Seeking Interviews: Social Equity Owners, JV Partners, Operators and Cultivation Employees

CONNECTICUT CANNATIMES | SEEKING INTERVIEWS & PERSPECTIVES - Social Equity Owners, JV Partners, Operators and Cultivation Employees Associated with SEC Partnerships

Connecticut CannaTimes Editor - 10.8.2026

Social Equity Ownership, the Seven-Year Rule & What Comes Next

Connecticut CannaTimes is hoping to connect with Derrick Gibbs of Budr Cannabis, Jocelyn Cerda of Shangri-La CT, and other social equity owners, equity joint venture partners, cannabis business operators, and individuals with firsthand experience navigating Connecticut’s licensed cannabis market.

We’re particularly interested in hearing your perspectives on the original seven year ownership restrictions, the recent legislative changes allowing certain ownership transitions after five years, and what additional changes you believe would be beneficial during the 2027 legislative session.

We want to understand what these rules look like from your side of the table.

Are the changes helping? What challenges remain? Are the protections working as intended? What would make Connecticut’s cannabis industry more sustainable and equitable for the people who invested their time, money, and futures in it?

We’re also making a deliberate effort to broaden the perspectives represented in our reporting.

Connecticut CannaTimes has been critical of aspects of the state’s licensed cannabis market. That doesn’t mean we aren’t interested in hearing from those operating within it. In fact, those are conversations we believe are especially important.

Our goal is to listen, ask questions, examine the facts, and give readers the opportunity to better understand different perspectives, including ones that may challenge our previous reporting or assumptions.

You do not have to agree with us to have your perspective heard.

We also understand that some individuals may be uncomfortable speaking publicly about their business relationships, contracts, or experiences.

We’re happy to discuss confidential interviews and requests for anonymity. Where appropriate, a source could be identified more generally as a “Connecticut social-equity cannabis business owner” or “equity joint venture partner,” without publishing their name or business.

Whether you support the recent changes, oppose them, or believe additional reforms are necessary, we’d genuinely appreciate hearing from you.

We’re not looking for a predetermined answer. We’re looking for a better understanding.

Derrick, Jocelyn, and anyone else willing to share their experiences, please reach out through Connecticut CannaTimes via private message.

We welcome respectful, constructive conversations and hope to help bridge the gap between cannabis businesses, patients, consumers, advocates, policymakers, and the public.

Facts first. Every perspective deserves to be heard. You decide.

Budr Cannabis Budr Stratford Budr Cannabis Fine Fettle - Manchester