Five Black-Owned Cannabis Businesses You Can Support Right Now
America’s relationship with cannabis has always been rocky. It wasn’t until 1996 when California passed Proposition 215, and in 2012 Colorado and Washington legalized recreational marijuana.
Still, America’s history with cannabis has some ugly roots in racism and oppression. While it’s great that people have more freedoms now, it wasn’t too long ago that some were receiving life sentences for possessing, buying and selling cannabis.
So, how can we help reverse this cycle? We can’t change the past, but how can we work towards a better future?
Well, we can start by spending our money on small and black-owned businesses. We have plenty of big-brand cannabis corporations, but there are also wholesome businesses in this industry. Right now, there are plenty of black-owned cannabis companies that you can support by simply buying their products.
We can work towards a better future for everyone, but it takes effort and mindfulness. So, check out some of these amazing black-owned cannabis businesses that you can support right now:
Simply Pure
Owned by Wanda James and Scott Durrah, Simply Pure became our country’s first black-owned and female-owned dispensary. This small business is boasted as the “Most Unique Recreational Marijuana Dispensary in Denver,” and they take time to educate newcomers on all of their product’s aspects.
Additionally, both Durrah and James are respected military veterans who have spent years advocating for Black rights. James was involved with politics early on when she was a political advisor for the Obama administration, and she was named one of the 35 Most Influential Women in Cannabis in 2020.
They have flower, edibles, concentrates, CBD products and other merchandise that you can shop for on their website or by phone.
Viola
If you want to invest in a cannabis business that gives back to the community, then you should check out Viola.
Viola was founded by NBA legend Al Harrington, and the company has committed $500,000 to partner with other cannabis applicants. Their goal is to push these applicants through Phase 1 and 2 of the Social Equity Program in LA. Additionally, this company invests in food drives year-round to help their surrounding communities.
Thankfully, if you want to support the Viola brand, you don’t need to look far. These products are located in 15 states at most legal adult-use and medical cannabis markets. You can also order products from their website.
Gas House Brands
The Gas House success story stems from the streets of Atlanta where founders Felix and Kingston were inspired to create a legal business.
They have hard-to-find strains and grow their own products. With high-tech laboratories, they’re able to create strains that preserve terpenes and pack a high potency.
With a unique selection of flower, prerolls and vaporizers, Gas House has grown into a $40 million brand.
Roll Up
If you want to support a Black-owned Denver-based business in the heart of historically Black, POC and immigrant communities, pre-gentrification, then come check out Roll Up.
Co-owner Sherard Rogers works to ensure that his store carries the best products for its customers, including flower, edibles, concentrates and medically-infused lotions.
So, come check out their store or website if you want to inquire about their up-to-date strands and products.
Gentleman Quinns
Known for their “High Class Big Ass Blunts,” Gentleman Quinns is among the first to elevate the blunt. This Colorado-based company prides itself on being independent and has often declined outside investments.
Co-owners Jarell Wall and Austin Pflumm wanted to create a tobacco-free blunt that still smokes as well as a regular blunt. We all know how annoyingly quick those other brands of hemp blunts burn.
Each blunt is packed with 2 grams of hand-selected high-quality marijuana and is hand-rolled to perfection. Their website boasts that their blunts are oils, goo, mess, run, tobacco and nicotine-free!
The Bottom Line
So, if you want to support small and Black-owned businesses while experiencing the best cannabis on the market, check out some of these dope brands. You’ll be giving back to the community, and supporting wholesome businesses in the cannabis industry.
