<?xml version="1.0" encoding="UTF-8"?><rss version="2.0" xmlns:content="http://purl.org/rss/1.0/modules/content/" xmlns:wfw="http://wellformedweb.org/CommentAPI/" xmlns:dc="http://purl.org/dc/elements/1.1/" xmlns:atom="http://www.w3.org/2005/Atom" xmlns:sy="http://purl.org/rss/1.0/modules/syndication/" xmlns:slash="http://purl.org/rss/1.0/modules/slash/" > <channel> <title>racial equity Archives — Black Cannabis Magazine</title> <atom:link href="https://blackcannabismagazine.com/tag/racial-equity/feed/" rel="self" type="application/rss+xml" /> <link>https://blackcannabismagazine.com/tag/racial-equity/</link> <description>We educate, inform, empower + provide entertainment for our TRIBE. Highlighting people of color in the cannabis industry.</description> <lastBuildDate>Wed, 17 Jul 2024 17:06:06 +0000</lastBuildDate> <language>en-US</language> <sy:updatePeriod> hourly </sy:updatePeriod> <sy:updateFrequency> 1 </sy:updateFrequency> <generator>https://wordpress.org/?v=6.7.2</generator> <image> <url>https://i0.wp.com/blackcannabismagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/cropped-9A031074-6155-49D0-91F9-3CD39BD7AB82.png?fit=32%2C32&ssl=1</url> <title>racial equity Archives — Black Cannabis Magazine</title> <link>https://blackcannabismagazine.com/tag/racial-equity/</link> <width>32</width> <height>32</height> </image> <site xmlns="com-wordpress:feed-additions:1">169930730</site> <item> <title>Biden Pledges to End Marijuana Incarceration at NAACP Convention</title> <link>https://blackcannabismagazine.com/biden-pledges-to-end-marijuana-incarceration-at-naacp-convention/</link> <comments>https://blackcannabismagazine.com/biden-pledges-to-end-marijuana-incarceration-at-naacp-convention/?noamp=mobile#respond</comments> <dc:creator><![CDATA[Hazey Taughtme]]></dc:creator> <pubDate>Wed, 17 Jul 2024 17:06:06 +0000</pubDate> <category><![CDATA[Government]]></category> <category><![CDATA[NEWS]]></category> <category><![CDATA[cannabis legalization]]></category> <category><![CDATA[cannabis reform]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Cannabis Rescheduling]]></category> <category><![CDATA[civil rights]]></category> <category><![CDATA[criminal justice]]></category> <category><![CDATA[drug policy]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Joe Biden]]></category> <category><![CDATA[marijuana policy]]></category> <category><![CDATA[marijuana possession]]></category> <category><![CDATA[mass pardons]]></category> <category><![CDATA[NAACP]]></category> <category><![CDATA[racial equity]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Social justice]]></category> <guid isPermaLink="false">https://blackcannabismagazine.com/?p=199308</guid> <description><![CDATA[<p>President Joe Biden has reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to ensuring that no one is incarcerated for marijuana possession. Speaking at the 115th NAACP National Convention, the president also highlighted the need to expunge prior cannabis convictions, stressing the importance of these reforms for social justice and equity. Biden’s Commitment to Marijuana Policy Reform During his […]</p> <p>The post <a href="https://blackcannabismagazine.com/biden-pledges-to-end-marijuana-incarceration-at-naacp-convention/">Biden Pledges to End Marijuana Incarceration at NAACP Convention</a> appeared first on <a href="https://blackcannabismagazine.com">Black Cannabis Magazine</a>.</p> ]]></description> <content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>President Joe Biden has reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to ensuring that no one is incarcerated for marijuana possession. Speaking at the <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TxEEBsmoX28">115th NAACP National Convention</a>, the president also highlighted the need to expunge prior cannabis convictions, stressing the importance of these reforms for social justice and equity.</p> <h3>Biden’s Commitment to Marijuana Policy Reform</h3> <p>During his speech, Biden emphasized, “We’re making sure that no one goes to jail for the mere use or possession of marijuana. Their records should be expunged. It holds them back.” This statement underscores his administration’s efforts to address the lingering effects of cannabis criminalization.</p> <p><iframe title="Biden speaks at NAACP convention, outlook for 2024 down-ballot races and more | America Decides" width="740" height="416" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/TxEEBsmoX28?feature=oembed" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" referrerpolicy="strict-origin-when-cross-origin" allowfullscreen></iframe></p> <p> </p> <h3>Mass Pardons and Administrative Actions</h3> <p>Biden has already issued mass pardons for thousands of individuals with federal cannabis possession offenses. Additionally, he directed an administrative review into marijuana policy, leading the Justice Department to recommend rescheduling the drug. However, these actions alone do not fully prevent the criminalization of marijuana users.