Indigenous Cannabis Industry Association Shaping the Future of Equity and Opportunity in 2024
In 2024, the Indigenous Cannabis Industry Association (ICIA) made a significant stride forward, building on its mission to elevate Indigenous voices in the cannabis and hemp sectors. From powerful international speaking engagements to increased advocacy and a growing membership, the ICIA is becoming a major force in shaping an equitable future for Indigenous communities in the cannabis industry.
Founded in 2022, the ICIA has rapidly established itself as the premier nonprofit organization dedicated to advancing equity and access in the cannabis world for Tribal Nations and Indigenous people. In just a few short years, the organization has been the catalyst for major change, advocating for policy reform, helping to build sustainable economic opportunities, and ensuring Indigenous communities are not left behind in the rapidly expanding cannabis economy.
Global Impact and Increased Presence
In 2024, ICIA took its advocacy to the global stage, representing U.S. Indigenous cannabis interests at key international events. Founder Rob Pero, who hails from the Bad River and Oneida Nations, took part in the International Cannabis Business Conference (ICBC) in Berlin, where he spoke on a panel discussing emerging cannabis markets. The ICIA also made its mark at the inaugural Andean Hemp & Cannabis Trade Forum in Peru, where the leadership team engaged with global cannabis leaders and explored the growing cannabis industry in South America. These international engagements are helping ensure that Indigenous voices are heard on the world stage, marking a pivotal moment in the global cannabis conversation.
Pero’s enthusiasm for the cannabis plant’s healing potential remains at the core of ICIA’s mission. “Increased access to safe and effective plant medicine can safely benefit everyone, particularly Indigenous communities who have long been disproportionately affected by the opioid crisis,” he said. “Now is the time to work together for change.”
National Policy and Regional Advocacy
While the ICIA’s international presence has been vital, the group has also made substantial progress on the ground, particularly with U.S. policy reform. One of their most notable achievements was hosting the National Indigenous Cannabis Policy Summit in Washington, D.C. in November, which became the go-to event for discussions around cannabis legalization and the sovereignty of Tribal Nations. The summit highlighted the complex issues surrounding cannabis policy, with an emphasis on ensuring that Indigenous communities have the right to govern their own cannabis markets and benefit from the industry’s growth.
Closer to home, ICIA focused its efforts on Wisconsin, where the state’s Tribal Nations face challenges accessing plant medicine. By bringing together leaders in the cannabis industry with Indigenous representatives, ICIA hosted its second annual Wisconsin Cannabis Industry and Policy Summit at the Ho-Chunk Casino & Hotel. The event focused on advocacy, education, and resources with the goal of increasing access to medical cannabis. The summit was a pivotal moment in Wisconsin’s cannabis reform efforts, and it led to the creation of the Wisconsin Tribal Task Force on Cannabis.
In a more ambitious move, ICIA launched the Wisconsin Wellness Campaign, a public awareness initiative aimed at pushing for the legalization of medical cannabis in the state. The campaign, which ran through October, called on Wisconsin voters to “choose healing over harm,” promoting cannabis as a tool for wellness and combating the stigma that has long surrounded the plant.
Shaping Federal Cannabis Policy
On the federal front, the ICIA is continuing to push for policy change on behalf of Indigenous communities, particularly in relation to cannabis rescheduling. In 2024, the organization mobilized its network to participate in the Drug Enforcement Administration’s (DEA) public comment period ahead of its 2025 rescheduling hearing. By encouraging Indigenous members to submit comments, ICIA ensured that the concerns and perspectives of Tribal Nations would be included in the discussion on federal cannabis policy.
Looking Ahead: A Vision for 2025 and Beyond
The Indigenous Cannabis Industry Association is not slowing down. With the foundation set, the group is ready to continue its work into 2025 and beyond, fostering collaboration and advocating for policies that increase access to plant medicine, boost economic development, and empower Indigenous entrepreneurs.
“We’ve only scratched the surface,” said Executive Director Mary Jane Oatman. “The work we’re doing today will have a long-lasting impact on the future of Indigenous communities, and we’re just getting started.”
In the coming year, ICIA plans to expand its leadership platforms, host more summits, and continue its focus on advocacy for federal, state, and local cannabis reform. The organization is also looking to develop new opportunities for engagement, ensuring that Indigenous voices continue to play an integral role in shaping the future of the cannabis industry. As the industry evolves, the ICIA will remain at the forefront of efforts to create a more equitable and just cannabis economy for all Indigenous peoples.
About ICIA:
The Indigenous Cannabis Industry Association is a nonprofit organization dedicated to advancing the cannabis and hemp industries for the benefit of Indigenous communities and Tribal Nations. With a focus on advocacy, education, and economic development, ICIA is empowering Indigenous entrepreneurs and leaders to thrive in the cannabis space. To learn more about ICIA and its ongoing efforts, visit indigenouscannabis.org.