Ganjier Guild — proposal at a glance
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# A professional society for cannabis professionals
**A public proposal for a 501(c)(6) trade association.** Pre-formation. Full proposal at [github.com/ginalyncox/ganjier-guild-launch-blueprint](https://github.com/ginalyncox/ganjier-guild-launch-blueprint).
### What we are proposing
A national professional society — the **Ganjier Guild** — that credentials, educates, and represents cannabis professionals to the same standard the architectural, sommelier, and clinical professions hold themselves to.
Tax classification: **501(c)(6)** trade association. Not a charity, not a PAC. Member-funded, member-governed, mission-bound.
### Who it serves
Any cannabis professional who meets the published standards. Three membership tiers: Friend of the Guild (free), Community Education Membership ($49/month or $499/year), and Certified Ganjier Membership ($49/month or $499/year). Additional tiers under consideration by the founding board.
A working board, public bylaws, six core policies, and a Code of Ethics with a real complaint process.
### What it costs to start
Year-1 operating budget: **TBD by founding board**. Funded by member dues, qualified sponsorships under §513(i), and a founding convening. Audited annually. Form 990 published openly.
State filing in **Maine or Minnesota** (open question — see Issue #1). Federal recognition via **Form 1024**.
### How decisions get made
Public proposal repository. Issues labeled `feedback wanted`. Pull requests for redlines. Architecture Decision Records for anything material.
Two foundational questions are pinned: **state of incorporation** and **founding board composition**. Your input shapes both.