Nonprofits Elevating Inclusivity and Diversity in the Cannabis Industry
The progression of the legalized cannabis industry has been groundbreaking in removing stigmas around a powerful plant and tool. But unfortunately, the status quo of inequity in representation among entrepreneurial ownership and executive leadership in other industries has influenced the development of the cannabis industry over time.
According to a study done by MJ BizDaily, the percentage of minority executives in the cannabis industry dropped from 28% in 2019 to 13.1% in 2021, nearly matching the national US average of 13%. In addition, the percentage of women executives in the cannabis industry also dropped from 36.8% in 2019 to 22.1% in 2021. Experts from MJBiz predict that the decline of the percentage of minorities and women in executive leadership positions is likely due to an influx of executives from mainstream sectors that bring more inside connections to established capital
This study also reveals that across three established cannabis markets, Colorado, Michigan, and Nevada, about 25% of cannabis businesses are minority-owned. Even though this number seems low, it is still above the national average of 18.7% recorded in 2019. Minorities are also more represented among employees in the cannabis industry at 32% compared to the national average of 27%.
As the cannabis industry matures further, minorities must have a strong voice, involvement, and ownership in its evolution. This article aims to raise awareness for some (but not all) nonprofit organizations that positively impact minority communities and give them more opportunities to thrive in the cannabis industry.
Supernova Women
Who they are:
Supernova Women is a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization founded in 2015 by Black and Brown women that works to empower Black and Brown people to become self-sufficient shareholders in the cannabis and natural plant medicine space through education, advocacy, and network building.
Their work:
- Workforce Development Program
The program aims to place people of color into non-entry level positions in the cannabis industry by offering paid training along two career tracks: Manufacturing and METRC/Compliance. Participants go through an online curriculum followed by hands-on training at EquityWorks!, an incubator training center and shared social equity manufacturing facility. - Educational events
Supernova Women regularly hosts a series of webinars, networking events, and workshops around sales strategies, banking, cash handling, taxes, payment processing solutions, support for Sacramento cannabis equity candidates, as well as business and sales strategies maximizing revenue. - Mastermind Group
The Mastermind Group is a 6-month program that provides a safe and exclusive community to facilitate a combination of brainstorming, education, peer accountability, and support to sharpen business and personal skills.
More info:
Website: https://www.supernovawomen.com/events
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/supernova-women/about/
Instagram: @supernovawomen
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SupernovaWomen
Twitter: @supernovawomen
Last Prisoner Project
Who they are:
The war on drugs has historically and disproportionately affected POC communities. The Last Prisoner Project was founded in 2019 to help those people incarcerated due to cannabis-related crimes. The Last Prisoner Project is committed to freeing every last prisoner of the unjust war on drugs, starting with the estimated 40,000 individuals imprisoned for cannabis.
Their work:
- Release and Record Relief
This program provides resources to individuals who have been convicted of crimes related to cannabis with the goal of "full freedom," including release from prison, removal of cannabis crimes from their record, and training for successful reentry into society. The program provides clemency and pro bono legal services to secure freedom through executive clemency and compassionate release motions. - Reentry Resources
Reentry resources are focused on ensuring that constituents have the tools and support they need when coming home from incarceration. This includes financial support for housing, transportation, medical needs, employability skills, and financial wellness counseling.
Along with general reentry resources, The Last Prisoners Project also offers scholarships for those interested in pursuing careers in the now legal cannabis industry through virtual and in-person classes and training. - Support Fund
A portion of LPP's funding goes directly to currently incarcerated constituents pursuing education while incarcerated, as well as the children of our currently incarcerated constituents who are particularly in need of financial assistance for educational resources while their parent is incarcerated.
More info:
Website: https://www.lastprisonerproject.org/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/last-prisoner-project/
Instagram: @lastprisonerproject
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/lastprisonerproject
Twitter: @lastprisonerprj
Minority Cannabis Business Association
Who they are:
The mission of the Minority Cannabis Business Association is to create equal access for cannabis businesses and economically empower communities of color through policy, programming, and outreach initiatives to achieve equity for the communities most impacted by the War on Drugs. You can become a member of MCBA either as an individual or business and gain access to a network of entrepreneurs, legislators, and resources to help grow minority businesses in the cannabis industry. They have also recently released their National Cannabis Equity Report, which provides critical data from social equity programs and other policies impacting equity in state and municipal medical or adult-use markets.
Their work:
- Advocacy through Policy
MCBA works directly with local representatives to support fair implementation and enforcement of sensible cannabis policies. They also provide resources for governments and citizens to design and advocate for better policies. - Empowerment and Education
MCBA offers virtual and in-person educational events, online business policy tools and resources, community education, and tools to help individuals affected by cannabis convictions.
