Content Analysis of the Corporate Social Responsibility Practices of 9 Major Cannabis Companies in Canada and the US

Authors: Tanner Wakefield, Stanton A. Glantz, Dorie E. Apollonio

Affiliations: Center for Tobacco Control Research and Education, School of Pharmacy, University of California, San Francisco; Center for Tobacco Control Research and Education, University of California, San Francisco; Department of Clinical Pharmacy, University of California, San Francisco

License: Copyright 2022 Wakefield T et al. JAMA Network Open. CC BY 4.0 This is an open access article distributed under the terms of the CC-BY License.

Article links: DOI: 10.1001/jamanetworkopen.2022.28088  |  PubMed: 35997980  |  PMC: PMC9399867

Relevance: Moderate: mentioned 3+ times in text

Full text: PDF (168 KB)

Introduction

As of February 2022, 19 states and Washington, DC, had voted to legalize recreational cannabis use in the US,¹ although the US federal government classifies cannabis as a Schedule I substance with high abuse potential and no approved medical purpose² despite therapeutic evidence.^3,4 Cannabis companies (some represented on state regulatory boards)^5,6 prefer policies likely to increase consumption.^5,7 Canada legalized cannabis nationally in 2018,⁸ establishing a market based on advice from a task force including government, health, research, legal, law enforcement, and non–cannabis business representatives. Input was solicited from advocacy organizations and cannabis companies,⁹ the latter of which seek reduced taxes and regulations.¹⁰ Research on the effects of recreational cannabis legalization on cannabis use has been inconclusive, with studies reporting different increases and decreases in consumption after legalization.¹¹ One study¹² found that cannabis use increased in the past year and past month among populations of Asian, Hispanic, Native American, non-Hispanic White, and Pacific Islander race and ethnicity and among individuals reporting multiple races and ethnicities who were aged 21 to 30 years in states that had legalized medical and recreational cannabis. The study found no changes in cannabis use by non-Hispanic Black individuals or for any racial or ethnic demographic group aged 12 to 20 years.¹² Another study of cannabis consumption in Canada found increased prevalence of cannabis use among middle-aged and older adults after recreational legalization.¹³ Federal surveys conducted in 2020 by their respective governments found that 17.9% of individuals 12 years or older in the US¹⁴ and 27% of persons 16 years or older in Canada consumed cannabis in the past 12 months.¹⁵ Further cannabis normalization could increase consumption as well as expand the reach and strength of companies selling cannabis products.

Corporate social responsibility (CSR) constitutes a company’s philanthropic, ethical, and economic activities beyond profit seeking,¹⁶ including mitigating environmental and societal impacts.¹⁷ Corporate social responsibility promotes brands and secures government goodwill that protects business interests.^18,19,20,21 Controversial industries, including the tobacco industry, use CSR to bolster reputations burdened by core stigma,²² a term indicating that products, conduct, or customers have a negative social impact.²³ Tobacco industry CSR activities ostensibly address harms caused by its products^24,25 but blame consumers²⁶ and present its programs as alternatives to regulation.^26,27 That industry’s efforts include “youth smoking prevention” programs with forbidden fruit messaging,^28,29 smokers’ rights groups that resist regulation,^30,31 and pharmaceuticalization, which reoriented business toward nicotine replacement therapy.³² The World Health Organization Framework Convention on Tobacco Control,³³ an international treaty adopted in 2003 to steer countries’ tobacco control programming, mitigate the global tobacco epidemic, and curb the tobacco industry’s interference in regulation, defines CSR as a form of advertising.³⁴

As legal cannabis sales expand to new jurisdictions, the cannabis industry may seek to use CSR to gain legitimacy, secure approval, recruit allies, access government, and influence policy as it attempts to expand its customer base and legal markets. Past research on this question is limited: searches of academic databases found only 1 book chapter³⁵ covering the CSR activities conducted by 2 cannabis companies operating in Colorado and 3 articles^36,37,38 addressing CSR practices by cannabis companies, all of which stated that further research was needed. Comparison of cannabis companies’ CSR practices with those of the tobacco industry is useful because we can assess commonalities and differences between the practices of a nascent industry exiting illegality and a long-established sector with a product that has historically been legal.^39,40 The recent legalization of cannabis in Canada and patchwork legalization of cannabis in 18 states in the US has led to the appearance of multiple smaller businesses alongside the multinational corporations in this sector. Owing to differences in the legality of cannabis within the US, cannabis businesses face varying market regulations. The prior criminalization of cannabis and resulting disparate racial and social harms has generated attention regarding how cannabis companies address diversity, equity, and inclusion, potentially influencing the focus of its CSR practices relative to the tobacco industry.

We reviewed cannabis CSR activities in the US and Canada between January 1, 2012, when Colorado first legalized recreational cannabis, and December 31, 2021. We sought to determine whether cannabis companies have CSR practices similar to those of the tobacco industry because both sell substances that are recreationally consumed and harmful to public health with comparable consumption modes (eg, smoking, vaping).

Methods

For this qualitative study, we reviewed documents related to the CSR activities of cannabis companies between 2012 and 2021 using established methods from previous research of the tobacco,⁴¹ alcohol,²⁶ and food¹⁶ industries. We sampled the 10 largest cannabis companies by market capitalization as of January 2021 identified by Nasdaq,⁴² an electronic securities trading market covering the US, Canada, and Europe.^43,44 We excluded 1 pharmaceutical company making cannabis-derived treatments and not involved with recreational markets, leaving 9 companies^{45,46,47,48,49,50,51,52,53,54,55,56,57,58,59,60,61,62} (Table 1) in our sample.

Our data collection, coding, analysis, and writing process followed the Standards for Reporting Qualitative Research (SRQR) reporting guideline. Our approach also relied on existing protocols for searching and analyzing industry documents.^63,64,65 Because this study did not involve human subjects, informed consent was not applicable. This research was approved by the University of California, San Francisco, Institutional Review Board. Information regarding CSR activities was collected from August 1 through December 31, 2021, through systematic searches of cannabis company websites and Nexis Uni articles written in English. Websites were reviewed for CSR activities, including events, sponsorships, nonprofit partnerships, education initiatives, diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives, donations, and sales drives.

Information on company websites was image captured and downloaded in PDF form. We searched Nexis Uni to find press releases and news coverage of cannabis companies’ CSR activities. Search terms included company names combined with the keywords corporate social responsibility, social equity, and donate. Subsequent snowball searches,⁶⁶ a process in which key terms are identified in initial searches to find additional information, was used with brand and program names identified in initial searches. Philanthropic activities were included even if not labeled CSR. We identified 153 unique news articles, press releases, and Web pages that are described below.

We performed a content analysis to categorize evidence thematically, similar to studies used previously to analyze tobacco⁶⁷ and pharmaceutical⁶⁸ industry activities. One author (T.W.) with experience coding tobacco industry documents created a master file that summarized each cannabis company’s CSR activities provided in each document. Themes were developed inductively through iterative coding and categorization⁶⁹ of language and informational patterns found in collected materials. Corporate social responsibility activities with language and foci designed to mitigate cannabis prohibition harms were grouped into a theme category, as were activities with language and foci regarding diversity, equity, and inclusion; charitable contributions; therapeutic and medical cannabis access promotion; and mitigation of cannabis industry harms.

