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Conscious Consumption: 100+ Black-Owned Cannabis Businesses to Support Right Now

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Black-owned cannabis businesses

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

Conscious Consumption: 100+ Black-Owned Cannabis Businesses to Support Right Now

Written by Rita Thompson, Melissa Hutsell and Taylor Short

Across the U.S., 40,000 people are imprisoned for non-violent cannabis crimes, reports The Last Prisoner Project. 

Concurrently, dispensaries in Massachusetts, where cannabis is recreationally legal, reported over $420 million in legal sales in 2019 alone. 

Take a moment, and imagine sitting in a jail cell for the same plant that others are making millions of dollars off of. 

The Industry in Black and White

According to Marijuana Business Daily, approximately 81% of cannabis business owners or founders are white. Only 4% are Black-owned. 

Why do state programs continue to favor white, wealthy entrepreneurs, while those who have long favored cannabis’ healing powers continue to be arrested at extremely disproportionate rates? 

The War on Drugs has left deep wounds in the cannabis industry. Legalization, however, continues to deter Black entrepreneurs from even getting their foot in the door. 

It is important now more than ever to become conscious cannabis consumers. This list of 100 Black-owned cannabis businesses is the perfect place to start. 

Black-Owned Cannabis Businesses

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 Latinx-Owned Cannabis Businesses, Asian-Owned Businesses and here for a list of Indigenous-Owned Cannabis Businesses.

Retail/Store Fronts

  • Anacostia Organics (Washington, D.C.) “is a local, and minority woman-owned business in Historic Anacostia in The District of Columbia […],” according to the company’s website. The medical cannabis dispensary aims to “to bring patients in the District of Columbia the highest quality cannabis medicine in a warm, friendly, and professional environment,” the site adds. “Our well-appointed facility, which proudly serves as a rotating art gallery for local artists, and our staff represent the character of our unique and diverse community.” Co-founded by Linda Mercado Greene.
  • Blunts and Moore (Oakland, Calif.) is the first equity owned dispensary in the world. The store is located in the same zip code where co-owner Alphonso Tucky Blunt Jr. was arrested for illegally selling cannabis in 2004, reports Forbes.
  • Bodega (Toronto) is an independently owned dispensary that prides themselves in competitive pricing, accessibility, a knowledgeable staff, good vibes, and product that gives customers the best experience possible.
  • Botaniq (Detroit) is a provisioning center and dispensary founded by Richard Sarfoh. Botaniq grows their own plants in partnership with select Michigan farmers to offer a large variety of high-quality products.
  • Budding Culture (Portland, Ore.) is located in Portland, Oregon and offers both delivery and express pick-up through Leafly and iHeartJane. The shop’s owners, Damien and Charlie Rand, are known for their friendly team, affordable rates, and clean, simple shop layout.
  • Chicks + Flowers (Brooklyn, NY) is a Cannabis / CBD licensed lifestyle brand and Social Equity Events Company located in Brooklyn NY, and founded by Koren Fung. They stand in solidarity with those who are “fighting for equality”. Their mission is to uplift the voices that need to be heard!
  • Euphorium (Oakland) is a dispensary and delivery service offering a family feel and personal touch. It was founded by Tee Tee, a Black woman who carries over 20 years of experience in pharmaceutical biotech sales. Tee Tee is on a mission to create the best experience possible for cannabis patients and enthusiasts.
  • Green Muse (Portland, Ore.) Formerly known as Green Hop, Green Muse is a Black-owned mom and pop, hip-hop inspired dispensary founded by Karanja Crews and Nicole Kennedy. Located in Portland, Oregon, Green Muse prides themselves on offering premium cannabis for all budgets.
  • HONEY (California) makes THC and CBD vape oils for pens that are artisan crafted, and contain exclusive blends. With no artificial fillers or additives, HONEY offers an authentic flower experience in a vape. Founded by Peter Tejera.
  • Irie Coughee Shop (Bethany, Okla.) is a “medical marijuana dispensary with a nice coffee shop vibe,” write the company’s Facebook. Irie Coughee Shop hosts giveaways and patient appreciation days, in addition to carrying a variety of infused items. Founded by Mac. O. Henson.
  • Jaxx Cannabis (Ramona, Calif.) is a dispensary located in California, specializing in tinctures. “Made with high-quality cannabis oil for superior absorption, our tinctures are the best on the market available in a variety,” reads the company’s website.
  • JuanaMama Cannabis Boutique (Muskogee, Okla.) is a medical cannabis dispensary founded in March 2020 by Alexandria Carpenter. Carpenter, a mother of two girls, tells Emerald that she first got her foot in the industry by cooking with cannabis at home, and eventually began to do events throughout Tulsa before she opened her shop. JuanaMama Cannabis Boutique carries flower, concentrates, pre-rolls, with edibles coming soon, in addition to accessories, hemp products and more.
  • Kind Meds (Colorado) is a medical cannabis dispensary dedicated to spending as much time as necessary with each patient, and advising them on the medical properties of the strains they carry. Founded by Tye L.
  • Livity Dispensary (Arcata, Calif.) was founded by Grand Bahama native, Elliot Marshall. Marshall advocates for medical and recreational cannabis, and hopes to open a dispensary in the Bahamas for Bahamians to create their own flavors and be inspired to join the industry on their own.
  • LitCo (L.A.) is a dispensary located in downtown L.A., known for having celebrities stop by such as Trippie Redd and Larry Sanders. Founded by Rezco aka Rez.
  • LOUD (Denver) is one of the few dispensaries in Denver offering both recreational and medical cannabis. Founded by Gabe Lindsay and Neelein Shead, the shop offers a huge variety of products and even accepts debit card payments.
  • Mary and Main (Capitol Hights, Md.) is a high-quality medical cannabis dispensary located in Capitol Heights, Maryland. Founded by Hope Wiseman, Mary and Main offers strains like Diesel Dough, Girl Scout Cookies, and Shark Shock.
  • National Holistic Healing Center (Washington, D.C.) is a medical cannabis dispensary located in Dupont Circle, owned by Chanda Macias, MBA, Ph.D. “We specialize in ailment-strain alignment and will recommend the most effective indica or sativa strains for your symptoms,” reads the company’s website.
  • Natural Blessings (Washington) Founded by Corey Stevens, Natural Blessing offers over 100 strains in a variety of THC-infused products. Established in 2016, NB Pot Shop is known for their daily specials and friendly, knowledgeable staff.
  • Nevada Wellness Center (Las Vegas) is owned by Frank Hawkin, Andre Rhodes and Luther Mackone. The center offers 24/7 delivery, pick-up, and in store services. The company’s “Each one, Teach one, Reach One” program provides medical services to patients, regardless of their ability to pay, according to the center.
  • New Dia (Massachusetts) was co-founded in 2018 by Ross Bradshaw with a mission to operate as an exceptional minority-owned business, neighbor, and the benchmark for inclusion and diversity within Massachusetts’ cannabis industry.
  • Pure Oasis (Boston) is Boston’s first recreational cannabis dispensary, founded by Kobie Evans. Pure Oasis prides themselves on their knowledgeable staff and wide variety of high-quality products.
  • Posh Green (California Bay Area) is the first equity retail cannabis dispensary in San Francisco. Established in 2016, the store is independently owned by San Fran native, Reese Benton.
  • Purple Heart (Oakland, Calif.) is the first Black-owned medical cannabis dispensary in Oakland, and the first Black-owned medical storefront in the country. The store opened in 2006 by founder Keith Stephensen, and has received high praise ever since.
  • Roll Up (Denver) prides themselves on making sure that each and every customer understands the products that they purchased. Founded by Sherard Rogers, Roll Up offers pain control treatments ranging from lotions to flowers, and has their own extraction lab for wax and hash.
  • Royal Highness (Palm Desert, Calif.) Founded by Keyva King, Royal Highness, “invites all patrons of the royal plant into our decadent Queendom,” according to the company’s site. The store offers a unique variety of cannabis, and accessories from both established and emerging brands, as well as expert consultation on products, accessories, and consumption techniques.
  • Simply Pure (Denver) is focused on sharing their experiences and knowledge about cannabis in a safe and comfortable environment, Simply Pure is one of the highest rated dispensaries in Denver. Military veterans, Wanda James and Scott Durrah, founded the store in 2010 and make veteran patients and customers their top priority.
  • Simply Smokin’ Smoke Shop (Brooklyn, N.Y.) is an online smoke shop founded by Cassandra Charles. ”SImply Smokin’ Smoke Shop was created for women, by women, to help connect you to the tools you need to make your smoking experience enjoyable, memorable and hassle-free,” explains the company’s website. The shop carries everything from apparel to smoking accessories, like grinders, pipes, and more.
  • Solace Meds (Colorado) With locations in Ft. Collins, Wheat Ridge, Broadway, Colfax, and Oklahoma City, Solace Meds sells flower, edibles, concentrates, seeds, and more. Solace was founded by Rod Bernstine and Ken Correia.
  • Soul and Wellness (Chicago) was founded by Tiffany Reynolds, and is based in Chicago’s Pilsen neighborhood. The shop offers medical card services (including transport to and from appointments) and products, ranging from bath and body goods to edibles, topicals, concentrates and flower. The company also hosts events, like Vape and Paint Nights.
  • The Farmacy (Berkeley, Calif.) is a retail store and consumption lounge located in Berkeley. It was created in partnership between ICANN and the Glasshouse Group. The store was founded this year (2020) by Sue Taylor, her son, and her daughter-in-law with the goal of providing consumers with safe and sustainably-grown cannabis.
  • The Motherland (Tulsa, Ariz.) is a premium cannabis dispensary, striving to provide a relaxed, comfortable experience for people from all walks of life.  TML offers a variety of flower, pre-rolls, edibles and concentrates. Founded by Lester Shaw II.
  • Up N Down (Washington, D.C) is a smoke shop dedicated to providing high-quality smoking supplies and accessories. They also offer CBD products for human consumers as well as pets.
  • Upstate CBD (Schenectady, N.Y.) was founded by Donald Andrews. Andrews also founded Vaped City, located in Scotia, N.Y. He opened Upstate CBD in 2019 after he noticed a growing demand among his customers for CBD, reports CBS 6 Albany. The clinic carries topicals, edibles, pet treats and more CBD-infused products.
  • Western Front LLC (Chelsea, Mass.) is Chelsea’s first recreational cannabis dispensary, co-founded by Dennis Benzan and Marvin Gilmore, “WWII hero, French Legion of Honor recipient; founder of the first and largest Black bank in America, One United; civil rights activist … and now the owner of one of the first economic empowerment dispensaries in Massachusetts, Western Front in Chelsea,” the company tells Emerald. The dispensary, which serves the greater Boston and North Shore areas, according to their website, offers products ranging from pre-rolls, to edibles, concentrates, flower and more.

