DETROIT--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Primitiv cannabis co-founders and retired NFL stars, Calvin Johnson Jr. and Rob Sims, today announced a $25,000 donation to the Detroit Homegrown Fund with leading cannabis marketplace Eaze and national edibles brands Kiva Confections and Mary’s Medicinals. The Detroit Homegrown Fund supports community members who have been negatively impacted by cannabis prohibition and provides social equity education.
“After we retired from the NFL, both Calvin and I stayed in the Detroit area and made it our home, and anything we can do to give back in a meaningful way is important to us,” said Sims.
“The Detroit Homegrown Fund was put into place to support social equity for those who are looking for a voice in the cannabis sector, and we are passionate about supporting these important initiatives,” Johnson added.
“We are incredibly grateful for this generous contribution to the Detroit Homegrown Fund, which will provide start-up capital to Detroit entrepreneurs who have been disproportionately harmed by cannabis prohibition. This is an honorable demonstration of voluntary corporate responsibility and community reinvestment. We are hopeful that every cannabis company in our state will join Primitiv, Eaze, Kiva and Mary’s Medicinals in supporting the Detroit Homegrown Program,” said Robin Schneider, Executive Director of the Michigan Cannabis Industry Association.
“We’re proud to stand with Calvin and Rob to support Detroit’s social equity goals,” said Eaze CEO Rogelio Choy, “Championing social equity and BIPOC brands is fundamental to how Eaze does business, and we look forward to expanding customer access to these important products across Michigan.”
"Kiva is a proud supporter of social equity and restorative justice,” said Kiva co-founder Kristi Knoblich Palmer, “We are grateful to Mayor Duggan and the City of Detroit for making this groundbreaking program possible, which not only creates new opportunities for worthy entrepreneurs, it also strengthens the diversity of the market as a whole."
“We appreciate the opportunity to directly support Detroit and equity-eligible businesses. Social and racial justice should be one of the building blocks of any legal market, and we are proud to be a part of this important program,” said Brian Jansen, President BellRock Brands, Inc., the parent company of Mary’s Medicinals.
About Primitiv Group
Primitiv Group is a forward-thinking company dedicated to the advancement of cannabis as a form of elevated wellness, believing that the plant holds incredible potential as a healing agent. Founded by Calvin Johnson, Jr. and Rob Sims, former NFL teammates who suffered from the long-term physical effects of injuries sustained during their playing careers, Primitiv seeks to advance the cause of medicinal cannabis by researching the natural health benefits of the plant while also providing a carefully sourced product for those looking for medicinal or recreational relief. Primitiv's vision is to positively impact the global cannabis industry, changing stigmas and stereotypes by highlighting the healing power of the plant and producing products that help people and athletes optimize their wellness through holistic relief. They are also leaders in educating the public on the health benefits through its partnerships with institutions including the International Phytomedicines and Medical Cannabis Institute at Harvard University. Learn more at www.primitivgroup.com or join the conversation on Instagram and Facebook by searching @primitiv_group.
About Eaze
Eaze delivers good with the goods. As the nation’s largest legal cannabis marketplace, we bring enjoyment and convenience to our customers, break down barriers to access, and cultivate community in everything we do. With over seven million cannabis deliveries to-date, we are committed to creating a more diverse and sustainable industry through our Momentum business accelerator and Social Equity Partners Program. Since 2019, social equity licensees have sold over $6.5 million in products on the Eaze menu. In Michigan, Eaze is partnering with licensees statewide to increase customer access to local products. Later this month, MI customers can purchase cannabis online via Eaze.com and the Eaze iPhone App for fast, legal, to-the-doorstep delivery.
About Kiva
Kiva was founded in 2010 with a clear mission - change how the world views and uses cannabis for the better. Frustrated by the inconsistent, low-quality edibles available at the time, a young couple began making chocolate bars out of their Bay Area home kitchen. Today, their award-winning chocolates, mints, gummies, and chews, are the most trusted, recommended, and sought after available. For this, Kiva has become the most recognized edible brand in cannabis with a loyal customer base throughout hundreds of dispensaries in CA, AZ, NV, MI, IL, OH, and HI. Learn more about Kiva’s innovative portfolio of edibles at kivaconfections.com and instagram.com/madebykiva.
About Bell Rock Brands
From adult-use concentrates, confections and beverages to tinctures, transdermal patches and pet-focused balms, we believe cannabis can serve an important role in enhancing all aspects of life. That’s why our brands are built on the values of transparency, reliability and integrity. Consumers can trust that our products are backed by science, use only the best ingredients and deliver consistency, safe dosing and efficacy.
To make a contribution to the Detroit Homegrown Fund please contact: info@micia.org