We found that cannabis companies used CSR practices similarly to tobacco companies, claiming they voluntarily self-regulated by limiting youth access, making charitable contributions, and supporting advocacy organizations. We categorized activities under these classifications. When a document’s relevance or categorization was questioned, it was discussed by 2 authors (T.W. and D.E.A.) until agreement was reached.

Results

The 9 companies in our sample operated in the US and Canada and were established between 2008 and 2016. Market capitalizations ranged from US $1.06 billion to US $7.62 billion in 2021 (Table 1). Two companies specialized in recreational cannabis manufacturing and retail sales, 2 were medical cannabis retailers (1 was also a manufacturer), 1 was a manufacturer, 2 manufactured and sold recreational and medical cannabis, 1 was a cannabis real estate company, and 1 supplied hydroponics. Two companies had ties to the alcohol and tobacco industries: Constellation Brands Inc, a US-based beer, wine, and spirits producer, purchased a 38.6% stake in Canopy Growth Corporation in 2017,⁷⁰ and Altria Group Inc, the parent company of Philip Morris,⁷¹ purchased a 45% stake in Cronos Group Inc in 2019.⁷² We identified 5 cannabis CSR areas: (1) campaigns supposedly mitigating the harmful effects of past cannabis prohibition; (2) hiring initiatives characterized as promoting diversity, equity, and inclusion; (3) charitable contributions; (4) researching therapeutic cannabis uses and increasing medical access; and (5) efforts claiming to address cannabis legalization harms.

Campaigns Companies Claimed Would Mitigate the Harmful Effects of Past Cannabis Prohibition

Seven companies claimed their CSR activities addressed harms from past cannabis prohibition (Table 2).^{73,74,75,77,78,79,80,81,82,83,84,85,86,87,88,89,90,91,92,93,94,96,97,99,100} Green Thumb Industries Inc^{101,102,103,104,105} and Cresco Labs Inc^{91,92,95,106,107} created business incubators and licensing assistance programs for members of racial and ethnic minority populations and communities harmed by cannabis prohibition. The License Education Assistance Program, launched by Green Thumb Industries Inc in 2019, reoriented programming to support 3 social equity license applicants in Illinois¹⁰² in August 2021.¹⁰³ The Social Equity and Education Development business incubator developed by Cresco Labs Inc held 13 events between 2019 and 2020 that assisted 225 applicants pursuing Illinois retail licenses.⁹² Curaleaf Holdings Inc^73,74 and Green Thumb Industries Inc⁸¹ funded nonprofits helping people with cannabis-related records rejoin society. Curaleaf Holdings Inc donated 10% of proceeds from BNoble cannabis product sales to 5 organizations helping formerly incarcerated people obtain work.⁷³ Green Thumb Industries Inc allotted a portion of Good Green sales to a nonprofit grant program funding cannabis education, work training, employment assistance, and expungement services in communities harmed by cannabis criminalization.^82,83 Green Thumb Industries Inc claimed it provided 3 Good Green grants as of 2021.¹⁰⁸ Green Thumb Industries Inc collaborated with the Last Prisoner Project, a nonprofit founded by cannabis entrepreneurs^109,110 dedicated to expunging sentences of formerly incarcerated people and reintegrating them.^81,111,112 Three companies, Curaleaf Holdings Inc,^75,95,113 Cresco Labs Inc,^91,114 and Green Thumb Industries Inc,^82,83 established quotas and initiatives to hire previously incarcerated people. Cresco Labs Inc^92,107 and Green Thumb Industries Inc⁹⁰ developed restorative justice CSR activities. Cresco Labs Inc established scholarship programs at 2 universities in Ohio for people or communities harmed by drug war policies.⁹⁵ Green Thumb Industries Inc funded 4 scholarships in 2 Ohio schools (Olive-Harvey College and Cleveland School of Cannabis) for students seeking cannabis industry involvement.^84,115 Canopy Growth Corporation,^79,80 Curaleaf Holdings Inc,¹¹³ Green Thumb Industries Inc,^81,82,83,84 Cresco Labs Inc,^{91,92,93,107,114,116,117} and Trulieve⁹⁷ announced intentions to support efforts and organizations seeking to expunge criminal records.⁹⁹ Six companies joined industry associations supporting restorative criminal justice: Trulieve and Cresco Labs Inc joined National Cannabis Roundtable, a US trade organization,⁹⁶ whereas Canopy Growth Corporation, Curaleaf Holdings Inc, Cronos Group Inc, and Columbia Care joined the US Cannabis Council, a coalition seeking to end federal cannabis prohibition.^98,118 Between 2019 and 2020, Cresco Labs Inc claimed it spent nearly $425 000 in staff hours and contributions toward restorative justice, including more than 90 hours of staffing at expungement events, sponsorship of 8 expungement events and 1 gun exchange, and assisting 22 restorative justice activations in California, Illinois, and Pennsylvania. Cresco Labs Inc reported assisting more than 1000 expungement seekers.^92,119 Green Thumb Industries Inc contributed opening day proceeds from 4 store launches toward the Last Prisoner Project and Florida Rights Restoration Coalition,^{86,87,88,89,120} and Cresco Labs Inc collected donations at 1 store for the Last Prisoner Project.⁹⁴

Hiring Initiatives Characterized as Promoting Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion

