40 Tons Launches Justice Row at NECANN Boston 2025: Empowering Justice-Impacted Cannabis Entrepreneurs
At the intersection of social equity and cannabis entrepreneurship, 40 Tons is rewriting the rulebook. This March, the social impact brand and advocacy powerhouse will bring its groundbreaking Justice Row initiative to NECANN Boston, one of the largest cannabis industry gatherings on the East Coast. Held at the Hynes Convention Center on March 21-22, this year’s NECANN is set to become more than just another expo. It’s a battleground for fairness, a rallying cry for the disenfranchised, and a massive step in the fight for justice in the cannabis space.
The Justice Row activation, presented by 40 Tons, is not just a collection of booths at a trade show. It’s a movement. It’s a reclamation of opportunity for those who’ve been shut out of the cannabis industry after paying the highest price for a drug that is now legal in many states. While cannabis billionaires continue to build empires on the backs of communities harmed by the War on Drugs, Justice Row offers a hand up—not a handout—to those who’ve been most directly impacted.
“We’re not here for charity; we’re here for change,” said Loriel Alegrete, CEO of 40 Tons. “These entrepreneurs have the experience, the innovation, and the drive to succeed. What they need are the same opportunities that anyone else in this industry gets. Justice isn’t just a word—it’s action.”
The event, which kicks off in just a few days, is a direct response to the systemic inequality and the inequities of cannabis prohibition. For Corvain Cooper, Co-Founder of 40 Tons, the mission hits close to home. Cooper, who spent nine years serving a life sentence without parole for a nonviolent cannabis offense, was granted clemency by President Donald Trump. His release mars the symbolic shift that Justice Row hopes to inspire—a shift from punishment to empowerment.
“Had I not been granted clemency, I wouldn’t be here today leading a company that’s changing the narrative on what justice and second chances look like in cannabis,” said Cooper, whose personal story is a stark reminder of the thousands still incarcerated for cannabis-related offenses.
A Platform for Justice-Impacted Entrepreneurs
Thanks to NECANN’s partnership, Justice Row is providing complimentary exhibit booths to cannabis entrepreneurs who have been directly impacted by the criminalization of cannabis. These individuals, who have lived through the legal battles and incarceration, are now given the opportunity to showcase their brands, build connections, and secure investments. The goal is to create pathways to business expansion, ensuring that these justice-impacted entrepreneurs are no longer relegated to the margins.
This initiative isn’t simply about exposure; it’s about providing real economic opportunities. Justice Row isn’t a token gesture or a feel-good moment. It’s a business incubator. It’s a deliberate action to change the complexion of the cannabis industry and to ensure that people who’ve paid the price for cannabis prohibition now have a seat at the table.
“It’s not about giving them a handout,” said Marc Shepard, Co-Founder of NECANN. “It’s about recognizing that these people have already been through enough. It’s about giving them the access they deserve.”
A Movement Backed by Industry Giants
The Justice Row initiative is made possible with the support of key sponsors, including title sponsor HPI Canna, one of New York’s largest cannabis manufacturers. HPI’s commitment to social equity is on full display with its support for Justice Row, an investment in legacy brands and entrepreneurs who have been historically excluded.
“We believe in 40 Tons’ mission to the core,” said Kim Tanami, CEO of HPI Canna. “The TEC Marketplace Legacy Brand Accelerator program is designed to bring legacy brands to market, and partnering with 40 Tons felt like a natural fit for us. We’re excited to help elevate these brands, helping them navigate the complexities of the legal market.”
While HPI Canna’s support is instrumental, the campaign is further amplified by a coalition of social equity advocates, including brands like Alibi Cannabis and The 1937 Group, whose founders are also navigating the challenges of coming from the War on Drugs to becoming entrepreneurs in the legal cannabis space.
The Power of Unity: Letter-Writing Campaign
In addition to amplifying justice-impacted entrepreneurs, Justice Row will host a letter-writing campaign aimed at supporting cannabis prisoners still incarcerated for offenses that are now legal. Attendees at NECANN Boston will have the chance to write messages of solidarity and encouragement, providing hope to those who have been left behind in the wake of cannabis legalization.
While the business expo is expected to generate significant buzz, the letter-writing campaign is a stark reminder that justice for those most impacted by cannabis prohibition doesn’t end with legalization. It’s an ongoing fight, one that extends beyond the conference floor and into the lives of the thousands still serving time.
The Justice Row Legacy: More Than a Booth, It’s a Movement
This year’s NECANN Boston is about more than just new cannabis products and networking opportunities; it’s about taking responsibility for the consequences of the past and rectifying the inequities that continue to plague the cannabis industry. By elevating justice-impacted entrepreneurs, 40 Tons is leading the charge for an inclusive future—one where business ownership and success aren’t reserved for those with privilege, but accessible to those who’ve been denied opportunities for too long.
“Real change happens when we make room for those who have been excluded,” said Shepard. “By bringing Justice Row to NECANN, we are not only changing the conversation—we’re changing the industry.”
As the cannabis industry moves forward, Justice Row serves as a crucial reminder that equity and inclusion are not just nice ideas—they are essential to the future of the industry. Because in the world of cannabis, justice isn’t just about what’s legal; it’s about who gets to benefit from it.
For more information on Justice Row or to get involved, visit 40Tons.co or contact press@40tons.co.
