Neil Yorio - Denver Relief Consulting

Resource Innovation Institute (National)

Derek Smith, Founder & Executive Director

“Denver Relief Consulting’s team members were pioneers in the cannabis industry, and they remain at the forefront today. Their approach to leadership is unique in that they engage early, and deeply, in a range of progressive initiatives strategic to the industry’s societal position. As Resource Innovation Institute establishes standards to drive conservation in the industry, our effort is magnified through leveraging DRC’s network and collaborative intent.”

Minority Cannabis Business Association (National)

Jesce Horton, Board Chairman

“Denver Relief Consulting has proven to have the insight needed to progress the cannabis industry in the right direction. We are proud to collaborate with them in our mission to create equal access and economic empowerment for cannabis businesses, their patients, and the communities most affected by the War on Drugs. The leadership at Denver Relief Consulting has been instrumental in the continued success of the Minority Cannabis Business Association.”

Sweet Grass Kitchen (Colorado)

Julie Camille, Owner

“If not for the bioassay report prepared by Denver Relief Consulting, Sweet Grass Kitchen wouldn’t have been able to get info like this. The report was thorough, straight-forward and easy to understand. We have since noticed an increase in our sales at Denver Relief and are very excited to use these stats to our benefit at other medical marijuana centers.”

MMC Depot (National)

Dovid Zussman, Owner

“DRC was instrumental to the launch of our MMC packaging division. Their industry know how and wide network of contacts helped us navigate our way through an otherwise unfamiliar business environment. Our product offering, sales strategy and marketing tactics were all greatly influenced by the advice we received from Ean, Kayvan and their team of experts. DRC continues to be our industry “insider” to help us maintain our competitive edge in this rapidly growing industry. I would highly recommend their services to any business seeking entrance into the MMJ industry.”

Nature’s Way Wellness Center (Colorado)

Brian Yaninek, Owner

“We have benefited from and genuinely appreciate DRC’s recent visits to our facility. We were able to make both major and minor adjustments that have drastically improved our grow operation. Our product quality has always been one of our top priorities and consistently receives top rated reviews. Since DRC’s visits and the implementation of their suggestions the quality is superior, yields have increased, and our staff is more motivated and educated. Nature’s Way, without a doubt, recommends anyone in the grow business to utilize their expertise as we firmly believe we made a solid investment for the future of our company.”

Kine Mine (Colorado)

Jason Siegel, Manager

“Being a brand new business in the newest industry in America has a multitude of challenges. That’s where Denver Relief Consulting comes in. These guys have unprecedented knowledge of the medical marijuana industry and their business savvy coupled with complete respect for the laws and regulations make them one of the most valuable assets to have in your arsenal. If you have any questions or concerns about your medical marijuana business, your next phone call should be to Denver Relief Consulting.”

Rocky Mountain Business Products (National)

Jay Tittman, Owner

“I’ve been using Denver Relief Consulting for a year and wish I had found them sooner. They have assisted in our company’s marketing efforts directed towards the marijuana industry. With introductions to the industries best associations and business leaders, we have rapidly been able to establish ourselves as a leader in the sales of Office Supplies, Custom Printing, Labels, and Bumper Stickers to the industry. Our increased sales and revenue are a testimony to DRC’S effectiveness and knowledge of the industry.”

Greenhouse Payment Solutions (National)

Chris Mills, Owner

“I have worked with the owners of Denver Relief for quite a while now and can see how dedicated they are to their business. As the owners of this premier Medical Marijuana Center, they are very professional and fully aware of all industry standards. Denver Relief Consulting has the pulse of the cannabis industry nationwide. From my experience, they are very approachable and easy to work with, for both established dispensaries and new businesses. I highly recommend Denver Relief Consulting if you desire to keep your cannabis business cutting edge in this ever evolving industry or just need some guidance with all the puzzle pieces.”

