National Cannabis Industry Association
CASE STUDY
Building a Scalable Brand for a National Organization.
For over a decade, LMI+D partnered with the National Cannabis Industry Association (NCIA) on design for membership, advocacy, and events. Working within the association’s existing identity, LMI+D developed the Main Street logo, a coordinated set of membership badges, and a Z-fold membership brochure.
Together, these projects gave NCIA a consistent way to present its programs and communicate membership value across print and digital materials. Each assignment addressed a different need—from distinguishing membership tiers to organizing a detailed benefits comparison—while maintaining a recognizable connection to the association.
Services Provided
Logo Design | Membership Identity Systems | Brand Guidelines | Brochure Design | Print & Digital Communications | Strategic Design Consulting
NCIA Main Street Cannabis logo featuring storefront illustrations, shown with horizontal and stacked versions of the “I Support Main Street Cannabis” identity.
The Challenge
As the National Cannabis Industry Association (NCIA) evolved from grassroots advocacy into a national membership organization, it needed a unified brand system to support its rapid growth. LMI+D was brought on to bring cohesion, credibility, and clarity across all member-facing touchpoints.
NCIA Main Street Cannabis digital graphics featuring coordinated green and orange branding across social media posts and promotional banners.
"Linda has been NCIA's chief graphic designer for several years and I can't be more happy with her work quality. From event marketing to very long and dry policy white papers, Linda can make anything look beautiful and professional. I couldn't recommend her more."
- Aaron Smith, Chief Executive Officer, National Cannabis Industry Association
NCIA Main Street Cannabis event sponsorship guide featuring the storefront logo, green and orange graphics, event photography, and sponsorship information.
Our Approach
Since 2014, LMI+D served as NCIA’s brand design partner — building an identity system that could scale. We developed a full suite of membership logos, including the widely recognized NCIA Main Street logo, to support various member tiers and initiatives. A detailed brand guide ensured consistent use across print and digital media.
We also designed a robust membership brochure that clearly communicated value while reflecting the organization’s professional stature. The visual system needed to be flexible, accessible, and built to last — and it was.
NCIA Seedling, Blooming, and Evergreen membership badges featuring a young plant with roots, leaves, and a mature tree within coordinated green and orange circular designs.
Membership Logo System
LMI+D developed a tiered logo system to represent NCIA’s membership levels through clear, symbolic visuals rooted in nature and growth. Each tier reinforces a stage in the member journey while maintaining cohesion within the NCIA brand.
NCIA Seedling membership badge showing how the association’s circular logo combines with a young plant and roots to form the green and orange tier identity.
Seedling
Symbolizes early growth and strong foundational roots. This entry-level tier reflects members just beginning their journey with NCIA.
NCIA Blooming membership badge showing how the association’s circular logo combines with a stylized leaf symbol to form the green and orange tier identity.
Blooming
Represents a thriving member at their peak—fully engaged, active, and in full professional flourish.
NCIA Evergreen membership badge showing how the association’s circular logo combines with a mature tree symbol to form the green and orange tier identity.
Evergreen
Conveys maturity, resilience, and long-term commitment. This top tier signals strength, legacy, and deep-rooted involvement in the organization.
NCIA membership brochure cover with the headline “Advocating for the Legal Cannabis Industry,” alongside enlarged photographic graphics highlighting advocacy, education, and community.
Membership Brochure
LMI+D proposed a Z-fold format to give NCIA’s membership brochure a more distinctive presentation. The unfolding panels organize the association’s mission, membership tiers, and detailed benefits comparison, while the reverse introduces member testimonials and an invitation to join.
The membership badges connect each tier to its benefits, helping readers compare their options. Green and orange gradients, bold typography, and photographic strips carry through the visual approach used in NCIA’s Cannabis Business Summit materials.
Unfolded NCIA membership brochure featuring “Power in Numbers,” member testimonials, advocacy photographs at the U.S. Capitol, and a “Join the Movement” invitation.
Unfolded NCIA membership brochure showing the cover, Seedling, Blooming, and Evergreen membership badges, tier descriptions, and a color-coded benefits comparison chart.
The Outcome
NCIA’s visual identity grew with the organization for nearly a decade. Despite industry challenges and leadership transitions, the branding elements designed by LMI+D are still in use today — a testament to their clarity, utility, and strategic value. The design system helped establish trust, elevate NCIA's professional voice, and provide a foundation for future communications.
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