A Step Towards a Better Tomorrow
In an industry often clouded by controversy, the National Cannabis Roundtable (NCR) shines as a beacon of progressive change. Its inaugural Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) report for 2022-2023, aptly titled “Better Tomorrow Than Today,” marks a significant milestone. This comprehensive document illustrates the collective ambition of NCR and its member companies to create a positive impact in the cannabis industry and the communities they serve.
Breaking Ground in Social Responsibility
The report, spearheaded by Saphira Galoob, the Executive Director of NCR, and Precious Osagie-Erese, the CEO/Founder of Precious Canna Co., acknowledges the current gaps within the U.S. cannabis market. The NCR’s initiatives encompass a wide range of areas, from criminal justice reform to equity in business opportunity, workforce utilization, and addressing health disparities.
One of the key highlights is NCR’s symposium on Capitol Hill, focusing on clemency policies and criminal justice reforms. This event resulted in the introduction of bipartisan federal legislation aimed at creating an expungement mechanism for low-level violations of marijuana law. This initiative is a giant leap towards rectifying the long-standing injustices perpetrated by the War on Drugs.
Member Companies’ Contributions: A United Effort
The NCR’s CSR report proudly features the significant contributions of its member companies:
- Cresco Labs: Demonstrating its commitment to restorative justice, Cresco Labs provided over $735,000 in direct support to related organizations and hosted numerous community events, aiding thousands of individuals.
- Fluence: In a stride towards gender equity, Fluence launched the Women Innovation Leaders Forum, fostering cross-collaboration and innovation among women in the horticulture and cannabis industries.
- Greenspoon Marder: As part of Project New Leaf, the firm expanded its pro bono services to assist individuals impacted by the War on Drugs with expungement and record sealing.
- iLava: Collaborated with Arizona’s Marijuana Expungement Coalition’s Reclaim Your Future campaign, helping expunge marijuana-related criminal records.
- Mana Supply Co.: Actively engaged in community events across various states, raising funds and awareness for local and national charitable organizations.
- Pura Vida Investments: Raised significant funds for The Bowery Mission, supporting individuals experiencing homelessness and hunger.
- TILT Holdings: In a historic partnership, TILT Holdings joined forces with the Shinnecock Indian Nation to establish Little Beach Harvest, the first tribally-owned, tax-free cannabis dispensary in Eastern Long Island.
- Trulieve: Launched a nationwide supplier diversity initiative, focusing on education, professional development, and creating business relationships with a diverse supplier base.
- urban-gro, Inc.: Supported a unique indoor farm project in Colorado, contributing to agricultural education and addressing food insecurity.
- Verano: Initiated a dispensary donation program, significantly contributing to The Weldon Project’s advocacy for cannabis-related criminal justice reform.
Find the report HERE.
A Beacon for the Future
The NCR’s report is not just a reflection of past achievements but a roadmap for future endeavors. It underscores the crucial role of corporate social responsibility in shaping a more equitable and sustainable cannabis industry. As the cannabis market continues to evolve, the NCR and its members stand as pioneers, setting new benchmarks for social responsibility and inclusivity.
This report is a testament to the power of collaborative effort in driving meaningful change. It serves as an inspiration for other industries to follow suit, demonstrating that businesses can indeed be a force for good, creating a “Better Tomorrow Than Today.”