During this First Friday conversation, Marijuana Matters talks about how racial inequity is baked into the cannabis space. As a result, black people seeking to join the cannabis space often face tremendous barriers. To drive out this “darkness,” several media groups have sprung up to center BIPOC entrepreneurship and pathways into the cannabis industry. Media is at the core of the equitable development of the cannabis industry.

Stay tuned by following Marijuana Matters on these platforms:

• @marijuanamattersdc (IG)
• Marijuana Matters (LinkedIn)
• @socialequitymatters (Facebook)

During this First Friday conversation, Marijuana Matters talks about Cannabinoids and Sickle Cell Disease (SCD). SCD affects approximately 8% of African Americans, and is characterized by chronic pain and episodic acute pain caused by Vaso occlusive crises, often requiring high doses of opioids for prolonged periods. Evidence is growing that cannabis may help people manage pain from SCD. However, only nine states include sickle cell as an approved health condition for medical marijuana. This conversation was moderated by Marijuana Matters Executive Director Courtney Davis, SCD advocate Demitrious Wyant aka AR the Prophet, and Cannabis Nurse Rebecca Abraham, CEO, and Founder of Acute on Chronic, LLC.

Stay tuned by following Marijuana Matters on these platforms:

• @marijuanamattersdc (IG)
• Marijuana Matters (LinkedIn)
• @socialequitymatters (Facebook)

During this First Friday conversation, Marijuana Matters seeks to spotlight advocates who not only help to de-stigmatize the use of cannabis for persons with disabilities but also those who can tell the real story about how the plant helps with physical and mental health ailments. This First Friday conversation will include allies from the professional and community space. The session will be moderated by Marijuana Matters Program Director Simona Wright-James with Dr. Duclas, Cannabis Pharmacist, and Jewell Singletary, Lupus Advocate, with a closing live Q & A.

Stay tuned by following Marijuana Matters on these platforms:

• @marijuanamattersdc (IG)
• Marijuana Matters (LinkedIn)
• @socialequitymatters (Facebook)

Meet Keisha Reed, Maryland-based CEO of Explore Maryland Cannabis.

Stay tuned by following Marijuana Matters on these platforms:

• @marijuanamattersdc (IG)
• Marijuana Matters (LinkedIn)
• @socialequitymatters (Facebook)

Want to learn more about Marijuana Matters? Connect with us at marijuanamatters.org.

Meet Amber Norwood, LA-based founder of PAIISE and co-founder of Weed the People.

Stay tuned by following Marijuana Matters on these platforms:

• @marijuanamattersdc (IG)
• Marijuana Matters (LinkedIn)
• @socialequitymatters (Facebook)

Want to learn more about Marijuana Matters? Connect with us at marijuanamatters.org.

Meet Sederia Gray, Southern-based cannabis founder of LunaSol (Mississippi).

Stay tuned by following Marijuana Matters on these platforms:

• @marijuanamattersdc (IG)
• Marijuana Matters (LinkedIn)
• @socialequitymatters (Facebook)

Want to learn more about Marijuana Matters? Connect with us at marijuanamatters.org.

Meet Stacey St. Louis, NYC-based cannabis entrepreneur and founder of Compact Comforts.

Stay tuned by following Marijuana Matters on these platforms:

• @marijuanamattersdc (IG)
• Marijuana Matters (LinkedIn)
• @socialequitymatters (Facebook)

Want to learn more about Marijuana Matters? Connect with us at marijuanamatters.org.

Meet Ashley Jelks, software engineer, yoga instructor, wellness practitioner, and founder of the High Priestess Herbal Wellness, a cannabis brand focused on helping people use herbal remedies like cannabis to improve their overall health.

Stay tuned by following Marijuana Matters on these platforms:

• @marijuanamattersdc (IG)
• Marijuana Matters (LinkedIn)
• @socialequitymatters (Facebook)

Want to learn more about Marijuana Matters? Connect with us at marijuanamatters.org.