![](https://talkingjointsmemo.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/0-3.webp)
Event by Parabola Center to take place in Providence on July 13
Last year, the Parabola Center for Law and Policy nonprofit think tank released an Anti-Monopoly Toolkit as part of its mission to “back stronger social equity policies and greater market access for small businesses within cannabis.”
And this coming weekend, the center is following up in person. From a Parabola media release: “As Rhode Island navigates its emerging cannabis market, Parabola Center for Law and Policy, in partnership with Rhode Island’s Cannabis Policy Coalition, will host its second annual Anti-Monopoly Cannabis Crash Course this Saturday, July 13, from 9:00 AM to 1:00 PM at the Providence Public Library.”
“This timely and educational event aims to highlight Rhode Island’s pivotal role in shaping equitable cannabis legalization and provide tools to implement strong anti-monopoly protections at the federal level.” Key details include:
- A comprehensive program from 9:00 AM to 1:00 PM, followed by a party for crash course attendees until 4:00 PM
- Special messages from U.S. Senator Elizabeth Warren, television personality Jonathan Van Ness, and Rhode Island Senator Josh Miller
- Speakers including cannabis researchers, regulators, small business owners, and experts from New England and across the nation
- Tickets available on a sliding scale with free community access tickets for anyone who needs it
“Rhode Island stands at a critical juncture in the larger landscape of cannabis policy,” Shaleen Title, founder and director of Parabola Center and a former inaugural commissioner of the Massachusetts Cannabis Control Commission, said in the release. “This crash course will empower attendees to shape federal legalization in a way that preserves a path for an equitable industry, with Rhode Island one of the states leading the way in fair and just implementation.”
The release continues: “The event underscores the importance of proactive measures to support smaller players in the cannabis industry before corporate interests take hold. Organizers stress that Rhode Island’s actions now can set a precedent for equitable cannabis markets nationwide.
“Following the main event and rooftop party, a joint fundraiser with Rhode Island’s Cannabis Policy Coalition will be held at Trinity Brewhouse on the evening of July 13.”