Conscious Consumption: 100+ Asian-Owned Cannabis Businesses to Support Right now

Click here for list of Latinx-Owned Cannabis Businesses, Black-Owned Businesses, LGBTQIA+ Owned Cannabis Businesses and here for a list of Indigenous-Owned Cannabis Businesses.

Cannabis consumption and anti-drug laws are tied to Asia, and Asian immigrants. 

Cannabis, specifically hemp, is one of the oldest crops that humans have cultivated. In fact, historians and archaeologists trace its use to Japan, India and throughout the content of Asia as far back as 12,00 years ago.

Experts also trace the first use of cannabis as a drug back to Central Asia. For example, historians found large quantities of burned cannabis seeds, and mummified cannabis in tombs of noble people and religious leaders buried in 2,500 B.C. in the Xinjiang region of China and in Siberia, reports National Geographic. 

Cannabis, and use of the plant, eventually traveled westward via the Silk Road, reports Science Magazine. Nomadic Indo-Scythians brought it to European countries, where its popularity spread. 

Now, cannabis is the most widely used illicit substance on earth, according to the United Nations. Despite this, American officials used cannabis, and other substances, to target people of color, immigrants, and poor Americans. 

American lawmakers officially launched the War on Drugs in 1971. However, the nation’s first anti-drug laws — which lawmakers aimed at Asian immigrants — took effect 100 years earlier. For instance, according to the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) Museum, “the first drug control law in the U.S. was [passed] in San Francisco in 1875 to try to stop the spread of opium dens.”

Chinese immigrants established the opium dens in the late 1800s and early 1900s, reports History, which adds: 

“Some people believed that opium smoking would encourage prostitution and other crimes. These concerns, and fears of unemployment among white Americans, fed into an anti-Chinese campaign that led to the Chinese Exclusion Act of 1882—a 10-year moratorium on Chinese immigration.”

U.S. officials then passed the Harrison Narcotics Tax Act in 1914, which the Drug Policy Alliance considers the start of America’s drug war. 

Now as more states embrace drug reform — and the cannabis industry grows into a multi-billion dollar market — white Americans are dominating the legal space. Consequently, only 2.4% of owners or founders of cannabis companies are Asian, according to MJ Biz Daily.

That’s why Emerald is expanding its Conscious Consumption Series to include this list of 100+ Asian-Owned Cannabis Businesses, which includes ancillary and plant-touching companies.

Asian and Pacific Islander-Owned Cannabis Businesses to Support Right Now

This is an on-going list. The Emerald will continue to update it. Please reach out or comment below to be included. Click here for list of Black-Owned Cannabis Businesses, Latinx-Owned Cannabis Businesses, and here for a list of Indigenous-Owned Cannabis Businesses.

Retail/Store Fronts:

• American Cannabis (Oklahoma) has retail dispensaries throughout the state, located in Oklahoma City, Newcastle, Moore, Warr Acres, and soon, Midwest City, according to the company’s website. Co-founded by Christopher Beatie. 

• Come Back Daily CBD (New York) is a CBD shop with retail locations throughout the state of New York. According to the company’s website, Come Back Daily connects consumers to cannabis through education, collaboration, and special events that  “combine CBD with yoga, fashion, dog adoption, tech, food, and more.” Co-founded in 2018 by Steven Phan and Waseem Ghatta.

• Elevate Jane (Long Beach, Calif.) is a contemporary smoke shop founded by L.A.-based entrepreneur, Angela Mou. In addition to an online shop, Elevate Jane does pop-ups, and has a retail shop in Long Beach. Mou, a daughter of Taiwanese immigrants, works with local artists to curate “modern functional art: pipes, glass holders, and one-of-a-kind vintage smoking accessory sets,” according to the company’s website. “Glass is hand-blown, ceramic pieces are finished by hand, and accessories manufactured in small batches.”

• Good Vybes (L.A.) is solely owned by Hannah Ashby, who holds licenses for distribution, manufacturing, and retail in Los Angeles. Ashby tells Emerald that she was born in Pusan, South Korea and grew up in California where she’s developed a passion for plant medicine, social and restorative justice, and environmentally-friendly entrepreneurs.

• Ohana Cannabis Co. (Emeryville) is a retail cannabis shop which also offers delivery services throughout the San Francisco Bay Area. Co-founded by Nasser Azimi and Daryoush Azimi. 

• Sativa Remedy (Tonawanda, NY) is a New York-based hemp dispensary founded by Nhi Kha. The dispensary carries a variety of vetted, lab tested hemp-derived products ranging from tinctures, to topicals, flower, concentrates, edibles and more. 

• STIIIZY (L.A.) is a premium cannabis brand with retail shops throughout California, co-founded by James Kim. The brand has created its own proprietary line of vapes, and also offers concentrates, flower, apparel, smoking accessories and more. 

• Superette (Ontario) is a retail cannabis brand with shops in Toronto and Ottawa. Superette carries accessories, apparel and lifestyle products ranging from candles to rugs, and rollings paper to glassware. Cannabis consumers can also order cannabis online via Superette for delivery or pick-up. Co-founded by Mimi Lam and Drummond Munro.

• Terpinz Dispensary (Oklahoma City, Okla.) is a 24-hour medical cannabis shop founded by Sal Ali, who also founded NLV Wellness, AgroSelect LLC and Sensi Staff.  Terpinz Dispensary carries edibles, CBD products, vapes and more. 

• Trichome (Seattle) is a cannabis lifestyle brand with an online shop, and retail location on Jackson Street in Seattle. Co-founded by Richard Saguin. Trichomes carries a wide selection of products, from clothing, to drink mixes, to smoking accessories and more.

• The People’s Dispensary (Portland, Ore.) is a cannabis dispensary with locations in Oregon, California, and Illinois (some of which are individually owned by local entrepreneurs). National co-founders include Christine De La Rosa, Michael Schlieker and Chef Charleen Caabay.

