As part of our “Rooted In Good” corporate social responsibility efforts, Curaleaf is committed to doing business with 420 new cannabis brands, ancillary suppliers, and advocacy organizations from underrepresented communities in the cannabis ecosystem. It’s an initiative we call 420x25, and it’s just one way we’re working to help repair social harm and remove institutional oppression.

We’re thrilled to announce our new partner in this initiative, Minorities for Medical Marijuana (M4MM). This Orlando, Florida-based nonprofit is known for its dedicated efforts to provide advocacy, outreach, research, and training to support social reform, equitable public policy, economic development, and expanded access to health and wellness in the cannabis industry. That’s why we are confident this partnership will be a successful one for Black, Indigenous, and People of Color (BIPOC) communities, who, unfortunately, are disproportionately harmed by ‘The War on Drugs’ and the criminalization of cannabis.

Established in 2016, M4MM is a nonprofit organization based in Orlando, Florida working to provide advocacy, outreach, research, and training to support social reform, equitable public policy, economic development, and expanded access to health and wellness in the cannabis industry. The organization is committed to cultivating a culturally inclusive environment where diversity of thought, experience, and opportunities are valued, respected, appreciated, and celebrated.

“The best way to rectify the past harms inflicted on communities of color by war on drugs is to ensure that the present and future of the cannabis industry is inclusive, equitable and just,” says Roz McCarthy, M4MM Founder and CEO. “We’re excited to have Curaleaf as a partner for our diversity supplier initiative. The program envisioned by our organization will allow entrepreneurs from impacted communities the opportunity to participate meaningfully in the industry and access its emerging economic benefits while providing value, creating jobs, and powering its growth.”

Our partnership with M4MM is organized under three initiative pillars: education, outreach, and programming. Each pillar will work towards helping empower Black and brown business owners and organizations through an array of educational opportunities and community events, while also continuing to focus on Diversity, Equity & Inclusion. The 420x25 partnership will be featured on MProcure, M4MM’s custom supplier diversity exchange.

“We take our commitment to always doing the right thing very seriously,” said Vice President of Corporate Social Responsibility at Curaleaf, Khadijah Tribble. “And our partnership with M4MM, will help us reach an even larger audience to help diversify our supply chain and create a more balanced market for BIPOC communities. At Curaleaf, we strive to build social equity through our network and partnerships across the cannabis ecosystem, and into the communities we serve.”

Whether it’s through the 420x25 commitment, our newest, strong partnership with Minorities for Medical Marijuana, or through our commitment to hire 10% of 2021 team members from communities impacted by cannabis-related convictions, Curaleaf is dedicated to advancing social equity in cannabis, and doing what’s right, and good, for everyone. We hope you join us.