Congratulations A'Esha Goins

Our Cannabis Community Leader

By Shwa Laytart, CEIC Core Team

You may remember the founder of Black Joy Consulting, A’Esha Goins, from our October 2020 issue. At the time, Goins had just started her nonprofit, Cannabis Equity and Inclusion Community (CEIC). The Nevada nonprofit organization established the Nevada Cannabis Community Reinvestment Fund (NCCRFund). With this fund, “The NCCRFund will invest directly into communities of color that have been directly affected by discriminatory cannabis policies, over policing and sentencing disparity, offer assistance to job seekers and entrepreneurs in need of technical support, regulatory compliance assistance, and reducing barriers to licensure and employment in the regulated industry.”

Back in 2020, Goins was also named a finalist in the Rising Star category of the 2020 Women of Distinction Awards presented by the National Association of Women Business Owners (NAWBO) Southern Nevada.

So it should come as no surprise that in 2021 Governor Sisolak has named Goins as one of the eight members appointed to Nevada’s Cannabis Advisory Commission.

With her recent bill BDR 360 to reduce the punishment for juvenile possession coming up for a vote in May(?), we check back in with A’Esha Goins to find out how she’s making progress happen:

Shwa Laytart: Congratulations on your recent appointment to the Cannabis Advisory Commission. How do you see this new position assisting you with the mission of CEIC?

A’Esha Goins: It’s always important to have a seat or create a seat at the table of those folks making the decisions. I’m looking forward to assisting in holding the CCB accountable to the commitment of equity and inclusion in the Nevada cannabis marketplace.

Laytart: How is your bill BDR 360 to reduce punishment for juvenile possession going? challenges. I am proud to say, although all departments have a different function they have all remained focused on the general intent of the bill which is to minimize incarceration and/ or over punishing our youth for possession of cannabis, alcohol and tobacco.

Laytart: You are also working on a bill to create a Portable Cannabis Vendor License (PCV), a concept that you and I have been working on together. How is this proposal developing and do you feel the bill will be voted into law?

Goins: I just got language today. I have been told I will get a hearing. That is a large part of the battle. The legislation will need a ⅔ vote which means we will have to work hard to reach every legislator. I hope for the best!

Laytart: You are one of the hardest working and most heartfelt people in the cannabis industry. So, what's next for your mission?

Goins: Whew! I am consulting on Del Lewis HB32 in Maryland, Coaching a few progressive organizations, I’m in Emerge and of course supporting the CORE Team of CEIC. Honestly, building an army (lol). Allowing myself to enjoy serving my community while investing in those who are coming after me. I get to do this work and it is always my pleasure to serve.

To find out more about A’Esha Goins and to help support her mission visit: