“Sisters in Strains: Black Women Changing the Face of Cannabis”
Representation matters. This International Women’s Month, I’m highlighting Black women dispensary owners who are redefining cannabis entrepreneurship. Their voices deserve the spotlight—let’s amplify them together.
Wanda James, Simply Pure
Regardless of race or gender, Wanda James is a cannabis pioneer. She has been making strides in the industry since 2010. Using her voice and platform, she has championed social equity and the need for diversity. The Denver-based store Simply Pure is still holding strong. In 2024, she watched the launch of Simply Pure Trenton. Can’t wait to see what’s next for Wanda.
Linda Mercardo Green, Anacostia Organics
Linda Mercado Green is the founder and owner of Anacostia Organics. Located in the historic Anacostia neighborhood in Washington D.C., Linda has been manning the AO ship since 2019. Using her voice and influence in the city, she has been a help for many trying to get in the business or learn about the plant.
Vanessa Jean-Baptiste, Legal Green
In 2021, Vanessa Jean-Baptiste is co-founder of Legal Green. Located in her hometown of Brockton, Massachusetts, she, along with her co-founder Mark Bouquet, became the first Haitian-Americans to open a dispensary!
Hope Wiseman, Mary & Main
What more can be said about Hope! Aside from being the youngest owner of a dispensary in the U.S, Hope is also a voice for those looking for insight. Through her Legal and Licensed program, she helps those who are trying to establish themselves in the industry.
Whitney Beatty, Josephine & Billies
Whitney is the founder and CEO of Josephine & Billies. Inspired by the jazz era superstars Josephine Baker and Billie Holiday, the show is the first woman of color dispensary to open in Southern Los Angeles.
Kika Keith, Gorialla Rx Wellness
It took some time and a few lawsuits, but Gorilla Rx Wellness is here! Located on Crenshaw Boulevard in South Los Angeles, there is an amazing story behind the opening of the store. Hopefully we can get Kika on the podcast so we can hear all about it.
Nike John, The Heritage Club
Nike is the founder of The Heritage Club. Located in Charleston, The Heritage Club looks more like an up-scale bookstore than a dispensary, but that’s the vibe. We had the chance to speak with Nike about The Heritage Club. Listen to our interview with her here.
Maisha Bahati, Crystal Nugs
Maisha Bahati is co-founder and owner of Sacramento-based Crystal Nugs. What started as a delivery service has now spawned into a store. If all things go right, we can see it develop into a consumption lounge and entertainment space.
Nicole Lucien, Bliss + Lex
New to this list is Nicole Lucien. Nicole launched Bliss + Lex with her husband Christopher Lucien. A former teacher, she now teaches customers about the positive and negatives of cannabis. Located in Manhattan’s Upper east side, Bliss + Lex will become one of the go-to locations for clean green in NYC.
