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More than 100 million people \u2013 about one-third of the U.S. \u2013 have now or will soon have legal access to cannabis. <\/p>\n
As legal cannabis booms, there is an unprecedented opportunity to ensure people in communities disproportionately harmed by cannabis prohibition can participate in and benefit from this industry. <\/p>\n
The National Association of Cannabis Businesses (NACB) is a national advocate for responsible, inclusive programs aimed at creating these social equity opportunities. <\/p>\n
Our recent strategies include:<\/p>\n
NACB released Social Equity Guidelines to help lawmakers jumpstart social equity programs. <\/p>\n
The Guidelines cover best practices and keys to success from diverse social equity approaches already in place. <\/p>\n
Using this roadmap, states can leverage the legal marijuana industry to foster new minority-owned businesses, thousands of jobs, and substantial tax revenue for investment in local communities. <\/p>\n
NACB Guidelines cover essential areas:<\/p>\n
Applicants must live in a designated geographical area where there has been a high rate of arrest and incarceration for marijuana-related activity that is no longer illegal. <\/p>\n
Applicants and\/or those hiring employees who have been arrested or convicted may receive priority for their social equity license application.<\/p>\n
Applicants receive priority consideration in the licensing process, a reduction in application and licensing fees, technical assistance, and low-interest loans. \u00a0<\/p>\n
NACB strongly advocates for automatic expungement of arrest records and convictions for minor marijuana-related offenses, such as possession of small amounts of cannabis, sale of small amounts to other adults, and offenses related to the operation of a motor vehicle other than impaired driving.<\/p>\n
Twenty percent of cannabis tax revenue should be invested in DIA communities to enhance education, legal aid, youth development programs, and violence prevention.<\/p>\n
NACB welcomes social equity licensees into the industry with a free year-long membership. View the NACB Social Equity Guidelines at www.nacb.com.<\/p>\n
NACB convened legal, public policy, and advocacy experts and cannabis business owners in a free, day-long conference that elevated public conversation around social equity and examined cannabis social equity trends and business opportunities. <\/p>\n
Panelists talked about the importance of diversity and inclusion for cannabis businesses. <\/p>\n
Attendees also heard from social equity program directors and licensees about the struggles they face. <\/p>\n
The theme of \u201cmaking your voice count\u201d in the public policy arena was present throughout the conference.\u00a0 Look for more NACB social equity education events in 2021. \u00a0<\/p>\n
NACB\u2019s Call to Action letter makes it simple to raise your voice in support of a social equity program in your state. <\/p>\n
Download our template letter, sign, and send it to your state representatives requesting they create or expand social equity legislation in your state. <\/p>\n
Visit our website to get the Call-to-Action template letter and a link to find your legislators\u2019 names and contact information.<\/p>\n
Momentum is growing for cannabis social equity \u2013 will you join us? <\/p>\n
Visit www.nacb.com to become a member and get involved!\u00a0<\/p>\n