Brands

  • 40 Tons (L.A.) is a Black, woman-owned premium cannabis, clothing, and accessories brand founded by Loriel Alegrete. “Representing those impacted by the system — cannabis prisoners, victims of the War on Drugs, their families and loved ones — while a booming billion dollar industry flourishes across the globe, 40 Tons was founded by the very legacy operators who’ve helped build the cannabis industry during the course of battle,” a representative of the company tells Emerald. “With true know-how, the scars to prove it, and 40,000+ cannabis prisoners still locked-up, 40 Tons is 100% real, authentic cannabis and cannabis culture standing up for those who fought, and still fight today, the tired and traumatic war over legalization.”
  • Ardent Life (Boston) is a cannabis brand offering the Nova, an all-in-one portable cannabis kitchen for decarboxylation (the process of converting cannabis into its active form). The company was founded in 2015 by Shanel Lindsay, J.D.
  • Bella High (California) was founded by Brittany Lopez. Bella High makes “quality products, educational content, and hosts a diverse community that serves as a useful addition to an everyday wellness routine,” according to Bella High’s website.
  • Bouqé Rolling Papers (Washington, D.C.) is a hemp rolling paper company. Papers are crafted to create a continuous, even burn and reduce the harshness that typically comes with other papers on the market.
  • Buddha Boxx is an up-and-coming cannabis brand focused on sharing and uplifting BIPOC voices within the cannabis industry through product reviews, brand awareness and content creation. Founded by Steph Lindsey, Heather Jung, and Tiana David, the company’s goal is to have the entire product line, “for our community that also highlights various cannabis-related partner company products […] to ultimately bring quality products to a wider market,” the founders explained to the Emerald.
  • Califia Gold (L.A.) is a health and wellness brand offering premium, award-winning immune support and CBD-infused wellness products. Califia also offers consulting services, the company’s founder, Eddie Washington, tells Emerald. All products are “third-party lab tested, made in USA in GMP certified and FDA registered facility, gluten free, vegan, animal cruelty free, non-GMO, USDA organic and [use] recyclable packaging,” according to the website. Additionally, a portion of proceeds go to social equity and community-based causes.
  • Canna Luxe is a luxury smoking accessory brand aiming to fit each customer’s aesthetic, whether it’s soft and feminine or bold and sexy. Canna Luxe carries pipes, bubblers, and more. “We believe that you should never have to hide your lifestyle,” reads the company’s website. Founded by Tori Owens, Yandy Smith, and Layota Bond.
  • Conscious Mindz (Oakland) offers delivery, distribution and manufacturing services in Oakland, California. Founded by Marshaun Marsh, CMZ’s goal is to have a positive impact on the local community and the environment while helping marginalized individuals.
  • Curated Flame (Pittsburgh, Pa.) aka Curated Cones is an accessory brand focused on creating and distributing high-quality and unique accessories and apparel for modern stoners.
  • Dehiya Beauty (San Diego, Calif.) is a plant-based, vegan, botanical skincare brand inspired by ancient beauty rituals, and clean beauty. “We celebrate global beauty, women of color beauty + inclusive beauty,” reads the companies website. The company is founded by Mia Chae Reddy, PhD.
  • DIOS (Oakland, Calif.) is a cannabis brand that caters to the everyday consumer. Founded by Mahlata Hagos, DIOS partners with cultivators to source flower, packaging, transportation, accounting and more.
  • Deuces 22 (L.A.) is a premium cannabis brand working with local growers to offer everything from pre-rolls to topicals. Deuces 22 was co-founded by the father-daughter duo, John and Tyla Salley.
  • Dew Drop Delights (L.A.) is a family owned business founded by twin sisters Olivia and Jennifer Weathers. They currently offer edibles such as Wake and Baked Bars and Kooky Cookies.
  • Dope Arrangements (Las Vegas) is a handmade rolling tray, ashtray, grinder and lighter company created by Mechelle Ellis. Their slogan, “If it ain’t dope sh**, that ain’t it!” says it all.
  • Elevated Education (Park Forest, IL.) is a woman owned firm dedicated to providing training and educational cannabis content. Founded by Kiana Hughes, Elevated Education offers cannabis licensing application consulting, community outreach, and more.
  • Fitted Clothing Co. (Bay Area) is a newly launched line of social justice apparel, founded by entrepreneur Adolph Ward. Ward creates all the designs, which include clothing, household items, and accessories (even masks) for men, women and kids. The company’s UNITY COLLECTION, “celebrates persons of color who come in various shades,” according to the website.
  • Ganja Kiss (Boston) is a lip kit company, founded by Zuri, geared towards smokers. Each kit comes with a peach/lemon lip scrub, lip balm, scrub brush, and a bonus gift.
  • Gentleman Quinns (Colorado) is an independently-owned and operated cannabis company focused on bringing their “GQ, High Class Big Ass Blunt” to retailers across Colorado. GQ was founded in 2015 by industry veterans Jarell Wall and Austin Pflumm.
  • Gram Muvva is a smoking accessory brand offering everything from t-shirts to stash trays. Founded by Syracuse, New York native, Aisha, Gram Muvva’s goal is to transform how women see, purchase and socialize through smoking.
  • GroLens (Santa Monica, Calif.) is a commercial cultivation software company that specializes in compliance. According to GroLens’ website, “We cater to California’s commercial grow operations by not only simplifying compliance reporting but providing growers with unique insights that help produce the high-quality consistent flower consumers love.” Co-founded by Michael Olie and Ron Johnson.
  • Happy Unicorn DC (Washington D.C.) is known for, “providing an excellent product, taking care of its employees, and caring for the community,” according to the company’s Facebook page.
  • HighMindedCali (California) is a cannabis brand focused on raising awareness and inspiring the mis-informed while giving back to the community. “Here at HighMindedCali, we can’t tell you what’s wrong or right. That’s out of our jurisdiction, but what we can do is be informative and instrumental in your advancement of using cannabis as a tool,” reads the company’s website. HighMindedCali was founded by Maurice Chasen.
  • Homie Cannabis (Las Vegas) founded by RT, is a boutique cannabis brand whose message is that “minorities need to move beyond the “consumer only” model and pursue ownership and equity in the cannabis sector,” RT tells Emerald. “We are a symbol of unity, inclusion, diversity & access to retail.”
  • IJASUN (L.A.) Founded by Jasen Perri, IJASUN refers to themselves as not just a brand, but a community. IJASUN offers everything from oils that are 85% THC, to purified pre-rolls.
  • Iron Tree is a premium cannabis pre-roll brand offering joints that are flavored, painted in oil, and dusted with kief. Flavors include Strawberry, Strawana and Watermelon.
  • James Henry SF (Bay Area) is a lifestyle, flower, and delivery service founded by John Henry and James Victor. The brand focuses on responsible alternatives to over-the-counter and prescription drugs.
  • Jane Parade (Brooklyn, N.Y.) is a merchandise company with the female consumer in mind. Founded by Janelle Benjamin-Grant, Jane Parade offers stylish hats, t-shirts and more centered around girls who toke.
  • Just Cannabis (L.A.) is a licensed cannabis events and lifestyle brand launched on 4/20/21 by Riqua Hailes. Hailes, who first gained notoriety for her luxury line of hair extensions, launched the company in an effort to highlight successful minority-owned cannabis brands in an effort to change the stereotypes associated with people of color and cannabis.
  • Khalifa Kush is a popular strain created for the rapper and cannabis advocate, Wiz Khalifa. The strain is offered in dispensaries in Nevada and Arizona.
  • Kurated (Oakland, Calif.) is defined as “purveyors of fine medicine,” the website explains. “Kurated has defined themselves as a force by providing high quality elegance and the gold standard of cannabis flower, products and services.” Kurated’s products are available via the Oakland-based delivery company/collective, Meds 4 Masses. Founded by Douglas Stewart.
