Black Gold: Cannabis Community Movers & Shakers: Ramon & Makayla Garcia Of Sanctuary Farms

Honeysuckle is proud to present "Black Gold: A Celebration of Black Cannabis Community Movers and Shakers" in partnership with the Equity Trade Network! Next up in this series of Black History Month profiles, it's the green-thumbed Ramon and Makayla Garcia, owners of Sanctuary Farms, where they preserve three generations of legacy agriculture.

Black Gold: Honeysuckle Magazine And Equity Trade Network Celebrate Black History Month

Drop the needle on Nina Simone's iconic anthem, "Young, Gifted, and Black," because Honeysuckle Magazine is joining forces with Equity Trade Network to unleash a whirlwind of stories, values, and pure personality from the cream of the crop in Black-owned craft brands. This is a celebration with swagger: We’re shining a spotlight on the trailblazers who walk the walk - the community leaders are carving out paths of impact with every puff, pour and product.

Who And What Are The Equity Trade Network?

Who is the Equity Trade Network? They’re the fearless leaders behind the groundbreaking Equity Trade Certification Mark. It's not just a stamp; it's a badge of honor that shouts, "We're here to shake things up!" It’s earned by those dedicated to building equitable ecosystems, where every dollar spent packs a punch of purpose. So get ready to groove to the rhythm of empowerment and progress. Because when Honeysuckle Magazine and Equity Trade Network join forces, history doesn’t repeat itself - it roars into the future.

Ramon Garcia, co-founder and CEO of Sanctuary Farms (C) Sanctuary Farms

Who Are Sanctuary Farms Owners Ramon And Makayla Garcia?

Nestled in the verdant landscapes of California’s Nevada and Mendocino Counties, Sanctuary Farms isn't just a farm, it's a symbol of the enduring legacy of the Garcia family. Led by Makayla and Ramon Garcia, this family-owned and woman-operated venture is rewriting the narrative of cannabis cultivation, one sun-soaked bud at a time.

At Sanctuary Farms, cannabis is a labor of love—a sacred tradition passed down through three generations of legacy farmers. With a commitment to quality, authenticity, and holistic farming methods, Makayla and Ramon have elevated cannabis cultivation to an art form. Their award-winning flower, celebrated for its rich terpene profiles and exquisite flavors, is a testament to their unwavering dedication to excellence.

Makayla Garcia, co-founder and Head of Sales and Marketing of Sanctuary Farms, working on one of the outdoor grows (C) Sanctuary Farms

Cultural Connection:

For the Garcias, cannabis is a crop that serves as a cornerstone of their cultural heritage—a thread that binds generations together. Hailing from the Bay Area, they draw inspiration from their roots, infusing their craft with the spirit of community, healing, and celebration. In their household, cannabis is both a medicine and a catalyst for connection, bringing family and friends together in a circle of love and relaxation.

Soundtrack for Success:

From Greentea Peng's soulful vibes to Burna Boy's infectious rhythms, Makayla and Ramon's smoking playlist is a testament to their eclectic tastes and cultural influences. Each song is a symphony of flavors, a backdrop to their journey of growth, creativity, and inspiration.

Makayla Garcia hides among the indoor grows at Sanctuary Farms (C) Sanctuary Farms

Favorite “Go To” Munchies:

Whether it's the tangy sweetness of apples with Tajin or the decadent delight of baklava, Makayla and Ramon know how to satisfy their cravings in style. For them, cannabis isn't just about the high; it's also about enhancing the sensory experience and indulging in the finer things in life.

Chill Sessions and Connections with Key People:

In their perfect "chill session," Makayla dreams of spinning clay with Seth Rogen, while Ramon envisions vibing with Bob Marley. Both imagine sharing insights and kicking back with Tupac Amaru Shakur. The Garcias believe cannabis is about more than relaxation; it’s tapping into creativity, connection, and introspection.

(C) Sanctuary Farms

Favorite Cannabis-Fueled Activity:

From getting lost in the pages of a good book to immersing themselves in the rhythms of music and film, Makayla and Ramon find joy in the simple pleasures of cannabis-enhanced experiences. They say cannabis is about expanding the mind and exploring new dimensions of consciousness.

Challenges and Opportunities:

As Black entrepreneurs in the cannabis industry, Makayla and Ramon understand the barriers that stand in their way. From limited access to capital to systemic inequalities, they've faced their fair share of challenges. Yet, through it all, they remain steadfast in their belief that with perseverance and community support, anything is possible.

Ramon Garcia on the farm (C) Michael Rosati @rosatiphotos, courtesy of Sanctuary Farms

Looking to the Future:

Looking ahead, Makayla and Ramon envision a future where the Black community reclaims its cultural heritage and economic power in the cannabis industry. From showcasing Black-owned brands to promoting equitable access to cannabis, they see endless opportunities for growth, healing, and empowerment.

Making a Difference:

At Sanctuary Farms, inclusivity is a way of life. From providing affordable, high-quality cannabis to highlighting the benefits of organic and natural farming, Makayla and Ramon are committed to serving their community with integrity, compassion, and excellence.

As Black History Month unfolds, we celebrate pioneers like Makayla and Ramon Garcia, whose entrepreneurial spirit and commitment to excellence are reshaping the cannabis landscape. Through their passion, their creativity, and their unwavering dedication to community, they're not just cultivating crops; they're sowing the seeds of a brighter, more inclusive future for us all.

For more about Ramon, Makayla, and Sanctuary Farms, visit sanctuaryfarmsca.com.

To learn more about Equity Trade Network, visit equitytradenetwork.org. You can also read about Equity Trade Network in Honeysuckle's 17th print edition, featuring Havoc of Mobb Deep. Get your copy now at dispensaries nationwide or click here to order!

(C) Sanctuary Farms

Written By:

Jake Wall is the Chief Innovation Officer and one of the trio of co-founders of MAISON BLOOM, the cannabis industry’s first strain-specific, whole-plant, single-barrel beverage brand. A veteran brand builder and growth marketing leader, Wall has a depth of experience across consumer brands, luxury fashion, digital and e-commerce, consumer packaged goods (CPG), and food and beverage/hospitality industries. Wall has played an integral role in shepherding numerous brands to their high-growth and adoption phases including eHOW, LIVESTRONG, JAKE Clothing, Haute Couture French Bubbles, Ayesha Curry’s International Smoke, and Chef Michael Mina’s empire of restaurants (MINA).

During his time with MINA, Wall oversaw branding and market adoption for 45+ different worldwide locations across 10 brands delivering $220M+ in annual revenues. Prior to MINA, he served as Creative Director at JAKE, where he managed a lifecycle of four seasonal product lines, as well as developing a unique custom operation that could operate at scale to deliver $10M+ in annual revenues and secure a successful exit for stakeholders. He has been profiled in publications including BizBash, Inc.com, SF Chronicle, WWD, Marie Claire, and Huffington Post.

@jakesonetoknowone (IG)

Jaime Lubin is Honeysuckle's Editor-At-Large. Her writing has appeared in HuffPost, Observer, Billboard and more. Also an actress and singer, she can be found on Twitter and Instagram.

@jaimelubin (IG)

@jaimelubin (Twitter)