The National Cannabis Roundtable (NCR) has expanded its membership to include Ascend Wellness Holdings, Proper Brands and Verano. 

The NCR said these additions reinforce the organization’s commitment to championing responsible cannabis policies through sensible regulation, criminal justice reform, social equity and community reinvestment. The organization now includes 18 members.

"I am pleased to welcome these new members that are joining us during a pivotal year for the cannabis industry,” said NCR Executive Director Saphira Galoob. "As nascent industry leaders, their collective insights and support of a diverse and equitable industry will further fortify NCR's ongoing efforts to engage with policymakers, collaborate across sectors and drive meaningful change in the evolving landscape of federal cannabis policy.”

“We are proud to join the important federal work being led by the National Cannabis Roundtable to advocate for social justice, promote sensible policies and contribute to the sustainable and safe development of the cannabis industry,” said Frank Perullo, co-founder and director of Ascend Wellness. “This is an exciting time as we are watching legalization rapidly sweep the country, creating opportunities for operators and meeting the needs of patients and consumers. We look forward to supporting the mission of NCR and working together to create an industry we all will be proud of.”

"We are thrilled to join NCR, an exciting partnership that aligns our vision for positive change in the cannabis industry,” said John Pennington, CEO and co-founder of Proper Brands. “Joining forces with an exceptional team of leaders and organizations, we are poised to drive transformative policy improvements, ushering in a new era of progress in the economic and social landscape of cannabis."

“The National Cannabis Roundtable conducts important work advancing sensible and equitable cannabis reform policies that seek the best possible solutions for legal cannabis businesses, patients and consumers nationwide, and we’re incredibly grateful for the opportunity to join them in support of these critical objectives,” said Darren Weiss, president of Verano. "As cannabis continues to be recognized for its numerous economic, social and scientifically proven health benefits the federal government now officially acknowledges, we’re thrilled to support the National Cannabis Roundtable and their impactful advocacy initiatives.”