As a women-owned company, we understand the importance of celebrating and supporting fellow female entrepreneurs in the cannabis industry. This Black History Month, we’re showcasing five remarkable Black women who are breaking barriers, cultivating community and driving innovation in the cannabis industry.
These trailblazers are not just business owners; they’re reshaping the sector with their unique perspectives and unwavering determination. From education and advocacy to product innovation and retail reimagining, these powerhouses contribute to a more diverse, equitable, and dynamic cannabis landscape.
Supporting and amplifying their voices is not just about diversity – it’s about enriching the cannabis community with varied perspectives, ideas and experiences.
Let’s learn more about these five cannabis businesses owned by Black women.
Sheena M. Roberson
Sheena M. Roberson: Empowerment Through Education
Sheena M. Roberson, the founder and visionary of Cannabis Noire, is on a mission to level the playing field in the cannabis industry. With over 12 years of experience in marketing and community engagement, Roberson has channeled her expertise into creating opportunities for minorities and underrepresented groups within the cannabis sector.
Cannabis Noire offers comprehensive training programs designed to equip people with the knowledge and skills needed to navigate the complexities of the regulatory landscape. From certification courses for cannabis caregivers to business development consulting, Roberson’s initiative is paving the way for a more inclusive cannabis community.
Through Cannabis Noire’s Corporate Social Responsibility Fund, the company makes tangible reinvestments in communities most affected by the War on Drugs. This holistic approach to business and advocacy exemplifies Roberson’s vision of creating successful entrepreneurs and a more equitable industry.
JM Balbuena
JM Balbuena: A Veteran’s Versatile Vision
JM Balbuena brings a unique perspective to the cannabis industry, drawing from her experiences as a US Navy Veteran and her multifaceted career. Her journey in cannabis spans community building, marketing, compliance and executive management, making her a versatile and influential figure in the field.
Balbuena’s impact extends beyond her professional roles. As an author of three books — The Successful Canna-preneur: The Practical Guide to Thrive in the Legal Cannabis Space, Green Renaissance: Unveiling the Historical Influence of Cannabis on Wellness, Lifestyle, and Culture Worldwide and Content Creation Hacks: An easy and proven way to create high-quality content that is unique, engaging, and fun — she contributes to the growing body of knowledge in the cannabis space, sharing insights and experiences that help shape the industry’s future. Her work exemplifies the diverse paths that women, especially women of color, can forge in the highly competitive sector.
Kika Keith and Kika Howze
The Kikas: Redefining Dispensary Culture
Kika Keith and Kika Howze are not just business owners; they’re legitimate pioneers. As the founders of Gorilla Rx Wellness, Los Angeles’ first Black woman-owned dispensary, the mother-and-daughter duo have created more than just a retail space: they’ve established a cultural landmark.
Since opening its doors in August 2021, Gorilla Rx Wellness has become home to the largest collection of Black-owned cannabis brands in California. This commitment to representation extends beyond product selection; it’s ingrained in the dispensary’s very essence. The Kikas are actively reimagining dispensary culture and aesthetics, creating a space that resonates with their community and challenges preconceived notions of what a cannabis retail experience should be.
Their journey to opening Gorilla Rx Wellness was not without challenges. It took a five-year battle, including a successful lawsuit against the city and a boycott of a multi-million dollar franchise dispensary, to bring their vision to life. This perseverance underscores the ongoing challenges faced by Black entrepreneurs in the cannabis industry and highlights the importance of social equity programs.
Breanna Neff
Breanna Neff: Innovating for Wellness
Breanna Neff, founder and Chief Food Scientist (CFS) of brelixi, represents the innovative spirit driving the cannabis industry forward. Her company offers a collection of fast-acting cannabis wellness drink mixes and supplement powders, targeting anxiety, stress support, and relaxation.
What sets Neff’s products apart is their positioning as a healthy alternative to alcohol. This approach addresses a growing market demand nd aligns with broader lifestyle trends of reducing alcohol consumption. By focusing on fast-acting formulations, Neff is tackling one of the key challenges in edible cannabis products, potentially making them more accessible and appealing to a wider audience.
‘Mama Sue’ Taylor
‘Mama Sue’: Breaking Age Barriers
At 76 years old, ‘Mama Sue’ Taylor is proof that it’s never too late to make history. As the first and only Black woman to own a cannabis dispensary in Berkeley, she’s not just a business owner — she’s a movement.
Mama Sue’s mission extends beyond retail. She’s dedicated to closing the generational gap and eliminating the stigma surrounding cannabis. Her range of CBD tinctures, under the Mama Sue Wellness brand, reflects this mission, offering products that cater to a demographic often overlooked in the cannabis industry. Her inspiring journey challenges age-related stereotypes and demonstres the diverse faces of cannabis entrepreneurship. Mama Sue’s success highlights the importance of life experience and wisdom in an industry that often focuses on youth and novelty.
As we celebrate Black History Month, it’s crucial to recognize that the work of these entrepreneurs extends far beyond a single month. They are building legacies, creating opportunities, and reshaping an industry that has historically excluded many. Their success is not just personal; it’s communal, opening doors and inspiring the next generation of Black women in cannabis.