As a cannabis e-commerce company, understanding the present landscape of our industry is crucial – but it is not enough. We must first understand the history and how the criminalization of cannabis has disproportionately affected minority communities.

Many cannabis brands and companies have directed support toward people who have unjustly been affected by cannabis prohibition and the War on Drugs. 

Fortunately, there are avenues for brands and communities to come together to establish social equity in the cannabis industry. 

At Dispense, we recognize the obstacles that minority communities have faced and continue to face. In fact, we recently launched a Social Equity Program to help level the playing field and support equal opportunity for all. 

Social Equity in the Cannabis Industry: How to Help  

The term “social equity” can mean different things, but the textbook definition is: 

The fair, just, and equitable management of all institutions serving the public directly or by contract; the fair and equitable distribution of public services, and implementation of public policy; and the commitment to promote fairness, justice, and equity in the formation of public policy.

Neutrality, fairness, and justice for all people – this is social equity. This applies to industries, governments, legislatures, and the companies in between. And this is where cannabis comes in.

While the cannabis industry has rapidly evolved from an illicit black market to a medicinally and recreationally legalized substance within 38 states, the industry has also become a key player in social justice advocacy. Even with the potential federal legalization on the horizon, many brands still insist on speaking out about the importance of social equity in this thriving industry. 

It’s no secret that adverse effects from the War on Drugs and marijuana prohibition have disproportionately impacted minority communities for decades – and still do today, whether it be setbacks from cannabis possession or imprisonment for non-violent drug charges.

Today, cannabis brands and legal states continue to show their support of social equity in the industry through programs, resources, scholarships, and even proposed legislation. And Dispense is no different.

How Does Dispense App’s Social Equity Program Work? 

At Dispense, we recognize the harmful consequences that minority communities have experienced throughout the War on Drugs and cannabis prohibition. This is why we offer our own Social Equity Program to support these communities. 

Our Social Equity Program includes discount pricing for our cannabis e-commerce software to expand accessibility.

To apply for our program, simply fill out the application on our website and share your company’s story. 

Your cannabis business is eligible for our Social Equity Program if: 

• You are part of an underrepresented group, such as a minority-owned, woman-owned, or service-disabled veteran-owned business. 
• You are holding an existing social equity license that is designated by a state agency. 
• You have been previously convicted for marijuana-related charges or negatively impacted by the War on Drugs. 

The goal of the Dispense Social Equity Program is to support equal opportunity in the cannabis industry for companies, brands, dispensaries and – ultimately – people.

We aim to make cannabis business ownership and employment opportunities more accessible to individuals and communities who have been historically underrepresented.

Dispense App: Supporting Justice For All 

At Dispense, we believe in equal opportunity for all people. We encourage cannabis communities and brands to continue making efforts toward social equity in the industry through education, programs, and community outreach.