Are you hungry? If not, you will be very soon. To end the year, High Priority is headed to the dinner table with Miguel Trinidad, executive chef at 99th Floor. The dynamic, inventive chef talks about everything from the moment he discovered his father smokes cannabis to the fascinating intersections of cannabis and culinary cultures. Along the way, Trinidad gives a bit of insight into a few of his favorite infused dishes, explains the process of determining the dosage for each meal and invites c...
Dec 27, 2022•55 min•Ep. 36
It is never easy being the first, but anything worthwhile is going to present challenges. This week, High Priority welcomes Tengku Chanela Jamidah, founder of Halal Hemp and the first member of the Malaysian royal family to openly advocate for the legalization of medical cannabis in her home country. From a perspective that only she can provide, Jamidah openly discusses the stigmas around cannabis use in Muslim communities, the stringent regulations around cannabis in many Asian countries and ho...
Dec 13, 2022•52 min•Ep. 35
Early in the month of November, voters in Maryland and Missouri made a major statement by legalizing the recreational use of cannabis. While it is always great to see voters and lawmakers make an effort to change the way cannabis is perceived on the books, there are still a few barriers that stand between eligible consumers and the various benefits provided by the plant. Negative stereotypes, cultural perceptions and the impact of the War on Drugs have placed a negative stigma around the plant i...
Nov 29, 2022•52 min•Ep. 34
Life comes at you fast, but the growth of social media will come at you faster. Within the last 15 years, sites such as Instagram, TikTok and Twitter have become indispensable tools that impact politics, economics, news and beyond. As a result, businesses and brands have increased their use of these platforms to promote their work. Why? A 2022 study found that half of Instagram users say that they’ve clicked through to a brand’s website after viewing their stories. Furthermore, 92% of users say ...
Nov 08, 2022•45 min•Ep. 33
There are many entry points into the cannabis industry, but few are quite like that of this week's guest, Whitney Beatty. After developing several successful non-fiction projects for FOX, BET, Sony, Discovery and CMT, Beatty found herself in the emergency room experiencing a frightening health scare. To combat this severe health scare, a doctor suggested that Beatty try cannabis to deal with her condition. Little did she know, that suggestion would inadvertently lead her down a path that would c...
Oct 25, 2022•1 hr 1 min•Ep. 32
Rob Sims brings new meaning to the popular slogan, "More Than An Athlete." Following a nine-year pro football career and a successful stint in the real estate field, Sims reunited with his teammate, Calvin Johnson, to launch Primitiv, a forward-thinking company committed to the advancement of cannabis as a form of elevated wellness. In this week's episode, Sims reflects on his transition into the cannabis field, explains how he launched a business with his former teammate and looks forward to th...
Oct 11, 2022•50 min•Ep. 31
Addressing complex issues of socioeconomic importance requires complex approaches. Whether it's through film, fashion or advocacy, Kristal Bush, founder of Stay Lyfted and Free My Weed Man, has utilized every portion of her diverse skillset to address the prohibition of cannabis in the state of Philadelphia and beyond. In this episode, we speak to Kristal Bush about the effects of the War on Drugs, social advocacy and reuniting over 3,500 families with their loved ones who have been impacted by ...
Sep 20, 2022•44 min•Ep. 30
People of color face many challenges in and out of the workplace when entering the cannabis industry. Entrepreneurs of color must not only navigate business spaces that were often not designed with them in mind, but they must also overcome the stigmas surrounding the plant in various underrepresented communities. In this week's episode, we speak to Felicity Chen, founder and CEO of Polit, about navigating the negative stigmas surrounding cannabis within the Asian-American community to create one...
Sep 06, 2022•58 min•Ep. 29
Studies often point out that the average millennial remains with an employer for less than three years before transitioning to a new job or place of work. While younger generations have a propensity to move into new roles quicker than their predecessors, few millennials pivot from working as business analysts to becoming the owners of cannabis fashion brands. In this week's episode, we talk to Dae Lim, founder of Sundae School, about his journey into fashion, challenging cannabis stigmas and con...
Aug 23, 2022•1 hr•Ep. 28
Twenty-six episodes have aired, more than two dozen guests have discussed their journeys into the cannabis industry and countless memories have been made. Fifty-two weeks after highlighting the work of social impact brand 40 Tons, High Priority turns one! In this week's episode, High Priority co-hosts Alexis Dionne and Chelsea Wei talk about what led them to create the podcast, recall their favorite interviews and discuss their future goals for the show. Alexis and Chelsea also invite High Prior...
