The Cannabis Trade Federation (CTF) has announced the formation of a task force focused on diversity, equity, and inclusion in the cannabis industry.
The task force is comprised of prominent civil rights leaders and cannabis professionals from across the United States who will work with members of the CTF board to create and apply a strategy to diversify the marijuana industry, focusing on communities most-heavily affected by prohibition.
“As a dispensary owner,” says task force Chair, Linda Mercado Greene. “I am excited to get to the serious work of making sure more women and people of color like me are at the table, in the boardroom, and employed in the industry.”
Together, the task force and CTF leadership will develop a diversity, equity, and inclusion policy which, upon board approval, is to be adopted by all CTF member companies.
Additionally, the task force will be responsible for creating standards to measure industry progress and create relevant policy proposals for possible future legislation.
“We are delighted,” says CTF CEO, Neal Levine. “That some of the most experienced leaders in the nation are giving of themselves to ensure the industry of tomorrow reflects the true diversity of this nation.”
The individuals that make up the 26-member task force, which includes NAACP President Derrick Johnson and former Baltimore Ravens offensive tackle, Eugene Monroe, bring an abundance of political, policy, operational, and industry experience to the organization.
