Empowering Oregon's Cannabis Industry
Join us in shaping the future of cannabis in Oregon with a united voice and shared vision.
Advocacy, Support, Growth
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About the Cannabis Industry Alliance of Oregon
The Cannabis Industry Alliance of Oregon (CIAO) is a powerful coalition formed by the merger of Oregon’s leading cannabis trade associations. As a member-driven non-profit, we advocate for over 500 cannabis licenses and ancillary businesses statewide. Our mission is to foster a respected and prosperous legal cannabis industry through strategic lobbying and policy advocacy. CIAO is committed to empowering cannabis business owners to take control of their future and define what this industry should be.
CIAO, along with its four founding organizations (OCA, OIPA, ORCA, Farms Inc.), has proven time and again that when the cannabis industry unites, we can achieve meaningful policy reforms. As our industry faces massive challenges and a constantly evolving regulatory landscape, it’s vital for us to stand together. We believe that the future of our industry should be shaped by those who live and breathe it every day—not by politicians or prohibitionists.
WHAT WE HAVE ACCOMPLISHED
CIAO has a proven track record of fighting for the cannabis industry and winning key battles. Some highlights include:
- Licensing Reforms (2024): Stopped the OLCC from accepting new license applications until rational license-to-population ratios are met.
- Aspergillus Testing Victory (2023): Successfully eliminated unjust Aspergillus compliance testing.
- Sales Tax Hikes Defeated (2017-2023): Thwarted multiple attempts to increase cannabis sales taxes.
- SB 408 (2021): Secured significant reforms to enforcement, product limits, transfer rules, and expanded edible THC limits.
WHAT WE ARE WORKING ON FOR 2025
- Regulation Modernization: We are focused on modernizing outdated rules, such as streamlining the Cannabis Tracking System (CTS). We’re advocating for digital manifests, extending transport and reconciliation timelines, and simplifying compliance to reduce the operational burden on cannabis businesses.
- Fair Treatment by State Agencies: We’re pushing for equitable treatment of cannabis businesses across all state agencies. This includes ensuring access to the same resources and benefits that other legal industries enjoy, such as enterprise zones and financial assistance.
- Interstate Commerce Readiness: As federal cannabis legalization approaches, we’re working to align Oregon’s hemp and cannabis definitions with federal standards. This will position Oregon to lead in interstate commerce, ensuring our businesses are ready to compete on a national level when the opportunity arises.
- Protecting the Industry from Harmful Regulations: We remain vigilant in opposing harmful regulations that could hinder the growth of cannabis businesses, whether through unnecessary compliance measures, tax hikes, or overly restrictive market conditions.
- Supporting Small and Rural Producers: Recognizing the unique challenges faced by small and rural cannabis businesses, our 2025 priorities include policies that provide these essential businesses with the flexibility needed to thrive, particularly in production and distribution.
CALL TO ACTION
With the 2025 legislative session fast approaching, your support and engagement are more critical than ever. Together, we can ensure a strong and thriving future for Oregon’s cannabis industry.
All membership levels support continuous and effective advocacy for legislative and regulatory reforms and development of policy for the cannabis culture and community.
Explore Our Membership Options
Green Level Membership
Connect and Support- Admission to CIAO’s monthly meetings
- Exclusive legislative and policy updates
- MAPS Credit Union access
- Business directory listing
- CIAO voting rights
- Access to Members HUB
Silver Level Membership
Unlock More Benefits- GREEN +
- Outreach to OLCC on behalf of licensee
- 72 hr staff response time
- Lobby day invitation
- Enhanced marketing opportunities
- Eligible to serve on the CIAO BOD
Gold Level Membership
Shape the Future- SILVER +
- Hands-on role in policy shaping
- 24 hr staff response time
- Seat on the Policy Committee
- Monthly gold level meeting
- Exclusive legislative meetings
- Media engagement
What Our Members Say
CIAO provided us greater opportunities to have a voice with regulatory authorities that oversee our industry. We have seen progressive and positive change year over year since joining.
The CIAO has helped connect me with other businesses and license types and allowed me to give input on specific legislation to improve our day to day business
Our membership with CIAO is critical for connecting with industry peers and staying on top of ever-changing laws and regulations. Just as important, as a small independent operator, CIAO has given us a platform for our voice to be heard.
The Cannabis Industry Alliance of Oregon (CIAO) is the driving force for operators in the state’s cannabis industry. Their leadership is exceptional, consistently keeping the organization active and focused on real improvements through lobbying and rule-making processes. In my experience, CIAO is the most engaged and impactful cannabis professional organization I’ve encountered, demonstrating a strong commitment to advancing the industry in Oregon
The cannabis industry has experienced increasingly choppy waters over the last few years. Having a determined and steady hand at the helm to keep the ship sailing in the right direction is essential. CIAO is that steady hand. Without CIAO we would all still be suffering the negative impacts of Aspergillus testing requirements, lower consumer purchase limits, painfully redundant processing and packaging rules, and most likely, increased retail sales taxes. All of which have negative financial impacts on every licensee. Luckily, CAIO is here to keep us collectively engaged in constructive progress. If you’re not a member, you’re not really in the game, you’re just sitting in the sidelines. Get in the game!
Join Us in Shaping the Future of Cannabis
Support the Oregon cannabis industry by becoming a CIAO member today. Together, we can advocate for smarter policies and a thriving market. Your membership makes a difference.