023: Advocating for Change in the Cannabis Industry with Chris Ball

In America, a criminal record can make it much harder not just to get a job, but to launch a business. Social equity programs are working to change this, and have helped former felons and victims of Reagan-era drug policy to start innovative companies - sometimes in formerly criminalized industries.  Chris Ball is the founder of Ball Family Farms - a family-owned and operated business, and the first vertically integrated social equity brand in Los Angeles. They focus on unique form meticulous pheno-hunted genetics and offer a wide array of potent flower strains. He used a social equity program to build his cannabis business after being indicted, and is now using his company and his platform to advocate for change across the industry. Today, Chris joins the podcast to share the story of his journey into the cannabis industry and the many hurdles he faced along the way. We talk about the value that traditional cannabis guys can bring to the adult-use market, the innovative technology Chris is using to create fascinating new cannabis products, and how brands can both court connoisseurs and advocate for change. Key Takeaways How social equity programs allow people who were disenfranchised by the war on drugs to launch businesses. What does - and doesn’t - work when it comes to new product launches, and why Chris aims to make every Ball Family Farms release an event. What Chris is doing to get the attention of the important gatekeepers in the cannabis industry. How brands can cultivate authentic relationships with minority audiences - and why so many brands come across as phony when they try to do this. Why Chris thinks we’re 24 months away from federal legalization. Show Notes For complete show notes, including transcripts, takeaways, and links to all the resources mentioned, visit SoHoExp.com/23 To learn more about the podcast and get access to all episodes, visit: SoHoExp.com/GreenRepeal