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 and 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 Plans (SIP)
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
Sep 21, 2022
Environmental, Social and Corporate Governance (ESG) in the law firm setting is critical. Register for the Legal ESG Summit to hear VS’s Head of Impact and ESG Marc Ross moderate a panel on “Building a law firm ESG Culture“ on October 4!
By Marc Ross
Sep 7, 2022
Socially responsible investors and activist board members have been throwing their ESG weight around during the last few proxy seasons at annual shareholder meetings. They demand action on climate change, diverse boards and senior leadership, restrict campaign donations, divestment in specific industries, and request measurement, benchmarking, and reporting of comprehensive ESG impacts.
By Marc Ross
Jun 7, 2022
New York's draft cannabis packaging regulations sustainability requirements are definitely a step forward for the industry, but will it be enough? Read this article to learn more about the requirements and gain insight into options for operators.
Jun 1, 2022
In VS's inaugural Impact Report, we reflect on our work over the past year, celebrate our commitment to community, and look forward to a future of positive, meaningful, and measurable impact.
Apr 25, 2022
Shawn Hauser, Kim Napoli, Marc Ross and Christian Sederberg will speak on cannabis policy, ESG, and social equity during the virtual Cannalaw Summit on May 3 & 4, 2022.
Apr 21, 2022
Sen. Schumer and Antonio Valdez of the National Hispanic Cannabis Council co-authored a guest column for Univision about how Latinos can benefit from the cannabis economy.
Apr 15, 2022
Kim Napoli was recognized by her peers during the 2022 NECANN Conference Community Awards
Apr 11, 2022
VS is excited to share a series of client stories with the purpose of inspiring the next generation of leaders in the cannabis industry.
Feb 22, 2022
VS is excited to share a series of client stories with the purpose of inspiring the next generation of leaders in the cannabis industry. In honor of Black History Month, we're kicking off the series with Black leaders in cannabis.
Feb 17, 2022
Watch this recorded live session from March 10, 2022. With a focus on issues related to Social Equity Operators and those new to the cannabis industry, panelists address real estate topics from the operator, investor, and legal perspectives.
By Marc Ross
Feb 8, 2022
The cannabis industry has a golden opportunity to lead in creating integrated Corporate Social Responsibility programs that are also net positive.
Jan 25, 2022
Vicente Sederberg LLP Impact & ESG practice leaders recently joined the "How to Launch an Industry" podcast to discuss ESG in the cannabis industry. Listen here!
Dec 27, 2021
Watch this session to learn accounting best practices for cannabis businesses and how to prepare for year-end. With a focus on social equity operators, this session will advise on risk and opportunity related to the financial side of cannabis operations, as well as how to navigate the complexities of 280E.
Nov 19, 2021
VS attorneys Charlie Alovisetti, Sahar Ayinehsazian, and Marc Ross are slated to present at the event in San Francisco, December 16-17, 2021. Be our guest! Use discount code SBrody100 for a complimentary pass to the forum and expo.
Nov 9, 2021
The American Bar Association's International Law Section will host its first annual Global Business of Cannabis Conference in Denver, Colorado from November 10-12, 2021. Marc Ross is slated to join the panel "The Environmental Impact of Cannabis Cultivation: Does Legalization Make a Difference?"
Nov 9, 2021
What exactly is the business case for a company going down the ESG path? Marc Ross will join a stellar group of panelists to discuss this and other topics at the Cannabis Sustainability Symposium on November 18, 2021.
Oct 14, 2021
VS counsel and head of impact & ESG, Marc Ross, is slated to speak at the Legal ESG Summit on Tuesday, October 26 at 2:45 p.m. CT.
Sep 22, 2021
Watch this session to learn the basics of environmental laws, regulations that apply to the cannabis industry, and how your cannabis business can mitigate risk against costly enforcement actions by regulatory agencies.
Sep 20, 2021
Kim Napoli was nominated by her peers for two awards at this years' NECANN Conference Community Awards and ultimately voted the Champion of Corporate Responsibility!
Sep 16, 2021
Find Kim Napoli on the Education Village Stage at 3 p.m. Joining Kim are Blake Mensing, Robert Jeffrey, Dick Evans and Jason Ortiz.
By Marc Ross
Sep 14, 2021
Operators in the nascent cannabis industry have a lot to worry about on a daily basis, but compliance with state and federal environmental laws hasn’t been an issue of concern for most. That needs to change immediately.
Sep 2, 2021
Don't miss these ESG, hemp, and compliance-focused panels with the Vicente Sederberg team at NECANN Boston cannabis conference on September 10-11, 2021.
Aug 20, 2021
VS attorney Michelle Bodian discusses the hemp industry's environmental challenges and opportunities in this on-demand CLE from the INCBA
Aug 6, 2021
VS partner Jeffrey Welsh recently sat down with Corvain Cooper, chief brand ambassador of social impact cannabis brand 40 Tons, at the Highly Capitalized Studios in Los Angeles.
Jul 27, 2021
VS partner Jeffrey Welsh sat down with Loriel and Anthony Alegrete of social impact cannabis brand 40 Tons at the Highly Capitalized Studios in Los Angeles.
By Jace Pohlman, Law Clerk
Jul 23, 2021
As part of National Hemp Month, we're highlighting beneficial ways to use hemp and hemp products in our daily lives. This post will focus on using hemp in paper and plastic materials.
Jul 6, 2021
Marc Ross spoke with Heather Allman of Cannabis Law Report about what ESG is and why it's important for the cannabis industry.
Jul 2, 2021
Denver marijuana licensees are now required to submit Social Impact Plans as part of license renewals and applications. Watch this session to learn about the new requirements.
By Marc A. Ross
Jun 30, 2021
The growth of Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) measurement, benchmarking and reporting has grown by leaps and bounds over the past few years. When will the cannabis industry start to do it?
Jun 15, 2021
Watch this recorded session 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.
