Support our buds over at Cage-Free Repair this Giving Tuesday as they unveil their annual 2023 Cannabis Social Responsibility Report, illuminating the initiatives within the cannabis industry. The report, what they call “a beacon of insight,” delves into the practices of 20 prominent North American cannabis companies, including household names like Tilray and Cookies, evaluating their publicly stated social responsibility initiatives.
Cage-Free Repair, the 501(c)(3) non-profit arm of Cage-Free Cannabis, spearheads this endeavor. Their dedicated team conducted comprehensive research, crafting a rigorous rubric to assess these initiatives. They acknowledge the complexity of this task, given limitations in investigation and the potential for undisclosed practices. Yet, their proprietary scoring system, rooted in the century-long context of cannabis prohibition, quantifies the impact of these companies’ socially equitable behavior.
“Shaping the change I wanted to see in the industry was my driving force in this project. It takes intentional actions to uphold values of social responsibility,” shared Project Researcher Justice Wahid Cotton, reflecting the essence of commitment necessary for transformation.
The project also sheds light on the gap between representation and genuine inclusion. “An industry built on our shoulders now uses us as mere billboards,” expressed Project Researcher Cameron Gaskin, highlighting the disconnect between public image and meaningful support for marginalized communities.
Cage-Free Repair’s scoring criteria focuses on three justice pillars: distributive, retributive, and environmental justice. They define social equity in initiatives by ensuring they promote at least one of these justice types.
Dr. Frederick W. Gooding Jr., a Distinguished Professor at Texas Christian University and Project Advisor, emphasized the significance of fact-based scholarship in unveiling the truth. “The opportunity to bring diverse perspectives into this project was infinitely exciting,” he stated, underscoring the importance of inclusive voices in driving change.
This Giving Tuesday, consider supporting Cage-Free Repair’s mission to advocate for meaningful social responsibility in the cannabis industry. Explore their impactful work and initiatives at their website: Cage-Free Repair. Your support contributes to their vision of a more equitable and responsible industry for all.
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