George Floyd, Ahmaud Arbery, and Breonna Taylor. We say their names.
The National Cannabis Roundtable stands against racism and the injustices disproportionately affecting black men and women – the same communities that have been disproportionately impacted by the failed, decades-long War on Drugs. Since our founding, the National Cannabis Roundtable has fully recognized that systems and institutions perpetuate injustice and inequality which is why equity and inclusion is written into our organizational DNA. Last December, every CEO of an NCR member company pledged to build an industry that advances social justice, expands opportunity, and increases diversity and inclusion within the regulated cannabis industry. Our efforts are led by Cresco and Trulieve whose commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion manifest across all aspects of their businesses and whose leadership sets the standard for our common cause.
Our corporate social responsibility pledge focuses on four pillars of equal importance: 1) criminal justice reform; 2) equity in business opportunity; 3) workforce utilization and 4) health disparities. Our members commit to taking action – and being held accountable to measurable performance standards – within each pillar. We focus on real, tangible outcomes like funding for expungement clinics, developing community-based workforce programs and ensuring that diverse stakeholders are represented throughout all parts of the industry supply chain.
We also understand that this is not enough. As an association that works to influence federal policy, and especially federal drug policy, we pledge to stand up, speak out and actively work to change the federal law that allows systemic racism to occur in enforcement of drug policy. We can – and will – do better.
To peaceful protestors around the country who are calling on the need for justice and reform – we see you, we hear you and we march with you.