</p> <h3>Campaign Pledge and Current Reality</h3> <p>Biden made a campaign pledge in 2020 to <a href="https://blackcannabismagazine.com/why-de-scheduling-cannabis-is-the-only-path-forward/">decriminalize</a> cannabis, a promise that remains unfulfilled halfway through his term. The DOJ’s proposal to reschedule marijuana from Schedule I to Schedule III under the Controlled Substances Act (CSA) does not equate to federal legalization, leaving gaps in comprehensive reform.</p> <h3>Political Context and Campaign Strategy</h3> <p>As Biden faces increasing scrutiny regarding his capability to secure a second term, his mention of marijuana reform at the NAACP event signals a strategic move. The campaign recognizes the potential appeal of cannabis policy reform to voters, particularly those impacted by the war on drugs.</p> <h3>NAACP and Broader Political Support</h3> <p>NAACP President Derrick Johnson, who introduced Biden at the convention, has also engaged in discussions on marijuana reform with other political leaders. Johnson recently spoke with Maryland Governor Wes Moore about his state’s mass marijuana pardon, a move praised by the White House.</p> <h3>Recent Presidential Proclamations</h3> <p>Biden has consistently promoted his administration’s actions to address the “failed approach to marijuana” in various proclamations. These include marking the 60th anniversary of the Civil Rights Act and “Second Chance Month,” where he highlighted his cannabis pardons as a step toward racial justice.</p> <h3>Administration’s Stance on Marijuana Offenses</h3> <p>Despite the progress, Biden has clarified that his clemency actions do not extend beyond simple possession. He has explicitly stated that growing or distributing cannabis remains a separate issue, indicating a cautious approach to broader legalization.</p> <h3>Rescheduling and Its Implications</h3> <p>White House drug czar Rahul Gupta has described the potential rescheduling of marijuana as a “historic” reform, suggesting it could pave the way for cannabis-based drug development. However, Gupta’s claims about the impact of rescheduling on racial disparities have been met with skepticism.</p> <h3>Contrast with Previous Administration</h3> <p>The Biden-Harris campaign contrasts their marijuana policy actions with those of the Trump administration, which rescinded federal cannabis enforcement guidance. Biden’s team points to these differences as evidence of their commitment to reform.</p> <h3>Conclusion</h3> <p>President Biden’s recent remarks at the NAACP Convention reaffirm his dedication to ending the incarceration of individuals for marijuana possession. While significant strides have been made, the journey toward comprehensive cannabis reform continues. Biden’s actions and statements reflect an ongoing effort to address the social and racial injustices tied to marijuana criminalization.</p> <p>The post <a href="https://blackcannabismagazine.com/biden-pledges-to-end-marijuana-incarceration-at-naacp-convention/">Biden Pledges to End Marijuana Incarceration at NAACP Convention</a> appeared first on <a href="https://blackcannabismagazine.com">Black Cannabis Magazine</a>.</p> ]]></content:encoded> <wfw:commentRss>https://blackcannabismagazine.com/biden-pledges-to-end-marijuana-incarceration-at-naacp-convention/feed/</wfw:commentRss> <slash:comments>0</slash:comments> <post-id xmlns="com-wordpress:feed-additions:1">199308</post-id> </item> <item> <title>Gov. Moore Pardons Over 175,000 Cannabis Convictions</title> <link>https://blackcannabismagazine.com/gov-moore-pardons-over-175000-cannabis-convictions/</link> <comments>https://blackcannabismagazine.com/gov-moore-pardons-over-175000-cannabis-convictions/?noamp=mobile#respond</comments> <dc:creator><![CDATA[Hazey Taughtme]]></dc:creator> <pubDate>Mon, 17 Jun 2024 15:14:34 +0000</pubDate> <category><![CDATA[Government]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Justice]]></category> <category><![CDATA[NEWS]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Baltimore]]></category> <category><![CDATA[criminal justice]]></category> <category><![CDATA[criminal records]]></category> <category><![CDATA[expungement]]></category> <category><![CDATA[featured]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Gov. Moore]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Legalization]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Maryland]]></category> <category><![CDATA[pardons]]></category> <category><![CDATA[public policy]]></category> <category><![CDATA[racial equity]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Social Equity]]></category> <guid isPermaLink="false">https://blackcannabismagazine.com/?p=199224</guid> <description><![CDATA[<p>Governor Wes Moore of Maryland has taken a significant step towards rectifying past injustices related to cannabis prohibition. In a historic move, Gov. Moore pardoned more than 175,000 cannabis-related convictions on Monday, nullifying guilty verdicts for carrying small amounts of cannabis or related paraphernalia. This executive order, signed during a State House ceremony, grants clemency […]</p> <p>The post <a href="https://blackcannabismagazine.com/gov-moore-pardons-over-175000-cannabis-convictions/">Gov. Moore Pardons Over 175,000 Cannabis Convictions</a> appeared first on <a href="https://blackcannabismagazine.com">Black Cannabis Magazine</a>.