  • Lady Gemini (Oakland, Calif.) is a cannabis brand founded by Dawn Bazurto, a proud participant of Oakland’s Society Equity Program. Located in Oakland, California, the company’s pre-rolls are made with flowers from Sanctuary Farms, a farm owned by a woman of color in Grass Valley, California.
  • Leafs by Snoop (Colorado) is a cannabis brand owned and promoted by rapper Snoop Dogg. Produced by the Canopy Growth Corporation, Leafs by Snoop is offered in over 100 dispensaries across Colorado.
  • LIT AF Custom Hookahs is founded by Avery Dixon. LIT AF offers exclusively designed hookahs, e-liquids, blunt caps and more for events. Products can be delivered worldwide, according to LIT AF’s website.
  • Lobo (Oakland, Calif.) is a premium, hand-crafted cannabis line offering top-shelf, indoor-grown, organic flower at dispensaries across the U.S. The company was co-founded by Euardo Whittington and Aaron Raskin.
  • Loud Brands USA (Oakland, Calif.) is an equity lifestyle brand “dedicated to supplying the finest preroll packs backed with full quality assurance. The team takes pride in every aspect of their products from seed to sale. Each pack offers top shelf, whole buds rolled to perfection,” explains the company’s website. Founded by Terrance Taylor, who also founded Green Line Delivery.
  • MAAT Apothecary (Oakland, Calif.) was founded by Alicah Holocombe, an Oakland native with decades of herbalist experience. MAAT Apothecary offers a variety of products from CBD spiced honey, to pain salves.
  • Mezz Brands (Denver) is a lifestyle company, founded by Erin Hackey, that’s leading the next wave of cannabis culture. “We are seeking to normalize the use of cannabis and redefine what it means to experience it,” reads their website.
  • Million Bananas (Fresno, Calif.) is a natural, vegan, tobacco-free rolling papers company that specializes in organic banana leaf wraps. According to the company’s website, “made from all natural banana leaves, we provide premium quality from what nature offers. Our proprietary technique is unmatched, bringing our consumers the best cured leaf without synthetics, chemicals, and absolutely no preservatives.” Owned by JH Ngo and Rodney Shead.
  • Nekktar is a cannabis accessories company founded by recent Duke University graduate Julia Loni Turner. Turner is the creator of the Buzzboxx storage device. She told the Emerald, “we wanted to make sure to cover the bases with all types of consumers.”
  • Pleasure Peaks (Toronto, Canada) is a women’s sexual health company, founded by Antuanette Gomez. The organic, pH balanced products are geared toward pain and pleasure, and menstrual pain, dyspareunia, endometriosis, rape survivors, and more.
  •  Presidential (California) is a cannabis company renowned for their Infused Moonrock pre-rolls. Presidential’s goal is to, “combine organically grown cannabis with technology to create the safest more reliable products on the market,” according to the company’s website.
  • Pretty High Co. (L.A.) is a shop crafted with the female hemp enthusiast in mind. “We believe that consumption can be glamorous and graceful,” reads the company’s website. Founded by Sabrina Peterson.
  • Reset Wellness, LLC. (Washington, D.C.) is a cannabis brand that offers in-home consulting, cannabis delivery services, and customized infused experiences. Owned by cannapreneur, Tahmika Aldrich.
  • Sativah Sistahs (Washington) is an appeal company on a mission to reposition Black women at the forefront of the cannabis industry. Show your love for the plant with the merchandise founded by two couples, Don and Gale Henrichs, and Cathy and Carrie Smith.
  • SF Roots (Bay Area) is a cannabis company founded in 2015 by Morris Kelly. They’re products include a line of flower, pre-rolls, and oil farmed Mendocino County in Northern California.
  • That Glass Door (Sherman Oaks, Calif.) produces an organic topical cannabis cream that promotes, “the natural interaction of cannabinoids and receptors within the body. This organic cream was initially formulated to kill anti-drug resistant bacteria, such as MRSA, but [also] addresses other  medical ailments and conditions affecting the skin,” according to the website. Founded by Bonita Money.
  • The Apothecarry (L.A.) is a cannabis humidor and accessory brand founded by Whitney Beatty. The goal? Products that make imbibing easier, safer and more reliable than ever.
  • The CannaDoula LLC (Arizona) As the CannaDoula, Jocelyn Adele Thomas “takes traditional doula support pillars and applies the same concepts to medicinal advocacy, social justice, and the fight for life autonomy,” reads the company’s website.
  • The Congo Club (Bay Area) was founded by cannabis pioneer and equity advocate, Amber Senter, and is considered to be one of the most sought-out Bay Area brands.
  • The Peakz Company (Oakland, Calif.) is a distribution and manufacturing cannabis brand in Oakland, California. Founded by Jessie Grundy, Peakz is one of the most successful social equity cannabis brands in the U.S.
  • Think BIG is a cannabis brand focused on criminal justice reform for communities disproportionately affected by the War on Drugs. Created by the son of the late, great, Biggie Smalls, C.J. Wallace began his journey with Think BIG after seeing how CBD helped his brother, Ryder, in his struggle with autism.
  • Token (Edmonton, Alberta, Canada) is a licensed processing company that creates cannabis-infused products including the cocktail, Token Bitters. “Working collaboratively, we create, test, and produce private label product lines in our facility. Our team specializes in the science of extracts so that together, we can take cannabis one step further,” according to the company’s website. Co-founded by Keenan Pascal and Jamie Shtay.
  • TOKER OG is an innovative cannabis merchandise brand. The flagship product is the toker, founded by Garth French.
  • TOQI (Toronto, Canada) creates smoking devices for the cannabis industry. The company is “a subsidiary of Twenty2b Inc., an award-winning product design studio exploring the intersection of art, design, and technology,” the website explains. Products include vaporizers and charging stations – and some of the first wireless charging vapes on the market, according to the company. Founded by inventor and designer, Drew Henson.
  • TrellaGro LST, (Bourne, Mass.) is an automated horizontal plant-training system aimed at creating energy efficient indoor farming. TrellaGro began when founder Aja Atwood struggled with growing tall plants in a low basement and began digging for a solution.
  • Tyson Ranch (Desert Hot Springs, Calif.) is a licensing and branding company founded by former boxer, Mike Tyson. The goal is to provide consistency and quality while making cannabis a universally understood phenomenon. Tyson Ranch is in the process of opening a resort equipped with flowers, edibles, merchandise, and the world’s longest lazy river.
  • UNOIA CBD (Atlanta) is a CBD lifestyle company focused on how CBD can help with mindfulness, self-care and mental health. Founded by power couple, Brandé Elise and Danielle Gray, UNOIA is on a mission to bring mindfulness, beautiful thinking and inclusivity to the cannabis industry. 
  • VAYA (California) is “a socially–conscious, [pesticide-free]  lifestyle cannabis flower brand, which takes an all–natural, spiritual feminist tone driven from African (Yoruba) and Mexican indigenous roots,” explains VAYA’s website. Founded by Salvador Santana.
  • Wealth THC (NYC) is a lifestyle clothing brand that also offers CBD-infused edibles. Founded by Edward Rendell, a portion of Wealth’s profits go to non-profits of the customer’s choice.
  • WeTreeHuggers (Chicago) is a cannabis accessories and apparel brand launched in 2017. “We aim to bring tree huggers together with our quality comic strips, hemp papers, cones and apparel,” founder Johnathan Jones, explained to the Emerald.
  • Zelira Therapeutics Ltd (global) is a global therapeutic medicinal cannabis company founded by Osagie Imasogie. Home to some of the world’s leading researchers and clinicians, Zelira studies the benefits of medicinal cannabis for a variety of ailments.