Brands:

• Blaze Responsibly (New Jersey) is a brand that empowers a new generation of leaders through education and advocacy, founder and attorney Chirali Patel, tells Emerald. “There is a lack of education in the cannabis industry. We aim to fill the void by sharing content on cannabis from the basics to specifics,” writes the company’s LinkedIn. “Blaze Responsibly stands for responsible business practices, responsible cannabis consumption, and community outreach for cannabis entrepreneurs, consumers, and investors in the industry.”

• Blunted Objects (L.A.) is an accessories company for members of the counterculture. Founded by Melodie Ling, Blunted Objects carries a diverse variety of handmade, new, and vintage goodies including ashtrays, jewelry, clothing, and more. According to the company’s website, “All pieces are aimed to be statement-making, instigate double-takes, and connect you with the cannabis community with unique pieces that nod to your high interests.”

• Barbari (Portland, Ore.) is a lifestyle brand that features smoking accessories and herbal blends. The company’s tobacco-free “spliffs” have different herbs — like raspberry leaf, peppermint, jasmine, and sage — blended with cannabis. Barbari also offers herbal blends that users can steep or burn in addition to smoke. Co-founded by Meryl Montgomery and Valerie Sakota.

• CUCCI Pusy Inc. (Toronto, ON) is a “a women’s based wellness and cannabis empowerment group based out of Toronto,” according to the company’s website. The lifestyle brand and shop — which focuses on creating stigma-free spaces — features clothing, CBD-infused goods, accessories, events, wellness classes, workshops and more. Founded by Hannah Nakawatase.

• Dolo Rolling Co. (Oakland, Calif.) is a 100% equity-owned brand co-founded by Daniel Won, Chris Galea, Tushar Sethi, and John Sanders. The company curates high-quality pre-rolls, which come in packaging that “represents the creative spirit of the Bay Area,” the website explains. Dolo Rolling Co. also collaborates with local and BIPOC artists and cultivators.

• Elefante (San Francisco) is a manufacturing company that creates “sustainable, and plant-based edibles with organic ingredients for medicinal and recreational users,” according to Elefante’s LinkedIn. The company specializes in vegan gummies, which they hand-craft in addition to their house brand of vegan topicals — Canna Care. Elefante also offers delivery services. Co-founded Julie Tran and Clinton Swiedom. The company makes gummies for other brands as well, including Sundae School, Tran tells Emerald.

• Elevate Herbs (San Francisco Bay Area) or Elevate Care, LLC was co-founded by Ginny Leung and Lian Zi Liu. According to the company’s LinkedIn, the company aims to help break stigma and promote self-care with a handpicked box of curated cannabis goodies.

• Eleven Eleven Botanicals (Santa Barbra, Calif.) was founded by Serena Berry. The company uses nanotechnology, which increases absorbance, to create their cannabis-infused products. Eleven Eleven Botanicals carries lavender and lemon-flavored libations with 50 mg of THC, and face oils, balms, and serums.

• Grasse (Estacada, Ore.) is “cannabis processor specializing in natural cannabis concentrates. Pioneers in solventless extraction and infusion; partnering with premium cultivators from Oregon. Inspired by the birthplace of Botanical Extraction; Grasse, France,” according to Grasse’s LinkedIn. Co-founded by Munib Bhandari.

• Gift of Doja (California) is a brand of flower that is sourced from small farmers throughout California. Selections include Michelle Obama Kush, the A.O.C., HER-lato’s, and more. Created in 2020 by Filipina-American Nina Parks.

• Goldfingers Group (Shoreline, Wash.) is a group of builders and advisors in the cannabis space. Co-founded by David Tran.

• Hanu Labs (California), which includes brands like VapeExhale, is a vape company that “manufactures and markets high end, medical grade vaporization systems,” according to VapeXhale’s LinkedIn. “We feature the industry’s only all-glass vapor path and patent-protected technology that delivers the precise heat and moisture conditions for a vapor that is dense yet doesn’t irritate throat or lung tissue.” Co-founded by Seibo Shen.

• James Jeans (L.A.) is a sustainable apparel company — and one of the first licensed cultivation facilities to legally open in L.A. — co-founded by James Chung and Conrad Yun. The company uses different hemp blends, and recycled materials like cotton, reclaim button and more. The percentage of hemp in their garments varies from 20%-60%, Chung — lawyer turned fashion guru — tells Emerald, “that’s intentional. We’re re-introducing ourselves to hemp.” Celebrities like Kim Kardashian and Rashida Jones have rocked James Jeans. 

• Keep It Simple (Redmond, Wash.) or KIS is co-owned by Tad Hussey, and founded by “Leon Hussey, who conceptualized the idea of an affordable, home-use compost tea brewer. [KIS], a small family business, [is a] a multi-faceted organization that offers unique biological, organic and mineral amendments at affordable prices for gardeners,” the website explains. KIS’s retail location, KIS Farm, in Redmond, Washington “is a combination edible nursery, production greenhouse, outdoor preschool, organic hydro shop, feed store, and more!” The company also runs a nonprofit, Redmond Organization for Shared Environments (R.O.S.E.) which provides environmental education.

• Leira (Washington) is a luxury cannagar company founded by Ariel Payopay. Leria is renowned for the company’s 24k Gold Leaf Wrapped Cannagar, which has been smoked by celebrities like Mike Tyson. The company creates its cigars with hand-picked leaves and locally-sourced flower that’s cured for one month.

• My Green Network (Santa Ana, Calif.) was founded by James Shih. The network provides “access for cannabis manufactures and entrepreneurs through cannabis shared manufacturing spaces,” explains the company’s LinkedIn, which adds, “cannabis manufacturing, shared-kitchens, and an incubator fused together – that’s us. Through MyGN’s shared-manufacturing spaces, businesses can start affordably, reliably, and with flexible overhead through a shared-economy model.”

