OUR ACADEMY

Our Academy is a platform and mentorship program designed to support social equity applicants (SEAs) and those affected by the war on drugs in the cannabis industry. Our Academy aims to create safe spaces for SEAs to gather and discuss opportunities and challenges, address predatory practices, foster higher industry standards through community-building, and empower social equity partners via support and education. Our up-and-coming media platform aims to share stories and resources through articles and video content, facilitating strategizing among social equity partners, community-focused activists, and organizers. The mentorship program will include online workshops covering negotiating and maintaining partnerships, creating community reinvestment plans, developing sustainable supply chains, and marketing strategies for SEA companies. Our educational initiatives will address the disproportionate impacts of the war on drugs and cannabis criminalization on low-income and communities of color. The first cohort of SEA students was enrolled in July ’24, with new “classes” of SEAs accepted quarterly and plans to expand to other legalized states. Our Academy also addresses industry challenges such as the lack of legal representation for SEAs, insufficient funds for legal and equity consultation, and predatory deals comparable to modern-day redlining/contract loans. By providing these resources and fostering a supportive community, Our Academy aims to realize its goals of empowering social equity partners and implementing educational initiatives to address historical injustices in the cannabis industry.