Cannabis companies developed initiatives nominally promoting diversity, equity, and inclusion. These initiatives involved diversifying cannabis industry employment and promoting special populations (Table 3).^{77,80,90,91,96,97,101,104,121,122,123,124,125,126,127,128,129,130,131,132,134,135,136,137,138,139,140,141,142} Both activities expanded industry involvement in communities through hiring, goodwill, and creating local retailers. Five companies reported internal diversity, equity, and inclusion efforts. Canopy Growth Corporation planned to create diversity benchmarks and report its progress⁸⁰; we were unable to verify whether they implemented those plans. Curaleaf Holdings Inc created internal employee resource groups for minority, LGBTQ+ (lesbian, gay, bisexual, transexual, and queer plus), parent, and female employees¹⁴³ and established a diversity, equity, and inclusion task force.¹²⁶ Green Thumb Industries Inc stated it would cultivate a diverse culture and workforce through equitable employment, salary, and promotional efforts; we did not find implemented plans.⁹⁰ Innovative Industrial Properties established a diversity, equality, and inclusion policy¹²⁴ but reported no activities.¹⁴⁴ Trulieve established a diversity, equity, and inclusion task force to build its workforce, partnerships, and events and diversify product suppliers.⁹⁷ Trulieve planned involvement in work fairs and internships to create a more diverse workforce and to train its employees in diversity, equity, and inclusion.⁹⁷ Cresco Labs Inc hosted a business workshop with Michigan’s Marijuana Regulatory Agency as part of the agency’s social equity program. Green Thumb Industries Inc and Cresco Labs Inc used business incubators and licensing programs^{91,92,101,102,103,104,113,117,145,146} to help underrepresented groups establish businesses. Cresco Labs Inc held 13 incubator events in Illinois during 2019 and 2020 that served 255 people and 50 businesses, contributing 2062 staff hours and spending more than $775 000 on licensing fees and incubator events.¹¹⁹ Curaleaf Holdings Inc partnered with 1 minority-owned business and Women Grow, an organization supporting women in the cannabis industry, as part of its 420 × 25 supplier diversity initiative seeking to secure 420 product suppliers from underrepresented demographic groups in the cannabis industry by 2025.^75,123,147 (Curaleaf Holdings Inc claimed 60 community partnerships as of May 2021.¹⁴⁸) Columbia Care¹⁰⁷ planned to partner with businesses owned by members of minority groups and women to support social equity initiatives in Illinois¹⁴² and helped 2 social equity license applicants there develop applications with diversity and community engagement plans after purchasing minority stakes in their enterprises.¹⁴⁰ Trulieve¹³² and Cresco Labs Inc¹³² sponsored the Historically Black Colleges and Universities Cannabis Equity Initiative seeking to increase Black employment in the cannabis industry. Trulieve provided $15 000 for internships and $20 000 for scholarships administered by the Thurgood Marshall College Fund, the largest Black college organization serving 47 member institutions, to prepare students for cannabis industry careers.¹³⁴ Trulieve and Cresco Labs Inc claimed involvement with National Cannabis Roundtable efforts emphasizing improving industry equity.⁹⁶ Four companies promoted to special populations by partnering with nonprofits, participating in events, and fundraising using special products. Canopy Growth Corporation¹²⁵ and Trulieve¹³⁹ sponsored or participated in LGBTQ celebrations. Trulieve sold special edition products, including limited edition Pride products^136,137 and TruSwag,¹³⁸ to raise funds for LGBTQ organizations. Curaleaf Holdings Inc contributed to social justice, equity, and women’s organizations,¹²² and Canopy Growth Corporation^128,129 and Green Thumb Industries Inc¹³⁰ participated in campaigns addressing systemic racism, usually with business coalitions.

Making Charitable Contributions

Seven companies made charitable contributions at national, state, and local levels (eTable 2 in the Supplement).^{76,79,100,149,150,151,152,153,154,155,156,157,158,159,160,161,162,163,164,165,166,167,168,169,170,171,172,173,174,175,176,177,178,179,180,181,182,183,184,185,186,187,188,189,190,191} Canopy Growth Corporation’s¹⁷³ national efforts focused on fundraising for education,¹⁷³ breast cancer,^154,155 mental health,¹⁹² and veterans.^79,169 Curaleaf Holdings Inc targeted breast cancer,^154,155 selling pink “Pre-rolls With a Purpose” and pink vaporizer pens with plans to dedicate some proceeds to breast cancer nonprofit organizations in 9 states.¹⁵⁵ Curaleaf Holdings Inc joined the Ice Bucket Challenge to raise funds for research and treatment of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, sold limited edition Rhythm for a Cause vaporizer pens through its dispensaries, and partnered with organizations in 3 states to promote breast cancer awareness.¹⁸² Green Thumb Industries Inc indicated it would donate store opening proceeds to the National Giving Alliance, dedicated to helping low-income and homeless persons.¹⁸¹ Green Thumb Industries Inc donated more than $34 000 from Dogwalker product sales to 5 animal shelters¹⁸³ and partnered with American Corporate Partners, an organization helping veterans transition to civilian life.¹⁷⁹ GrowGeneration Corp announced a partnership with Whole Food’s Whole Cities Foundation to donate hydroponics to local community gardens in the US.¹⁹¹ As part of Cresco Lab Inc’s Make a Difference initiative, employees participated in 75 activities that the company claimed benefitted more than 50 communities across 8 states.^188,193 Five companies assisted COVID-19 pandemic relief efforts during 2020. Canopy Growth Corporation gave $20 000 to Wounded Warriors Canada’s trauma therapy programs and its mental health assistance related to COVID-19.⁷⁹ Canopy Growth Corporation also donated personal protective equipment, converted facilities to produce hand sanitizer, and gave Ontario, Canada, 40 000 surgical masks and 25 000 N95 masks. Canopy Growth Corporation’s subsidiary BioSteel Sports Nutrition Inc contributed $2 million in hydration mix to US and Canadian emergency workers.^176,177,178 Curaleaf Holdings Inc gave frontline workers food.⁷⁶ Trulieve donated more than 150 computers to assist distance learning in racial and ethnic minority communities.¹⁸⁹ Cresco Labs Inc pledged to hire 250 COVID-19–affected workers, and stated it would pay employees extra during the pandemic.¹⁰⁰ GrowGeneration Corp pledged as much as $500 000 in equipment to communities and customers affected by COVID-19.¹⁹⁰ Canopy Growth Corporation, Curaleaf Holdings Inc, Green Thumb Industries Inc, Innovative Industrial Properties, and Trulieve announced or participated in local philanthropic initiatives, including job training,^158,172 community causes,^{135,159,160,161,162,171,187,189} food banks,^{149,150,151,163,164,165,166,167,180,184,194} homeless shelters,¹⁶⁸ women’s services,¹⁹⁵ a campaign to raise funds for Ronald McDonald charities in Canada¹⁷⁰ (founded by and affiliated with executives of the McDonald’s Corporation, a transnational fast food company^196,197), animal shelters,^183,184,185 veteran organizations,¹⁵³ a reforestation organization,^152,198,199 housing,²⁰⁰ and social equity and antipoverty nonprofits.^{76,179,188,193,194} Curaleaf Holdings Inc^76,149 and Green Thumb Industries Inc^{179,180,184,195} planned or claimed to donate proceeds from retail store openings to local charities. Two companies incorporated their CSR programs, with Curaleaf Holdings Inc announcing it would contribute to Black Owned Maine’s family relief program as part of its Rooted in Good platform and store opening,⁷⁶ and to food charities as part of its Feed the Block initiative.^{76,149,150,151} Trulieve employees locally volunteered for its Make a Difference initiative.¹⁸⁸

Researching Potential Therapeutic Uses of Cannabis and Increasing Access to Medical Cannabis

