Aaron Smith, Co-Founder of National Cannabis Industry Association (NCIA)
Aaron Smith is the co-founder and former CEO of the National Cannabis Industry Association, where for over 15 years he built the country’s largest and most influential cannabis trade association. Under his leadership, NCIA gave the industry a unified voice in Washington, launched cornerstone events, and helped secure historic legislative progress that moved cannabis out of the shadows and into the mainstream. Before NCIA, Aaron worked at the Marijuana Policy Project as California Policy Director, playing a key role in advancing medical cannabis laws that laid the foundation for legalization in the Golden State. Today, he’s taken on a new role as Political Director at Unite America. But he’s still deeply connected to the cannabis community, serving on NCIA’s Board of Directors.