Boston’s First Licensed Cannabis Shop Is a Big Win for Equity
“There is a national game plan by the bigger companies to dominate 100% of the American space, to monopolize as much as possible,” said the shop's co-owner. “City councils, mayors, local congressmen—everyone’s affected by the will of the bigger companies.
Does Luxury Cannabis Ignore Social Equity?
Luxury cannabis has begun filling the shelves of bougie stores across the country, but just because it's fancy doesn't necessarily mean it's sustainable and socially equitable.
Congressional Committee Discusses How to Legalize Cannabis
While lawmakers seemed to agree on the need to end cannabis prohibition, Wednesday’s hearing highlighted tensions between competing visions of what reform should look like.
Federal Lawmakers Join Industry Advocates in Call for Equity
Advocates and legislators increasingly agree: Full cannabis legalization is right around the corner. For many, the next big issue is equality.
‘Legalization 2.0’: Social Equity Becomes a Key Question
Social equity has been both a sticking point and selling point this year in New York and New Jersey, among other states weighing whether to allow the adult use of cannabis.
4/21 Organizers Want to Reclaim Cannabis From Corporations
A coalition of activists are transforming the day after 4/20 into an advocacy effort aimed at reintroducing social justice into cannabis legalization.
Legalization Isn’t Enough: 10 Things Every New Cannabis Law Must Have
The "top 10 must-haves for any state cannabis legalization bill," according to Shaleen Title of the Massachusetts Cannabis Control Commission.
How Can Black People Get Rich Off Cannabis, Too?
The cannabis industry was built on the backs of people who look nothing like those who are on the front street of its success. It’s time for that to change.
Is the Cannabis Community Ignoring Its LGBTQ Customers?
As companies race to capture market share, the LGBTQ community has been largely left out of the equation. Brands may be missing out on a lucrative market.
Oakland Cannabis Equity Program Yields First Retailer—Blunts + Moore
A convicted cannabis dealer gets city help opening a licensed adult-use store in California.
Los Angeles Licensing Delays Hit Minority Applicants Hard
Rather than giving a leg up to victims of the drug war, LA’s social equity program has effectively given a head start to the competition.
#PermitPatty Episode Blows Up on California Cannabis Company
Bay Area stores are dropping TreatWell after its founder called police on an 8-year-old girl for selling bottled water.
Women Push Back Against Cannabis Industry’s ‘Grass Ceiling’
Cannabis remains a male-dominated industry, but there isn't much data on the so-called grass ceiling for women or minorities in leadership roles.
California Co-Working Licenses Could Help Further Equity in Cannabis
Type S licenses were designed to reduce the barriers to entering California's legal cannabis market. But so far, not a single one has been issued.
Equity Efforts Could Go Statewide Under California Bill
Some California cities have already introduced equity programs designed to give a leg up to communities hit hardest by the drug war. A new bill in Sacramento would expand the effort statewide.