Black Cannabis Week: A Love Letter to Culture, Wellness, and Community
When Cherron Perry-Thomas walks into a room, she brings the South with her. A proud daughter of Memphis now rooted in Philadelphia, Cherron is more than a cannabis advocate — she’s a cultural cultivator, wellness warrior, and the heartbeat behind Black Cannabis Week, a groundbreaking annual event that elevates education, justice, and celebration around the plant.
“I come from a tradition of plant medicine,” she shared. “My ancestors used plants for healing, and I don’t see cannabis as any different.”
The Spark That Lit Black Cannabis Week 🔥
The idea for Black Cannabis Week came from a familiar place — being “the only one” in the room. Cherron recalled attending conferences where Black presence was more of a marketing image than a real seat at the table. “We’d nod at each other like the scene in The Color Purple,” she laughed. “Sometimes you see each other, sometimes folks don’t want to be seen.”
But invisibility wasn’t going to cut it.
“We wanted to bring our communities up to date — on what cannabis is, how it can impact business, wellness, and especially social justice,” Cherron explained. “We started with the church in mind. We couldn’t find one, so we went with a university and elected officials. Because in the Black community, if you get the aunties and the pastor involved, the rest will come.”
Yes, the aunties — the ones who tell you what to vote for, what to take when you’re sick, and what really went down at last Sunday’s dinner.
Why This Week is Different ✊🏾
Black Cannabis Week isn’t your average cannabis conference. It’s a homecoming, a family reunion, and a political summit all rolled up in one. From curious newcomers to longtime activists, elected officials to educators, it’s a rare week where all voices in the ecosystem can speak — and be heard.
“It’s about more than the plant,” said Cherron. “It’s about liberties, wellness, education, and social justice. It’s about creating safe spaces where our people can learn and grow without shame.”
And she’s not alone. Past attendees have likened the week to “Wakanda for weed,” and the closest thing to an HBCU homecoming for those who missed the original yard. Expect a mix of policy panels, cultural moments, auntie energy, and maybe — just maybe — a stroll and a BBQ.
2025: The Year of “The Black Frame” 🖼️
This year, the celebration gets even deeper. Black Cannabis Week will debut The Black Frame, a photography project inspired by the legendary A Great Day in Harlem — a snapshot of nearly 60 jazz greats on one stoop. This time, it’s cannabis. Black leaders. In one moment. In one frame.
“We want to document our giants — the known and the hidden,” Cherron said. “This is a historic moment. There are so many contributors whose stories have never been told. We want to change that.”
The Black Frame will be on display during Black Cannabis Week (September 21–28, 2025), offering a visual tribute to those who have built, fought for, and sustained Black presence in this industry.
Want In?
Sponsorships, volunteer opportunities, and registration are open now at BlackCannabisWeek.com. Whether you’re an advocate, entrepreneur, educator, or just someone curious about cannabis and community, this is the week to show up — and show out.
As Cherron said best:
“If we expect other people to see us, we have to see each other.”
