Michigan-based vertically-integrated cannabis company, Gage Cannabis Co., announces Wednesday their second social equity grant recipient, Runner’s High 5K. The non-profit organization is dedicated to raising funds and awareness for cannabis research initiatives while spreading awareness about the positive benefits of cannabis for athletes and non-athletes.
“The damaging effects from the ‘War on Drugs’ runs deep in communities across America and industries around the world,” said Diop Shumake, Gage’s second social equity recipient and founder of Runner’s High 5K and Kairos Cannabis Research Foundation. “I shared my vision to shift the narrative around cannabis in athletics and research and development with Gage and they wanted to support it. I look forward to shifting the narrative around cannabis in athletics and research and development.”
The idea for Runners High 5K arose after Shumake realized the benefits of fitness and cannabis on the mental and physical health of the human body. In 2021, Runners High 5K will host a series of fundraising events in partnership with their sister organization, the Kairos Cannabis Research Foundation. Kairos partners with colleges and universities to develop their cannabis institutional research programs by providing them with funding through philanthropic initiatives.
Gage’s social equity grant program consists of 18 grants, up to $50,000 each, as well as public relations and marketing support. Additionally, the company will support record expungement clinics and informational sessions, and will collaborate with key community organizations to provide access to cannabis educational workshops, work development programs, and employment fairs.
“We are thrilled to continue the success of our social equity initiative with Runners High 5K,” said Heather Carter, marketing and communications manager at Gage Cannabis Co. “Their organization has potential to be a staple in the community and in the industry. We have seen the success of our efforts thus far and we look forward to positively impacting our communities as well as encouraging other cannabis companies to take their social equity initiatives seriously.”
In 2019, Gage awarded its first social equity recipient Ryan Basore, president of Redemption Cannabis and the Redemption Foundation. As the program’s first recipient, Basore has spent more than ten years as a champion for cannabis legalization and policy development in Michigan but was affected by federal prohibition enforcement activities. With Gage’s support, Redemption has been on the shelves of provisioning centers around the state since its official launch in June 2020.
“When I was a caregiver, I was locked up for trying to help people obtain the products to help them through their ailments,” said Basore. “I came back from that experience more dedicated than ever to be a part of a successful cannabis industry in Michigan. Using the grant from Gage, not only have I been able to achieve my dream but I’m able to give back to others who are in similar situations to what I have experienced. I hope my story will demonstrate that cannabis felons have a bright future in this industry and that with a little help we can be successful. I was able to take a $50,000 grant and since the launch I have grossed over $2 million in sales and I am on track for $3.5 million to close out the year.”
Gage recently launched their social equity website, where candidates interested in future grants can apply. The site requests basic business information, a business plan, and other qualifying information to assist in selecting the best grant-worthy applicant. On January 7, 2021 at 1 pm ET, Gage will host an informational webinar on the program and its application process.
“It’s no secret that not everyone has been afforded the opportunity to participate in this growing industry. Through our program we seek to help make these opportunities happen by providing assistance that will help minimize the barriers to success. As leaders in this space, this is our effort to right the wrongs of cannabis prohibition and reinvest in the communities that have been disproportionately affected by those policies,” Carter added.
For more information about the Gage’s social equity program and to register for the webinar please visit www.gageusa.com/se. To learn more about Runner’s High 5K, visit www.runhigh5k.com, and to learn more about Kairos Cannabis Foundation visit www.kairoscannabisfoundation.com.