• Health
  • Nutrition
  • Cannabis
  • Beauty
  • Fitness
  • Life
  • Nav Social Icons

  • Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
  • Skip to footer
  • Meet Dr. Ross
    • Interviews
    • Media Requests
  • Services
    • Business Consulting
    • Influencer Marketing
    • Speaking
  • Books
  • Courses
  • Consultations
  • Blog
    • Health
    • Nutrition
    • Cannabis
    • Beauty
    • Fitness
    • Life
  • Contact
  • Mobile Menu Widgets

    Connect

    Search

Cannabis Doctor Michele Ross Marijuana Expert

Dr. Michele Ross

Cannabis Coach & Cannabis Consulting

  • Meet Dr. Ross
    • About Dr. Ross
    • Press Coverage
  • Services
    • Advertising
    • Business Consulting
    • Influencer Marketing
    • Speaking
  • Contact
  • Books
    • Vitamin Weed
    • CBD Oil For Health
    • Kratom Is Medicine
    • Train Your Brain To Get Thin
    • Journal Yourself To Health
  • Courses
    • Cannabis & Motherhood
    • Cannabis For Pelvic Pain
    • Cannabis For Migraine
    • Cannabis For Fibromyalgia
  • Consults
Dr. Ross > Cannabis > 3 Reasons Why Inequality In The Cannabis Industry Still Exists

3 Reasons Why Inequality In The Cannabis Industry Still Exists

By: Michele Ross, PhD · Published On: March 26, 2021 · Last Updated: March 5, 2022

money and marijuana cash
Pin
Share
Tweet
Share
Email

Examples of inequality exist throughout history and across industries, and weed is no exception. As governments around the United States increasingly loosen cannabis restrictions, the inequalities of the country’s criminal justice system are now finding their way into the economic success of a new industry. In addition, other types of inequality are also creeping in.

Before lawmakers can truly promote the benefits of legalization, they need to address some glaring issues. Here is a closer look at why some states are working to address cannabis equality.

Lack of Racial Justice

Through racist arrests, convictions, and sentencing, the U.S. War on Drugs has led to the disproportionate imprisonment of Black and Brown Americans for weed possession. As a result, many people of color who have experience working with cannabis now have criminal records that prevent them from meeting the strict loan and licensing criteria that many states require for future business owners. Furthermore, criminal convictions can create additional entrepreneurial barriers such as less resources and education. Currently, less than 1% of cannabis startups are minority-owned. 

Still a Male-Dominated Culture

Although a growing number of woman are entering the industry, cannabis still remains a male-dominated culture. While there may be several reasons for this, the numbers are nonetheless disappointing. When it comes to directors and executives who are running weed startups, the majority of them are men. Indeed, research estimates that only about 17% of cannabis companies have a woman in charge whereas approximately 82% have a male director or executive. 

Gender inequalities do not just apply to leadership, either. When counting employees, females make up even more alarming numbers. In nearly three-fourths of weed businesses, for example, researchers found fewer than 10 female-identifying employees. Although the sizes of many surveyed companies were small, that does not make up for the gender gap when you look at other industries.

Corporations Instead of Community Farmers

Another kind of inequality in the industry is economic. Because of strict licensing laws combined with expensive corporate campaigns against local growers, large-scale investments are increasingly taking over in several places. As such, the industry often excludes the people with the most experience while preferring those with the most cash. This leads not only to unequal growing opportunities but also less consumer control of factors like pricing and quality.

Possible Solutions

To address cannabis inequalities, several states, as well as the country of the Netherlands, have proposed solutions with varying amounts of success. In California and Massachusetts, for example, there are statewide social equity provisions in place that aim to increase access to the industry for underrepresented entrepreneurs. In Michigan, on the other hand, there are reduced licensing fees for people who come from cities that have historically suffered most from the War on Drugs. With that said, not all programs have shown promising results, so analyzing the strengths and weaknesses of each approach is essential for moving forward. 

By understanding the social and economic challenges within cannabis entrepreneurship, you can start doing your part to help bring more justice and equality to this new and exciting industry.

Pin This Post

social justice in the cannabis industry

Share This Post

3 Reasons Why Inequality In The Cannabis Industry Still Exists
Pin
Share
Tweet
Share
Email

By: Michele Ross, PhD · In: Cannabis, News · Tagged: legalization, medical marijuana

plant medicine expert neuroscientist Dr. Michele Ross

About Michele Ross, PhD

Dr. Michele Ross is a neuroscientist helping women heal chronic pain with CBD, cannabis, kratom, and mushrooms. She is the author of Kratom is Medicine, Vitamin Weed and CBD Oil For Health.

you’ll also love

woman buying cannabis at a marijuana dispensary and outdoor weed marketAn Insider’s Look at the Benefits of Shopping at a Dispensary
pot leaf cannabis shop medical marijuana dispensary in reno nevada4 Frequently Asked Questions About Medical and Recreational Cannabis Dispensaries
hemp oil raw acidic cbd cbdaAre CBD and CBDA the Same?

Join the List

Stay up to date & receive the latest posts in your inbox.

Next Post >

5 Fun Facts About Teeth You Need To Know

Primary Sidebar

Meet Dr. Ross

Meet Dr. Ross
hello!

I help women heal pain using plant medicines including cannabis and mushrooms.

