By Cannabis In Black Staff
Happy Black History Month, family.
When we talk about Black history in New York, we usually talk about the Harlem Renaissance, the Apollo, or the birth of Hip-Hop in the Bronx. But there’s another history—one that’s been hidden in plain sight, whispered on the corners of Bed-Stuy and rolled up in the jazz clubs of 135th Street. It’s the history of the plant.
For decades, the "War on Drugs" wasn't just a policy; it was a targeted campaign against our neighborhoods. In NYC, from the "Stop and Frisk" era to the draconian laws of the 80s and 90s, our brothers and sisters were 15 times more likely to see a cell for the same flower others were using in high-rise lofts. But in 2026, the vibe is shifting. We aren't just the "most harmed" anymore; we are the ones leading the way.
The Pioneers: Keeping the Receipts
We have to give flowers to the legends who paved the way. We’re talking about Dasheeda Dawson, New York’s first "Cannabis Czar," who has been in the trenches making sure "Social Equity" isn't just a buzzword but a reality. We’re looking at pioneers like Leeann Mata, who made history opening Matawana, the first Black woman-owned dispensary in Brooklyn.
These aren't just businesses; they are monuments of restorative justice. When Leeann opened Matawana in East New York, it wasn't just about retail—it was about a daughter of Trinidad reclaiming a legacy that prohibition tried to snatch from her family.
The Culture: More Than Just a Hustle
What makes New York cannabis "Black" isn't just the owner’s face; it’s the soul of the brand. Look at Silly Nice. They didn't come in with corporate suits and venture capital vibes. They came in as a Veteran-owned, family-run operation with "Diamond Powder" and "Frosted Hash Balls" that actually respect the connoisseur culture of the streets.
Then you have B NOBLE, founded to honor Bernard Noble, who was once sentenced to 13 years for two joints. Every time you spark a B NOBLE pre-roll in NYC, you’re making a political statement. You’re saying that the days of us being locked out of the rooms we built are over.
The 2026 Vision: Generational Wealth
As we move through 2026, the mission is clear: Ownership. Governor Hochul’s latest "Center of Excellence" and the push for health equity are steps, but the real power is in our community supporting our own. From the cultivators upstate to the delivery drivers in Queens, we are building an ecosystem that finally looks like the city it serves.
This Black History Month, don't just celebrate the past. Support the present. Shop Black-owned. Know your grower. And remember: we didn't just join this industry. We are the industry.
Keep it green, keep it local, and keep it New York.
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