Each year since 1988, Americans have celebrated National Hispanic Heritage Month, which runs from September 15th-October 15th. The month-long event aims to celebrate “the histories, cultures and contributions of American citizens whose ancestors came from Spain, Mexico, the Caribbean and Central and South America,” according to the Library of Congress.
Not only does the celebration recognize the contributions of Hispanic Americans, but the independence of countries including Mexico, Chile, Honduras, Costa Rica, El Salvador and more, the Library of Congress further reports.
War Against Minorities
While Hispanic Heritage Month works to recognize the freedom attained in Latin American and beyond, the U.S. did not always celebrate such contributions. In fact, Latinx community members were the target of a fear mongering campaign by U.S. officials. For example, in the early 1900s, “Americans were worried about the growing number of Mexicans driven north by the violence of the Mexican Revolution,” according to Latino USA. “[Henry] Anslinger, [then head of the Federal Bureau of Narcotics] grabbed on to the growing public fear. Politicians and newspapers painted Mexicans as murderous, loco-weed smoking criminals.”
Not only did Anslinger target Black, Latinx, Asian and other minorities in America, he targeted the plant and attributed it to violence, further fueling his war on minorities and drugs. According to CBS News, he stated: “there are 100,000 total marijuana smokers in the U.S., and most are Negroes, Hispanics, Filipinos and entertainers.” Additionally, he added, “their Satanic music, jazz and swing result from marijuana use. This marijuana causes white women to seek sexual relations with Negroes, entertainers and any others.”
Consequently, such fear-mongering further perpetuated racism and disparity. For example, today in America, nearly 50% of federal drug cases are brought against Hispanics, reports the Drug Policy Alliance.
Furthermore, in places like New York, the alliance adds, officials are four times as likely to arrest Latinos for cannabis than white residents. Additionally, cannabis remains a leading cause for deportation.
As the War on Drugs rages, it continues to affect minority communities most. That’s why it is important now and every month to support Latinx and Hispanic-owned cannabis businesses.
For a more extensive list of Hispanic and Latinx-owned brands to support year-round, click here.
11 Latinx-Owned Brands to Support Right Now
Cushy Cones
Post from @cushycones on Instagram.
Cushy Cones produces a line of pre-rolled luxury papers made from organic hemp. Additionally, these papers are made from non-toxic edible soy oils, and are created by Alexis Fernandez and Victoria Rodriguez. The vibrant, sometimes trippy designs include everything from orange blossoms, to clouds, electric palm trees and also metallic papers.
dreamt
Post from @dreamtproduct on Instagram.
dreamt is an L.A.-based sleep aid company, developed by leading cannabis scientist, Carolina Vazquez Mitchell, and co-founded by Dr. Jannise Babbush. The company carries a lineup of vape pens, tinctures and also shots containing blends of cannabis (THC and CBD), melatonin, Valerian root extract and terpenes.
LIV Collective
The Southern California-based brand, formerly known as Can I Live, Inc. includes a collective, a tea line, topicals, a delivery service, and more. The Latinx-owned brand, LIV Collective, was co-founded by Afro-Latina entrepreneur Aja Fonseca-Arnold and her husband Vince Arnold.
MOTAGlass
Post @mota_glass on Instagram.
This California-based Latinx and veteran-owned glass company “not only produces high-quality, locally-made functional borosilicate glass, but also provides stable jobs with livable wages and career pathways,” writes the company’s website. “As minorities ourselves, we proudly celebrate and uplift the work of BIPOC and other minority artists through special projects and collaborations.” Co-founded by Susie Plascencia and Bobby Lady.
Ojo De La Sol (Oakland, Calif.)
Ojo De La Sol is a medical cannabis company founded by Dania Cabello. Cabello produces the brand’s salves and bath salts in small batches based on ancient remedies. Additionally, Ojo De La Sol products are “rooted in healing familia that has grown to reach athletes, elders, and people struggling with chronic discomfort,” according to the company’s website.
Post from @ojodelasol on Instagram.
BreadxButta
Post @breadxbutta on Instagram.
This Brooklyn-based brand, founded by Lynsey Ayala, encompasses art, education and wellness. The company offers consultations, a concept studio, and also a line of topicals created to be, “reminiscent of Caribbean / Puerto Rican home remedies and Brujeria magic,” according to the website.
Pot Plant
Post from @potplant.shop on Instagram.
Pot Plant, based in Placentia, California, is a Latinx-owned brand that creates realistic, artificial pot plants that comes in a variety of sizes. Sizes range from clones, to tennis, to adults, and also mother plants. According to the company, “[Pot Plant works with] cultivators to understand the true anatomy of the plant. This led us to design ultra-realistic Pot Plants that pay respect to the plant itself and to the artistry it takes to successfully grow.” The company is co-founded by George and Karina Farris.
Amplifii Life
Post from @amplifiilife on Instagram.
Located in Costa Mesa, California, Amplifii Life features different CBD formulations. For example, the company develops hemp-based products, including hemp juice vape pens and face masks. Co-founded by Guilhermo Sgarbi.
House of Puff
Post from @thehouseofpuff on Instagram.
New York City’s House of Puff is an accessories brand for modern women that’s driven by art and fashion. For example, the online shop includes pipes, rolling papers, candles and more products with a feminine touch. House of Puff is founded by Krstina Lopez Adduci.
Besito LA
Post @besito.la on Instagram.
Besito LA is a vape pen company founded by Maggie Connors. The company’s pens are made with, “medical-grade stainless steel and ceramic wick technology,” according to Besito LA’s website. “Each vaporizer comes filled with our delicious cannabis blends and a built-in battery. So all you gotta do is pucker up.”
CannaBellaLux
Post @cannabellalux on Instagram.
Based in Chicago, CannaBellaLux is a “femme-forward, cannabis-inspired “highbrid” boutique and lifestyle brand,” according to the company’s website. Furthermore, “Canna Bella Lux is focused on providing an elevated experience and ethically sourced items from Womyn, POC, LGBTQIA+ and small businesses.” It was founded by Tiffany Woodman.
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