MITA is Arizona’s cannabis industry trade association—but they’re primed to drive change across the whole country with their industry-shaping model. Drawing the blueprint for education and advocacy that propels the cannabis industry forward, MITA brings industry professionals together to make collective progress possible.

MITA brings industry professionals together to make collective progress possible.

Since its start in 2016, MITA has operated as a non-profit organization in Arizona, growing in membership throughout that time and shaping industry change through its impactful initiatives. Education, transparency, inclusivity, and advocacy for thoughtful free-market-oriented regulations form the core of what drives MITA and sets the foundation for everything they do.

Like Leafly, MITA isn’t directly engaged in plant-touching activities. Instead, they share policy information and resources on the evolving cannabis landscape with diverse stakeholders across the nation, from media and politicians to consumers and industry professionals. With this advocacy, their best-in-class podcasts and videos, and monthly industry events, MITA has emerged as the home for people and businesses dedicated to moving the cannabis industry forward.

A dynamic network of cannabis professionals

If you’re in Arizona, you’re likely well-familiar with MITA’s engaging cannabis networking events. Hosted monthly and typically attracting over a thousand eager attendees, these events form a nexus where cannabis industry professionals meet to foster progress.

The energy at MITA’s cannabis business networking events is infectious, as stakeholders from every corner of the industry get the opportunity to share ideas, celebrate wins, and gain perspective. Members especially look forward to events like the annual MITA Charity Golf Tournament where fun and sun are shared in equal measure to shoptalk and critical resources.

Education with impact

MITA sets itself apart by creating video series and podcast resources that genuinely inspire while sharing essential perspective directly from people working in the cannabis industry.

You see MITA’s unwavering commitment to social equity come to life with the “Cannamentors,” “Social Equity Mentorship Modules,” and “Social Equity Deep Dive” video series. Cannamentors interviews a huge spectrum of industry professionals to understand how they came to the cannabis industry, the hurdles they’ve overcome, and the advice they have for other members in the industry and aspiring professionals.

There are few other places like it where you can find such a deep-looking collection of insight on how to move and find success in the cannabis industry. Watching the series, you’re sure to find invaluable perspective on navigating the business of cannabis, but you’ll also leave feeling inspired, having listened to the stories of so many people who made a place for themselves in this ever-evolving space.

Fostering social equity with critical resources

MITA has emerged as a pioneering force in the cannabis industry by creating exceptional video resources tailored for social equity groups across multiple states. “Social Equity Mentorship Modules” and “Social Equity Deep Dive” are both driven by inclusivity and education, mapping out a detailed guide to the intricacies of state-based social equity programs as well as sharing critical knowledge on how to navigate the dynamic cannabis industry in the future. 

These resources foster a more equitable and informed industry by empowering social equity groups to understand and thrive within the complex framework of their local cannabis programs. They deliver insight from leading experts and create a more connected community within the cannabis industry. MITA then strengthens that connected community with events and video series like their Virtual Town Hall series, where members get the opportunity to share perspective and discuss challenges to move forward together.

MITA Unshackled: Setting the bar high with their award-winning podcast

Launched in June 2022 at ICBC Berlin, the MITA Unshackled podcast immediately made waves with its industry leader interviews, providing an engaging format to unravel the complexities of the cannabis world. Understanding the need for a platform to provide in-depth education for those unfamiliar with the industry, MITA Unshackled immediately set to work with immense support from the community to offer inclusive and insight-dense interviews with leaders from across the industry.

Each episode shares stories and key perspectives on how a diverse spectrum of stakeholders made their way in the industry, offering listeners impactful insight to inform how to grow their own businesses. In 2023, MITA Unshackled was awarded the prestigious, “Cannabis Podcast of the Year” title at The Emjays, highly deserved recognition for a resource that benefits so many.

Get involved with MITA

Joining MITA means becoming part of a community committed to building a strong and sustainable future for the cannabis industry. Membership offers unmatched networking opportunities, exclusive access to industry information, training and education opportunities, local business connections, and brand recognition. MITA’s impressive email list of over 30,000 industry professionals and average open rate of 30% ensures widespread exposure. In 2023, MITA sent 1.64 million emails with a remarkable open count of 565K, making for a 34.51% open rate.

