Join us to Break Barriers and Break the Silence
Conversation
A Virtual Shalon on the implications of LEGALIZING CANNABIS:
Part 2: Social Considerations.…
How are individuals, various business owners and the community at large impacted when drugs (primarily marijuana) are legalized? How do opportunities and challenges differ depending on neighborhood, race and other factors?
Join the Shalon community and industry experts to discuss, ask questions and share opinions on this evolving topic.
Issues that we, along with our experts from the industry, will address (knowing that this is only the tip of the iceberg and there is so much more to discuss and learn!)
Race (and gender) equity
Opportunities for success in the business
Financial rewards
Criminal Justice
Impact on employment
Education
How does society educate young people on potential risks
What does legalization mean for schools?
Healthcare
How does legal marijuana fit into "traditional" western medicine?
What are implications for insurance?
Other
View Past Events here
Resources:
The virtual table
Feel free to eat or drink during Shalon, no need for hanger
Planning to order food or support a local establishment? Share with the Shalon community via social media so others can do the same!
Our generous conversation guides
Jocelyn Kane, Vice President, Coachella Valley Cannabis Alliance Network
Jocelyn Kane is the Vice President of the Board of the Coachella Valley Cannabis Alliance Network (CVCAN), the Valley’s only Cannabis trade association. Jocelyn is also the Cannabis Liaison for the City of Coachella, handling the compliance, licensing and supporting the industry operating in the city.
Jocelyn is the former Executive Director of San Francisco's Entertainment Commission, working in nightlife and entertainment for over a decade. She also served on San Francisco’s Cannabis Legalization Task Force to bring fair and sensible policy to cannabis regulations.
Jocelyn is host of The Buzz podcast on Ihub Radio, to reduce the stigma of cannabis across the board, and allow industry leaders, elected officials, and general consumers a platform to be heard, ask questions, and discuss the future of this new industry in California.
Jocelyn also writes a monthly article on cannabis for the Coachella Valley Independent.
Shahiedah Shabazz, Associate, Arent Fox LLP
Shahiedah is a cannabis attorney at Arent Fox LLP, where she advises businesses throughout California on compliance with local and state cannabis laws and supports deals involving the merger and acquisition of cannabis businesses. Before joining Arent Fox, Shahiedah worked at the Los Angeles County Counsel’s Office, where she helped to develop local cannabis policy, monitored developments in cannabis law and policy within federal, state and local government agencies, and prosecuted unlicensed dispensaries. Shahiedah has also worked as a deputy city attorney to several Southern California cities, where she focused on administrative law, land use, the California Environmental Quality Act and litigation.
Shahiedah also is a land use attorney at Arent Fox, advising property owners and developers on zoning and facilitating entitlement of large residential and commercial projects. She is a Chicago native and alumnus of Florida A&M University, Harvard Law School (JD), and Woodbury University (MBA).
Carlton Williams, CEO and Founder, New Life Ca
Carlton Williams is the founder and CEO of New Life Ca a cannabis brand company based in Oakland CA. He is one of the first state licensed applicants to work through the Oakland’s cannabis equity program a program designed to ensure Oakland natives from districts hit hardest bs the war on drugs receive city support through the cannabis application process.
In response to his own struggles navigating the cannabis guidelines, Carlton started a grassroots organization called the Green Huddle. Through this group he educates the community about the opportunities in the cannabis industry and provides a workshop curriculum that walks participants through permit completion and building compliance.
Carlton believes cannabis is more than just an herb that provides various medicinal healing; It is also an opportunity to
economically build the communities hit hard bs the waron drugs by way of using cannabis dollars to support local businesses & artists and create new platforms for economic growth and justice
Sheena Roberson, Founder & CEO, Cannabis Noire
Sheena Roberson is a highly sought after entrepreneur and consultant with more than 12 years of experience in marketing and community engagement, Sheena has helped both established and startup companies forge meaningful connections with their audiences. A high-energy and success-driven senior executive with a broad toolkit of business development, digital marketing, and sales management skills Sheena has developed a strong reputation for the ability to consistently drive progressive and profitable change and results. She now uses these skills to ensure people of color gain equal access and opportunities within the cannabis industry and community through education, resources and advocacy via her company Cannabis Noire.
Sheena uses her platform to educate and advocate for shame free cannabis experiences and opportunities starting chapters nationwide spanning over 35 states. As a cannamomma Sheena also uses her voice as a beacon to other cannamoms especially those of color who seek refuge from judgement stereotypes and unrealistic ideologies Sheena has authored a children’s book alongside her son Jordan and recently released a line of signature hemp infused canna-mom inspired self care line. Sheena works regularly with community programs especially those surrounding returning citizens restorative justice measures minority farming and food sovereignty. It is because of these immense needs the Cana bid community presents that Sheena will be opening a cannabis education and retail boutique alongside Philly Famous Farmer Jawn to educate the support and offer resources to overlooked patients and business in the cannabis space. She is a no nonsense self driven advocate for change with no signs of letting up anytime soon.