Navigating Uncharted Waters: Conversations on Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion in the Cannabis Industry

In the General Session on the second day of Cannabis Science Conference, the Cannabis HR Council presented, “The Role of DEI and Social Impact in Cannabis Science and Innovation,” with Scheril Murray Powell, ESQ, and John Calloway Jr., Founder of Calloway Venture & Associates. As part of the pre-conference workshops, Murray Powell also led an ASTM Subcommittee meeting on Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (for more on this meeting, watch the video interview below). The Cannabis HR Council provides various resources to enable the success of Human Resources in the cannabis industry.

This presentation explored the many facets of diversity in the cannabis workplaces and leadership. In a pre-conference interview with Cannabis Science and Technology, panel moderator and the HR Council CEO Scheril Murray Powell noted, "Sometimes we don't think about DEI as being science and innovation, but looking at the results of diverse environments, there have been studies that are very measurable with regards to a diverse environment yielding better results and better performance. So how do we put things in place where we're creating these environments of high performance?" In her presentation at the conference, Murray Powell also discussed the cost of not fostering a supportive Human Resources department, such as discrimination, harassment, unsafe work environments, and lawsuits.

John Calloway Jr. described the benefits of diversity of thought, the risks of generative AI hiring practices, emotional intelligence, inclusive leadership, and how to foster inclusion workspaces. He also explained the social impact diversity has on cannabis science, research, and innovation. He concluded by summarizing: “diversity is going to fuel your innovation, inclusion is going to drive your productivity, and social impact will improve and enhance your reputation and the sustainability of your organization.”

The presenters also answered a question from an audience member on the best strategies for gauging a potential employee’s emotional intelligence in an interview.

See more of Scheril Murray Powell's insights into many facets of cannabis including integration structures, rescheduling, ASTM standards development and more in our interview below.