Introduction to Colorado’s Cannabis Business
To promote diversity and equity in the cannabis industry, Colorado’s Cannabis Business Office has awarded $750,000 in Cannabis Business Grants to 27 companies. The program, initially a pilot, is now a permanent initiative offering $25,000 foundational grants and $50,000 growth grants to social equity licensed cannabis businesses. These grants aim to level the playing field for entrepreneurs from diverse backgrounds in an industry dominated by white business owners.
Michael Diaz-Rivera: A Determined Entrepreneur
Michael Diaz-Rivera, a Black entrepreneur, owns Better Days Delivery, a cannabis delivery business, and one of the recipients of the foundational grants. Despite facing significant obstacles, including a previous arrest for cannabis possession, Diaz-Rivera has transformed his life, fueled by a desire to bring generational wealth to his family and healing to his community.
Better Days Delivery: A Dream Turned Reality
Diaz-Rivera started Better Days Delivery to bridge the gap between dispensaries and customers, providing a reliable and efficient delivery service for cannabis products. The company also offers transport services for business-to-business transactions. By partnering with various dispensaries, including Native Roots and L’Eagle Services, in the Denver area, Better Days Delivery ensures that customers can safely and conveniently access a wide range of cannabis products.
Overcoming Challenges and Disparities
Diaz-Rivera’s journey into the cannabis industry was not without its challenges. In 2006, at 19 years old, he was unhoused and arrested for marijuana possession. He spent several months in jail before joining a work-release program and eventually attending college. After years of working as a teacher, Diaz-Rivera decided to start his cannabis delivery company in 2020.
The arrest and subsequent journey to entrepreneurship have left Diaz-Rivera grappling with the traumatic past and the disparities within the cannabis industry. He acknowledges the survivor’s guilt associated with running a legitimate cannabis business while others remain imprisoned for cannabis-related crimes. However, he remains focused on healing and developing his business.
Addressing Inequality in the Cannabis Industry
The American Civil Liberties Union reports that Black people are nearly four times more likely to be arrested for marijuana possession than white people, even though both groups use the plant at similar rates. Additionally, 90% of executives in major cannabis companies are white, despite the industry’s projected value of $100 billion by 2028.
In Colorado, the most recent data show that 83% of marijuana business owner licensees are white. With a population comprised of 22% Hispanic or Latino and nearly 5% Black residents, only about 11% of marijuana businesses are owned by Black or Latino individuals. These disparities highlight the urgent need for initiatives like the Cannabis Business Grants to foster diversity and equity in the cannabis industry.
The Impact of the Cannabis Business Grants
The Cannabis Business Grants have played a vital role in supporting businesses like Better Days Delivery. By providing much-needed financial assistance, these grants have enabled entrepreneurs like Diaz-Rivera to overcome barriers to entry and contribute to a more diverse and equitable cannabis industry. Moreover, the grants have brought attention to the systemic inequalities within the industry, paving the way for further policy changes and initiatives to create a more inclusive and equitable market. In Colorado, Governor Jared Polis has issued over 1,300 pardons to individuals convicted of possessing two ounces or less of marijuana. Similarly, President Biden pardoned thousands of people with prior federal possession of marijuana offenses to remove barriers to employment and housing.
Diaz Rivera’s Vision for a Better Future
Diaz-Rivera’s aspirations go beyond the success of Better Days Delivery. He aims to make a lasting impact on the cannabis industry by increasing accessibility for people like him. He acknowledges the historical criminalization of Black and brown communities for using the plant and wants to help mend and restore these communities through his work.
With a focus on health equity, Diaz-Rivera believes that the cannabis plant can bring healing to his community, both financially and chemically. He is driven by the desire to provide his three young children with a better life and more opportunities than he had. In doing so, he hopes to inspire others to embark on the entrepreneurial journey and contribute their unique voices to the industry.
As Diaz-Rivera says, “We were never on the agenda when they set out to create this industry. The fact that you are here is a testimony of your power in itself. Let’s continue to work together to create the industry that we deserve.”
The Future of Diversity and Equity in the Cannabis Industry
The Cannabis Business Grants represent a significant step towards promoting diversity and equity in the cannabis industry. However, there is still much work to be done. Continued support for programs like these, alongside policy changes and community-driven initiatives, will be crucial in shaping a more inclusive and equitable industry.
Innovation and Collaboration in Better Days Delivery
When asked about his plans for Better Days Delivery, Diaz-Rivera emphasizes the importance of collaboration and innovation. “I plan to find a way to work with my competitors that isn’t often seen in business,” he explains. “All of my competitors are social equity operators, and I believe that a rising tide lifts all boats, so while we are competing in the same market, it’s more advantageous for our businesses if we work together.”
Diaz-Rivera also shares his interest in leveraging technology to improve his business, stating, “I’m also paying attention to artificial intelligence and thinking about how I can automate certain operations to make my delivery service quicker, more efficient, and more convenient.”
Advice for Aspiring Minority Entrepreneurs
Diaz-Rivera has a clear message for aspiring minority entrepreneurs in the cannabis industry: “With solidarity and collaboration is the only way that we can win. Make sure that they have balance and everything else should fall into place.” He emphasizes the importance of building a strong support network and seeking mentorship from experienced industry leaders while staying informed about changes and developments in the industry.
The inspiring story of Michael Diaz-Rivera and Better Days Delivery highlights the importance of addressing disparities within the cannabis industry and fostering an environment that supports and uplifts minority entrepreneurs. Through resilience, determination, and support from programs like the Cannabis Business Grants, businesses like Better Days Delivery can thrive and contribute to a brighter future for the cannabis industry.
