Join California organizers and advocates for a series of 8 virtual convenings (60-90 min each) to learn about Prop. 64 implementation and build our movement to repair the harm caused by the War on Drugs by centering racial justice, equity, and healing.

Session #1:
Cannabis, Equity and Racial Justice
January 12th, 10:00 am
This session will provide participants with an overview of how cannabis legalization intersects with various aspects of equity and racial justice, including the impact of the War on Drugs on communities of color, economic equity, cannabis tax revenues and public health. Presenters: Marc Philpart, ABMoC, Jim Keddy and Sarah-Michael Gaston, Youth Forward

Session #2:
The Prop 64-funded grant programs
January 19th, 10:00 am
Drawing upon revenues from state cannabis taxes, state agencies are issuing grant funds to nonprofits, local health departments and tribal organizations across the state to support services to youth and families in communities most impacted by the War on Drugs. To date these agencies have issued about $60 million in grant funds, and are preparing to issue more than $80 million in the coming months. This session will give participants an overview of each of the grant programs. Presenters: Staff from GOBiz, DHCS, CNRA, BSCC and the Center at Sierra Health Foundation (INVITED), Jim Keddy and Sarah-Michael Gaston, Youth Forward

Session #3:
Youth Development in the Era of COVID-19
January 21st, 10:00 am
This session will explore how youth development organizations are developing new practices to reach and support youth during COVID-19. The session is targeted to youth-serving organizations that have received Prop 64 funds and to the larger youth development field. Presenters will share new research on how organizations are responding and innovating given social distancing and the additional stress and pressures on youth created by the pandemic. Presenters: Audrey Jordan, researcher, Marcus Strother, President & CEO, Mentor California, Jim Keddy, Youth Forward

Session #4:
The Status of EQUITY in California’s Marijuana Industry and Policies
January 26th, 10:00 am
This presentation will report on how Black and Brown cannabis entrepreneurs are struggling to access capital, adequate technical support and equitable regulations in order to enter and participate meaningfully in California’s marijuana industry. We will provide an overview of the state equity grants program and efforts in several parts of the state to increase equity in cannabis business development. Finally, we will look at practices, trends and policy ideas that are emerging to help close the racial wealth gaps caused by the criminalization of weed. Presenters: Malaki Seku Amen, California Urban Partnership and The Institute for MORE

Session #5:
Local Cannabis Tax Revenues: Threat and Opportunity
January 28th, 10:00 am  
Across the state, local governments are collecting local tax revenue and are using those funds to support general government and to expand law enforcement. Local groups organizing or preparing to organize to redirect local cannabis taxes away from law enforcement and toward community reinvestment will share their experiences. In addition, presenters will share new research on how numerous local governments are currently spending tax revenues. Presenters: Jim Freeman, Grassroots Action Support Team, Jim Keddy and Sarah-Michael Gaston, Youth Forward and local organizers

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