At CONBUD, we believe that cannabis is more than a product—it’s a platform for change. As a proud member of New York City’s Lower East Side (LES) community, we’re committed to addressing systemic inequalities and creating opportunities for those who need them most. Our mission is rooted in giving second chances, breaking stigmas, and using cannabis and social justice to drive meaningful initiatives.

The Injustice of Incarceration

The United States has long grappled with the consequences of mass incarceration. Over the past few decades, harsh drug laws—particularly those targeting cannabis—have disproportionately impacted marginalized communities. Even as cannabis legalization gains momentum across the country, the shadow of prohibition lingers for many individuals and families who have been affected.

Key Statistics Highlighting Disparities:

• Disproportionate Arrest Rates: Before legalization efforts, Black and Hispanic individuals were 3.6 times more likely to be arrested for cannabis possession than their white counterparts, despite similar usage rates. In some areas, this disparity was even more pronounced.
• Economic and Emotional Impact: Cannabis-related arrests and convictions often resulted in job loss, financial instability, and emotional stress for families, creating cycles of poverty and inequality.
• Barriers to Reentry: After incarceration, many individuals face significant obstacles in finding employment, housing, and education due to the stigma of a criminal record. These barriers perpetuate recidivism and limit opportunities for growth and stability.

Addressing Recidivism Through Opportunity

Second chances are at the heart of what we do at CONBUD. By providing meaningful employment opportunities to those impacted by the justice system, we’re helping to reduce recidivism and create pathways to success. Our work is built on the understanding that individuals can thrive when given the right resources and support.

How We Make a Difference:

• Hiring Practices: We actively seek out and employ individuals with prior convictions, offering them a supportive environment to rebuild their lives. Employment not only provides financial stability but also restores dignity and purpose.
• Skills Training: Our employees receive comprehensive training in cannabis retail, customer service, and community engagement. These transferable skills equip them for success within and beyond the cannabis industry.
• Partnerships: We collaborate with local organizations and reentry programs to connect individuals with additional resources, such as housing assistance, mental health support, and educational opportunities.

By addressing the root causes of recidivism—including lack of access to stable employment and community support—we’re helping to break the cycle and create lasting change.

Cannabis as a Catalyst for Social Justice

The legalization of cannabis presents a unique opportunity to address past injustices and build a more equitable future. At CONBUD, we’re committed to ensuring that the benefits of legalization are shared by those who were most harmed by prohibition.

Our Commitments to Justice:

• Advocacy for Expungement: We support efforts to expunge the records of individuals with nonviolent cannabis convictions. Clearing these records not only removes barriers to employment and housing but also restores a sense of fairness and accountability in the justice system.
• Equitable Licensing: The cannabis industry has the potential to be a driver of economic growth, but it must be inclusive. We advocate for policies that prioritize cannabis business licenses for individuals from communities disproportionately affected by prohibition.
• Community Investment: We reinvest a portion of our proceeds into initiatives that support education, housing, and job creation in underserved communities. By doing so, we aim to create a ripple effect of positive change.

The Role of Cannabis and Social Justice

Cannabis has long been intertwined with social justice movements. During the counterculture era of the 1960s and 70s, cannabis was a symbol of resistance and personal freedom. Today, it continues to serve as a focal point for broader discussions about equity, criminal justice reform, and community empowerment.

At CONBUD, we’re inspired by this legacy and strive to amplify its potential:

• Breaking Stigmas: We challenge outdated perceptions of cannabis and its users through education and advocacy. By normalizing cannabis use, we’re helping to reduce the stigma that has long been a barrier to progress.
• Empowering Communities: Our work in the LES reflects the neighborhood’s rich history of resilience and activism. We partner with local leaders and organizations to create programs that uplift and empower our community.
• Creating Space for Dialogue: Through events, workshops, and discussions, we foster open conversations about cannabis, justice, and the future of equity in the industry. These spaces provide opportunities for learning, connection, and collaboration.

The Broader Impact of Equity

Cannabis legalization alone isn’t enough to repair the harm caused by decades of prohibition. True equity requires a commitment to systemic change. By prioritizing social justice within the cannabis industry, we can:

• Expand Access: Ensure that individuals from marginalized communities have a seat at the table in this growing industry.
• Foster Economic Mobility: Create pathways for financial independence and generational wealth through entrepreneurship and employment opportunities.
• Promote Healing: Acknowledge and address the harm caused by prohibition, offering resources and support for those affected.

A Shared Responsibility

Social justice is not a solo endeavor—it’s a collective responsibility. At CONBUD, we’re proud to stand alongside advocates, community leaders, and organizations working toward a fairer and more inclusive society. Together, we can:

• Expand access to opportunities for those impacted by the justice system.
• Build a cannabis industry that prioritizes equity and accountability.
• Create a future where cannabis is a symbol of healing, empowerment, and progress.

Join the Movement

At CONBUD, every sale supports our mission to create second chances and advocate for social justice. By choosing CONBUD, you’re contributing to a movement that prioritizes people over profit and uses cannabis as a tool for change. Visit us in the LES to learn more about our initiatives, explore our curated products, and join us in building a brighter future—one step, one story, and one second chance at a time.