By Frederika Easley, Executive Director of the Cannabis Impact Fund

A shift is occurring. Like Phil Collins sang, “I can feel it coming in the air.” To be honest it did not just start recently. Once upon a time, shame existed. Shame was a cousin to the moral compass. Now here we are in the midst of a front facing assault on diversity, equity and inclusion. There is a growing list of words that have been flagged by our “Democratic Government” as problematic. They are being removed from websites and used to withhold funding and aid from organizations and institutions. Words such as trauma, implicit bias,  socioeconomic status and even female to name a few. 

This got me to thinking, if a person or entity has a problem with words like this they must support the opposite. Let’s be clear on what that is. The opposite of diversity is homogeny or sameness. The opposite of equity is prejudice or favor. The opposite of inclusion is omission. When you say you do not support diversity, equity and inclusion, when you make decisions to discontinue programs, to downsize staff or budgets, to intentionally readjust priorities, what you are saying is that you want spaces filled with people who are the same, omitting those who do not fit the mold in order to show favor. 

Wow! All I can think of is how sad this makes me. Knowing that research shows that diverse companies are 70% more likely to capture new markets. The return on investment is clearly there — it is a sound business decision. What blandness some are in store for. What sickness or fear this type of thinking must stem from. I think about the best parts of living and how they include learning from and about other people, things, cultures. Exploring different perspectives. Identifying needs and voids and filling them in ways that are genuine, reflective and lead by those who will be influenced or impacted by it most. 

Diversity, equity and inclusion is not the enemy. Getting rid of it will not make the excellence of those you wish to exclude go away. It will not make you better or hide mediocrity. It will in fact be a disservice to yourself and a missed opportunity for growth and development both personally and professionally. And for this, there should definitely be shame. But for shame to return there is work we can and need to do. We must use our voice, our dollar and our vote to push for the change we seek. Historically power has never conceded without motivation. 

So how can this look specifically?

• Our voice: Shed light about companies who are doing wrong on social media platforms to educate the masses. Be sure to be clear around actions being taken or not and what your concern is. Publicly ask questions regarding community reinvestment in efforts to hold businesses accountable.
• Our dollar: Patronize businesses and brands that visibly and tangibly support your values. 
• Our vote: Our Democracy was designed to be of the people, by the people and for the people. Educate yourself on your elected officials stance on the plant. Reach out to express your support or concern. And when elections occur, vote accordingly.

The fight to ultimately free the plant and people is not simply about business and consumption. Its reach is to education, housing, employment, environment…the social determinants of cannabis. These are issues worthy of issuing shame!