High Priority

Are you hungry? If not, you will be very soon. To end the year, High Priority is headed to the dinner table with Miguel Trinidad, executive chef at 99th Floor. The dynamic, inventive chef talks about everything from the moment he discovered his father smokes cannabis to the fascinating intersections of cannabis and culinary cultures. Along the way, Trinidad gives a bit of insight into a few of his favorite infused dishes, explains the process of determining the dosage for each meal and invites chart-topping artist, podcaster and entrepreneur N.O.R.E to 99th Floor.

It is never easy being the first, but anything worthwhile is going to present challenges. This week, High Priority welcomes Tengku Chanela Jamidah, founder of Halal Hemp and the first member of the Malaysian royal family to openly advocate for the legalization of medical cannabis in her home country. From a perspective that only she can provide, Jamidah openly discusses the stigmas around cannabis use in Muslim communities, the stringent regulations around cannabis in many Asian countries and how she founded JIWA, a holistic wellness center grounded in her cultural lineage. Above all else, Chelsea and Alexis ask the hard-hitting question, "Why do adults also struggle to open child-proof packaging?"

Early in the month of November, voters in Maryland and Missouri made a major statement by legalizing the recreational use of cannabis. While it is always great to see voters and lawmakers make an effort to change the way cannabis is perceived on the books, there are still a few barriers that stand between eligible consumers and the various benefits provided by the plant. Negative stereotypes, cultural perceptions and the impact of the War on Drugs have placed a negative stigma around the plant in many communities of color. Fortunately, there are innovative figures within the cannabis industry that are working to tear down this negative stigma one day at a time. In this week's episode, Sysamone Phaphon, Founder of KhuenPhu and Eunice Kim, Founder of HiVi, talk about their personal relationships with the plant, negative perceptions of cannabis within AAPI communities and their Modern Cannabis campaign. Kim and Phaphon also emphasize the importance of conscious consumption while sharing strategies to create a more inclusive cannabis community among AAPI consumers.

Life comes at you fast, but the growth of social media will come at you faster. Within the last 15 years, sites such as Instagram, TikTok and Twitter have become indispensable tools that impact politics, economics, news and beyond. As a result, businesses and brands have increased their use of these platforms to promote their work. Why? A 2022 study found that half of Instagram users say that they've clicked through to a brand's website after viewing their stories. Furthermore, 92% of users say that they've acted in the moment after seeing a product on Instagram. Recognizing the impact that social media has on society, a new generation of brand ambassadors and influencers have gone online to bridge the gap between the evolving cannabis industry and social platforms. This week, our guest, Cae "Jungle Cae" Jones, opens up about transitioning from becoming a budtender to a botany influencer, racial disparities within the cannabis industry and how he plans to use social media to become the "cannabis reporter of our generation."

There are many entry points into the cannabis industry, but few are quite like that of this week's guest, Whitney Beatty. After developing several successful non-fiction projects for FOX, BET, Sony, Discovery and CMT, Beatty found herself in the emergency room experiencing a frightening health scare. To combat this severe health scare, a doctor suggested that Beatty try cannabis to deal with her condition. Little did she know, that suggestion would inadvertently lead her down a path that would change her life. In this week's episode, Whitney Beatty, founder of Josephine & Billie's and CEO of Apothecarry Brands, Inc., opens up about her cannabis journey, highlights the importance of social equity within the industry, and answers the all-important question, "What Josephine Baker song would you most like to smoke to?"

Rob Sims brings new meaning to the popular slogan, "More Than An Athlete." Following a nine-year pro football career and a successful stint in the real estate field, Sims reunited with his teammate, Calvin Johnson, to launch Primitiv, a forward-thinking company committed to the advancement of cannabis as a form of elevated wellness. In this week's episode, Sims reflects on his transition into the cannabis field, explains how he launched a business with his former teammate and looks forward to the future of cannabis in the midwest. Additionally, Sims discusses his company's social responsibility efforts and offers insight into Primitiv's plans for the future.

