Since the legalization of marijuana in Nevada, it has become a thriving billion-dollar industry. However, minorities are facing hurdles when it comes to owning dispensaries and consumption lounges. In this article, we examine the challenges that minorities are experiencing and the efforts underway to improve diversity and sustainability in the state’s cannabis industry.
Challenges Minorities Face:
Minorities are facing unfairness in obtaining licenses despite having impressive credentials and a commitment to their local communities. Kema Ogden, co-owner of Top Notch THC, a cannabis dispensary in southeast Las Vegas, stated that the process leaves people of color at a disadvantage. She believes that minorities need to be more knowledgeable, experienced, and competitive to get on a level playing field.
Statistics show that only three Black or African American dispensary owners out of 146 operate in Nevada. In Nevada’s marijuana industry, there are 18,361 active agent cardholders, of which only 840 are executives, including owners, officers, and board members.
The Tainted Process and the War on Drugs:
The “war on drugs” has disproportionately affected minority communities, with police arresting them four to ten times more often. To make ends meet, many African American and Hispanic men have had to resort to selling nickel or dime bags, leading to felony charges. This has created a disadvantage for them to obtain licenses for dispensaries and consumption lounges in the cannabis industry.
Efforts to Improve Diversity and Sustainability:
Improving diversity and sustainability in the cannabis industry is crucial. Allowing minority ownership at an early stage of the industry’s growth will create a historic moment in Nevada. Kenneth Landrum, a cannabis consumption lounge licensee, emphasizes the importance of supporting minority-owned businesses to allow for the growth and sustainability of the industry.
Improving sustainability programs is also essential for minority-owned businesses to succeed in the cannabis industry. Supporting minority-owned businesses can help create new job opportunities and support economic growth for generations to come.
The significant lack of representation of minority-owned businesses in Nevada’s marijuana industry is an issue. Minorities face various challenges in obtaining licenses, including an unfair process. To ensure that the cannabis industry is diverse and sustainable, we must support minority-owned businesses by providing equal opportunities and financial backing. The cannabis industry has the potential to be a source of significant economic growth in Nevada, and we must ensure that all people, regardless of their background, have equal access to this opportunity.
