OUR FOUNDING STORY

In the heart of Koreatown, in Manhattan, the roots of the Asian Cannabis Roundtable began to emerge following the 2016 implementation of the New York medical marijuana program. Asian Cannabis Roundtable founder, Kristin Jordan, began to develop a presence in the New York cannabis scene through networking with professionals interested in the medical cannabis program, with a goal to create connections between other Asians navigating this new industry together. From 2016 to 2019, community members gathered informally in Manhattan to discuss how to formalize the growing group of Asian cannabis professionals and to determine the shared goals of members. The Asian Cannabis Roundtable formalized in 2019. As the group began meeting, members started on a mission to create an equitable and inclusive cannabis industry while demonstrating allied support of other communities disproportionately affected by racist drug policies. In 2021, Asian Cannabis Roundtable public meetings kicked off with an inaugural virtual event which brought together 60 Asian cannabis professionals across the nation. As Asian Cannabis Roundtable continues to grow, we will ensure that our voices are heard in these important conversations, and our communities continue to come first when it comes to cannabis.