Adam Rosenberg’s experience across the cannabis supply chain, investment, education, and more is expected to help unify businesses toward federal legalization advocacy.
Adam Rosenberg | Image Credit: Vlasic Labs
In a February 25, 2025, press release1, the National Cannabis Industry Association (NCIA) announced it had unanimously voted Adam Rosenberg as Chairman of the Board. The NCIA is the largest trade organization representing the legal cannabis industry in the US, with the goal of promoting a thriving and fair industry and leading federal reform efforts. Rosenberg will be the first board member to serve as Chairman in his first term.
"We're thrilled to welcome Adam at such a crucial moment for federal cannabis policy," stated Aaron Smith, NCIA's CEO and Co-Founder, in the press release. "His deep industry knowledge, commitment to plant-based innovation, and hands-on experience across the cannabis supply chain will be invaluable as we continue our fight for fair regulations and economic opportunities for cannabis businesses of all sizes. With Lobby Days on the horizon, Adam's leadership will help strengthen our collective voice as we push for long-overdue federal reforms."
Focusing on the expansion of plant-based health alternatives for consumers and nature-driven solutions, Rosenberg has worked as an advisor on strategy building for Vlasic Bioscience, a cannabis and hemp organization founded by the Vlasic family, which built the famous pickle brand. Vlasic support for NCIA has expanded, with a partnership between NCIA and Vlasic for the "Vlasic Classic" charity golf events. Last year, Vlasic Labs hosted the charity golf events that raised $97,500 for the Last Prisoner Project2, a nonprofit organization dedicated to redressing the harms from the War on Drugs, and assisting individuals incarcerated for nonviolent cannabis-related offenses.
Rosenberg had also founded the first student organization at the University of Michigan that focused on cannabis industry professional development. Seeing patients at a pain management clinic use cannabis therapeutically had guided his mission to advocate for safe and accessible cannabis, as well as promote plant-based innovation.
Rosenberg also leads the company Vegan Minerals, which promotes sustainable plant-based nutrition as preventative medicine.
"With the right policies in place, this industry can become a model for innovation, economic growth, and responsible regulation," said Rosenberg. "NCIA has been instrumental in leading that charge, and I look forward to working with my fellow board members to create a better future."
The 13th NCIA Annual Cannabis Industry Lobby Days will be held in Washington, DC, on May 13-15, 2025, bringing together business leaders, advocates, and policymakers. The discussion topics will include SAFER Banking, 280E tax relief, and rescheduling. NCIA aims to ensure cannabis business shape policy and long-term industry growth as conversations increasingly focus on federal legalization.
References
Ep 24, Part III: Data Transparency in Cannabis Testing with Yasha Kahn
December 26th 2024In the final part of this episode, Evan Friedmann and Yasha Kahn discuss the need for a national entity to centralize cannabis data collection, moving from snapshot data to continuous updates. They emphasize the importance of accurate lab data and adverse event tracking, suggesting QR codes on packaging to report issues. Yasha suggests harsher consequences for result manipulation and suggests collaboration between state departments and federal entities to support underfunded regulators. They also discuss the potential benefits of off-the-shelf testing and the importance of stability testing. Finally, Yasha shares his top three reading recommendations for the audience.
Ep 24, Part II: Data Transparency in Cannabis Testing with Yasha Kahn
December 12th 2024Evan Friedmann and Yasha Kahn, co-founder of MCR Labs, discuss the discrepancies between current regulations and data on mycotoxins and pesticides in cannabis products. They highlight the need for updated regulations based on new data, emphasizing the importance of accurate testing and labeling. They also discuss the issue of result manipulation, particularly in THC content, and the need for public health officials to address this. Yasha suggests making testing data public to enhance oversight and suggests a national entity to manage this data for better consistency and public safety.