Tina Ulman
Director of Brands
The Source+
Las Vegas, NV
Many people felt disconnected, disgruntled and disgusted in 2021 by the current state of affairs in our country and world. But if you happen to work in Nevada’s cannabis space, there’s a high chance in 2021, you may have felt connected, conscientious and ready for social consumption venues.
Already having a leg up as one of the most exciting and fun states to live in, Nevada also has many progressive political leaders in office who have witnessed how cannabis legalization has created a billion-dollar industry for the state. As more and more tourists choose cannabis over alcohol, they desperately need somewhere to consume it, further increasing cannabis commerce opportunities — this time for a much more diverse ownership base than the first two rounds of licensing.
The possibilities for venues increased drastically when infused food and non-alcoholic beverages were included in Assembly Bill 341 this past legislative session. Cannabis Dave and Busters, here we come! From coffee shops to Cirque du Soleil shows, special events and hippie reborn hotels, everyone has an idea for a dope spot. And Nevada has the opportunity to lead the nation in innovation, all the while diversifying the ownership base and stakeholder pool.
With 20 independent venue licenses up for grabs at $10,000 or less to apply, AB 341 was the first bill to define social equity and direct 25% of the total licenses to applicants meeting the social equity criteria, established by advocates and the Cannabis Compliance Board.
Cannabis ownership and leadership should be as diverse as its consumer base. The most effective way to make that happen is to create legislation and regulation supporting those initiatives and partner with companies that support cannabis reform, inclusion and commitment to impacting their community.
As the old saying goes, change starts at the bottom. In October 2020, a few of my industry colleagues and I built the Chamber of Cannabis, now the largest cannabis business trade organization in Nevada, comprising everyone from owners to activists. Focusing on commerce, justice and community, the chamber is led by the industry and funded mostly by cannabis companies in Nevada who support the 501(c)(6) initiatives.
In the summer of 2021, I had the opportunity to join The Source+ team as its director of brands after my current boss saw me in action leading a Chamber of Cannabis monthly meeting. There is a lot to celebrate in the cannabis space, but the momentum Nevada is making on inclusion and representation is alive and well, and I am humbled to be a part of the process.
Tina Ulman is the director of brands for The Source+ dispensaries in Nevada and co-founder and president for the Chamber of Cannabis, a 501(c)(6) nonprofit organization that’s focused on inclusivity, connecting industry professionals and building relationships with political and judicial leaders.