My name is Jay and I’m the founder of District Dabbers. I grew up in New York, in The Bronx to be exact. I remember the city being very rough during my childhood. It was a challenging time in my city’s history, but the things I saw, heard and experienced taught me about survival and community.

I was only 11 years old when I snatched a little baggy my brother had in his jeans and found my best friend so we could smoke a joint like the older guys on the corner (I do not endorse children smoking cannabis!). I rolled an atrocious joint and that began my journey into the world of cannabis. 

“I had a lot of life experiences that challenged me when I was growing up. Losing my older brother to cancer is at the top of the list.”

I had a lot of life experiences that challenged me when I was growing up. Losing my older brother to cancer is at the top of the list. Dealing with the impact of the war on drugs and prohibition in New York City as a young man growing up was also on the list. Thankfully I was lucky and emerged from my youth with my health, and unscathed by the over-policing of cannabis and the cannabis community in the city. A lot of my friends were not so lucky, losing their freedom because of a plant. I’m proud to see how far cannabis has come and seeing it emerge into mainstream markets is really exciting, but we have to remember that there is a lot of work to be done to give those still incarcerated for cannabis offenses their lives back! 

One of the most enriching aspects of my experience in cannabis is the people I’ve met through my work and how we’ve collaborated to build together. Along with my wife, daughters and young grandson, the cannabis community really lifts me up.

“There are a lot of people that have mentored me in my journey, but I wouldn’t have my brand or be where I am today without my brother from another mother Phone Homie.”

There are a lot of people that have mentored me in my journey, but I wouldn’t have my brand or be where I am today without my brother from another mother Phone Homie (please visit this link to support Phone Homie’s GoFund Me). He has been instrumental in my growth as an influencer/host and as a business person.

DC Scroger is another person who has done nothing but support me and teach me since day one. I’m very thankful for the relationship I have with him. I also can’t forget my good friend and advisor Brian Rubin. He always has sound advice for me.

Without these guys and a whole laundry list of others there would be no District Dabbers! You are all loved and appreciated!

Visit District Dabbers in the Exhibitor Village at NCF.