Sticky Buds (Colorado)

Rod Hurlbut, Owner

“We realized after being in this business for nearly 5 years we needed some help implementing a new software application. Denver Relief Consulting seemed to offer the right solution and we quickly realized it was the perfect relationship. They understood the issues immediately and helped us implement a steady course of action. Regardless of your needs Ean, Kayvan, and the DRC team will make sure your questions get answered!”

Medically Correct, Incredibles Chocolates (Colorado)

Rick Scarpello, Owner

“Denver Relief is a model medical marijuana business, not only because of its success in the competitive marketplace but because of its focus on community and political involvement. This level of responsibility and engagement embodies NCIA’s vision for what our industry as a whole should strive for. Denver Relief Consulting provides a way for others to replicate this responsible and profitable business model in their own communities and is playing a major role in moving our industry forward.”

Quark Distribution (inventors of Stink Sack™)

Ross Kirsh, President

“Denver Relief Consulting played a key role in helping us successfully develop our Stink Sack™ Secure Child-Resistant Bags. Using their extensive knowledge of the industry as a soundboard, we were able to tailor our products to the needs of dispensary owners- both by price and by functionality- as evidenced by our strong sales which began immediately after launch. It was a true pleasure to work with Ean and Kayvan and we look forward to continued collaborations in the future!”

Growhouse Fraser (Colorado)

Jolie Swisher, Property Manager

“Growhouse would not be the company it is today without the help of Denver Relief Consulting. Ean and the team were there for us from the very beginning. They gave us guidance in all realms of the marijuana industry, from licensing and compliancy to aiding us in developing strong relationships with vendors. DRC’s insight has proven invaluable in growing our business.”

Thames Valley Apothecary (Connecticut)

Laurie Zrenda, Owner

“I’m a pharmacist in Connecticut, and I was interested in applying to open a medical marijuana dispensary,but I didn’t know where to begin. I met Kayvan in Chicago at the National Cannabis Industry Association Symposium in August of 2014. Applications were due in November 2014 and Denver Relief Consulting worked quickly to help me prepare many portions of the application. Connecticut’s regulations are unique and DRC customized the plans to match the state’s requirements. Jill worked tirelessly toward the deadline date. Out of 27 applicants, 6 dispensaries were granted licenses, and ours was one of them. Because of the knowledge, experience and dedication of the team at DRC, I now have the chance to own my own business, participate in data collection for medical marijuana research studies and promote medical marijuana in a professional, positive manner. Kayvan and his team were always available to talk to, and I know they’ll be there to guide me as we work toward opening.”

MJFreeway (National)

Amy Poinsett, CEO

“Denver Relief Consulting brings an unmatched depth of knowledge of marijuana business to their clients. Having worked with them for three years, I can say with confidence that their insight and meaningful feedback has been a valuable asset to our team. Their passion and enthusiasm for this industry is evident in all that they do.”

New Economy Consulting (Oregon)

Sam Chapman, Founder

“Denver Relief Consulting is without a doubt one of the foremost leaders in the cannabis consulting sector across the country. DRC has brought some of the most reputable experts onto their team in order to best represent their client’s interests in the application process, buildout, and ongoing compliance. From master growers and lighting technicians, to public officials and former NASA Scientists, businesses who choose to work with DRC can rest easy at night knowing they are in the best of hands. When it comes to civic engagement and participation, the amount of community awareness and involvement that the team over at DRC has put forth over the years is unmatched by any other company in the industry today. From providing free bicycle and wheelchair repairs for people who need them, to planting community gardens for people who would otherwise go hungry, DRC knows that creating a successful business in the emerging cannabis industry is not about being the biggest fish in the pond, it’s not about how rich you’re going to get, it’s about the community you operate in and how you bring them up with you.”

Manna Molecular Science, LLC (National)

Nial DeMena, CEO

“Denver Relief Consulting continues to bring value, business acumen, and to enhance Manna Molecular Science’s national profile. It’s fantastic to have Nick, Kayvan and Ean as a sounding board for new ideas, or as means of accessing industry clientele and pairing them with our novel technologies, and for connecting our ideas to the people most likely to benefit from them. I would recommend them for a variety of reasons – too many to list here – and highlight their insider knowledge of cannabis industry’s trends, operations, and needs that enable Manna to focus on successful short- and long-term growth strategies. The best part is that they bring perspective and personality and a sense of corporate identity to bare in the service of legal cannabis and, specifically, to Manna, through activism, modeling behavior, and philanthropy. They are one of the rare finds. They were there in the beginning and will continue to thrive in the coming decades because they are good people doing fantastic work.”

