Welcome to our blog post on the Maryland Diversity and Inclusion Plan! If you are an entrepreneur looking to start or operate a legal cannabis business in Maryland, this is the information you need. In this post, we will outline proposed initiatives, goals, and metrics that aim to create a diverse and inclusive workforce within the cannabis industry.

By implementing these strategies, we believe that businesses can not only promote equality but also harness the power of different backgrounds and experiences for greater success. We will even provide some sample language that may apply to your Diversity and Inclusion Plan on your cannabis license application. So let’s dive in!

Intent

Maryland’s cannabis industry has experienced significant growth in recent years, presenting a unique opportunity for entrepreneurs. As the industry expands, it is crucial to prioritize diversity and inclusion. By promoting equal access and representation for individuals from all backgrounds, the Maryland Diversity and Inclusion Plan aims to create a thriving cannabis ecosystem that benefits everyone involved.

Overview of Maryland’s Cannabis Industry:

Maryland’s cannabis industry has emerged as one of the most promising markets in the United States. With a well-regulated framework and robust consumer demand, entrepreneurs have ample opportunities to capitalize on this growing sector. From cultivation facilities to dispensaries, various segments within the industry offer avenues for success.

Importance of Diversity and Inclusion in the Cannabis Industry:

Diversity and inclusion are not just buzzwords; they are essential components of a successful and sustainable cannabis industry. By embracing diverse perspectives, experiences, and talents, businesses can foster innovation while ensuring fair representation for marginalized communities. This approach promotes social equity while increasing market reach by catering to diverse consumer needs.

Goals and Objectives of the Maryland Diversity and Inclusion Plan:

The Maryland Diversity and Inclusion Plan sets forth ambitious goals aimed at creating an inclusive environment within the state’s cannabis industry. These objectives include providing support programs specifically designed for minority-owned businesses, fostering relationships with community organizations focused on empowerment initiatives, facilitating access to capital through targeted funding opportunities, advocating for equitable licensing practices across all sectors of the industry, and implementing comprehensive training programs focusing on diversity awareness.

Purpose

Promoting equal economic opportunities for historically disadvantaged groups is a core focus of Maryland’s diversity and inclusion plan. By implementing targeted initiatives, the state aims to level the playing field and provide support for underrepresented entrepreneurs in the cannabis industry. Through mentorship programs, access to capital, and resource allocation, Maryland strives to empower these communities and foster their success.

Maryland’s diversity and inclusion plan actively works towards promoting equal economic opportunities for historically disadvantaged groups, particularly in the cannabis industry. Through targeted initiatives such as mentorship programs, access to capital, and resource allocation, the state aims to empower underrepresented entrepreneurs and cultivate their success.

Creating a more inclusive and representative cannabis market in Maryland is another key objective of the state’s diversity and inclusion plan. By actively encouraging diversity among license holders, ensuring fair participation in licensing processes, and promoting diverse ownership structures within businesses, Maryland seeks to cultivate an industry that reflects its population. This approach not only drives economic growth but also ensures that all communities have equitable access to both business opportunities and quality products.

Addressing social equity concerns within the industry is paramount in Maryland’s broader efforts towards inclusivity. The diversity plan focuses on mitigating barriers faced by marginalized groups through measures such as expungement of prior convictions related to marijuana offenses, reinvestment into affected communities, job training programs tailored specifically for impacted populations, as well as fostering partnerships with organizations dedicated to social justice reform. These concerted efforts aim at rectifying historical injustices while laying a solid foundation for an equitable future within the cannabis sector.

Sample Diversity and Inclusion Plan Language

Proposed Initiative: The Company will implement various strategies to recruit and hire a diverse workforce. This includes creating gender-neutral job descriptions, partnering with state and local employment staffing groups, advertising in diverse publications and web-based recruitment platforms, participating in local hiring events and job fairs, attending community group meetings to attract individuals from the cannabis industry. Additionally, all hiring managers will undergo training on bias and cultural sensitivity to ensure an inclusive workplace.

