For people with past cannabis convictions, the idea of working in the legal weed industry may seem like an intangible or daunting task. But the truth is, there are canna-centric career fairs that are intentionally designed to help prospective hires overcome standard barriers to entry and success. The Canna Get A Second Chance Career Fair & Conference is by far the best (and easiest) way for interested individuals to break into the industry.
This event started as a collaboration between two black-owned businesses, New Jersey-based career placement platform BrandResumes and 40 Tons – a social impact cannabis brand based in California.
“This is a chance for us to give second chances to those with past cannabis convictions. And since I was given a second chance, I feel the right to pay it forward to help others.”
Corvain Cooper, Chief Brand Ambassador at 40 Tons
A unique career fair that promotes social justice in the industry, both groups are also encouraging equitable hiring practices in the local community. Job seekers can attend for free and are able to network with companies and brands at an event where the atmosphere has been intentionally designed to help them succeed.
“Your resume is your first investment. So, it’s more than just providing job opportunities for people, it’s about getting them ready so that they can take their career in cannabis to the next level. It was an honor and pleasure to be able to help the people in Trenton with creating and updating their resumes – some for the very first time.”
Brandon Mitchell, Founder & CEO of BrandResumes
Canna Get a Second Chance in Trenton, NJ
On August 13th, Respect My Region flew out to the east coast to attend the Canna Get A Second Chance career fair and conference in Trenton, NJ. This was the first time the career fair was hosted outside of California, and we were blown away by the turnout. With over 1,400 registrations, 30 local sponsors and vendors, and 10 scholarships up for grabs, this event set the tone for future career fairs and 40 Tons’ expansion.
“As we build this career conference out, we want to be able to provide as many resources to our attendees as possible. This year, we added two really great educational courses and a voters registration booth that our good friends at the National Cannabis Party helped facilitate”
Anthony Alegrete, COO of 40 Tons
In addition to connecting brands with prospective hires, this conference provided attendees with FREE resources like:
- Headshots, haircuts, and access to professional attire
- Resume support and LinkedIn optimization
- Educational breakout sessions and panel discussions
- Expungement Services Clinic for cannabis related charges
The goal of the conference is to help job seekers leave with the connections necessary to land a career in cannabis. However, in the process, 40 Tons and their powerhouse team of sponsors have created something that is oozing with impact. By giving second chances to those with past cannabis convictions, 40 Tons has helped to kickstart healing in communities that have been disproportionately affected by the War on Drugs.
“When we can provide opportunities for people who look just like us, it warms our hearts and makes us know we are doing the right thing. We are here to help as many people as we possibly can.”
Loriel Alegrete, CEO of 40 Tons
Canna Get A Second Chance Career Fair Event Stats
- 1,403 Registrations
- 600 Attendees
- 30 Sponsors and Vendors (Including 5 MSOs)
- 20 Haircuts
- 25 New Registered Voters
- 3 Previously Incarcerated Voters Regained the Right to Vote
- 50 Attendees Committed to Voting for the First Time
- 100+ People Attended Breakout Sessions and Discussion Panels
- 5 Oaksterdam Scholarships Awarded
- 5 Local NJ-Certified Scholarships Awarded
Catch The Team BTS
Get Involved
Are you interested in learning about how you can break into the Cannabis industry or how to get a career in cannabis? The Canna Get a Second Chance Career Fair Conference is for you!
If you have a cannabis conviction you need help with, or looking to enter into the cannabis industry, and want to learn more check out the resources at Cannabis Hiring Fairs.
Is your brand is interested in sponsoring future events? Click here to learn more.
Follow 40 Tons On Instagram.
All photos courtesy of Honeysuckle Magazine
