Let's Talk About Equity, Justice, and Access in the Cannabis Industry.

For the past 32 years, Summer Search has been on the forefront of bridging access and increasing diversity in summer programs, colleges and universities, and places of employment for Summer Search participants -- BIPOC and first-generation individuals who are impacted by the racist systems/institutions/policies they were born into.

In aligning with Summer Search's commitment and practice in promoting diversity, equity, and inclusion, Summer Search Bay Area is conducting a series of engagements highlighting the dire need of representation in the Cannabis industry.

Growing Opportunities in Cannabis

Roles are in high demand and Cannabis companies are generating billions of dollars, yet there is a lack of representation of communities of color in the industry.

  • White men make up 70% of the top executive positions at the 14 largest Cannabis companies (via Business Insider)
  • Black executives make up just 7% of the Cannabis C-suite (via Business Insider)
  • Cannabis is one of the fastest growing industries with sales to increase from $13.4 billion in 2020 to $33.4 billion in 2025 (via Investopedia)
  • In 2020, California reached $1 billion in Cannabis tax revenue (via Women and Weed Magazine, Centennial Spotlight)

March 30, 2022

The Green Frontier: Growing Opportunities in Cannabis

On Wednesday, March 30th, Summer Search Bay Area hosted our first-ever Cannabis Industry Panel discussion. The conversation was moderated by Summer Search alum Christine Capacillo, who also serves as Summer Search's Director of Alumni Relations and Career Services.

Our Panelists:

Conversation Topics:

  • Cannabis Education
  • Decriminalization of Cannabis
  • Equity and Access
  • Federal Legalization
  • War on Drugs
  • Workforce Development and Pathways for Employment
Armani White Boston Globe story

Armani White (right) and his business partner, Sean Berte, were featured in The Boston Globe for their work to open one of the first "Economic Empowerment Certified" retail marijuana businesses in Boston.

Thank you to those who joined us for this unique opportunity to learn more about the Cannabis industry.

Related: CJE - Criminal Justice Solutions >>

In the fourth installment of Summer Search's Championing for Justice and Equity (CJE) series, our panel of experts, including Bay Area alumnus Zach Norris, discussed the vast racial disparities throughout America's criminal justice system and examined opportunities to reform, reimagine, and truly grant equal protection for ALL under the law.