• Newera/Nouera (San Francisco Bay Area) is a “conscious entertainment company that curates premium experiences and pairs it with cannabis,” according to the company’s website, which also explains that Newera aims to build an events/entertainment venue and wellness center in San Francisco. Co-founded by Jessica Sharp and Cynthia Boedihardjo. 

• Nomsternailz (Portland, Ore.) is a “cannabis-friendly mobile nail service,” explains the company’s website, which also has a private studio in Portland’s NW Alphabet District. “We are self-care advocates who explore cannabis through beauty and wellness activities,” the site adds,”so we have an ideal beauty service offering an elegant and private nail salon experience […].” Nomsternailz also uses and carries CBD and non-CBD products, like hemp cuticle oil. Founded by nail artist Nomi Miraj.

• Pakaloh (L.A.) is “the first free business resource for an inclusive marijuana, hemp and CBD industry. A woman of color-owned company based in Los Angeles, Pakaloh provides its national members these free services:” discounts from financial partners, access to promotions and deals, and more, according to Pakaloh’s LinkedIn. Founded by Rebecca Lee Katz. 

• Papers + Ink Studio (L.A.) is a woman-owned and operated rolling paper company founded by Carolyn Chu. The papers are printed in small batches on organic paper. Paper + Ink Studio also carries a variety of accessories like grinders, joint holders and custom-printed rolling paper kits.

• Quid/Kin Slips (Richmond, Calif.) creates cannabis-infused sublingual strips from vegan ingredients. Quid — which merged with Kin Slips in 2020 — was founded and co-owned by Andrew Lobo, who currently heads Kin Slips as the company’s CEO, and a stakeholder.

• Sensi Staff (Bolingbrook, Illinois) is a staffing agency that serves the professional medical cannabis/hemp industry.  “With over ten years of staffing, cultivation, mmj licensing, and mmj commercial real estate experience on the team, Sensi Staff offers a robust network of employees for the bustling cannabis industry,” states Sensi Staff’s LinkedIn. Co-founded in 2018 by Sal Ali and Ali Iman.  

• Session (San Francisco) is a lifestyle brand founded in 2017 by Vinh Pho, Esther LeNoir Ramirez, Samuel Bertain and Camden Foley. Sessions award-winning products include borosilicate and silicon smoking accessories such as bongs, pipes, and essentials like glass cleaning supplies.

• Silipuffs offers a variety of silicone, crystal and gemstone joint holders. The silicone holders are naturally anti-bacterial, easy to clean, and durable. Co-founded by entrepreneur Lily Sensimilla, who is also behind My Happy Yoni.

•  Smoke Cartel (Savannah, Ga.) is an online headshop that was co-founded in 2013 by Sean Geng and Darby Cox, and is now a publicly traded company. The headshop sells bongs, pipes, vapes, rigs, monthly boxes, CBD and more.

• Sublime Canna (Oakland, Calif.) is a cannabis manufacturing and distribution company co-founded by Alex Fang. Sublime Canna partners with growers throughout California for sun-grown, pesticide-free flower. They offer pre-rolls infused with extracts and kief, flower and concentrates. 

• Sundae School (New York and L.A.), co-founded by Mia Park, Jennifer Tran and Dae Lim, is a “design studio and a craft cannabis brand,” with a focus on education, explains the company’s LinkedIn. The brand features boutique smokewear, the company’s website explains, including hoodies, masks and more.

• The Native Leaf Co. (Las Vegas) creates hemp leaf wraps for herb. The leaves are all-natural and slow cured. The company also carries other products like organic plant glues, filters, joint rollers and more. Founded by Sidney Quitorio. 

• The Purple Rose Supply (San Francisco) was also founded by Sidney Quitorio. It is a cannabis smoking accessories company that is notable for allowing consumers to build their own cannagar via The Purple Rose’s cannagar molds. 

• VapeExhale (California) is a vape company that “manufactures and markets high end, medical grade vaporization systems,” according to VapeXhale’s LinkedIn. “We feature the industry’s only all-glass vapor path and patent-protected technology that delivers the precise heat and moisture conditions for a vapor that is dense yet doesn’t irritate throat or lung tissue.” Co-founded by Seibo Shen. 

Organizations:

• Asian Americans for Cannabis Education (California) “connects and empowers Asian communities to educate the public on cannabis issues, news, and policy affecting Asians worldwide,” according to AACE’s website. The organization was co-founded by Ophelia Chong, Tiffany Wu and Monica Lo in May 2015, and is now run by Chong.

• East Meets Weed is an “inclusive group that aims not only to network as cannabis industry professionals, but de-stigmatize and re-educate our communities about the plant medicine,” according to founder Samar Marwan, who also hosts the Hella High Podcast. East Meets Weed consists of industry members throughout the nation and supply chain, including Eaze, Cookies, and STIIIZY. Currently, the organization hosts bi-monthly Zoom smoke sessions, which Marwan moderates. For more information, contact samar@hellahighpodcast.com.

• Grass x Grass (San Francisco) is a “a collective of individuals who are looking to do something impactful with our talents and experiences. Inspiring conversation amongst the Asian American community on cannabis is a personal and professional passion point,” according to the website. Grass x Grass features podcasts, and resources including educational speaker series. Co-founded by Grace Chen and Blake Kasemeier (of marketing company, Slide 32), Courtney Wu (Amnesia Marketing), and cinematographer, Hubert Lamela.