More info:
Website: https://minoritycannabis.org/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/minority-cannabis/
Instagram: @minoritycannabis
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MCBA.org/?ref=page_internal
Twitter: @MinCannBusAssoc
Native American Cannabis Alliance
Who they are:
The Native American Cannabis Alliance is a joint venture between Native Health Matters and Everscore. Their mission is to provide indigenous people access to technology and networks to build a collaborative, sustainable, and competitive hemp and CBD supply chain and empower indigenous farmers to create opportunities within the cannabis industry.
Their work:
In September 2021, Tim Houseberg, the executive director of Cherokee Nation-based Native Health Matters Foundation and Everscore signed three memoranda of understanding with indigenous farmers for the Mohawk Nation, Cheyenne, and Arapaho Tribal Nations. This agreement will oversee the transformation of over 500,000 acres of tribal farmland into cannabis farming. The goal of the agreement is to benefit Native American communities and farmers with more economic opportunities within the cannabis industry.
More info:
Website: https://nativeamericancannabisalliance.com/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/native-american-cannabis-alliance/
Instagram: @nativeamericancannabisalliance
Minorities for Medical Marijuana
Who they are:
Minorities for Medical Marijuana was established in May 2016 and currently has 27 state directors throughout the country, including a Northern California chapter based in Oakland. M4MM's mission is to provide advocacy, outreach, research, and training related to business, social reform, public policy, and health/wellness in the cannabis and hemp industry.
Their work:
- Health is Wellness Forum
This forum is a monthly webinar series for healthcare professionals to learn more about using cannabis as a tool in their practice as an alternative medicine. These webinars are geared towards educating pharmacists, physicians, nurses, and social workers. - Ready Set Grow
This program is designed to connect college grads and interns to workforce apprenticeship opportunities within the cannabis and hemp industry. - Sow the Land
This program provides 100 hours of free training around hemp farming, technology, and advocacy for farmers and entrepreneurs. - Project Clean Slate
This initiative aims to get expungement and wrap-around services for those affected by past marijuana possession charges. - (M) Procure
This social equity program provides supplier diversity training, education, and outreach to minority and small-owned businesses free of charge.
More info:
Website: https://minorities4medicalmarijuana.org/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/m4mm/
Twitter: @m4mmunited
THE WELDON PROJECT
Who they are:
THE WELDON PROJECT is dedicated to funding social change and financial aid for those who are still serving prison time for cannabis-related offenses. Through extensive partnerships throughout the legal Cannabis industry, THE WELDON PROJECT launched the MISSION [GREEN] initiative to raise the bar for awareness, social justice, and social equity by providing unique ways for cannabis businesses and consumers to participate in a nationwide campaign aimed to provide relief to those who have been negatively impacted by prohibition.
Their work:
- MISSION [GREEN]
This initiative works to secure the release of those serving time for cannabis-related offenses and create pathways to expungement or pardons so that those impacted may go on to live meaningful lives. The Mission Green Campaign is led by leaders who have been impacted by the justice system and have lived through the issues our organization is working to address. Those most harmed by the system are uniquely qualified to create and champion the solutions that will begin to transform it.
- Giving People a Hand Up
Many times, due to limited financial resources, people in prison are forced to financially choose between buying more food, health or wellness products, or making calls to family members. This program aids people incarcerated for cannabis-related crimes by providing financial assistance for their commissary.
Website: https://www.theweldonproject.org/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/missiongreencannabis/about/
Instagram: @theweldonproject
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/projectmissiongreen
Twitter: @weldon_angelos
The National Diversity and Inclusion Alliance
Who they are:
The National Diversity and Inclusion Alliance serves Illinois, Michigan, and California and works daily to create equitable employment and ownership opportunities in the hemp and cannabis space. In addition, they've designed programs intended to decrease disparities in life outcomes for people that come from marginalized communities affected by the War on Drugs.
Their work:
NDCA has a variety of initiatives intended to serve minorities within the cannabis industry, including:
- Youth programs
- Mentorship programs
- Internship programs
- Community engagement and education
- Social equity programs
- Vocational training
NDCA also hosts networking events and job fairs to connect minority communities with cannabis industry opportunities.
More info:
Website: https://www.thendica.org/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/thendica/
Instagram: @thendica18
Twitter: @thendica18
Takeaway
We all have a responsibility to create an equitable and diverse cannabis industry and support minority entrepreneurship. If you currently work in the cannabis industry, we highly encourage you to support these nonprofits and others looking to make a difference in our cannabis community.