A look the medical marijuana industry

In November 2016, Florida voters legalized medical marijuana in the Sunshine State. 

Florida lawmakers then passed an implementing bill with several stipulations, including the idea that medical marijuana be rolled out in a “vertical market,” where one licensee would be responsible for all steps in the process, from planting the seed and cultivating the crop to final in-store distribution and sale. 

At the time, that process was criticized because it was perceived that there weren’t any entries into the market by persons or companies of color. 

Now, nearly six years later, the state is poised to issue a medical marijuana license to a Black-owned and operated company. 

Is this too little too late? Are there still financial opportunities for those just getting into the business in 2022?

GUESTS:

• State Sen. Daryl Rouson [D-District 16, St. Petersburg]
• Brandon L. Wyatt, Co-founder, Black Cannabusiness Mastermind
• Zach Fleming, President, Surterra Wellness Florida Market