What benefits do you see for patients throughout Florida within this space?
I think Florida patients benefit from access to a medical marijuana program. Although that program is still limited and flawed it provides greater access than some states currently have. And as the program matures, access has increased to include things like smokable flower and edibles. So while the program continues to be threatened I remain optimistic that we will continue to stave off those threats and increase access to more of the plant for more of the people. I believe we do that by creating more competition which ultimately impacts affordability and drive quality which is of most benefit to patients.
What motivates you to be a part of the cannabis Industry?
When I began in this industry, I saw the opportunity in two distinct lights. I saw it as the civil rights movement of our time, in which we have an opportunity to address the devastation and harm caused by the ‘War on Drugs’ in communities of color and communities of poverty (the latter not to be conflated with the former). I also see this industry as the ‘Dot Com Boom’ of our generation with the ability to offer social and economic mobility for individuals like myself, while at the same time repairing the communities disproportionally impacted by prohibition.
What field are you in within the cannabis space?
I wear a number of hats in this space, I began with my first company ART420 which is poised for a relaunch at the end of 2021 or early 2022. For select clients, I also provide consulting services through my boutique consulting firm RGW & Associates LLC. However, I am most known for my work as the Board Chairman for the largest minority non-profit in the space, Minorities 4 Medical Marijuana. And more recently, I became the founder and CEO of Legacy Farms Group LLC (Dba Hemp&fork) which is the first black-owned hemp food manufacturer and hemp heart brand in the country.
How can people in Florida benefit from the company you represent?
Well, individuals interested in improving their life through a healthier diet can benefit from our hemp hearts which are a super food containing all the essential amino acids, omega 3 and omega 6, plant protein and so many other vital nutrients. Consumption of plant-based foods, which our hemp hearts are, has been on a steady incline for the last decade and showing no signs of slowing. So we believe Florida distributors and retail businesses can benefit economically by adding our products to their inventory and making them available to their customers.
How did you get started within the cannabis industry?
I got my start back in 2015 after a vacation trip to Steamboat Springs, CO. On that trip I was exposed to what a legal adult use cannabis industry could look like. Once I returned home to Florida, I quickly began to study our laws and make connections to key individuals in the state and less than a month later my first cannabis company, ART420 LLC, was registered with the State of Florida.
Are you personally a MJ card holder?
Until recently, I did not have a medical condition under Florida law that would warrant me becoming a patient. However, within the last month I have been speaking with my doctor about getting my card to assist in my treatment plan. So I think the next time I’m asked that question the answer will be, yes.
Do you see Florida moving forward with recreational Marijuana/cannabis and how will that affect your business?
I do see it moving forward eventually. However, I don’t anticipate any impact on my business because we deal with an entirely different part of the plant that can’t get you high, only get you healthy. So essentially, Adult Use or Medical won’t affect us. In fact, our products compliment consumption under either program because they introduce a more whole plant ideology into the equation.