Addressing complex issues of socioeconomic importance requires complex approaches. Whether it's through film, fashion or advocacy, Kristal Bush, founder of Stay Lyfted and Free My Weed Man, has utilized every portion of her diverse skillset to address the prohibition of cannabis in the state of Philadelphia and beyond. In this episode, we speak to Kristal Bush about the effects of the War on Drugs, social advocacy and reuniting over 3,500 families with their loved ones who have been impacted by the criminalization of cannabis.

People of color face many challenges in and out of the workplace when entering the cannabis industry. Entrepreneurs of color must not only navigate business spaces that were often not designed with them in mind, but they must also overcome the stigmas surrounding the plant in various underrepresented communities. In this week's episode, we speak to Felicity Chen, founder and CEO of Polit, about navigating the negative stigmas surrounding cannabis within the Asian-American community to create one of the most well-respected brands in California's adult-use market. Felicity also shares her insights regarding fundraising through NFTs and Web3 platforms and offers advice for young entrepreneurs experiencing operational setbacks.

Studies often point out that the average millennial remains with an employer for less than three years before transitioning to a new job or place of work. While younger generations have a propensity to move into new roles quicker than their predecessors, few millennials pivot from working as business analysts to becoming the owners of cannabis fashion brands. In this week's episode, we talk to Dae Lim, founder of Sundae School, about his journey into fashion, challenging cannabis stigmas and confronting the lack of AAPI representation in the industry.

Twenty-six episodes have aired, more than two dozen guests have discussed their journeys into the cannabis industry and countless memories have been made. Fifty-two weeks after highlighting the work of social impact brand 40 Tons, High Priority turns one! In this week's episode, High Priority co-hosts Alexis Dionne and Chelsea Wei talk about what led them to create the podcast, recall their favorite interviews and discuss their future goals for the show. Alexis and Chelsea also invite High Priority producer Ryan Shepard to play a few cannabis-related mini-games and talk about his experience with the podcast. Not to be forgotten, the High Priority first-anniversary episode will conclude with a special announcement from Alexis, Chelsea and Ryan.

With a little water, care and hard work, the cannabis industry continues to grow in the Garden State. New Jersey's thriving medical market coupled with the launch of adult-use sales is expected to generate $1.6 billion by 2025. As the state's marketplace continues to evolve, innovators continue to explore new ways in which they can service consumers in the area. In this episode, Tiyahnn Bryant, founder of RollUpLife Inc., about his journey into the cannabis industry, hosting expungement clinics in his hometown and his company's strategic approach to the adult-use market in New Jersey.

It is not often that a successful corporate healthcare and merger acquisitions attorney transitions into the cannabis industry. In this week's episode, we talk to Laury Lucien, co-founder of Major Bloom, about her career journey, Major Bloom's unique business model and the challenges she faces as an entrepreneur of color. Additionally, Lucien offers insight into her educational platform, Legally Great Academy, and addresses some of the systemic inequities that exist within the cannabis industry in Massachusetts.

In recent years, mainstream media outlets have become more receptive to cannabis stories, but for writers like Mehka King, this moment in time reflects a distinct need for publications dedicated to elevating BIPOC cannabis experiences. In this episode, we speak to the founder of CashColorCannabis about the significance of launching in Atlanta before cannabis was even legalized and how he hopes to leverage the multimedia platform to educate all industry stakeholders about the lingering socioeconomic disparities created by the War on Drugs while celebrating the indelible value Black and minority founders bring to the emerging sector.

Creating a more equitable cannabis industry has already taken form in numerous campaigns and initiatives –but what does it mean to codify these values as a full-fledged corporate social responsibility (CSR) program? In this episode, we speak to Curaleaf's SVP of CSR, Khadijah Tribble, about her approach to developing and launching the first CSR program for a multi-state operator. Khadijah discusses the importance of establishing intentional guiding principles, identifying opportunities to enhance DEI across the supply chain, and tailoring KPIs to specific markets and communities. Khadijah also shares her long-term vision for how social equity initiatives will expand and evolve in the near future.

