LATIN AMERICAN DEPARTMENT.
------- UNIQUE PERSPECTIVE
BALCA’s Latin American department is an important bridge, built from the United States connecting to Latin American countries passing cannabis friendly regulations. Alvaro Portillo, Director of this department has roots in El Salvador and many years in San Francisco’s cannabis industry, connecting to organizations throughout Latin America. Latin America’s long history with cannabis is unfolding towards legalization, uncovering historical injustices in the process. BALCA is having continuous mixers with Latin American cannabis organizations, and leaders to hear about the latest developments and issues taking place in their country. As Latino/as are a growing numerical and political force in the United States, it only is logical to build with our Latin American homeland countries connecting with their movements toward cannabis legalization. Our bilingual literature is a tool to help build a bridge between our countries, creating a common community with parallel values. BALCA is proud of this important department building a unique and important bridge throughout the Americas.
------- JOIN US
IN OUR MONTHLY VIRTUAL MIXERS
BALCA mixers connect with leaders throughout Latin America engaging in important cannabis development work. This includes farmers. small manufactures, journalists, connecting to a wide array of perspectives. Our mixers are in Spanish helping connect key Latin American cannabis leaders to the US cannabis industry.
![](https://somosbalca.org/wp-content/uploads/IMG_3655-1-scaled-1.webp)
------- DEPARTMENT LEADER
Alvaro Portillo
For direct insight into our Latin American department please reach out directly to our executive leader.
Contact Information
![](https://somosbalca.org/wp-content/uploads/Screen-Shot-2022-06-22-at-9.26.59-PM-150x150-1.webp)
MEXICO
![](https://somosbalca.org/wp-content/uploads/Screen-Shot-2022-09-12-at-9.21.42-AM.webp)
![](https://somosbalca.org/wp-content/uploads/Screen-Shot-2022-09-12-at-9.21.20-AM.webp)
![](https://somosbalca.org/wp-content/uploads/Screen-Shot-2022-09-12-at-9.20.35-AM.webp)
- The under representation of Latinos in cannabis prompted us to unite the communities of San Francisco, Oakland and San Jose, knowing that it would make a significant impact on the industry. BALCA, a 100% volunteer organization, has grown into a powerful movement equally representing both Latinos and Latinas. From the budtenders we’ve visited to our own members, eyes light up every time we talk about the social change we are advocating for. We’ve clearly seen the inspiration that comes from planting the vision of inclusive based change, the positive energy alone feels like a reward in and of itself. We are committed more than ever in our empeño to empower nuestra bella comunidad Latina for long term success in the California cannabis industry and beyond. A Latino community with cultural pride and a professional demeanor for serious work creates a powerful balance yet to be seen in Cannabis.
![Payment-Icon.png Payment-Icon.png](https://somosbalca.org/wp-content/uploads/elementor/thumbs/Payment-Icon-psccxsss0yidwdm8fnlu6ri4742u2ltxa9041y10qo.png)