Impact & ESG

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. 

LEADERSHIP

Kim Napoli

Counsel / Director of Diversity, Equity & Inclusion

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Marc Ross

Counsel / Head of Impact & ESG

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Christian Sederberg

Founding Partner

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Services

  • 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

Experience

  • 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

People

Josh Kappel

Founding Partner

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Kim Napoli

Counsel / Director of Diversity, Equity & Inclusion

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Marc Ross

Counsel / Head of Impact & ESG

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Christian Sederberg

Founding Partner

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News

[Webinar] Impact and ESG in the Cannabis Industry

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.

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