Metrics and Evaluation: The Company will regularly assess its progress in increasing diversity by analyzing the demographics of its employees. Based on these analysis, necessary steps will be taken to further enhance diversity within the organization. This evaluation process will occur annually after receiving licensure from the Maryland Cannabis Administration for adult-use marijuana operations.

GOAL 1: Recruit and hire a diverse group of employees

Proposed Initiative: To achieve the goal of recruiting and hiring a diverse group of employees, the Company will implement the following initiatives:

• Create gender-neutral job descriptions

• Recruit from state and local employment staffing groups

• Post hiring needs in diverse publications and web-based recruitment platforms

• Participate in local hiring events and job fairs, including cannabis-centric job fairs

• Attend community group meetings to introduce the Company and attract a diverse array of individuals

Metrics and Evaluation: The Company will assess its progress in increasing diversity by analyzing the demographics of its employees annually. Based on these analyses, appropriate steps will be taken to further enhance diversity within the organization.

Proposed Initiative

• Establish diversity and inclusion training programs for hiring managers

• Create internship or mentorship programs targeting minority candidates

• Develop partnerships with universities to attract diverse talent

The Company will implement various initiatives to recruit and hire a diverse group of employees, promoting inclusiveness among the workforce. This includes creating gender-neutral job descriptions, recruiting from state and local employment staffing groups, posting hiring needs in diverse publications, participating in local hiring events and job fairs, attending community group meetings to attract a diverse array of individuals, and engaging with community groups to identify ways to attract candidates. Additionally, hiring managers will undergo training on bias and cultural sensitivity. The goal is to ensure that our workplace is inclusive while meeting the Maryland Cannabis Administration‘s regulations on ownership criteria.

Metrics and Evaluation: The Company will assess its progress in increasing diversity by analyzing the demographics of its employees annually. Based on these analyses, steps will be taken to further enhance diversity within the company. These evaluations will occur within a year of receiving licensure from the MCA for an adult-use marijuana establishment.

This proposed initiative aims to establish comprehensive management plans with clear goals and measures for inclusion and diversity. By implementing these strategies outlined above under this proposed initiative we are confident that we can create an inclusive work environment that empowers historically underrepresented communities while attracting top talent from broad backgrounds.

Metrics and Evaluation

• Track demographic data of job applicants, hires, and promotions to ensure a diverse workforce.

• Conduct regular employee surveys on diversity and inclusion satisfaction to gauge employee experience.

• Monitor representation at different levels within the organization to identify any barriers or gaps.

Corporate Diversity Goals and Tenets

Implementing fair hiring practices is crucial to promoting diversity within the corporate sector. By ensuring a transparent and unbiased recruitment process, companies can attract candidates from different backgrounds and experiences, contributing to a more inclusive workforce. Additionally, providing training programs specifically designed for underrepresented communities in the cannabis sector can bridge the skills gap and create opportunities for individuals who may have faced barriers to entry. Lastly, pursuing supplier diversity by actively working with minority-owned businesses not only promotes economic empowerment but also fosters an environment of equity and fairness within the industry. These initiatives collectively contribute to building a diverse and inclusive business ecosystem in Maryland’s cannabis market.

How to use Baltimore and Universities in Maryland in Your Diversity and Inclusion Plan.

Baltimore, as a major city in Maryland, and the University of Maryland can play crucial roles in providing strategic leadership in ensuring diversity and inclusion within the cannabis industry.

Baltimore, being a diverse and vibrant city, can serve as a hub for promoting diversity and inclusion initiatives. The city can collaborate with cannabis businesses to create a supportive environment that fosters inclusivity and embraces the rich diversity of its residents. By partnering with local organizations, including community groups and advocacy organizations, Baltimore can help facilitate outreach efforts to underrepresented communities and promote opportunities within the cannabis industry.

The University of Maryland, as a leading educational institution, can contribute to fostering diversity and inclusion by offering specialized programs and resources. The university can establish partnerships with cannabis businesses to provide training programs specifically tailored to individuals from diverse backgrounds. These programs can focus on equipping participants with the necessary skills and knowledge to succeed in the cannabis industry, breaking down barriers to entry and promoting diversity in leadership roles.

