NCIA Pledges Commitment, Resources to Social Justice Reform
July 2, 2020 In order to increase opportunities and representation for people of color and marginalized communities in the cannabis industry, the National Cannabis Industry Association (NCIA) is launching the Social Equity Scholarship Program which will provide any social equity applicant or license-holder with one year of free membership with NCIA.
According to a press release issued by the group, this program is intended to help level the playing field by providing current and future equity operators with the networking, resources, and educational benefits offered by the nation’s largest and most established cannabis trade organization.
The scholarship application is open now and available here.
NCIA Executive Director Aaron Smith offered this statement on the recent social justice and police brutality reform movements in the U.S.:
“As I’m sure it has been for so many of you, the last month has been a time of deep reflection for all of us here at NCIA. The national awakening to horrific police violence and the systemic racism that black and brown communities have endured for centuries is long overdue.
Marijuana prohibition is inextricably linked to a history of racism going back to the days before Harry Anslinger, the first commissioner of the U.S. Bureau of Narcotics who said, “reefer makes darkies think they’re as good as white men.”
This history, while vile and disgusting, proves that our industry is also inherently tied to the politics of race. This is something that we must come to terms with if we are to build an industry that is not only inclusive but also contributes to the effort to repair the damage prohibition has inflicted upon marginalized communities under prohibition.”
Head here to read the rest of Smith’s statement.
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