• Equity Trade Network is a social equity organization whose mission is to uplift and bring more awareness to business operators from communities that were marginalized by America’s failed War on Drugs. They aim to collectivize like-minded people who believe in lifting each other up for the purpose of creating a more sustainable and inclusive cannabis industry and beyond. By using their businesses and collective resources they aim to heal the harms of past public policy, and the industry. Co-founded by Ramon Garcia and Nina Parks of Nina Parks Consulting, Supernova Women, and Gift of Doja. 

• Supernova Women (Oakland, Calif.) is a national, “women of color led non-profit organization with a mission to empower people of color to become self-sufficient shareholders in the cannabis industry. We do this through education, advocacy, and network building,” according to the organization’s website. Co-founded in 2015 by Amber Senter, Tsion “Sunshine” Lencho, and Nina Parks — who also founded Gift of Doja. 

Delivery Services:

• Nice Guys Delivery (San Francisco Bay Area) is a family-owned cannabis delivery service co-founded by Monica Gray and Adam Fong in Marin County, California. The company works with producers, manufacturers, retailers and agencies to bring products to consumers. Nice Guys Delivery carries brands including Caliva, Mirayo by Santana, Garcia Hand Picked and their own line of Nice Guys goodies plus more.

• Ganjah Guru (Oakland, Calif.) is a delivery dispensary service that serves the Bay Area and the Greater Sacramento regions. Co-founded by Ashhok Umashankar and Stephen Ma. Umashankar also co-owns a cultivation facility in Humboldt County, California with the same moniker — Ganjah Guru. 

Cultivators:

• AgroSelect LLC (Michigan) is a licensed organic hemp farm that’s located in Western Michigan. According to the company’s website, “our natural springs, located on our farm, irrigate our beautiful hemp plants. Every part of the hemp plant, including stalks, leaves, and flowers, which contain a higher concentration of CBD, create our full spectrum oil [which is used in tinctures and vapes].” Founded by Sal Ali, who also co-founded Sensi Staff. 

• Ganjah Guru (Humboldt County, Calif.) is a cultivation facility located in Northern California’s Emerald Triangle. The farm specializes in growing its flowers in light-assisted greenhouses for solventless hash. Co-founded by Collin Danforth and Ashhok Umashankar, who also co-owns a delivery service. Umashankar tells Emerald that the company’s goal is to provide craft cannabis from farm to table.

• Gold Leaf Gardens (Washington) is a cannabis farm founded by Nate Gibbs. Gold Leaf Gardens grows their award-winning cannabis in no-till, organic soil. “Gold Leaf’s roots reach back to the botanically rich islands of Hawaii,” explains the website. “Generations-old cultivation techniques and values once used to grow medicinal and sustenance crops are now used to lovingly care for each cannabis plant.”

• KHUSH KUSH (Bellingham, Wash.) is a family-owned and operated, 10,000 square foot, licensed indoor cultivation facility. Founded in 2016 by Sunny Saini and his parents who immigrated from India, reports Dope Magazine. “Khush Kush is a play on words: “Khush” is Hindi for happiness, and the slang word “kush” refers to cannabis strains that originated in the Hindu Kush mountain range,” according to the company’s website. 

• Moon Made Farms (Humboldt County, California) is a sun-grown cannabis farm owned by musician and filmmaker turned cultivator, Tina Gordon. The company specializes in high-quality, craft cannabis that’s grown outdoors using sunshine and moonlight. Moon Made Farms Reserve flower is available in pre-roll form, 3.5 grams jars or in 14 gram bags, according to the company’s website.

• NLV Wellness Cultivation (Las Vegas) is a licensed cannabis cultivation facility in Las Vegas. The company features the flower brand EthcX. Founded by Sal Ali, who also founded Terpinz Dispensary, NLV Wellness, AgroSelect LLC and Sensi Staff.

• TJ’s Gardens (Oregon and Washington) is a “group of holistic and organic gardeners who cultivate quality cannabis for the community,” and use regenerative farming methods, according to the company’s website. Their multiple-award-winning strains — which are grown in no-till soil — include TJ’s Blue Dream, TJ’s Chocolate Kush, TJ’s Durban Poison, and more. Co-owned by Travis MacKenzie and James Orpeza. 

Culinary:

• Babinka Treats (L.A.) is a boutique cannabis-infused treat company founded by Michelle Araneta. Araneta’s baked creations include glittery cakes, cookies, donuts, donut holes, and more mouthwatering goodies (including Keto-friendly recipes). 

• Baking With Chickens (L.A.) is a content creation and recipe development studio specializing in culinary cannabis. Baking With Chickens was co-founded by Christina Wong, who cooks and bakes using eggs from her backyard chickens. Known for her imaginative and delectable infused creations, she also hosts a culinary cannabis cooking show — BAKED With Chickens — on YouTube.

• Big Bad Wolf SF (San Francisco) is a private dinner series that features cannabis-infused dishes and events. Founded by Korean-American Chef Haejin Chun. 

• Calivolve (L.A.) is a hemp wellness brand that offers a variety of infused chocolates.  The company uses Belgian dark chocolate and full-spectrum hemp extract in addition to ingredients like ashwagandha, cherries and peppermint for their 100% vegan and gluten-free truffles, according to their website. Co-founded by Lilly Cabral and My Thai. 

• Damo Edibles (Oakland, Calif.) is a line of handcrafted, cannabis-infused edibles developed by Chef Charleen Caabay, “the first Filipino American chef to win Food Network’s Chopped in thirty-two seasons,” explained Chef Caabay’s LinkedIn. The edibles were created for The People’s Dispensary, which Cabbay also co-founded. 

• Food Flower Future (L.A.) is an experiential events company that specializes in cannabis-infused dinners. It is owned by Khara Pechtes, a first-generation Asian-American. Pechtes tells Emerald that “our main focus is women-owned and run companies, cultivation, sustainability, and education with experimentation.”  Due to COVID-19, Pechtes says Food Flower Future has pivoted from “in-person dinners to safe, in-home, small group options while “gathering” together through Zoom.”

