The cannabis industry is rough, but creatives and advocates are readied with strategies to advance equity and generate income to continue the fight. Cannabis Corner shares the highlights from the Minority Cannabis Business Association’s Equity Workshop Tour (EWT) and KVL International Flower Ball Cannabis Expo and Fashion Show. It was a weed filled weekend…you should have been there!
All Things Fly at this year’s 2nd Annual KVL International Flower Ball Donning an all-black suit and shades Abrose Jackson Chairman, and CEO of 1937 Group was spotted chopping it up live as a guest on The Corner Convo Podcast, one of the many activations at the 2nd annual Flower Ball courtesy of the leading cannabis brand, management, marketing, and event production company KVL International, founded in Chicago. Upon arrival guests were welcomed with live
music on the open-air stage, enjoyed pre-rolls and tours of the new 1937 bus that Jackson is proud to connect to his company’s philanthropic arm The 1937 Foundation. Guests enjoyed a myriad of vendors, live music, and a fashion show for one of the most eclectic evenings the southside has seen ever. Jackson attributes the success of the event to his dynamic team and a shared vision. This annual event is a must attend for cannabis lifestyle enthusiasts for sure, but it is an event where it moves beyond cannabis and invites communities of creatives who value a good vibe to find themselves dressed to impress and keeping in good company.
Everything Dope Starts in Chicago
Social equity is more than a buzzword, for cannabis it defines a movement that reaches beyond ownership of licenses. Banking, real estate, insurance, education and health sectors are finding cannabis conversations necessary to engage in. Saturday October 7th kicked off the Minority Cannabis Business Association’s 10 city Equity Workshop Tour (EWT) at Industrious in Fulton Market. “No matter what position you are in, you still need the people to support”, shared State Rep. LaShawn Ford, “industries are doing everything they can to make sure social justice doesn’t happen. They hire lobbyists and sometimes they can spin the truth” he continued. “I know the cannabis social equity community knows the process of law making well”, said Ford and he believes social equity proponents would benefit from aligning legislative priorities with the state’s real estate industry and even the Illinois farming community. When asked about who in Springfield are some cannabis political peers, Ford lifted up State Representatives Cyril Nichols and Marcus Evans.
As Ford closed his remarks he addressed delta-8 THC., “I’m going to pass regulations to tax it and make it safer”, he stated. Tensions over the synthesized delta-8 THC from industrial hemp stalled the omnibus package cannabis social equity had been lobbying for in Springfield. A closing panel moderated by Chicago News Weekly.
Cannabis Corner Editor Mila Marshall PhD welcomed insights from both state regulators and equity organizations. Executive Director of Social Equity Empowerment Network (S.E.E.N.), Belicia Royster reflected on her experience as a previous registered lobbyist and the importance of entrepreneurial civic engagement. Peter Cantos of Cannabis Equity Illinois Coalition gave context to the nuances of veto session in Illinois and helped participants understand the importance of working in a broader coalition for justice involved individuals. Solomon Hatch, the Illinois Deputy Cannabis Regulation Oversight Office (CROO) administrator addressed the lack of having a centralized cannabis agency as a bottleneck in the state of Illinois. Public discourse is necessary, and having regulators, advocates and elected officials coming together is essential for the dispelling of myths and anchoring of facts.
Those interested in the remaining nine sessions across the nation should register at www.minoritycannabis.org.
Dr. Mila Marshall is an environmental professional and journalist with a passion for advancing sustainability in all sectors. Her passion is directed towards urban food systems in segregated cities.