Green Is The New Black — Black Cannabis Elites To Keep Your Eyes On

In honor of Black History Month, we’d like to give a shout out to Black trendsetters and superstars in the world of cannabis. There are some truly exceptional people who’re making mega contributions to all aspects of cannabis.

Changing The Black Cannabis Narrative

Did you know that between 2010 and 2018 Black cannabis users were, on average, about three times as likely to be arrested as their white counterparts?(1) Yah, freakin’ crazy!

Here are a couple of other staggering numbers to put in your pipe and smoke. Less than 2% of cannapreneurs and about 7% of cannabis executives are Black.(2) Jaw-hits-floor.

Seeing as people of color have been disproportionately targeted when it comes to cannabis use, punishment, and commerce in the US — we think it’s high time to showcase the positive contributions and achievements of Black people in the cannabis sector.

We love that they’re flipping this on its head — leveraging their guts and grit to create glory! Cannabis, once entangled in Black oppression is now a gaping area of opportunity.(3) This is incredibly exciting and gratifying, and we can’t wait to see what the future holds for our fellow canna-conquerors.

Cannabis Celebs, Of Course

Perhaps you recognize some of these names? They’re not just known for their accomplishments in the fields of sports, the arts, etc. They’re all also totally crushing it in the cannabiz.

• Al Harrington
• Damian Marley
• Jay-Z
• Mike Tyson
• Snoop Dogg
• Whoopi Goldberg
• Wiz Khalifa

This crowd gets a lot of media about their forays into cannabis, so we’re not going to rehash that. And, actually, if learning about famous people with a penchant for cannabis — check out our upcoming post Celebrity CBD Enthusiasts.

Instead, let’s shine some well-deserved light on a handful of the lesser-known figures who’re growing and shaping the cannabis space in big ways.

10 Cannabis Innovators, Entrepreneurs, Advocates & Activists

These folks aren’t necessarily household names, but they’re certainly recognized movers and shakers in the realm of cannabis. If you scratch the surface even a tiny bit, you’ll see these cannamakers touted in the media and trending in web searches.

This is nowhere near an exhaustive list. For every amazing individual highlighted below — there are surely 10, 20, 100 times more that we just weren’t able to feature. (But, it’s worth looking into when you’re done here!)

Wanda James & Scott Durrah

This dynamic couple founded the country’s first black-owned and veteran-owned dispensary. Ms. James holds another claim to fame, too — their company is also the first female-owned cannabis dispensary in the US. Beyond that, Mr. Durrah is a celebrated master cannabis chef. Both are noted industry influencers, ardent political activists, and community leaders.

Hope Wiseman

Ms. Wiseman is one smart lady! She’s possibly most known for being the youngest person — 25 at the time — to open a cannabis dispensary in the US. Today, she keeps busy with entrepreneurial ventures, public speaking, and coaching.

Miguel Trinidad

If you like cannabis and yummy eats — Mr. Trinidad is your guy. He’s an acclaimed chef and cannabis gastronomy educator. Mr. Trinidad also owns multiple restaurants, including one that offers an exclusive marijuana edibles dining experience.

Rachel & Jessica Knox

These Knox Docs are the second generation of doctors in this medical family. Their passion is incorporating cannabis into healthcare. They accomplish this through their practice as well as speaking and educational engagements, outreach and advocacy, and more.

Tsion “Sunshine” Lencho

Ms. Lencho is a self-proclaimed cannabis law and policy geek and cannafuturist. With a background in business and law, this makes perfect sense. She channels her energy and unique voice into building sustainable enterprises, speaking and writing, and consulting and advising.

Mary Pryor

When you think of diversity, equity, and inclusion in cannabis, you should have Ms. Pryor pop into mind. She’s a champion for the DEI cause, a fearless pursuer of opening up the industry and righting the wrongs. In addition, she’s a serial entrepreneur and adviser to wellness start-ups.

Kimberly Dillon

Ms. Dillion is a force to reckon with when it comes to cannabiz. With roots in business, she leverages her expertise to help fledgling hemp and cannabis companies with brand and marketing strategy. As the owner of a CBD-infused hair and skin care products line, she’s also spreading the word on plant-based wellness.

Khadijah Adams

Ms. Adams is steeped in the cannabis industry, as an investor, business owner, coach, speaker, educator, analyst. She hosts an industry podcast and Clubhouse and is a published author working to elevate the cannabis sector, DEI, and women in business.

Many & More Black Titans Of Cannabis

Snoop Dogg’s in good company with all the Black cannabis trailblazers, hot shots, and market-makers out there. These talented folks are making new history. They’re changing the perceptions of and access to cannabis, creating powerful businesses, teaching people about the benefits of cannabinoids, and so much more.

You’ll want to stay tuned to see what they have in store for us next!

GO AHEAD — BE A CANNABIS SUPPORTER, TOO!

References

1. (2018). A Tale of Two Countries: Racially Targeted Arrests in the Era of Marijuana Reform. American Civil Liberties Union. https://www.aclu.org/report/tale-two-countries-racially-targeted-arrests-era-marijuana-reform
2. Berke, J, et al. (2021). 90% of cannabis industry executives are white, Insider analysis shows. Business Insider; Insider. https://www.businessinsider.com/cannabis-industry-diversity-executives-are-white-male-insider-inequity-analysis-shows-2021-6
3. Clark, J. (2020). 5 Women of Color Taking Back the Cannabis Industry. Healthline. https://www.healthline.com/health/5-women-of-color-taking-back-the-cannabis-industry