Organizations

  • American Cannabinoid Clinics (Portland, Ore.) is a medical cannabis doctor service in Oregon. Created by Drs. Rachel and Jessica Knox, the company’s mission is to deliver patient-centered, integrative cannabinoid care with a personalized approach to health and healing.
  • Budding Solutions (Baltimore) is an organization focused on changing both the stigma around cannabis, as well as the lack of diversity within the industry. Budding Solutions founder, Shanita Penny, is also the President of the Board of Directors for the Minority Cannabis Business Association.
  • Blunt Blowin’ Mama (Northern California) is a community created for moms and ladies who proudly use cannabis. Founded by Shonitria Anthony, Blunt Blowin Mama also hosts a podcast highlighting the intersection of cannabis and Black motherhood. 
  • California Minority Alliance (L.A) is a non-profit trade organization founded by Virgil Grant and Donnie Anderson. CMA fights for the rights of Blacks and minorities in the cannabis industry at the city and state level.
  • Cannabis Equity and Inclusion Community (Nevada) or CEIC is a Black women founded nonprofit organization that is “focused on civic engagement and policies that will open opportunities for communities and people that were disenfranchised by the (failed)  war on drugs,” writes CEIC’s website. The organization also launched the Nevada Cannabis Community Reinvestment Fund (NCCRFund), which provides short and long term funding for local companies. Co-founded by A’Esha Goins and Asia Duncan.
  • Cannabis Health Equity Movement (Portland, Ore.) or (CHEM) is a “a mutual benefit, non-profit organization within the greater movement, and its mission is 2-fold: to cultivate [Black, Indigenous and Latinx] cannabis industry and ancillary workforce, entrepreneurship, and leadership success, and to promote stewardship of community planning and economic development through education, workforce development, small business support, reciprocal partnerships, and the design and implementation of community revitalization initiatives,” according to CHEM’s website. Co-founded by Dr. Rachel Knox, who also co-founded the American Cannabinoid Clinics.
  • Cannabis Laws Matter Worldwide (New Jersey) or CLM WORLDWIDE, previously Garden State NORML and NJ Cannabis Laws Matter (NJ CLM), is a “diverse [nonprofit] organization with a focus on Blacks and Latinos in the cannabis space from advocacy, business, education, etc. for medical and adult-use cannabis,” founder, activist and entrepreneur Charlana McKeithen tells Emerald.
  • Cannabusiness Law (Petaluma, Calif.) Founded by Kyndra Miller, ESQ., Cannabusiness Law is a California Professional Legal Corporation that specializes in civil and criminal law in the cannabis industry in California. 
  • Club Kindness (Chino, Calif.) is an education program based on teaching new and existing cannabis consumers how to use the plant in combination with other supportive therapies. The organization is run by Mskindness B. Ramirez since 2015. 
  • Comfy Tree Enterprises was founded by entrepreneur, business consultant, and corporate diversity expert, Tiffany Bowden. Comfy Tree provides business consultations to cannabis enthusiasts, start-ups, and established companies looking for advice. 
  • Copper House Detroit (Detroit) is a space for canna-activists. Copper House is also a bed and breakfast, which hosts events. The Detroit-based home is located in the city’s “Northwest side, right off of the Avenue of Fashion, which has the highest concentration of Black-owned businesses in the US,” explains Copper House’s website. Founded by Jess and Cara Jackson.
  • Doctors Knox aka “the First Family of Cannabinoid Medicine – The Knox Docs are a family of physicians with backgrounds in Emergency Medicine, Anesthesia, Family Medicine, Integrative Medicine, and Preventive Medicine. They have expanded their expertise to include Integrative Cannabinology, Functional Endocannabinology and Cannabinoid Medicine, and are internationally recognized as thought leaders in the care of the endocannabinoid system and cannabis therapeutics,” according to the website. Co-founded by Drs. Janice, Jessica, and Rachel Knox, and Dr. David Knox.
  • Higher Learning Institutions (Michigan) is a vocation and technical school where cannabis enthusiasts can further their education on the plant. Founded by Sammie Rogers, the school specializes in hands-on training opportunities for low-income individuals. 
  • Humble Bloom (Brooklyn, NY) is an immersive education and advocacy platform co-founded by Solonje Burnett and Danniel Swatosh. Humble Bloom strives to break cannabis stigma by elevating brands with integrity, forming partnerships with thought leaders and experts, and providing consultative support. 
  • InnDica (Pasadena, Calif.) is a cannabis-friendly travel platform for travelers to find hotels, venues, lounges, tours, and more. “A place for foolish talking, sharing stories, ideas and dreams with wide open possibilities and wide open minds,” reads the company’s website. It’s founded by Monique Jackson Fitzgerald.
  • kindColorado (Denver) promotes social responsibility in the cannabis industry by creating, “pathways for communities and businesses to collaborate, for employers and employees to celebrate, and for businesses and customers to participate in community outreach,” according to their website. Founded by Kelly Perez and Courtney Mathis, who also co-founded Cannabis Doing Good—a campaign focused on purpose-driven cannabis—and the Cannabis Impact Fund—a nonprofit focused on raising awareness and support for racial justice.
  • Krystal Gardens (Boston) is a collective of home-growers, enthusiasts and entrepreneurs teaching others how to grow their own legal cannabis, according to their website.
  • MG Islands group (L.A.) empowers “people and businesses of color through education, coaching, and access to the cannabis industry” according to the company’s LinkedIn. Founded by Justinian Mason.
  • PotLuckDC (Washington, D.C) is an organization creating a network for people to connect to resources, services, and products that lead a more sustainable lifestyle. Offering exclusive cannabis and hemp products for recreational and medical use. 
  • REVEL (New York) was created by Jacobi Holland and Lulu Tsui to inspire and showcase the newest and most innovative cannabis technologies in research, science, finance, hardware, and software.
  • Supernova Women (Oakland, Calif.) is a group of women volunteers that offer events and services centered around Black women in cannabis. The group was formed in 2015 by Andrea Unsworth, Amber Senter, Sunshine Lencho, and Nina Parks. Together, the group fosters a space for hard conversations and key programs for diversity. 
  • The Hood Incubator (Oakland, Calif.) formed in 2016 as a response to the changing regulation on cannabis in California. Founded by Lanese Martin, Ebele Ifedigbo, Biseat Horning, The Hood Incubator is on a pursuit to build social and racial equality within the cannabis industry.  
  •  The Vagina Cannalouges is a “traveling lecture series made of a diverse panel of women. Each cannalouge is a glimpse into the feminine experience as it relates to cannabis use,” according to the group’s Instagram. Co-founded by Angie Willoughby, aka the Green Baker (see culinary).  
  • Uplift MD (Maryland) is a cannabis education and training organization seeking to end the stigma in the community through diversity and inclusion. Founded by Kevin Ford, Jr.

