”
The lineup of speakers for the summit included Charles Galbraith of Jenner and Block, Chenae Bullock of Little Beach Harvest Shinnecock Nation, Brendan Johnson of Robins and Kaplan, Jyl Wheaton of Hempbest and Jacob Wamego of Prairie Band Ag LLC, as well as political addresses by Representative Dave Joyce of Ohio and Representative Earl Blumenauer of Oregon.
While building out peer-networking programs for its members, the ICIA is simultaneously advocating for Tribal sovereignty and urging the White House and federal government to engage with Indigenous cannabis experts and tribal leaders on cannabis policy development.
“We are pushing aggressively for descheduling on federal lands as well as non-interference with regulated tribal cannabis production, commerce and trade,” Oatman said.
The ICIA plans to host its next policy and cannabis industry event, with the Indigenous Business Group, on February 15-16, 2023, in Milwaukee, Wisconsin.
— Brian Beckley