Advocating for Oregon's Cannabis Future: Amanda Metzler of CIAO in Meeting with Justin Botillier

Join Justin Botillier, CEO of Calyx CPA, in a candid conversation with Amanda Metzler, a leading advocate for Oregon's cannabis industry and the head of Farms Inc. In this interview, Amanda discusses how Farms Inc. and other cannabis associations in Oregon have merged to create CIAO (Cannabis Industry Alliance of Oregon), a unified organization that plays a critical role in shaping the future of cannabis legislation in the state.

Amanda shares her experiences in cannabis advocacy, starting with defending farmers' rights in Josephine County. She provides insight into CIAO’s 2025 legislative priorities, which include enhancing B2B transactions, streamlining farm-to-farm transfers, and reforming cannabis tracking systems. The discussion also touches on the ongoing challenges in establishing social consumption spaces and why legislators remain hesitant.

Additionally, they explore the future of interstate cannabis commerce, federal rescheduling, and how these shifts could influence the industry. Amanda highlights the importance of CIAO’s policy committee in ensuring industry stakeholders have a voice in legislative processes.

As the interview concludes, Amanda encourages cannabis business owners to join CIAO to support ongoing advocacy and help ensure the sustainability of the industry. This interview offers valuable insights for anyone involved in the cannabis space, particularly those interested in the evolving legal landscape and the power of collective action.