Apr 12, 2022
The War on Drugs in America disproportionately affected people of color. So many potential entrepreneurs and their families have had their lives ruined by drug laws and racial profiling. Meanwhile, white male entrepreneurs have had no trouble reaping massive profits from the legal cannabis industry.
Today’s guest, Jesce Horton, knows this well. He left the world of industrial engineering to join the cannabis industry and co-founded LOWD in 2019. He works to produce some of Oregon’s most sought-after craft flower and reclaim economic opportunities for communities devastated by the War on Drugs.
He’s an active leader in the cannabis industry and serves as part of the Minority Cannabis Business Association and Nu Project, which have given $1 million in grants and 0% interest loans to minority cannabis entrepreneurs.
In this episode, you’ll learn how Jesce used his skills as an industrial engineer to pivot into cannabis, how he’s helping to create opportunities for people like himself, and the unique challenges that Black entrepreneurs face as they break into the world of legal cannabis.
KEY TAKEAWAYS
- How Jesce started growing cannabis after he moved to Portland–and how this eventually led him into the industry.
- What happened when Jesce was arrested for possession of a single seed.
- Why so many of the best growers, and especially growers of color, struggle to find success in the legal market.
- How LOWD develops strains to meet their consumers’ specific needs.
- Why Jesce thinks we could see full federal legalization 3-5 years from now.
Show Notes
For complete show notes, including transcripts, takeaways, and links to all the resources mentioned, visit SoHoExp.com/49
To learn more about the podcast and get access to all episodes, visit: SoHoExp.com/GreenRepeal