041: Advocating for Social Equity in Cannabis with Rabbi James Kahn

What does social equity look like in the cannabis industry? How can companies work to repair damage caused by the war on drugs and address challenges pertaining to diversity, education, community, and sustainability? Rabbi James Kahn is the executive director of Liberty Cannabis Cares. LCC is the social impact and corporate responsibility team at Holistic Industries, which is currently the largest privately-held cannabis company in the United States. He joined the company in 2017 and helped them open their first dispensary, Liberty Cannabis, in Rockville, MD, and then served as their National Director of Community Outreach. We saw him speak at the MJ Unpacked Conference last month, and his presentation was by far the one that left us most inspired. Today, Rabbi James joins the podcast to share the remarkable story of how his family became cannabis advocates, why cannabis is a justice issue in religious communities, and the pillars of social justice that inform the transformative work that he’s doing. KEY TAKEAWAYS How Rabbi James’s grandfather’s MS diagnosis exposed him to medicinal cannabis at an early age, transformed his parents’ perception of cannabis, and led him to his current career. The rules surrounding kosher cannabis consumption–and the history of cannabis in religious rituals. What Rabbi James’s work looks like in practice–and the importance of raising up communities. The organizations LCC is partnering with to create opportunities and careers for people hurt most by the war on drugs. How Rabbi James is talking to his kids about sex and drugs, why these are two separate conversations, and why he’s a fan of an organization called Weed Can Wait. Show Notes For complete show notes, including transcripts, takeaways, and links to all the resources mentioned, visit SoHoExp.com/41 To learn more about the podcast and get access to all episodes, visit: SoHoExp.com/GreenRepeal

Om Podcasten

Today’s Cannabis marketers are facing the same challenges faced by the alcohol industry in 1933 when prohibition was reversed — how do you successfully market a product and navigate an industry that is on the verge of becoming legalized on a federal level? Join alcohol beverage marketing experts and founders of SoHo Experiential, Rick Kiley and Jeff Boedges, as they interview economists, historians, entrepreneurs, legal experts, and more! Listen in as they track the path to a “Green Repeal”, through the lens of alcohol beverage professionals familiar with the trials and tribulations of marketing a “sin-dustry.” Through the podcast, listeners will get an excellent understanding of the Cannabis industry, how it will be governed, and how to successfully navigate the challenges of marketing a successful product in a heavily restricted industry.