Cannabis has a long history within the African American community. Historically, the Black community has used cannabis for medical, spiritual, and creative purposes. Cannabis has had a huge impact in the U.S. and when it was first introduced to the states in the 1900’s, it intertwined with Black culture seamlessly. Particularly in the jazz and reggae communities, where musicians used cannabis to enhance their relationship with the flow of music. To this day artists of all races use cannabis as a way to increase their creativity and find their rhythm. However, as cannabis gained popularity in the United States, it soon became weaponized as a means of racial propaganda. During the War of Drugs, cannabis was disproportionately used in targeting the African American communities. It led to a movement of rebellion and resistance. This is how cannabis to this day is a powerful symbol of resilience, overcoming, cultural expression, and healing. In the legal cannabis industry today, we see a rise in Black entrepreneurs trying to educate the world and stand for something greater.
A Historical and Cultural Relationship with Cannabis
For centuries cannabis has been used for healing and ritualistic purposes. There is historical evidence of this found in Egyptian history. Where these civilizations used products produced from hemp to treat inflammation and pain. Some evidence even suggests that Egyptians used extracts to help women through childbirth and menstrual pains (Ledger). Which is very impressive for civilizations to understand the effects of cannabis without using advanced technology. In regions of the Congo, it is believed that cannabis was used to help negate the effects of fever and wound treatment. Traditional healers were aware of the effects of cannabis for medicinal purposes. They were aware of its ability to be used for other forms of relief. They often used it to help ease stress and anxiety which we see being used to help depression and PTSD.
In Africa cannabis was not only used in the medicinal field but also in the spiritual and ritualistic fields. Some African shamans used cannabis to facilitate communication with spirits. Cannabis caused this trance-like state which was used by tribes to meditate, invision, and open a portal to enlightenment. These practices would then lead to a huge influence in the Caribbean than the United States. This is now known as Rastafarianism. Everything changed once colonialism and the Western legal system criminalized cannabis and with that, erasing much of the historical appropriation with cannabis and the spiritual realm. Today, as cannabis is reclaiming its popularity among the people, we are seeing a resurgence of African traditions and holistic wellness movements.
Cannabis as a Tool for Mental Health and Holistic Healing
The stigma with cannabis continues to fade in today’s society. With all the new studies showing how cannabis can be used to heal, it’s only natural for people to want to explore natural healing in a society that forces pills onto every problem the body may have. We are seeing how many Black-led wellness programs are embracing cannabis and CBD as a means of self-care or mental clarity. Many Black individuals struggling with chronic pain or mental health issues have turned to CBD, the non-psychoactive compound in cannabis, to help treat these problems. CBD can be used for stress and anxiety reduction, pain management, and better sleep cycles. The rise of Black-owned cannabis and CBD brands shows us how there is a growing movement behind community healing and promoting self-care. These brands are normalizing natural healing by promoting emotional and physical well-being in Black communities.
Black-Led Wellness Brands Integrating Cannabis into Self-Care
As the cannabis industry continues to grow, Black entrepreneurs are reclaiming their space in the industry. Let’s spotlight some of the Black-Owned cannabis and wellness brands you might not have known were Black-led companies!
Mellows
Mellows is a company based out of California that makes cannabis-infused marshmallows. Which if you were to ask me, I hope they make their way over to the East Coast because that sounds amazing. They offer products of many different flavors and are sold all throughout the state of CA.
ButACake
ButACake is another edible brand that is based out of New Jersey. Not only are they in NJ but they have shops opened in Delaware and Maryland. They are New Jersey’s very first Black-owned edible brand. Headquartered in Jersey City, this cannabis company is known for their delicious baked goods, from brownies and cookies to oils and gummies. They do it all!
Prolific Grow House
Prolific Growhouse is another NJ state cannabis company but they are the state’s very first Black-owned cultivator! Headquartered in Mount Holly, this cultivation site makes some of the state’s best cannabis flower. Founded by David Nicolas, their product is now sold in over 75 dispensaries across all of NJ. Their mission statement is amazing: “Here at Prolific Growhouse, we’re cultivating more than cannabis—we’re cultivating a movement. Join us in redefining the future, for the culture, for our people, and for a more equitable tomorrow.” Awesome!
Good Grades
Good Grades is a New York cannabis dispensary that is located in Queens. This dispensary is committed to providing the best products to the people of New York. Not only are they operating as a dispensary but they are dedicated to leaving a social impact on the community around them. They educate their customers and stand on the pinnacle of excellence.
Black Buddha Cannabis
Black Buddha Cannabis is a Cannabis manufacturer that offers a wide range of products. They offer vape pens, cannabis flower, gummies, and more. Their products are sold all over the northeast of the United States and recently struck a deal to sell their products in Pennsylvania. Their brand promotes that you be the best version of yourself and to never apologize for being dope!
Cannabis has always been an important part of Black culture in America. Although the bad stigma and the War on Drugs has silenced a lot of the Black culture in the United States, the Black community will prevail as a major factor in the legalization of cannabis. The systemic barriers are being destroyed and Black entrepreneurs, advocates, and people are reclaiming their space in the industry.
We strive to push for restorative justice and advocate for equality in the cannabis industry. We support Black-owned brands! We want to help heal communities and ensure that the Black community is heard!
Sources
Ledger, Emily. “Cannabis Use in the Ancient World: Ancient Egypt.” Cancheck, 5 Jan. 2021, cancheck.com/cannabis-use-in-ancient-world-ancient-egypt/.
Coleman, Theara. “Cannabis & Black History Month: A Timeline.” Honeysuckle Magazine, Honeysuckle Magazine, 31 Jan. 2022, honeysucklemag.com/cannabis-black-history-month-timeline/.