Fighting for racial justice in our industry and community

Image courtesy of DS Kinsel, co-founder of BOOM Concepts. Join us in supporting their work by purchasing art or donating to support their community programs in Pittsburgh.

In response to the tragic killings of Breonna Taylor, Ahmaud Arbery, Antwon Rose II, Jonny Gammage, George Floyd, and all the Black lives taken before them, Maitri stands with those seeking equity and justice.  

The urgency of this moment cannot be separated from the impact of the decades-long War on Drugs on communities of color. Between 1985 and 2000, when policies for the War on Drugs were first put into place, 80% of all felony convictions were for marijuana possession. Today, over 31 million people have been arrested for a drug-related offense. Despite similar cannabis consumption rates, Blacks are 3.73 times more likely to be arrested for marijuana than Whites.

Maitri is proud to serve the vibrant, diverse communities of Southwestern Pennsylvania. From inception, we’ve operated on the deep understanding that cannabis has the power to heal, connect, and uplift. At the same time, we understand that uncomfortable but necessary conversations about race, inequality, and the history of cannabis in Black America are more urgent than ever. We recognize the enormous responsibility we carry and understand that we must work to build a new era of cannabis that is both restorative and inclusive. 

The reality is that the discriminatory policies from the War on Drugs have turned first-time drug offenders into second-class citizens. The duality of a profitable cannabis business venture set against the backdrop of this American reality is not lost on us. Through our hiring practices, community partnerships, and a culture of open conversations, we hope to lead by example in an industry that we believe has the energy to inspire radical cultural change.

Still, we know that we have much to learn and do to dismantle racism in our community and industry. We are listening, and we are committed to doing–and being–better. 

Black Lives Matter.