When Alameda first began exploring the idea of allowing cannabis businesses to operate locally, there were plenty of fair questions. Would these businesses prioritize profit over people? Could they be trusted to contribute positively to our neighborhoods?
Nearly five years later, I believe we have our answer. Cannabis businesses haven’t just integrated into our community—they’ve become valuable partners in building a stronger, healthier Alameda.
With nearly 30 years of experience in nonprofits and public-private partnerships, and now as Executive Director of the West Alameda Business Association, I’ve seen this transformation firsthand. Cannabis businesses have shown up as more than just tax contributors. They’ve committed to meaningful, community-centered work.
Embarc is a great example. Operating from their small storefront on Webster Street, they’ve quietly built a reputation rooted in trust and action. From day one, their focus has been on giving back—guided by local voices and needs.
Since opening, Embarc has donated over $100,000 to Alameda causes. More than 70% of that has supported youth drug education and prevention through trusted third-party organizations, not Embarc itself. They’ve also invested in our schools, educators, and community events that bring people together.
This kind of intentional, transparent giving sets a high bar. It’s not just about writing checks. It’s about listening, showing up, and being accountable to the community you serve. That’s the kind of partnership we should be encouraging across all industries.
When cannabis was legalized in California in 2016, the future felt uncertain. Stigma still loomed, and regulations were tight. But less than a decade later, operators like Embarc are helping to shift the narrative. They’ve proven that cannabis businesses can be socially and economically beneficial when they lead with integrity.
Alameda is currently home to four dispensaries, two of which are located right here in our district. I focus on Embarc because I have a direct connection: I serve on their Community Advisory Board, where I help oversee how their local giving is distributed. That role has given me a unique window into their day-to-day operations and a deep appreciation for their approach.
For those of us who’ve spent our careers working to strengthen communities, partnerships like this are exactly what we strive to build—rooted in trust, shaped by local voices, and focused on long-term impact. It’s a model that reminds us what’s possible when businesses—of any kind—put community at the center of what they do.
Elissa Glickman is a seasoned professional with close to 30 years of experience in the public and private sectors. After working with organizations such as the National Academy of Recording Arts and Sciences, AIDS Project Los Angeles, and the Children’s Museum of Los Angeles, she relocated to the Bay Area in 2021 and became Executive Director of the West Alameda Business Association in February 2024, championing community and small business support.
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