Sit up and look alive; class is in session! Well, actually, it’s time for a recap of one of the most amazing and inspirational homecoming-meets-family-reunion experiences I’ve had the privilege to cover! Let me tell you, I had no idea what I was in for; my outfits were on point and on theme. I was ready to learn and observe, but didn’t expect to feel so much genuine love, support, and a family filled with glee at my presence and joining the fun. It was a jam-packed weekend, and I have a lot to say.
I attended Black Cannabis Week with approved Media/Press credentials; yes, my opinions have been solicited again.
Black Cannabis Week is a week of education, advocacy, culture, and community, bringing together entrepreneurs, policymakers, educators, patients, workforce leaders, and advocates to explore the opportunities and challenges shaping the cannabis industry.
This year’s celebration ran from September 20–27, culminating in the ninth annual Opportunities Conference in Philadelphia, September 25–27. The weekend featured conversations and events centered on economic mobility, entrepreneurship, workforce opportunities, patient access, education, and Black culture.
My first stop was the Policy Summit, where I could see and learn the full chessboard and the complex layers of systems we are navigating under one umbrella: the Cannabis industry. It felt a bit like Mean Girls: as they broke down the school dynamics in the cafeteria, they planted many seeds, but ultimately, I had clarity.
Let’s break it down: we have medical cannabis, and if you’re new, that’s been my primary domain throughout my 4/20 advocacy journey. Through the medical tunnel, I retraced my roots and learned the origin and history of cannabis. Our ancestors have been using cannabis as medicinal relief for generations, so the system demonized a plant for relief.
“This is our ancient medicine, the people of African Diaspora!”
“Quotes throughout this reflection were collected from speakers during Black Cannabis Week.”
This leads to recreational cannabis, reform, reparations, and justice. This is when, for lack of better words, things get a bit hazy, but that is the purpose, systematically. For generations, weed has been marketed as a gateway drug, and the people who consume and/or sell are branded as criminals, and the powers that be have imprisoned countless of our black and brown people for selling a plant. Now it is currently being marketed as “alternative” medicine and natural wellness, and the same people who demonized and imprisoned the cannabis user are profiting from it and actively creating new systems and barriers to keep us out.
“Cannabis policy SHOULD be about the people!”
“Quotes throughout this reflection were collected from speakers during Black Cannabis Week.”
I heard people advocating for the same goal, but speaking different languages and perspectives. I am immensely grateful I was in the room where it happened, because I listened and learned, leaving me with many seeds to nourish and watch flourish; there’s work to be done. I highly recommend everyone join the room and the conversation, and let’s make history as a community by embracing each other’s differences, focusing on the commonalities, and what we can give and take from one another.
“There can never be a better advocate for Black people than Black people.”
“Quotes throughout this reflection were collected from speakers during Black Cannabis Week.”
And I do mean the community as a whole, advocates and disbelievers of the plant. We need to start speaking the same language across generations, cultures, and perspectives of using cannabis, because all of our reasons why have remained timeless. It has been a tool for relief and survival through the journey of life. Before the Policy Summit, my primary focus was on medical cannabis and the advancement of research for my eyes, while enjoying the benefits and new research for my other conditions; I have a lot going on in this body. Then, after seeing more of the chessboard, I realized it is just one piece in a giant game that is systematically rigged against us. For us to all sing the same tune, it is going to require us to retrace our roots and ask why weed and finding relief is controversial, but every day after 5 PM it is socially acceptable to get drunk at happy hour.
“We are all here as dualas of this moment, giving birth to opportunities.”
“Quotes throughout this reflection were collected from speakers during Black Cannabis Week.”
Overwhelmingly, I felt safe and at home in the space. I was embraced with some of the warmest hugs of my life, and everyone echoed and validated a tune I have been screaming, which also felt a bit overwhelming, but inspiring to continue being vocal and involved in my community. I knew my why, and the Policy Summit showed me direction, resources, and community.
One of my favorite things about our people is that we love a good laugh, and that was my next stop, High Black History!
High Black History:
Fed my soul and spoke my language of let’s have a nice laugh and Kiki, that’s historically accurate this time. The event took place at Two Locals Brewing, Philadelphia’s first Black-owned brewery located in the UCity section of West Philadelphia. As the edible was blossoming in my system, I found myself laughing, connecting, and learning more hidden gems that history tried to erase.
Before the event started, I was once again met with the warmest embrace. I met people who felt immediately aligned, like chosen family. We shared stories, experiences, and ultimately supported each other’s visions and goals; before I knew it, the show was starting, and I love any good event to spill the tea.
We retraced our roots back to 1920/30s Harlem, NY: the Black Jazz Tea Pad. I should have known the Harlem Renaissance creativity wasn’t fueled by liquor alone; I do some of my best work while elevated. Underneath each laugh and lesson, there was this silent question: who taught you weed was bad??
The next comedian, Laury Lucien, highlighted Billie Holiday and peeled back the layers of her story, shedding light on a plant long used for relief. Laury grew up in Haiti using plants as medicine and tinctures to soothe anxiety. It was perplexing to come to the US and learn that the same plant is being demonized as a gateway drug.