Aug 09, 2022•53 min•Ep. 27
With a little water, care and hard work, the cannabis industry continues to grow in the Garden State. New Jersey's thriving medical market coupled with the launch of adult-use sales is expected to generate $1.6 billion by 2025. As the state's marketplace continues to evolve, innovators continue to explore new ways in which they can service consumers in the area. In this episode, Tiyahnn Bryant, founder of RollUpLife Inc., about his journey into the cannabis industry, hosting expungement clinics ...
Jul 26, 2022•1 hr 8 min•Ep. 26
It is not often that a successful corporate healthcare and merger acquisitions attorney transitions into the cannabis industry. In this week’s episode, we talk to Laury Lucien, co-founder of Major Bloom, about her career journey, Major Bloom’s unique business model and the challenges she faces as an entrepreneur of color. Additionally, Lucien offers insight into her educational platform, Legally Great Academy, and addresses some of the systemic inequities that exist within the cannabis industry ...
Jul 12, 2022•58 min•Ep. 25
In recent years, mainstream media outlets have become more receptive to cannabis stories, but for writers like Mehka King, this moment in time reflects a distinct need for publications dedicated to elevating BIPOC cannabis experiences. In this episode, we speak to the founder of CashColorCannabis about the significance of launching in Atlanta before cannabis was even legalized and how he hopes to leverage the multimedia platform to educate all industry stakeholders about the lingering socioecono...
Jun 28, 2022•51 min•Ep. 24
Creating a more equitable cannabis industry has already taken form in numerous campaigns and initiatives –but what does it mean to codify these values as a full-fledged corporate social responsibility (CSR) program? In this episode, we speak to Curaleaf’s SVP of CSR, Khadijah Tribble, about her approach to developing and launching the first CSR program for a multi-state operator. Khadijah discusses the importance of establishing intentional guiding principles, identifying opportunities to enhanc...
Jun 14, 2022•1 hr 4 min•Ep. 23
Cannabis has been a part of Asian healing traditions dating back to 2900 BCE –so why is the plant so stigmatized within Asian cultures today? In this episode, we speak to Ophelia Chong, founder of Asian Americans for Cannabis Education, about how the War on Drugs was able to gain a foothold throughout Asia, the most impactful ways to discuss cannabis with family members, and the importance of AAPI representation and visibility in this evolving industry.
May 31, 2022•1 hr 3 min•Ep. 22
With the U.S. cannabis industry inching closer to federal legalization each year, more companies than ever are entering the fold. Considering the steady influx of new businesses in this increasingly saturated market, how can new and established cannabis brands ensure that their name and intellectual property are protected from competitors and copycats? In this episode, we speak to cannabis lawyer and advocate Jessica Gonzalez about the measures small businesses can take to safeguard their brands...
May 17, 2022•58 min•Ep. 21
While the cannabis industry continues to grow and evolve, the impact of the War on Drugs lingers on. Thousands of people remain incarcerated for nonviolent cannabis-related offenses with little to no legal support. Furthermore, those who are able to secure their release often struggle to gain employment or find other necessary resources upon their reentry into the outside world. In this episode, we talk to Philadelphia Lawyers For Social Equity Executive Director Renee Chenault Fattah and Green ...
May 10, 2022•1 hr•Ep. 20
Washington, D.C. is home to many of the nation's most prominent lawmakers and policy discussions about the federal legalization of cannabis. However, the nation's capital is not often thought of as a hub for cannabis innovation and business. Fortunately, there are advocates, entrepreneurs and policymakers working tirelessly to reshape the way in which the city's cannabis culture is perceived. In this episode, we speak to Caroline Phillips, founder of the National Cannabis Festival, about address...
Apr 19, 2022•43 min•Ep. 19
Over the past two years, social equity programs have become noticeably commonplace in all sectors of the cannabis industry. While committing time, capital and resources to addressing the lasting consequences of the War on Drugs is a necessary first step, the onus is now on industry stakeholders to tangibly deliver on their promises. In this episode, we speak to Marijuana Matters Executive Director Courtney Davis about the importance of developing social equity programs around lived experiences a...
Apr 05, 2022•57 min•Ep. 18
Legacy operators defined cannabis culture throughout the decades-long War on Drugs. Now, these businesses have a unique opportunity to proudly own their history and grow their brands in plain sight as more states create a pathway for legacy businesses to participate in the regulated space. In this episode, we speak to Vladimir Bautista, the co-founder and CEO of Happy Munkey, one of New York’s most prominent legacy operators. Vladimir discusses the most valuable insights and skills legacy busine...
