with the Chamber of Cannabis

the country as well. We can increase the success of re-entry programs and most importantly, be the example for other states.”

In the second of many testimonies from the organization in favor of the bill, Chamber of Cannabis Executive Director Bri Padilla discussed how SB 277 would revamp the industry drastically and provide desperately needed growth and opportunity.

“As I’m sure you’ve seen and will see from different legislation presented before this committee,” Padilla informed the Senate committee, “the industry is in need of your help as we face unprecedented hurdles in the form of burdensome overregulation and economic contraction. The initiatives that have brought us forth today in support of Senator Harris and SB 277 will bring growth and talent to a sector that has been contracting under the pressure of overregulation while also boosting the bottom line of the entire cannabis industry and creating new opportunities for ancillary economies to develop.

SB 277 is also a means of fully satisfying the long unkept promise to ex-offenders who are still unable to get a job or keep one in the cannabis industry despite qualifying for exemptions that are not facilitated or supported by existing laws or regulations. For these folks and the leaders who want to invest in them, equity rings hollow when it is not backed up by action or access. SB 277 provides a means for both.”

A particularly impactful moment of the meeting was when nearly 25 different Chamber members representing every sector of the industry stood up in solidarity as Padilla recited a powerful plea.

“The leaders you see behind me, they are the backbone of our industry. They are owners, operators, licensees and career professionals from every walk of life and more importantly, every corner of our state. We are here because we need your help in making sure our state is promulgating laws that keep our industry competitive, viable and survivable for all operators and cannabis professionals, not just a privileged few.”

In her testimony, Chamber of Cannabis CoFounder and Vice President Dani Baranowski spoke about the employment benefits that SB 277 could provide to Nevada as a whole. At only 18, Baranowski herself was convicted of two federal cannabis felonies due to possession of less than a gram of flower and a piece of paraphernalia within a national park. Luckily, she had her charges expunged after 17 months of intense federal probation and is now incredibly established and influential in the cannabis industry. Due to that experience, she spoke about the impact and benefits of SB 277 from a deeply personal angle.

“I am both appreciative and sensitive to the privilege it is to participate in the legal cannabis industry in such a capacity.” Baranowski said.

“Removing employment for ex-offenders to work to allow entry into the cannabis industry will allow citizens the chance to participate in a now legal industry and add to Nevada’s robust, inclusive and skilled workforce.” Baranowski explained. “Updating and amending legislation with this piece of sensible cannabis policy will allow Nevadans access to meaningful work and not removing that opportunity.”

“Historically,” Baranowski continued, “failed policy surrounding cannabis has had a significant impact on communities and citizens. And today, each of us that paid their debt to society deserve the possibility to positively impact our community.”

In between the Senate Committee on Commerce and Labor hearing regarding SB 277 and lunch time, the Chamber held their Rally Day right outside the State Legislature building, where many members spoke about their own personal stories that led to advocating for cannabis and how these bills could positively impact the industry they’re so proudly employed by.

“Organizing and hosting a lobby day is incredibly important, but it is not as important as attending or participating in one.” Padilla advised. “Our organization and team have the benefit of great relationships with legislators who understand the importance of what we’re doing and are willing to engage with our ideas. Lobby Days allow citizens to bring their concerns and solutions directly to the folks they’ve elected to serve the community. Lobbying events, such as the Chamber of Cannabis’s Rally Day, gives citizens and our community members the opportunity to effectively engage with the folks who make our laws, from an empowered and informed position.”

“If you don’t engage in political action, then you get the government that you deserve.” Ulman emphasized.

Before group meetings with legislators, the Chamber hosted the Changemaker Luncheon for rallying advocates and Nevada lawmakers who’ve been incredibly influential for the state’s cannabis industry. Along with being an appreciative celebration for all the legislative work that Assemblyman D’Silva and Senator Harris have already completed on their respective bills, the Chamber received an inspirational speech from one of the most paramount Nevada lawmakers in the state industry’s young history so far.

Speaker of the Assembly Steve Yeager, the author of the consumption lounge-creating Assembly Bill 341 and sponsoring several other cannabisrelated reform bills during his multiple terms on the Legislature, gave examples of how he’ll continue to support more cannabis reforms now that the former public defender is one of the most powerful members of the Legislature.

“Our lobbying firm and team had organized opportunities for members to meet one-on-one with our representatives, and give them the opportunity to speak with them.” Padilla explained. “It was during those meetings, and after, that I saw our members’ eyes light up with a new fire. They felt seen and heard, inspired and empowered, and they were able to see just what showing

up can do.”

The lobbying and rallying of the Chamber of Cannabis at the State Legislature was ultimately a successful effort, as both SB 277 and AJR 8 passed their respective committees with a unanimous vote.

"We chose these issues because they involve economic growth for the entire supply chain, gave more power back to cannabis business owners to build their teams with the talent they so wish, and gave an opportunity for people to have a much easier pathway to work in the cannabis industry.” Ulman recollected. “All of these changes will have a positive effect on the city and state we live in; sustainable growth for operators and employees, strengthening the cannabis workforce and continuing to evolve an over regulated market."

There’s still plenty of discussions and possible amendments that will rise on the floors of the Assembly and Senate, but these two pieces of legislation will be undeniably beneficial for the industry and medical cannabis research, assuming SB 277 is signed by Governor Lombardo and the United States Congress somehow deschedules cannabis.

“The people building this industry are some of the best I have ever worked with.” Ulman complimented. “They’re compassionate, intelligent, and forward thinking and they came together in the plant. It gives me goosebumps and so much joy to see so many folks united! Our society needs more of this right now and it begins with us."