“I think trauma is a gateway drug. Only our culture vilifies the method to solution.”
Now, the message that I took away from her was loud and clear: protect my peace and stay elevated, and most importantly:
“I feel…I’m afraid of a white man ever becoming obsessed with me.”
Then Chanel Ali came to the stage and reinforced a very similar thought, with an alternative ending to The Color Purple. What if Celie killed Mister? At this point, the elevations are almost at full bloom within my system, and I felt like she was reading my mind! Because why have we been taught as women to endure?
“Sometimes liberation is refusing to endure one more day”
The last comedian for the show, JoJo Simmons, highlighted Luis Armstrong. Listening to “What a Wonderful World,” yeah, I can’t believe I didn’t realize Luis was high!
“And I think to myself.
What a wonderful world”
“Help the negro get through what’s going on”
Throughout our history in America, the negro has had a lot going on and utilized a plant for medicinal relief that allowed us a community to create, inspire, and move within systems that try to destroy us.
Before I knew it, it was time to fade into
CannaBliss Burlesque Performance ft. Luna Skyy.
There’s an art to every craft, and our community has a way of transforming generational depths of emotions into timeless art. By then, the edible was in full bloom, and I rode to the event with a new friend. Once again, I was met with a warm embrace and a calm atmosphere. I did want to ask, so are we all high?
The show was at Plant and People, an award-winning, mother-daughter-owned plant shop and café in West Philly that nourishes community, culture, and connection through greenery.
I had no idea what to expect for the Burlesque show, but the venue, people, and vibes were better than I ever imagined. There was so much green, the room smelled amazing, and the whole atmosphere felt peaceful what my elevated heart needed to close out such an incredible day. Before the performance, I found myself in a fun girl Kiki that I didn’t realize was with Laury from High Black Comedy, until reviewing my notes to write this review- wow!
At this point, I was floating and proud I was still awake to enjoy Luna Skyy’s performance, and women are nature’s purest form of art. I love watching women own their sensual, feminine power. It was even more rewarding to zoom out and witness her capturing the room. By the end of the show, I was exhausted, but overwhelmingly grateful to be a part of Black Cannabis Week.
After a night’s rest, I woke up bright-eyed and bushy-tailed to head to Temple University for
The Cannabis Opportunities Conference.
This was my showtime moment; I knew exactly who, what, and the final bit of clarity I needed to ensure I was taking the right seeds home for my part of the garden.
By now, I should have been used to the program and the warm embraces, but I wasn’t, and this time it was a bit sweeter because at the end of this event, I’ll be heading home and already genuinely missing all the incredible people I got to spend my weekend with.
My first mission was to meet Leafwell. I have been a Leafwell partner since 2021, and it was my first opportunity in the cannabis world. When I first began the partnership, I knew I wanted to create a healing lens on cannabis and transform the narrative around it. Each person I worked with at Leafwell listened and nurtured my ideas. I was delighted to see the Leafwell representative, who is always in my corner and rooting for my success. It was nice to feel that warmth in person; I also felt the impact of that one yes, which shifted my perspective and became a tool to give my community access. Felt like the cherry on top of a perfect weekend, and the event was just getting started.
Unfortunately, no spoilers, and I can’t reveal the incredible conversations because seeds must be planted, and stay tuned; this is just the introduction to a beautiful and bountiful garden unfolding. But in the midst of my personal mission, I was able to sit back and enjoy hearing entrepreneurs pitch incredible & innovative ideas at Pull-Up & Pitch: Community Business Showcase. One thing I loved about each presenter and the panelist feedback was a conversation of growth, with tools to help them achieve their vision. The same energy was there during the Nova Future Leaders Initiative: Student Pitch Showcase, and the room echoed and validated the feedback of support. Overwhelmingly, the feeling was that it’s okay to stumble; we will be here to catch you if you fall; it’s all part of growth.
Then somehow I found my way into the Zen zone while seeking the restroom and got an amazing upper-body massage. The lady said I looked stressed, and I’m sure after she felt about a month of boxing-training tension, she probably thinks I need to indulge in more elevations lol.
After the massage, I turned my brain off and just existed in the space. I browsed, shopped, and bought a cute pink sweatsuit, sexy foxy hat, and cosmetics, the simple pleasures that bring me joy. I will be featuring them all on my social media often, and will be back for more. Then I found my way to the live taping of the For Good Podcast with Vanessa and Jojo Simmons, interviewing Precious Osagie-Erese, who I also had the privilege of hearing speak at the Policy Summit. It felt like the final piece of a full, impactful day, with a gentle reminder to release the pressure, give yourself the gift of time to do it right, and have the grace to try again if things don’t go according to plan.
After a weekend full of connecting, networking, and learning, we wrapped up with Family Feud! We all had fun and became way too competitive! Even I had to remind myself it was just a game, but it felt like family game night filled with laughs and jokes!
I began my year seeking alignment and left Philly with a lasting warm embrace from family. I can’t wait for the next event! I am immensely grateful for the knowledge, conversations, and perspectives from each event and person.
Thank you for allowing me to be in the rooms where it happened; we have work to do!
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