In the cannabis industry, Black-owned dispensaries are few and far between. Equity programs in many states are still in their infancy with inefficiencies that make licensure daunting, expensive and exhausting for entrepreneurs. Despite the odds, and because of a commitment to serving patients and the Black community, several Black-owned dispensaries have gained prominence and loyal followings in recent years.

Keep reading to learn more about these companies and their owners, and make a commitment this month - and every month - to buy from Black-owned businesses.

Anacostia Organics

Washington, D.C.

Anacostia Organics (AO) opened on January 24, 2019 with a ribbon cutting ceremony attended by D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser, Congresswoman Eleanor Holmes Norton (D-DC) and other dignitaries after navigating an arduous, multi-year process to establish the first medical cannabis dispensary east of the Anacostia River.

Several years ago, the AO team researched the original license holders chosen by DC’s Department of Health and found that there were no dispensaries located in Wards 7 or 8 even though the majority of the city’s registered patients resided in those communities. In addition, they discovered that out of 15 cultivator and dispensary licenses there were no dispensary licenses awarded to longtime residents of the District of Columbia. Only one dispensary license was awarded to a minority woman, and only one minority male was awarded a license to cultivate in Washington, D.C.

The AO team brought this data to the Executive Office of the Mayor and the Council of the District of Columbia. Emergency legislation was introduced and passed unanimously by the Council of the District of Columbia to reopen the licensing process to choose at least one dispensary that would be permitted to operate in Ward 7 or 8. Ultimately, Anacostia Organics submitted an application and was successful in its bid.

Click here to learn more about AO Owner and Board Chair Linda Greene.

Address: 2022 Martin Luther King Jr Ave SE, Washington, DC 20020

Cannabliss/DC Holistic Wellness

Washington, D.C.

DC Holistic Welness, home of Cannabliss, opened in August 2019 as the first dispensary in Washington, D.C. solely owned by a black man. Located in the renovated Dave Brown Liquor store, DC Holistic Wellness dispensary Cannabliss is place where people can access cannabis and experience a full spectrum of health and wellness benefits.

 “As black people, the cannabis industry is an industry that we’ve been notoriously left out of, where this is an opportunity for us to build a special expertise.” - Norbert Pickett

Winning the coveted license to own a dispensary in Ward 7 was not an easy task for owner Norbert Pickett. He continues to work tirelessly within the guidelines of the law to ensure that Cannabliss and DC Holistic Wellness reign as a premier black owned cannabis brand and dispensary, passing all necessary regulations and checks.

Address: 4721 Sheriff Road Northeast, Washington, DC 20019

Josephine and Billie’s

Los Angeles, California

Coming to Los Angeles in Summer 2021, Josephine & Billie’s manifested from the idea of connectivity, consciousness and self-determination. Founder Whitney Beatty wanted to focus on providing women of color a unique, inclusive atmosphere in order to have a communal cannabis experience, while learning about the powerful healing benefits of plant medicine.

A home for the “Consciously High Consumer” – Josephine and Billie’s aims to elevate and educate clients on the health benefits of cannabis, the spiritual benefits of cannabis, and the self-care and joyous experience that cannabis can be.

KINFOLK Dispensary

Washington, D.C.

KINFOLK Dispensary is Southeast DC’s neighborhood dispensary licensed by the Department of Health to provide cannabis to Washington D.C. residents.

Co-owner Corey Barnette and General Manager Vanessa West bring more than 20 years of cannabis knowledge and experience to the District, and remain dedicated to serving individuals seeking cannabis as a therapy for any condition. KINFOLK carries more than 200 cannabis products, all grown and produced in D.C., plus a wide variety of accessories to suit your personal needs and style.

Click here to learn more about Corey and Vanessa.

Address: 409 8th Street SE, Suite 201, Washington, DC 20003

Mary and Main

Capitol Heights, Maryland

Mary and Main is a dispensary located in Capitol Heights, Maryland with the mission to provide safe and premium quality products with exemplary and compassionate service to all medical patients who are suffering from a number of chronic debilitating illnesses.

Opened in 2018, Mary and Main strives to make an impact in the community through social action, cannabis education, and philanthropy to further inform others of the benefits of the medicinal properties. Owner Hope Wiseman and her mother Dr. Octavia Wiseman are taking the cannabis industry by storm and are determined to help improve the lives of those suffering from debilitating illnesses.

Address: 8801 Hampton Mall Dr., N Capitol Heights, MD 20743

National Holistic Healing Center

Washington, D.C.

National Holistic Healing Center (NHHC) is located by the Dupont Circle metro station in Washington, D.C. Dr. Chanda Macias, MBA, PhD is the owner and General Manager of the dispensary and has the scientific insight to assist patients with dosages and medical marijuana strain alignment to find the right medicine for their needs.

With a PhD in Cell Biology, Dr. Chanda has vast experience with cancer and infectious disease research. Her studies and training have driven her passion for finding innovative ways to meet patient needs with holistic healthcare solutions.

The dispensary carries more than 100 medical marijuana products sourced from D.C.’s local ABRA cultivation centers. Equipped with extensive education and experience, the NHHC team is qualified to provide patients with specific strains and products that treat your ailments and illnesses.

Address: Level T, 1718 Connecticut Ave. NW, Washington, DC 20009

Pure Oasis

Boston, Massachusetts

Pure Oasis is Boston’s first adult-use dispensary and also has the distinction of being the first shop in Massachusetts to come through the state’s economic empowerment program that looks to boost cannabis businesses licensure for communities of color disproportionately harmed by the war on drugs.

Opened in March 2020, the boutique cannabis dispensary offers a user-friendly experience, with knowledgeable staff and a wide variety of high quality cannabis products.

Owned by Kevin Hart and Kobie Evans, the locally-owned Boston business is dedicated to reinvesting in the community with the goal of supporting local community-centered events and youth enrichment groups.

Address: 430 Blue Hill Avenue, Boston, MA 02121

Simply Pure

Denver, Colorado

Simply Pure is a Denver-based dispensary located in the heart of the Highlands. Owners Wanda James and Scott Durrah, both military veterans, pride themselves on being social justice warriors and fostering a politically active dispensary team and community.

Simply Pure was established on July 1, 2010, as the first cannabis edible company in the world specializing in healthy alternatives to the sugary treats on the edibles market. They were the first to cook with whole bud and guarantee consistent dosing by having a complete staff of professional certified chefs working in a commercial kitchen. Now, as the first Black-owned dispensary in Denver, the Simply Pure team strives to inspire the evolution of cannabis through education, safe products, cooking and food.

Address: 2000 W 32nd Ave, Denver, CO 80211