A group of cannabis companies has banded together to form a nonprofit political advocacy group designed to protect the legal marijuana trade – and it includes the unit of a major mainstream company that is a relative newcomer to the MJ industry.

The organization, called the New Federalism Fund (NFF), is made up of industry heavy hitters that include:

Scotts Company LLC, a subsidiary of the Scotts Miracle-Gro Co., a lawn and garden company that has been investing heavily in the cannabis market and trades on the New York Stock Exchange

Colorado retail chains LivWell Enlightened Health, Medicine Man and Native Roots

Multistate infused products maker Dixie Brands

International cannabis firm Privateer Holdings

Arizona-based Tryke Companies, a medical marijuana business

The NFF, which also has ties to the National Cannabis Industry Association, has three primary aims:

Ensure the current industry can continue to operate in states that have legalized either medical or recreational marijuana

Maintain the federal government’s hands-off approach toward MJ when it comes to law enforcement

Reform the 280E section of the federal tax code

The NFF plans to work with Congress and the Trump administration to achieve its goals, added Levine, LivWell’s senior vice president for government affairs.