Unbothered fam! It's 4/20, so you already know what type of time we're on. Today we bring you big High Impact energy courtesy of our homegirls Jayde Powell and Gbemi Maiyegun, the co-founders of Weed For Black Women. Get into the story of how WFBW came to be and tips re: how you can heighten your vibrations (where it's legal, of course). Then, be sure to get into all the stories under our High Impact vertical for all things weed, wealth and sustainability—everything from how Black florists are literally giving their communities their flowers, to how to decolonize your cannabis closet, and more below.
Happy 4/20, y'all!
The vibes are feeling high, and we're just happy to be here.
Growing up, we saw snippets from shows and films like Friday and Soul Plane showcasing cannabis consumption. It was interesting to see something that was so taboo back then displayed so freely on the screen. You see, we were raised in traditional Nigerian and Jamaican households. Anything drug-related was very off limits and surrounded by stigmas and negative stereotypes. Like many people in the U.S., we thought weed was "bad."
Despite some trial and error with Ms. Mary Jane as individuals in college and in our social circles, cannabis use was still very much under the radar. Weed? Never heard of her.
It wasn't until we got into the cannabis industry that we learned more about the history and science behind the plant. We met while working at a corporate cannabis company on their marketing team—Gbemi, leading brand and product development, and Jayde, leading social strategy and digital content creation. Slight flex.
In that time, we both realized that there was not only a severe lack of representation of Black people—and more specifically Black women—in the industry but also an ever-present, negative stigma around cannabis consumption. When you work in the industry, it can often feel like a bubble. While we were hearing testimonials about how cannabis has changed people's lives and celebrating the plant with our colleagues, out in the "real" world, our people were going to jail for carrying as little as a single gram. That didn't sit right with us.
That is why we created Weed For Black Women, a warm and welcoming community where we strive to educate Black women on the power of the cannabis plant, inspire involvement and change within the industry while destigmatizing cannabis use.
We know there's a history of social injustice, which is why we want y'all to know the cannabis industry presents beneficial opportunities for entrepreneurship, employment, spirituality, and wellness to the Black community.
As this industry grows and continues to be white male-dominated, we are on a mission to show that Black women deserve a piece of the pie in some way, shape, or form. We have worked with Black women in this industry who are physicians, lawyers, content creators, designers, MBAs, writers, educators, artists, business owners, and consultants. These women are pillars of the community, and all thrive in abundance with cannabis, contrary to belief.
Because we are your hub for all things Black women and weed, we wanted to give y'all some tips on how to incorporate cannabis into your life (if you live in a place where it's legal) or get involved in the industry. Come get this tea.
- Education is a major key. Understanding the differences between the products, consumption methods, dosage, and intended effects or outcomes is important. It is possible to get too high, which will lead to a very uncomfortable experience. These experiences not only impact you but also impact how this beautiful plant is perceived.
- Start low and go slow. For anyone using cannabis for the first time, know that it requires some trial, and there's no need to overdo it. Whether you're consuming an edible, smoking, or using a tincture, you can start with a small amount of product at a time and then work your way up to see what's best for you.
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Let them come when they're ready. Don't try to convince anyone to try cannabis if they are not seeking out solutions that cannabis can help with. Just exist in your natural greatness and inspire others with the wellness and the positivity oozing from your beautiful skin.
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Get that paper. If you are seeking a role within the cannabis industry, research multi-state operators that have openings and connect with people that look like you within those companies on professional networking sites. If you can't find anyone who looks like you at those companies, it may not be the right space for you, babes.
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Do your thing. The cannabis industry is your oyster and now is the time to tap in. Whether through local grassroots efforts or creating your own brand to inspire others—get into the industry in a way that makes sense for your talents.
This 4/20, we encourage you to consume proudly and loudly. Whether for health, overall wellness, relaxation, creativity, or socializing, weed brings people together and drives meaningful conversation. Let's keep the conversation going and spread the truth about the real power of this plant. Wherever you are in your journey with cannabis, just know that you are welcome in our community.
With love and a lighter,
