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It’s no secret that diversity is lacking in the cannabis industry. Not because marginalized communities are not interested in participating, but rather because tables are rarely constructed with them in mind.

“Making room” at the table for minorities usually consists of awkwardly shuffling chairs around and squeezing them into a tight space. Instead, we should consider throwing away the table altogether and building a new one where they can proudly take up the space they deserve.

Long-winded metaphors aside, investing in diversity and inclusion in the cannabis industry needs to be done intentionally – not as an afterthought.

Why is diversity and inclusion important in networking?

According to the MJBiz 2022 Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Report, “Despite growing interest and investment in cannabis social equity programs around the nation, the industry’s growth this year hasn’t translated into gains for marginalized groups.” In fact, data shows that non-white ownership of cannabis businesses decreased by over 5 percent.

Given that the most important tool at our disposal for improving our industry is other people, cannabis networking is an essential piece of the puzzle. Our networks fundamentally impact the opportunities we give and receive. Those that surround us influence our behavior, attitudes, results, perspectives, and more.

People are powerful.

One of the first steps we should see businesses take to do their part in diversifying the industry is to make way for minorities. For instance, MJBiz offers a scholarship program designed to increase access for marginalized communities to attend its annual MJBiz Con. Such industry-oriented spaces allow any individual to make valuable connections and gain insights from other players in the industry.

But it goes beyond sending an invite. Diversity and inclusion need to be a foundation of cannabis networking events in order to make change really happen. For instance, in addition to a diversity of attendees, there should also be diversity represented in the speakers and panels, programming topics, and even the food served.

What is the benefit of having a diverse and inclusive professional cannabis network?

There is no need to make a “case” for diversity in professional (or personal!) networking. Personal benefits are not the reason these spaces should become more inclusive. However, it is worth noting that it is a great bonus to reap these benefits as an industry when we commit to including everyone.

Better Career Results

Your network will undoubtedly benefit from the perspectives and connections that come from diversity.

One of the biggest unspoken rules of networking is that any connection is a good one. Whether you meet someone in the same industry or role or not is of no importance. Each individual brings their own expertise and personal network that can prove valuable down the road.

Forbes says that “Just like research shows that having more diversity on a board of directors produces better results for the company, having more diversity on your ‘personal board of directors’ – a term many use to describe their professional network – will yield better career results.”

By creating and attending diverse cannabis networking events, we all become exposed to greater opportunities.

More Industry Innovation

When you learn differing perspectives and approaches to different professional problems or industry challenges, you are more equipped to come up with a creative solution.

Diversity at networking events leads to more space for creative, new ideas. Whether it’s an idea for a marketing campaign or an entirely new brand or brand, there are endless opportunities when intelligent minds come together.

Moreover, networking can also lead to life-long relationships, both professional and personal. Fueled by these relationships, ideas become more than just could-be’s.

Diversity turns potential into power.

Recognition of Real Talent

Diverse cannabis networking allows marginalized groups to be heard not only for their experiences of oppression or exclusion but also simply for their hard work separate from their identity as marginalized persons.

In other words, it allows BIPOC to build a network in the industry because they are good at what they do, not because they are a marginalized person in an industry that is unjustly inequitable.

Increase in Psychological Safety

All of the above affects the psychological safety of workers in any industry. Psychological safety is the belief that one will not be punished or humiliated for speaking up with ideas, questions, concerns, or mistakes. In teams, it refers to team members believing that they can take risks without being shamed by other team members.

Psychological safety in the workplace is responsible for a number of things, including individual and team performance, creativity, and more.

With diverse networking events and opportunities, people are more likely to feel welcomed in a given space, because it was inherently created with them in mind. Therefore, people in minority groups will feel that they are more respected and able to contribute more openly which will therefore help lead to a more equitable and inclusive industry.

Attend the next TeeHC Open cannabis networking event

At the TeeHC Open, we recognize that as we disrupt the industry, we must include diversity, equity, and inclusion in the picture. The “table” of cannabis networking as we know it is going out the door – and with it, all the preconceived notions about professionalism.

Our annual event includes a diversity of events, attendees, programming, and more. Whether it’s honoring the land we’re hosting on or creating space for everyone, we are proud of what we’ve put together for all of you. From competition judges, game show hosts, interactive activities, brands represented, and individuals invited, we are putting together one of the best industry events – with diversity in mind.

To learn more about how you can attend our show-stopping event, contact us.