FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
March 5, 2024
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NATIONAL CANNABIS ROUNDTABLE WELCOMES THREE NEW MEMBERS AS 2024 GROWTH CONTINUES
Washington, D.C. – The National Cannabis Roundtable (NCR) is thrilled to welcome three exemplary Black-owned businesses into its membership: Holistic Solutions, HT23 Growers, and PRECIOUS Canna Co. As champions for diversity and social justice in the industry, each company brings an array of expertise to support NCR and its commitment to fostering an environment that embraces entrepreneurs from all backgrounds as federal cannabis policy reforms move forward. They join Ascend Wellness Holdings, Proper Brands, and Verano that were announced as new members earlier in the year as NCR continues its growth in 2024.
“Here are three shining examples of diverse businesses who embody excellence, the spirit of innovation, quality, and social responsibility,” said Saphira Galoob, Executive Director of the National Cannabis Roundtable. “Their dedication to uplifting their communities through job creation and advocacy is commendable. We are proud to welcome these three new members and look forward to collaborating with them to drive positive change and create equitable opportunities for all.”
HT23 Growers is one of the first 100% Black-owned craft grow licensees in the state of Illinois. Led by Reese Xavier, HT23 Growers is known for its sustainable cultivation practices, premium cannabis strains, support of community revitalization efforts, and for providing residents with the opportunity to fuel economic development and growth within their community.
“We are honored to join the National Cannabis Roundtable and stand alongside fellow industry leaders who share in our values to support equity, and to serve as positive change agents – especially in Illinois where there have been high rates of people from our community incarcerated for violating anti-marijuana laws,” said Reese Xavier, Founder and Managing Partner of HT23 Growers. “My team and I are excited to roll up our sleeves and continue our work towards a more equitable and inclusive cannabis industry where everyone has the opportunity to thrive.”
At the launch of the New Jersey adult-use market, Holistic Solutions was the first Black-and-woman-owned dispensary to open in the state. Holistic Solutions has a vision to help create a world in which cannabis will be readily available, socially supported, and regulated in a way that is consistent with the highest standard of care.
“We are watching an industry come together that has a long history of disproportionately harming people of color through prohibition policies that nearly destroyed Black and Brown communities throughout the country,” said Suzan Nickelson, Founder and CEO of Holistic Solutions. “Together with NCR, we will work tirelessly to ensure that Black-owned businesses like mine have a seat at the table and a voice in shaping the future of this rapidly evolving industry.”
PRECIOUS Canna Co is a new luxury cannabis brand emerging in New Jersey and set to expand throughout the legal market on the East Coast. PRECIOUS Canna Co is the first Black woman owned pre-roll brand to launch in the Garden State. Founded by Precious Osagie-Erese, the serial entrepreneur and Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) expert has continued to help lead the next generation of BIPOC cannabis founders through advocacy. Recently, Osagie-Erese was announced as NCR’s Senior DEI Advisor.
Precious Osagie-Erese, Founder and CEO of PRECIOUS Canna Co said, “I believe working alongside NCR members and pooling our resources together will create a powerful network of thought leaders who will advocate for policy changes and create action steps to better support small businesses and communities.”
About the National Cannabis Roundtable
The National Cannabis Roundtable is an alliance of cannabis companies, as well as ancillary services and solutions providers, who seek cannabis reform that nurtures the nascent domestic industry, protects consumers, and advances social equity. To learn more, please visit www.nationalcannabisroundtable.org.
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