• K-Zen (Burlingame, Calif.) is a cannabis-infused beverage company co-founded by Judy Yee. The company’s line of infused drinks includes S*SHOTS — fruit juices with 100 mg of THC, and MAD LILLY — infused tonics, spritzers and more.

• Mellows (San Francisco) is a handcrafted, cannabis-infused marshmallow company founded by confectioner and Chef Stephanie Hua. Hua is also the author of Edibles: Small Bites for the Modern Cannabis Kitchen. 

• Pot d’Huile (California) is a collaborative food company that was first launched with  hemp-infused olive oils. PdH has since grown to offer CBD-infused chili oil and hot sauce, and works with chefs to feature a variety of gourmet recipes. It was co-founded by Yannick Crespo and John Bradbury.

• Potli (California), co-founded by Christine Yi and Felicity Chen, specializes in hemp-derived CBD-infused olive oils and vinegar, and raw honey collected from multi-generation beekeepers on Chen’s property. According to their website, Chen and Yi created their first product for Chen’s mom, “an asthma patient and a first-generation immigrant who has been deterred by the negative reputation of cannabis from exploring its health benefits. With her in mind, we set out to craft a product you could trust, where quality or dosage was undoubtedly clear and apparent.”

• Sous Weed (San Francisco bay Area) is a food + recipe blog that spotlights cannabis as a superfood. Monica Lo — a photographer, foodie, and author — launched Sous Weed in 2015 a way to document the sous vide-style recipes she created after suffering a herniated disc. “I didn’t want to pop all the painkillers I was prescribed, so I switched to cannabis,” she tells Emerald. “At the time, I had a strict landlord and no cannabis smells were allowed […] which meant using a crockpot or cooking on the stovetop was out of the question.” Most of Lo’s recipes are made using sous vide, which requires food to be sealed before cooking, and reduces smells. 

• The Hawaiian Alchemist (Honolulu, Hawaii) aka Topher Jacob is a cannabis chef and culinary edibles creator. Jacob collaborates and works closely with local growers to strain pair not just edibles, but to create a true “grow to table” experience, he tells Emerald. His recipes feature everything from Truffle Crab Rangoons, to infused escargot, vegan plates, and more.

Media, PR, Consulting and Law:

• Almost Consulting (Seattle) is a digital and experiential marketing firm, explains the company’s website. It is owned by Kieryn Wang. Almost Consulting’s services range from analytics, to email and social media marketing, events, content strategy and more. 

• AMNESIA (San Francisco) is an influencer marketing company for cannabis and CBD brands. Co-founded by Courtney Wu. Specifically, the company collaborates “with brands and influencers to create meaningful content for the cannabis market, elevating the industry, influencers, companies, and community,” explains its LinkedIn.

• Anne Cho Photography (Seattle) is run by Anne Cho, “a professional commercial photographer and photo editor. With an extensive background in product photography and experience in the studios of some of Seattle’s top companies, she lights, captures, and edits exceptional visuals,” according to Cho’s website. 

• Art & Times of Chill (New York) is a consulting platform for plant-based brands, “that builds communities and connects brands to drive conscious commerce,” according to the company’s website. Founded by Geraldine Mae Cueva, who is also the co-creator of Sesh-Ins and the host of the Amplify Your Chill podcast. 

• Ask Ophelia (California) is run by Ophelia Chong, the multi-preneur behind Stock Pot Images, Asian Americans for Cannabis Education, and more. She is a photographer, writer, and expert in music, fashion, cannabis and mycology. Through Ask Ophelia, Chong provides consultation for cannabis dispensaries and cultivation sites.

• Blunt BAE (Toronto) is a lifestyle blog founded by fashion-student turned canna-preneur Jessica Fung. Blunt BAE features guides on how to incorporate cannabis into one’s life through fashion, medicine, and more, and showcases Candain cannabis products.

• Broccoli Talk is a podcast for cannabis lovers that’s co-hosted by Lauren Yoshiko and Mennlay Golokeh Aggrey. Episodes cover topics ranging from equity, to entrepreneurship.

• Cannabis and CBD for Health and Wellness is an easy to use cooking guide. The book includes THC and CBD-infused recipes for acute and/or chronic medical conditions ranging from stress to depression, pain insomnia and more. Co-authored by Dr. June Chin and Aliza Sherman.

• Cannabis Cultivation and Science is a podcast from Keep It Simple. “We bring leading experts from the horticulture and gardening industry and find out the latest information and research for cannabis cultivation,” write the podcasts’ website. “Forget the marketing hype from bottled nutrient companies, everything on this show is based in science and research. If you want to improve your gardening or cannabis cultivation then you’ve come to the right place.” Hosted by Tad Hussey.

• CHEECHABLE (Portland, Ore.) is a cannabis lifestyle platform that features a shop and blog. Founded by cannabis futurist and designer Alicia Navarrette. 

• Compliant Innovative Resources, LLC (Redding, Calif.) or CIR assists small farmers in obtaining the tools, information, and assistance needed for both local and state commercial cannabis cultivation licenses. Founded in 2018 by Mai Vue.  

• Crème Now (New York, Maryland, California, and Washington DC)is a “lifestyle agency advocating for cannabis by fusing wellness, art and entertainment delivering experiential marketing as a way to connect brands while growing communities,” explains the company. Founded by Anne Louise Jiongco. 

• Dr. Rachnal Patel provides consultations, and treats patients with medical cannabis and/or CBD. Dr. Patel is a “world-recognized expert in the field of Cannabinoid Medicine. Since 2012, […] She has helped people from many different countries manage a wide range of medical conditions including anxiety, chronic pain, insomnia, and more,” according to her website. 

