Honoring Black History Month: the Legacy of Black Pioneers in Cannabis

Laced Bakes and the Legacy of Black Pioneers in Cannabis

As we celebrate Black History Month, Laced Bakes is proud to stand as a Black woman-owned elevated cafe in the cannabis industry. Our journey is deeply rooted in a legacy of resilience, advocacy, and innovation within the Black community—particularly the contributions of Black women and men who have shaped the cannabis space, both past and present.

The Role of Black Women in Cannabis History

The history of cannabis in the U.S. is inextricably linked to the Black experience. While communities of color have disproportionately suffered under prohibition laws, Black individuals have also played critical roles as cultivators, healers, and entrepreneurs. Black women, in particular, have been at the forefront, using cannabis for medicinal, spiritual, and economic purposes.

Famous Black Cannabis Advocates and Protestors

One of the most prominent Black cannabis activists was Deborah Peterson Small, a fierce advocate for drug policy reform and racial justice. As the founder of Break the Chains, she has worked tirelessly to challenge the systemic oppression that the War on Drugs has inflicted on Black and Brown communities. Her work continues to inspire the fight for equity in the cannabis industry today.

Additionally, figures like The Dank Duchess, a master hashishin, educator, and advocate, have worked to elevate the craft of hash-making while empowering Black and female entrepreneurs in the industry. Her influence bridges the gap between traditional cannabis knowledge and modern innovation.

Legacy Growers and Their Contributions

The legacy market—once deemed "illegal"—was often sustained by Black growers and distributors who laid the foundation for today's legal cannabis industry. Pioneers such as Felicia Carbajal, a queer Latinx and Black activist, have championed cannabis accessibility and social equity programs, ensuring that marginalized communities have a seat at the table. Similarly, figures like Wanda James, the first Black woman to own a dispensary in Colorado, have broken barriers in the industry while advocating for justice for those disproportionately criminalized for cannabis-related offenses.

Black men have also played a pivotal role in the cannabis movement. Malik "Phife Dawg" Taylor of A Tribe Called Quest openly discussed cannabis' role in managing chronic health conditions, helping to destigmatize its use. Fab 5 Freddy, a cultural icon, has been instrumental in advocating for cannabis reform and launching legal cannabis brands that support Black ownership in the industry.

Laced Bakes: A Modern Legacy in Brooklyn

At Laced Bakes, we honor the contributions of these trailblazers by creating a welcoming space that embraces cannabis normalization and inclusivity. Our cafe is more than a business—it’s a movement, representing Black entrepreneurship, culinary innovation, and community empowerment. By offering a members-only lounge and carefully curated, low-to-high dose products, we ensure that cannabis remains accessible and enjoyable for everyone.

As we move forward, Laced Bakes is also launching an investor membership on Kickstarter, providing an opportunity for supporters to be part of this growing Black-woman-led cannabis revolution. This first round is just the beginning—those who invest now will be shaping the future of inclusive, community-driven cannabis experiences.

Honoring the Past, Building the Future

This Black History Month, we invite you to celebrate with us—not just by acknowledging the history, but by actively supporting Black-owned cannabis businesses, advocating for equity in the industry, and continuing to break stigmas around cannabis use.

At Laced Bakes, we are not just crafting pastries and lattes; we are shaping history. Join us in uplifting Black voices in cannabis, both past and present.

Follow us, support our mission, and become part of the movement.

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