California Marijuana

Editor’s note: Mark Slaugh, a person of color, works with companies across the United States and internationally and is actively involved in promoting social equity. This piece represents his point of view, which comes from his and his clients’ lived experience. Only by confronting sensitive issues in straightforward ways will the industry find solutions that work for all. The most recent National Cannabis Industry Association (NCIA) conference highlighted the amazing work of colleagues who care, highlighting hot-button industry topics like sustainability and social equity, diversity , and inclusion. One could even argue there isn’t much difference between the goals of sustainability and social equity. Both acknowledge a need for the cannabis industry to think smarter, remain open to new ideas founded on evidence, and embrace change for the sake of a long-lasting, responsible, and profitable market for all. While most people agree with those ideals on the surface, in practice soluti...