Rooted in the Soil: Shandy Riddle Is A Mississippi Cannabis Story

In the heart of the Deep South, Mississippi is slowly emerging as a player in the medical cannabis space. For many, navigating this new terrain means battling stigma, bureaucracy, and deep cultural ties. But for Shandy Riddle, cultivating cannabis is more than just business—it’s a family journey and a vision for the future.

We spoke with Shandy recently about her business, the growth of the Mississippi cannabis program, and more. Here are some takeaways from our interview. 

The Path to Cultivation:
Mississippi isn’t the first place most think of when it comes to cannabis innovation, but for Shandy, the state’s shift toward medical use opened the door to something greater. What began as curiosity quickly turned into a calling. “Growing was never the plan,” she admits. “But the plant found me.” She began researching, learning, and eventually launched [Business Name] with determination and grit, despite the challenges of operating in a conservative state.

Family Roots and Business Growth:
In the South, family is the foundation; it’s also part of the business model for her family. Her family plays an active role, from support with operations to emotional encouragement. “We lean on each other,” she says. “Whether it’s helping with the grow or just keeping me grounded, my family is everything.” This tight-knit dynamic gives her business a deeply personal feel and helps bridge the gap between traditional Southern values and modern cannabis culture.

The Mississippi Cannabis Landscape:
Mississippi’s medical cannabis program is still finding its footing. While there’s opportunity, there are also regulatory and cultural hurdles. Shandy acknowledges the complexity of building in this environment but remains hopeful. “We have a chance to create something that fits our community,” she explains.

Looking Ahead:
With dreams of expansion, education, and empowerment, Shandy envisions a future where Mississippi becomes a hub for accessible, community-rooted cannabis businesses. She wants to see more Black-owned growers, more women in leadership, and more respect for the plant’s healing properties. “The future here is bright,” she says. “But only if we nurture it, just like the plants.”

Cause my Grandpa said:
We all live for our families’ support when starting a business, especially one like hers. So when it came to getting advice, she went to the person she knew best. “My grandfather was 101 years old. I remember asking him if getting into cannabis was the right thing to do. He said, ‘Do it.” In the words of Carrie Bradshaw, “And just like that,” we have Beyond The Grass.