Delivery and Distribution Services

  • BayQueen (Bay Area) The Oakland-based delivery service was founded by Nicole Brown, a pharmaceutical industry veteran with a passion for the healing powers of cannabis. BayQueen carries a wide range of local and consciously-driven products, including: cartridges, flower, tinctures, drinks, edibles, topicals and more. 
  • Cannabis on Fire (Oakland, Calif.) is a delivery service offering “anytime/anyplace” deliveries in Oakland. Customers can order through their cell phone, computer, or any internet connected device and expect delivery to their door-step by a professional and dedicated driver. 
  • Good Tree (California) is a cannabis delivery service founded by Rashaan Everett in 2017. The company offers delivery in Los Angeles, Long Beach, Oakland, and San Francisco.
  • Green Box (Portland, Ore.) Founded by Adrian Wayman, Green Box delivers premium boxes packed with personalized cannabis products catered to each individual consumer. Green Box also offers on-demand 2 hour delivery of some of Portland’s best stains. 
  • Green Line Delivery (California) is a medical cannabis delivery service operating in California. Founded by Terrence Taylor, Green Line delivers to San Francisco, Berkeley, Oakland, Richmond, San Leandro, Hayward, Orinda, Moraga, and Dublin.
  • In Da Cut (L.A.) is a delivery-only cannabis business aiming to “bring knowledge to the therapeutic benefits cannabis offers consumers,” reads the company’s website. Founded by Drayten Howell.
  • Marie’s Deliverables (San Carlos, Calif.) is a five-star legal cannabis delivery service in the Bay Area. They pride themselves on competence and attention to detail, according to the website, which adds, “we are dedicated to getting our patients the correct type of medicine while offering a consultative health care experience.” Co-founded by Allen Hackett.
  • Mystic Herbal Care (Bay Area) is a cannabis delivery, distribution, and manufacturing company committed to supporting equity, social justice, and diversity within the California cannabis community. Founded by Felicia Shaw. 
  • Osanyin (Oakland, Calif.) is a female-founded medical and professional cannabis company offering cultivation and delivery services in Oakland. Spearheaded by Megan Leslie, “our goal is to enhance the quality of life and health in the communities we serve and bring communities together through the healing properties of cannabis,” reads the company’s site. 
  • ReLeaf Health (Portland, Ore.) is a cannabis brand and delivery service founded by Leona Latrese Thomas. The company’s main goal is to offer customers high-quality products at a low cost. 
  • Shady Pines Box Club (Bay Area) is a cannabis subscription box available in California. It is spearheaded by Amber E. Senter. Shady Pines offers a variety of personalized boxes filled with products, delivered up to once a week. 
  • Sticky Icky (Bay Area) is a recently launched cannabis delivery service in Oakland and the South Bay Area. Sticky Icky is already well known for top-tier, luxurious cannabis products. 
  • The Hybrid Room (Oakland, Calif.) is a team of Oakland cannaisseurs, “dedicated to providing customers with the best Cannabis products in the world,” reads their website. Offering delivery to Oakland, Emeryville, Alameda, Piedmont, Berkeley, San Leandro, El Cerrito, Richmond, San Pablo, Pinole, Hercules, Orinda, Moraga, Lafayette, and Walnut Creek. Founded by Kiel Handy.
  • Tree Vit (Massachusetts) is a soon-to-come cannabis delivery service focused on providing customers and partners with efficient, safe, and loyal delivery.   
  • Voyage Distribution (L.A.) is a “vertically integrated, fully licensed cannabis company that provides fulfillment, storage, and sales for wholesale products throughout Southern California, the world’s sixth-largest economy and America’s largest consumer market,” according to the company’s LinkedIn. Co-founded by Joshua Roistacher and Camille  Roistacher, who is also the founder of WYLLOW.
  • Zip Run (Massachusetts) Soon to launch, Zip Run is the first ever recreational delivery service in the state of Massachusetts. Founded by Gabriel Viera and Elis Omoroghmwan.

Cultivators

  • Ball Family Farms (L.A.) is a family-owned cultivation company with one of the largest social equity footprints in L.A. Founded by Chris Ball, BFF prioritizes equal pay, diversity and inclusion.
  • Blaqstar Farms (L.A.) The Southern California-based farm was founded by master grower, Bryant Mitchell. Blaqstar is one of the state’s “largest minority-owned grow operations,” according to the company. The farm specializes in growing craft batches of high-quality, pesticides-free flower. The company also offers shatter, vape pens, and CBD topicals. 
  • Cultiv8 Hemp Solutions, Inc. (Atlanta, Ga.) is a hemp company specializing in the growth and harvest of industrial hemp. “Our hemp is used to manufacture biodegradable packaging products, biofuel, hempcrete, protein, and more,” reads the company’s website. Owned by Steven Fance.
  • District Growers (Washington D.C.) is a group of cannabis artisans and fanatics on a mission to provide the best cannabis experience possible. Founded by Corey Barnette, District Grower has developed a low-waste cultivation system to provide maximum aroma, smoothness, taste, and effect.  
  • DRO Flower (Denver) is a luxury indoor cannabis cultivator founded by Jamar Brown in the heart of Denver, Colorado. “Cannabis to us is like Champagne to Louis Vuitton,” reads the company’s website.  
  • Esensia Gardens (Mendocino, Calif.) Esensia is an award-winning cultivation and genetics company whose products are sold throughout the state. Co-founded by Marley Lovell, a second generation grower and Oakland native, Essensia prides itself in producing high-quality, organic, sun-grown cannabis.
  • GFive Cultivation (Clark County, Nev.) is a state-licensed medical cannabis farm located in Nevada. GFive was founded by Larry Smith, one of the first Black entrepreneurs to have a licensed cannabis farm in Clark County, according to Green Market Report.
  • Gas House (Oakland, Calif.) is a California cultivator and one of the most powerful start-ups in the industry. Its founders, known as Felix and Kingston, are renowned for their hard-to-find strains, powerful vapes, and thick pre-rolls. 
  • HRVSTR (Toronto) is a family-owned cannabis cultivation facility and lifestyle brand in Canada. Founder Ashley Athill and her team have up to 20+ years of experience in cultivation to provide a clean, consistent, product. 
  • LOWD (Portland, Ore.) is “an award-winning cannabis production company located in Portland, Oregon,” explains the company’s website. “Our mission is to seek the best genetics and grow those cultivars to reach their peak performance. We practice the art of craft cannabis cultivation in the space known worldwide for producing the finest cannabis flowers, the Pacific Northwest.” LOWD Co-founded by Jesce Horton and Dave Murray.
  • Leblanc CNE (Seattle, Wash.) Founded by Jerry Whiting, a cannabis industry expert since the 70s, and a Black Panther. He’s been making medical cannabis tinctures as LeBlanc CNE for 20+ years. He is now a hemp farmer in Washington, a public speaker, and teaches cannabis medicine all over the U.S. in addition to hosting a podcast on his company’s website.
  • New Life (Oakland, Calif.) is a socially conscious craft cultivator brand aiming to use cannabis as a conduit for change. Founded by Carlton Williams in 2014, New Life distributes, sells, cultivates and farms the plant to perfection. 
  • Panacea Valley Gardens (Oregon) is an Oregan-based, family-owned cultivation facility offering top-shelf concentrates, edibles, and more. Founded by Jesce Horton, PV Gardens prides themselves on their clean, consistent flower.
  • The Hollingsworth Cannabis Company (Seattle) is a family of cannabis connoisseurs aiming to provide the public with the healing powers of cannabis. Founded by Raft Hollingsworth, their cannabis is grown indoors and heavily centered around quality, and sustainability.  
  • The People’s Indoor Garden (Elma, Wash.) is a producer/processor that has been open for about two years. Their three owners—Benard Dew, Trevor Drum, Jason Tast—are lifelong friends who worked together in medical school.
  • Viola Brands (Denver) Viola cultivators offer over 10 years of experience producing premium indoor flower. Centered on minority ownership, Viola was founded by former NBA player, Al Harrington, and grows a wide variety of aromatic, smooth strains. 

