Member Interview Series

In this content collaboration with CannaWrite, members of the BIPOC cannabis community tell stories of how they’ve been affected by the War on Drugs and the incredible ways they’ve surmounted their obstacles to be of service to others. We also feature BIPOCann ally and advocate members who are contributing to diversity, equity, and inclusion in the cannabis industry.

Member Spotlight: Dr. Bridget Cole Williams

"Cannabis happened at the right time." When a patient of Ohio-based Dr. Bridget Cole Williams, MD admitted to her that she had been using cannabis and had found relief from her medical symptoms from...

Member Spotlight: Tohiyusdv Cavalry

“There is a space that needs to be held for [BIPOC cannabis farmers] so that they know that they are being taken care of and met at their level,” says James Arrington III of the hemp/CBD, cannabis,...

Member Spotlight: Biko Flower

"It's still early enough that you can be become a cannabis entrepreneur, and the resources are there to learn." Medical cannabis patient, mother, corporate leader, partner, teacher, visionary,...

Member Spotlight: 5th House Farms

Carlondo Mitchell & Mike Mitchell – 5th House Farms There’s a quote attributed to actor Larenz Tate that says “Never beg for a seat when you can build your own table,” and that is exactly what...

Member Spotlight: PsyCann Advisors

"The Industries are Going to be Very Different," – Sheva Pekar, PsyCann Advisors “I’m here to help people – minorities, women, veterans – those who get left behind when people are chasing after...

Member Spotlight: Gentleman Quinns Blunt Company

"We wanted to create something we'd buy ourselves." – Jarell Wall, Gentleman Quinns Blunt Company   “It’s all about respect to the flower and the consumer,” says Jarell Wall, Co-Founder, CEO,...

Member Spotlight: Expunge Colorado

“Bills Need to be Written by the People and for the People” – Rosalie Flores, Expunge Colorado   “Marijuana has been a part of our lives for as long as I can remember,” recalls Rosalie Flores,...

Member Spotlight: Wyld

BIPOCANN Member Spotlight: "Understand How to Participate with Respect." - Jonathan Ross of Wyld It was Jonathan Ross’ background in international diplomacy that gave him the unique lens through...

Member Spotlight: Latino Cann, Hyve

Julio Urrutia Brings the Inaugural Latino Cann to Chicago's Fiesta del Sol Latinos in the United States are the most potentially profitable market for cannabis in the country. Latinos in the United...

Member Spotlight: Green Qween

Andrés Rigal and Taylor Bazley of Green Qween: “Queer All Year!” “Many people don’t know that the cannabis industry was founded by queer people,” said Andrés Rigal, co-owner of Green Qween, a...

Member Spotlight: Wana Brands

"If you're not helping your community, who is going to help you?" - Karla Rodriguez, Wana Brands   “At the most human level, the most important thing we can work on is equity,” said Karla...

Member Spotlight: Colorado Kush Company

"We Laid the Foundation and Paid the Heftiest Prices" - Steven Duran, Colorado Kush Company & Cookies Pueblo From a young age growing up in Pueblo, Colorado, Steven Duran was “knee-deep into...

Member Spotlight: Nolef Turns, Inc.

"Fight for the People Who Have Been Harmed in the Past" - Sheba Williams of Nolef Turns, Inc. “The intersections between the criminal legal system and cannabis legalization absolutely intersect...
black cannabis cultivation

Member Spotlight: Winston Engineering

"It Comes Down to Being Intentional." “I was always one of those curious kids getting in trouble for taking things apart,” recalls Anthony Winston III, P.E., P.Eng., of his early years in the South...
Otha Smith III

Member Spotlight: Tetragram

“We Have to Bring the Attention Back to the Medicine”"I saw the unity of the people who were embracing the plant and realized this was the industry I wanted to be in,” says Otha Smith III when he...
Angela L'Esperance

Member Spotlight: Ms. Jane Accounting

An Accountant and Ally Focused on Helping BIPOC Build Generational Wealth Through Cannabis Her business may be all about money, but her true mission lies in helping BIPOC build generational wealth...
Marc Littlejohn

Member Spotlight: Littlejohn New York

The Entrepreneurial Spirit is Universal: Changing Perceptions on Cannabis, One Stash Bag at a Time“Yes, we make beautiful products that are fashionable and work well,” says designer Marc Littlejohn...

Member Spotlight: Better Days Delivery

"I Realized the War on Drugs was a War on Us.” He was known as “Money Mike” on the streets, the cool guy with the weed, the girls, the money, and the hustle, but at night, he was the boy who would...
Member Spotlight Feature - Ngiste Abebe

Member Spotlight: Columbia Care

"We Can Use Cannabis to Pilot Ways to Correct Historical Injustice" “We won’t get it right the first time, but the best way we can do it is not to perpetuate harm while creating areas for...

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