Two companies promoted cannabis’ medical utility (eTable 1 in the Supplement). Canopy Growth Corporation funded research investigating whether medical cannabis treated sleep disorders²⁰¹ or mental health conditions.^192,202 Canopy Growth Corporation and Columbia Care funded studies on whether cannabis could serve as therapy for opioid misuse^79,202 or an alternative pain treatment.²⁰³ Canopy Growth Corporation offered cannabis education programs for physicians from at least 2016 to 2019^204,205,206 and partnered with the Canadian AIDS Society, an organization representing local Canadian AIDS and HIV groups,²⁰⁷ to develop medical cannabis treatment protocols for chronic pain.^79,208 Canopy Growth Corporation partnered with the Beckley Foundation, a drug reform and psychedelic research think tank,²⁰⁹ to form Beckley Canopy Therapeutics to research cannabis-based medicines.²⁰⁸ Three companies sought expanded medical access. Trulieve’s TruVet connected veterans with medical cannabis prescribers.²¹⁰ Curaleaf Holdings Inc planned to fund the Veterans Cannabis Project, a nonprofit organization increasing veteran access to medical cannabis,^211,212 by dedicating proceeds from branded prerolls.²¹³ The nonprofit identified Curaleaf Holdings Inc as 1 of 3 partners.²¹⁴ Canopy Growth Corporation funded a national patient survey conducted in July and August 2020 in partnership with Medical Cannabis Canada,⁷⁹ a volunteer-run medical cannabis access nonprofit.²¹⁵ Canopy Growth Corporation sought the survey to lower medical use barriers and gain access to academic institutions, nonprofit organizations, and government officials.⁷⁹

Efforts That Claimed to Address the Harms of Cannabis Legalization

Three companies used CSR activities that they claimed combatted youth use or drugged driving (Table 4).^{77,79,124,216,217,218,219,220,221,222,223,224,225,226,227,228} Cronos Group Inc^226,227 and Cresco Labs Inc²²² developed marketing regulations that they claimed reduced advertising exposure and appeal to youths. Canopy Growth Corporation developed youth prevention materials with Canadian Students for Sensible Drug Policy and Parent Action on Drugs.^{79,219,220,221} Canadian Students for Sensible Drug Policy was a former chapter of international grassroots drug policy reform organization²²⁹ Students for Sensible Drug Policy.^230,231 Parent Action on Drugs, which was created in 1983 to prevent use of drugs and alcohol by youths, disbanded in 2019 due to insufficient funding.¹⁷⁴ Canopy Growth Corporation framed its youth prevention programming as helping youths²²¹ and “young adults make healthy, responsible decisions on the use of cannabis.”²²⁰ Canopy Growth Corporation also partnered with Mothers Against Drunk Driving Canada to sponsor advertisements discouraging cannabis-influenced driving.^{79,219,220,221}

Six companies claimed they were mitigating their environmental impacts by reducing product waste¹⁷⁵ and pollution.^232,233 Curaleaf Holdings Inc formed a sustainability committee.⁷⁷ Trulieve and GrowGeneration Corp were among 17 cofounders of the Sustainable Cannabis Coalition trade association.^{223,224,225,228} In 2019, Canopy Growth Corporation partnered with recycling company TerraCycle to pilot a recycling program for cannabis packaging in Canada, collecting more than 1 million pieces of waste.^216,217 In 2020, Canopy Growth Corporation and Cronos Group Inc piloted a program with the Cannabis Council of Canada to collect cannabis vaping devices for recycling.²¹⁸ Curaleaf Holdings Inc and Green Thumb Industries Inc listed sustainability as CSR program pillars.^90,121 Innovative Industrial Properties, which sells real estate to medical cannabis companies,^48,49 claimed it was sustainable because it reused existing properties over construction.¹²⁴

Discussion

Our results suggest CSR activities of cannabis companies are similar to those of the tobacco industry, which enabled the latter to recruit customers and allies, encourage consumption, expand markets, legitimize its product, and deter regulation. Cannabis company donations to and partnerships with advocacy organizations could generate goodwill and consumption among minority and LGBTQ+ communities, a tactic tobacco companies have used to market to those groups.^234,235,236 Collaboration with and funding of advocacy organizations have also been used historically by tobacco companies to form partnerships that allowed them to build policy coalitions supporting their agenda^27,236,237 (eg, opposing taxes). Cannabis companies also created business partnerships that could expand their reach. Although social equity programs developed by state governments allocate licenses to communities and individuals impacted by criminalization,²³⁸ they often impose regulatory and financial barriers.^239,240,241 Proof currently exists that some cannabis companies assisted social equity license applicants in exchange for control of proposed businesses,^{238,242,243,244} providing the businesses with increased market access. Cannabis companies have publicized CSR activities similar to those of the tobacco industry, which has previously used such concerns to generate reasons for policy engagement with government officials.^27,41,245 Industry research on cannabis as an opioid substitute and to treat mental health disorders and insomnia mirrored tobacco industry pharmaceuticalization,^32,246 the strategy of selling nicotine replacement therapy to legitimize tobacco company products as therapeutic.³² Pharmaceuticalization may normalize and promote cannabis as a health or medical treatment akin to the tobacco industry’s sale of nicotine replacement therapy, possibly providing cannabis companies additional markets to increase consumption and profits. Cannabis company CSR activities regarding youth prevention, cannabis-influenced driving, and sustainability shared commonalities with CSR activities of the tobacco industry, portraying companies as addressing harmful business effects while sidestepping concerns. The tobacco industry has used youth prevention,^28,29 marketing,^28,247 and environmental²⁴⁸ CSR programs to displace effective educational programs and regulation.²⁴⁹ Cannabis companies stated that youth prevention programming helped prevent preteen cannabis use^220,221 without messaging against consumption and promoted recycling while avoiding occupational risks arising from workplace exposure to toxins^250,251 and secondhand smoke exposure where cannabis is consumed.^252,253 Prevention programming directed at youths by the tobacco industry was historically less effective than government prevention programming and promoted youth consumption via forbidden fruit messaging.^28,29 In the US, youths had a 12.8% rate of current cannabis use compared with 15.4% rate of electronic cigarette use and a 3.3% rate of combustible cigarette use in January through June 2021.²⁵⁴ These higher prevalence rates warrant public health messaging that discourages use and avoids normalizing consumption. Cannabis industry promotion of recycling and sustainability programs may divert attention from adoption of regulations preventing harmful environmental pollution. A comparable case is tobacco industry campaigns encouraging individuals to pick up cigarette butts,²⁵⁵ the largest source of litter globally,²⁵⁶ rather than accepting responsibility for manufacturing products that are not environmentally sustainable and modifying production practices.

Limitations

This study has some limitations. We included cannabis companies with the largest market capitalizations, which are not necessarily reflective of the entire industry. The publicly available materials included in our analysis are likely incomplete. We excluded video broadcasts and social media posts, potentially affecting our results because social media platforms are used by companies to advertise as well as promote their CSR activities.²⁵⁷ Despite these limitations, our findings provide detail on CSR strategies pursued by cannabis companies, including similarities with tobacco companies. Further study is warranted regarding cannabis companies’ use of CSR to influence regulation, improve public image, and secure market access. Little or no research on marketing codes, sustainability, employee protections, and diversity within the industry has been performed, including whether incubator programs provide applicants with full business autonomy. Additional research is also needed to address the reasons cannabis companies choose to focus on some issues and exclude others in their CSR activities (eg, increased focus on sustainability and pollution compared with drugged driving by adolescents). Otañez and Vergara³⁵ note that additional research using qualitative interviews as well as quantitative employee and customer surveys are needed to understand certain CSR activities by individual businesses. Ju et al³⁷ also state that communications staff at cannabis companies should be interviewed to determine CSR intentions and drivers. Forzely³⁶ suggested that CSR should be incorporated as part of the 7C Framework to better analyze cannabis industry marketing methods. Additionally, Paul³⁸ posited that community infrastructure theory and media systems dependency models may be used to understand development and consumption of CSR messages. These approaches could be expanded in the future to explore CSR foci and intentions among larger companies in a scope similar to that of our study.

