3 Black Women in Cannabis You Should Know
Wanda James
Courtesy of Simply Pure.
When I think of leading fearlessly, I think of Wanda James. James and her husband, Scott Durrah, are the founders of Simply Pure Dispensaries, and the first African Americans legally licensed in America to own a dispensary, a cultivation facility, and an edible company.
James and Durrah saw an opportunity at the beginning of The Green rush to challenge the cannabis industry, by bringing to light social justice concerns while actively providing solutions.
“Myself and my brother were a perfect example of - depending on what zip code you happen to live in - that determines whether or not you became a cannabis entrepreneur or a felon”. James recalls attending The University of Colorado, and how casual it was for 4 ½ ounces of cannabis to be overlooked by CUPD in this 2017 interview.
Years later when she met her brother, she was horrified to learn that he was sentenced to 10 years in prison for the same amount of cannabis, where he had to pick cotton in exchange for his freedom.
“It’s an American Tragedy,” says James.
As cannabis legalization continues to gain favor across the nation and more states legalize the plant, a call for accountability has also gained momentum.
“The cannabis industry’s reality is that the conversation around social responsibility, accountability, equity, and justice wasn’t front and center,” she said in a recent Green Entrepreneur article. “Instead, it focused on how our businesses could generate millions in tax revenue for state and local governments. Looking back, this was a colossal misstep.”
“We are currently paying the price and hustling to catch up and create successful BIPOC cannabis business owners and entrepreneurs.”
A political force in Colorado, and a leading advocate in the cannabis industry, Wanda’s political and entrepreneurial work on cannabis reform has led to her being named one of the 100 Most Influential People in Cannabis by High Times magazine in 2018, one of the 2016 Cannabis Business Executive (CBE) 50 Most Important Women in the Cannabis Industry, and she has been featured in numerous shows including The BBC, Democracy Now,The Atlantic, MIC.com, MSNBC, Smile Jamaica, ViceLand, The Daily Show with Jon Stewart, CBS Sunday Morning Holiday Special, “Eat, Drink and be Merry” and CNBC’s Marijuana USA.
Hope Wiseman
Courtesy of mogullabstudios.
At the age of 25, Hope Wiseman became the youngest Black dispensary owner in the country. Her family-owned dispensary, Mary & Main, opened their doors to the community in 2018.
Although the Spelman graduate began her career as an investment banker, she saw an opportunity to enter the cannabis industry early on, and never looked back. In her new position, Wiseman quickly noticed yet another opportunity to empower and educate other millennials and POC about the rapidly evolving industry, and the many ways they can [and should] be involved.
In addition to making history as one of the youngest dispensary owners in the nation, Wiseman not only uses her knowledge of finance and business to continue to grow and scale her businesses, but to also provide the necessary tools and resources to others for their business ventures - within cannabis, or beyond.
“We are inspiring people to look outside of the box and look at alternative industries, look at what they can build and use the skills they have to build businesses,” Wiseman told Afrotech. “Outside of the cannabis industry, we strictly just want to help provide resources for people to build generational wealth within their families and make it something they can pass down.”
Dr Lakisha Jenkins
Courtesy of Dr Lakisha Jenkins.
Dr. Lakisha Jenkins is a traditional Naturopath, registered master herbalist, and teacher of endogenous cannabinoid system education.
When her daughter was diagnosed with brain cancer in 2002, she witnessed traditional forms of medicine fail, prompting her to do her own research and ultimately becoming a holistic medicine guru herself. Although her daughter lost the battle with cancer in 2006, she lives on through her mothers work.
In addition to educating the community about the endocannabinoid system, Jenkins is the founder of the Jenasis Medical Group; and one of the founding Board Members of the California Cannabis Industry Association where she served as the first elected President (2012), as the California State Representative on the National Cannabis Industry Association Board (2013-2015), and is the founding Chair of their Minority Business Council.
“I have worked to ensure all people have the right to choose medical options; traditional, alternative, or otherwise that support their health and healing journey.
“I have a sincere passion for empowering patients to understand their bodies and discover the gentle power of the healing arts. I enjoy being able to bridge the gap between western medicine and the ‘alternatives’, while providing a safe and nurturing atmosphere in which to heal.”