nies will also be able to level the playing field . The education should be free , allowing low-income learners to have the same access . Along with equal education , the development of hands-on training for manufacturing , trimming , packaging , and transportation can lead to opening more jobs to more communities . These jobs will drive much-needed funds back into communities damaged by the war on drugs .
Partnering with minority brands throughout the supply chain .
As the industry matures , more auxiliary companies will come on board . Look for companies in other sectors to build a diverse network of vendors and suppliers . It is not always necessary to touch plants to enter the industry . It is necessary to supply the industry with many things . Companies that strive for social equity will open their eyes to look beyond the normal partnerships and seek out new relationships with black-owned and people of color-led companies .
Push for Expungement
The industry can not move forward unless it looks at the past . People are currently serving hard time for the same product people are legally consuming and from which businesses are currently making millions . We must right this wrong and allow these people an opportunity to prosper as many companies have . We can equal the market and recover to build unity by calling for expungement of these so-called crimes . It is up to the consumers / patients and current companies to take a stand and help push this solution . Consumers and owners can do this by contacting their local legislator , councilman , and advocates , then demand change .
Danielle Buntyon , the owner of Jades Elevation LLC , left corporate America to join the hemp industry in 2018 . She specializes in solventless extraction of CBD hemp . She earned certifications from Ganja Talks University , and completed New Farmers Academy at Tennessee State University . She consults countless farmers and producers with farm and marketing development . She has a Master ’ s degree from Middle Tennessee State University in Sport and Leisure Studies and a Bachelor ’ s degree in Marketing from the University of Memphis . She ’ s lobbied the Tennessee capital to support cannabis law reform as a former board member of the Memphis Chapter of NORML . Contact her at www . jadeselevation . com .