</p> ]]></description> <content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>Governor Wes Moore of Maryland has taken a significant step towards rectifying past injustices related to cannabis prohibition. In a historic move, Gov. Moore pardoned more than 175,000 cannabis-related convictions on Monday, nullifying guilty verdicts for carrying small amounts of cannabis or related paraphernalia. This executive order, signed during a State House ceremony, grants clemency to thousands convicted in Maryland.</p> <h3>A Milestone for Justice</h3> <p>The pardoned convictions include over 150,000 misdemeanors for simple possession and more than 18,000 for possession of drug paraphernalia with intent to use. Gov. Moore emphasized that this decision aligns with the voters’ 2022 approval of cannabis legalization for adult use. Despite the economic opportunities brought by legalization, many Marylanders, particularly in Black and brown communities, continued to suffer from past criminalization.</p> <p>“You cannot talk about the benefits of legalization if you’re not willing to deal with the consequences of criminalization,†Moore stated.</p> <h3>Addressing Racial Inequity</h3> <p>Nearly 25% of the convictions come from Baltimore, making it the most affected area in the state. Other significant percentages include Baltimore County and Prince George’s County. State officials are working to further break down demographic data, with an expectation that Black Marylanders will see considerable relief due to the disproportionate impact of past drug policies.</p> <p>Moore highlighted the racial <a href="https://blackcannabismagazine.com/governor-moore-appointments-social-equity-cannabis-industry/">equity</a> undertones, noting, “This has had significant racial equity undertones in it as well, in the way we have used the criminal justice system and used cannabis policy as a cudgel against communities of color.â€</p> <h3>The Path to Rectifying Past Wrongs</h3> <p>Gov. Moore’s decision is a crucial attempt to correct the injustices of the criminal justice system. He remarked on the unfairness of people continuing to face the consequences of something that is no longer illegal. Lingering convictions can hinder access to housing, employment, professional licenses, public benefits, and education.</p> <p>The Moore-Miller administration’s action follows the footsteps of other leaders, including President Joe Biden, who in 2022 pardoned thousands of federal cannabis possession charges and urged local officials to do the same. Moore confirmed discussions with the president and other governors on this issue.</p> <h3>Implementation and Future Steps</h3> <p>The pardons apply to arrests made before January 1, 2023, when cannabis possession was decriminalized. While the exact timeline of affected convictions isn’t clear, all pardons will be updated in Maryland’s online court records within two weeks. Individuals do not need to take any action to receive the pardon.</p> <p>A state pardon doesn’t clear public court records; only expungement by the judicial branch can fully wipe a conviction history. However, expanded state expungement laws in 2022 now mandate the automatic wiping of hundreds of thousands of cannabis convictions where possession was the sole charge. Additionally, pathways to expungement exist for more complex charges, and those incarcerated for simple possession can petition for resentencing and release.</p> <h3>Continuing Efforts for Social Equity</h3> <p>Del. Jheanelle Wilkins, chair of the Legislative Black Caucus of Maryland, praised Gov. Moore’s decision. She emphasized the importance of continuing to reduce the long-term impact of criminal convictions, expanding automatic expungements, preventing employers from inquiring about criminal histories, reducing incarceration rates, and striving for a more equitable justice system.</p> <p>State lawmakers have also created a business license framework prioritizing “social equity†applicants and a tax revenue distribution plan benefiting communities harmed by cannabis prohibition. Maryland’s adult-use cannabis market opened on July 1, 2023, with the Maryland Cannabis Administration selecting the first round of lottery winners for conditional business licenses in March. The state ensures that social equity entrepreneurs maintain majority ownership of these businesses.