Economic-Social Justice Researcher

Job Description

WE ARE: ECQUINABIS –​Economic Equity in Cannabis* ​ – a compliance and diversity consulting firm for the highly regulated cannabis industry. We believe that the re-branding of cannabis and what some call the “green rush” must provide workable inclusion initiatives to correct the vicissitudes of the War on Drugs imprinted on minority communities. We maintain that it is a business imperative for the industry to create feasible strategies and opportunities for ownerships and participation by people of color and women in the emerging cannabis market. The cannabis industry is thriving but not for all. Help us create the preeminent resource on inclusion and diversity for the cannabis industry.

SUMMARY: ​This is an unpaid virtual internship with a vibrant start-up. ​Under ​the direct supervision of the Chief Legal Officer, the Intern-Economic-Social Justice Researcher shall develop a database of US States’ cannabis/marijuana/hemp laws social equity regulations/provisions, processes and outcomes and correlate the data with each respective State’s marijuana sentencing statistics. ​At this time, marijuana is legalized in eleven states and Washington, DC, for recreational use for adults over 21; and medical marijuana is legalized in 33 states and Washington, DC. Hemp is legal in the United States (T​he Agriculture Improvement Act of 2018 aka 2018 Farm Bill). *Cannabis, when used in this document, includes marijuana and hemp.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

● Research (a) each State’s cannabis legislative history, laws, statutes, regulations and court cases and (b) the top 25 cannabis companies by market share.
● Track information from each State’s cannabis/marijuana/hemp regulatory office, draft FOIA requests and other communications, etc., to gather diversity profiles of license owners, board members, executives, and staffs, including each respective State’s cannabis regulatory bodies, etc.
● Track each public or private cannabis company’s diversity profile: owner, board members, executives, employees, etc.
● Assist in advocating for diversity/inclusion initiatives with allies and others.
● Create a depository system for research and tracking data via a system such as Excel or Access.
● Assist in preparing relevant content into PowerPoint presentations and Word-based briefs and reports.
● Other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

QUALIFICATIONS:

● Pursuing, interested in or have a degree in Law, Business or Data Analytics or related field.
● Excellent research skills: attention to detail, accuracy and verification.
● Demonstrated passion and involvement in economic and social justice matters.
● Excellent written and oral communication skills: technology proficiency, including MS-Office and database management software.
● Strong skills in time management, creativity, and collaboration.
● Willingness to take initiative and the ability to manage projects independently.
● Able to project professionalism over the phone and on virtual platforms.