A UConn alum is helping reshape Connecticut’s cannabis industry with a mission that goes far beyond legalization. Caesar Valentín, who grew up in Manchester and holds degrees in political science, philosophy, public administration, and international studies, has made social equity the compass of his career. His graduate thesis explored how cannabis revenue could meaningfully … [Read more...] about UConn Grad Goes From Classroom to Cannabis Crusader
Social equity
Rhode Island’s Social Equity Shuffle
Rhode Island promised a bright green future for people hit hardest by the war on drugs: a shot at owning their own slice of the legalized cannabis market. But reality hit like a bad bong rip — more than half of the applicants just got disqualified. Out of 94 hopefuls, only 36 cleared the state’s exacting social equity requirements. That’s right: a little over a third of … [Read more...] about Rhode Island’s Social Equity Shuffle
Rhode Island Launches Social Equity Certification for Cannabis Business Applicants
Rhode Island’s Cannabis Control Commission has inaugurated an online certification portal to screen prospective license applicants seeking one of six social equity retail licenses—designated for those disproportionately affected by past cannabis prohibition policies, including residents in socially impacted municipalities. The certification process is being administered by … [Read more...] about Rhode Island Launches Social Equity Certification for Cannabis Business Applicants
Why Is Social Equity in Cannabis Such a Failure?
Social equity" is a frequently used term that isn't always defined the same way. Because I, for one, welcome our new AI overlords, an AI-generated definition posits that "social equity is the principle of fairness and justice in how society allocates resources and opportunities. It aims to ensure that everyone has access to the same outcomes, regardless of their background or … [Read more...] about Why Is Social Equity in Cannabis Such a Failure?
Arizona’s Social Equity Program Isn’t Living Up to the Hype
According to Arizona social equity applicants and community members, the state’s cannabis program isn’t operating as intended. The passage of Proposition 207 in 2020 legalized adult-use cannabis, and part of the law required that social equity applicants meet specific criteria. This included having annual income 400% less than federal poverty level, having a cannabis-related … [Read more...] about Arizona’s Social Equity Program Isn’t Living Up to the Hype
Taking the lid off the money pot: Cook County offers grants to social equity marijuana businesses
When Illinois legalized recreational marijuana in 2020, state legislators sought to correct the effects of the drug war on Black and Brown communities with “the most equity-centric law in the nation.” The government did so by issuing special “social equity” cannabis business licenses for people of color so they could reap the profits of the now billion-dollar industry. But even … [Read more...] about Taking the lid off the money pot: Cook County offers grants to social equity marijuana businesses
Connecticut’s Social Equity program provides stability to communities affected by drugs
HARTFORD, CT (WFSB) - Connecticut’s adult use marijuana program is different from other states, mainly because of social equity.This means a large chunk of profits goes to distressed communities.We wanted to see how some of this money is making a difference.Hartford’s youth get help with their homework, and a lot more at the Hartford City Mission.Victor Rush is the executive … [Read more...] about Connecticut’s Social Equity program provides stability to communities affected by drugs
Connecticut’s marijuana tax revenue drives social equity initiatives
NEW HAVEN, Conn. (WTNH) — In the first year of adult-use cannabis sales, Connecticut sold over $144 million worth, resulting in over $22 million to the state from the marijuana tax.The tax is overall around 20 percent and is broken into three categories, A six percent sales tax, a three percent tax for the city or town it’s sold in and an over ten percent THC tax. Most of that … [Read more...] about Connecticut’s marijuana tax revenue drives social equity initiatives
Arizona Bill Aims To Claw Back Marijuana Social Equity Licenses From Investors And Corporate Dispensaries
“We now have here in Arizona a situation where 24 of 26 of these social equity licenses are now fully controlled by companies or people who do not belong in these special groups to get this license.” By Natasha Yee, Arizona Center for Investigative Reporting Arizona lawmakers are pushing to return social equity licenses for marijuana dispensaries to their original owners, … [Read more...] about Arizona Bill Aims To Claw Back Marijuana Social Equity Licenses From Investors And Corporate Dispensaries
Social Equity Council begins distributing money from cannabis industry in pilot program
Connecticut’s cannabis legalization came with opportunity for communities disproportionately affected by the War on Drugs to get funding for community efforts. Those funds are starting to come in. On Tuesday, the CT Cannabis Social Equity Council and the Community Foundation of Eastern Connecticut formally gave out $1 million in grants to causes based in Norwich, New London, … [Read more...] about Social Equity Council begins distributing money from cannabis industry in pilot program
