CODE OF CONDUCT
To our valued members,
The CCC is the premier trade association for 502 license holders, and we are committed to strengthening our reputation as the leading voice of industry. From the beginning, we have recognized that our members and partners are critical to our continuedsuccess. How we conduct our business and how we treat others—our fellow
We commit personal responsibility, and expect all members to do the same, to support CCC’s core values, comply with the law and conduct ourselves in an ethical manner. We have adopted this Code of Conduct to affirm our commitment to that responsibility and to provide guidance to our board, staff, contractors, vendors and members (hereinafter, “Members”). members, partners, customers, communities, vendors, suppliers and shareholders—will continue to determine how the CCC is viewed by society and regulators.
Because this Code and our supporting policies cannot cover every situation that may arise, please ask questions if you are unclear. We ask that you promptly report any known, suspected or observed violations of this Code or supporting policies to the Board Chair or the Executive Director. We will investigate any compliant and take prompt and corrective action as appropriate.
Thank you for your support of the CCC.
Sincerely yours,
Eric Gaston
Board Chair
Adán Espino Jr
Executive Director
MISSION
To protect and promote an equitable and successful craft cannabis industry in Washington State through advocacy, education and relationships.
VISION
To be the leading voice of the Washington State cannabis industry.
VALUES
Respect
We treat legislators, regulators, members, partners, customers, communities, vendors, suppliers and stakeholders with kindness and integrity.
Equality
We acknowledge cannabis prohibition has disproportionately impacted communities of color. We respect all people, we value diversity, and we are committed to promoting and supporting equity within the cannabis industry.
Growth
We are committed to helping license holders thrive by reducing regulatory barriers and creating a competitive climate for Washington State cannabis.
1. Integrity
We act with honesty and adhere to high standards of ethical values and principles through our personal and professional behavior. We uphold our commitment to honesty and integrity in all our actions and decisions. We recognize that the trust of our members and key stakeholders is our most valuable asset, and we commit to building strong relationships and upholding our reputation in all of our activities.
2. Respect and Professionalism
We are united by our commitment to the advancement of the industry and we recognize that informed decision making can only be achieved through open, honest and respectful conversation. We champion freedom of expression, intellectual diversity and inclusiveness. We are courteous and civil to all parties, especially those with differing perspectives from our own. In the event of a dispute among Members, it should be first addressed individually with professionalism and patience. Should the Member dispute remain unresolved, Members can report concerns to the Board Chair or Executive Director for further evaluation and resolution.
3. Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion
We are committed to cultivating and preserving a culture of inclusion and connectedness. We recognize that we are able to grow and learn better together with a diverse board and membership. The collective sum of individual life experiences, knowledge, innovation, self-expression, and talent that our members invest in their work is critical to robust, equitable and sound decision making. We welcome the unique contributions that members can bring in terms of their education, culture, ethnicity, race, sex, gender identity and expression, nation of origin, age, languages spoken, veteran status, religion, disability, sexual orientation, beliefs, and other characteristics. We strictly prohibit discrimination or harassment and also make all reasonable accommodations to meet our obligations under laws protecting the rights of the disabled.
4. Prohibition Against Harassment
Consistent with our core values, we prohibit harassment in any form. Harassment includes inappropriate conduct, comments, displays, actions, or gestures based on another person’s sex, color, race, religion, national origin, age, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, and any other protected characteristic under federal, state, or local law. Examples of harassment include, but are not limited to: epithets, slurs or negative stereotyping; threatening, intimidating or hostile acts; denigrating jokes; and the display or circulation of written or graphic material that denigrates or shows hostility toward an individual or group based on a protected characteristic.
5. Conflicts of interest
It is important that CCC Members are aware that both potential and actual conflicts of interest may sometimes occur while conducting normal business practices. In their capacity as Directors, the members of the board of Directors must act in the best interests of the CCC at all times and avoid any transactions or relationships that presents or may present a conflict between a Board member’s obligations to CCC and the Board member’s personal, business or other interests. All conflicts of interest are not necessarily prohibited or harmful to CCC. However, should a potential or actual conflict arise, it must be disclosed to the Board chair for further evaluation and resolution, in accordance with CCC's conflict of interest policy.
6. Confidentiality
We respect our members' rights to privacy; any information pertaining to Members, former Members, staff, volunteers, company financial data, policy information, and business records are strictly confidential and will not be disclosed without the prior written consent of the Member or affected party. Members will uphold trust and confidentiality regarding information disclosed in board meetings, member-only events and in the course of other member communications. Members agree to maintain the confidentiality of all confidential information using the same degree of care they use to protect their own confidential information.
7. Anti-Trust
We are committed to ensuring a fair and competitive free market. Members are strictly prohibited from engaging in actions that would violate the antitrust laws, or from engaging in unfair competition or deceptive trade practices. Antitrust offenses can occur between competitors, such as agreements to fix prices or to divide customers, territories or markets. Therefore, it is very important for Members to not engage in any form of agreement or understanding with competitors to fix prices, rig bids, allocate customers or restrict supply of products or services. Please see our Antitrust Policy Statement for further guidance.
8. External Communications
Members share a responsibility to support CCC’s advocacy efforts and public relations. Members must take care to clearly separate their personal roles from their position with the CCC when communicating on matters not directly involving the activities or communications of the CCC. When communicating publicly, Members must not presume to speak on behalf of CCC on any topic, unless the views expressed are explicitly shared by the CCC and the Executive Director and Board Chair are aware of the Member representing the organization.
9. Violations of the Code of Conduct
We are strongly committed to ensuring our values are upheld and all Members adhere to this Code. If you become aware of a violation, please report it to the Board Chair or the Executive Director. If a Member is found to have committed a violation of the Code, the CCC shall take all actions it deems appropriate, up to and including termination of Membership.