Launch Plan to Promote Social Justice, Equity and Diversity in the Cannabis Industry
WASHINGTON – The National Cannabis Roundtable (NCR) today pledged its commitment to fostering social justice, equity, and diversity in the cannabis industry. With the launch of NCR’s Corporate Social Responsibility program, member companies will lead the cannabis industry in addressing injustices caused by the federal prohibition of cannabis. Looking to do their part to reduce the negative impact of the War on Drugs, specifically in those communities disproportionately affected by it, NCR members will commit time, talent and financial resources to pursue social justice measures, equity in business and diversity and inclusion within member companies.
More information about NCR’s Corporate Social Responsibility Pledge can be found here.
“We are not just having a conversation about how the cannabis industry can benefit those most impacted by decades of discriminatory drug policy, we are taking action,” said Dr. Chanda Macias, MBA, Ph.D., Owner of NHHC, and First Vice Chair of NCR. “It is critically important to the future success of cannabis in America that we build justice and equity into the very fabric of this burgeoning industry.”
Some states with legal cannabis, including Massachusetts, California, and most recently Illinois, have developed social equity programs through their license structure, but no state has pushed businesses to take a reflective look at their own operations. NCR’s Corporate Social Responsibility program is our members’ effort to address that void and to ensure real outcomes with regard to justice, equity and diversity and inclusion.
NCR Executive Director Saphira Galoob said that members will begin 2020 assessing their internal practices – providing a baseline look at where they are today through the goals and activities outlined in the social responsibility pledge while developing targets for greater impact within their own operations.
“Our members are passionate about promoting social responsibility in this fast-growing industry,” said Saphira Galoob, NCR Executive Director. “NCR is proud to bring cannabis into the mainstream and harness its potential to benefit our communities.”
NCR will engage subject matter experts from minority, adversely impacted, and designated beneficiary communities to advise the organization on the effectiveness and impact of CSR. These subject matter experts will work with NCR members and staff to ensure the integrity of the program and to measure performance and accountability.
“Social equity is intrinsic to where the cannabis industry is going and responsible companies have an obligation to build critical social equity programs into their business models as we have done with our SEED program at Cresco Labs,” said Charlie Bachtell, Founder and CEO of Cresco Labs. “Companies should not wait for it to be mandated; they should help develop the regulatory frameworks that support communities that have been disproportionately impacted by the war on drugs.”
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The National Cannabis Roundtable promotes common sense federal regulation, tax equality and financial services reform and supports changing federal law to acknowledge states’ rights to regulate and manage cannabis policy. The membership of NCR represents every aspect of the cannabis supply chain. Our members operate in 26 states with legal cannabis programs, including the District of Columbia. We are growers, processors, retailers, wellness centers, investors, entrepreneurs, and publicly traded companies. Learn more at www.nationalcannabisroundtable.org.
Contact: Terry Holt
202-641-4530
Tholt@hdmk.org
