Advocacy and Innovation: A Conversation with Frederika Easley of The People's Ecosystem
In a recent interview, Frederika Easley, the Director of Strategic Initiatives for The People's Ecosystem, shared her insights about the cannabis industry, equity in policy analysis, and the impact of potential Rescheduling of cannabis to Schedule III from Schedule I.
In her role, Easley critically analyzes policies, rules, and regulations with a focus on equity, ensuring the language used in policy is strengthened to avoid unintentional harm to the industry and to The People’s Ecosystem.
The People's Ecosystem, with its roots in Oakland, California, focuses on manufacturing and the production of CBD and THC products in California and New Mexico. The company’s innovation is evident in their products like Toci Treats and Drips, which Easley described as “social strains” that help mitigate the anxiety of networking and social interactions.
In the conversation, Easley candidly addressed the latest move by the Department of Health and Human Services to recommend the DEA reschedule cannabis from Schedule I to Schedule III. While acknowledging this critical step at the federal level, she firmly asserts that the true need is for descheduling, not rescheduling.
She highlighted two significant advantages of rescheduling.
Removal of 280E | Rescheduling would remove the restrictive 280E tax code, allowing cannabis businesses to deduct normal business expenses, thereby freeing up resources for reinvestment and scaling.
Increased Cannabis Research | Rescheduling would allow for more diverse and unbiased research into the plant, ensuring all communities are considered and contributing to a more comprehensive understanding of cannabis.
Easley remains a passionate advocate for policy change and industry advancement. She underscored the need to normalize cannabis, to move beyond outdated stereotypes, and to ensure that those in the industry have a seat at the table. Easley’s realistic approach recognizes the incremental nature of legislative change, but her commitment to chipping away at these barriers remains unwavering.
Learn more about Frederika Easley and The People’s Ecosystem.