Mar 22, 2022•40 min•Ep. 17
In a constantly evolving industry like cannabis, it can be especially difficult for aspiring entrepreneurs to find the appropriate educational resources to start their own companies. For business owners of color, this becomes yet another barrier to entry in a sector where success often hinges on capital and industry connections. In this episode, we speak to Martine Pierre, Founder and CEO of Cannalution aiming to build the first digital HBCU for the cannabis industry. Martine shares her insights...
Mar 08, 2022•1 hr 5 min•Ep. 16
While the regulated cannabis industry continues to flourish with record rates of year-over-year growth, Black ownership and representation have actually dwindled across the country. Cannabis for Black Lives (CfBL), born out of Cannaclusive, aims to eliminate the specific barriers still keeping BIPOC business owners from actively participating in the space. In this episode, we speak to Kassia Graham, Director of Community & Strategy at Cannaclusive and head of Cannabis For Black Lives' leader...
Feb 22, 2022•1 hr 6 min•Ep. 15
The fragmented nature of cannabis legalization has made it especially challenging for industry advocates to pass comprehensive social equity-focused policies across the U.S. –but Tahir Johnson is in a unique position to enact change on both federal and local levels. In this episode, we speak to the Director of Social Equity and Inclusion at U.S. Cannabis Council and Marijuana Policy Project about meaningfully eliminating the main barriers of entry for entrepreneurs of color, the most attractive ...
Feb 08, 2022•45 min•Ep. 14
Since passing in March 2021, New York’s Marijuana Regulation and Taxation Act (MRTA) has been recognized as one of the most progressive pieces of cannabis legislation in the country. While the bill prioritizes key social equity initiatives –including accessible licensing for communities impacted by cannabis enforcement, a community reinvestment fund, and automatic expungement, the long-term success of these programs will largely depend on the legal frameworks currently being developed by New Yor...
Jan 25, 2022•50 min•Ep. 13
Cannabis has become one of the most coveted lifestyle products in recent years, but many consumers still face obstacles finding 420-friendly lodging while on vacation. Monique Jackson-Fitzgerald and her husband, Rick, set out to introduce an inclusive solution through InnDica, a platform where cannabis enthusiasts can book carefully curated destinations and experiences. In this episode, we speak to Monique about the process of developing and launching her small business in the nascent cannabis h...
Jan 11, 2022•52 min•Ep. 12
While there are now numerous points of entry within the cannabis space, many of these opportunities are not always accessible to professionals of color. Industry veteran Amber Senter recognized these disparities early on and has spent the past six years tackling these barriers to entry throughout the supply chain. Through her ventures –including Supernova Women, Breeze Distro (currently known as Makr House), and developing the country's first social equity cannabis workforce development program ...
Dec 28, 2021•57 min•Ep. 11
In newly legal cannabis markets, the knee-jerk reaction for aspiring business owners is to either open a dispensary or launch their own product. But what if you don’t want to go through the grueling (and expensive) licensing process? In this episode, we speak to Sumera Galvez and Rocio Mata, co-owners of Dr. LungZzz, one of the most beloved smoke shops in Illinois. The minds behind this female and minority-owned retail business delve into the pros and cons of running a non-plant-touching busines...
Dec 14, 2021•43 min•Ep. 10
Arizona launched adult-use sales in January shortly after legalizing cannabis in the 2020 election －and business is booming. The state has already collected over $20 million in taxes from the regulated industry, making it one of the top emerging markets being closely watched by brands, operators, and investors alike. At the same time, Arizona’s rapid rollout is also raising concerns about the opportunities minority business owners and social equity applicants can access in this highly competitiv...
Nov 30, 2021•31 min•Ep. 9
Success is often contingent on who you know and the kind of network you’ve built, and that’s especially the case in cannabis. In this episode, we speak to Timeka Drew, the entrepreneur and advocate behind Biko Flower and Our Academy, about her experience applying for a social equity license in California and co-founding one of the most respected mentorship nonprofits in the industry. Timeka will also share her insights on building a personal cannabis brand and how established brands and operator...
Nov 09, 2021•1 hr 13 min•Ep. 8
For many Indigenous tribes, cannabis has been a sacred part of their culture for hundreds of years. Despite this long-standing relationship with the plant, there is little Indigenous representation in the cannabis industry. In this episode, we talk to Chenae Bullock and Roseann Valencia-Fernandez about the historic partnership between the Shinnecock Nation of New York and TILT Holdings, highlighting the ways in which cannabis operators can uplift and empower Indigenous businesses in the space.
Oct 19, 2021•1 hr 11 min•Ep. 7
