Seattle, Washington mayor Bruce Harrell submitted a package of bills aimed at advancing equity in the marijuana industry by helping boost more diversity and backing cannabis store employees.

The mayor worked on these measures together with councilmember Teresa Mosqueda and marijuana industry stakeholders and workers, to make “critical first steps toward improving equity and a clear commitment to a One Seattle approach.”

The package submitted to Council consists of three bills that push for many actions among which are the following:

Earlier this year, Harrell joined the City Council in pushing for the passage of the SAFE Banking act.

 “After years of community asking for greater equity in the cannabis industry, this legislation represents an initial step in the right direction towards creating local equity applications, improving workforce standards, and focusing on safety for workers in the cannabis industry,” Teresa Mosqueda stated. 

Adan Espino Jr executive director of Craft Cannabis Coalition, an association of over 70 cannabis retailers said that they are pleased to have been able to work on these social equity ordinances together with mayor Harrell and the City Council. 

“We look forward to continuing to engage thoughtfully and collaboratively in the City’s cannabis equity effort as it develops, alongside discussion of other pressing issues facing the cannabis small businesses, such as security concerns,” Espino said. 

Photo: Benzinga Edit; Source: Seattle City Council  via Wikimedia Commons and Harrison Haines by Pexels