1851

<a href="https://cts.businesswire.com/ct/CT?id=smartlink&amp%3Burl=https%3A%2F%2Ffaranddotter.com%2F&amp%3Besheet=52801310&amp%3Bnewsitemid=20220808005010&amp%3Blan=en-US&amp%3Banchor=Far+%26amp%3B+Dotter&amp%3Bindex=1&amp%3Bmd5=452b2eeda5fd3f187ec1b179ae0fe6b9&utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=far-dotter-announces-first-franchisees-furthers-mission-of-creating-a-more-equitable-inclusive-cannabis-industry-2719298" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">Far &amp; Dotter</a>, the inclusive cannabis dispensary franchise backed by&nbsp;<a href="https://curiowellness.com/?utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=far-dotter-announces-first-franchisees-furthers-mission-of-creating-a-more-equitable-inclusive-cannabis-industry-2719298" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">Curio Wellness</a>, has&nbsp;<a href="https://www.bakersfield.com/ap/news/inclusive-cannabis-franchise-far-dotter-announces-selection-of-first-franchisees/article_e80efa55-8d0c-504c-98b0-143b0eef8c85.html?utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=far-dotter-announces-first-franchisees-furthers-mission-of-creating-a-more-equitable-inclusive-cannabis-industry-2719298" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">announced</a> the signing of its first two franchisees. The concept plans to continue growing, planting roots in more states nationwide as soon as the necessary licenses are secured.The brand announced the launch of its franchising opportunities in 2021, and it has received nearly 800 applications from prospective franchisees. The signing of the first two was announced just today.Both new franchisees are recipients of&nbsp;<a href="https://curiowellness.com/press_release/curio-wellness-launches-investment-fund-to-combat-diversity-and-inclusion-challenges-within-cannabis-industry/?utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=far-dotter-announces-first-franchisees-furthers-mission-of-creating-a-more-equitable-inclusive-cannabis-industry-2719298" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">The Fund</a>, a program associated with Curio Wellness “that will provide start-up capital for minority business owners to open their own Curio Wellness franchise location.”The Fund will provide a total of $30 million in funding to up to 50 women, minority and disabled veteran entrepreneurs by connecting them with diverse investors.“In looking at the systemic barriers that women, minorities and disabled veterans face in accessing capital, we decided to develop a solution that directly addresses this massive economic disparity,” said&nbsp;<a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/michael-bronfein-745717ab/?utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=far-dotter-announces-first-franchisees-furthers-mission-of-creating-a-more-equitable-inclusive-cannabis-industry-2719298" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">Michael Bronfein</a>, CEO of Curio Wellness, in a press release about the program. “The Fund provides qualifying entrepreneurs with the investment capital they need to become a Curio Wellness Center franchisee while ensuring their success through our best-in-class business operations.”Sederia Gray, who will be opening a location in Mississippi, and Haider Rzvi, who will be opening a location in New Jersey, both participated in an extensive vetting process before being chosen to franchise with Far &amp; Dotter and receive capital support.While Curio states that The Fund is able to combat discriminatory lending practices that count cannabis start-ups out of the equity, capital and loans process, its focus on providing support to minorities who are disproportionately impacted runs even deeper.According to&nbsp;<a href="https://www.forbes.com/sites/lewiskoski/2022/03/22/social-equity-policies-could-shape-diversity-in-the-legal-cannabis-industry/?sh=1362dc3f1839&utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=far-dotter-announces-first-franchisees-furthers-mission-of-creating-a-more-equitable-inclusive-cannabis-industry-2719298" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">Forbes</a>, less than one-fifth of legal cannabis business owners and founders are minorities. The legal cannabis market is projected to meet over 40% of the country’s annual demand by 2025, and institutional investors are taking advantage of new legislation that empowers legal cannabis business.However, as the rich get