Cannabis has been a part of Asian healing traditions dating back to 2900 BCE –so why is the plant so stigmatized within Asian cultures today? In this episode, we speak to Ophelia Chong, founder of Asian Americans for Cannabis Education, about how the War on Drugs was able to gain a foothold throughout Asia, the most impactful ways to discuss cannabis with family members, and the importance of AAPI representation and visibility in this evolving industry.

With the U.S. cannabis industry inching closer to federal legalization each year, more companies than ever are entering the fold. Considering the steady influx of new businesses in this increasingly saturated market, how can new and established cannabis brands ensure that their name and intellectual property are protected from competitors and copycats? In this episode, we speak to cannabis lawyer and advocate Jessica Gonzalez about the measures small businesses can take to safeguard their brands even when the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office is not engaging with plant-touching entities. Additionally, Jessica will also discuss the state of New Jersey's adult-use rollout and how industry stakeholders can make the local market more equitable and accessible for business owners and consumers.

While the cannabis industry continues to grow and evolve, the impact of the War on Drugs lingers on. Thousands of people remain incarcerated for nonviolent cannabis-related offenses with little to no legal support. Furthermore, those who are able to secure their release often struggle to gain employment or find other necessary resources upon their reentry into the outside world. In this episode, we talk to Philadelphia Lawyers For Social Equity Executive Director Renee Chenault Fattah and Green Thumb Industries (GTI) Director Jai Kensey about restorative justice and their ongoing effort to assist those who wish to have their marijuana-related cases reach the Pennsylvania Board Of Pardons.

Washington, D.C. is home to many of the nation's most prominent lawmakers and policy discussions about the federal legalization of cannabis. However, the nation's capital is not often thought of as a hub for cannabis innovation and business. Fortunately, there are advocates, entrepreneurs and policymakers working tirelessly to reshape the way in which the city's cannabis culture is perceived. In this episode, we speak to Caroline Phillips, founder of the National Cannabis Festival, about addressing systemic inequities within the industry, engaging with lawmakers to sustain the recent momentum around federal cannabis reform and the future of the National Cannabis Festival.

Over the past two years, social equity programs have become noticeably commonplace in all sectors of the cannabis industry. While committing time, capital and resources to addressing the lasting consequences of the War on Drugs is a necessary first step, the onus is now on industry stakeholders to tangibly deliver on their promises. In this episode, we speak to Marijuana Matters Executive Director Courtney Davis about the importance of developing social equity programs around lived experiences and the entire industry ecosystem. Courtney also examines what measures companies can take to set attainable goals and deliver social equity outcomes.

Legacy operators defined cannabis culture throughout the decades-long War on Drugs. Now, these businesses have a unique opportunity to proudly own their history and grow their brands in plain sight as more states create a pathway for legacy businesses to participate in the regulated space. In this episode, we speak to Vladimir Bautista, the co-founder and CEO of Happy Munkey, one of New York's most prominent legacy operators. Vladimir discusses the most valuable insights and skills legacy businesses have over regulated operators, his vision for Happy Munkey in New York's forthcoming adult-use market and how he hopes to usher in the next cannabis revolution on the East Coast and beyond.

In a constantly evolving industry like cannabis, it can be especially difficult for aspiring entrepreneurs to find the appropriate educational resources to start their own companies. For business owners of color, this becomes yet another barrier to entry in a sector where success often hinges on capital and industry connections. In this episode, we speak to Martine Pierre, Founder and CEO of Cannalution aiming to build the first digital HBCU for the cannabis industry. Martine shares her insights on the importance of BIPOC entrepreneurs embracing ancillary opportunities and how new brands can authentically engage with target audiences in competitive markets.

While the regulated cannabis industry continues to flourish with record rates of year-over-year growth, Black ownership and representation have actually dwindled across the country. Cannabis for Black Lives (CfBL), born out of Cannaclusive, aims to eliminate the specific barriers still keeping BIPOC business owners from actively participating in the space. In this episode, we speak to Kassia Graham, Director of Community & Strategy at Cannaclusive and head of Cannabis For Black Lives' leadership team, on how cannabis companies of all sizes can work with CfBL and actively support Black-led organizations through hiring initiatives, meaningfully amplifying Black voices, and staying accountable to their corporate commitments.

