A cooperative is a group where members share ownership and make decisions together. In our cooperative, members — the people who grow and work with cannabis — own the organization and have an equal voice in how it's run, regardless of how much they invest.

Our goal is to support our members by sharing resources, knowledge, and opportunities, making sure everyone benefits from the collective's success. We work together to create a sustainable, profitable future for all members and the broader Minnesota cannabis community.

An industry council is a group focused on addressing the broader challenges and opportunities within a specific industry, from regulatory changes to market trends.

Our industry council works to set standards, advocate for policies that support a healthy cannabis market, and ensure that our members' voices are heard in important discussions. We collaborate with lawmakers, regulatory bodies, and other entities to represent the interests of Minnesota's cannabis stakeholders.

Being part of this council gives our members a platform to influence the future of the cannabis industry in Minnesota, ensuring that it grows in a way that is sustainable, ethical, and beneficial for all involved.

While both industry councils and industry associations work to advance the interests of their members, there are key differences in their focus and operations, particularly regarding decision-making, transparency, collaboration, and their orientation toward public interest.

Industry councils, like that of the MCGCIC, involve all members in a collaborative decision-making process. This ensures transparency and outcomes that reflect broad consensus, focusing on addressing specific industry challenges, setting standards, and advocating for policies that benefit both the industry and the public. The council's efforts are directed towards responsible, ethical industry growth aligned with shared values, emphasizing policy advocacy and ethical practices. This approach fosters trust and accountability, enabling direct and collaborative engagement with governmental entities and other stakeholders.

Industry associations, by contrast, typically focus on delivering value to their members through networking, marketing, and lobbying activities. Decision-making within these associations is often more centralized and less inclusive, usually influenced by a subset of members, such as larger businesses or those making significant financial contributions. This structure is designed to promote collective business interests and industry development, potentially prioritizing the needs of a specific group over broader industry or public interest concerns.