In Their Words: John Arriaga, MCCIA

With the production and consumption of cannabis now legal in California, Monterey County is poised to be a leader in the growing and manufacturing of cannabis and cannabis related products. And as California moves to regulated organic growing of cannabis by 2021, OGS wants to be at the forefront of providing attendees with information and education of this burgeoning industry.

On the heels of the second annual Organic Grower Summit, the Monterey County Cannabis Industry Association (MCCIA) will host the first ever Monterey Cannabis Summit, December 13-14. This first of its kind event on California’s Central Coast will bring together the knowledge and expertise of cannabis business owners, professionals and community partners in California’s fastest growing region for cannabis production.

OPN sat down with John E. Arriaga, the Executive Director of MCCIA, to find out more about the cannabis industry and their summit.

OPN Connect: What is so unique about this area that makes the Central Coast the fastest growing region in the cannabis industry?

John: Monterey Co. is where Big Ag meets technology and innovation---- two vital components in the cannabis industry. Monterey is the third largest Ag County in the state with ideal growing conditions. Couple that with Silicon Valley in our back yard that lends itself to create new technologies and investments.  We are poised to succeed big here.

The cannabis industry - growing and manufacturing - has been welcomed by county officials and most of the cities in the area.

The coastal vibe here also lends itself to the industry. We are eager to establish branding for Monterey cannabis– just like Napa and Sonoma have for the wine industry.”

OPN Connect: The first day features a tour of industry leaders followed by a cocktail reception. The second day includes breakfast, lunch and a featured keynote speaker, with four workshops delving into the most pressing cannabis issues facing the state and the region.

What are some of the pressing issues you will be discussing?

John: “The intent of the summit is to foster collaboration and growth by bringing together a vast array of professionals and enthusiasts from all aspects of the cannabis community.

We want to focus on issues we have heard from the industry such as investments, branding and various organic growing techniques. We will also address the impact of the black market since legalization.

All of these are of interest to people in Monterey, surrounding counties, and people up and down the state who are looking for opportunities.”

OPN Connect: Who should attend and why?

John: “This event is open to anyone who has interest in the cannabis industry – all across the state. Anyone who is interested in growing, ag-tech, legal, investors, manufacturers, hospitality, law enforcement official and dispensary owners - all should attend.

They can come to understand what’s going in Monterey and surrounding counties.  To get a feel of what’s happening - what works, what doesn’t - and what is adaptable to their region.

We will have a vast amount of regional and state information and it’s an opportunity to understand the immense landscape of the cannabis industry.

It’s a great way for those who have products and services to share and engage with our members and stakeholders of the community!”

John E. Arriaga, executive director, MCCIA 

OPN Connect: The two-day event will collaborate with and directly follow, the Organic Grower Summit, taking place in Monterey on December 12th and 13th.

Why is the OGS a good fit for your first conference?

John: “It goes back to the Monterey brand- this region is known for its successful and innovative growing techniques that should apply to cannabis.

The state has made it clear throughout the regulatory process their intent for safer product with less pesticides.

The Bureau of Cannabis Control recently released data that showed 1 in 5 batches failed the lab testing since the new requirements kicked in. Thirty percent of the failures were from pesticides and other contaminants.

Cultivating cannabis organically would greatly reduce these failures and we want to provide our stakeholders a bridge to the organic community.

So, our event ties in nicely with OGS.”

OPN Connect: How can readers register to attend this event?

John: “You can sign up to attend at https://www.mccia.com/cannabis-summit

Monterey is a destination point and we want to capitalize on that. We want to make cannabis one of the reasons to head to Monterey.”