Learn more

Connect

young woman reading vitamin weed book in bath tub while smoking a joint

join the list

Featured Posts

Cannabis oil hemp oil capsules pot leaf

What Are The Best CBD Capsules For Pain?

hemp oil can make sex better

Can CBD Fix My Love Life?

pregnant woman in red dress holding her baby bump

Benefits Of Cannabis During Pregnancy

Categories

  • Health
  • Nutrition
  • Cannabis
  • Beauty
  • Fitness
  • Life

Search

dr. michele ross recommends ladykind cbd for sleep and period pain

ready to get started?

I can't wait to work with you!

I've been working with plant medicine for over 15 years, written 5 books, and spoken around the world. I know the ins & outs of what makes a good product and which ones you or your clients should be taking.

Education Services
dr. michele ross cannabis coach cbd consultant speaker author

follow @drmicheleross

Happy International Women's Day to all the women c Happy International Women's Day to all the women crushing it despite getting less pay, less startup funding, less everything when it comes to business. Let's do more than recognize women.
In 2023, it's time to:
*Buy from women-owned businesses
*Give women a seat at the table, preferably the board
*End all male speaking panels
*Invest in women startups, including those focused on serving women
*Include more women in clinical trials
*End toxic work cultures
*Support paid maternity leave policies
*Fill the wage gap between men and women
*Donate to nonprofits serving women
*Let women take time off of work for painful periods without stigma or penalty
*Work harder to specifically include and apply all of these principles to women from marginalized groups such as black women, disabled women, LGBTQ women, and females identifying as nonbinary, genderfluid, or genderqueer.
And so. much. more.
#internationalwomensday #womensday2023 #internationalwomensday2023 #womenfounders
#investinwomen
No one is giving $2 w🌱🌱d gummies to children No one is giving $2 w🌱🌱d gummies to children trick or treating on Halloween. Those reports you hear on the news simply aren’t true! ⁣
⁣
However, if you are attending a Halloween party for adults, ask if the candies, goodies, or drinks are special or infused! Edibles are more common at parties as an alternative to alcohol, especially in states where the plant has been legalized for both recreational & medical use.⁣
⁣
If you’re not used to consuming, try a small piece or half a piece, drink plenty of water, and make sure you have a safe place to sit if needed. And always call a rideshare aka Uber or Lyft home!⁣
⁣
Happy Halloween! 🎃💀👻⁣
⁣
#halloweencostume #halloween #halloweencostumes #halloweenparty #halloweenpartyideas #halloweenpartyideas🎃 #besafeoutthere #parentingmemes #halloweed #microdosing #cannamom #halloweencandy #gummybear #trickrtreat
Happy National Mushr00m Day! 🍄 ⁣ Which is you Happy National Mushr00m Day! 🍄
⁣
Which is your favorite Medicinal Mushr00m?⁣⁣
⁣⁣
It's more important than ever to take mushr00m supplements. Here's a little about how my favorite four mushr00ms work:⁣⁣
⁣⁣
Lion’s Mane Mushr00ms: great for improving focus and memory. Lion's mane promotes neurogenesis, or birth of new brain cells.⁣⁣
⁣⁣
Cordyceps Mushr00ms: great for fighting fatigue and increasing length of your workouts. It's especially helpful for fibromyalgia and chronic fatigue patients.⁣⁣
⁣⁣
Turkey Tail Mushr00ms: great for supporting your immune system. Clinical trials have looked at its role in fighting cancer.⁣⁣
⁣⁣
Reishi Mushr00ms: what can't the queen of mushr00ms do? It fights cancer, boosts the immune system, improves mood, levels blood sugar, and promotes heart health.⁣⁣
⁣⁣
#cordyceps #reishi #reishimushroom #lionsmane #lionsmanemushrooms #lionsmanemushroom #turkeytail #turkeytailmushrooms #turkeytailmushroom #plantmedicine #medicinalmushrooms #shroomstagram #mushroomsociety #shroomies #functionalmushrooms #shrooms🍄 #mushrooms🍄
9/20 is National Magic Mushr00m Day. Why have a da 9/20 is National Magic Mushr00m Day. Why have a day to celebrate them?
Well in the United States & many parts of the world, they are still illegal, similar to another misunderstood therapeutic green plant we celebrate on 4/20. 
I've worked hard over the years in Denver & many other states to help decriminalize shr00ms and help people access information on how to use them for medical, spiritual, and stress relief purposes. I suggest following @decriminalizenature & @doubleblindmag for deeper info.
How are you celebrating today? ❤️ 🍄 ❤️
#fungilover #mushroomlover #psychedelictherapy #explorenature #natureistherapy
I’m not the only one, right? 😜 👩🏻‍🔬 💚
As a neuroscientist, I put out the first book on the potential causes of endocannabinoid deficiency and how to balance your ECS with or without plant medicine. 
From stress to medications to diet to your genes, there are so many ways your ECS go go haywire. The fact that so many people respond to plant medicine is likely because so many of us have severe imbalances.
Want to learn more, including what many of these terms mean? Check out my books (including Vitamin Weed) & courses via the link in my bio. 
#sciencelover #cannabiseducation #cannabisscience #lovelanguage #lovelanguages

Footer

On the Blog

  • Health
  • Nutrition
  • Cannabis
  • Beauty
  • Fitness
  • Life

Legal

  • Privacy Policy
  • Terms of Use
  • Affiliate Disclosure
  • Advertising
  • Careers
  • Contact

Next Steps

  • Book a Consult
  • Shop Books & Courses
  • Infused Partners Brands
  • Shop AURA Kratom
  • Join MushroomMD
  • Join Kratom Is Medicine

© 2023 Infused Partners. This website is for informational and entertainment purposes only and is not a substitute for medical advice, diagnosis or treatment.