ArcView Investor Network (National)

Troy Dayton, Founder

“Denver Relief has redefined what it means to be an industry leader at ArcView. They’ve brought us some great companies and have partnered with and invested in numerous start-ups to make a significant difference in their growth. Ean and Kayvan are super knowledgeable in so many areas of the cannabis industry and really help investors understand a very nuanced and sometimes difficult to understand industry.”

Silver State Relief and Silver State Cultivation LLC (Nevada)

Sonny Newman, Owner/President

“After interviewing six different cannabis business consultants, Denver Relief Consulting was by far the most prepared and professional. They were instrumental in providing us with direction, expertise, and advise on all aspects of the business during our state application process. The entire staff was always responsive and provided us with all information we needed to be successful. With the direction from Denver Relief Consulting, Silver State Relief was able to obtain the highest evaluation score on all three of our license applications in the State of Nevada. We are confident in our plans going forward and look forward to a continued relationship with Denver Relief Consulting.”

Silver Sage Wellness (Nevada)

Pam & Jim Blasco, Owners

“How do you say thank you to a group of people that are helping us to realize a vision. My husband and I felt a connection with Denver Relief the first time we spoke on a conference call. The shared vision has been given breath and continues to have expanded life. The dream of providing medicine without side effects for all people and especially the special needs population is our life’s purpose. We are very grateful to have been directed to our partners at Denver Relief who continue to help us build Silver Sage Wellness with a genuine caring and appreciation. Their business model is designed with intelligence and integrity”

Las Vegas Releaf (Nevada)

Michael Hayford, Launch Manager

“In entering the medical cannabis industry we were very aware of what we didn’t know and immediately engaged a number of marijuana business and technology consultants to fill the void; and we quickly and painfully learned that not all consulting firms are equal! Over the course of a year we had engaged as many as six consulting groups, which cost us precious time, money and aggravation. Through divine intervention and strategic partners we began to work with Denver Relief Consulting, we immediately learned “what good looks like” in the cannabis consulting. The Denver Relief Consulting team engaged our project with knowledgeable and collaborative staff, their approach was refreshing as it reflected their commitment to industry and the patients we serve. Their business practices and ethics are beyond reproach, their business, operations, and technology experience is “TOP SHELF” and is supported by extensive documentation. Kayvan Khalatbari and the Denver Relief Consulting team worked side by side with our team from start to final inspection and the opening of our business. We can’t say enough positive things about Denver Relief Consulting!”

Council on Responsible Cannabis Regulation

Steve Fox, Executive Director

“The leaders of Denver Relief and Denver Relief Consulting represent the best of the cannabis industry. They understand that involvement in the cannabis industry is not just about cultivation and customer care; it is also about being upstanding members of the community. As we strive to introduce leaders from across the country and around the world to cannabis regulation, we are proud to have Denver Relief on our short list of facilities to visit. “

Cresco Labs (Illinois)

Charles Bachtell, CEO

Cresco Labs was fortunate to meet Kayvan, Ean and Denver Relief Consulting early in our efforts to enter this industry. Their experience, industry knowledge and professionalism are immediately apparent when anyone meets them – whether the audience be industry pioneers, traditional business professionals or state regulators. DRC was a fundamental component of Cresco’s success in the Illinois application process – we received all three of the cultivation/processing licenses for which we applied by receiving the three highest scores of the 158 applications reviewed by the state.”

National Cannabis Industry Association

Aaron Smith, Executive Director

“Denver Relief is a model medical marijuana business, not only because of its success in the competitive marketplace but because of its focus on community and political involvement. This level of responsibility and engagement embodies NCIA’s vision for what our industry as a whole should strive for. Denver Relief Consulting provides a way for others to replicate this responsible and profitable business model in their own communities and is playing a major role in moving our industry forward.”

