Common Citizen, which produces safe, high-quality cannabis products for patients and adult-use customers, is taking social equity to the next level through Principle, a first-of-its-kind product line and community reinvestment program. While still in its infancy, the goal of Principle is to create a sustainable and scalable model for community reinvestment and an ethos of equity — a principle we can all live by.
All net profits from Principle cannabis — sold in single, 1-gram pre-rolls in a decorative tin — fund three different microgrants that reinvest in underserved communities across Michigan. The “For the Culture” microgrant supports arts and culture initiatives; the Common Principle Startup Accelerator supports early-stage businesses; and the Common Principle Community Impact Award supports nonprofit organizations. The accelerator grant will spur the entrepreneurs of tomorrow by providing access to mentorship and coaching by Common Citizen’s executive team, as well as a microgrant to fund a business prototype.
These grants will also help increase access to homeownership, support community-led infrastructure improvements, and empower voices in policymaking at the state and local levels.
Common Citizen received 75 applications from organizations and initiatives from across Michigan after targeting communities impacted by redlining and disproportionate criminalization. This focus led to 85% of applications from communities disproportionately impacted by criminalization, and 84% from communities that have historically experienced redlining. Common Citizen, a social-equity qualified business, will soon announce recipients of the first round of grant funding and open a second round of applications.
Principle builds on Common Citizen’s commitment to prioritizing people over product and to educating communities about the wellness benefits of cannabis. Principle also expands Common Citizen’s existing mission to support legalization and destigmatizing of cannabis, increase access to expungement for those with cannabis-related convictions, and ensure those in greatest need have access to safe, high-quality cannabis products.
All said, Principle plays a key role in providing cannabis for humanity. While there is no panacea to the challenges our communities face, Common Citizen is proud to do its part to expand access and opportunity. Visit commoncitizen.com/principle to learn more about Principle and Common Citizen’s mission to give back to the communities it proudly serves.
