It’s tough being a person of color in the #cannabisindustry.

It’s tough being a person of color in the #cannabisindustry. We’re constantly underestimated, as if we lack the knowledge to contribute. In almost every corporate cannabis executive role I held, I was the only person of color. Even in a facility with 500+ employees, less than 1% of us were people of color. Shockingly, only about 5% of #cannabis businesses in North America are run by people of color, despite the fact that we were the most targeted for cannabis-related incarceration.

However, I’m grateful for leaders like President Randy Rowe and Dr. Av Singh, one of Canada’s top organic agriculture experts and cannabis masterclass organizers, who have consistently welcomed me to the Grow Up Conference, Awards and Expo events. In 2024, I was nominated for Grower of the Year, Influencer of the Year, and Consultant of the Year, and I had the honor of winning Consultant of the Year as a person of color.

I’m fortunate to be invited as a featured speaker at the Edmonton Grow Up Conference, Awards and Expo from Sept 29th – Oct 1st. I’ll be joining Dr. Av Singh and Dr. Aakash Goyal for an in-depth discussion on the science of breeding and achieving seed stability. I’m also excited to share my unique experiences working with breeders and outdoor farms on the West Coast of North America, where I’ve learned invaluable lessons in cultivation and community building.

The journey is far from easy, but every step forward feels like a victory, not just for me, but for every person of color who has struggled to find their place in this industry. Our contributions are meaningful, and despite the barriers, we continue to push forward, creating space for more diverse voices in cannabis.