A Little Bit of Background
We want to be a leading member in the quest to build a more inclusive industry.
During cannabis prohibition in California, the burdens of arrests, convictions, and long-term collateral consequences arising from a conviction fell disproportionately on the African American/ Black and Latinx/Hispanic communities, even though people of all races used and sold cannabis at nearly identical rates.
The California Department of Justice data shows that from 2006-2015, African American/Black Californians were two times more likely to be arrested for cannabis misdemeanors and five times more likely to be arrested for cannabis felonies than Caucasian/White Californians. During the same period, Latinx/Hispanic Californians were 35% more likely to be arrested for cannabis crimes than Caucasian/ White Californias.
Despite the Social Equity Programs and resources the State has put in place to decrease disparities in the industry, marginalized groups continue to feel the adverse effects of prior cannabis policies. A recent ACLU research report found that “Racial disparities in arrests persist even in states that legalized or decriminalized marijuana.” It will take considerable action to remedy the collateral damage lingering in the industry.
We hope to champion an industry that promotes equity, celebrates diversity, with a focus on community impact.
Vertical Giving aims to address these issues and become an ally in the pursuit for racial equity. We strive to offer support to local, small cannabis businesses in an effort to uplift underserved groups and their communities at large.
