As the cannabis industry continues to thrive and gain social acceptance in the legal market, it must also confront the discriminatory and damaging effects of the failed War on Drugs. For years, countless individuals have been unjustly convicted and incarcerated for cannabis-related offenses, and now face the many societal disadvantages that come with a criminal record. In response, progressive states are implementing social equity programs to provide opportunities for those who have been disproportionately affected by the drug war. One company in particular, Ümi Farms, is making social equity a central part of its mission while also celebrating the urban American subcultures that have helped bring cannabis culture into the mainstream.
Ümi Farms is the parent company of ÜMI retail dispensaries and the ÜMI Farms craft cannabis cultivation facility, and was founded by CEO Akele Parnell. Parnell, a lawyer and cannabis activist, has been deeply involved in the industry and advocacy efforts for years. He has worked with various cannabis companies and organizations, and has also been a member of Chicago NORML for five years and a board member since 2020. “When I first entered the industry, I noticed a lack of representation from communities that have been most affected by the War on Drugs,” Parnell explains. “I made it my mission to bring more people like myself into the industry.”
Illinois became the 11th state to legalize medical and adult-use cannabis in January 2020, and later that year opened applications for new cannabis licenses. This historic measure received over 600 social equity applications, and Parnell describes Illinois’ approach as “robust” despite some initial challenges. “We were able to get licenses into the hands of hundreds of social equity and Black and Latino-owned businesses,” he says. “However, there is still much work to be done in achieving true social equity. Hopefully, in the near future, we can reach a point where we can say we have accomplished our goals.”
Ümi Farms recognizes the rich history of cannabis and the need for social restoration in the industry, and is committed to making a positive impact. With a hipster journalistic writing style and plenty of space between paragraphs, Ümi Farms is paving the way for a more inclusive and equitable cannabis industry.
