SAN FRANCISCO — Equity Trade Network and Marijuana Matters, two of the nation’s leading advocates for social equity within the legal cannabis industry, have taken a ground-breaking step and merged their organizations to create the first National Social Equity Trade Certification for the cannabis industry. The National Equity Trade Certification (NETC) program is a certification, offered exclusively by the Equity Trade Network, that supports and creates business opportunities for people of color to excel in the legal cannabis space. We provide increased visibility with consumers, build targeted business and networking opportunities, and develop supply chains with access to major markets.
Less than 3% of all licensed cannabis businesses are owned and operated by Social Equity licensees that are majority-minority owned and/or whose owners were adversely affected by the “war on drugs”. For the average consumer, it can be challenging to identify these products and services owned by Social Equity companies. The NETC program is the solution that will address these major consumer concerns. Marijuana Matters and The Equity Trade Network have created a nationally recognized certification, trademarked by the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office to highlight and support Social Equity-owned and operated businesses. Gift of Doja founder and Equity Trade Co-founder Nina Parks said, “We are excited about our partnership with Marijuana Matters and believe that by joining forces we will create greater viability and awareness of equity products & businesses.”
The NETC program will connect plant-touching and ancillary business owners to resources and opportunities, empowering them to create sustainability in the equity-economic ecosystem and allow consumers more freedom to make more conscious decisions with their dollars. “Industry research I have conducted has already proven that consumers across the country want a certified equitable cannabis industry and are willing to pay a premium for those products”, said Darius Kemp, Advisor to the Equity Trade Board of Directors and Co-Director of the new program.
“We want to encourage, educate, and empower people of color and Social Equity operators to make the most of the business opportunities available to them. We launched the NETC program to be a beacon of hope for social equity businesses and the industry as a whole,” says Marijuana Matters CEO Khadijah Tribble.
Interested companies, whether you are or might be a Social Equity, ancillary cannabis service, or an operator that wants to ally with these companies are encouraged to apply for our equity trademark or ally seal.
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