Cannabis Diversity & Inclusion Council – CDIC

About

The Cannabis Diversity & Inclusion Council – CDIC is committed to fostering a more inclusive, equitable, and diverse cannabis industry. By providing resources, advocacy, and education, CDIC supports businesses, entrepreneurs, and advocates who seek to make a positive impact in the cannabis sector. Our work empowers underrepresented communities, promotes equitable access to opportunities, and ensures that diversity becomes a cornerstone of the cannabis industry.

Mission

The mission of the Cannabis Diversity & Inclusion Council is to promote diversity, equity, and inclusion in the cannabis industry. Through advocacy, partnerships, and educational initiatives, we aim to dismantle barriers to entry and ensure equitable opportunities for all, especially marginalized and underrepresented communities.

Vision

Our vision is to create a cannabis industry where diversity and inclusion are the foundation of innovation, business growth, and community impact. The Cannabis Diversity & Inclusion Council – CDIC envisions a future where all individuals, regardless of background, have equitable access to the benefits and opportunities the cannabis industry provides, fostering a more just and inclusive marketplace.

Founder’s Welcome

Welcome to the Cannabis Diversity & Inclusion Council (CDIC), where our mission is to bring diversity, equity, and inclusion to the forefront of the cannabis industry. This is an industry with vast potential, not only for economic growth but also for societal transformation. However, without intentional efforts to create inclusive spaces, many underrepresented communities could be left out of the opportunities that this industry promises. Our work at CDIC is to ensure that everyone has a seat at the table and that diversity is not just an afterthought, but a driving force for innovation and equity.

The cannabis industry, while relatively new and full of promise, still reflects many of the systemic inequities found in other sectors. By championing diversity and inclusion, we seek to challenge these structures and create an environment where all voices are heard, where small and minority-owned businesses can thrive, and where communities impacted by prohibition can lead the way forward.

I am thrilled to welcome you to this community of changemakers, advocates, and entrepreneurs. Together, we can reshape the future of cannabis, ensuring that it remains an inclusive and equitable industry for years to come. Thank you for joining us on this journey, and I look forward to the incredible work we will accomplish together.

Dennis Kennedy
Founder
Cannabis Diversity & Inclusion Council – CDIC

Training

The Cannabis Diversity & Inclusion Council – CDIC offers a variety of training programs tailored to equip cannabis professionals with the knowledge and tools they need to lead diversity and inclusion efforts within their organizations.

• Equity in Cannabis Business Development: Understanding and addressing disparities in access to capital, licensing, and business opportunities.
• Inclusive Leadership in Cannabis: Cultivating leadership skills to champion diversity and equity at all levels of cannabis operations.
• Cannabis Workforce Diversity: Strategies for building inclusive hiring practices, workforce development, and company culture in cannabis businesses.
• Community Engagement and Social Impact: Techniques for fostering relationships and giving back to communities disproportionately affected by cannabis prohibition.

We offer on-demand training sessions to accommodate the diverse schedules of cannabis professionals.

We would love to have your participation, please use this link to sign up for training.

Recognition

The Cannabis Diversity & Inclusion Council – CDIC celebrates the achievements of individuals and organizations that demonstrate exceptional commitment to diversity and inclusion in the cannabis industry. Our awards highlight best practices and innovation in fostering an equitable cannabis landscape.

• Top Cannabis Diversity Leaders: Recognizing influential individuals who have led impactful DEI initiatives within their cannabis organizations.
• Social Equity Leadership Awards: Honoring those who have worked tirelessly to advance social equity programs in cannabis.
• Inclusive Business Practice Awards: Celebrating cannabis businesses that have demonstrated a strong commitment to diversity and inclusion through innovative practices.
• Community Impact Awards: Acknowledging advocates and organizations that have positively impacted communities disproportionately affected by cannabis policies.

Schedule

The Cannabis Diversity & Inclusion Council – CDIC hosts annual events that bring together cannabis professionals to learn, share, and collaborate on driving diversity and inclusion in the industry. With insightful panels, practical workshops, and recognition ceremonies, CDIC empowers attendees to lead DEI initiatives within their organizations and communities. Join us as we work toward a more inclusive cannabis industry, year after year!

2025:

• May 12-14, 2025:
  • Day 1: Inclusive Business Development in Cannabis
  • Panel: Overcoming Barriers to Entry for Minority-Owned Businesses
  • Workshop: Strategies for Building a Diverse Cannabis Workforce
  • Day 2: Equity in Cannabis Licensing and Policy Advocacy
  • Awards Gala: Celebrating DEI Leaders in Cannabis
  • Day 3: Networking and Collaborative Strategy Sessions

2026:

• May 11-13, 2026:
  • Day 1: Building Equitable Cannabis Supply Chains
  • Day 2: Leadership and Diversity in Cannabis Enterprises
  • Day 3: Policy, Licensing, and Social Equity Advocacy

2027:

• May 10-12, 2027:
  • Day 1: Innovations in Cannabis Diversity and Inclusion
  • Day 2: Social Equity Programs and Community Engagement
  • Day 3: Networking and Mentorship for Emerging Entrepreneurs

Register

Please click here to register.

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