5 Takeaways from Our Interview with Ruben Lindo
I think as journalists, we all have certain people we dream of interviewing. Some might feel too far out of reach, or maybe you think you’re not “big enough” for them to sit down with you. Regardless, we all have that list. For me, Dave Chappelle, Heather Hunter, and JAY-Z are on mine.
Since starting CashColorCannabis, I’ve developed a second list—this one, cannabis-specific. There are only a few names left on it, and this week I was able to cross off another: Ruben Lindo.
From the moment I first saw his name listed as a speaker at MJBiz, I knew I wanted to talk with him. Somehow, I always missed the chance. But a few months ago, I finally took my shot—and it was nothing but net.
Founder of Blackmar Farms and a government strategist, Ruben has been an integral voice in this industry for years. While he doesn’t do many interviews, he sat down with us to talk about everything—from his journey as a returning citizen, to becoming one of the few Black CEOs in cannabis, to his candid thoughts on social equity, and even why he decided to finally hang up his cleats.
Ahead of the full episode release, here are five takeaways from our conversation:
1. Cannabis was never just business—it was survival.
Ruben entered the legal cannabis industry after a 22-month prison sentence. Down to his last $8, a chance encounter at a cigar lounge opened the door to a career that’s taken him from financial struggle to industry leadership.
2. Equity sounds good on paper—but execution is everything.
He praises the intent behind New York’s Marijuana Regulation & Taxation Act, which centered equity and small business. But lawsuits, illicit shops, and uneven enforcement slowed progress. As Ruben notes, “The law was written perfectly. It’s the implementation that fails.”
3. Social equity starts with honesty.
Ruben points out that social equity programs often avoid naming who was most harmed by prohibition. “We weren’t cute when we said the most policed neighborhoods were Black neighborhoods. The most incarcerated were Black men. Until we define social equity properly, we’ll never get it right.”
4. Education is the real barrier to entry.
It’s not just about capital. Ruben stresses that education and information are the keys. New York squandered the chance to create educated consumers and operators during its rollout delay. Without that, opportunists filled the gaps.
5. Rescheduling isn’t the solution
While federal rescheduling could relieve some tax burdens, Ruben warns it won’t fix structural inequities. Only full descheduling, paired with real equity guidelines, will level the playing field for small, Black-owned, and legacy operators.
