HIGHER 2026 Continues to Raise the Standard for Women of Color in Cannabis
For three days in Philadelphia, the conversation around cannabis looked exactly like the future of the industry should.
From July 23-25, entrepreneurs, executives, advocates, policymakers, investors, and community leaders from across the country gathered for the third annual HIGHER Conference, created by Sheena Roberson and Cannabis Noire. What started as a vision to create space for Women of Color in cannabis has grown into one of the industry’s most intentional gatherings, bringing together more than 2,000 attendees from 25 states for conversations centered on ownership, equity, wellness, policy, and legacy.
Unlike many cannabis conferences that focus primarily on product launches or the latest market trends, HIGHER continues to prioritize people. Every panel, networking opportunity, and wellness experience was designed around one question: How do we build an industry where Women of Color aren’t just invited into the room but are helping shape what comes next?
Throughout the conference, attendees heard from more than 60 speakers representing every corner of the cannabis ecosystem. Discussions ranged from closing the capital gap and navigating licensing to workforce development, entrepreneurship, advocacy, wellness, and cultural leadership. The emphasis remained consistent throughout the weekend: building sustainable businesses while creating pathways for future generations.
That focus has become HIGHER’s calling card.
Rather than simply talking about equity, the conference challenged attendees to think about ownership, wealth creation, strategic partnerships, and long-term impact. It served as a reminder that representation matters, but representation paired with resources, education, and access creates lasting change.
Philadelphia also proved to be an appropriate backdrop. As one of the country’s most historic cities, it provided the setting for conversations about what the next chapter of the cannabis industry should look like and who deserves to help write it.
Much of the credit belongs to Sheena Roberson.
Through Cannabis Noire, Roberson has spent years creating platforms that amplify the voices of Black and Brown women in cannabis. HIGHER reflects that mission, blending business development with wellness, networking with community, and professional growth with cultural celebration. The result is a conference that feels less like a traditional industry event and more like a movement that continues to gain momentum every year.
As legalization expands and the cannabis industry continues to evolve, conferences like HIGHER serve an important purpose. They remind the industry that innovation isn’t just about new products or technology. It’s also about investing in the people building the future.
If this year’s conference was any indication, that future is already taking shape.
Photo Credit: HIGHER Conference / Cannabis Noire
