Frankie Amitrano on Breaking Through the Green Ceiling

My name is Frankie Amitrano (pronouns: they/he) and I grew up just outside the Big Apple in a working class neighborhood called Lodi, New Jersey.

Growing up in the shadow of NYC and amongst other cities like Patterson, Newark, etc., cannabis was always a part of life from a young age. Seeing the criminalization of cannabis, the policing of friends and people in my community and the communities around me growing up, I always knew it was wrong and there had to be some way to change it. 

I’ve been on every side of the industry for a long, long time. From the unregulated market, being an outspoken legalization advocate/activist, a Medical Dispensary Manager (Herbal Alternatives), and now working on the cultivating and manufacturing side in a commercial facility at District Cannabis. No matter where my career has taken me, I’ve continued to advocate for those who have been overlooked and unjustifiably harmed by the criminalization of this plant. I live and breathe cannabis. It’s in my BONES! 

“Watching the evolution of different strains emerging in the market over the past 3 decades forged my passion for the plant and made me eager to explore and become an expert at all of the plant's potentials.”

I am the Manager of Infused Products at District Cannabis. I absolutely LOVE what I do. Watching the evolution of different strains emerging in the market over the past three decades forged my passion for the plant and made me eager to explore and become an expert at all of the plant's potentials. I'm always looking towards the future and eager to create new things and bring exciting items to the DC market. The possibilities are seriously endless!

“Being in a mainly white male dominated industry, I admire the women, and Black and Brown people that hold leadership positions that come through with a fiery passion to grow and create  the best medicine around!”

I see magic happen every day in the cannabis industry! Being in a mainly white male dominated industry, I admire the women, and Black and Brown people that hold leadership positions  that come through with a fiery passion to grow and create the best medicine around. Being a queer-trans person, myself, I know how hard it is to break through. And the staff in cannabis facilities are the most hard working people you’ll ever meet. This job is tough! The folx that power through against all odds and never quit making noise are my people.

“I’m excited to judge the National Cannabis Championship THC Flowers category…This is a game of passion, and that comes through every trichome, every puff, every taste! BRING IT!!”

I’m excited to judge the National Cannabis Championship THC Flowers category because I can't wait to see and experience what folx are producing. This is a game of passion, and that comes through every trichome, every puff, every taste! BRING IT!!

I know the idea of a cannabis competition can be a bit intimidating. If you’re just starting your cultivation journey, keep learning. Even the masters have moments where the whole crop will die or get infested, etc. Nature is a beast sometimes, but if you don't give up on her, she'll show you how great she is.