Conclusions

Cannabis legalization is expanding,^258,259 making understanding how cannabis companies legitimize themselves critical. Industry motivation to increase consumption makes policies difficult to modify once established.²⁶⁰ Public health actors have been wary of industry CSR activities, given research demonstrating such programs are ineffectual by design and advance corporate interests.²⁶¹ Similarly, cannabis companies appear to use CSR activities that normalize and legitimize the industry. US cannabis companies have sought to open markets and influence regulations,^262,263,264 and Canadian companies have attempted to reduce taxes and regulation,^10,265 making societal approval critical. Public health proponents should challenge these attempts to influence policy and adopt strong protective measures.

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81. 81GlobeNewswire. Green Thumb Industries announces partnership with Last Prisoner Project; releases short documentary, “Waiting to Breathe,” to raise awareness of LPP’s clemency and reentry initiatives. September 1, 2020. Accessed September 1, 2021. https://www.globenewswire.com/news-release/2020/09/01/2086756/0/en/Green-Thumb-Industries-Announces-Partnership-with-Last-Prisoner-Project-Releases-Short-Documentary-Waiting-to-Breathe-to-Raise-Awareness-of-LPP-s-Clemency-and-Reentry-Initiatives.html
82. 82Middle East and North Africa Financial Network. Green Thumb Industries calls for nonprofit grant applications as part of Good Green Brand launch. July 21, 2021. Accessed September 3, 2021. https://menafn.com/1102487330/Green-Thumb-Industries-Calls-for-Nonprofit-Grant-Applications-as-Part-of-Good-Green-Brand-Launch
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84. 84GlobeNewswire. Green Thumb Industries continues community investment initiatives with scholarships and expanded partnerships to promote diversity in the cannabis industry. February 25, 2021. Accessed September 4, 2021. https://www.globenewswire.com/news-release/2021/02/25/2182272/0/en/Green-Thumb-Industries-Continues-Community-Investment-Initiatives-with-Scholarships-and-Expanded-Partnerships-to-Promote-Diversity-in-the-Cannabis-Industry.html
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86. 86PR Newswire. An expanding legal marketplace fosters innovation in the cannabis industry. January 20, 2021. Accessed September 3, 2021. https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/an-expanding-legal-marketplace-fosters-innovation-in-the-cannabis-industry-301211470.html
87. 87Green Thumb Industries trading down 1%, despite announcement to open fifth essence store in Nevada. MT Newswires Live Briefs INVESTOR Canada. June 26, 2020. Accessed September 5, 2021. https://www.lexisnexis.com/en-us/professional/academic/nexis-uni.page
88. 88GlobeNewswire. Green Thumb Industries to Open Essence South Durango, its fifth cannabis store in Las Vegas area and 48th in the nation, on June 27. June 26, 2020. Accessed September 5, 2021. https://www.globenewswire.com/news-release/2020/06/26/2053957/0/en/Green-Thumb-Industries-to-Open-Essence-South-Durango-Its-Fifth-Cannabis-Store-in-Las-Vegas-Area-and-48th-in-the-Nation-on-June-27.html
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93. 93Business Wire. Cresco Labs launches social justice campaign on 50th anniversary of War on Drugs. June 17, 2021. Accessed September 3, 2021. https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20210617005199/en/
94. 94Business Wire. Cresco Labs announces the opening of its first five Sunnyside* dispensaries and the launch of Sunnyside.shop in preparation for first day of adult-use cannabis sales in Illinois: Sunnyside* stores in Lakeview, Elmwood Park, Champaign and Rockford expect to serve thousands of customers on January 1. December 30, 2019. Accessed September 4, 2021. https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20191230005090/en/
95. 95Business Wire. Cresco Labs launches cannabis industry’s first comprehensive national social equity & education initiative. May 29, 2019. Accessed September 3, 2021. https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20190529005246/en/
96. 96Middle East and North Africa Financial Network. Statement from the National Cannabis Roundtable. June 3, 2020. Accessed September 1, 2021. https://menafn.com/1100267673/Statement-from-the-National-Cannabis-Roundtable
97. 97Trulieve. Diversity, equity & inclusion. 2018-2021. Accessed September 28, 2021. https://investors.trulieve.com/corporate-governance/diversity-equity-inclusion
98. 98Business Wire. Top cannabis businesses, associations, and advocacy organizations join forces to launch US Cannabis Council: a coalition of leading companies and advocates, USCC aims to advance social equity and racial justice, and end federal cannabis prohibition. February 8, 2021. Accessed September 29, 2021. https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20210208005220/en/
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102. 102Green Thumb Industries. License Education Assistance Program. 2021. Accessed September 28, 2021. https://www.gtigrows.com/people/leap-2
103. 103GlobeNewswire. Green Thumb Industries opens LEAP new business accelerator applications for social equity licensees in Illinois. July 29, 2021. Accessed August 27, 2021. https://www.globenewswire.com/news-release/2021/07/29/2271472/0/en/Green-Thumb-Industries-Opens-LEAP-New-Business-Accelerator-Applications-for-Social-Equity-Licensees-in-Illinois.html
104. 104GlobeNewswire. Green Thumb Industries (GTI) continues its social equity License Education Assistance Program (LEAP) with pro bono mentoring for craft grower, infuser and transporter licenses in Illinois. January 15, 2020. Accessed September 1, 2021. https://www.globenewswire.com/news-release/2020/01/15/1970785/0/en/Green-Thumb-Industries-GTI-Continues-its-Social-Equity-License-Education-Assistance-Program-LEAP-with-Pro-Bono-Mentoring-for-Craft-Grower-Infuser-and-Transporter-Licenses-in-Illino
105. 105GlobeNewswire. Green Thumb Industries launches Illinois pro bono cannabis license application assistance program to assist social equity applicants. August 27, 2019. Accessed September 2, 2021. https://www.globenewswire.com/en/news-release/2019/08/27/1906975/0/en/Green-Thumb-Industries-Launches-Illinois-Pro-Bono-Cannabis-License-Application-Assistance-Program-to-Assist-Social-Equity-Applicants.html
106. 106Albarazi H. Greenspoon Marder nabs Ex-Locke Lord cannabis law attys. July 7, 2021. Accessed September 2, 2021. https://www.law360.com/articles/1400437/greenspoon-marder-nabs-ex-locke-lord-cannabis-law-attys
107. 107Business Wire. Cresco Labs launches first industry-defining incubator program for Illinois adult-use market dispensary applicants: program provides actionable, expert guidance to bring inclusivity to cannabis industry. November 6, 2019. Accessed September 2, 2021. https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20191106006081/en/
