Celebrating Pioneers Shaping the Cannabis Industry with Justice, Equity, and Resilience
As we honor Black History Month, it's vital to shine a light on the trailblazers—Black and Afro-Indigenous leaders—who are reshaping the cannabis industry with unwavering dedication to justice, equity, and inclusion. These pioneers are not just navigating the evolving world of legal cannabis; they’re rewriting the rules, overcoming the damage caused by the War on Drugs, and advocating for communities historically marginalized in the cannabis space. Here's a glimpse at some of the transformative figures leading this charge, each driving policy reform, fostering tribal sovereignty, and championing sustainable business models.
Little Beach Harvest: A Legacy of Stewardship and Sovereignty
Nestled on Shinnecock Nation Territory in Southampton, NY, Little Beach Harvest is a tribally owned and operated cannabis dispensary breaking new ground in the industry. As one of the first tribal-regulated businesses in the region, Little Beach Harvest stands as a beacon of empowerment for the Shinnecock community, while offering a safe space for cannabis education, exploration, and consumption. More than just a dispensary, this operation is dedicated to reinvesting in its community, with 4% of its revenue supporting the Shinnecock Nation. Little Beach Harvest is redefining tribal sovereignty by bringing economic growth and opportunities to Indigenous entrepreneurs, all while collaborating with Native brands and inter-tribal trade partners. In a rapidly evolving market, Little Beach Harvest is one of the vanguards leading the way for a more equitable cannabis industry.
Christina Betancourt Johnson: Leading with Purpose in Maryland
In Maryland, Christina Betancourt Johnson, the founder and CEO of The Forest by Standard Wellness Maryland, has become a force of nature, navigating the challenges of cannabis entrepreneurship with a focus on empowerment and social equity. As the first African American and Latina majority-owned vertically integrated cannabis company in the U.S., Christina’s leadership is rooted in both personal experience and a commitment to giving back. Through Standard Wellness, Christina is committed to advancing social equity. With more than 15 years of executive experience, Christina is a prominent voice on cannabis policy, sitting on the boards of the U.S. Cannabis Council and the National Hispanic Cannabis Council, while also advising Maryland’s state government on cannabis policy. Her visionary leadership is not just about building a business; it’s about creating a lasting impact for future generations.
Terrence White: Social Justice and Luxury in D.C.
In the nation’s capital, Terrence White is making waves with Monko, a luxury cannabis experience rooted in social justice and community empowerment. As the CEO of Monko, a vertically integrated cannabis brand in D.C., Terrence has combined his passion for fine cannabis with his deep commitment to social equity. A returned citizen and former chairman of the I-71 committee, Terrence has become a prominent advocate for the correction of cannabis criminalization’s disproportionate impact on marginalized communities. His work is about more than just cultivating premium cannabis; it’s about reshaping cannabis culture in the political heart of the U.S. Monko has established itself as a go-to destination for elevated cannabis experiences, offering a premium retail experience that caters to both cannabis connoisseurs and those new to the plant. Terrence’s efforts extend beyond business, advocating for policy reform and working tirelessly to ensure that the benefits of the cannabis industry are equitably distributed.
Jacobi Holland & Jason E. Starr: Redefining Cannabis Education and Advocacy
Jacobi Holland (left), Jason E. Starr(right) Photos courtesy of On The Revel
Jacobi Holland and Jason E. Starr are reshaping the cannabis landscape with their work at On The Revel, a platform focused on education and networking for cannabis professionals. As co-founders, Jacobi and Jason are on a mission to make the cannabis industry more inclusive and accessible, organizing events like Revelry to elevate the voices and contributions of people of color in the space. Jacobi’s entrepreneurial spirit has led him to launch multiple successful ventures, including Tierra Terpenes, while Jason’s deep expertise in human rights and policy advocacy helps guide On The Revel’s mission to democratize cannabis knowledge. The duo’s efforts are creating space for diverse voices to not only enter the cannabis industry but thrive within it, advocating for equitable access, sustainable business practices, and opportunities for all.
Angela White: Empowering the Next Generation of Cannabis Entrepreneurs
At Success Centers, Angela White is dedicated to developing career paths and entrepreneurship opportunities for communities impacted by the War on Drugs. As the Equity for Industry Program Manager, Angela is creating programs that ensure communities of color have the tools, mentorship, and resources they need to succeed in the cannabis space. From offering job training and coaching to providing access to internships, Angela’s work is helping shape the next generation of cannabis entrepreneurs. By creating pathways to success in the cannabis industry, Angela is giving back to the community and ensuring that marginalized individuals have the opportunity to build generational wealth and create sustainable businesses.
A Movement for Change
These leaders represent a movement within the cannabis industry that is not just about business but about creating a more equitable and just world. By advocating for social equity, environmental sustainability, and economic empowerment, they are carving out new spaces for those who have historically been excluded. Their work is helping to redefine what it means to succeed in the cannabis industry, offering a model for the future that is both socially responsible and economically impactful. As the cannabis landscape continues to evolve, these pioneers will undoubtedly play a central role in shaping its future—one that is inclusive, empowering, and transformative.
As we celebrate Black History Month, it’s important to honor the contributions of those who are driving this change and to continue pushing for a cannabis industry that reflects the values of justice, equity, and inclusivity. These leaders are not just changing the cannabis industry—they’re changing the world.
Learn more:
Little Beach Harvest (Shinnecock Nation, NY) – A trailblazing tribally owned cannabis dispensary promoting economic growth and Indigenous sovereignty while uplifting Black and Afro-Indigenous communities.
Cory R. Williams (General Manager) – Leading operations at one of the first tribally owned cannabis dispensaries in the region.
Jay Randolph Wright (Product Marketing Manager) – Driving brand strategy and consumer engagement.
Sean L. Boyd (Mish Mukwoh) (Brand Specialist) – Focused on Native representation and inter-tribal collaboration.
Christina Betancourt Johnson (The Forest by Standard Wellness Maryland) – The first African American and Latina majority owner of a vertically integrated cannabis company in the U.S., pioneering social equity and leadership in Maryland’s cannabis market.
Terrence White (Monko, Washington D.C.) – A returned citizen and policy leader, shaping D.C.’s cannabis regulations while building Monko, a premier luxury cannabis brand.
Jacobi Holland (On The Revel, NY) – A startup veteran and co-founder of On The Revel, democratizing cannabis industry access through education and networking.
Jason E. Starr (On The Revel, NY) – A legal and policy expert who helped shape cannabis reform in New York and continues to fight for equity and social justice.
Angela White (Success Centers, CA) – A workforce development leader dedicated to creating career and business opportunities for communities impacted by the War on Drugs.
