High Priority
38 episodes - English - Latest episode: over 1 year ago - ★★★★★ - 8 ratingsCannabis 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.
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Episodes
Miguel Trinidad: Infusing cannabis into the world of culinary arts
December 27, 2022 10:00 - 54 minutes - 50.3 MBAre 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, Trinidad gives a bit of insight into a few of his favorite infused dishes, explains the process of determining the dosage for each meal and invite...
Tengku Chanela Jamidah: Breaking down cannabis stigmas as a member of the Malaysian royal family
December 13, 2022 10:00 - 51 minutes - 47.5 MBIt 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, Jamidah openly discusses the stigmas around cannabis use in Muslim communities, the stringent regulations around cannabis in many Asian countries and...
Sysamone Phaphon and Eunice Kim: Breaking Down Cannabis and the Stigmas That Surround It
November 29, 2022 10:00 - 52 minutes - 47.9 MBEarly 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 provided by the plant. Negative stereotypes, cultural perceptions and the impact of the War on Drugs have placed a negative stigma around the plan...
Jungle Cae: Cannabis Reporting in the Age of Social Media
November 08, 2022 10:00 - 45 minutes - 41.6 MBLife 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 study found that half of Instagram users say that they’ve clicked through to a brand’s website after viewing their stories. Furthermore, 92% of users s...
Whitney Beatty: A Journey From The Director's Chair To The Dispensary
October 25, 2022 09:00 - 1 hour - 55.8 MBThere 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 suggested that Beatty try cannabis to deal with her condition. Little did she know, that suggestion would inadvertently lead her down a path that woul...
Rob Sims: Building the playbook for elevated wellness through cannabis
October 11, 2022 09:00 - 49 minutes - 45.8 MBRob 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 episode, Sims reflects on his transition into the cannabis field, explains how he launched a business with his former teammate and looks forward to...
Kristal Bush: Creating Cannabis Criminal Justice Reform
September 20, 2022 09:00 - 43 minutes - 40.3 MBAddressing 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 Kristal Bush about the effects of the War on Drugs, social advocacy and reuniting over 3,500 families with their loved ones who have been impacted ...
Fel Chen: Recipes for success for BIPOC entrepreneurs in cannabis
September 06, 2022 09:00 - 58 minutes - 53.2 MBPeople 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 Felicity Chen, founder and CEO of Polit, about navigating the negative stigmas surrounding cannabis within the Asian-American community to create ...
Dae Lim: Amplifying the Representation of AAPI Entrepreneurs in Cannabis Fashion
August 23, 2022 09:00 - 1 hour - 55.2 MBStudies 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 fashion brands. In this week's episode, we talk to Dae Lim, founder of Sundae School, about his journey into fashion, challenging cannabis stigmas and ...
A High Priority Birthday: Celebrating One Year of Amplifying Diverse Voices in Cannabis
August 09, 2022 09:00 - 53 minutes - 48.7 MBTwenty-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 led them to create the podcast, recall their favorite interviews and discuss their future goals for the show. Alexis and Chelsea also invite High Pr...
Tiyahnn Bryant: Creating a cannabis delivery platform in an emerging market
July 26, 2022 09:00 - 1 hour - 62.5 MBWith 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 consumers in the area. In this episode, Tiyahnn Bryant, founder of RollUpLife Inc., about his journey into the cannabis industry, hosting expungement clini...
Laury Lucien: Elevating marginalized voices in the cannabis industry
July 12, 2022 17:20 - 57 minutes - 53.1 MBIt 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 offers insight into her educational platform, Legally Great Academy, and addresses some of the systemic inequities that exist within the cannabis indust...
Mehka King: Creating a dedicated platform for BIPOC cannabis stories
June 28, 2022 09:00 - 51 minutes - 46.8 MBIn 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 before cannabis was even legalized and how he hopes to leverage the multimedia platform to educate all industry stakeholders about the lingering socioec...
Khadijah Tribble: Understanding the driving forces behind effective cannabis CSR initiatives
June 14, 2022 09:00 - 1 hour - 58.2 MBCreating 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 program for a multi-state operator. Khadijah discusses the importance of establishing intentional guiding principles, identifying opportunities to en...
Ophelia Chong: Elevating AAPI visibility in the cannabis business community
May 31, 2022 15:44 - 1 hour - 57.3 MBCannabis 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 cannabis with family members, and the importance of AAPI representation and visibility in this evolving industry.
Jessica Gonzalez, Esq.: Safeguarding your cannabis business’ brand and intellectual property
May 17, 2022 09:00 - 57 minutes - 39.6 MBWith 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 copycats? In this episode, we speak to cannabis lawyer and advocate Jessica Gonzalez about the measures small businesses can take to safeguard their bra...
How can cannabis companies work with community organizations to help right the wrongs of the War on Drugs?
May 10, 2022 16:42 - 59 minutes - 54.6 MBWhile 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 reentry into the outside world. In this episode, we talk to Philadelphia Lawyers For Social Equity Executive Director Renee Chenault Fattah and Gre...
Caroline Phillips: Celebrating the cannabis industry's vibrant history and culture in our nation's capital
April 19, 2022 09:00 - 43 minutes - 39.7 MBWashington, 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 which the city's cannabis culture is perceived. In this episode, we speak to Caroline Phillips, founder of the National Cannabis Festival, about addr...
