I’ll be honest, I used to be pretty judgmental about cannabis use. Growing up with Nancy Reagan’s “D.A.R.E. to say no to drugs” mantra really shaped my views, and I was definitely a bit uptight about it. But over the last few years, I’ve loosened up, especially when it comes to motherhood and cannabis.
Motherhood has its own set of acceptable topics, and cannabis remains one of those areas still shrouded in stigma. As I’ve embraced more honest conversations about parenting — including the awkward stuff like mental health — I’ve discovered that cannabis isn’t the demon I once thought it was. In fact, there’s a vibrant community of incredible moms who use cannabis, and they’re thriving as parents because of it.
To celebrate and destigmatize cannabis use — particularly among mothers and people of color — let’s shine a light on some trailblazing Black women in the cannabis industry who are changing perceptions. Here are two inspiring Black mom entrepreneurs who are making waves in the cannabis world.
Tasha Greene
Tasha Greene, a passionate cannabis activist and mom, owns Green Leaf Wellness, one of the few Black woman-owned dispensaries amidst the nearly 200 in Los Angeles. Thanks to her advocacy and efforts in the cannabis equity movement, 100 cannabis licenses in Los Angeles will now be distributed as social equity licenses aimed at fostering equal ownership and job opportunities for marginalized communities, addressing the lingering effects of the War on Drugs.
Growing up in a family that embraced cannabis, Tasha learned early on about the healing power of the earth. In 2018, she took a leap into the world of cannabis with her own infused beverages and quickly immersed herself in the community. She educated herself on regulations and even attended Oaksterdam University, becoming an active participant in the cannabis scene.
For Tasha, her mission revolves around self-sufficiency and community empowerment. As a single mother of three girls, she aims to provide for her family while also creating generational wealth and uplifting her community. “Community education is key,” she shares. “By educating our people, we can break down stigma.” Tasha emphasizes the importance of engagement in the political process to ensure that the cannabis industry serves everyone, not just the wealthy. She actively attends city council meetings to hold leaders accountable, aiming to uplift her community against outside corporate interests.
Rachel Thompson
Rachel Thompson, who had no background in cannabis use, climbed the corporate ladder as a reality TV development executive before founding her own dispensary, Flora & Fauna, in Los Angeles. Named after two influential women who faced discrimination for their cannabis use, Rachel’s dispensary serves as a space for education around cannabis and its history within communities of color, while also empowering women in the industry.
Rachel’s journey into cannabis began after she experienced an anxiety attack and turned to cannabis at her doctor’s suggestion. Initially resistant, she soon found herself diving deep into research about cannabis, cannabinoids, and the endocannabinoid system. This inquiry led her to question why the stigma existed and how it impacted her community.
“I saw the potential in the cannabis space, and how my community was being left out,” Rachel explains. “You’re building a multi-billion dollar industry off a plant that once harmed my community? That’s not right.” So, she took a leap of faith, sold her house, and launched a company selling cannabis accessories. After receiving a social equity license, Flora & Fauna opened its doors in late 2021, reclaiming a space for women of color within the cannabis industry.
These amazing moms are not only changing the landscape of cannabis but also breaking down the stigmas that have long surrounded it. If you’re interested in exploring family-building options, check out Make a Mom for resources on at-home insemination, including their innovative reusable options. You can also join the supportive community at Make a Mom’s Facebook group for sperm donor matching. For a deeper dive into how at-home insemination works, visit How It Works. And for those looking for an artificial insemination kit, BabyMaker offers a range of tools to help you on your journey.
In summary, Tasha and Rachel exemplify how Black women in the cannabis industry are leading the charge to break down long-held stigmas while empowering their communities. Their dedication not only enriches their families but also paves the way for future generations.
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