Doubling down on social equity

For the 11th annual New England Cannabis Convention (March 22-22 in Boston) NECANN is very lucky to be working with not one, but two social equity warriors: in addition to our ongoing partnership with long-time local SE advocate Kizzy Key , we're adding Loriel Alegrete 's 40 TONS Justice Row initiative this year.

Since our very 1st convention in Boston back in 2015, NECANN has designated 10% of our exhibit hall floor space to be donated. Early on that space was used by cannabis advocacy groups (which is certainly a good thing), but over the years it's been gratifying to see that steadily shift to the point where over 90% of our donated booths are now going towards SE/EE licensees at all of our conventions. In our first ten years NECANN donated over 500 booths to licensees and advocacy groups, and we are on pace to reach 1,000 by the end of 2029.

If you are a SE/EE licensee, please feel free to submit a donated booth request HERE, or share the link if you know someone who is! We do our best to accommodate everyone, giving priority to first-time applicants so as many people as possible can benefit.

For those not familiar with 40 tons and the amazing work they do, here is some background and details on their presence at NECANN Boston:

40 Tons Brings "Justice Row" to NECANN Boston, Paving the Way for Justice-Impacted Entrepreneurs

BOSTON, MA – March 11, 2024 – 40 Tons, the multi-state, social impact cannabis brand dedicated to justice and equity, is bringing its groundbreaking Justice Row activation to NECANN Boston 2025, taking place March 21-22 at the Hynes Convention Center in Boston, Massachusetts. Justice Row ensures that justice-impacted entrepreneurs—those who have paid the highest price for cannabis while others profit—are no longer left behind.

More than just exhibit space, Justice Row is a movement—a powerful statement honoring those who sacrificed for the cannabis industry while creating direct pathways to investment, partnerships, and business expansion. Through complimentary booths at premier cannabis conferences like NECANN, 40 Tons is ensuring that these entrepreneurs gain visibility, resources, and access to real economic opportunities.

“We are incredibly grateful that NECANN shares our vision of elevating justice-impacted founders,” said Loriel Alegrete, CEO of 40 Tons. “This isn’t about charity. It’s about providing a hand up, not a handout—because these businesses are real, innovative, and profitable. They just need access to the same opportunities as everyone else.”

For Marc Shepard, Co-Founder of NECANN, partnering with 40 Tons was a natural fit. “Since NECANN's inception, we've been committed to supporting social equity companies. Welcoming 40 Tons’ Justice Row to Boston this year is an extension of that mission. Real change happens when we create space for those who have been historically excluded, and we’re proud to be a part of that movement.”

This year’s Justice Row activation is proudly presented by title sponsor HPI Canna, a leading force in cannabis manufacturing. Kim Tanami, CEO of HPI Canna, emphasized the alignment of this initiative with their broader mission. “We believe in 40 Tons’ mission to the core. As the largest cannabis manufacturer in the state of New York, this partnership was the perfect fit for the launch of our TEC Marketplace Legacy Brand Accelerator program, where we help legacy brands take a brand to market.”

This year’s NECANN Boston conference is more than just an industry gathering—it’s a moment of redemption and progress. Corvain Cooper, Co-Founder of 40 Tons, was once serving a life sentence without parole for a nonviolent cannabis offense. Had it not been for presidential clemency, he wouldn’t be here today, leading a company that’s redefining what justice and second chances look like in cannabis. His story is a stark reminder of the thousands of people still incarcerated for cannabis-related offenses while the industry thrives.

Justice Row is about ensuring that those with lived experience in cannabis prohibition now have a seat at the table in the legal industry. Because justice isn’t just a word—it’s action.

ABOUT: 40 Tons is a Black woman-owned, multi-state social impact cannabis brand representing those impacted by the system—cannabis prisoners, victims of the War on Drugs, and their families—while building a premium lifestyle and cannabis brand. Through advocacy, business, and community engagement, 40 Tons is helping bring equity and justice in the cannabis industry.

For media inquiries, partnership opportunities, or to learn more about Justice Row, visit 40Tons.co or contact [email protected].

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