• Edibles: Small Bites for the Modern Cannabis Kitchen is a cookbook with sweet and savory recipes by Chef Coreen Carroll of the Cannaisseur Series, and Stephanie Hua, who is also the founder of Mellows, cannabis-infused marshmallows.

• Green Wave Relations (California) is run by speaker, writer, and consultant, Keiko Beatie. Beatie is also the co-founder of Coral Cove Wellness Retreat. She also sits on the board of the Cannabis World Congress and Business Expo, and Cannabis Chamber of Commerce, in addition to leading the SoCal California Cannabis Tourism Association. 

• Haley Mika Slater Design (Seattle) is run by designer and content creator, Haley Slater. Slater creates visual designs for brands including Botanica, Moxie Mints, Journeymen and more.

• Hella High (California) is a weekly podcast hosted by cannabis consultant and journalist, Samar Marwan. Hella High “explores the history, culture, and business of getting high,” according to Marwan’s LinkedIn.

• Hush Chicago (Chicago) is a “full-service event production and marketing agency focused on serving minority-owned businesses and social equity applicants,” Katherine Villamin, who co-owns the Hush Chicago alongside Vanessa Valdovinos, tells Emerald. The company also carries a cannabis-inspired jewelry collection.

• Luv Kush Co. is a “Wellness + lifestyle community reclaiming cannabis in the South Asian diaspora with consciously cultivated education, resources and experiences,” according to Luv Kush Co.’s Instgram. Founded by Yogi Maharaj. 

• Mannada (New York City) is a Cannabis Event and Experience production company, who’ve produced Cannabis Real Estate Summit 2021, Cannabis Media Summit 2019 and 2018, and the Cannabis Law Summit NYC 2018, according to Mannada’s LinkedIn. Founded by Kristin Jordan.

• On The Revel (New York) curates “educational experiences for those curious about opportunities in legal cannabis,” explains the company’s website. On The Revel’s speaker series features people of color and women. Co-founded by Lulu Tsui and Jacobi Holland.

• Pheno Ad Agency (New York City) is a full-service media company that creates “advertising solutions for cannabinoid brands, businesses, and revolutions,” states the company’s website. Pheno was founded by Amy Deneson and Alice Lee, who have nearly 20 years of combined marketing experience.

• Sandy Smokes is a former fashion buyer turned cannabis marketer, according to her Instagram. Sandy Smokes showcases her cannabis lifestyle by introducing new products to her followers. 

• Stock Pot Images was founded by Ophelia Chong. The platform “was the first stock-photo agency to specialize exclusively in cannabis-related imagery,” according to the website. We feature rights-managed and royalty-free photography, illustration, and video.

• The CBD Oil Solution: Treat Chronic Pain, Anxiety, Insomnia, and More — Without the High is written by medical expert Dr. Rachna Patel. The book offers a breakdown of CBD, and how to use it in sweet and savory meal recipes, and DIY self-care products. 

• The Garden Blog (California) is a storytelling platform that spotlights womxn entrepreneurs in the cannabis industry. The blog is “a showcase of hard-working ladies, rooted in cannabis and cultivating progress, in an industry dominated by annoying dudes,” according to the website. Founded by Adriana J. Machado.

• The Human Up Podcast (Seattle) was created in 2019 by host Victor Ung, who is also a life coach. According to the podcast’s website, Ung focuses on “using cannabis consciously to improve creativity, intuition, and emotional intelligence.” Episodes explore everything from “How to Deal with Asian Parents,” to emotional intelligence, self-love, entrepreneurship, money issues, and more.

• The Maze (New York City) is a “the only comprehensive cannabis community events calendar,” according to the company’s LinkedIn. Serves NYC, Denver, D.C., Philadelphia, the Bay Area, Chicago and more. Founded by Kristin Jordan. It’s a project created by Mannada, an events and experience production company also founded by Jordan. 

• Tinhorn Consulting (Phoenix, Ariz.) is a full-service marketing and consulting firm that originated on the Hualapai Indian Reservation in Peach Springs, Arizona, according to the company’s website. It was founded by April Tinhorn, who is of Hualapai, Navajo and Chinese descent.

Technology:

• Agrify (Burlington, Mass.) develops grow solutions for indoor agriculture. According to the company’s website, “Agrify specializes in creating sustainable, complete solutions and products for plant factories,” including cultivation software — which is integrated into their vertical farming units — and LED grow lights, bio-security and more. Founded by Raymond Nobu-Chang.

• Blenddy is a cannabis blend tracker company founded by Ken Mak. Mak tells Emerald that the mobile-app platform helps “cannabis consumers make better consumption choices through strain, dosage, and lifestyle tracking. Users can pinpoint their preferences for themselves or their loved ones, tag and find similar products, and even pair music to their strains.

• Capna Intellectual (L.A.) was co-founded in 2015 by Casey Ly, Erwin Sival, Vitaly Mekk and Gene Galyuk. The company “specializes in developing consumer packaged goods for the cannabis market [as is] best known for creating the Bloom Brand [and Treat], sold in five states: California, Nevada, Washington, New Mexico, and Oklahoma,” according to a company press release.

• Cloudious9 (Hayward, Calif.) manufactures hardware for cannabis consumers, such as vaporizers. Founded by Richard Huang.

• Encore Labs (Pasadena, Calif.) is a full-panel cannabis testing. The company offers “comprehensive analysis to assist cultivators, infused product manufacturers, providers and dispensaries not only for regulatory purposes but also to characterize the unique aspects of cannabis,” according to the Encore Labs LinkedIn. Co-founded by Spencer Wong, and Joe Wong. 

• EventHi (San Diego) “is the world’s first cannabis ticketing platform,” that allows people to “discover events, buy tickets and sponsorships, or create your own event and meet people with a shared interest. Whether it is a local farmers’ market, a large music festival, or a business conference, our online marketplace has been designed to bring people together to experience cannabis in a safe and social space,” explains the company’s LinkedIn. Founded by Ali Fakhri. 