Tweed (Canada)

Ryan Douglas, Head of Cultivation

“Denver Relief Consulting has been an invaluable resource for Tweed Inc. as we strive to become Canada’s number one provider of medical marijuana. Both Kayvan and Nick have proven extremely helpful by providing industry insight and customized cultivation consulting. I first reached out to DRC as I was facing some challenges in our rapidly expanding cultivation department. In less than one day I was on the phone with their Head Grower Nick Hice, who was on vacation and attending a wedding. The fact that he made time for me during such an important personal event spoke volumes. I have since consulted with Nick weekly for advice on everything from growing techniques to efficient post-harvest strategies. In an industry where everyone is a self-proclaimed expert, it is refreshing to work with a group of people that are humble, honest and genuine. I look forward to Tweed’s continued relationship with Denver Relief Consulting, and I strongly recommend their services to anyone seeking advice in our industry.”

ASAP

Alternative Solutions Advocacy Program logo

Alternative Solutions Advocacy Program is non-profit organization which focuses on compassion-based alternatives for those living without homes in Denver. As co-founder of this organization, Kayvan Khalatbari was proud to help build Denver’s very first Tiny Home Village. While ending homelessness is a complex, systemic challenge that requires the best from every sector of a community at the center of these solutions we need smart, research informed, and compassionate policy. Bringing together community leaders, policy makers and those experiencing homelessness first hand, ASAP is able to work on the social problem of homelessness at both the state and local levels.

NCBA

Launched in 2017 with a mission to support the compliance, transparency and growth of legal cannabis businesses in the U.S., the National Association of Cannabis Businesses (NACB) is the cannabis industry’s first self-regulatory organization (SRO). Led by a team of government, legal, banking and data security experts — including DRC’s Ean Seeb — the NACB helps member businesses establish voluntary national standards that address critical issues such as regulatory compliance and financial integrity. SROs have proven to be a highly effective means of helping to encourage growth in industries, shield companies from unnecessary government interference, and protect the public. Similar to other SROs, such as the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (“FINRA”) in the financial industry, the NACB intends to work with members to create uniform, national standards to ensure its members act ethically and responsibly. The NACB provides members access to a variety of expertise, tools and services that they are unlikely to access elsewhere, which are intended to help them enhance the value of their business and navigate the complex web of perpetually shifting regulations in the regulated cannabis market.

Memberships are available to all state-licensed cultivators, processors, retailers, and testing labs, as well as ancillary product and service providers. Apply to become a member HERE.

MCBA

The Minority Cannabis Business Association (MCBA) is the first 501(c)(6) not for profit business league created specifically to progress the cannabis industry by increasing diversity. As a member of the managing board of the MCBA, Kayvan Khalatbari believes in the importance of creating equal access to the industry — as well as economic empowerment —for the communities most affected by the war on drugs. The MCBA believes that by increasing the representation of minorities among cannabis business employees, owners and investors, the industry can maximize its unique potential to serve as an economic accelerator and creator of opportunity, and improve critical social and health measures of all communities.

Colorado Youth Symphony Orchestra

For more than a quarter century the Colorado Youth Symphony Orchestra has provided youth symphony orchestra programs for aspiring young musicians in the Denver community. Kayvan Khalatbari sits on the Board of Directors, and regularly contributes funds to the organization — both personally and through his various businesses — helping CYSO to provide Colorado’s children access to musical understanding, while fostering social growth, self-esteem, and a lifelong love of music for all aspiring musicians.

Utah State University

Denver Relief Consulting has partnered with Neil Yorio, a LED lighting expert and technology consultant, and Bruce Bugbee, a Professor of Crop Physiology from Utah State University to conduct research on the application of energy efficient LED lighting technologies in cultivation.

