As the cannabis industry matures, companies must begin incorporating formal Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) programs into their business models. Consumers and employees are looking to marijuana and hemp companies for action on issues such as sustainability and diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI), and investors are increasingly seeking data on their environmental, social, and governance (ESG) impacts. Meanwhile, regulators are moving to require that non-financial ESG metrics be included in annual reporting to disclose material risks (and opportunities) to investors.
Companies that aggressively incorporate these principals into their core business practices gain market advantage and present better compared to the competition. They are better positioned for growth, attract and retain the best talent, and create evangelical customers and employees. They are also better insulated from negative externalities, such as shareholder resolutions and challenges, stakeholder criticism, community backlash, employee lawsuits, and are positioned to better weather crisis events.
The VS Impact & ESG practice is led by attorneys with deep experience in CSR, sustainability, and DEI, both within and outside the cannabis industry. We understand companies’ fundamental need to integrate these practices in strategic and authentic ways, and we have years of experience helping them do it.
ESG screening and identification of gaps, risks, and opportunities
Development of internal and external Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI) policies
DEI supply chain, vendors, recruitment and employment
Preparation of community engagement plans, Positive Impact Plans, and Social Impact Management Plans (SIMP)
Strategic philanthropy plans
Benefit corporation establishment and certification
Establishment of corporate nonprofit organizations and foundations
Employee engagement surveying and planning
General CSR, ESG, and DEI operations consulting
Sustainability consulting and environmental compliance
Previously served as Director of Community Outreach/CSR at a top-tier multistate operator
Previously served as Senior Director of CSR at a top-tier multistate operator
Currently serve on the Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Task Force at a leading national cannabis trade association
Created and analyzed a company-wide employee engagement and satisfaction survey for a large multistate operator, establishing pillars for corporate giving and employee volunteerism, creating a baseline for employee satisfaction, and scoping foundational outreach programs
Helped obtain medical and adult-use cannabis business licenses in California, Missouri, and Utah by participating in and contributing to state license applications and interview processes
Directly engaged in community outreach efforts in multiple states, resulting in dozens of prospective partnerships with civic, political, community, and nonprofit leaders
Created formal Employee Volunteer Programs (EVP), including historic partnerships and volunteer opportunities with high-profile, national and local civic and nonprofit organizations
Jun 15, 2021
Join VS on Wednesday, July 7, 2021 to meet the new VS Impact & ESG team, learn more about this emerging business priority, and how to start planning and measuring your ESG practice – including Corporate Social Responsibility programs, meaningful Diversity, Equity & Inclusion efforts, environmental sustainability, and community and employee engagement.
