Cannabis has a tough history, and we’re here to ask the tough questions about this emerging industry. Join co-hosts Alexis and Chelsea, two PR professionals and women of color in the cannabis space, for in-depth conversations with industry experts about the past, present and future of cannabis. High Priority is a production of MATTIO Communications. New episodes drop biweekly on Tuesdays.
…
continue reading
1
Miguel Trinidad: Infusing cannabis into the world of culinary arts
54:57
54:57
Lire Plus Tard
Lire Plus Tard
Des listes
J'aime
Aimé
54:57
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,…
…
continue reading
1
Tengku Chanela Jamidah: Breaking down cannabis stigmas as a member of the Malaysian royal family
51:55
51:55
Lire Plus Tard
Lire Plus Tard
Des listes
J'aime
Aimé
51:55
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, Ja…
…
continue reading
1
Sysamone Phaphon and Eunice Kim: Breaking Down Cannabis and the Stigmas That Surround It
52:18
52:18
Lire Plus Tard
Lire Plus Tard
Des listes
J'aime
Aimé
52:18
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…
…
continue reading
1
Jungle Cae: Cannabis Reporting in the Age of Social Media
45:24
45:24
Lire Plus Tard
Lire Plus Tard
Des listes
J'aime
Aimé
45:24
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 stud…
…
continue reading
1
Whitney Beatty: A Journey From The Director's Chair To The Dispensary
1:00:56
1:00:56
Lire Plus Tard
Lire Plus Tard
Des listes
J'aime
Aimé
1:00:56
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 sug…
…
continue reading
1
Rob Sims: Building the playbook for elevated wellness through cannabis
49:57
49:57
Lire Plus Tard
Lire Plus Tard
Des listes
J'aime
Aimé
49:57
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 …
…
continue reading
1
Kristal Bush: Creating Cannabis Criminal Justice Reform
43:59
43:59
Lire Plus Tard
Lire Plus Tard
Des listes
J'aime
Aimé
43:59
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 …
…
continue reading
1
Fel Chen: Recipes for success for BIPOC entrepreneurs in cannabis
58:07
58:07
Lire Plus Tard
Lire Plus Tard
Des listes
J'aime
Aimé
58:07
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…
…
continue reading
1
Dae Lim: Amplifying the Representation of AAPI Entrepreneurs in Cannabis Fashion
1:00:15
1:00:15
Lire Plus Tard
Lire Plus Tard
Des listes
J'aime
Aimé
1:00:15
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 fash…
…
continue reading
1
A High Priority Birthday: Celebrating One Year of Amplifying Diverse Voices in Cannabis
53:10
53:10
Lire Plus Tard
Lire Plus Tard
Des listes
J'aime
Aimé
53:10
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 l…
…
continue reading
1
Tiyahnn Bryant: Creating a cannabis delivery platform in an emerging market
1:08:13
1:08:13
Lire Plus Tard
Lire Plus Tard
Des listes
J'aime
Aimé
1:08:13
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 consumer…
…
continue reading
1
Laury Lucien: Elevating marginalized voices in the cannabis industry
57:59
57:59
Lire Plus Tard
Lire Plus Tard
Des listes
J'aime
Aimé
57:59
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 offer…
…
continue reading
1
Mehka King: Creating a dedicated platform for BIPOC cannabis stories
51:05
51:05
Lire Plus Tard
Lire Plus Tard
Des listes
J'aime
Aimé
51:05
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 befor…
…
continue reading
1
Khadijah Tribble: Understanding the driving forces behind effective cannabis CSR initiatives
1:03:32
1:03:32
Lire Plus Tard
Lire Plus Tard
Des listes
J'aime
Aimé
1:03:32
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 pro…
…
continue reading
1
Ophelia Chong: Elevating AAPI visibility in the cannabis business community
1:02:34
1:02:34
Lire Plus Tard
Lire Plus Tard
Des listes
J'aime
Aimé
1:02:34
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 cannab…
…
continue reading
1
Jessica Gonzalez, Esq.: Safeguarding your cannabis business’ brand and intellectual property
57:44
57:44
Lire Plus Tard
Lire Plus Tard
Des listes
J'aime
Aimé
57:44
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 copyc…
…
continue reading
1
How can cannabis companies work with community organizations to help right the wrongs of the War on Drugs?