Additionally, the University of Maryland can conduct research and generate data on diversity and inclusion within the cannabis industry. Through studies and analysis, the university can identify gaps and challenges, as well as best practices, to inform policies and initiatives aimed at promoting diversity and inclusion. This research can serve as a valuable resource for businesses, policymakers, and advocates working towards a more inclusive cannabis industry.

How does Maryland’s diversity and inclusion plan promote equity and fairness?

Maryland’s diversity and inclusion plan promotes equity and fairness by implementing strategies and goals to ensure equal opportunities for individuals from historically underrepresented communities. The plan acknowledges the importance of creating a diverse workforce and believes that by valuing and promoting inclusiveness, the company will be more successful.

The plan sets a goal of hiring a workforce in a Licensed dispensary, Growing Facility and Processing facility that is at least 40% women and 51% comprised of minorities, veterans, persons with disabilities, and LGBTQ+ individuals. By actively recruiting from diverse sources such as state and local employment staffing groups and posting job openings on diverse platforms, the plan aims to attract a wide range of candidates.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the requirements for a diversity and inclusion plan for a Maryland cannabis business license application are crucial for promoting equity and fairness within the industry. Maryland recognizes the importance of diversity and inclusion in creating a successful and thriving workforce. By setting goals and implementing strategies to recruit and hire individuals from historically underrepresented communities, businesses can create a more inclusive environment that values and promotes inclusiveness.

Through partnerships with community groups, advocacy organizations, and educational institutions like the University of Maryland, businesses can facilitate outreach efforts and provide specialized training programs to break down barriers to entry and promote diversity in leadership roles. Additionally, conducting research and generating data on diversity and inclusion within the cannabis industry can inform policies and initiatives, creating a more informed and inclusive environment for all.

By incorporating a comprehensive diversity and inclusion plan into the license application process, Maryland is taking a proactive approach to ensuring that all individuals have equal opportunities to succeed in the cannabis industry. This commitment to equity and fairness will not only benefit individual businesses but will also contribute to the overall growth and success of the industry in Maryland.

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Soon a Washington Social Equity Cannabis License Application will be released to the public. The Washington State Legislature passed E2SHB 2870, which established a cannabis social equity program. The Social Equity in Cannabis Task Force will develop policies and recommendations to improve social equity in the cannabis industry licensing process as part of the program. This bill creates a new status of “social equity applicant” for marijuana retailer licenses. The Liquor and Cannabis Board (LCB) gives priority to social equity applicants who have “social equity plans” for available marijuana retailer licenses, including up to 34 licenses that are subject to forfeiture, revocation, or cancellation or were available but not previously issued by the LCB. The Marijuana Social Equity Technical Assistance Competitive Grant Program has also been established and funded.

The proposed social equity rule would provide retail cannabis licensing opportunities in Seattle and beyond to people who have been disproportionately impacted by the War on Drugs. 

Although the Washington State Liquor and Cannabis Board (“LCB”) is not currently accepting applications for the social equity program, there are a number of things you can do and ways to learn more about the program in order to prepare to apply.

The rule includes eligibility criteria as well as application scoring criteria, with the purpose of determining those who are disproportionately affected and guaranteeing they have the better chance of being approved.

QUALIFICATIONS FOR SOCIAL EQUITY ELIGIBILITY

To qualify, a WA resident must hold at least 51% of each social equity retail license applicant and the person or persons making up the applicant must meet at least two of the following qualifications:

• the applicant has lived in a Disproportionately Impact Area (“DIA”) in WA for a minimum of 5 years between 1980 and 2010;
• the applicant or a family member of the applicant has been arrested or convicted of a cannabis offense; or
• the applicant’s household income in the year prior to submitting the application was less than the median household income within the state of Washington.

Disproportionately Impact Area (“DIA”) is defined as “areas of high unemployment, low income, and demographic indicators consistent with populations most impacted by the war on drugs, including areas with higher rates of arrest for drug charges.”