</p> <h3>Future of Cannabis in Maryland</h3> <p>Maryland’s prioritization of social equity in the cannabis industry is pioneering. License applicants must have lived or studied in areas heavily impacted by cannabis convictions or attended state colleges with significant Pell Grant recipients. The majority of qualifying ZIP codes are in Baltimore, Baltimore County, and Prince George’s County.</p> <p>Tax revenues from adult-use sales will first cover state regulation costs and then be distributed to communities affected by the war on drugs, reflecting strong public support for this approach.</p> <p>Gov. Moore’s pardons represent a significant stride towards justice and equity in Maryland, setting a precedent for other states to follow in addressing the historical injustices of cannabis prohibition.</p> <p>The post <a href="https://blackcannabismagazine.com/gov-moore-pardons-over-175000-cannabis-convictions/">Gov. Moore Pardons Over 175,000 Cannabis Convictions</a> appeared first on <a href="https://blackcannabismagazine.com">Black Cannabis Magazine</a>.</p> ]]></content:encoded> <wfw:commentRss>https://blackcannabismagazine.com/gov-moore-pardons-over-175000-cannabis-convictions/feed/</wfw:commentRss> <slash:comments>0</slash:comments> <post-id xmlns="com-wordpress:feed-additions:1">199224</post-id> </item> <item> <title>USC Grant Sparks EOC’s Cannabis Construction Endeavor</title> <link>https://blackcannabismagazine.com/usc-grant-sparks-eocs-cannabis-construction-endeavor/</link> <comments>https://blackcannabismagazine.com/usc-grant-sparks-eocs-cannabis-construction-endeavor/?noamp=mobile#respond</comments> <dc:creator><![CDATA[Rechinda Palmer]]></dc:creator> <pubDate>Thu, 29 Jun 2023 18:18:58 +0000</pubDate> <category><![CDATA[Education]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Building Trades]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Cannabis Construction]]></category> <category><![CDATA[cannabis cultivation]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Community Development]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Construction Industry]]></category> <category><![CDATA[entrepreneurship]]></category> <category><![CDATA[EOC]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Innovation]]></category> <category><![CDATA[racial equity]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Small Business]]></category> <category><![CDATA[social impact]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Training Program]]></category> <category><![CDATA[USC Grant]]></category> <guid isPermaLink="false">https://blackcannabismagazine.com/?p=197795</guid> <description><![CDATA[<p>An Innovative Grant for an Innovative Program In a significant development, the Educational Opportunity Center (EOC), a division of Hudson Valley Community College, has received a $75,000 USC Grant to power its Cannabis Construction program. This prestigious grant, bestowed by the University of Southern California’s Race and Equity Center (USC), places EOC in a prime […]</p> <p>The post <a href="https://blackcannabismagazine.com/usc-grant-sparks-eocs-cannabis-construction-endeavor/">USC Grant Sparks EOC’s Cannabis Construction Endeavor</a> appeared first on <a href="https://blackcannabismagazine.com">Black Cannabis Magazine</a>.</p> ]]></description> <content:encoded><![CDATA[<h3><strong>An Innovative Grant for an Innovative Program</strong></h3> <p>In a significant development, the <a href="https://www.hvcc.edu/programs/eoc/index.html">Educational Opportunity Center (EOC)</a>, a division of Hudson Valley Community College, has received a $75,000 USC Grant to power its Cannabis Construction program. This prestigious grant, bestowed by the University of Southern California’s Race and Equity Center (USC), places EOC in a prime position to further its mission of advancing racial equity and innovation within the cannabis industry.</p> <h3><strong>Making a Mark in a Competitive Landscape</strong></h3> <p>Outshining over 150 applicants, EOC emerged as one of the 15 nationwide institutions selected to benefit from USC’s innovative grant program, “The Takeoff: Institutional Innovations for College Men of Color.” EOC’s commitment to improving racial equity for men of color and its focus on pioneering approaches within the cannabis industry were pivotal to its selection.</p> <h3><strong>Addressing Racial Disparities with the USC Grant</strong></h3> <p>The USC Grant for Cannabis Construction will allow EOC to directly address the long-standing racial disparities associated with marijuana laws. In partnership with New York State’s Office of Cannabis Management (OCM), EOC plans to reshape the narrative towards a more inclusive and equitable cannabis industry.