The Community Alliance is the 501(c)(3) public-benefit partner to The Cannabis Alliance. Our organization oversees all research, education, and equity programming so the advocacy organization can stay focused on legislative work. Our work is fully independent, separately governed, and funded by donors, foundations, and sponsors.

SISTER ORGANIZATION

THE CANNABIS ALLIANCE (c6)

WHO WE ARE

INDEPENDENT BY DESIGN,
PUBLIC BENEFIT BY MISSION.

The Community Alliance is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to public education, community outreach, and equitable access within Washington State's cannabis ecosystem. We provide research, regulatory literacy, and educational programs that serve consumers, patients, local governments, healthcare professionals, and the general public.

As the philanthropic and educational partner to the Cannabis Alliance (a separate 501(c)(6) industry organization), the Community Alliance operates in the public interest — free from lobbying and legislative advocacy. Our work is funded through individual donors, corporate sponsors, and philanthropic grants, ensuring our programs remain independent, credible, and community-focused.

01. EVIDENCE OVER ADVOCACY

Our research is designed to inform all sides of a debate, not to win one. We publish findings regardless of who they help or complicate.

02. EDUCATION FOR EVERYONE

Our programs are built for the broader community – advocates, patients, employees, students – not just businesses or policymakers.

03. DONOR INDEPENDENCE

No donor or sponsor receives policy influence, research control, or legislative guarantees. Our credibility is the product.

TWO ORGANIZATIONS,
ONE SHARED PURPOSE.

The Community Alliance (c3) and The Cannabis Alliance (c6) operate separately with distinct governance, budgets, and activities while sharing a commitment to a fair and equitable cannabis industry in Washington State.

THE COMMUNITY ALLIANCE

• Policy research and analysis (non-advocacy)

• and ownership pathway programs

• and small business development

• Community and patient education

• Public forums and town halls

• Academic and data partnerships

• Publication of reports and toolkits

• Funded by donations, grants, and sponsorships

THE CANNABIS ALLIANCE

• Legislative advocacy and lobbying

• Drafting and negotiating legislation

• Coordinating testimony at the legislature

• Regulatory advocacy with state agencies

• Member policy coordination and support

• Political strategy and coalition management

• Lobby day and advocacy-focused events

• Funded by membership dues

FOCUS AREAS

  • CANNABIS LITERACY

    We help Washingtonians understand the laws, regulations, and rights that govern cannabis — reducing confusion, preventing unintended violations, and supporting informed consumer behavior.


    Topics We Cover

    • Understanding cannabis laws and regulations

    • Consumer rights and responsibilities

    • Consumption, possession, and transportation laws

    • Safe storage and accidental ingestion prevention

    • Product labeling and regulatory
    compliance

  • MEDICAL CANNABIS EDUCATION

    Medical cannabis patients navigate a complicated system that is not always well understood by the healthcare providers, social workers, and institutions they interact with. We serve as a knowledgeable resource for patients and an advocate for their needs before the institutions that serve them.


    Topics We Cover

    • Patient navigation and resource connection

    • Understanding Washington's medical cannabis system

    • Caregiver education

    • Medical cannabis literacy for healthcare and community organizations

    • Elevating patient needs and experiences

  • YOUTH, FAMILY, & CAREGIVER EDUCATION

    The Community Alliance supports evidence-based, compassionate youth prevention education. We are committed to keeping cannabis out of the hands of those under 21 while fostering honest, age-appropriate conversations that prepare young people and their caregivers to make informed decisions.


    Topics We Cover

    • Healthy youth development

    • Prevention of youth access

    • Parent and caregiver resources

    • Safe storage campaigns

    • Evidence-based educational materials

  • HEALTHY AGING & COMMUNITY WELLNESS

    Cannabis use among older adults is growing. At the same time, older adults often face additional barriers to accurate information — including limited digital access, unfamiliarity with cannabis in a legal context, and complex medication interactions. We bring education directly into the spaces where older adults live, gather, and receive care.


    Topics We Cover

    • Educational programs for older adults

    • Outreach to senior living communities and caregivers

    • Cannabis and aging education

    • Health and wellness resource navigation

    • Community wellness partnerships

  • LOCAL GOVERNMENT & COMMUNITY OUTREACH

    Local governments are on the front lines of cannabis regulation — fielding constituent questions, making zoning decisions, and navigating the gap between state law and community standards. The Community Alliance is a trusted, nonpartisan resource for cities, counties, and community organizations navigating this landscape.


    Topics We Cover

    • Educational presentations for municipalities

    • Community forums and listening sessions

    • Resource development for local decision-makers

    • Support for informed community dialogue

    • Civic participation and engagement opportunities

  • CIVIC LITERACY & PUBLIC PARTICIPATION

    We help community members understand how government works, how to participate meaningfully in public processes, and how their engagement shapes outcomes. This work extends beyond cannabis — it builds the civic infrastructure that supports an informed, engaged public.


    Topics We Cover

    • Understanding how government works

    • Navigating public processes and regulatory systems

    • Community leadership development

    • Public meeting and civic engagement education

    • Building connections between residents and institutions

FEATURED PROGRAM

POLICY BOOT CAMP

A civic education program about how the legislative process works. Join us for a full day deep dive into Washington State's legislative framework — from how lobbying works to tracking issues. Designed for business owners, advocates, patients, and those interested in learning more about how to navigate engaging at the State Capitol.

WHAT YOU’LL LEARN

  • The current legislative landscape and the issues shaping Washington’s cannabis industry

  • How the legislative process works

  • The fundamentals of effective cannabis advocacy and lobbying

  • How to communicate with legislators about cannabis policy in a credible, nonpartisan way

  • How to share your business or personal story to support policy change

  • What to expect during Lobby Day, including meeting etiquette and logistics

  • How to confidently answer questions and answer common misconceptions about the industry

  • Strategies for building long-term relationships with lawmakers and legislative staff

  • How to advocate on behalf of your business, employees, patients, and consumers

Register Now

FEATURED PROGRAM

MEDICAL CANNABIS SUMMIT

The Community Alliance's flagship annual educational event, bringing together patients, healthcare professionals, researchers, regulators, industry participants, and community members to share information, explore emerging research, and improve understanding of medical cannabis and patient needs.

ABOUT THE SUMMIT

• Format: Full-day educational conference with keynote speakers, breakout sessions, patient panels, and a resource fair.

• Attendees: Medical cannabis patients, caregivers, healthcare providers, cannabis industry professionals, and policymakers.

• Partners: Washington State Department of Health, medical and nursing associations, patient advocacy organizations, and Community Alliance sponsors.

• Purpose: To close the information gap between the medical community, the regulatory system, and the patients who depend on both.

Register Now

FUNDERS & SPONSORS

SUPPORT TRUSTED INFORMATION, NOT A POLICY POSITION.

Donors and sponsors help make trusted, evidence-based information accessible to communities across Washington with full program independence and no policy control.

  • Patient education and navigation

  • Civic literacy and community engagement

  • Youth and caregiver resources

  • Healthy aging initiatives

  • Local government and community education

  • Evidence-based research and public information

WHAT EVERY SUPPORTER SHOULD KNOW

As the philanthropic and educational partner to the Cannabis Alliance
(a separate 501(c)(6) industry organization), the Community Alliance operates in the public interest — free from lobbying and legislative advocacy. Our work is funded through individual donors, corporate sponsors, and philanthropic grants, ensuring our programs remain independent, credible, and community-focused.

PARTNER WITH US

CONNECT WITH THE COMMUNITY ALLIANCE

Interested in partnering with The Community Alliance? Get in touch using our contact form and we’ll get back to you within 48 hours.