Membership levels include Business Listing (free), Supreme FA Membership ($100), Individual Member ($300 yearly), Business Member ($3,000 yearly), Featured Business Member ($5,000), and Industry Leader ($6,000 yearly). Industry Leader membership offers comprehensive amenities and exclusive benefits, including C-Suite level introductions, speaking opportunities, and more.

MITA stands at the forefront of shaping the cannabis industry’s evolution, fueled by a commitment to education, transparency, inclusivity, and the promotion of thoughtful regulations. With its impactful initiatives, engaging events & series, and influential podcast, MITA continues to be a driving force, leading the way for a progressive and thriving cannabis industry.

Getting involved is easy, so you can join this community of change-makers today. Head to the MITA website to learn more and start connecting.

The U.S. cannabis industry is on the brink of a significant hiring wave in 2024, spurred by a 12% increase in legal sales in 2023, reaching $29 billion. This growth, alongside potential federal reclassification of cannabis, is expected to create up to 100,000 new jobs, particularly in the retail sector, where 93% of companies plan to expand their workforce. The Vangst 2024 Cannabis Salary Guide highlights an industry ready to bounce back from previous economic stagnation, with a strong emphasis on experience, adaptability, and cultural fit in prospective employees.

The cannabis sector is poised for a massive expansion in employment opportunities in 2024, following a year of economic challenges and layoffs. This optimistic forecast comes from Vangst’s latest industry salary guide, which anticipates a hiring boom driven by increased legal cannabis sales and the potential for federal rescheduling. The anticipated move to reclassify cannabis to Schedule III could significantly reduce tax burdens, increase company valuations, and attract more investors, according to Viridian Capital Advisors.

Retail cannabis companies are at the forefront of this hiring surge, with nearly all surveyed indicating plans to bolster their teams in response to growing demand and market expansion. The focus is not just on filling positions but on finding candidates who can navigate the evolving legal and market landscape, prioritize cultural fit, and possess strong communication skills over traditional qualifications.

Salaries in the cannabis industry have also seen an uptick, with top-end wages growing by 4.7%, outpacing the national non-cannabis average. However, the sector still trails behind others in offering comprehensive benefits packages, a gap that affects employee satisfaction and retention. The demand for health insurance and better work-life balance is clear among job seekers in the cannabis space.

Diversity and inclusion are gaining traction within cannabis company hiring practices, with a significant portion of companies implementing strategies to create a more inclusive workforce. The industry’s employment of veterans and individuals with disabilities highlights its diverse nature, but there remains room for improvement.

Why It Matters: This hiring wave marks a pivotal moment for the cannabis industry, signaling a shift towards recovery and growth after a period of stagnation. It underscores the industry’s resilience and its potential to contribute significantly to the economy through job creation and increased sales.

Potential Implications: The anticipated hiring boom in the cannabis industry could lead to wider acceptance and normalization of cannabis use, further influencing policy changes and societal attitudes. Additionally, the focus on diversity and inclusion could set a precedent for other sectors, promoting a more inclusive workforce across industries.

Source: Green Market Report

Summary: Recently unsealed documents reveal the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) recommended cannabis rescheduling from Schedule I to Schedule III under the Controlled Substances Act. This change, based on accepted medical use and lower abuse potential, could significantly impact marijuana research and industry regulations.

A Turning Point in Drug Policy: HHS Recommends Cannabis Rescheduling

The unsealing of documents from the HHS has brought to light a significant recommendation regarding the reclassification of marijuana. The HHS has proposed moving marijuana from Schedule I to Schedule III under the Controlled Substances Act, acknowledging its accepted medical use and lower potential for abuse compared to Schedule I substances. This recommendation, if implemented, could lead to substantial changes in how marijuana is researched, prescribed, and regulated.

Currently, marijuana’s Schedule I status, shared with drugs like heroin and LSD, indicates no accepted medical use and a high potential for abuse. This classification has long been a point of contention, given the growing body of research and state-level legalizations acknowledging marijuana’s medical benefits. The proposed reclassification to Schedule III, which includes drugs like anabolic steroids and Tylenol with codeine, recognizes marijuana’s medical utility and lower abuse risk.