The fragmented nature of cannabis legalization has made it especially challenging for industry advocates to pass comprehensive social equity-focused policies across the U.S. –but Tahir Johnson is in a unique position to enact change on both federal and local levels. In this episode, we speak to the Director of Social Equity and Inclusion at U.S. Cannabis Council and Marijuana Policy Project about meaningfully eliminating the main barriers of entry for entrepreneurs of color, the most attractive opportunities in the ancillary sector and how his team is building more robust (and diverse) talent pipelines into the evolving industry.

Since passing in March 2021, New York's Marijuana Regulation and Taxation Act (MRTA) has been recognized as one of the most progressive pieces of cannabis legislation in the country. While the bill prioritizes key social equity initiatives –including accessible licensing for communities impacted by cannabis enforcement, a community reinvestment fund, and automatic expungement, the long-term success of these programs will largely depend on the legal frameworks currently being developed by New York's Cannabis Control Board (CCB). In this episode, we speak to CCB Chair Tremaine Wright about how her office plans to follow through on the MRTA's commitments, the often overlooked resources that aspiring cannabis entrepreneurs can tap into, and what a successful adult-use rollout can, and should, look like. New Yorkers who want to make their voices heard during this process can get involved at https://cannabis.ny.gov/

Cannabis has become one of the most coveted lifestyle products in recent years, but many consumers still face obstacles finding 420-friendly lodging while on vacation. Monique Jackson-Fitzgerald and her husband, Rick, set out to introduce an inclusive solution through InnDica, a platform where cannabis enthusiasts can book carefully curated destinations and experiences. In this episode, we speak to Monique about the process of developing and launching her small business in the nascent cannabis hospitality sector, what goes into vetting and selecting InnDica's travel partners, and the future of these hospitality experiences.

While there are now numerous points of entry within the cannabis space, many of these opportunities are not always accessible to professionals of color. Industry veteran Amber Senter recognized these disparities early on and has spent the past six years tackling these barriers to entry throughout the supply chain. Through her ventures –including Supernova Women, Breeze Distro (currently known as Makr House), and developing the country's first social equity cannabis workforce development program in Oakland –Amber is committed to equipping people of color to become self-sufficient industry shareholders. In this episode, we speak to Amber about the importance of an inclusive supply chain, the state of California's social equity program, and how both regulators and consumers can address the lasting effects of the War on Drugs.

In newly legal cannabis markets, the knee-jerk reaction for aspiring business owners is to either open a dispensary or launch their own product. But what if you don't want to go through the grueling (and expensive) licensing process? In this episode, we speak to Sumera Galvez and Rocio Mata, co-owners of Dr. LungZzz, one of the most beloved smoke shops in Illinois. The minds behind this female and minority-owned retail business delve into the pros and cons of running a non-plant-touching business, how both consumers and larger cannabis brands can be better advocates for social equity, and what it takes to foster deep customer relationships in this competitive space.

Arizona launched adult-use sales in January shortly after legalizing cannabis in the 2020 election －and business is booming. The state has already collected over $20 million in taxes from the regulated industry, making it one of the top emerging markets being closely watched by brands, operators, and investors alike. At the same time, Arizona's rapid rollout is also raising concerns about the opportunities minority business owners and social equity applicants can access in this highly competitive market. In this episode, we speak to Demitri Downing, the Founder and CEO of the Arizona Marijuana Industry Trade Association (MITA-AZ) about the educational and business resources available to aspiring entrepreneurs who aim to be true stakeholders in Arizona's blossoming industry.

Success is often contingent on who you know and the kind of network you've built, and that's especially the case in cannabis. In this episode, we speak to Timeka Drew, the entrepreneur and advocate behind Biko Flower and Our Academy, about her experience applying for a social equity license in California and co-founding one of the most respected mentorship nonprofits in the industry. Timeka will also share her insights on building a personal cannabis brand and how established brands and operators can think outside the box to holistically support BIPOC cannabis businesses.