Professor Bugbee has an extensive background in scientific research and academia and currently teaches in the Plants, Soils, & Climate Department at Utah State University. Bugbee has participated in several highly distinguished comprehensive scientific reviews, including NASA Life Sciences research for the National Research Council and proposal reviews for the American Association of Biological Sciences Advisory panel. In addition, professor Bugbee helped the NRC publish and co-edit a book, “Advanced Technology for Human Life Support in Space”. Bugbee was the recipient of the 2012 Utah Governor’s Medal for Science Award and continues to be a leader in agriculture and plant sciences.

Neil Yorio is currently the product manager for Biological Innovation & Optimization Systems’ LED grow lamp and fixture program and serves as a technology consultant to Denver Relief Consulting. Yorio has experience working with NASA for over 20 years on research involving a number of aspects of photobiology, plant physiology, and controlled environment horticulture applied to keeping humans alive for long-duration space missions.

Though LED lamps are known to require substantially less electricity use than traditional high-pressure sodium (HPS) and metal-halide (MH) lamps, they are used infrequently in cannabis cultivation operations because there is little reliable information about their effect on cannabis yield, potency, and terpene development. In coordination with Professor Bugbee, DRC is performing a research and development project that will provide data on the response of cannabis plants to LED lighting in comparison to lighting technologies traditionally used in cultivation. This R&D project will provide valuable information that has the potential to legitimize the use of energy-saving LED technology not only in the cannabis industry, but also in controlled environment agriculture as a whole. The data will also be used to analyze how the installation of LED fixtures can tie into utility rebates and programs and to create cost analysis scenarios that producers can use to justify selection of lighting technologies for their facilities.

Denver Water, Denver Wastewater Management, and Xcel Energy

Through our collaboration with the Department of Environmental Health, DRC has the opportunity to engage with Xcel Energy, Denver Water and Denver Wastewater Management in the development of resource conservation strategies for the cannabis industry. DRC presented the utility service providers with information about industry best practices and technologies, specifically about environmental sustainability and efficiency. The utility service providers and DRC worked collaboratively to encourage industry operators to decrease environmental impact, and ultimately helped develop financial incentives for installing environmentally efficient technologies and implementing energy-conserving methodologies. Through these incentive programs, DRC and utility provider partners aim to increase environmental stewardship in the cannabis industry and the community as a whole.

The Denver Department of Environmental Health

Denver Relief Consulting serves as a trusted advisor to the Denver Department of Environmental Health, which is responsible for advising industry operators regarding effective and sustainable approaches to energy use. DRC has partnered with the Department in order to consult on environmental efficiencies and technologies that have been tested and proven within DRC facilities. Kayvan Khalatbari currently Co-Chairs a committee within the Department, and DRC overall helps them gain reliable information by providing accurate data regarding the environmental impact of cannabis cultivation and manufacturing facilities. As a result of this partnership, DRC now reviews all Department-produced materials intended for cannabis business operators. DRC and the Department of Environmental Health plan to provide collaborative comments on future regulations in order to encourage the industry to develop sustainably.

Jewish Family Service

Founded in 1987, Jewish Family Service is a nonsectarian, nonprofit human services agency that serves metro Denver and Boulder. JFS aims to restore well-being to vulnerable populations in the Denver community by delivering services based on Jewish values. JFS programs are varied, and activities include providing food and financial aid to people in crisis, aiding independently-living seniors, providing mental health services, and employment training and placement for those with barriers to employment. The JFS Weinberg Food Pantry accepts produce harvested by Ekar Farms and its volunteers.

Harm Reduction Action Center

The Harm Reduction Action Center is a Colorado-based non-profit organization that works to improve public health by reducing harms associated with drug use. The organization provides services aimed at curbing the spread of disease among intravenous drug users and reducing the incidence of accidental overdoses. The HRAC also works collaboratively with a variety of parties, including lawmakers, law enforcement, and health providers, to achieve the goal of a safer and healthier Colorado. In 2014, the DRC team contributed to the Harm Reduction Action Center’s annual Thanksgiving Potluck, which provided a homemade thanksgiving meal to many intravenous drug users who utilize the HRAC’s services, and continues to support them by helping with monthly neighborhood cleanups near their offices, and sponsoring naloxone trainings to help educate people in overdose prevention.