richer, far too many individuals are systematically disadvantaged due to their involvement with cannabis. In 2020,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.forbes.com/sites/joanoleck/2020/06/26/with-40000-americans-incarcerated-for-marijuana-offenses-the-cannabis-industry-needs-to-step-up-activists-said-this-week/?sh=64d8a6bfc16f&utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=far-dotter-announces-first-franchisees-furthers-mission-of-creating-a-more-equitable-inclusive-cannabis-industry-2719298" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">about 40,000 people&nbsp;</a>were incarcerated for marijuana-related offenses, despite many states decriminalizing and legalizing the drug.&nbsp;The racial disparities in marijuana-related prosecution are all the more heinous, with African Americans being arrested at rates&nbsp;<a href="https://norml.org/marijuana/fact-sheets/racial-disparity-in-marijuana-arrests/?utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=far-dotter-announces-first-franchisees-furthers-mission-of-creating-a-more-equitable-inclusive-cannabis-industry-2719298" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">nearly four times higher</a> than whites despite near-equivalent consumption rates.Continued involvement in and monitoring by the criminal punishment system makes it incredibly difficult to secure a job, let alone the funding to start a business.“We have to remember that before cannabis was legal, the people who were hit hardest by criminal penalties for possession were African Americans. They were, and still are, incarcerated and charged with possession at higher rates than any other group,” explained Donnie P.,&nbsp;<a href="https://books.google.com/books/about/How_to_Catch_a_Mouse_with_No_Cheese.html?id=Sri4oQEACAAJ&utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=far-dotter-announces-first-franchisees-furthers-mission-of-creating-a-more-equitable-inclusive-cannabis-industry-2719298" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">author</a> and owner of&nbsp;<a href="https://greenleaf-dispensary.com/?utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=far-dotter-announces-first-franchisees-furthers-mission-of-creating-a-more-equitable-inclusive-cannabis-industry-2719298" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">Green Leaf Dispensary</a>. “While many official cannabis businesses are thriving and making money, thousands of people are still sitting in jails for possession of the product sold legally over the counter.”As the stigma surrounding cannabis begins to shift, it is becoming widely recognized as an alternative medicine option.“There are so many illnesses that medical cannabis can help with, including eating disorders, PTSD, chronic pain and cancer treatment symptoms, among others,” Donnie added. “It’s far safer to use than opioids and other pain treatment options. The science backs that up. So for me, it’s another option for the government to handle the opioid crisis that is impacting so many American cities across the country.”The U.S. cannabis market is expected to be valued at&nbsp;<a href="https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/us-cannabis-market-to-be-worth-40-0-billion-by-2030-grand-view-research-inc-301568650.html?utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=far-dotter-announces-first-franchisees-furthers-mission-of-creating-a-more-equitable-inclusive-cannabis-industry-2719298#:~:text=The%20U.S.%20market%20for%20cannabis,each%20state%20in%20the%20country." target="_blank" rel="nofollow">$40 billion</a> by 2030, indicating exponential growth.“The cannabis industry is exploding, and it’s important that the government and businesses do more to facilitate a fair, equitable cannabis space for everyone,” he added.As Curio Wellness embraces its minority entrepreneurs, recognizing the barriers that prevent equitable growth within the cannabis space, its first two franchisees backed by The Fund illustrate an important part of an industry shift toward a more inclusive, equitable model that will allow fairer access to the booming market.“The majority of cannabis businesses are white-owned. There are many reasons for this, including current cannabis laws and systemic barriers, but in order to correct the system a bit, diversifying the cannabis space just makes sense,” Donnie said. “Many states are just beginning to address the diversity issue now, so we’ll have to see how it plays out.”

