The Dopest Chamber in Town is Coming for You

By: Bri Padilla

Las Vegas’ newest non-profit, the Chamber of Cannabis, launched in October 2020 with a mission to make cannabis commerce more inclusive and grow opportunities in the Silver State. They’re taking names and making members out of the diverse array of organizations and professionals who live, breathe, and work in weed.

Founded by cannabis professionals and advocates with years of active industry experience, the Chamber’s mission was designed and spearheaded by its executive board: President Tina Ulman, Vice President Dani Baranowski, Secretary Shelby Stanley, and Director of Membership Ashley Ciliberti. Alongside these leaders is a diverse group of industry voices committed to ensuring representation and inclusivity at every level. 

“We saw an opportunity to unite industry professionals who want to foster resources and connections and move cannabis commerce forward in Nevada with better representation and inclusion,” said Ulman.

Inspired by their professional and personal roots in the industry, this group of powerhouse women and men are ready to finish the work of legalization and push the Las Vegas and Nevada cannabis markets forward. 

From working on strengthening commerce to improving justice, accountability, and representation, the Chamber is working with regulators, stakeholders, and industry professionals to grow industry opportunities for community members.  

While cannabis lounges were left to languish during the last legislative session of 2019, cannabis was deemed an essential industry in the early stages of the COVID pandemic. One of the specific opportunities the Chamber is focusing on is safe and equitable social use venues as a source of additional revenue for our pandemic-stricken state.

“Currently we sell cannabis, but have made it illegal to consume it, which puts all consumers at risk of being penalized.”  said Baranowski. “After four years of legalization, the Chamber sees an opportunity to create a sense of urgency for regulators to revisit this matter and improve it”. 

The Chamber provides opportunities to connect, share resources, and collaborate with like-minded members. In their first monthly meeting, the Chamber connected cannabis-friendly judges and candidates running in the 2020 election with constituents. For their second meeting, held at 7th and Carson on November 12, the Chamber invited lobbyist Scot Rutledge to outline a path forward for cannabis consumption lounges to be considered during the 2021 Regular Legislative Session. 

“Cannabis isn’t going anywhere,” said Rutledge to attendees. “We want [cannabis licensees] to focus on making [the industry] consumer-friendly, inclusive, and use technology to improve this industry.” A part of how we accomplish that, according to Rutledge, is to build a coalition of voices speaking out in unison. 

“Develop consensus between and amongst different industry sectors,” he said. “Organizations need to speak in one voice to regulators and other interested parties. And that’s what Tina and the Chamber are doing.” 

Grounded in a culture dedicated to community over individual glory, humility before pride, teamwork, and positivity, the Chamber is here to help shine a light on the incredible potential of the Las Vegas industry. Find out how your voice can be heard by checking out their website, thechamberofcannbis.org, or reach out to their team at info@chamberofcannabis.org.