This Black History Month, take time to explore your favorite Black-owned cannabis brands…or discover new ones that deserve a place in your rotation!
Minority representation matters across every industry, but Black cannabis entrepreneurs hold a particularly vital role in shaping the culture and history of cannabis. Their voices, innovation, and leadership help define what this industry can become.
Entrepreneurship + Access + Representation
In his 2018 book, More on Legalizing Marijuana– Ongoing Shifts in American Policies, researcher Dr. Kenneth Sebastian Léon gives an overview of the public policy involved in legalizing marijuana and writes, “A fair conclusion is that the communities most affected by the prohibitory regulation of marijuana are totally unrepresented in federal policy discussions in this Cannabis Caucus.” Meanwhile, the National Cannabis Industry Association found that “only a small percentage of cannabis companies are owned by people of color.”
Communities of color have faced disproportionate harm from cannabis prohibition through incarceration, financial penalties, and lasting legal consequences. Yet the same communities have often been excluded from the economic opportunities created by legalization and from the policy conversations shaping the industry’s future.
When Black cannabis entrepreneurs bring their innovation and perspective to the table, the entire industry benefits. Diversity of thought leads to stronger products, richer offerings, and shelves filled with strains cultivated to inspire and delight. Supporting Black-owned weed businesses is a tangible way to expand representation and contribute to a more equitable cannabis landscape.
Top Black Cannabis Brands to Explore
- 93 Boyz: Founded by Chicago-born musician and activist, Vic Mensa, 93 Boyz is a Black-owned cannabis brand built around community reinvestment and social equity. They offer a range of products, including flower, pre-rolls, vapes, and edibles, with a focus on quality and access.
- Silly Nice: A New York-based, Black- and veteran-owned cannabis brand known for its small-batch approach and attention to detail. Their menu includes premium flower, concentrates, and vape products crafted for consumers who value flavor, potency, and culture.
- Ball Family Farms: They are one of the first Black-owned, vertically integrated social equity cannabis companies in Los Angeles, with deep roots in legacy cultivation. The brand is best known for its high-quality craft flower and exclusive strains grown with care from seed to shelf.
- Queen Mary: A Black-owned, woman-owned cannabis brand centered on social justice, education, and community reinvestment. They produce a variety of products, including tinctures and edibles, with a mission that goes beyond the plant.
- Teds Budz: A Black family-owned cannabis business that specializes in distributing only small-batch, high-quality flower. Known for its strong presence in cannabis culture, and voted California’s Top Cannabis Distributor by LA Weekly.
How to Shop Intentionally (Even As a Newcomer)
Cannabis products are often cultivated in small batches and with a lot of care and attention. This means that many products give key information about their owners right on the packaging. After all, the individuals are part of the story of how that product ended up in your hands.
You can also visit the brand’s website to learn more about its origin and mission. Most brands maintain an “About” page that offers valuable insight into their values and vision.
Don’t hesitate to ask your budtenders, either. Dispensary staff are trained to guide you and are always happy to help you make informed choices.
You don’t need to overhaul your entire routine to make a difference. Simply choosing one product from a category you already enjoy is a practical way to shop with more intention and support minority-owned marijuana brands.
Cannabis Product Categories to Try in Troy, NY
One of the great things about the innovation happening across the cannabis industry is the wide range of strains available in multiple formats.
Be sure to check out pre-roll selections for convenience (no messy prep to deal with!) and easy shareability. Edibles offer a fast, discreet way to enjoy cannabis with a clear sense of dosing for precision. Those looking for discretion and a wide range of flavor options may find vapes to be the best choice.
Come by the Casa Verde storefront at 15 Campbell Ave to get tips from staff and browse a selection of high-quality products to meet your needs.
