MCBA’s mission is to create equal access for cannabis businesses and economically empower communities of color through policy, programming, and outreach initiatives to achieve equity for the communities most impacted by the War on Drugs.
Our unanimously approved 2025 Organizational Priorities center on empowering a grassroots approach, designed to uplift local efforts creating equity through advocacy and entrepreneurship. We will use our position to connect the dots at the national level in order to break the illusion of silos and to present themes that need to be addressed or celebrated.
MCBA 2025 PRIORITIES
DEVELOPMENT OF MCBA’s ECOSYSTEM
Equity Workshop Tour –
Thirty events nationwide bringing together industry leaders, advocates, and government officials for intimate, dynamic conversations centered on a combination of business development and advocacy
Green Equity –
MCBA’s new flagship event, building off 2024’s pilot event in Minnesota
Lobby Days –
Join us and make your voice heard in Washington, DC
Mentorship Pilot Program –
A game-changer in the development of a thriving business ecosystem! Bringing together several partners with already-successful incubator and educational programs.
Ongoing Engagement Opportunities
Town Halls –
A series of informative and listening sessions, integrating both educational and policy-focused themes
Power Hour –
Weekly Mastermind entering its 5th year, with numerous success stories arising from the weaving together of aligned entrepreneurs
Written Content –
Curated by Vee Castillo, the Traveling Cannabis Writer
POLICY LEADERSHIP
Equity Report Revamp –
Version 2.0 of the highly regarded 2022 publication used by regulators, legislators, advocates, and business leaders alike. The revamp will be a leveling up intended for grassroots impact at the local and state levels, while threading the themes together at the national level in our work for federal action
Equity Policy Brain Trust –
A coalition of many of the most brilliant policy minds in the nation, representing leading organizations, will continue to expand our reach systematically. Now entering its 4th year of creating important policy, regulatory, and advocacy documents. 2025’s goal is to be fully scalable in time for 2026
Issue Based Campaigns –
We will continue to build on 2024’s Shadow Ban Campaign, while adding 2-3 focused campaigns designed to support our member base
CREATE IMPACT WITH MCBA.
JOIN THE MOVEMENT HERE.
2024: The Year in Review
Policy Leadership The Equity Policy Braintrust, now in its third year, united key cannabis organizations to shape industry policy. Major accomplishments include developing Minnesota OCM Rules Ccomments and DEA Rescheduling Rrecommendations, demonstrating our commitment to creating an equitable cannabis industry.
Nationwide Impact
Our reach extended coast to coast through two major initiatives:
1. The Reclassification Tour (Veronica Castillo) traveled the East Coast, engaging stakeholders on federal rescheduling
2. The Equity Workshop Tour (Mike Lomuto) hosted 23 events nationwide, uniting industry and community advocates
Recognition & Achievements
Frederika Easley and Veronica Castillo: Named among 1,500+ Women of Achievement in Cannabis
Mike Lomuto: BCB Mastermind Trailblazer Award recipient
Jessica Lewis: Secured Hemp Homes Contest and EPA Community Change grant wins
Education & Advocacy MCBA leadership maintained a strong presence at major industry events, including Capitol Hill lobbying, Unity Day of Action, Benzinga Capital Conference, and Black Cannabis Week. Our team contributed significant thought leadership through publications and speaking engagements focusing on equity, spiritual practices, and industry development.
CREATE IMPACT WITH MCBA.
JOIN THE MOVEMENT HERE.
