Your medical cannabis journey simplified: find partnered dispensaries, explore pricing options, earn rewards, and get answers to FAQs, all in one spot.
February 4, 2025 08:00 am ETEstimated Read Time: 6 Minutes
Honoring Black history and culture should never be confined to the shortest month of the year. Rather, Black history is impossible to separate from cannabis history — and American history as a whole. As such, we’re using Black History Month as an opportunity to share our favorite black-owned cannabis brands to encourage our readers to add these companies to their repertoire for year-round support.
Our Favorite Black-Owned Cannabis Brands
NOIREBUD
Herbal Tea, Photo courtesy of NOIREBUD
NOIREBUD is a Black female-owned luxury CBD brand that refuses to compromise on integrity, accessibility, or boldness. Founded in Brooklyn in 2018 by Carolyn Gray, the brand was born from a desire to create high-quality, trustworthy wellness products while also acknowledging the deep injustices faced by communities of color in the cannabis industry. As NOIREBUD evolved through three phases of growth, Gray remained committed to crafting products that she and her community truly needed— formulated with care, designed with intention, and always rooted in authenticity.
NOIREBUD isn’t just about premium CBD — it’s about honoring a legacy, filling the gaps in an industry that often overlooks Black and brown creators, and delivering products that support life’s daily highs and lows. Made with love, depth, and an unwavering commitment to its people, NOIREBUD redefines what cannabis wellness looks like.
Holistic Solutions
Holistic Solutions founder Suzan C. Nickelson | Photo courtesy of NJ.com
Holistic Solutions is built on the vision of a future where cannabis is accessible, socially accepted, and regulated with the highest standards of care. Founded by Suzan C. Nickelson, the first Black woman to own and operate a cannabis license in New Jersey, the dispensary is rooted in a mission to provide high-quality cannabis products, compassionate care, and a holistic approach to healing.
Since securing a medicinal dispensary license in New Jersey’s highly competitive 2019 RFP round, Holistic Solutions has remained dedicated to fairness, inclusivity, and exceptional customer service. More than just a dispensary, it’s a space where individuals can explore the benefits of cannabis free from stigma, supported by knowledgeable and caring professionals. Through advocacy, education, and culturally conscious practices, Holistic Solutions continues to shape the future of cannabis—one patient at a time.
Ardent
NOVA device | Photo courtesy of Ardent
Ardent is a Boston-based biotech and medical cannabis device company revolutionizing the way people activate and administer cannabis. With a focus on science-backed innovation, Ardent has pioneered precision decarboxylation technology, making cannabis more effective, accessible, and versatile for both medical patients and everyday consumers. Their flagship device, the NOVA is every canna-chef’s Easy Bake dream: you can decarb, infuse, bake, and melt all in the same device. The NOVA offers an all-in-one infusion technology, delivering lab-grade accuracy in activating THC and CBD and ensuring maximum potency for smoking, vaporizing, or even direct consumption.
Founded by Shanel Lindsay in 2013, Ardent was born out of frustration with the limitations of traditional cannabis consumption methods. By developing patented technologies for sublingual administration and refining decarboxylation processes, the company has set a new standard in cannabis efficiency and dosing accuracy. Ardent remains dedicated to merging cutting-edge science with patient-centered solutions, proving that with the right technology, cannabis can be harnessed as a powerful, reliable tool for wellness.
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Simply Pure
James (middle) at Simply Pure in Denver, Colorado 2021. Photo by Maddie Malhotra.
Simply Pure isn’t just a dispensary — it’s a movement. Founded by Wanda James and Scott Durrah, the first Black, veteran marijuana license holders in the U.S., Simply Pure has spent over a decade challenging stigma, advocating for Black ownership in cannabis, and redefining what a dispensary can be. Located in Denver’s LoHi District, Simply Pure is a community-driven space where customers are more than just buyers — they’re part of a larger push for progress.
What began in 2010 as the first cannabis edible company focused on healthy alternatives has evolved into a full-fledged dispensary known for quality products, education, and activism. From television features to political advocacy, Simply Pure continues to lead by example, proving that cannabis can be a force for both personal wellness and social change. Whether you visit their location for premium products, expert guidance, or to be part of a bigger mission, Simply Pure has you covered.
Viola
Viola is a trailblazing force in the cannabis industry, driven by a commitment to quality, equity, and community empowerment. Founded in 2011 by former NBA player Al Harrington, Viola is a prominent Black-owned cannabis company dedicated to producing premium flower and extracts while increasing equity in an industry that has historically excluded Black and brown communities. Named after Harrington’s grandmother, who found relief from glaucoma through cannabis, Viola was born from a mission to provide high-quality products that truly make a difference.
With over a decade of experience cultivating top-tier cannabis, Viola has built a reputation for excellence, offering a diverse range of strains and award-winning extracts across eight states and Canada. But beyond the products, the brand remains deeply committed to social equity—ensuring that Black and brown entrepreneurs have a seat at the table in this fast-growing industry. Through advocacy, innovation, and community empowerment, Viola continues to redefine what it means to succeed in cannabis.
*Bonus Brand* Veriheal
Samuel Adetunji (left) and Joshua Green, Veriheal’s founders | Photo courtesy of Noel Obusan
We may be biased, but we think this particular Black-owned cannabis brand deserves a little attention, too. After all, Veriheal isn’t just a leading medical card provider and innovative health-tech platform — it’s a company that has actively shaped the conversation around medical cannabis access, patient rights, and industry equity. Founded by Joshua Green and Samuel Adetunji, Veriheal goes beyond just connecting patients with physicians for medical marijuana cards; it challenges stigma, advocates for reform, and prioritizes education in a space often clouded by misinformation. Unlike other platforms that simply facilitate transactions, Veriheal has built an ecosystem where patients can make informed decisions about cannabis as medicine.
What makes Veriheal stand out is its commitment to accessibility and social responsibility. The company recognizes the systemic injustices tied to cannabis prohibition and has actively worked to counteract them since its inception, whether through its Innovation in Cannabis Scholarship, its ever-growing educational platform, its participation in groundbreaking cannabis research, or its founding mission of making cannabis access easier and more dignified. Instead of treating cannabis as just another business, Veriheal treats it as a movement. By merging technology with advocacy, the Veriheal team is not just helping patients get access to cannabis: we’re helping to shape a more informed, equitable, and destigmatized future for our industry.
Kymberly is a Pennsylvania native and cannabis enthusiast. When she's not scouring the racks at the thrift store, Kym can be found rollerblading with her dog or just goofin' around.
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The statements made regarding cannabis products on this website have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). Cannabis is not an FDA-approved substance and is still illegal under federal law. The information provided on this website is intended for educational purposes only and is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. It is not intended as medical advice and should not be considered as a substitute for advice from a healthcare professional. We strongly recommend that you consult with a physician or other qualified healthcare provider before using any cannabis products. The use of any information provided on this website is solely at your own risk.