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How can you enter the cannabis industry with no money and no experience? In this episode we meet Ray Martinez, marketing director at the 1937 group. They represent one of a handful of Illinois licensed operators with cannabis cultivation, processing, infusion, transportation and retail dispensary capabilities. Ray shares their journey and the challenges they face becoming a fully vertically integrated cannabis company. We talk at length about how to win a cannabis license with limited capital and skills.
1937 Group Brand
The Marihuana Tax Act of 1937 laid the foundation for federal criminalization of marijuana, a common plant that had been long used for its medicinal properties. It was fueled by widespread racial discrimination against Mexican-Americans and Blacks. Why? It was instigated by a desperate need for funding by the Federal Bureau of Narcotics. At the time, the US federal government lacked the power to ban cannabis, so it levied a tax so punitive that no one could pay it. The effects of cannabis prohibition, inequities in executive and legislative enforcement, and mass incarceration are a direct cause to the current state in many of our families and communities. It is important to understand this history and to be deliberate about how we leverage this industry to truly address the harms and chart a path forward that is more inclusive and equitable. Thus they chose the name the 1937 Group.
Regulation Licensing and Glacially Slow Timetables
As you can see the 1937 group has got a lot of work a head of ti. But that fact they have a dogged work ethic and have been able to overcome one challenge after another gives me pause and admiration and I hope that you too find them an inspiration for your business.
How to Find Ray Martinez and the 1937 Group
Website – https://www.the1937group.com/
LinkedIn – https://www.linkedin.com/in/mtzray/
Instagram – https://www.instagram.com/the1937group/
The Cannabis Advocate Podcast
The Cannabis Advocate podcast advocates for businesses in the cannabis industry and the explores the unique challenges they face. Despite hurdles in legislation, regulation, and culture, there are tremendous opportunities for growers, manufacturers and retail sellers of cannabis products. Many of these issues are unique to the cannabis industry, This podcast speaks to these common concerns and shares stories of success.
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This is a production of Habanero Media.