WA SOCIAL EQUITY RETAIL LICENSE

To be considered for a retail license, an applicant must be a social equity applicant and submit a social equity plan to the board, in addition to other marijuana retailer license application requirements. Technical assistance grants, priority licensing, regulatory compliance training, financial management training, and assistance in obtaining financing are among the social equity provisions in Washington State. Assistance with the marijuana retailer licensing process, marijuana business education and business plan development, regulatory compliance training, and connecting the social equity applicant with established industry members are all activities eligible for funding under the program.

SCORING SYSTEM 

Section 570 creates a scoring system to rank Social Equity Applicants (“SEA’s”) based on 12 factors and, where applicable, give an applicant a certain number of points.

WA SOCIAL EQUITY PLAN

The application process will be open for 30 calendar days initially, but the LCB may reopen the application window if licenses become available. The application must be submitted electronically and all required information must be submitted within the 30-day window specified in the proposed rules. Applicants may only apply once per window.

Applicants must also submit a social equity plan outlining how the licensee intends to meet social equity goals, as well as a business plan involving partnerships or assistance to organizations or residents with connections or contributions to populations with a history of high rates of cannabis prohibition enforcement.

RESTRICTION ON LICENSE

The LCB does not issue new licenses for social equity allowances. It is repurposing licenses that have been cancelled or revoked for use in this program. This is consistent with the LCB’s current moratorium on new Washington cannabis licenses. Unsurprisingly, social equity licenses will have more restrictions than adult use cannabis licenses, which is significant in WA. 

Among the limitations are:

1. After the application has been reviewed, no changes to its ownership are permitted.
2. No change of address outside of the county in which the license was issued;
3. Within the first year of issuance, no license transfer or assumption is permitted, and all social equity licenses may only be transferred or assumed by a person or persons who meet the definition of a social equity program applicant for a period of five years from the date the license is approved.

Social equity licensees will benefit from some advantages, giving them a better chance of success in a difficult and competitive environment. Licensees, for example, would have an unlimited amount of time to select and secure a location. Other licensees must keep a licensed premise in order to receive a license. Furthermore, social equity licenses can transfer licenses from one city to another within the same county. Other licensees are unable to transfer from one city to another in the county.

There are also restrictions that are unique to social license equity licenses. These licensees are unable to change ownership once the application has been reviewed, scored, and prioritized. Within the first year of licensure, social equity licenses cannot be transferred or assumed. A social equity licensee cannot transfer a license for five years unless the recipient (whether a company or a person) qualifies as a social equity applicant. These transfer restrictions are included to help ensure that the benefits of the social equity designation stay within the communities and families most affected by the War on Drugs.

This program should improve equity and inclusion in the cannabis industry. 

NEED ASSISTANCE WITH WASHINGTON CANNABIS LICENSE APPLICATIONS?

Contact us at tom@collateralbase.com / 309-306-1095.

Finding Your Cannabis Community

This cannabis community for women has morphed into much more since it was founded in the mid 2010’s. Tokeativity was founded in 2016 amidst a historic women’s movement that impacted every industry from entertainment to journalism. Organizations like Women Grow and Illinois Women in Cannabis are cultivating similar experiences for women. Today we’re speaking with Tokeativity Co-Founder, Lisa Snyder, about their feminist cannabis community.

What is Tokeativity?

• A global feminist community for active cannabis culture
• They host community events around the globe
• Has a non-profit social club for women
• Founded in 2016
• Headquartered in Portland, OR

What does feminism look like to Tokeativity?

This cannabis community for women understands that feminism is not restricted to women.

“In 2020 feminism looks like having women be an important part of the normalization conversation and really including everybody in that conversation. Equality is obviously something that is very important to women but it really needs to be expanded to an everybody conversation. Especially with what’s happening in our country we really need more people thinking and talking about equality because in general it feels better and everybody wins. It takes time and community building and relationship building and trust.” – Lisa Snyder

What did you consider when drafting your Code of Conduct?

This cannabis community for women opened their non-profit which allows people of all genders to join in. To join however, you need to agree to Tokeativity’s Code of Conduct which has guidelines of how a member should interact with other members.

“If we’re changing cannabis culture and really leaning into what it means to be respectful of each other and really setting the rules for what that even means, then we need to be using codes of conduct. Different people have different definitions of what’s respectful and we really wanted to set the tone for what it is that we find to be respectful and where the line is.” – Lisa Snyder

One of your missions is “empowering women at the root level”. What is the root level?

