Tea Pad is a professional-level networking group for the cannabis industry and is a sister social enterprise of CannabizMD. The Tea Pad mission is to break down barriers to entry into the cannabis industry, empowering access and advancement – no matter gender or race – via education.
The “tea pad” is part of a very rich 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 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.
Tea Pad is change maker, raising awareness and opportunity in the cannabis industry for all minorities including women, minorities, LGBTQ+ and people with disabilities. Proceeds of Tea Pad events and those of sister of sister social enterprise CannabizMD support The Pad Fellowship Program.
Tea Pad Fellows to be carefully matched with participating cannabis industry companies based on the specific skills of the candidate and the preferences of both parties. CannabizMD will deliver an education program to the Fellow prior to placement with the corporate sponsor with a focus on an understanding of the cannabis industry with 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.
Tea Pad is Back March 18, 2021!
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, improve trainings, and build 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.
