Breaking Barriers, Building Careers

Join Good Green in Supporting Second Chances

Launched in 2021, Good Green was founded with the belief that cannabis should be enjoyed as a catalyst to wellness – not weaponized against those caught on the failed War on Drugs. That’s why the brand is creating a movement to bring cannabis and communities together, investing a portion of their sales to support education, employment, and expungement for those most affected by the War on Drugs. Read on to learn more about the brand’s mission, how their products support these initiatives, and how you can continue to grow Good Green’s grassroots community.

This isn’t just cannabis. It’s opportunity.

he War on Drugs started over 50 years ago. And it still isn’t over.

Despite changes in legislation, purchasing methods, and attitudes toward cannabis, the injustices and disparities associated with drug policy have only worsened. As a brand benefitting from the legal sale of cannabis, Good Green believes it is their responsibility to call attention to the realities – and do something about it.

That’s why Good Green is partnering with 40 Tons to present the Level Up Career Conference & Business Expo to create employment opportunities for justice-involved individuals. Taking place on Monday, June 19th, at the Malcom X College Conference Center in Chicago, the conference aims to connect employers that support equitable hiring practices with BIPOC (Black, Indigenous, People of Color) job seekers interested in the cannabis industry. It goes beyond a traditional job fair, offering attendees a wide range of resources, including networking exhibitions, resume development, LinkedIn optimization, interactive educational classes, engaging panel discussions, expungement services, professional headshots, attire and haircuts and networking mixers.

In collaboration with the Cannabis Equity Illinois Coalition, Cabrini Green Legal Aid, Westside Justice, and several law firms and law schools, the Level Up Career Conference will also include one of the largest expungement clinics in Illinois. According to data from ACLU Illinois, Black residents were 7.5 times more likely to be arrested for cannabis possession in Illinois before the state regulated purchase and possession.

Why support equitable hiring?

Imagine yourself in the shoes of a justice-impacted individual. You have just been released from prison after serving your sentence and are eager to start a new chapter in your life. However, you soon realize that there are many legal barriers to employment that you must navigate before securing a job.

Firstly, you must disclose your criminal record to potential employers. Unfortunately, many employers have strict policies against hiring individuals with criminal histories, which can severely limit your job opportunities. Even if you are lucky enough to find an employer willing to hire you, your criminal record may be used against you in decisions regarding promotions, raises, and other employment benefits.

Moreover, certain professions and industries may be off-limits to you due to your criminal record. For instance, if you were convicted of a drug-related offense, you may not be able to work in a pharmacy or a medical setting. Similarly, if you were convicted of a financial crime, you may not be able to work in the banking or finance industry.

Even if you can find a job in a field that does not have strict prohibitions against individuals with criminal records, you may still face legal barriers to employment. Some states have laws that prevent individuals with certain types of criminal records from working in specific occupations. These laws may be overly broad, making it difficult for individuals with minor offenses to find work in their desired field.

Additionally, justice-impacted individuals may also face social stigmas and discrimination in the job market. Many employers hold negative stereotypes and assumptions about individuals with criminal records, which can make it difficult to land a job even if you are qualified and capable.

With the Level Up Career Conference, Good Green and 40 Tons aim to support justice-impacted individuals by providing them with the necessary resources to overcome these barriers.

Attend the event.

If you or someone you know would benefit from attending the Level Up Conference, registration is available through Eventbrite. Attendees with previous non-violent cannabis convictions will be admitted to the conference at no charge and are encouraged to visit the expungement clinic, take classes, and participate in the career expo.

Share your story.

If you are justice-impacted and have experienced barriers to employment, Good Green wants to hear from you! Send a brief overview of your story to [email protected] for a chance to be featured on Good Green’s Instagram.

Plants with Power.

By purchasing Good Green products, you’re helping create opportunity and social equity for communities disproportionately affected by the War on Drugs, one nug at a time. If we work together, we can change the way things are. For good.

Good Green flower offers a mixture of large premium buds and popcorn buds in a variety of indica, sativa, and hybrid strains. Their products are available in Illinois, Pennsylvania, Maryland, Massachusetts New Jersey, Rhode Island, Virginia, Florida, Nevada, and Ohio. Sizes vary by market, so connect with a team member at your local dispensary to learn more.