Ekar Farms

Ekar Farm is the largest donation-based nonprofit Organic Urban Farm in the nation and through their work with the GREEN TEAM, Denver Relief Consulting has helped to donate 10,000 lbs of fresh produce to food banks, food pantries and pay-what-you-can restaurants — most of which was eaten within 48 hours of harvesting. Offering educational programming and communal gardening days, Ekar Farm seeks to pass along a tradition of sustainable farming to the next generation.

Denver Rescue Mission

The Denver Rescue Mission is a long-standing full-service charity based in Denver. The organization is non-denominational, and provides services to all, regardless of gender, race, color, creed, national origin, religion, age, handicap, sexual orientation, or any other status. The Denver Rescue Mission serves people in need, with the goal of returning them to society as productive, self-sufficient citizens. Services provided include emergency food and shelter, a clinic, the provision of basic hygiene products, rehabilitation, and a variety of family-oriented services. Some of the meals provided to those in times of crisis are made with produce donated by Ekar Farms, harvested in collaboration with the Green Team.

Green Team

The Denver Relief GREEN TEAM was the vision of Denver Relief co-founder Ean Seeb, who — along with his partners, Kayvan Khalatbari and Nick Hice — wanted a way to extend the charity work they were doing in other areas of their lives to their medical marijuana business. The goal was to show that cannabis business owners can be as invested in their neighborhoods as any business, by giving back to the communities that support them.

The Green Team was founded as a volunteer-based community outreach program in conjunction with Denver Relief’s retail, cultivation, and infused product operations. Denver Relief Consulting is now deeply engaged in Green Team work and members of the DRC team are currently responsible for organizing and overseeing Green Team events. We are currently in the process of converting the Green Team to a 501(c)(3) in an effort to expand our community service network nationwide.

In 2010, they began by organizing friends and patients to help clean up Denver’s Civic Center Park at the annual 4/20 rally. Rally goers were notorious for leaving behind all manners of trash, and the public perception shifted against them, painting all supporters of cannabis as “squalid” and “disrespectful.” Four years later, the GREEN TEAM spoke to the 4/20 crowds of 50,000+ and handed out over 375 trash bags, with more than 100 volunteers taking up the cause.

Soon, the GREEN TEAM began branching out to other areas of need, including hosting wheelchair and bike repair clinics outside of the dispensary during the summer. For patients that already had mobility issues, these simple repairs meant huge increases in their quality of life.

The GREEN TEAM also takes part in a monthly series of events during the summer at EKAR Farms, which provides fresh, organic vegetables to families in need around the Denver metro area via the Jewish Family Service and Denver Rescue Mission food pantries.

In addition, the GREEN TEAM regularly collects winter coats, canned and non-perishable food items, toys for children in towns struck by natural disasters, and hygiene products for the Harm Reduction Action Center.

Rocky Mountain Jewish Historical Society

One of the premier local Jewish historical societies in the United States, the Rocky Mountain Jewish Historical Society is the largest and most exhaustive historical society of its kind in the region. In addition to his other impressive work on behalf of the Jewish community, Ean Seeb serves on the Board of Directors of the RMJHS, and helps to preserve the fascinating history of the Jewish community in the West by providing rich archives, exhibits, and resources for scholars and individuals interested in historical research through this incredibly important organization

Jewish National Fund

A global environmental leader, the Jewish National Fund, has planted more than 250 million trees, built hundreds of reservoirs and dams, created parks, developed hundreds of thousands of acres of land, and provided infrastructure for more than 1,000 communities. This nonprofit organization–operating for more than 100 years–has evolved to be the force behind many notable contributions to the global community. The JNF has proved to be a central force in building Israel’s future by protecting, revitalizing, developing, and preserving the land in accordance with long-term visions and in response to pressing contemporary crises. Though our annual sponsorship, DRC continues to contribute to the organization’s goal of environmental betterment.

