How to Go From ‘Legacy to Legal’
Whether you’re an entrepreneur or consumer in the legacy market it’s important to know that the legal market is not out of reach. With social media, social equity programs, activists, online communities, and new state regulations more Black and Brown people have the opportunity to make their way into legal cannabis. Many times we are creating space or demanding it. It’s less intimidating than you probably think. There’s also way more people waiting to cheer you on than you think. More Black and POC entrepreneurs are embarking on a transitional journey from legacy to legal. It can be challenging, yes, but it is 100% possible.
Special thanks to Dasheeda Dawson for amplifying the phrase ‘legacy to legal’ and pushing this discussion forward via her event series where she holds space for various cannabis industry topics . We need these conversations of shared advice, knowledge, and information. We asked Dasheeda why she transitioned into legal cannabis and what that means culturally. “Don't let these people who don't understand the culture—mostly white male legislators and enforcers, previous law enforcement, decide what gets included cause that’s what's happening. And that's why I feel like I took a public official position so I could be in those rooms and be like ‘no’” --- Dawson on the importance of taking up space in the legal market and keeping the culture. There are tons of questions when you’re figuring out how to enter cannabis. How do I do this? What do I want to do in the space? We’re all figuring this out but having the courage to start asking ourselves these questions is big step.
The billion-dollar legal cannabis industry continues to grow and while doing so leaves many Black and Brown legacy entrepreneurs out of its success. We deserve to be part of that exponential growth —- for monetary gain, the ability to build generational wealth, and access to resources that come with the legal cannabis business. The transition has many benefits and maybe some losses too, but legal cannabis on a mass scale is the future.
To be in community while on this journey to legal is key. Building with one another through collaboration is imperative to the longevity of our success and be encouraged to stay the course. Only 19% of cannabis businesses are owned by Black or POC entrepreneurs, with only 4% of that being specifically Black-owned. The lack of diversity is upsetting but not surprising. It's also an inspiration to change these numbers. Tsehaitu Abye, the creator of BDBC + cannabis advocate, immersed herself in the cannabis space for this very reason. “I started BDBC because there were little to no spaces that looked like me”. Visibility and proper representation are important. It’s necessary to see people who look like us being epic in the space, providing mentorship, owning property, running businesses, and changing the perception of cannabis through lifestyle.
Journeying into the legal market starts with being the example for those watching us and those to come. Speak your truth about your relationship to cannabis, share information you’ve learned, correct the myths. Most importantly, work through any inner feelings from generational trauma, shame, or misconceptions involving cannabis so you can show up as an advocate in whatever lane you choose. Most of this negative thinking and ideation comes from the war on drugs propaganda, beliefs of others or law/politics. Oftentimes, it isn’t based on personal experience. Basically, handle your shadow work. We move more confidently and transparently when we commit to doing the work within first.
Leading by example is just the prerequisite. First off, make sure you actually know some sh*t about cannabis. Just because you’re transitioning from legacy to legal doesn’t mean you’re knowledgeable. We all know somebody who a) doesn’t know the name of anything in the re-up but insists that it's some gas/za (still gon cop though) b) gave us an 800mg edible saying we could eat the whole thing (yikes). Shade but it’s true. If you already study and care about the plant, shout out to you. Regardless, do research, get clear about what you’ll specialize in and the direction you’d like to head.
A few ways to kickstart this process:
Relearn the plant —- You should know cannabis basics at a minimum, but there's so much more to explore
Research various spaces in the industry —- it’s a new market, get acquainted (tbh create space if you don’t see it!)
Find communities to learn with —- shared experiences + support are important
Register for a cannabis event —- there's plenty virtual to catch (workshops, conferences, panel discussions etc) and some irl things beginning to happen
Second off, just start! Whether it’s building your own business, applying for positions, networking, being more vocal about cannabis, or finding a community to support you —- get going. You can start today. You don’t have to be someone who's been in the space for 10 years, or has grown up on a farm, or has some degree in cannabis, or whatever else. Starting where you are; cultivating your own journey is just as valuable.
Black Dragon Breakfast Club can help you too. Our platform overall aims to change the perception of cannabis and help the dragon community become successful entrepreneurs in the space. Through engaging dialogue on social media, in-person activations, Clubhouse / zoom convos, educational products, consultations, marketing support, and networking we cultivate community. We’re redefining freedom together. We’re reclaiming our stories and redefining the ways in which those stories are told.
