EQUITY IN CANNABIS

When we talk about Equity or Socially Responsible Cannabis, we mean how the people are considered & supported through out the industry & the communities that participate.. Specifically people of color and other minority groups.  

This means we question the accessibility as business owners.. for POC entrepreneurs, access to funds & business education tools.  And then once these companies are up and running, how can we help encourage our communities to "buy black"? To support local and minority businesses near us, to collectively build equity together thru sales generated with intention. 

By equity, we mean reparations for families impacted by racism in the criminal justice system.. seeking the expungement of records due to the war on drugs and other efforts of criminalization that have severely and disproportionately impacted black and brown communities the most. Although the consumption and illegal sales in these communities have been no greater than those in white communities, there has been  far greater policing and associated brutality as well as mass incarceration among communities of color.  

Another important piece is that quite a few business owners in Cannabis acknowledge the need for inclusion and equity, but reality proves we need to be sure they are actually putting their money where their mouth is.  We've noticed a lot of language from many cannabis operations that simply don't follow through with their stated values.  

As much as we want to represent progressive values and conscious culture in the industry, it absolutely means nothing if our employees of color are not respected or supported in the cannabis workplace.  If minority folks are dealing with micro aggressions or unfair treatment then we need to make sure there are accountability and support resources available.  

All of these pieces are necessary and attainable.  Please be in touch with AFRICALI CULTURE if you want to build in this direction with us.