The National Cannabis Industry Association is holding its second trade show this week, but already the group has attracted the attention of a presidential contender.

Sen. Rand Paul (R-Ky.) is planning a "private briefing" in Denver Tuesday for donors to his presidential campaign. The event is being held in conjunction with NCIA's Cannabis Business Summit and Expo, with the association forwarding to members an invitation to the fundraiser, Yahoo News reported.

Paul has been a frequent critic of the so-called war on drugs. In a message to members, NCIA said his appearance was the first time a presidential candidate has held a reception during a cannabis-related event.

"He will take your questions and talk about his support of federal medical marijuana, his push to reform banking laws so they do not deny services to legal cannabis businesses, his work on criminal justice reform, and his support of allowing states to determine their own cannabis laws," the group said.

Admission to the fundraiser ranges from $2,700 to $10,400, with all checks to be made payable to the "Rand Paul Victory Fund." http://yhoo.it/1BQNx7T

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