The South Orange Maplewood Action (SOMA) Cannabis Equity Initiative Committee is hosting a social equity and expungement event.
It is next Wednesday, September 21st, at the Woodland in Maplewood.
The event is designed to address the disparate impact cannabis arrests have had on minority communities. Criminal records can have a debilitating generational impact on the lives and livelihoods of individuals and their families. Formerly incarcerated people often suffer from restricted access to employment, housing, banking, education, professional opportunities, and voting. It is a reflection of the racist War on Drugs.
“Cannabis usage is nearly identical across all racial groups, but arrests for cannabis disproportionately affect communities of color. We need to support the legacy operators who created this industry and their families who were affected by the War on Drugs,” said committee member and license winner Jill Cohen of the Canna Boss Lady.
People with eligible cannabis charges, local business owners, and anyone curious about equity in cannabis will have an opportunity to learn about the social equity & expungement program.
There will also be a panel discussion with:
- New Jersey CannaBusiness Association President Ed DeVeaux
- Cannabis & Expungement Attorney Michael Hoffman
- Formerly incarcerated cannabis victim and Social Equity Dispensary applicant Dave “Saint” Eliassaint
- Mojo Botanica Founder and Manufacturing & Cultivation applicant Tanmoy Jadhav
- Stockton University Professor Rob Mejia
They plan to discuss the process of expunging eligible cannabis-related offenses from your record, the importance of social equity in the cannabis industry, how to employ people with expunged cannabis charges, and implementing Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion programs in a business.
Cannabis Social Equity and Expungement Event
Anyone with a cannabis record may apply for expungement before the event.
Expungement is a serious issue that many in the budding New Jersey cannabis industry seek to address. Social Equity is even harder to address because it involves capital.
Guests will enjoy complimentary Mediterranean food from Chutzpah Kitchen and Beer & Wine from Neighbors Wine Shop. There will be an after-party at 8:30 pm at Luna Stella bar with Live Music by Mecca and Full Circle Band.
SOMA Action, Elevated by TheCannaBossLady, Mojo Botanica, Neighbor’s Wine Shop, Chutzpah Kitchen, and Luna Stella are presenting the event.
Entrance is free, but a $10 suggested donation at the door is greatly appreciated.
