The legalization of cannabis has been a huge step in the direction of ending the war on drugs. However, while the predominantly white industry has seen immense growth, systematic economic racism continues to exclude minority entrepreneurs from joining in. Additionally, the war on drugs, a campaign built on racism, has irrefutably damaged BIPOC communities. It is more important now than ever to consciously make efforts to support social equity businesses and entrepreneurs.
We have compiled a list of 15 cannabis social equity and Black-owned businesses that you should be supporting and/or shopping at.
Emerald Leaves (WA)
Firstly, this Tacoma dispensary is the only 100% Black-owned cannabis business in the 253 area. Owner Duane Dunn understands the importance of giving back to the community. Through food drives, clean-up projects, and other events, Emerald Leaves places its stamp as a leader both in the community and the Tacoma cannabis industry. Additionally, Dunn is an active participant in forums of social equity agenda, where he advocates for BIPOC within the cannabis industry.
“It is important that people of color are allowed to participate in this industry on a level playing field that gives them the ability to build wealth and leave a legacy for family members,” says Dunn.
The Peakz Co (CA)
The Peakz Co. fondly refers to itself as “The People’s Brand.” The Black/Latino-owned cannabis brand was founded by Jessie Grundy, a young California native who took advantage of Oakland’s Social Equity Program to start his own successful business.
Today, Peakz specializes in luxury cannabis strains. Our review of the Doughlato will soon be live on the official Respect My Region Youtube channel. This will provide the official RMR co-sign that The Peakz really has some of the best cannabis in California. Their menu has a wide array of high-quality options and unique exotic cannabis genetics.
Have A Sweet High-H.A.S.H (CA)
H.A.S.H is a veteran-owned mobile dispensary that centers around cannabis social equity. The business is based in Sacramento, California. In addition, the brand’s mission is to give back through donations to local charities and organizations including their social equity program and veterans program.
Viola (CO)
Viola is a cannabis brand that puts its focus into empowering minority ownership and re-investing in the community. They produce a wide range of high-quality products in California, Oregon, Michigan, and Colorado. In addition, the brand has given back to the community in immense ways through food drives, fundraisers, and their Social Equity Program in Los Angeles.
Foria (CA)
This social equity brand specializes in THC and CBD-infused products for sexual health and full-body wellness. With the intention of sustainability, this brand takes care of its production and packaging. Diversity is another key pillar of this brand, as they even host online conversations about race, sexual health, diversity in cannabis, and more important subjects. Foria gives back to its community with donations to the Los Angeles LGBT Center.
Melanin Hemp Goddess
This cannabis social equity brand’s mission is to help manage stress, anxiety, insomnia, and pain that women of color face daily. In addition, Melanin Hemp Goddess advocates for women of color within the CBD and Hemp Industry. Founded by Desiree Finely, the purpose of the company was to destigmatize the use of plant medicine for Black women.
Simply Pure (CO)
Simply Pure got its start as the first Black-owned dispensary in Denver at the beginning of Colorado’s legalization. Wanda James and Scott Durrah, the founders, are also military veterans. The dispensary specializes in the growth of small-batch cannabis, but their large menu has many options from top-quality brands.
Cannaquake (CA)
Based out of Oakland California, this premium cannabis social equity brand specializes in locally grown, high-quality flower. Owned by “Gas God” @colossalthoughts, this cannabis brand is always shaking things up.
Blunts+Moore (CA)
This Black-owned Oakland dispensary is getting ready for its March re-opening, so be sure to stop by 701 66th Ave and explore their wide range of products. More than just your typical dispensary, Blunts + Moore partnered with @sia_collective to drop the Smoking Vultures sneakers, a 4/20 shoe that’s as dope as it sounds.
Mother Nature’s Remedy Caregivers (CA)
This dispensary is more than just a cannabis business, it is a carefully thought-out center for wellness. The store combines the traditional practices of holistic wellness with modern technology to provide a natural, “heightened state of well-being.” Located in Woodland Hills, California, Mother Nature’s Remedy Caregivers are the perfect choice for a consumer who cares about health, wellness, and cannabis.
The Hollingsworth Cannabis Company (WA)
Aptly known as T.H.C, this cannabis social equity brand is owned by a family of African-American growers who are passionate about plant power and farming. Their operation is built around the idea of sustainability and a low carbon footprint. As a result, the Hollingsworth Cannabis Company buys local and uses solar energy to power their greenhouse.
Green Muse (OR)
This Black-owned business is the first “hip-hop dispensary.” Formerly known as Green Hop, this mom-and-pop dispensary names its products after hip-hop and soul legends. The business is a source of inspiration for art, science, music, and sports through a love of cannabis. Their motto is simple—”find your muse.”
Seven Leaves (CA)
Located in Sacramento, California, Seven Leaves believes that growing cannabis is an art form. As a result, their state-of-the-art facility houses the growth of top-shelf strains. This Black-owned cannabis social equity brand values community and sustainability.
Elevate Farms (CA)
Firstly, Elevate Farms is a cannabis cultivation and distribution brand that centers around the idea of tradition. Owned by a Latina mother, the passion for wellness that this brand holds can be seen in their sustainable, high-quality products. The brand is based in Los Angeles, and their flower is “made with cannabis love.”
Kush and Cute
Created by women of color for women of color, Kush and Cute is a cannabis social equity brand that is all about using CBD to aid in self-care. Owned by Iyana Edouard, a young Black woman, the brand encourages women to take charge of their health.
