Our Story
THE CADRE is a social equity cannabis and lifestyle brand that focuses on delivering high-quality products while creating job and ownership opportunities for black and brown people affected by the war on drugs.
In pursuit of our mission to economically empower marginalized communities through ownership and employment opportunities within the commercial cannabis industry, we recognize the transformative power of culture and creative expression.
Our vision extends beyond the boundaries of the industry itself as we seek to intersect music, fashion, and storytelling with our mission. By embracing the vibrancy and diversity of these artistic realms, we aim to create a holistic experience that resonates with individuals from all walks of life.
Through curated events, collaborations with musicians and artists, and integrating fashion and storytelling into our brand, we aspire to cultivate a community that celebrates self-expression, inclusivity, and social change.
Combining the power of cannabis with the universal language of music, the freedom of fashion, and the captivating narratives of storytelling, we are forging a path toward economic empowerment and cultural enrichment for the marginalized individuals we serve.
Together, we will create a harmonious symphony of change where the voices of the marginalized will be heard, the threads of fashion will weave stories of resilience, and the vibrant beats of music will transcend barriers, uniting us all in a collective pursuit of a brighter future.
The Revolution: Social equity and Activism
CADRE is a social equity company, meaning at least 51% of the company is owned by verified individuals disproportionately impacted by the war on drugs.
Los Angeles’ Social Equity Program aims to promote equitable ownership and employment opportunities in the cannabis industry to reduce disparities for marginalized communities and address the disproportionate impacts of the War on Drugs on these communities. To learn more, please click here.
In 2020, due to the mismanagement of the social equity cannabis licensing process, our CEO Madison Shockley successfully led a lawsuit against the City of Los Angeles. In addition, Madison co-founded the Social Equity Owners & Workers Association, which organized hundreds of Social Equity Applicants to join the fight. After four months of litigation, the City Council and the Mayor of Los Angeles settled with Madison by creating an additional 100 dispensary licenses for social equity applicants.
Below is a conversation on Social Equity featuring Jason McKnight, CEO of GreenGrowth, Madison Shockley, CEO of CADRE, and Strick from YSL:
The People: Cannabis and Apparel
CADRE Cannabis:
CADRE’s cannabis pillar was created to raise awareness of the power of this flower. Historically, cannabis has received a negative connotation despite its proven healing properties. Unfortunately, over the decades, misinformation has created this negative stigma. Now that federal and state levels have softened their stance on the cannabis industry, we feel this is an opportune time to change the narrative.
We are a social equity cannabis product and lifestyle brand that focuses on delivering high-quality products while creating job and ownership opportunities for black and brown people affected by the war on drugs. Our flagship product, “The Cadre 5,” raises the bar over the common eighth and sets a new value standard at the intersection of quality and quantity.
CADRE Apparel:
CADRE is a contemporary streetwear brand founded on three pillars: For the people, For the Culture, For the Revolution. Inspired by the concept of a “CADRE,” a group of activists in a revolutionary organization, these three pillars are the essence of our operation.
At CADRE, we push the boundaries to deliver our customers a unique experience.
We offer premium apparel and home goods to elevate your style and personal space. Our goal is to provide clothing that looks good and reflects your values and beliefs. We believe that fashion should be a form of self-expression and that your apparel can make a statement about who you are and what you stand for.
Our team is dedicated to creating high-quality products that are both stylish and sustainable. We use eco-friendly materials and production methods to minimize our environmental impact while supporting fair labor practices.
Thank you for choosing CADRE. We are excited to be a part of your personal revolution!
The Culture: Events and Music
Cadre Events:
Cadre’s events serve as inclusive spaces where people of all backgrounds can come together, fostering unity and community. We prioritize providing opportunities for networking, collaborations, and empowering conversations, ensuring that our events are catalysts for positive change and social impact.
Join the CADRE: Link to the events page
CADRE Music:
“The Culture,” is an integral part of CADRE’s three principal pillars: the people, the culture, the revolution. Rooted in this ethos, CADRE music represents the loud and vibrant heartbeat of the brand, collaborating with artists such as Luke Bar$, Larussell, Tapz, Strick, and Felix! through their electrifying performances in CADRE Live Performance Sessions. In a groundbreaking collaboration with the renowned all-Black DJ Collective “Noyz in the Hood,” CADRE music is set to launch an immersive 24/7 streaming music show on YouTube. This initiative embodies CADRE’s commitment to revolutionizing the music experience, celebrating diverse voices, and pushing creative boundaries, all while fostering a vibrant culture that reflects the spirit of the brand’s broader mission.