Far & Dotter Announces First Franchisees, Furthers Mission of Creating a More Equitable, Inclusive Cannabis Industry

1851 Franchise

As investors get rich from legal cannabis operations and minorities continue to face harsh criminal punishment, Far & Dotter is working to create a more equitable space. Today, the first two franchisees in alignment with this mission were announced.

far-dotter-announces-first-franchisees-furthers-mission-of-creating-a-more-equitable-inclusive-cannabis-industry

Crust Pizza Co.

Crust Pizza Co. Spreading Through the Southwest - 1851 Franchise

Crust Pizza Co. Targets Southeast U.S. for Expansion

crust-pizza-co-southeast-expansion

Seniors Helping Seniors®

Nathan Peterson Turns Passion for Helping Others into a Purpose-Driven Business with Seniors Helping Seniors Franchise

seniors-helping-seniors-franchise-caldwell-nathan-peterson

Famous Dave's

Famous Dave’s Fires Up Third Annual All-Star BBQ Series This May, Leading Up to the 2025 World Food Championships

famous-daves-fires-up-third-annual-all-star-bbq-series-this-may-leading-up-to-the-2025-world-food-championships

HomeTeam Inspection Service

From Air Force Veteran to Entrepreneur: Danny Hemchand Builds a Thriving Home Inspection Business

air-force-veteran-danny-hemchand-home-inspection-business

HomeTeam Inspection Service Reports Record-Breaking Performance in Q1, Continues National Expansion

hometeam-inspection-q1-2025-growth-expansion

Buying a Franchise Masterclass

 Franchise Opportunities

Get Support Buying a Franchise

How to Buy a Franchise White Paper

How to Buy a Franchise

How to Sell Franchises

How to Grow a Franchise

Find a Franchise Supplier

1851 Franchise Opportunities

Franchisor News

Franchisor Power Rankings

FranCamp Mastermind Summit

Franchise Resources

What ALEC-Laffer's Report Means for Franchising

Website Awards

Power Rankings

About 1851

Advertise on 1851

Contact 1851 Editorial

Terms of Use

1851 Login

GROWTH CLUB LOGIN

facebook

instagram

twitter

linkedin

youtube

Eli Lilly GLP-1 Lawsuits - Mounjaro - Zepbound - 1851 Franchise Agg

Eli Lilly Sues Telehealth Startups Over GLP-1 Knockoffs, Escalating Legal Battle

eli-lilly-glp-1-lawsuits

The Future of Franchising: Trends and Predictions for 2025 and Beyond

the-future-of-franchising-trends-and-predictions-for-2025-and-beyond

Restaurant Business: Crumbl Cools Its Expansion, Refocuses on Profitability

restaurant-business-crumbl-cools-its-expansion-refocuses-on-profitability

Franchise Face-Lifts: Why Major Restaurant Brands Are Betting Big on Remodels

franchise-face-lifts-why-major-restaurant-brands-are-betting-big-on-remodels

How New Tariffs Are Causing Price Hikes and Surcharges for U.S. Businesses and Franchises - 1851

Tariffs Prompt Price Hikes, Surcharges as Businesses (and Franchises) Brace for Rising Costs 

tariffs-prompt-price-hikes-surcharges

DonutNV Franchise Costs, Fees, Profit and Data for 2025

franchise-deep-dive-donutnv-franchise-costs-fees-profit-and-data

Lindora’s New President Discusses Franchise Growth and the Future of Health and Wellness

lindoras-new-president-discusses-franchise-growth-and-the-future-of-health-and-wellness

Church's Texas Chicken - Franchise Deep Dive - Growth Club - 1851 Franchise

Church’s Texas Chicken Franchise Costs, Fees, Profit and Data for 2025

churchs-franchise-deep-dive

Trua Senior Living Locators CEO Discusses Franchising Success and a Clinical Approach to Senior Placement

trua-senior-living-locators-ceo-discusses-franchising-success-and-a-clinical-approach-to-senior-placement

Franchisee spotlight image with Randy and Sandy Craft, Children's Lighthouse logo on blue background

The Crafts’ Successful Journey from New Parents to Children’s Lighthouse Franchisees

the-crafts-successful-journey-from-new-parents-to-childrens-lighthouse-franchisees

Most Profitable Restaurant Franchises To Own in 2025 - 1851 Franchise

The Most Profitable Restaurant Franchises to Own in 2025

most-profitable-restaurant-franchises-to-own

Franchise Success Stories: Inspiring Tales from the Front Lines

franchise-success-stories

Image of building outline hovering over person's hand

How To Choose the Right Franchise: A Step-by-Step Guide to Success

how-to-choose-the-right-franchise-step-by-step

Amateur Bodybuilder and Business Partner Bring Passion for Fitness to World Gym Franchise in Fulton, New York

amateur-bodybuilder-and-business-partner-bring-passion-for-fitness-to-world-gym-franchise-in-fulton-new-york

Far & Dotter Announces First Franchisees, Furthers Mission of Creating a More Equitable, Inclusive Cannabis Industry

MORE STORIES LIKE THIS