The Tea Pad Foundation LTD is a nonprofit committed to empowering women to innovate and advance in cannabis STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Medicine) through skill-based education and professional development. CannabizMD is proud to be Tea Pad’s founding sponsor.
The “tea pad” is part of a vibrant history of cannabis (marijuana) in the African-American community in New York City and the jazz scene of the 1920’s and 30’s. During this time, the United States government launched an aggressive campaign of marijuana prohibition, which had a catastrophic impact on black and brown communities for decades to come.
Tea pads were convivial speakeasy-style spaces where people of all racial and ethnic backgrounds could come together free from the violence of prohibition.
Since its founding in 2019, Tea Pad has been a change maker, raising awareness and opportunity in the cannabis industry for all minorities, including women, minorities, LGBTQ+, and people with disabilities. Proceeds from Tea Pad events, sister social enterprise CannabizMD support, and private donations fund The Pad Fellowship Program.
Tea Pad Fellows will be carefully matched with participating cannabis industry companies based on the candidate’s specific skills and the preferences of both parties. CannabizMD will deliver an education program to the Fellow before placement with the corporate sponsor, with a focus on an understanding of the cannabis industry and an introduction to cannabis science and policy. Fellows will then undergo exclusive on-the-job training at their host company, gaining firsthand experience in the cannabis industry.
Visit The Tea Pad Foundation website for more information and a gallery of Tea Pad event photos!
DEI – diversity, equity, and inclusion – is a key element of success for any company, regardless of its industry. It’s a critical element in the cannabis industry, and states are requiring DEI initiatives for successful license applications, with compliance mandatory. It’s a particularly critical element in the cannabis industry given the racial prejudice rooted in today’s federal and state drug policies.
DEI strategy should include a C-suite commitment to implementing best-recruiting practices, improving training, and building external partnerships. A workforce with diverse life experiences should mirror the community it serves. Who should direct the DEI strategy?
Tea Pad is hosting a unique virtual roundtable conversation with cannabis industry professionals, DEI experts, and community advocates on how to execute a successful DEI strategy that positively impacts the community a business serves and which can create a superior business model.
March 18, 2021
7 pm – 9 pm
Hosted on Hopin.com
Tickets: VIP $40 includes Tea Pad + Sponsor Swag
General Admission: $25
Tea Pad February 2020 in Cambridge, MD with Darryl Hill
Tea Pad celebrated Black History Month February 27th with Darryl Hill in Cambridge, Maryland. Darryl has been breaking down racial barriers for decades and now he’s one of the very few African American owners of licensed cannabis businesses. Cambridge was the perfect backdrop for our celebration of Black history in America as the birthplace of Harriet Tubman, famed conductor of the Underground Railroad.
Tea Pad December 2019 in Washington, DC with Corey Barnette
December 17, 2019 Tea Pad went to Washington, DC and featured keynote speaker Corey Barnette. Corey kicked off a provocative conversation on what social justice in the cannabis industry should look like. Nationally, less than 1% of licensed cannabis businesses are owned by African Americans. Corey is a multi-state license holder with two in Washington, DC. He’s a valued member of the Tea Pad Advisory Board.
Save the Date: February 27, 2020. Tea Pad celebrates Black History Month in Cambridge, Maryland. Visit TeaPad.co for details.
Tea Pad August 2019 with Delegate Cheryl D. Glenn
Former–Delegate Cheryl Glenn joined Tea Pad along with some of her legislative colleagues, cannabis business leaders, regulators, and industry hopefuls at Tea Pad in Baltimore. Glenn was recognized for her tireless efforts towards sensible cannabis legislation in Maryland.
Tea Pad October 2019 with UMSOP Dean Natalie D. Eddington
On October 3rd, 2019, Natalie D. Eddington, PhD, FAAPS, FCP, professor and dean and executive director of the university regional partnerships at the University of Maryland, Baltimore joined cannabis industry professionals and industry curious at Tea Pad in Baltimore as she shared some of her professional experiences as a woman of color in science, the challenges starting the graduate program and its focus on professional workforce development for the medical cannabis industry.
Tea Pad May 2019 Launch
Tea Pad was launched May 2019. Guests enjoyed the sounds of “live jazz, libations, good eats, provocative conversation on social justice and powerful industry networking” that are part of every Tea Pad event. All in attendance were introduced to the mission of Tea Pad and its focus on breaking down barriers to entry into the cannabis industry by empowering access via education.
