Rapper, activist, and longtime cannabis enthusiast Vic Mensa launches a new, equity-focused weed brand, 93 Boyz. Though recreational cannabis became legal in Illinois two years ago, the state was yet to see a Black-owned weed brand within its $1.5 billion market; 93 Boyz is the first.
93 Boyz by Vic Mensa
The Chicago-born artist has been involved with cannabis for the majority of his life. He took his first hit at the age of 11. Then, at age 15, Mensa got into the business side of things. He was selling into his late teens before stopping to focus on music. He rejoined the game in recent years, before stepping into the legal market. “Before I ever sold a rap, I sold an eighth,” Mensa told Forbes.
Image via @93boyz IG
As Illinois’ first Black-owned-and-led adult-use cannabis brand, the company is focused on reinvesting into the communities that have been affected most by the War on Drugs. The brand will take on a number of community-based initiatives, including partnering with Books Before Bars to provide inmates with potentially transformative resources. This is just one of multiple community initiatives that will see a portion of 93 Boyz’ revenue.
“At the core of the ethos of 93 Boyz is a socially minded spirit; portions of all of our proceeds go to giving back to the community. The first program we’re starting with is called Books Before Bars; sending a large number of books into Cook County Jail. As an industry, I believe the tax revenue generated from cannabis should be used as reparations to the communities most impacted by the war on drugs – like literal cash payment reparations, subsidized housing, education, everything.”
Vic Mensa told Forbes
93 Boyz x aeriz
Dedicated to providing high-quality, environmentally friendly products, 93 Boyz has teamed up with aeriz, an aeroponic cannabis cultivator. The aeroponic growing process devoids the use of any soil or aggregate mediums, making for a sustainable and environmentally friendly product.
The 93 Boyz product line includes flower, pre-rolls, and strain-specific vape cartridges. The brand will offer a range of options, including sativa, indica, and hybrid blends.
“I think cannabis should be federally legal because it’s a literal plant from the earth with enormous healing capabilities. All plant medicine should be decriminalized.”
Vic Mensa told Forbes
Vic Mensa Joins Many Other Artists in the Weed Industry
Mensa joins a boatload of other music artists in the weed business, including Snoop Dogg, Rick Ross, Wiz Khalifa, YG, Quavo, Travis Scott, Soulja Boy, Drake, as well as many more artists. Additionally, many celebrities are involved with the ever-growing, yet oftentimes tricky cannabis industry. Some names include Seth Rogen, Martha Stewart, Allen Iverson, Jaleel White aka Steve Urkel, in addition to many more.
With the cannabis industry rapidly growing, we expect to see even more celebrities join the madness. Who do you think will be next?
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