For many Indigenous tribes, cannabis has been a sacred part of their culture for hundreds of years. Despite this long-standing relationship with the plant, there is little Indigenous representation in the cannabis industry. In this episode, we talk to Chenae Bullock and Roseann Valencia-Fernandez about the historic partnership between the Shinnecock Nation of New York and TILT Holdings, highlighting the ways in which cannabis operators can uplift and empower Indigenous businesses in the space.

Legalization is sweeping through the nation as more states consider permitting medical and adult-use cannabis. But many states that want to legalize cannabis are struggling to develop equitable policies that address the lasting social and economic damage inflicted by the War on Drugs. In this episode, we speak to Karen O'Keefe, Director of State Policies at Marijuana Policy Project, about what legislators in up-and-coming states must prioritize when creating fair cannabis policies.

Cannabis, marijuana, reefer, weed, ganja --there are few products out there that take on so many names and identities. In this episode, we'll take a deeper look at the complex, and often racially charged history, behind cannabis' many names with Professor Isaac Campos, Associate Professor of Latin American History at the University of Cincinnati and author of Home Grown: Marijuana and the Origins of Mexico's War on Drugs.

Capital markets are booming in the U.S. cannabis industry, but the lion's share of these funds are still allocated to established companies, many of which already have strong investment relationships. While more states are creating business opportunities for social equity applicants, securing capital remains an enormous barrier to entry, especially for individuals without access to fundraising resources. In this episode, we speak to MacCalvin Romain, Founder of NEMA Ventures and Head of Product at Lantern, one of the many industry stakeholders committed to bridging this gap and creating a more accessible space for entrepreneurs of color. We discuss what it exactly means to take an equity-focused approach to investing and how social equity applicants can best position themselves for long-term success.

Approximately one-fifth of incarcerated Americans are serving time for a drug-related charge. Even worse, Black Americans are six times more likely to be incarcerated for drug charges despite equal usage rates between Black and white Americans. For the hundreds of thousands of individuals who have served their time and are trying to rebuild their lives, the road ahead can be excessively cumbersome. In this episode, we speak to Meko Lincoln, a Certified Peer Recovery Specialist, Reentry Case Manager and Board Member at Amos House, a nonprofit that provides transitional housing to the unhoused and formerly incarcerated individuals battling substance abuse. Meko Lincoln's account of coming up against professional licensing barriers as a formerly incarcerated individual made national headlines in 2019, and he continues to be an advocate for dignified reentry programs. Meko discusses what businesses, lawmakers and law enforcement must understand and do to tangibly address the lasting damage of drug-related incarceration.

Who exactly are the women behind High Priority? In this episode, co-hosts Alexis Dionne and Chelsea discuss their experiences working as women of color in the cannabis industry, the role cannabis has played in their lives and what they hope to learn from their forthcoming interviews with industry experts.

The War on Drugs officially started in 1971 under the Nixon Administration and its lasting impacts are still being felt throughout the country, especially among communities of color. Despite the fact that cannabis is legal in some capacity in over two-thirds of the country, and policymakers have admitted to the failure of these drug policies over the past decades, the war still wages on in 2021. In this episode, we speak to the team behind social impact brand 40 Tons about the indelible mark cannabis prohibition has left in their own lives. Loriel Alegrete, Anthony Alegrete and Corvain Cooper discuss how the War on Drugs has actually gotten worse since the 2000s and how all industry stakeholders can build a better future for those who have been unfairly targeted by the War on Drugs.

Hi, I'm Alexis Dionne. And I'm Chelsea. And we're here to tell you about our new podcast, High Priority. Cannabis may be legal in a lot of places now, but it has a complicated history. We're two chill women of color who happen to work in the cannabis industry, but we still have a lot of unanswered questions. Each week we're asking industry leaders tough questions about the past, present and future of the plant. You can find High Priority on mattio.com (that's m-a-t-t-i-o.com), iTunes, Spotify, Google Play, or wherever you listen to podcasts. We're already learning some mind blowing info about the history of the plant and we hope you come along for the ride!