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115. 115Middle East and North Africa Financial Network. The Cleveland School of Cannabis announces scholarship to promote equity in the cannabis industry. March 16, 2021. Accessed August 29, 2021. https://menafn.com/1101761071/The-Cleveland-School-of-Cannabis-Announces-Scholarship-to-Promote-Equity-in-the-Cannabis-Industry
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117. 117Cresco Labs highlights Illinois expansion plan to serve adult use cannabis market. University of California San Francisco. June 28, 2019. Accessed September 4, 2021. https://www.lexisnexis.com/en-us/professional/academic/nexis-uni.page
118. 118Hasse J. Akerna CEO Jessica Billingsley’s newest challenge: leading the US Cannabis Council. August 11, 2021. Accessed September 2, 2021. https://www.benzinga.com/markets/cannabis/21/08/22447935/akerna-ceo-jessica-billingsleys-newest-challenge-leading-the-us-cannabis-council
119. 119Cresco Labs. SEED 2019/2020 annual report. Accessed November 3, 2021. https://www.crescolabs.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/122820_SEED_AnnualReport_WebVersion_LR.pdf
120. 120GlobeNewswire. Green Thumb Industries to open Rise Kendall, its 50th retail location, on November 18. November 11, 2020. Accessed September 5, 2021. https://www.globenewswire.com/news-release/2020/11/11/2124616/0/en/Green-Thumb-Industries-to-Open-Rise-Kendall-Its-50th-Retail-Location-on-November-18.html
121. 121Curaleaf. Social responsibility. 2021. Accessed September 29, 2021. https://curaleaf.com/social-responsibility/
122. 122PR Newswire. Curaleaf’s Select Brand expands into New York. September 22, 2020. Accessed September 1, 2021. https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/curaleafs-select-brand-expands-into-new-york-301135626.html
123. 123Middle East and North Africa Financial Network. “Fourtwenty Collections’’ OMG deity bars now available at Curaleaf. May 28, 2021. Accessed September 1, 2021. https://menafn.com/1102165189/Fourtwenty-Collections-OMG-Deity-Bars-Now-Available-at-Curaleaf
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125. 125Canopy Growth – Tweed joins Pride Toronto to support progress, champion diversity and celebrate love. ENP Newswire. June 24, 2019. Accessed August 24, 2021. https://www.lexisnexis.com/en-us/professional/academic/nexis-uni.page
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128. 128Business Wire. Canadian CEOs Commemorate Launch of the BlackNorth Initiative. July 20, 2020. Accessed August 20, 2021. https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20200720005830/en/
129. 129Lee YJ, Dobby C. Pledge to end systemic racism at Canadian companies picks up steam. July 20, 2020. Accessed September 2, 2021. https://www.theglobeandmail.com/business/article-pledge-to-end-systemic-racism-at-canadian-companies-picks-up-steam/
130. 130GlobeNewswire. Stephen Curry and leading organizations across US join NinetyToZero to combat racial wealth gap. July 15, 2021. Accessed September 5, 2021. https://www.globenewswire.com/en/news-release/2021/07/15/2263876/0/en/Stephen-Curry-and-Leading-Organizations-Across-U-S-Join-NinetyToZero-to-Combat-Racial-Wealth-Gap.html
131. 131LARA Communications. MRA’s social equity program announces February Business Resource Workshop, featuring Cresco Labs. Cannabis Regulatory Agency. January 29, 2021. Accessed August 29, 2021. https://www.michigan.gov/cra/spotlight/mras-social-equity-program-announces-february-business-resource-workshop-featuring-cresco-labs
132. 132Beard TA. FAMU, other HBCUs seek diversity in cannabis industry. September 2, 2020. Accessed September 1, 2021. http://www.thefamuanonline.com/2020/09/02/famu-other-hbcus-seek-diversity-in-cannabis-industry/
133. 133Business Wire. Cresco Labs recognized by Clio Cannabis for marketing creative excellence. December 22, 2020. Accessed September 5, 2021. https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20201222005193/en/
134. 134PR Newswire. Trulieve partners with the Thurgood Marshall College Fund to provide college scholarships. February 26, 2021. Accessed August 20, 2021. https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/trulieve-partners-with-the-thurgood-marshall-college-fund-to-provide-college-scholarships-301236619.html
135. 135Cision. Trulieve to receive Diversity and Inclusion Champion of the Year award. January 29, 2019. Accessed August 22, 2021. https://www.newswire.ca/news-releases/trulieve-to-receive-diversity-and-inclusion-champion-of-the-year-award-862292316.html
136. 136Newstex Blogs. Trulieve, Equality Florida partner for Pride Month. June 17, 2019. Accessed August 29, 2021. https://floridapolitics.com/archives/298999-pride-month-partnership-trulieve/
137. 137Cision PR Newswire. Trulieve launches Edition Cartridge, partners with Florida-based LGBTQ+ organizations for Pride Month. June 1, 2020. Accessed September 2, 2021. https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/trulieve-launches-limited-edition-cartridge-partners-with-florida-based-lgbtq-organizations-for-pride-month-301068790.html
138. 138PR Newswire. Trulieve celebrates Florida’s LGBTQ+ community with $50K donation. July 8, 2020. Accessed September 1, 2021. https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/trulieve-celebrates-floridas-lgbtq-community-with-50k-donation-301089980.html
139. 139GlobeNewswire. KindRED Pride Foundation announces global campaign to get one million people to wear red on the first Saturday in June to celebrate the 30th anniversary of Gay Disney. February 20, 2020. Accessed September 5, 2021. https://www.globenewswire.com/news-release/2020/02/20/1988090/0/en/KindRED-Pride-Foundation-Announces-Global-Campaign-to-Get-One-Million-People-to-Wear-Red-on-the-First-Saturday-in-June-to-Celebrate-the-30th-Anniversary-of-Gay-Disney.html#:~:text=20%2C%202020%20(GLOB
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142. 142Business Wire. Columbia Care completes consolidation of minority interest in Illinois operations. August 15, 2019. Accessed August 27, 2021. https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20190815005655/en/
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147. 147Curaleaf. Women Grow and Curaleaf partner to further “rooted in good” supplier diversity initiatives. 2021. Accessed November 10, 2021. https://curaleaf.com/blog/
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149. 149PR Newswire. Curaleaf opens two new retail locations in Greater Philadelphia and finalizes rebrand of nine retail locations in Pennsylvania. April 8, 2021. Accessed August 27, 2021. https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/curaleaf-opens-two-new-retail-locations-in-greater-philadelphia-and-finalizes-rebrand-of-nine-retail-locations-in-pennsylvania-301264804.html
