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OCS Launches Social Impact Fund

Amidst concerns from industry about the huge sums of money The Ontario Cannabis Store (OCS) has collected, it has announced the first partner projects selected to receive funding as part of its inaugural Social Impact Fund.

This year’s recipients are:

  • Centre on Drug Policy Evaluation
  • The Cannabis Social Equity and Equality Development Initiative
  • Princess Margaret Cancer Centre
  • University of Calgary
  • Canadian Students for Sensible Drug Policy
  • McMaster University

Purpose of the Fund

The Fund was first introduced with a call for applications in April 2023. It exists to create meaningful community partnerships that bridge gaps in knowledge, create shared value, and mobilize positive change related to cannabis in Ontario and beyond.

The Fund is rooted in OCS’s commitment to promoting responsible cannabis consumption while protecting youth and vulnerable populations.

This year, OCS has allocated $500,000 to support programs, services, and research by non-profits, charities, and researchers that contribute positively to the Ontario public and legal cannabis industry.

The selected partner projects also align with OCS’s three pillars of social responsibility:

  • Establishing a foundation for environmental sustainability
  • Supporting a diverse and inclusive industry
  • Advancing cannabis knowledge and promoting responsible consumption

Partner Projects

This year’s selected partner projects range from studies on the physical health impacts of cannabis exposure, to digital storytelling about cannabis harm reduction, to cannabis workforce empowerment programs and more.

More information on the projects can be found here.

Retailer Response

Tess Stuber, General Manager of Bonnefire Toronto, says, “I am glad OCS is taking some initiative. We were wondering as retailers when OCS was going to do a job more than a wholesaler. I am excited to see they are taking initiative on social impact, especially around harm reduction and educated consumption. Overall, I think it is a great start, but I am very curious how they’re going to connect more research-backed programs with on-the-ground harm reduction.”

Stuber notes the need for more consumer education and the direct role retailers play in delivering it. “In the industry, we have a long way to go when it comes to consumer education around consumption,” she says. “OCS plays a big role in what gets pushed to the front of the market and what education makes it to the consumer. The projects in the Social Impact Fund are great, but I’m not sure if they’re going to make as quick or direct an impact as they could be. Money could be used on the ground for direct retailer-to-consumer education.”

Stuber adds, “Retailers have to work very hard to get accurate information to consumers. We need more direct information about the consumption choices consumers make and how it may impact their health and social relationships.”

Tags: Canadian Cannabis (117), DEI (3), diversity equity and inclusion (3), OCS (44), Ontario Cannabis Store (79), social responsibility (7)