NCR Announces Leadership Changes

 Schwazze Joins NCR
New Partnership With Minorities for Medical Marijuana

WASHINGTON – The National Cannabis Roundtable (NCR) today announced changes to its leadership, naming Charlie Bachtell, CEO and co-founder of Cresco Labs, as Chairman, and Kim Rivers, CEO of Trulieve, as Second Vice Chair. Bachtell replaces Kevin P. Murphy as Chairman. Dr. Chanda Macias will remain First Vice Chair and Christopher Jensen of MANA Supply will remain Treasurer. Former Speaker of the House John A. Boehner will continue to serve as Honorary Chairman.

“Charlie and Kim are two of the most dynamic leaders in the cannabis industry today. We were fortunate to have their direction and expertise as we developed NCR’s corporate social responsibility pledge last year and we are grateful to have now formalized their leadership of NCR. Working in tandem with Dr. Chanda Macias and Christopher Jensen, we have a powerhouse team at the top of our ticket” said Saphira Galoob, NCR Executive Director.

Chicago-based Cresco Labs, of which Bachtell currently serves as CEO, Board Member and Director, is one of the largest vertically integrated cannabis companies in the US with 9 operational sites, 15 production facilities, 25 retail licenses and 15 operational dispensaries. In addition to his role with NCR, Bachtell is also a founding member of the Illinois Cannabis Bar Association and state-based trade associations in Illinois, Pennsylvania and Ohio. Trulieve Cannabis Corp., of which Rivers is CEO and a member of the Board of Directors, was the highest revenue producing – and most profitable – cannabis company in the US last year. Trulieve is a vertically-integrated \”seed-to-sale\” operation that is the first and largest fully-licensed medical cannabis company in Florida with 49 dispensaries across the US.

“NCR has established a visible and well-respected voice on all the federal issues that the cannabis industry is facing today,” said Bachtell.  “This aligns perfectly with the initiatives of Cresco Labs as we act as stewards of the industry addressing regulatory issues in every market we operate in.  I am honored to have been elected Chairman of such a well-run organization and look forward to getting to work during this critical time for the cannabis industry.”

“NCR is not afraid to tackle some of the toughest issues facing our industry, including social equity and consumer safety. These are core values for us as a company as well. Trulieve is proud to partner with NCR as it works to ensure a diverse, inclusive and safe industry for our consumers and employees alike,” said Rivers.

In addition to leadership changes, NCR added Schwazze, formerly operating as Medicine Men Technologies, Inc. to its membership. Schwazze is represented on the NCR board by Chairman and CEO Justin Dye. Colorado-based Schwazze was the first publicly traded company to close on a cannabis operator and its family of brands includes cannabis manufacturer Purplebee’s, as well as dispensaries under the banner Mesa Organics.

“Schwazze is a mission-driven company with a goal of creating the most trusted cannabis products to improve the human condition,” said Justin Dye, Chairman and CEO of Schwazze.  “Our company’s legacy is rooted in helping form and change legislation on the local and state level for cannabis operators.  We are excited to join NCR to help move the industry forward at a national level. Joining NCR is a natural next step for us because our organizations share a commitment to ensuring that the cannabis industry can reach its full potential.”

Finally, NCR also announced a new partnership with Minorities for Medical Marijuana. Their founder and CEO, Roz McCarthy, is currently leading the first phase of implementation for NCR’s corporate social responsibility program. As announced in December 2019, all NCR members have pledged to pursue diversity and inclusion within their companies through several pillars of activity, including social justice measures and equity in business opportunities.

“I’m excited and encouraged to see NCR and its members lead the charge on critical issues of equity in cannabis. They have created a transparent and accountable paradigm for their members aimed at advancing achievable progress that will positively impact women and people of color currently working in – or seeking to enter – the cannabis space,” said McCarthy. “We are proud to partner with them as this important work continues.”

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National Cannabis Roundtable

The National Cannabis Roundtable promotes common sense federal regulation, tax equality and financial services reform and supports changing federal law to acknowledge states’ rights to regulate and manage cannabis policy.  The membership of NCR represents every aspect of the cannabis supply chain. Our members operate in 23 states with legal cannabis programs, including the District of Columbia. We are growers, processors, retailers, wellness centers, investors, entrepreneurs, and publicly traded companies.  Learn more at www.nationalcannabisroundtable.org