Hey friends,

We’ve got some exciting news to share. And at the end of this post, we’ll give you some ways for you to join us in making a difference.

Ready? Let’s go!

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Fernway’s a proud, independently-owned cannabis company. And one thing we know for sure is that we couldn’t have made it here without help from our friends and partners. Whether it’s financial support, legal guidance, a helpful connection, or just inspiration, a strong community provides – and it’s provided to us many times. So we want to pay it forward.

As an independent business, we believe it’s our responsibility to promote fairness and equity in the world of cannabis so that other independent businesses and aspiring owners can find success. That’s why we’re proud to announce our support for Equitable Opportunities Now (EON).

EON is a leader in creating opportunities for Black-owned businesses in the cannabis industry through job fairs, networking, and education. We know from personal experience that the licensing process is, in a word, challenging – especially for businesses with fewer resources. It can be a lonely, anxiety-inducing process getting through all the different licensing steps.

But when you have people in your corner, backing you up, pointing you forward – well, it makes a massive difference. And EON is doing just that with Black-owned businesses in your community.

We’re also proud to support the Women’s Fund of Western Massachusetts, which provides support through grants and programming to nonprofits that address the most urgent problems facing western Massachusetts’ women and girls. They’re dedicated to promoting leadership among women in different fields and roles, and they do this by investing in women, children, and families throughout the Commonwealth to help them thrive.

We’re happy to call Western Massachusetts our home, and we believe in investing in our neighbors in need. It’s as simple as that.

Now, remember where we said we’d give you some ways for you to join us in making a difference? If you’re a cannabis consumer (and if you’re reading this blog post, we think that’s a pretty safe bet), you can start by reading this piece by Payton Shubrick.

Payton’s the CEO and founder of 6 Brick’s, which is a family-owned dispensary – and the first Black-owned dispensary in Springfield. We were thrilled to watch Payton and her family navigate the complex challenges of licensing and open their doors last year, and we’re proud to call 6 Brick’s a Fernway partner.

In the piece, Payton emphasizes the importance of knowing the stories behind the stores that sell cannabis products. She challenges consumers like all of us to use our buying power to support stores that align with our values, and to seek out stores owned by people from underrepresented communities. We couldn’t agree more, and we encourage you to read her story – and check out their store next time you’re in Western Mass.

Thank you for being part of our community and for sharing our commitment to fairness and community -driven support. Together, we’ll create a more just and equitable future for everyone.