Courtney Davis: Building social equity programs around outcomes instead of opportunities
April 05, 2022 09:00 - 56 minutes - 52.1 MBOver 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, we speak to Marijuana Matters Executive Director Courtney Davis about the importance of developing social equity programs around lived experience...
Vladimir Bautista: The next frontier for legacy operators
March 22, 2022 09:00 - 39 minutes - 36.2 MBLegacy 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-founder and CEO of Happy Munkey, one of New York’s most prominent legacy operators. Vladimir discusses the most valuable insights and skills legacy bus...
Martine Pierre: Fostering industry inclusion through cannabis Edtech
March 08, 2022 17:18 - 1 hour - 59.7 MBIn 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 speak to Martine Pierre, Founder and CEO of Cannalution aiming to build the first digital HBCU for the cannabis industry. Martine shares her insig...
Kassia Graham: Celebrating and elevating Black voices within the cannabis business community
February 22, 2022 10:00 - 1 hour - 60.6 MBWhile 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 the space. In this episode, we speak to Kassia Graham, Director of Community & Strategy at Cannaclusive and head of Cannabis For Black Lives' leaders...
Tahir Johnson: Driving cannabis reforms at the federal and grassroots level
February 08, 2022 17:15 - 44 minutes - 41 MBThe 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. Cannabis Council and Marijuana Policy Project about meaningfully eliminating the main barriers of entry for entrepreneurs of color, the most attracti...
Tremaine Wright: Making social equity the focal point of New York’s forthcoming cannabis market
January 25, 2022 10:00 - 49 minutes - 45.6 MBSince 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 fund, and automatic expungement, the long-term success of these programs will largely depend on the legal frameworks currently being developed by New ...
Monique Jackson-Fitzgerald: Creating space for inclusive cannabis hospitality
January 11, 2022 10:00 - 52 minutes - 47.8 MBCannabis 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 destinations and experiences. In this episode, we speak to Monique about the process of developing and launching her small business in the nascent cannabi...
Amber Senter: Laying the groundwork for an equitable supply chain
December 28, 2021 10:00 - 56 minutes - 51.9 MBWhile 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 Supernova Women, Breeze Distro (currently known as Makr House), and developing the country's first social equity cannabis workforce development progr...
Dr. LungZzz: The upside of pursuing non-plant-touching opportunities
December 14, 2021 10:00 - 42 minutes - 38.9 MBIn 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 shops in Illinois. The minds behind this female and minority-owned retail business delve into the pros and cons of running a non-plant-touching busi...
Demitri Downing: What can equitable access to professional opportunities look like in Arizona?
November 30, 2021 12:00 - 31 minutes - 28.5 MBArizona 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 rapid rollout is also raising concerns about the opportunities minority business owners and social equity applicants can access in this highly competi...
Timeka Drew: Creating a space for impactful mentorship
November 09, 2021 10:00 - 1 hour - 67.1 MBSuccess 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 mentorship nonprofits in the industry. Timeka will also share her insights on building a personal cannabis brand and how established brands and opera...
TILT Holdings and Little Beach Harvest: Uplifting Indigenous Communities Through Cannabis Ventures
October 19, 2021 07:00 - 1 hour - 65.1 MBFor 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 Shinnecock Nation of New York and TILT Holdings, highlighting the ways in which cannabis operators can uplift and empower Indigenous businesses in the space.
How can states play a better role in making legal cannabis more equitable?
October 05, 2021 08:00 - 38 minutes - 35.3 MBLegalization 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 Policies at Marijuana Policy Project, about what legislators in up-and-coming states must prioritize when creating fair cannabis policies.
Karen O'Keefe: How can states play a better role in making legal cannabis more equitable?
October 05, 2021 08:00 - 38 minutes - 35.3 MBLegalization 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 Policies at Marijuana Policy Project, about what legislators in up-and-coming states must prioritize when creating fair cannabis policies.
Isaac Campos: What's in a name?
September 21, 2021 08:00 - 46 minutes - 42.3 MBCannabis, 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 and author of Home Grown: Marijuana and the Origins of Mexico's War on Drugs.
MacCalvin Romain: How can investors create a more equitable industry?
September 07, 2021 17:02 - 43 minutes - 40.2 MBCapital 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 for individuals without access to fundraising resources. In this episode, we speak to MacCalvin Romain, Founder of NEMA Ventures and Head of Produ...
Meko Lincoln: The Lasting Cost of Incarceration
August 24, 2021 08:00 - 31 minutes - 29.1 MBApproximately 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 lives, the road ahead can be excessively cumbersome. In this episode, we speak to Meko Lincoln, a Certified Peer Recovery Specialist, Reentry Case M...
40 Tons: The War on Drugs continues
August 03, 2021 10:00 - 47 minutes - 43.9 MBThe 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 the past decades, the war still wages on in 2021. In this episode, we speak to the team behind social impact brand 40 Tons about the indelible mark ...
Welcome to High Priority
August 03, 2021 10:00 - 45 minutes - 42 MBWho 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.
High Priority
May 26, 2021 00:35 - 52 seconds - 801 KBHi, 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 questions about the past, present and future of the plant. You can find High Priority on mattio.com (that’s m-a-t-t-i-o.com), iTunes, Spotify...