TOQi Technologies Ltd., award-winning creators of elegantly designed cannabis technology products, has partnered with Cannabis Amnesty, a not-for-profit organization dedicated to righting the historical wrongs created by cannabis prohibition, to launch the TOQi Fellowship for Cannabis Amnesty. The inaugural Fellows, who will begin their internships during the summer of 2022, will also be supported by Aurora Cannabis Inc. (NASDAQ: ACB) (TSX: ACB), a global leader in the medical and recreational cannabis industry, committed to high quality products and access for patients and consumers. This paid internship is designed to create economic opportunities for people from communities harmed by decades of cannabis prohibition while increasing Cannabis Amnesty’s capacity to develop groundbreaking advocacy and programming.
The TOQi Fellowship is a summer internship program running May through August for ambitious individuals who wish to gain experience in advocacy and communications. The two salaried positions will receive mentorship, networking opportunities, and insight into all aspects of the cannabis industry and Cannabis Amnesty’s mission to help those harmed by cannabis prohibition.
“People of today should not bear the burden of the laws of yesterday; while the world has changed and we are able to profit from the industry, it is our civic duty to liberate those who do not enjoy this privilege,” said Drew Henson, CEO and Founder, TOQi Technologies. “The hard-working and passionate advocates at Cannabis Amnesty have set the stage to right some of these wrongs, and we are honored to support their cause.”
“Historically, cannabis laws were unequally enforced by law enforcement in Canada, disproportionately impacting Black, Indigenous and under-resourced communities. Cannabis convictions limit economic opportunities for people from these communities, thus further entrenching systemic racism through poverty and disenfranchisement,” said Annamaria Enenajor, Executive Director, Cannabis Amnesty. “We are grateful to TOQi and Aurora Cannabis for their leadership in supporting our efforts to dismantle these economic barriers and look forward to welcoming more cannabis brands to our shared vision of justice and equality in the cannabis industry.”
“As a proudly Canadian company, Aurora values our roots in advocating for cannabis record pardons with Cannabis Amnesty. We have a responsibility to those who have been disproportionately impacted and commit to doing our part. Canadians, or anyone for that matter, shouldn’t be burdened with a criminal record for a minor, non-harmful act that is no longer a crime,” says Miguel Martin, CEO, Aurora Cannabis. “We deeply admire the team at Cannabis Amnesty for their relentless pursuit of fairness and are honoured to be a part of affording others the opportunity to also be a part of this critical cause.”
Applicants can visit TOQiFellowship4CA.com for additional information and to apply. Cannabis Amnesty encourages applications from underrepresented communities and those who have been affected by the harms of cannabis prohibition. Applications will be accepted until April 19, 2022. Companies interested in being an ally and joining the movement for 2023’s TOQi Fellowship can contact [email protected].
