Why did Curaleaf’s rich, white CEO say social justice programs were going too far? And is he right?

The commercialization of the cannabis market has led to its transformation from a movement to an industry. This shift brings with it additional responsibilities, particularly in the area of ​​social justice. As a regulated industry, the cannabis market bears a significant burden of prioritizing and promoting fairness and equity.

The marijuana industry in the US, both medicinal and recreational, is thriving nationwide. With legalization in various states, business owners are striving to set up cultivation areas, manufacture cannabis products and open dispensaries. However, entering the market is not an easy undertaking. Obtaining licenses, securing real estate, and raising finance requires significant financial resources and skillful political maneuvering.

As a result, the opportunity to invest and make profits in the cannabis industry has been primarily seized by well-funded companies. White male business tycoons with extensive networks and resources dominate these companies.

Although African Americans make up 15% of the US population, they own only 2% of the country’s cannabis businesses, including dispensaries. To address this inequality, particularly given the disproportionate impact of the War on Drugs on African Americans, some states and localities have incorporated social justice programs into their marijuana regulations.

Social justice aims to promote fairness and justice in public policy. These programs aim to give people of color and those with prior marijuana-related beliefs a real chance to participate and thrive in this fast-growing industry.

Have social justice programs fallen short?

Efforts are increasing to include more robust social justice provisions and relief programs in state cannabis laws. Yet they are often hampered by litigation, bureaucratic hurdles, and operational obstacles.

The Minority Cannabis Business Association (MCBA) claims that existing social justice initiatives have been inadequate. A cursory inspection shows that the vast majority of profits from legal cannabis sales go into the hands of a homogenous group of established entrepreneurs.

The MCBA notes the lack of race-oriented social justice provisions in state cannabis laws and policies as a major contributor to the issues at hand. Essentially, there is too little emphasis on ensuring that Black, Latino and Indigenous people have a place in the industry.

Latest reaction from Boris Jordan

Social justice initiatives in states like California and New York have “gone too far,” according to Curaleaf Executive Chairman Boris Jordan. He’s ready to take action, and on a recent podcast with Toby Channabis on Twitter, he explained that he believes the pendulum will swing against these people.

In the recent podcast with Toby Channabis on Twitter, Jordan expressed his frustration at the implementation of the New York City adult-use market by prioritizing social justice candidates over multi-state operators who have existing medical cannabis licenses .

According to Jordan, the New York authorities are virtually supportive of illegal cannabis. He added that they reduce testing standards for adult use compared to medical and allow the sale of products that should not be sold in stores to keep multi-state operators out of the market.

Jordan explained that New York flouted its regulations to open its two licensed adult businesses — one operated by a non-profit organization and the other owned by an individual with a criminal background. These stores are located in New York City. New York has broken 8 to 10 of its laws by implementing its adult use program. Jordan has not ruled out the possibility of legal action if they fail to comply. “We’re talking to New York, but if they don’t play by the rules, we will sue,” he said.

The pendulum swing

Jordan stressed that it’s other than the concept of social justice that bothers him. Instead, the programs in different states are conducted in this way.

Jordan expressed support for the concept of social justice. However, the implementation of these programs in certain states, including California, New Jersey, Illinois, Pennsylvania and New York, needs to be revised. According to him, these liberal states have used these programs as a mask to hide the financial problems within.

Jordan expressed concern about the way some states have implemented their social justice programs, claiming that they have been misguided and lost sight of their original goals. He added that these programs have resulted in licenses being awarded to individuals who may not be fit to work in the industry. However, he also warned that these states will be forced to adjust their approach and refocus their programs as they begin to need more cannabis-related revenues.

Curaleaf became the leading cannabis company in the United States three years ago with the acquisition of the well-known Chicago-based grassroots chain.

What does the future of social justice hold?

The future of social justice in the cannabis industry is uncertain and subject to change based on various factors such as government policies, industry trends and legal developments. However, the general trend appears to be towards a greater emphasis on ensuring justice and fairness in the cannabis industry, particularly for communities adversely affected by the War on Drugs.

This could take the form of enhanced social justice programs, affirmative action initiatives and other supportive policies to promote diversity and inclusion in the cannabis industry. However, the details of what the future of social justice will look like will depend on how the cannabis industry and associated social justice movements evolve.

Diploma

Boris Jordan’s views on social justice in the cannabis industry combine support for the concept and criticism of its implementation in several states. He recognizes the importance of righting past injustices and ensuring more diverse representation in the industry, but believes current programs have gone astray in some states. Jordan believes the programs were misused to obscure financial problems and were too broad in their application, leading to some unexpected results.

Despite his criticism, Jordan remains optimistic about the future of social justice in the industry. It believes programs will eventually change to generate more tax revenue from cannabis operators. With his extensive experience and knowledge of the cannabis industry, it will be interesting to see how Jordan helps shape the future of social justice.

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