“The root level to me means the internal dialogue that women have. Women are told from the time they’re born that they can only do certain things. However the root level to me means exploring that internal conversation that becomes a woman’s external environment.” – Lisa Snyder

Why is community so important in the cannabis space?

“Being able to meet each other is huge. We need to know each other during this super chaotic time in our political climate. We all need to know one another and support one another businesses. If we don’t really know who’s behind the scenes how can we really feel good about supporting that business or buying from them. I feel way better buying from a farm where I’ve been to the farm and know the farmer. Or I know the people behind the scenes who are caring about it. It’s all about relationships.” – Lisa Snyder

Cannabis Community for Women

Written by: Howell.Natasha

Cannabis has a lot of benefits, especially when it comes to medicinal value. However, the fact that most states still illegalize cannabis makes it hard for most people to acquire it from reliable sources. Despite this, there are a few activists who are fighting to ensure that people get access to cannabis. One of those activists is Lisa Snyder, who is a renowned name in the digital industry. Lisa has designed numerous websites and has also been involved in several feminist programs as an activist. Since 2005, she has been the CEO of Tokeativity, which is the cannabis community for women.

Lisa Snyder Background

Lisa has been working in the digital world for a long time and has a background in search engine optimization. She has been an online personality since 2004 and has been involved in multiple projects dealing with the empowerment of women. She has a web design and SEO firm, which she sometimes uses to give voice to the marginalized. Her drive to help women came after she lost both her mother and father to cancer. That loss drove her to focus on working towards women’s liberation and cannabis education in Oregon. Her Tokeativity website is the best place to head to if you want any information regarding cannabis.

Tokeativity

This website provides a platform for cannabis users and anyone interested in knowing more about cannabis to interact and share information. It doesn’t just focus on promoting the use of cannabis, it also provides useful information and provides an avenue for those who need help to get it. The community consists of diverse users who have different levels of expertise in the subject and are therefore well equipped to offer assistance to anyone who needs it as soon as possible. Through the website, the team is also capable of organizing different events that bring empowerment and other activities that help build a better community. Some of the reasons why joining this community is a good idea include:

Information access

There is a lot of information surrounding the use of cannabis, including its advantages and disadvantages. However, some of the information is usually false and misleading, and that makes it very difficult for you to access accurate information that could be useful to your situation. This cannabis community for women gives you a place to find trustworthy information. Apart from the information on the website coming from the website’s team, your chances of interacting with someone who has been in a similar situation to yours are higher, and that will make it easier for you to get help. Even though the website strives to normalize the use of cannabis, the users don’t have anything to gain, and that means that you’ll not get any exaggerated information.

No stigma

Stigmatization and misinformation regarding cannabis use are some of the reasons why most people prefer to suffer in silence. They would instead remain silent than share their pain only to be judged. If you have a cannabis addiction or any other adverse effect, then this platform gives you a safe place to share those issues and get help. The users here aim to empower women and not bring them down. Even if the use of cannabis is still being frowned upon in your local area, this website gives you a safe space to share your opinion. The level of trust and loyalty you’ll find from the website users and owners will be enough to help you in whatever you’re dealing with.

Professionalism

The level of diversity available on Tokeativity means you’ll be getting access to different types of people when you join them. This means you’ll have access to people with different levels of expertise, which include professionals in the cannabis usage sector. If you’re a new user or you’re considering if you the benefits of cannabis outweigh the potential side effects, then this is one of the best places where you can get professional advice. You’ll get different perspectives and ideas that will help you make an informed decision.

Conclusion

If you have been looking for a cannabis community for women where you will be comfortable enough to talk about your issues, then you should check out Tokeativity. By joining this site, you be participating in something more significant, and you’ll be part of a good cause. There are no rules regarding those who are allowed to join, so you can do so at any time.

Check Out:

• Tokeativity
• Tom Howard at CannabisIndustryLawyer.com
• Miggy at Cannabis Legalization News

Interested in coming on as a guest? Email our producer at lauryn@collateralbase.com.