Dayton, Ohio — Early reports suggest that Ohio’s medical marijuana industry has a diversity problem. Despite increased attention among the industry professionals and government entities, cannabis companies continue to struggle with recruiting, training and retaining a diverse workforce.
Many studies in many regions document that minorities can be much more likely to be arrested for possession of marijuana.
This reality may be one factor contributing to a significant lack of diversity in Ohio’s medical marijuana industry, experts say.
“In many marijuana-related companies, an absolutely clean criminal background check is required for hiring,” notes Jeff LaFollette, founder of the Ohio Cannabis Chamber of Commerce. A conviction for simple possession is often enough to derail a cannabis career, says LaFollette.
A roundtable discussion and networking event, hosted by the Ohio State Drug Enforcement and Policy Center, Center for Innovation Strategies and The Ohio Cannabis Chamber of Commerce will explore this and other issues of workforce diversity on May 16th, from 4:00 – 6:30 p.m. at the Ohio Union Round Meeting Room on the campus of The Ohio State University. The event is free and open to the public. Public parking is available at the Ohio Union Garage.
Speakers who are scheduled to appear include:
Speaker 1. Rev. Damon Lynch III, Owner Green RX , Dispensary
Speaker 2. Emilie Ramach General Manager of Terrasana Columbus and CEO/Founder of Compassionate Alternatives
Speaker 3. Representative Juanita Brent Ohio District 12
Speaker 4. Julianna Doran-Dixon Owner Meigs Fertilizer,
cbd’s and Founder of Ohio Hemp Farmers Cooperative. #hemp
Speaker 5. Carmen Fultz Assistant Director of Cultivation at Buckeye Relief
Speaker 6. Karen Korn, PhD CEO & Executive Director Leaf Medic
Speaker 7. Audra Sparks, MA Medical Cannabis Consultant
Speaker 8. Alexandra Ianni Director of Wellness at Buckeye Botanicals Dispensary & Director of Education at Columbus Botanical Depot
Speaker 9. Nickole Ross Noohra Labs, COO
Speaker 10. John Izzo, Esq. Assistant Director of Government Relations, Graf/McGovern
Speaker 11. Kristen Joseph, Owner & Director of Quality , Apeks Supercritical
Speaker 12. Ally Reaves; Lead Admissions Officer for the Cleveland School of Cannabis; Founder/President of Midwest CannaWomen.
The experts will discuss their own experiences entering the new industry, resources that are available for training and recruitment, and various strategies for building a diverse workforce.
“This is a continuation of a series we started this year to bring together leaders in this new industry to discuss their experiences and insights. The issue of diversity and legislative developments are ever present for anyone working in this space” said Jana Hrdinova of the Ohio State Drug Enforcement and Policy Center.
The second panel will focus on legislative and regulatory updates that affect Ohio’s medical marijuana program and the Buckeye state’s treatment of hemp and CBD. Since Ohio governor John Kasich signed House Bill 523 into law on June 8, 2016, medical marijuana has been legal in Ohio (though it remains an illegal Schedule 1 drug on the federal level.) The roll-out of Ohio’s medical marijuana program was plagued by delays, but sales of medical marijuana began at a few dispensaries starting in January 2019. Ohio’s medical cannabis law has been interpreted to cover hemp and hemp products that include CBD in the State, but in late December 2018, the federal farm bill served to create a distinct regulatory structure for hemp and related CBD products nationally.
The second panel will focus on legislative and regulatory updates that affect Ohio’s medical marijuana program and the Buckeye state’s treatment of hemp and CBD. Since Ohio governor John Kasich signed House Bill 523 into law on June 8, 2016, medical marijuana has been legal in Ohio (though it remains an illegal Schedule 1 drug on the federal level.) The roll-out of Ohio’s medical marijuana program was plagued by delays, but sales of medical marijuana began at a few dispensaries starting in January 2019. Ohio’s medical cannabis law has been interpreted to cover hemp and hemp products that include CBD in the State, but in late December 2018, the federal farm bill served to create a distinct regulatory structure for hemp and related CBD products nationally.
About the Ohio Cannabis Chamber of Commerce
The Ohio Cannabis Chamber of Commerce supports the growth of Ohio’s legal marijuana and hemp industries by cultivating respectful regulatory relationships; encouraging professionalism and integrity in business operations; publicizing the cannabis and hemp industries’ economic impact; and promoting positive, accurate public perception of patients and the industry.
About the Drug Enforcement and Policy Center
The Drug Enforcement and Policy Center at the Moritz College of Law at The Ohio State University focuses on promoting and supporting interdisciplinary, evidence-based research, scholarship, education, community outreach and public engagement on the myriad issues and societal impacts surrounding the reform of criminal and civil laws prohibiting or regulating the use and distribution of traditionally illicit drugs.
About the Center for Innovation Strategies
The Ohio State Center for Innovation Strategies inspires a growth mindset in organizations and students by acting as a catalyst and facilitator within the innovation ecosystem, by providing quality instruction and enabling the co-creation and sharing of innovation knowledge, frameworks and tools, and advancing innovation research and applied practice.
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