</p> <h3><strong>Preparing for a New Era in Cannabis Construction</strong></h3> <p>Beginning in the fall of 2023, the USC Grant will fund a comprehensive Cannabis Construction training program. This program is meticulously designed to equip students with the necessary skills to construct indoor and outdoor grow houses, addressing a critical need within the burgeoning cannabis industry.</p> <h3><strong>From Academic Achievement to Real-World Application</strong></h3> <p>Upon completion of the program, students will earn a certificate from EOC and three credits at HVCC. These credits can be transferred to related degree programs, providing an effective stepping stone towards further education in fields like construction technology, carpentry, electrical, HVAC, architecture, and engineering.</p> <h3><strong>Driving Entrepreneurship and Community Development</strong></h3> <p>Beyond its financial benefits, the USC Grant for Cannabis Construction is poised to open doors for communities affected by the war on drugs, offering them an opportunity to pivot into entrepreneurship. Empowered with the skills and knowledge gained from the program, students will be able to construct and sell their grow houses to local farmers and crop owners, instilling a sustainable livelihood while boosting local economies.</p> <p>The post <a href="https://blackcannabismagazine.com/usc-grant-sparks-eocs-cannabis-construction-endeavor/">USC Grant Sparks EOC’s Cannabis Construction Endeavor</a> appeared first on <a href="https://blackcannabismagazine.com">Black Cannabis Magazine</a>.</p> ]]></content:encoded> <wfw:commentRss>https://blackcannabismagazine.com/usc-grant-sparks-eocs-cannabis-construction-endeavor/feed/</wfw:commentRss> <slash:comments>0</slash:comments> <post-id xmlns="com-wordpress:feed-additions:1">197795</post-id> </item> <item> <title>Gorilla Rx Wellness: The Story of Kika Keith and the Struggle for Social Equity in the Cannabis Industry</title> <link>https://blackcannabismagazine.com/gorilla-rx-wellness-the-story-of-kika-keith-and-the-struggle-for-social-equity-in-the-cannabis-industry/</link> <comments>https://blackcannabismagazine.com/gorilla-rx-wellness-the-story-of-kika-keith-and-the-struggle-for-social-equity-in-the-cannabis-industry/?noamp=mobile#respond</comments> <dc:creator><![CDATA[Hazey Taughtme]]></dc:creator> <pubDate>Fri, 26 Nov 2021 00:28:11 +0000</pubDate> <category><![CDATA[Equity]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Retail]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Women]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Black-owned businesses]]></category> <category><![CDATA[California]]></category> <category><![CDATA[cannabis entrepreneurship]]></category> <category><![CDATA[cannabis industry]]></category> <category><![CDATA[cannabis regulations]]></category> <category><![CDATA[community activism]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Gorilla Rx Wellness]]></category> <category><![CDATA[grassroots organization]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Kika Keith]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Los angeles]]></category> <category><![CDATA[racial equity]]></category> <category><![CDATA[social equity program]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Social justice]]></category> <guid isPermaLink="false">https://blackcannabismagazine.com/?p=190686</guid> <description><![CDATA[<p>Standing along the bustling corridor of Crenshaw Boulevard in South Los Angeles is the first Black-female owned dispensary in the city, according to its owner Kika Keith. Her journey to opening Gorilla Rx Wellness was marked by a series of obstacles, stemming from a city program designed to make cannabis business ownership more accessible to […]</p> <p>The post <a href="https://blackcannabismagazine.com/gorilla-rx-wellness-the-story-of-kika-keith-and-the-struggle-for-social-equity-in-the-cannabis-industry/">Gorilla Rx Wellness: The Story of Kika Keith and the Struggle for Social Equity in the Cannabis Industry</a> appeared first on <a href="https://blackcannabismagazine.com">Black Cannabis Magazine</a>.</p> ]]></description> <content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>Standing along the bustling corridor of Crenshaw Boulevard in South Los Angeles is the first Black-female owned dispensary in the city, according to its owner Kika Keith. Her journey to opening Gorilla Rx Wellness was marked by a series of obstacles, stemming from a city program designed to make cannabis business ownership more accessible to low-income people and communities impacted by the criminalization of cannabis. This article will explore Keith’s struggle for social equity in the cannabis industry and how she overcame those challenges to open her dispensary.