 

Culinary

  • 99th Floor (NYC) is an invite only, cannabis-infused fine dining experience with Chef Miguel Trinidad. Co-founded by Chef Trinidad and Doug Cohen.
  • Andrea Drummer (L.A.) is a California-based chef who hosts exclusive tastings and advocates for infusing cannabis into delicious food. Drummer is the Executive Chef at Lowell Cafe, America’s first cannabis cafe. 
  • Dine and Flash is run by Keena Moffet, a cannabis entrepreneur aiming to teach foodies how to incorporate cannabis into their meals. Moffet has a cookbook called Cannabis Creations: Beyond the Brownie, and recently launched a YouTube series called The Antidote.
  • Edibles by E., LLC (Tacoma, Wash.) is a cannabis edibles company based in Washington state. President and founder, Erin, told the Emerald, “My goal is to heal not only my city, but eventually the world with the benefits of cannabis and hemp products.”
  • Elevated Dining (NYC) is a dining experience agency aiming to shed light on the vast and creative opportunities surrounding recreational and medical cannabis.
  • Elevation VIP Cooperative (L.A.) is a medical dispensary specializing in cannabis cuisine that enhances the life of their patients. The dispensary is founded by Chef Andrea Drummer and Hamady Diallo and uses locally sourced organic and seasonal ingredients to create the best edibles possible.
  • LuvnKitchn (Seattle) is an infused culinary business spearheaded by Chef Unika Noiel. Known for her infused soul food, Chef Unika strives to educate her customers through recipes, educational articles, and more. 
  • Naked Soul Cooking LLC (New York) is a, “Black-owned and operated brand on a mission to promote whole body wellness physically, emotionally, and mentally. We do this through the vehicle of educating beautiful families and individuals on how to create healthy and affordable vegan soul food and comfort food recipes,” reads the Facebook page. Founded by Ashlee Lewis. Lewis also infuses some recipes with cannabis.
  • Oracle Wellness Co. (Portland, Ore.) crafts wellness products using hemp-derived CBD. Founder Chef Megon Dee is a third generation cannabis chef, consultant, educator and speaker.
  • Satan’s Breath Hot Sauce (Charlotte, N.C.) is a CBD-infused hot sauce brand created by Executive Chef Paul Booker. Booker got the inspiration for his special sauce after turning to cannabis following his experience as a Division 1 collegiate football player. 
  • Savory Bitch Sauces (Rhode Island) is an infused edible brand for salty snack food lovers. “Infused edibles that aren’t sweet,” reads their Instagram bio.  Founded by Lake Amyel. 
  • The High End Affair (national) is an infused culinary entertainment experience spearheaded by Chef Nikki Steward and her culinary team. Chef Steward puts on events all over the world, producing cannabis-infused meals for celebrities, corporations, and food enthusiasts. 
  • White Widow (NYC) is a hemp-infused pastry company owned by Thiana, who creates everything from birthday cakes to bachelorette dessert bars with a Caribbean flair. 
  • WYLLOW (L.A.) is a “bi-cultural, woman-owned cannabis brand that offers a premium selection of rare cultivars and reimagines how people get to know cannabis products through its visionary and immersive new dispensary experience opening 2021,” according to the company’s website. Founded by Camille Roistacher.

Media, PR, Law, Consulting

  • Black Sheep Treats (Chicago) is a cannabis infusing and catering company offering handmade organic treats, catering services, and individual and wholesale orders. Founded by Jon Modeste, and Antonio Kimble.  
  • CannaBiscuits is a media company that specializes in “news, business, lifestyle, and educational content along with the latest in politics, policy, and trends in the Cannabis industry,” writes the company’s website. Cannabiscuits was founded by author and entrepreneur J Haleem.
  • Cannabis Wedding Expo (L.A.) is a wedding expo that showcases the ways in which cannabis enthusiasts can incorporate the plant into their nuptials, from “discrete nods to cannabis to extravagant full service cannabis bars,” writes the company’s website. The expo is currently co-owned by event producer Vanessa Oliver who also owns Infin8ly Elevated Events. 
  • CannAssistants (Tampa, Fla.) provides “highly trained virtual assistants to cannabis business owners and professionals looking for top-notch support,” explains the company’s LinkedIn. “We also provide in-depth courses that enhance skills, boost performance, and elevate mindsets that are invaluable to the growth of businesses large and small. Our training provides measurable results for administrative, executive, and virtual assistants.” Founded by TaJanna Mallory.
  • Cash Color Cannabis (Atlanta) is a podcast and blog created by Mehki King dedicated to creating conversations regarding people of color within the growing cannabis industry. 
  • C.E. Hutton, LLC (Denver) is a minority-owned business development firm. The firm offers “an array of business tools and services, including capital raise support to Entrepreneurs and small to mid-size companies seeking to enter or expand into the cannabis or hemp industries,” according to the company website. Although it is minority-focused, “we are not exclusive to Minorities but are inclusive to all communities that understand and appreciate the true value that Diversity brings to our global society.” Founded by business executive and entrepreneur, Charles E. Hutton.
  • EstroHaze is an education, entertainment, and enlightenment hub focused on minorities with an interest in the cannabis business and industry. Founded by Safon Floyd, Kali Wilder, Sirita Wright, Estrohaze offers tools, expertise, and guidance to incorporate cannabis into your life. 
  • Girl, Get That Money (Chandler, Az.) aka Khadijah Adams, LLC, is a business empowerment coaching firm. “Our goal is to empower women in business by providing them with the resources and tools they need to help them reach their goals,” the website explains. “Our mission is to help women design and execute a plan of action that helps them gain clarity, set new goals, and align with their vision.” Founded by Khadijah Adams — author, motivational speaker, entrepreneur, investor, and business empowerment coach.
  • Greenbelt Group (L.A.) is a “Los Angeles-based boutique consulting group with locations in Chicago and Sacramento dedicated to helping cannabis operators navigate the ever-evolving cannabis industry,” according to the company’s website. “[…] Our national team provides c-suite concierge support through various segments of the industry that include: brand & product development, operational development, financing & capitalization, and access to a network of cultivators, laboratories, manufacturers, and distributors for all varieties of cannabis products to ensure maximum exposure in the marketplace. Driven by our mission to advocate social justice in the emerging cannabis industry, we will soon be launching a social equity package for qualifying individuals.” Co-founded by attorneys and entrepreneurs David Morrow II and Charles Caliman.
  • GVM Communications, Inc. (NYC) is a public relations, consulting and branding company, founded by Gia Morón. According to the website, the firm serves the alternative medicine industry in addition to non-profits, and privately held or publicly traded companies.
  • Hotline Agency (L.A. and Brooklyn) is a Queer and Black-owned agency that specializes in public relations and creative services for cannabis, spirits, lifestyle, and beverage clients, according to the company’s website. It was co-founded by Ryan Robles.
  • Let’s Be Blunt Podcast With Montel is a podcast hosted by Montel Williams in an effort to bridge the gap between common cannabis knowledge, and more in-depth research. Episodes air every Thursday on Spotify, Apple Music, and YouTube. 
  • Range Marketing SEO (Buffalo, NYC) is a marketing agency specializing in website design, search engine optimization, social media, PPC services and more. “Our mission is to encourage the growth of organizations by generating quality leads and providing dynamic, reliable, and thoughtful support,” reads the company’s website. Founded by Spencer Rubeck. 
  • SMK BRK (NYC) is a lifestyle brand focused on creating a new normal for weed-smokers through music-based marketing events, editorial experiences, and informative guides to help women actualize a space to feel comfortable being open with their cannabis use. Founded by Laura OG, SMK BRK also has a pop-up apparel company found on Instagram at @SmkHaus.
  • Terry Flemings Photography (Denver) specializes in capturing vivid photos of events, concerts, cuisine and cannabis. Founded by photographer, Terry Flemings.
  • The Cannabisness Of Beauty is a digital magazine along with its accompanying newsletter, Bud & Mary, that’s focused on the cannabis beauty industry and business news. Published by Cheryl Green.
  • The Cannect is the hostess behind the culinary and media brand. The Cannect creates educational videos that take audiences along the journey of her first grow; dives into the unpacking process of cannabis products, like feminized seeds; and discusses equipment, grow methods, and more.
  • The Green Street Academy is an online educational academy that teaches the basics of investing in cannabis stocks. “Inside The Green Street Academy, students will learn basics and fundamentals,” the company explains. “As a student, you will receive valuable investor information through exclusive course content. Interactive training and animated videos serve to guide novice investors through the industry.” Founded by Khadijah Adams — founder of Girl, Get That Money — and Charles E. Hutton — founder of C. E. Hutton, LLC.
  • The Mary Jane Consulting Group (New York City) is a “boutique consulting firm with a specialization in the Cannabis, CBD, and Hemp Industries,” the company’s website explains. “Our mission is to provide Equitable, Diverse, and Inclusive Consultation services in the Cannabis Industry.” Services include business plan and license application reviews, compliance assessments, and more. Founded by Michelle Fields. 
  • Tracey Henry Consulting (NYC) is a “boutique public relations and strategic brand consulting firm created to support the cannabis lifestyle and industry,” according to the firm’s website Founded by Tracey Henry, a PR specialist with more than 20 years of experience.
  • Vanguard Media (Seattle) is a Cannabis lifestyle magazine that celebrates women, and focuses on closing the gap between the sexes in the cannabis industry. Founded by Tiffany Watkins aka LadyCanna.
  • Veriheal is a healthcare technology company that’s on a mission to provide personalized cannabis education and wellness to everyone around the world. They connect patients and doctors through their online platform in order to provide recommendations for living a better life. Founded by Joshua Green and Samuel Adetunji.
  • Weed, Wine and Wheat Thins is a weekly YouTube series hosted Toni Adeyemi. Each episode features a special guest on every episode to discuss a randomly picked, viewer-submitted topic. 
  • Zen & Kush (L.A.) is an elevated lifestyle brand that offers a series of immersive healing events focused on infusing the elements of music, fashion, sensuality and art. Zen and Kush is founded by cannabis visionary and author, Lizzy Jeff.

