About US

We are a member supported non-profit trade association that lobbies and advocates on behalf of the cannabis industry and our members. We represent every type of OLCC cannabis license and ancillary businesses dedicated to helping the industry.

Our Mission:

To support, educate, and advocate for a vibrant, diverse, and prosperous cannabis industry in Oregon.

What We Do:

Crafting a clear, professional message and voice in favor of smart cannabis policy that members across the state can support, and in a manner that lawmakers can understand.
Providing members with important legislative services like updates about upcoming committee hearings and work groups, regular newsletters about changes and developments in the cannabis industry, and measure tracking for all measures relating to cannabis policy.
Creating a digital venue where members can interact with one another and stay informed online, and hosting policy briefings during the legislative session.
Connecting our members with their elected officials and the OLCC to discuss cannabis policies that impact their business, and help them prepare and present information.
Assembling work groups within the association so our members can discuss and inform our legislative priorities and help steer the overall direction of the organization.
Hosting monthly member-only meetings where members can network with other industry professionals and receive industry updates – and featuring special guest speakers with expert knowledge on all issues relating to cannabis policy.

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.

All our Accomplishments

Legislative Priorities 2025

Our 2025 legislative agenda is one of our most ambitious yet. Some key priorities include:

Regulation Modernization: We are focused on modernizing outdated rules, such as streamlining the Cannabis Tracking System (CTS).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.

The Background

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.