• HiVi (L.A.) is a soon-to-launch data platform founded by Eunice Kim that focuses on amplifying WOC + BIPOC + LGBTQIA+ communities. Described as a cannabis concierge service, the company creates and adjusts personalized cannabis plans. Consumers can create their plans by taking a quiz, which HiVi promises will take three minutes or less. 

• Extractioneering (Oregon) is an extraction company owned by husband and wife duo, scientists and entrepreneurs, Dr. Daniel Maida Hayden and Razia Hayden. Extractioneering ”uses only the best dried and cured cannabis material and extracts the full complement of cannabis biomolecules,” according to the website.

• Jade Technologies (Santa Cruz, Calif.) is the retail tech company behind iheartjane.com. The company partners with local dispensaries, and allows consumers to order cannabis online from legal shops in their areas, and view live menus. Co-founded by Socrates Rosenfeld and Howard Hong.

• Meadow (San Francisco) is an all-in-one software program for “dispensary sales, marketing, inventory management compliance and more,” according to the company’s website. Co-founded by David Hua, Rick Harrison, Harrison Lee and Scott Garman. 

• Nabis (San Francisco Bay Area) is a software-driven cannabis company “that provides a lightning-fast distribution network for the fulfillment, storage, and sales for wholesale cannabis products,” according to the company’s LinkedIn. Specifically, Nabis offers batch pick-up, storage, testing, delivery, and financial services to cannabis companies throughout California. Co-founded by Vince C. Ning and Jun S. Lee. 

• PathogenDX (Scottsdale, Ariz.) is a “biotechnology innovator [that develops] diagnostic solutions to address viral, bacterial and fungal infection or contamination […] in fields ranging from healthcare to agriculture to dairy farming,” according to their website. Co-founded by Milan Patel, Michael Hogan, Ph.D., and Eric Lachance.

• Roshi (San Francisco) is a software platform made for (co-) manufacturers, processors, and distributors. The platform helps cannabis businesses centralize operations such as inventory and METRC compliance. Co-founded by Celia Carter, Heidi Hudson and Jason West. 

• Vertosa (Oakland, Calif.) is an advanced infusion technology company founded by chemist, Dr. Harold Han. The company creates active ingredients for cannabis-infused products like wines, sparkling water, coffee, gummies, and more. Han also hosts the show (also presented by Vertosa), The Happy Chemist where he discusses the science of infusion and latest industry developments. 

CBD:

• Artemis (New York) creates lab tested, CBD-infused products for beauty, sleep, relief, relaxation and women’s wellness. Co-founded by Wendy Nguyen and Colin Gardner. Artemis also carries edibles, skin care products, and treats for pets.  

• Buzzn (Brooklyn, N.Y.) is a wellness company that creates CBD-infused formulas for humans and dogs. Natural medicine advocate and pharmacist Dr. Minchul An, and Dr. Bhaveek Mistry, a first-generation Indian-American, founded Buzzn. The company’s topicals, tinctures, and pet treats are made with toxin-free, Colorado-grown hemp. Buzzn further demonstrates their commitment to animals by supporting nonprofits including the Korean K9 Rescue Group. 

• Calm Better Days (New York) was founded by Amy Chin. Chin told Emerald that CBD provided her relief from anxiety and postpartum depression. That inspired her to become a CBD Educator. Through Calm Better Days, she teaches people about CBD, what to use it for, different delivery methods, and dosages. Clients also receive tailored CBD regimens based on their individual needs and lifestyle. The company highlights woman-owned products, and carries a variety of infused goods from tinctures to gummies.

• Canvas Therapeutics (Washington) is a minority and women-owned company that creates CBD-rich topicals, tinctures, vapes, and sprays that promote better sleep, recovery, health, relief and more. Brands include Polite CBD and Revida. Co-founded by Sue Tan, Yung Tan, Suan Teo, Jeff Freeman, Adam Melero, Mary Brown,  Melissa Durkee.

• Fairwinds (Washington) is a cultivation and manufacturing company that uses “advanced, world-class cannabis cultivation and processing technologies alongside unique Eastern Medicine philosophies and formulations,” explains Fairwinds’ website. Their lab-tested CBD products range from capsules, to coffees, vapes, and more. Co-founded in 2014 by James and Wendy Hull.

• Fénix CBD and Elevar Wellness (California) is an organic hemp company that sells a variety of flower, vapes, topicals and more. Products are third-party tested, and high in terpenes, and cannabinoids like CBD, CBC and CBG. The company’s brands include Fénix CBD and Elevar. Founded by Young Jin. 

• Good Company Tea (New York) is a premium, organic CBD-infused tea company, according to their website. Co-founded by Khanh Nguyen and Thanh Nguyen. Good Company offers triple-tested blends, including chamomile, jasmine, Oolong, and Japanese Sencha teas. 

• Kota Botanicals (Fargo, North Dakota) was founded in 2019 by Weiwei Fellman. The premium artisanal hemp CBD wellness brand offers lab-tested, single origin, certified organic, certified kosher products. Kota Botanicals has two retail locations and an e-commerce shop.

• Malaya Botanicals (Alameda, Calif.) is a “community-focused wellness company specialized in hemp-derived CBD products crafted with integrity,” according to the company. Founded in 2018 by Pia T. Barton, a former triathlete and cannabis industry expert, Malaya Botanicals offers CBD-infused creams, skincare, bath products, and more. All are made with locally grown hemp and premium ingredients.

• Sacred Lotions (California) is a sustainably-focused CBD company founded by Michele Ching. The company’s line of natural wellness products — the Relax and Restore Collection — is made with organic, terpene-rich hemp. Sacred Lotions’ inventory includes topicals, oils, sublinguals, and more products for both pets and humans. 

