Black History Month is a time to celebrate and honor the contributions of Black individuals in all industries, including cannabis. However, true support for Black cannabis entrepreneurs shouldn’t be confined to just one month—it requires ongoing effort and commitment. Despite the growing legalization of cannabis, Black entrepreneurs continue to face significant barriers to success due to systemic inequities, the lasting impact of the War on Drugs, and limited access to capital. Here’s how we can continue to advocate for Black equity in the cannabis industry beyond February.
1. Shop Black-Owned Cannabis Brands Year-Round
One of the simplest yet most impactful ways to support Black entrepreneurs is by purchasing from Black-owned cannabis brands. Many Black-owned dispensaries, farms, and product lines offer high-quality goods, and your patronage helps sustain and grow these businesses. Some notable Black-owned cannabis brands include:
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Viola – Founded by former NBA player Al Harrington, Viola is dedicated to social equity and providing premium cannabis products.
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Simply Pure – Owned by Wanda James, the first Black woman to own a dispensary in the U.S., Simply Pure offers organic cannabis and advocacy for equitable policies.
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Josephine & Billie’s – A Los Angeles-based dispensary designed for women of color, fostering community and education.
2. Advocate for Cannabis Equity Policies
Supporting Black cannabis entrepreneurs also means pushing for legal reforms that address systemic barriers in the industry. Here’s how you can help:
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Educate Yourself & Others: Learn about social equity programs and the ongoing disparities in the cannabis industry.
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Support Policy Initiatives: Advocate for policies that expand business opportunities for communities disproportionately affected by cannabis prohibition.
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Engage with Local Government: Attend city and state meetings to voice support for equitable cannabis licensing and restorative justice initiatives.
3. Donate to & Volunteer with Nonprofits Making a Difference
Several organizations are dedicated to promoting equity in the cannabis industry and helping communities harmed by prohibition. Consider donating to or volunteering with these impactful groups:
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The Last Prisoner Project – Works to free individuals incarcerated for cannabis-related offenses and support their reintegration into society.
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Cannabis Equity Illinois Coalition – Advocates for social equity policies and community reinvestment in Illinois.
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National Black Chamber of Commerce (NBCC) Cannabis Initiative – Supports Black cannabis business owners through education and networking opportunities.
4. Invest in Black-Owned Cannabis Startups
Access to capital remains a major hurdle for Black entrepreneurs in the cannabis industry. If you’re in a position to invest, consider supporting Black-owned cannabis startups through:
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Crowdfunding & Equity Platforms – Websites like WeFunder and StartEngine allow investors to support emerging cannabis businesses.
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Community Investment Funds – Some local programs offer pooled investment opportunities to support Black-owned ventures.
5. Elevate Black Voices in the Industry
Representation matters. Amplify Black voices in the cannabis space by:
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Following & Sharing Content – Support Black cannabis entrepreneurs, activists, and educators on social media.
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Attending Black-Owned Cannabis Events – Conferences and networking events provide platforms for Black professionals to connect and grow.
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Partnering & Collaborating – If you work in cannabis, seek out Black-owned businesses for partnerships and collaborations.
A Commitment Beyond February
Celebrating Black History Month is important, but the fight for equity in the cannabis industry is an ongoing effort. By continuing to support Black-owned businesses, advocate for fair policies, and contribute to social equity initiatives, we can create a more inclusive and just industry for everyone. Let’s ensure that the momentum built during February extends into long-term, meaningful change.