150. 150Canada NewsWire. Curaleaf announces “Feed the Block” program to address hunger in several states. November 23, 2020. Accessed August 30, 2021. https://www.newswire.ca/news-releases/curaleaf-announces-feed-the-block-program-to-address-hunger-in-several-states-849790144.html
151. 151Canada NewsWire. First Curaleaf-branded retail opens in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania. January 29, 2021. Accessed August 28, 2021. https://www.newswire.ca/news-releases/first-curaleaf-branded-retail-location-opens-in-harrisburg-pennsylvania-839511899.html
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154. 154Cision PR Newswire. Curaleaf Florida partnership with “Badges of Courage” assists low-income breast cancer patients. November 6, 2019. Accessed August 29, 2021. https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/curaleaf-florida-partnership-with-badges-of-courage-assists-low-income-breast-cancer-patients-300953244.html
155. 155Curaleaf. In addition to the ribbon. 2021. Accessed October 1, 2021. https://curaleaf.com/blog/in-addition-to-the-ribbon
156. 156Canada NewsWire. Curaleaf announces multi-faceted, month-long fundraising initiative to raise awareness for breast cancer. October 6, 2020. Accessed August 28, 2021. https://www.newswire.ca/news-releases/curaleaf-announces-multi-faceted-month-long-fundraising-initiative-to-raise-awareness-for-breast-cancer-860473749.html
157. 157Leighton P. Cannabis company holds Ice Bucket Challenge in memory of Pete Frates. August 13, 2020. Accessed August 29, 2021. https://www.salemnews.com/news/local_news/cannabis-company-holds-ice-bucket-challenge-in-memory-of-pete-frates/article_2206ab40-9650-5819-9a7d-fe8569d27592.html
158. 158PR Newswire. Curaleaf announces new branding for Illinois retail locations, opening of new Westmont store and contribution to IL social equity partners. April 5, 2021. Accessed August 29, 2021. https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/curaleaf-announces-new-branding-for-illinois-retail-locations-opening-of-new-westmont-store-and-contribution-to-il-social-equity-partners-301261842.html
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160. 160Edwards L. NOTL’s Heritage Trail gets a boost from Canopy Growth. NiagraThisWeek.com. October 1, 2020. Accessed September 1, 2021. https://www.niagarathisweek.com/community-story/10213894-notl-s-heritage-trail-gets-a-boost-from-canopy-growth/
161. 161Harford E. Tweed donates over $34,000 to Smiths Falls’ Station Theatre. January 11, 2018. Accessed September 1, 2021. https://www.insideottawavalley.com/news-story/8047771-tweed-donates-over-34-000-to-smiths-falls-station-theatre/
162. 162Harford E. Tweed donates $10,000 to help Pearl Street fire victims. May 8, 2017. Accessed September 1, 2021. https://www.insideottawavalley.com/news-story/7293925-tweed-donates-10-000-to-help-pearl-street-fire-victims/
163. 163TMX Money. Canopy Growth Corporation gives back to the communities it calls home. January 20, 2020. Accessed September 1, 2021. https://money.tmx.com/en/quote/WEED/news/4717662668294336
164. 164Canopy Growth Corporation donates $25,000 to Smiths Falls food bank. Smiths Falls Record News. October 8, 2020. Accessed August 28, 2021. https://www.lexisnexis.com/en-us/professional/academic/nexis-uni.page
165. 165Canopy Growth donates to homeless shelter. Telegraph-Journal. December 21, 2019. Accessed September 1, 2021. https://tj.news/daily-gleaner/101139260
166. 166Grochowski S. Aldergrove food bank winter donations “blow away” volunteer managers. Aldergrove Star. January 15, 2020. Accessed September 2, 2021. https://www.aldergrovestar.com/home/aldergrove-food-bank-winter-donations-blow-away-volunteer-managers/
167. 167Harford E. Tweed donates over $34,000, 2,500 pounds of food to Smiths Falls food bank. December 21, 2017. Accessed August 28, 2021. https://www.insideottawavalley.com/community-story/8019333-tweed-donates-over-34-000-2-500-pounds-of-food-to-smiths-falls-food-bank/
168. 168Wilgosh A. 4/20 is donation day from local Tweed. April 20, 2021. Accessed August 28, 2021. https://www.thegraphicleader.com/news/local-news/4-20-is-donation-day-from-local-tweed
169. 169Canada NewsWire. Spectrum Therapeutics announces support for Wounded Warriors Canada and its mental health services for veterans and first responders. October 28, 2020. Accessed September 5, 2021. https://www.newswire.ca/news-releases/spectrum-therapeutics-announces-support-for-wounded-warriors-canada-and-its-mental-health-services-for-veterans-and-first-responders-871931552.html
170. 170Harford E. Local leaders help out on McHappy Day in Smiths Falls. May 2, 2018. Accessed August 29, 2021. https://www.insideottawavalley.com/community-story/8584048-local-leaders-help-out-on-mchappy-day-in-smiths-falls/
171. 171Harford E. Smiths Falls & District Chamber of Commerce honours local businesses at AGM. November 29, 2017. Accessed September 1, 2021. https://www.insideottawavalley.com/news-story/7971016-smiths-falls-district-chamber-of-commerce-honours-local-businesses-at-agm/
172. 172Market News Publishing. Canopy Growth calls New Brunswick home—company plans to create 136 high quality local jobs. July 5, 2018. Accessed September 1, 2021. https://markets.businessinsider.com/news/stocks/canopy-growth-calls-new-brunswick-home-company-plans-to-create-136-high-quality-local-jobs-1027344590
173. 173Market News Publishing. Canopy Growth and New Brunswick sign historic supply MOU. September 15, 2017. Accessed September 1, 2021. https://www.lexisnexis.com/en-us/professional/academic/nexis-uni.page
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176. 176Subramaniam V. Battling COVID-19: Telecoms company Bell to donate 1.5 million masks to healthcare and frontline workers. National Post. April 18, 2020. Accessed September 4, 2021. https://nationalpost.com/news/canada/battling-covid-19-telecoms-company-bell-to-donate-1-5-million-masks-to-healthcare-and-frontline-workers
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180. 180GlobeNewswire. Green Thumb Industries to open 49th retail location, Rise Monroeville in Pennsylvania, on October 21. October 20, 2020. Accessed September 1, 2021. https://www.globenewswire.com/news-release/2020/10/20/2110925/0/en/Green-Thumb-Industries-to-Open-49th-Retail-Location-Rise-Monroeville-in-Pennsylvania-on-October-21.html
181. 181GlobeNewswire. Green Thumb Industries to open Rise Warminster in Pennsylvania, its 62nd retail location in the nation, on August 10. August 9, 2021. Accessed August 29, 2021. https://www.globenewswire.com/en/news-release/2021/08/09/2276940/0/en/Green-Thumb-Industries-to-Open-Rise-Warminster-in-Pennsylvania-Its-62nd-Retail-Location-in-the-Nation-on-August-10.html
182. 182GlobeNewswire. Green Thumb Industries (GTI) supports Breast Cancer Awareness Month with limited edition RYTHM for a Cause vaporizer pens. September 27, 2018. Accessed September 3, 2021. https://www.globenewswire.com/news-release/2018/09/27/1577146/0/en/Green-Thumb-Industries-GTI-Supports-Breast-Cancer-Awareness-Month-with-Limited-Edition-RYTHM-for-a-Cause-Vaporizer-Pens.html
