Marvina Thomas, a cannabis entrepreneur, has achieved a historic milestone as the first Black woman to own and operate a dispensary in Arizona. This achievement is a significant step forward for diversity and inclusion in the cannabis industry, which has been dominated by white men for decades.
Thomas’s journey to becoming a cannabis entrepreneur began when she was diagnosed with lupus, an autoimmune disease that causes chronic pain and inflammation. She found that cannabis was the only thing that helped alleviate her symptoms, and she became passionate about sharing the benefits of the plant with others.
In 2017, Thomas founded 420 Skincare, a line of cannabis-infused skincare products that are designed to help people with chronic pain and inflammation. The success of her skincare line led her to expand into the cannabis industry further, and she began exploring opportunities to open a dispensary.
In 2020, Thomas achieved her goal when she acquired a dispensary license in Phoenix, Arizona. Her dispensary, called “The Green Halo,” is located in the heart of downtown Phoenix and offers a wide range of cannabis products, including flower, edibles, concentrates, and topicals.
Thomas’s achievement is particularly noteworthy because the cannabis industry has been slow to embrace diversity and inclusion. According to a 2017 survey by Marijuana Business Daily, only 17% of cannabis business owners are people of color, and just 5% are Black.
Thomas hopes that her success will inspire other people of color to enter the cannabis industry and break down the barriers that have prevented them from participating in the past. She also wants to use her platform to advocate for social justice and equity in the industry.
“I want to be a voice for those who have been left out of this industry,” Thomas said in an interview with Forbes. “I want to show that it’s possible to succeed in this industry as a Black woman.”
Thomas’s achievement is a significant step forward for diversity and inclusion in the cannabis industry. It shows that people of color can succeed in this industry and that there is a growing demand for more diverse representation in the cannabis business world. As the industry continues to grow and evolve, it is essential that we continue to work towards creating a more inclusive and equitable space for everyone.
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