CBD

  • Akasha Apothecary (Santa Cruz, Calif.) is a CBD company offering skincare, apothecary, Ayurveda, tea, and womb healing products. Founded by Alissa Maya, Akasha offers loads of eco-conscious handmade goods.
  • ALFIA (Louisiana) is a scientifically-formulated, lab-tested, and pesticide-free CBD brand founded by Oasagie Imasogie. ALFIA, meaning “inner peace” in the Yoruba language, makes Southern University the first HBCU to launch a hemp product line.
  • Be Jubie is a CBD brand focused on wellness, and normalizing cannabis through education. Founded by Jennier Jackson, Be Jubie specializes in broad-spectrum CBD products, including tinctures.
  • Brown Girl Jane is a CBD company geared towards Black women and founded by sisters Malaika Jones Kebede and Nia Jones, and their friend Tai Beauchamp. Brown Girl formulates their products with sustainable farming methods and no binders, fillers, excipients, dyes, or unknown substances. 
  • Buena Botanicals (Atlanta, Ga. and Tampa, Fla.) is a CBD lifestyle brand started by twin sisters, Coral and Rah Hines. Coral and Rah are on a mission to offer CBD to those dealing with chronic daily pain, prescription drug addiction and more.They offer bath bars, coconut oils, tinctures, and more.
  • 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.
  • Consuming Better Days (Kentucky) is a full spectrum/small-batch company on a mission to promote positivity. “We believe that natural supplements are a key element of a healthy and happy life,” reads the company’s website.
  • Frigg (L.A.) is an up-and-coming CBD beauty brand that will target the stressors of millennial women inside and out, from anxiety to sleeplessness. Founded by Kimberly Dillon, Frigg will launch this July (2020).
  • High Tolerance, Inc. (The Bronx, NYC) is a small local, minority-run CBD company based out of The Bronx, NYC. “We specialize in handmade goods as well as some of the hottest CBD products on the market,” reads the company’s website. Founded by Tiffany Padilla and Hector Figuereo.
  • Holmes Organics (St. Louis, Mo.) is a CBD company founded by Corey Holmes. Holmes is focused on helping people cope with stress, chronic pain and more with cannabinoid products that are affordable for all.
  • Kayaire (national) Kayaire’s line of certified organic CBD skin care products were developed to meet the needs of minority men and women, according to Essence. Kayaire was founded by Ebony Clay, who created the line after discovering the anti-inflammatory effects of CBD benefited her psoriasis. Luxury items, which are all below $20, include cleansers, exfoliators, polishers and moisturizers.  
  • Kush and Cute (Southern California) is a handmade hemp/CBD skincare and canna-lifestyle accessory company originating in Southern California.  Founded by Iyana Edouard, Kush and Cute is on a mission to produce products that educate and encourage women of all ages to use cannabis on their skin and in self-care routines. 
  • LEKÁ CBD (Las Vegas) is a contemporary lifestyle brand that delivers purpose-driven, CBD-infused products. “Our mission is to create safe, natural, and organic products that help to bring more impact to your day,” reads the company’s site. Co-founded by Jason Jones and Aaron Green.
  • Lion X Wellness (Miami) is a CBD brand created by former NFL linebacker and the grandson of Bob Marley, Nico Marley. “Lion X believes in honoring, empowering, and unleashing your inner lion,” reads the company’s website. 
  • Melanated Medicinals (Prospect, Va.), according to the company’s website, are “QTPOC centered and accessible, vegan, organic herbal care products made with love by a trans-woman! Sun (she/they) offers majik, limpias, space cleansing, empowerment rites and more. Intuition, African and Curanderx traditions are pulled from heavily in the making of these herbal formulas.” Founded by Sun English Jr.
  • My Green House CBD (Concord, N.C.) is a CBD store seeking to provide customers with relief from pain, anxiety, illness and disease. Founded by Kim DeLaney-Surrat, My Green House offers everything from edibles, to skincare, to pet products. 
  • NFZD Beauty is a CBD beauty brand created out of a need for diversity and inclusion in the CBD beauty industry. Founded by Briggitta Hardin, NFZD celebrates melanin-rich skin and is committed to providing effective and affordable CBD-infused products.
  • Noirebud (New York) “is a fearlessly Black female owned, multidimensional CBD luxury product line which serves multiple demographics with humble charm, integrity, and simplicity. Founded and curated in Brooklyn in 2018 by Carolyn Gray, and has been through three phases of growth,” according to Noirebud’s website. 
  • Nuleaf #1 (Roswell, Ga.) is a premium CBD store specializing in organic and vegan CBD Products. Founded by Jacquese Jennings, Nuleaf offers free analysis to find the right product for your specific needs, as well as healing journals and educational packages. 
  • Onyx Mana are conscious cultivators that develop high-quality CBD products, including THC-free tinctures. “Our goal is empowerment through healing,” reads their website.
  • Pure Serenity (East Point, Ga.) is a CBD company providing products ranging from soft gels and salve ointments, to tinctures and gummies. Founded by Janiece Wyche.
  • Raw Fog (Philadelphia) is a wellnesses brand that specializes in products that promote wellness overall, from CBD massage candles, to infused herbal teas, and multiple strains of hemp flower. Owned by Tiffany Ramsay and Nayah Nicholson.
  • Remedy Plus (Southern California) is dedicated to individually catered wellness by focusing on quality ingredients and utilizing only American grown hemp.   
  • Skara (Sacramento) is a CBD infused self-care product brand offering vegan, cruelty-free products for everyone. Skara is founded by Bianca Taylor.
  • Soy Negra CBD offers CBD isolate-infused organic bath and body products. “I want the everyday mom to take her weekly bubble bath and drop a CBD infused bath soak  or bath bomb into her tub and let her troubles melt away, even if only for a moment,” reads the company’s website. Founded by Afro-Latina entrepreneur, Lisa Dodson.  
  • Sweet Mason Co. (L.A.) offers a huge variety of products ranging from tinctures, to bath-needs, to home goods. Founded by Victoria Boone.
  • Toastyy (L.A.) was founded by Jamie Lea. Lea creates her CBD products to inspire and empower others — especially women — “to embrace a healthy lifestyle in the most individualistic and inspiring way. We strive to enhance relaxation, promote confidence, and encourage independence through the power of hemp,” according to Toastyy’s website. Products include topicals, tincture, supplements and more.
  • Truce Hemp Co. (N.C.) is a CBD brand founded by husband and wife team, Jewell and Cogniko Green. According to the company’s website, “We took our love of plant-based health management and commitment to finding a way to serve communities affected by the War on Drugs, to create the alliance known as Truce Hemp Co. By supporting regenerative and organic hemp farmers in North Carolina, we create hemp-based products that deliver quality and celebrates bold simplicity.”
  • Undefined Beauty (L.A.) is a CBD skincare company founded by Dorian Morris that offers non-toxic skincare products. “Time has come to break the rules, change the narrative, and democratize beauty—clean beauty without limits—just as it should be,” reads the company’s site. 
  • WCI Health (Orange Park, Fla.) was founded by Dr. Lola Ohonba, a clinical pharmacist, and Charles Ohonba, an entrepreneur and engineer. The company specializes in selling broad spectrum hemp-based products. WCI Health also focuses on education through consultation services and through the podcast, Let’s Talk About Medical Cannabis with Dr. O.
  • Wise way LLC (Colorado) provides CBD for individuals looking for pain management solutions with longevity and little side effects. Wise Way proudly sources all products locally from a selection of CBD brands. Founded by Darius West. 
  • Xula (Mexico City) is a “Latinx and Black-owned hemp brand conceived in Mexico City—organically grown in the USA,” writes the company’s LinkedIn. “Our products are focused on helping women and femmes feel themselves through the transformative power of herbs targeted towards menstrual cramps, menopausal symptoms, hormonal balance, sleep and anxiety.” Founded by Mennlay Golokeh Aggrey and Karina Primelles.
  • Zennessee Organics (Nashville) is a modern CBD lifestyle brand for those desiring a natural, plant-based approach to healing. Founded by Peyton and Kevelyn Neugent, Charles and Andrea Garrett, and Frederick Dowell, Zennessee is on a mission to make a life-changing impact and amplify the potential healing power of CBD and cannabis products.