E-3 Events

Co-founded by Ean Seeb, E-3 Events is a community organization that produces events that bridge pop culture with traditional Jewish values, providing a connection to Jewish life for the secular and the religiously affiliated alike. E-3 Events is the genius behind Heebonism, which was an annual celebration of young Jewish culture during the holiday season that took place for nearly a decade. Aside from providing an enjoyable environment for young people to mix and mingle, Heebonism and other E-3-produced events encourage charitable engagement by discounting event tickets for those who donate perishable goods.

Anti-Defamation League

Ean Seeb has served on the Board of Directors for the Mountain States region of the Anti-Defamation League since 2009. A national organization founded in 1913, the ADL is one of the nation’s premier civil rights/human relations agencies. In addition to fighting anti-Semitism, the organization works to counter all forms of bigotry, deter and oppose hate crimes, defend democratic ideals, protect civil rights, and to secure justice and fair treatment for all. As Board Member for the Mountain States region, Ean assists the organization in achieving these laudable goals in Colorado and Wyoming.

Students for Sensible Drug Policy

Students for Sensible Drug Policy is a grassroots-based international student network that advocates for sensible drug policy at the local, state, and federal level. SSDP has an impressive history of student-run campaigns for sensible drug policy and has encouraged thousands of college-age students to engage in the political process for a safer and more just future. Kayvan Khalatbari sits on the Board of Trustees for the SSDP, and DRC is proud to contribute to SSDP in a sponsorship role. In addition to sponsoring SSDP through DRC, Kayvan has been a long-time donor through his local pizza chain, Sexy Pizza, which dedicates proceeds from a special menu item to SSDP. The DRC team has included two SSDP alumnae in the past, who each filled leadership roles in their respective chapters, and we look forward to supporting the youth of tomorrow.

Marijuana Policy Project

As a member of the Marijuana Policy Project, DRC works to change federal law to allow states the freedom to craft novel cannabis policies. MPP has been a central force in state cannabis reform campaigns and initiatives, including Amendment 64 in Colorado, and is well-known for lobbying and ballot initiative efforts as well as sensible cannabis education. By holding a membership with MPP, Denver Relief Consulting is contributing to successful state-level cannabis reform campaigns, which are creating a wave of change in cannabis policy nationwide.

Drug Policy Alliance

The Drug Policy Alliance, is among the most impressive and well-known drug policy reform organizations in the US and worldwide, and promotes drug policies grounded in science, compassion, health, and human rights. As a contributing member, DRC helps the organization ensure that drug policies will no longer result in the arrest, incarceration, disenfranchisement, and harm of millions of people. The DPA envisions and promotes drug policies based on the policy of harm reduction and special consideration for young people and people of color who are disproportionately affected by the war on drugs. In addition to active membership with the DPA, DRC is proud to have hired one of their policy interns to be an associate consultant on our team!

Council on Responsible Cannabis Regulation

The Council on Responsible Cannabis Regulation aims to promote and advance responsible regulation of the cannabis industry in a manner that benefits society, and encourages other states and nations to adopt similar laws, policies, and regulations. As a member of this council, Kayvan Khalatbari is contributes to a collaborative organization that includes both cannabis policy reform advocates and cannabis industry entrepreneurs. The combined knowledge and experience of these two groups enables the organization to strategically advocate for reforms and serve as a resource to elected officials, government agencies, and other stakeholders in implementing responsible regulation of the cannabis industry.

National Cannabis Industry Association

Ean Seeb and Kayvan Khalatbari sit on the Board of Directors for the National Cannabis Industry Association, which advances the interests of the legitimate and regulated cannabis industry by working to ensure that the emerging cannabis sector — which creates thousands of jobs, millions in tax revenue, and billions in economic activity — is treated fairly under federal law. NCIA is composed of responsible cannabis industry businesses that have come together to ensure that the industry is represented in a professional and coordinated way on the national stage. The legislative efforts, the professional network, and the responsible business practices resulting from NCIA’s work serve to expand and further legitimize the legal cannabis market in the United States.