• Sights High Elevation (San Francisco Bay Area) is a “woman and Asian-owned startup. The mission is to provide high-quality hemp-derived CBD products as an alternative to conventional wellness practices as you dive into healing, tap into your higher self, and [keep] the planet in mind,” according to the company’s website. Founded by Safyany Sop. 

• VETCBD (California) formulates products for animals with full-spectrum cannabis and organic extra virgin olive oil. A third-party lab triple tests all the company’s products. “Since 2015, VETCBD has been committed to helping all lives thrive,” explains the company’s website. “Founded, formulated, and operated by cannabis industry pioneer, Dr. Tim Shu, he and the VETCBD team are dedicated to promoting the education, research, and advocacy of the therapeutic benefits of medical cannabis.”

• QWIM (Long Beach, Calif.) was co-founded by Mimi and Phiton Nguyen. The company offers lab-tested, CBD-infused, and Delta-8-THC products ranging from vapes and oils to edibles. 

Beauty, Health and Wellness:

• Basal Health (Brooklyn, N.Y.) is a biotechnology company founded by clinical cannabis consultant, and integrative pharmacist, Minchul An, PharmD, who also co-founded Buzzn. “Basal Health aims to re-conceptualize health care by shifting the paradigm away from single molecule drugs to whole plant medicines,” explains Basal Health’s LinkedIn. In addition to COVID-19 testing, the company provides clinical cannabis advisory and consulting services. 

• BLUNT Skincare (L.A.) is a “100% Vegan, clean, luxury skincare collection infused with cannabis,” according to the company’s LinkedIn. Formulations are made with hemp-derived CBD. Founded by Stas Chirkov. The BLUNT Skincare line includes products infused with CBD isolate, and full-spectrum hemp face oils. 

• Complete Hemp (New York) offers hemp-based products with a range of cannabinoids from CBD to CBG. Products are vegan, based on Ayurveda formulation and anti-pollution skincare, and free of parabens, gluten, perfumes, petrochemicals, synthetic compounds, and dyes. Founded by Paul Lepore and Howard Hoffman, one of the first Filipino CEO of a cannabis company, according to the company.

• Coral Cove Wellness Retreat (Little Bay, Jamaica) is “the world’s first medicinal plant and fungi based health retreat,” explains the company’s website. The cannabis and fungi educational facility and resort, which includes an onsite dispensary and activities, is located in Jamaica. Co-founded by Keiko Beatie of Green Wave Relations. 

• Dehiya Beauty (California) is a vegan, all-natural, “botanical skin care line inspired by Moroccan time-honored beauty rituals for modern women,” according to the company’s website. Founded by Dr. Mia Chae Reddy, who tells SVN Space that she wants Black and Brown girls to know green beauty is for them.

• Dr. June Chin (New York) specializes in integrative medicine. Chin is also the co-author of Cannabis and CBD for Health and Wellness, a physician with MedLeafRX, and is on an advisor or board of: HiVi, American Academy of Cannabinoid Medicine, Artemis CBD Shop, Bloom Farms and more.  

• Kana Skincare (L.A.) is a holistic beauty brand that “harness[es] the power of K-Beauty, aromatherapy, and CBD,” according to the company’s website. Founded by Janice Buu, Kana Skincare offers products ranging from face masks, to oils, toners and more.

• Kota Botanics (Fargo, N.D.) is a “premium hemp CBD and plant-based health supplements company,” explains Kota’s website. Founded by Vivian Fellman. The company offers a variety of Balance, Relax and Relieve CBD oils. 

• lady-high (London) is an online shop and community co-founded by Xenia Stafford and Cassie Machado. The company hand selects lab-tested CBD and plant-based wellness products that are ethically and organically sourced, according to lady-high’s website. 

• Mendi (Portland, Ore.) is an all-natural cannabis brand for athletes. Mendi’s core and base products are made with hemp, and include tincture, gummies, and topicals like massage oils, sticks, and more. Co-founded by Kendra Freeman, Rachael Rapione and Brett Schwager. 

• My Happy Yoni was founded by Lily Sensimilla. The company features lab-tested, cruelty-free, CBD-infused skincare products geared toward pain relief. My Happy Yoni was inspired by its founder’s struggle with menstrual pain. “I would struggle to function through painful cramps and severe nausea, confined to tossing and turning in bed; missing countless school days, work days, and opportunities,” the website explains. “I founded My Happy Yoni to ensure that everyone everywhere could have access to a safe, natural, and potentially effective way to cope with their menstrual cycle and have a hassle free period!”

• Nova Blis is a zero-waste, plastics-free hair care company founded by chemist Elena Devanadera and her husband, a L’Oreal-trained professional hairstylist, according to the company’s website. Products are handcrafted by Devanadera for different air types with sustainable ingredients that are free of single-use plastics, sulfates, phthalates, parabens, artificial dyes, and silicones.

• Veda Warrior (New York) is a mental health company that focuses on the use of Ayurvedic medicine to relieve and treat stress. It was founded by Smrita Choubey. Veda Warrior offers consults with health experts, and their plant-based supplements are customized to each customer’s “stress type.”

• Victor Ung, Emotional Intelligence Coaching for Men (Seattle) is “a virtual gym membership for the heart and soul of high-achieving Asian male diaspora to talk Dreams, Obstacles, Joys, and Opportunities,” or D.O.J., the company’s website explains. Ung offers courses that incorporate meditation, cannabis, and more. Founded by Victor Ung, who also created The Human Up Podcast. 

This is an on-going list. The Emerald will continue to update it. Please reach out or comment below to be included. Click here for list of Black-Owned Cannabis Businesses,  Latinx-Owned Cannabis Businesses, and here for a list of Indigenous-Owned Cannabis Businesses.