</p> <h5>The Promise of Social Equity</h5> <p>The Los Angeles Social Equity Program was created in late 2017, a year after voters approved Proposition 64, legalizing the sale of cannabis for recreational use in California. The program aimed to right the wrongs of the past and make the cannabis industry more accessible to communities that had been disproportionately affected by its criminalization. Black politicians urged people to get involved in the cannabis industry and spoke of past industries that Black people were not able to take part in such as tobacco and alcohol. Keith felt that this was a call she needed to answer and decided to take part in the program.</p> <h5>The Struggle to Obtain a License</h5> <p>City officials informed Keith and others that the city would open its application process for social equity candidates to apply to become eligible for a cannabis retail license in January of 2018. Only 100 people would be given a license. Keith had to pay $12,000 a month for her Crenshaw District/Leimert Park property that the city required her to have at the time she applied, which was a financial burden for social equity applicants who were next in line. A lack of staffing at L.A.’s Department of Cannabis Regulation and the city’s prioritization to license existing medical marijuana dispensaries first created a backlog, which prompted longer delays for social equity applicants. The delays caused a financial burden for Keith and other social equity applicants who were next in line.</p> <h5>The Fight for Social Equity</h5> <p>Keith did not give up, despite the obstacles she faced. She began studying the city’s regulations for the industry and attending advisory committee meetings at the state capitol. Keith noticed the lack of Black people in attendance and realized that in order for the program to be successful, hundreds of them would need to get across the finish line. In 2017, she and other social equity applicants started the Life Development Group, a grassroots organization that held regular meetings inside her then-empty store to study the city’s compliance and regulations in the industry to ensure that they were prepared once licensing opened. The organization helped verify more than 250 social equity applicants for their licenses and train more than 1,500 people to either apply for their licenses or become grassroots advocates.</p> <h5>The Opening of Gorilla Rx Wellness</h5> <p>In July 2021, Keith was among the second batch of applicants to get approved by the city, and she was allowed to open her cannabis shop. Gorilla Rx Wellness offers more than 1,900 cannabis products with the largest number of Black owned brands at one location in the state, according to Keith’s daughter, Kika Howze, who heads the shop’s marketing and brand relations. They also sell several non-cannabis items, including food and home goods products. Inside the shop is doused in warm hues of orange, green, yellow, black, and blue, which was designed by a Black woman and curated by another. The space was designed to prioritize the community and to ensure that their struggle wasn’t lost in the process of building it. Howze said, “I like to say that we’re a community before cannabis because it was really essential to make sure that that struggle wasn’t lost in the process of building it.” Gorilla Rx Wellness is a space that the community can call their own and is a testament to Keith’s dedication to the fight for social equity.</p> <h5>The House That People Built</h5> <p>Keith believes that her dispensary is the house that people built because so many people contributed to its success. She says, “once again, the blessings out of all of the time that it took.” With the promise of more social equity licenses opening up in LA in the near future, Keith plans to continue offering seminars to educate aspiring cannabis entrepreneurs in California and across the country. The feedback that Keith and other former social equity applicants provided to the department of cannabis regulation prompted them to implement various programs, including technical assistance and resources on negotiating leases with landlords to make the overall process less strenuous for future applicants.</p> <p>The post <a href="https://blackcannabismagazine.com/gorilla-rx-wellness-the-story-of-kika-keith-and-the-struggle-for-social-equity-in-the-cannabis-industry/">Gorilla Rx Wellness: The Story of Kika Keith and the Struggle for Social Equity in the Cannabis Industry</a> appeared first on <a href="https://blackcannabismagazine.com">Black Cannabis Magazine</a>.</p> ]]></content:encoded> <wfw:commentRss>https://blackcannabismagazine.com/gorilla-rx-wellness-the-story-of-kika-keith-and-the-struggle-for-social-equity-in-the-cannabis-industry/feed/</wfw:commentRss> <slash:comments>0</slash:comments> <post-id xmlns="com-wordpress:feed-additions:1">190686</post-id> </item> </channel> </rss> <!-- Performance optimized by W3 Total Cache. 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