59:35
59:35
Lire Plus Tard
Lire Plus Tard
Des listes
J'aime
Aimé
59:35
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 …
…
continue reading
1
Caroline Phillips: Celebrating the cannabis industry's vibrant history and culture in our nation's capital
43:23
43:23
Lire Plus Tard
Lire Plus Tard
Des listes
J'aime
Aimé
43:23
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 wh…
…
continue reading
1
Courtney Davis: Building social equity programs around outcomes instead of opportunities
56:55
56:55
Lire Plus Tard
Lire Plus Tard
Des listes
J'aime
Aimé
56:55
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…
…
continue reading
1
Vladimir Bautista: The next frontier for legacy operators
39:34
39:34
Lire Plus Tard
Lire Plus Tard
Des listes
J'aime
Aimé
39:34
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-foun…
…
continue reading
1
Martine Pierre: Fostering industry inclusion through cannabis Edtech
1:05:11
1:05:11
Lire Plus Tard
Lire Plus Tard
Des listes
J'aime
Aimé
1:05:11
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…
…
continue reading
1
Kassia Graham: Celebrating and elevating Black voices within the cannabis business community
1:06:08
1:06:08
Lire Plus Tard
Lire Plus Tard
Des listes
J'aime
Aimé
1:06:08
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 th…
…
continue reading
1
Tahir Johnson: Driving cannabis reforms at the federal and grassroots level
44:49
44:49
Lire Plus Tard
Lire Plus Tard
Des listes
J'aime
Aimé
44:49
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. Ca…
…
continue reading
1
Tremaine Wright: Making social equity the focal point of New York’s forthcoming cannabis market
49:50
49:50
Lire Plus Tard
Lire Plus Tard
Des listes
J'aime
Aimé
49:50
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 fun…
…
continue reading
1
Monique Jackson-Fitzgerald: Creating space for inclusive cannabis hospitality
52:12
52:12
Lire Plus Tard
Lire Plus Tard
Des listes
J'aime
Aimé
52:12
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 destina…
…
continue reading
1
Amber Senter: Laying the groundwork for an equitable supply chain
56:38
56:38
Lire Plus Tard
Lire Plus Tard
Des listes
J'aime
Aimé
56:38
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 Su…
…
continue reading
1
Dr. LungZzz: The upside of pursuing non-plant-touching opportunities
42:32
42:32
Lire Plus Tard
Lire Plus Tard
Des listes
J'aime
Aimé
42:32
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 s…
…
continue reading
1
Demitri Downing: What can equitable access to professional opportunities look like in Arizona?
31:05
31:05
Lire Plus Tard
Lire Plus Tard
Des listes
J'aime
Aimé
31:05
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 rap…
…
continue reading
1
Timeka Drew: Creating a space for impactful mentorship
1:13:19
1:13:19
Lire Plus Tard
Lire Plus Tard
Des listes
J'aime
Aimé
1:13:19
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 me…
…
continue reading
1
TILT Holdings and Little Beach Harvest: Uplifting Indigenous Communities Through Cannabis Ventures
1:11:08
1:11:08
Lire Plus Tard
Lire Plus Tard
Des listes
J'aime
Aimé
1:11:08
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 Shinnecoc…
…
continue reading
1
Karen O'Keefe: How can states play a better role in making legal cannabis more equitable?
38:36
38:36
Lire Plus Tard
Lire Plus Tard
Des listes
J'aime
Aimé
38:36
Legalization is sweeping through the nation as more states consider permitting medical and adult-use cannabis. But many states that want to legalize cannabis are struggling to develop equitable policies that address the lasting social and economic damage inflicted by the War on Drugs. In this episode, we speak to Karen O'Keefe, Director of State Po…
…
continue reading
1
Isaac Campos: What's in a name?
46:09
46:09
Lire Plus Tard
Lire Plus Tard
Des listes
J'aime
Aimé
46:09
Cannabis, marijuana, reefer, weed, ganja --there are few products out there that take on so many names and identities. In this episode, we’ll take a deeper look at the complex, and often racially charged history, behind cannabis’ many names with Professor Isaac Campos, Associate Professor of Latin American History at the University of Cincinnati an…
…
continue reading
1
MacCalvin Romain: How can investors create a more equitable industry?
43:52
43:52
Lire Plus Tard
Lire Plus Tard
Des listes
J'aime
Aimé
43:52
Capital markets are booming in the U.S. cannabis industry, but the lion’s share of these funds are still allocated to established companies, many of which already have strong investment relationships. While more states are creating business opportunities for social equity applicants, securing capital remains an enormous barrier to entry, especially…
…
continue reading
1
Meko Lincoln: The Lasting Cost of Incarceration
31:45
31:45
Lire Plus Tard
Lire Plus Tard
Des listes
J'aime
Aimé
31:45
Approximately one-fifth of incarcerated Americans are serving time for a drug-related charge. Even worse, Black Americans are six times more likely to be incarcerated for drug charges despite equal usage rates between Black and white Americans. For the hundreds of thousands of individuals who have served their time and are trying to rebuild their l…
…
continue reading
1
40 Tons: The War on Drugs continues
47:58
47:58
Lire Plus Tard
Lire Plus Tard
Des listes
J'aime
Aimé
47:58
The War on Drugs officially started in 1971 under the Nixon Administration and its lasting impacts are still being felt throughout the country, especially among communities of color. Despite the fact that cannabis is legal in some capacity in over two-thirds of the country, and policymakers have admitted to the failure of these drug policies over t…
…
continue reading
Who exactly are the women behind High Priority? In this episode, co-hosts Alexis Dionne and Chelsea discuss their experiences working as women of color in the cannabis industry, the role cannabis has played in their lives and what they hope to learn from their forthcoming interviews with industry experts.…
…
continue reading
Hi, I’m Alexis Dionne.And I’m Chelsea.And we’re here to tell you about our new podcast, High Priority.Cannabis may be legal in a lot of places now, but it has a complicated history.We’re two chill women of color who happen to work in the cannabis industry, but we still have a lot of unanswered questions.Each week we’re asking industry leaders tough…
…
continue reading