Illinois made history in January 2020, becoming the first state to prioritize a social equity program for business licenses in their cannabis legislation. On today’s show, I talked with an amazing team who went through the social equity process.  From healthcare to starting and running a vertically integrated cannabis business, I get the pleasure of chatting with Nakia McAdoo, Maria Davis, and Crystal Anderson of MJO Farms. These amazing women have dedicated their careers to health and wellness, and are making the transition from the traditional acute care setting to an alternative wellness space.  While much work still needs to be done, in January 2021, Illinois legislators began reshaping the Cannabis Regulation and Tax Act “to get more licenses out the door and into the hands of socially equitable applicants.” We talk about what it takes to go through the licensing process, how to prepare, what questions to ask, and the importance of mentors even if you don’t have a cannabis license yet.  We spend a portion of the interview talking about funding and what it takes to get up in running in terms of capital.    For more information about MJ Organics, reach out to them at [email protected].  Are you ready to start your cannabis business? Download the FREE startup checklist here: https://resources.cbmnetwork.com/. Connect with us on Instagram @cannabisbusinessminds @bizwithsimone. Have any feedback? Shoot us an email at [email protected]. Support the show (https://scr.ck.page/products/cbm-podcast)