Cannabis Expungement and Social Equity: Proven & Failed Concepts
In the realm of cannabis expungement and social equity, examining both proven and failed concepts is crucial for understanding the complexities of justice reform and equity within the cannabis industry.
Proven concepts include initiatives such as automatic expungement processes, which streamline the clearance of certain cannabis-related convictions, reducing the burdens on individuals seeking to rebuild their lives post-legalization. Additionally, prioritizing social equity through measures like granting priority review status and offering financial support to BIPOC-owned businesses has shown promise in addressing historical injustices and promoting diversity within the industry. However, alongside these successes, there have been failed concepts, such as overly complex expungement procedures and inadequate support for social equity initiatives, which have perpetuated disparities and hindered meaningful progress.
By critically evaluating both the successes and shortcomings of past approaches, we can pave the way for more effective and equitable policies that prioritize justice, opportunity, and inclusion within the cannabis landscape.
Proven Concepts in Cannabis Expungement & Social Equity
- Access to funding throughout the pre-licensing and post-licensing process, as well as access to grants/loans during operations
- Shareholder pressure on company executives to prioritize CSR
- Partnerships with BIPOC-owned brands and companies to raise awareness of their product and stories, and help them gain traction in new markets
- Reducing barriers to entry for BIPOC businesses with shared kitchen/cultivation space, incubators, and investment opportunities
- State regulators work with local cities/counties to allow flexible zoning and increase access to viable properties with a public database.
- Offer comprehensive state-sponsored support needed for application submission, understanding compliance, and launching business operations.
- Requiring BIPOC hiring, training, and employee retention in business operations
- Offering waivers/discounts for a range of application-related fees to reduce barriers to entry
- Granting social equity applicants priority review status and giving extra/bonus points in the licensing process
- Requiring licensees to commit to community reinvestment initiatives and holding them accountable with fines/punishment if they do not meet their goals
- Alternative punishment for unlicensed businesses avoids criminal prosecution and furthering the war on drugs
- Cookies uplifts BIPOC brands by partnering with notable celebrities
Failed Concepts in Cannabis Expungement & Social Equity
- New York’s CAURD program (or, better stated, regulators not following the law in the implementation of the cannabis program)
- Partnerships with BIPOC faces do not always equate to ownership, fair pay, equal representation, or job opportunities
- Corporate-sponsored mentorship/licensing support programs
- Corporate equity roles that don’t have decision-making capabilities or that get eliminated with no successor
- Singular BIPOC ownership that doesn’t trickle down to BIPOC communities
- Lack of union requirements and fair labor practices allows for union-busting corporate giants to avoid equitable staffing practices
- Income limitations, living in a disadvantaged area, and criminal history requirements should be optional/supplemental and can limit certain BIPOC from participation
- Cresco’s SEED program has seen no participants gain a license since 2019.
- Representation ≠ Equity: Brands like Dro opt for credibility through partnerships, potentially bypassing true equity.
- Jay-Z & TPC: Their partnership paints a BIPOC-forward image, but its depth and impact remain uncertain.
How Can Point Seven Group Help?
The team of cannabis consultants and professionals at Point Seven Group have worked extensively in the U.S. and international cannabis markets and are familiar with the unique challenges of the cannabis industry. Follow us on social media to stay up to date with more cannabis industry updates!
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