183. 183GlobeNewswire. Green Thumb Industries’ Dogwalkers cannabis brand creates the “Bailey Legacy Fund” to support animal rescue organizations; makes donations to five nonprofits. January 28, 2021. Accessed August 30, 2021. https://www.globenewswire.com/news-release/2021/01/28/2165679/0/en/Green-Thumb-Industries-Dogwalkers-Cannabis-Brand-Creates-the-Bailey-Legacy-Fund-to-Support-Animal-Rescue-Organizations-Makes-Donations-to-Five-Nonprofits.html
184. 184GlobeNewswire. Green Thumb Industries reports record results for the fourth quarter and full year 2020. March 17, 2021. Accessed August 28, 2021. https://www.globenewswire.com/news-release/2021/03/17/2194911/0/en/Green-Thumb-Industries-Reports-Record-Results-for-the-Fourth-Quarter-and-Full-Year-2020.html
185. 185GlobeNewswire. Green Thumb Industries’ Dogwalkers cannabis brand partners with animal rescue organizations to raise awareness. December 12, 2018. Accessed September 3, 2021. https://www.globenewswire.com/news-release/2018/12/12/1665856/0/en/Green-Thumb-Industries-Dogwalkers-Cannabis-Brand-Partners-with-Animal-Rescue-Organizations-to-Raise-Awareness.html
186. 186Hasse J. Green Thumb Industries relaunches “Dogwalkers” brand, with community giveback initiatives—and yes, a lot of pup love. July 24, 2019. Accessed September 3, 2021. https://www.benzinga.com/markets/cannabis/19/07/14120878/green-thumb-industries-relaunches-dogwalkers-brand-with-community-giveback-initiatives-and-yes-a
187. 187GlobeNewswire. Green Thumb Industries to open Rise Salem in Virginia, its 60th retail location in the nation, on August 2. July 30, 2021. Accessed September 2, 2021. https://www.globenewswire.com/en/news-release/2021/07/30/2272037/0/en/Green-Thumb-Industries-to-Open-Rise-Salem-in-Virginia-Its-60th-Retail-Location-in-the-Nation-on-August-2.html
188. 188Business Wire. Cresco Labs Employees Volunteer Over 5,000 Hours for Co’s 2020 “Make a Difference” initiative. January 18, 2021. Accessed September 2, 2021. https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20210118005061/en/
189. 189PR Newswire. Trulieve donates over 150 computers to local organizations across Florida. June 30, 2020. Accessed September 1, 2021. https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/trulieve-donates-over-150-computers-to-local-organizations-across-florida-301085453.html
190. 190PR Newswire. GrowGeneration reports record Q1 2020 revenues of $33.0 million and record adjusted EBITDA of $2.7 million. May 14, 2020. Accessed August 30, 2021. https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/growgeneration-reports-record-q1-2020-revenues-of-33-0-million-and-record-adjusted-ebitda-of-2-7-million-301059046.html
191. 191PR Newswire. GrowGeneration to donate hydroponic growing systems to urban farms and nonprofits across the US in partnership with Whole Cities Foundation. August 12, 2020. Accessed September 1, 2021. https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/growgeneration-to-donate-hydroponic-growing-systems-to-urban-farms-and-nonprofits-across-the-us-in-partnership-with-whole-cities-foundation-301109304.html
192. 192PR Newswire. Spectrum Therapeutics partners with Canadian Mental Health Association’s Not Myself Today initiative. July 10, 2019. Accessed September 1, 2021. https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/spectrum-therapeutics-partners-with-canadian-mental-health-associations-not-myself-today-initiative-300882330.html
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194. 194PR Newswire. First Curaleaf-branded adult-use store opens in Maine. April 30, 2021. Accessed August 28, 2021. https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/first-curaleaf-branded-adult-use-store-opens-in-maine-301280980.html
195. 195GlobeNewswire. Green Thumb Industries to open Rise Meadville in Pennsylvania, its 56th retail location in the nation, on March 31. March 26, 2021. Accessed September 1, 2021. https://www.globenewswire.com/news-release/2021/03/26/2199969/0/en/Green-Thumb-Industries-to-Open-Rise-Meadville-in-Pennsylvania-Its-56th-Retail-Location-in-the-Nation-on-March-31.html
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198. 198Bloomberg. Media Advisory Canopy Growth to donate $100,000 to Forest Ontario to help plant millions of trees. August 15, 2019. Accessed August 29, 2021. https://www.bloomberg.com/press-releases/2019-08-15/media-advisory-canopy-growth-to-donate-100-000-to-forest-ontario-to-help-plant-millions-of-trees
199. 199Hrebacka P. “Here’s to future growth”: Canopy Growth donates $100,000 to Forests Ontario in Kemptville. August 16, 2019. Accessed August 28, 2021. https://www.insideottawavalley.com/news-story/9553342–here-s-to-future-growth-canopy-growth-donates-100-000-to-forests-ontario-in-kemptville/
200. 200PR Newswire. Curaleaf is ready to serve New Jersey’s growing market with new Bordentown location. August 25, 2021. Accessed September 1, 2021. https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/curaleaf-is-ready-to-serve-new-jerseys-growing-market-with-new-bordentown-location-301361928.html
201. 201PR Newswire. Spectrum Therapeutics announces donation to support research and education initiatives led by the Canadian Sleep and Circadian Network. September 26, 2019. Accessed September 24, 2021. https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/spectrum-therapeutics-announces-donation-to-support-research-and-education-initiatives-led-by-the-canadian-sleep-and-circadian-network-300926073.html
202. 202New Cannabis Ventures. Canopy Growth to fund professorship of cannabis science at University of British Coilumbia to fesearch [sic] the role of cannabis in addressing the opioid overdoes crisis. June 6, 2018. Accessed August 18, 2021. https://www.newcannabisventures.com/canopy-growth-to-fund-professorship-of-cannabis-science-at-university-of-british-columbia-to-research-the-role-of-cannabis-in-addressing-the-opioid-overdose-crisis/
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204. 204Canopy Growth. Santé Cannabis and Spectrum Therapeutics launch transformative medical cannabis training program for Québec healthcare professionals. September 16, 2019. Accessed November 9, 2021. https://www.canopygrowth.com/investors/news-releases/sante-cannabis-and-spectrum-therapeutics-launch-transformative-medical-cannabis-training-program-for-quebec-healthcare-professionals/
205. 205Canopy Growth. Spectrum Therapeutics and Tree of Knowledge announce partnership to educate and support healthcare professionals. October 30, 2019. Accessed November 9, 2021. https://www.canopygrowth.com/investors/news-releases/spectrum-therapeutics-and-tree-of-knowledge-announce-partnership-to-educate-and-support-healthcare-professionals/
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