Equity Row at MJBizCon
MJBizCon and 40 Tons Foundation are bringing Equity Row, an initiative that provides a platform for justice-impacted cannabis businesses, to the upcoming conference. This activation creates a space to honor those who have sacrificed for the cannabis plant, while also providing an opportunity for underrepresented entrepreneurs to participate in the booming cannabis industry.
Led by 40 Tons, a Black-woman-owned, multi-state social impact cannabis brand, Equity Row at MJBizCon will feature 16 justice-impacted companies from across the U.S., including 40 Tons itself. These companies receive complimentary exhibit booths at MJBizCon, allowing them to showcase their products, technology, dispensary operations, ancillary services and more at the premier global cannabis industry event. Equity Row is an ideal space for investors, supply chain partners, and vendors to connect with these innovative and resilient companies.
Upling revolutionizes cannabis commerce through their innovative mobile delivery platform, seamlessly connecting consumers with their favorite products while empowering dispensaries with sophisticated point-of-sale technology. Their dual-focused approach streamlines both the customer experience and retail operations, making cannabis access more convenient and compliant across the industry.
Trade Roots stands proud as Massachusetts’ first vertically integrated Social Equity cannabis operator, bringing craft cannabis culture to the Gateway of Cape Cod. Their locally-owned Wareham dispensary redefines the cannabis shopping experience through thoughtful curation and a warm, welcoming environment that serves both their local community and visitors from across the South Coast.
Green Label Rx, with nearly three decades of cannabis expertise, has grown from a legacy social-equity brand into a premier seed-to-sale operation spanning five states. Their unwavering commitment to authentic cultivation and genetic excellence has established them as a leading license-to-license grow facility, setting quality standards across the Western United States
Kulture, Inc., led by seasoned cannabis entrepreneur Jason Washington, bridges the expertise gap in emerging markets by connecting experienced legacy operators with licensed businesses. Through their portfolio of successful brands including Plants Over Pills and FLWR, they’ve mastered the art of building authentic cannabis ventures while eliminating the steep learning curves that challenge new market entrants.
Prophet, founded by cannabis pioneers Luke Scarmazzo and Ricardo Montes, emerges from decades of legacy experience and personal sacrifice to deliver premium California cannabis with profound purpose. After serving years in federal prison for operating one of California’s first medical dispensaries, these resilient entrepreneurs now honor their deep roots and hard-won wisdom by creating exceptional products while advocating for those still impacted by cannabis criminalization.
Free My Weedman champions freedom and justice for cannabis prisoners while fighting to ensure legalization truly benefits the communities most impacted by prohibition. Their powerful advocacy work spans from securing releases and expungements to advancing equity programs and community reinvestment, creating real pathways for justice-impacted individuals to thrive in the legal cannabis industry.
Simply Pure Trenton, one of New Jersey’s first Black-owned recreational dispensaries, combines cannabis excellence with deep community commitment in their pioneering Ewing Township location. Founded by Tahir Johnson, this groundbreaking dispensary elevates the retail experience through expert curation and inclusive service, while actively supporting local initiatives and making cannabis accessibility a priority for veterans, educators, and public servants.
PIF CLOUDZ, created by legacy cannabis entrepreneur Erin ‘Capitol E’ Thurmond, elevates the smoking experience through their luxury line of all-natural, botanical-based vapes and shisha products. As the founder expands from his established PIF pharmz cannabis brand into New York’s licensed market, he continues to advocate for legacy operators while delivering premium alternatives to traditional tobacco products.
Up Elevated Cocktails, founded by mixology expert Carlos Ramos, revolutionizes cannabis consumption through sophisticated infused beverages and immersive hospitality experiences. Born from the intersection of craft cocktail culture and cannabis advocacy, this groundbreaking brand has expanded to ten states, transforming how people experience and perceive cannabis through expertly crafted drinks and educational events.
DeLisioso, founded by Richard DeLisi—who served 32 years as America’s longest-serving non-violent cannabis prisoner—transforms a story of profound injustice into a beacon of industry change through premium cannabis cultivation. Now partnered with Trulieve, this family-run brand honors Richard’s legacy by delivering exceptional products across Florida while advocating for those still impacted by cannabis criminalization
Homegrown Cannabis Co brings the joy and satisfaction of home cultivation to cannabis enthusiasts through their premium seed bank and expert growing resources. Their carefully curated collection of regular, feminized, and autoflowering seeds helps both beginners and experts experience the unmatched reward of growing and enjoying their own top-shelf cannabis.
The Chronic delivers an elevated cannabis retail experience from their Los Angeles base, where exceptional customer service meets community-focused values. Their vertically integrated approach ensures quality at every level, creating welcoming spaces where both newcomers and experienced consumers can explore cannabis with confidence and respect.
The 1937 Group, a Chicago-based vertically integrated cannabis company, honors the plant’s rich cultural legacy while building a modern, quality-driven enterprise across cultivation and retail. Their passionate team brings decades of experience and deep cultural understanding to every aspect of their operation, treating cannabis not just as a business, but as a personal mission to advance the industry’s authentic roots.
The Weed Lady, founded by justice-impacted entrepreneur Evelyn LaChapelle, elegantly challenges cannabis stigmas through premium products that celebrate ambitious, professional women who embrace the plant. Through their luxury pre-rolls and curated essentials, this powerful brand builds a community of empowered consumers while directing resources to support women impacted by cannabis criminalization.
The National Equity Trade Network champions economic justice in cannabis by connecting equity-qualified businesses with strategic allies and resources to build a more inclusive industry. Through their innovative Trade Certification program, they empower consumers to support companies actively working to repair communities harmed by the War on Drugs, creating a powerful ecosystem for lasting change.
Donte West, an exoneree and cannabis justice advocate, transformed his experience with wrongful incarceration into impactful work in the cannabis industry and reform movement. He partners with cannabis operators on business development and social impact initiatives, while working with organizations like Last Prisoner Project to advance clemency efforts and create stronger re-entry programs.
40 Tons Presents
A Step in the Right Direction or Backward?
Will Schedule III Mean the Death of Equity in Cannabis?
As the federal government signals a potential reclassification of cannabis to Schedule III, the industry is at a critical crossroads. Will this shift propel the cannabis market forward, or will it widen gaps in equity, erasing the progress hard-fought by legacy operators and social equity advocates?
Moderated by Axel Bernabe, former Chief of Staff for New York’s Office of Cannabis Management, this powerhouse panel features:
- Amber Littlejohn, Esq., a leading cannabis policy strategist and equity advocate.
- Brandon Dorsky, Esq., seasoned cannabis attorney and CEO of award-winning Fruit Slabs.
- Kimberly Tanami, CEO of HPI Canna, currently the largest cannabis producer in New York.
Join this engaging discussion for fresh perspectives, heated debate, and insights into the future of cannabis in The Joint Lounge Wednesday at 3pm.