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 Latinx-Owned Cannabis Businesses, Asian-Owned Businesses and here for a list of Indigenous-Owned Cannabis Businesses.

Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Norbert Pickett says

    Your list is missing DC Holistic Wellness, The Home of Cannabliss. It’s the ONLY dispensary in DC that’s 100% solely owned by a black man – no backers, no white partners. The General Manager & the Assistant manager are both black women & the staff is predominately black too.

  3. Rita Thompson says

    Thank you for reaching out! DC Holistic Wellness is listed under Retailer Store Fronts, please let us know if you know of any others.

  4. Rita Thompson says

    Skara (Sacramento, Calif.) is a CBD infused self-care product brand offering vegan, cruelty-free products for everyone. Skara is founded by Bianca Taylor.

  6. Shawnee Williams says

    Illinois Equity Staffing, social equity focused cannabis education, recruiting, human resources and diversity auditing.

  7. Melissa Hutsell says

    Thank you for reaching out, All Per Plus is now listed under brands!

  9. Melissa Hutsell says

    Thank you for letting us know! Illinois Equity Staffing is now on the list under organizations!

  10. Melissa Hutsell says

    Thank you for letting us know—all of these organizations have been added to the list!

  12. Melissa Hutsell says

    Hi Rachel, we’ve included medical and recreational clinics and dispensaries (under Retail), and have also included education organizations (under Organizations). Please feel free to comment/submit any you’d like to see on the list that aren’t up, as we are always updating it. Thank you for reaching out!

  13. Sacha Cohen says

    Please add PrestoDoctor.com — the #1 rated medical cannabis telemedicine company. It was co-founded by Rob Tankson, a Black entrepreneur, in 2015.

  15. Kevelyn Neugent says

    We would love for you to include Zennessee Organics (Nashville, TN) to the list. We are a modern CBD lifestyle brand for all who desire a natural, plant-based approach to healing. Our products are made with premium grade & organically grown hemp derived CBD and includes handmade bath soap, bath bombs, bath salts, body oil, muscle salve and more.

  16. Cynthia Burnett-Perkins says

    Rapid Relief Delivery- Woman/Veteran and Black owned
    We are a liscensed cannabis Microbusiness in the state of California and operate from the city of Isleton. We operate distribution services throughout the state. We retail online and deliver in several cities in Alameda, Contra Costa, and Sacramento counties.
    rapidreliefdelevery.shop

  17. Cheryl Green says

    MEDIA:
    CannabisnessOfBeauty.com
    is a Black-owned digital magazine along with its accompanying newsletter, Bud & Mary focused on the cannabis beauty industry and business news.
    Publisher: Cheryl Green

  19. Joan Vanore says

    I’m used to investing through TD Ameritrade, and I can’t find these companies through them …. how do I go about investing in these businesses?

  20. Arantha Farrow says

    Hi there!
    My name is Arantha Farrow and my company Caledonia Cannabis (www.caledoniacannabis.com) is one of very few Vermont poc owned cannabis(cbd) companies. Marlena from Zen Barn Farms told me about this list and I am wondering if and hoping I can be added?
    Thank you so much for doing all of this,
    I hope this finds you well!

  22. Melissa Hutsell says

    Hello, thank you for reaching out! You can comment with your business details (founder name + a brief description of your biz), or reach out to us directly at the Emerald.

  24. Jeanette Alston-Hawkins says

    Can you please add Jade’s Botanical Garden? It is a Black Owned CBD company based out of Buffalo, NY.
    jadesbotanicalgarden.com

  27. Alyssa says

    Green Dragon in Colorado is not a Black-owned business. Please remove this from your list.

  30. Melissa Hutsell says

    Hello! Thank you for reaching out — we’ve added CannaBiscuits to the list!

  33. Bobby Boyd says

    Hello

    Western Front, LLC is a state-certified economic cannabis company. Our mission is to achieve social and economic justice for people from communities that have been disproportionately harmed by selective cannabis law enforcement while holding the legal cannabis industry to the highest of standards.

    We are looking to get listed on your platform. Are there specific requirements regarding this?

  34. dani says

    Be sure to check out Toastyy!
    Toastyy is a CBD brand owned and operated by woman of color Jamie Lea! Check us out at gettingtoastyy.com

  35. RT says

    Inclusion is the seed of diversity. Plant it, and watch it grow into a multi-cultural reality. Homie Cannabis CEO| RT. Vegas. The journey to launch was filled with roadblocks, obstacles & hurdles, but we made it. A mission that’s all about Us & We- without making it about Me. A Brother from the Hood via Howard University proved that Black Men can stake their seat at the cannabis table- and- be on the shelf with multi-millionaire athletes and rappers. Homie Cannabis is fueled by the people & for the people. I did this for the culture! People of Color Stand Up. Thanks for recognizing my efforts and sacrafice.

  36. Asia Denise says

    Thanks for Sharing!! Love this list!! 🤎
    Wanted to share that I have an org too!! 🙏🏾
    CEIC NV stands for Cannabis Equity & Inclusion Community (NEVADA based). We are a black woman founded organization which I’m the c3 president and co-founder. A’Esha Goins is our Founder. We are a policy driven organization with a focus on civic engagement and reinvestment in disenfranchised communities affected by the war on drugs. Our website is CEICNV.ORG

    There’s also a couple more black owned Cannabis establishments in NV. The Cultivation’s in Nevada one being G5 owned by Larry Smith, The Harvest Foundation owned by Donald Burton & Larry Lemons… I saw NWC made the list!! Whooo hooo !! 🎉🥂✊🏾❤️💚🖤

  37. Melissa Hutsell says

    Thank you for reaching out — we’ve added CEIC to the list (under organizations)! We’ve also added The Harvest Foundation and GFive Cultivators (under cultivation).

  38. Jena Perry says

    If you could add Noohra Labs to this list! they are the only black woman owned and black family owned/operated processing Lab in Dayton, Ohio. The staff is diverse as well, with the majority black, queer and international ethnicities!

  40. Jamesh says

    Your whole approach is rascist, discriminatory to whites, and promotes racial segregation, mistrust and hate.

  41. Carlos says

    Definitely need to add TOQi (mytoqi.com). Founder and CEO Drew Henson is Black. Creators of wirelessly charging 510 vaporizers.

  42. KT says

    Awesome list! Please also check out/add TOQi Technologies, creators of the industry’s first wireless vaporizer, the TOQi 510. Created and owned by Black entrepreneur Drew Henson.

  45. Eddie Washington says

    Please consider adding Califia Gold to the list. We offer Premium Award Winning Immune Support and CBD-infused Wellness Products that promote a healthy lifestyle. Our commitment to quality won us the Best Immune Support Products in Western USA from Global Health and Pharma Commercial Cannabis Awards.

    Califia Gold also provides Cannabis Consulting services, helping entrepreneurs with investments, licensing, compliance and supply chain management.

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