As the cannabis industry matures from a nascent one to a dynamic agricultural business, we’re taking a closer look at the impact that a long history of illegality and criminality has had on communities of color. We’re joined by Danielle Moore and Cedric Powell to discuss the various social justice and social equity programs that are being implemented to help combat the disparity that exists in this industry.
Danielle Moore is an attorney in the Corporate Practice Group in Sheppard Mullin’s San Diego (Del Mar) office. She counsels public and private companies through all stages of growth and in transactions that include securities offerings, mergers and acquisitions, joint ventures and debt and equity financings. Danielle represents clients that fall under the technology, life sciences, hospitality, entertainment, utilities and manufacturing industries, among others.
Cedric Powell is an attorney in the Corporate Practice Group in Sheppard Mullin’s Washington, D.C. office. Cedric practices in the areas of corporate law and mergers and acquisitions. He represents private and public companies, investment banks and private equity firms in corporate and transactional matters, including mergers and acquisitions, joint ventures and securities offerings. Cedric has extensive expertise in acquisition transactions on behalf of private equity firms and other buy-out sponsors, as well as firms in the aerospace, defense, technology, manufacturing, automotive and healthcare industries.
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What We Discuss in This Episode:
- How is the conversation around social justice relevant to the cannabis industry?
- How have years of illegality and criminality disproportionately impacted communities of color?
- Who is profiting from a now-legal cannabis industry?
- What are some of the general social equity programs that are being implemented?
- Are these social equity programs meant to act like government affirmative action programs? How are they similar?
- How is this burgeoning industry presenting great business opportunities for lawyers?
- Why has cannabis been receptive to experimenting with social equity programs?
- What are some of the shortcomings and challenges to the various social justice programs?
- How can these programs be more effective?
Resources:
- "Colorado’s Accelerator Program Paves Way for a Social Equity Program," Cannabis Law Blog, July 31, 2020
-
Cannabis Webinar Wednesday - Cannabis and Social Equity Programs, Recorded Sheppard Mullin Webinar, June 24, 2020