It's my favorite month of the year BLACK HISTORY MOOOOTH *Oprah Voice*. I of course believe every month in every industry should highlight men and women of color and their businesses, but of course this month is the month to really give credit where credit is due. In the past few years more and more diverse cannabis businesses have emerged. More equity programs, information, and education resources have also emerged making access into the cannabis industry easier for communities of color as well. The communities who were most affected by the war on drugs and cannabis prohibition should be the same communities that receive the resources to turn the tides of how black/brown people understand and how black/brown people are treated for cannabis.
Supporting these mentioned companies, whether is be through a post like or a purchase means you're supporting equity and diversity in the cannabis industry.
1. Cannaclusive
" Cannaclusive was created to facilitate fair representation of minority cannabis consumers. We were inspired by the growing opportunities yet disappointed by the diversity issues taking root in mainstream cannabis culture. At Cannaclusive we celebrate the cultures of this thriving community through curated experiences, groundbreaking insights, thoughtful content and dynamic visuals. We make it easier for brands to communicate with diverse audiences and ensure that minority consumers are not an afterthought, but a valued ally in the fight for legalization and destigmatization.". Learn more here.
This black owned beauty brand specializes in creating non-toxic CBD skincare and wellness products. They're sister brand Undefined Collective also is a platform for other minority, women, and LGBTQ owned CBD products to be highlighted and also purchased. Their items include skin serum, "glow balm" (highlighter), candles and more!
3. SMKBRK.co
Find SMK BRK playlists here and shop , and shop SMK HAUS their merchandise line here.
Girls Who Canna was created by...you guessed it a black woman! This brand create comfortable and cannabis friendly apparel with a focus on representing that #blackgirlssmoketoo. Their products include inclusive hoodies, hair pins, their customer CANNA-cards, and more. Support a black woman in cannabis when you shop this company, and use my coupon code MJIYANA for 10% off any purchase (no expiration).
5. Mary & Main
Mary & Main is a black owned and operated medical dispensary in Maryland founded by Hope Wiseman. Wiseman became the youngest black woman in history to open a cannabis dispensary in the United States. "Our mission is to provide safe and premium quality products with exemplary and compassionate service to all exemplary and compassionate service to all medical patients who are suffering from a number of chronic debilitating illnesses.We also strive to be active agents within our community through social action, cannabis education, and philanthropy to further educate others on the benefits of this alternative medicinal approach to health," according to their official site.
Shellise Rogers and Tiyanna Long, the creators of Synergy Sessions LCC, are a more non-traditional type of aunty but equally valuable as the “cannabis business aunties”. They are definitely the aunties that will smoke you out but also point you in the right direction on how to get your foot in the door in the legal cannabis industry.“Our mission is to build a pipeline for entrepreneurship, networking and economic development that will serve as a single source to support the growth of ancillary and plant-touching business for people of color in the emerging cannabis industry. Our intention is to create wealth in (urban) communities through scalable Solutions leaving a positive, lasting impact on our clients and communities,” according to their official media release. Through Synergy Sesh they hosts workshops and networking events, as well as help their members and clients secure opportunities in the industry. Read more about Synergy Sesh here.
Minorities for Medical Marijuana is a black founded and owned non-profit organization that provides education, training, advocacy, outreach to underserved communities in the cannabis industry. M4MM has chapters and members in 24 states throughout the country and was awarded the 2018 Cannabis Organization of the Year by the Cannabis Business Awards. The founder of M4MM Roz McCarthy was also named one of High Times Magazine 100 Most Influencial People in Cannabis 2018. Their programs include business bootcamps, college intern and workforce apprentice program, and expungement fair and wrap around services for those affected by past marijuana possession charges.
8. Estrohaze
EstroHaze is a multi-media outlet and community founded by three black women savy in business and media. Founded by Sirita Wright, Kali Wilder, and Safon Floyd who created the company because they wanted a platform to educate the community about the career and lifestyle benefits of cannabis. "Here at EstroHaze, we’re offering you an educational portal where you can learn exactly how to incorporate cannabis into your life while lending you the tools, expertise, and guidance to do so". The EstroHaze website, their podcast "The Fixers", and YouTube channel are all great resources for anyone interested in just learning the ins and outs of cannabis and the cannabis industry.
Elio CBD and their sister company Hollingsworth Hemp Co. is family owned and operated out of the state of Washington since 2013. They fully grow their own flower to create their hemp and CBD products and use solar energy and climate control to keep their plants at premium quality. "We pride ourselves on quality and sustainable practices. We're passionate about plant power and farming. We take great pride in our quality and attention to detail".
Green Goddess Glow is an education platform sparking culture-shifting conversations around cannabis and self-care. GGG offers courses, workshops/trainings, cannabis study and reading material, and their blog to spread their cannabis and self care mission to all. Founded by DeJanae Tanye who is also a cannabis wellness expert and direction of cannabis education.