Social Equity and Cannabis Bookkeeping: Restorative Justice in Action

Hoping to alleviate the financial burdens and bureaucratic hurdles of launching a cannabis business, social equity programs are being implemented by states to empower communities disproportionately affected by the War on Drugs. These programs are critical not only to equitable access but also to sustainable business growth — and that’s where Social Equity and Cannabis Bookkeeping intersect.

Going from the gray market to a fully legal cannabis operation is now more accessible for many business owners and workers, without the looming threat of retroactive penalties or fines. However, navigating this new landscape requires financial literacy, community support, and strong accounting systems tailored to the unique needs of cannabis operators.

Our next guest speaker, Anthony Alegrete of 40 Tons, is a leader in restorative justice and workforce development. His company plays a key role in bridging the gap between opportunity and access by actively investing in the community. From organizing cannabis career fairs to supporting expungement for individuals with cannabis-related convictions, 40 Tons is redefining what it means to build with purpose.

Anthony also helps cannabis businesses implement scalable systems — including marketing, financing, and accounting — that foster long-term growth and community reinvestment. For those focused on social equity and cannabis bookkeeping, this means understanding how financial clarity and operational infrastructure can help businesses meet their goals and their mission.

Join us on Tuesday, March 7th at 10am PT for our session:
“Closing the Gap in Restorative Justice, Diversity, and Inclusivity.” Anthony will share actionable insights including:

What You’ll Learn:

• What diversity and inclusivity really mean in the cannabis industry and why they matter

• How to scale your operation with the right systems in place — from marketing to bookkeeping

• The importance of record expungement and how to support those impacted

• How to gain support and resources from larger operators

• Ways to give back by providing professional development and education for job seekers

Whether you’re an accountant, advocate, or operator, understanding the relationship between social equity and cannabis bookkeeping is key to building a more just and inclusive industry.

Natacha Delinois Andrews, Esq. Founder/ CEO

CANNABIS ATTORNEY AND BUSINESS CONSULTANT

Natacha Andrews, Esq., is a cannabis attorney and business consultant. Originally from New Jersey, Ms. Andrews is a graduate of both Rutgers University (SCILS) and Howard University School of Law.

Natacha comes with a rich and diverse background which includes a proven record of successful counseling, developing, and negotiating on behalf of her clients. She came to cannabis after practicing for several years as an immigration attorney who noticed a large number of clients across the industry facing deportation and permanent family separation as a result of low-level, non-violent cannabis convictions. Concerned by the trend, Natacha set out to gain a better understanding of the underlying causes and connections. What she discovered on this personal journey led Ms. Andrews to seek avenues of advocacy and sensible drug policy reform.

In December 2019 she began to gather a group of attorneys around the nation resulting in the formation of the National Association of Black Cannabis Lawyers (NABCL). Today, NABCL works with attorneys from all over the United States to help advocate for equitable, inclusive, and reparative justice for those intentionally harmed by the War on Drugs and those who continue to be detrimentally affected by our fragmented US cannabis system.

Natacha is on a crusade to assist cannabis professionals to establish a footing within the cannabis industry during the re-legalization of the plant. Natacha provides invaluable expertise and guidance to those seeking equity as they enter the burgeoning cannabis market.

She serves as a staunch advocate for criminal justice and comprehensive drug reform. She is an educator with subject matter expertise, who speaks to audiences ranging from corporate entities to community organizations. She is a volunteer for the Last Prisoner’s Project, directs community engagement for NC ACT (North Carolina Alliance for Cannabis Transparency), is a Parabola Center Partner and sits on the board of the NABCL. She enjoys travel, food, music, and family. She resides with her children in Charlotte, NC.