As the legal cannabis industry has expanded across the US over the past decade, green is the most prominent color seen in this space. In addition to the color of the flower, sales are projected to reach up to $30.4 billion in the US by 2023, States have generated as much as $369 million in cannabis tax revenues in a single year, and legal cannabis is said to support over 240,000 American jobs.

The colors that aren’t seen as frequently in the industry are black and brown. It’s no secret that the prior prohibition of cannabis disproportionately and adversely impacted people in communities of color. In an attempt to counter this history of disparity, many states and cities have implemented social equity programs in connection to the legalization of medical or adult cannabis use.

Tune in for a blunt (ha!) conversation with lifetime Oakland resident and Castlemont High School graduate, Alphonso Tucky Blunt as we discuss how he got into the cannabis business, the importance of education and networking within the industry — particularly with Black professionals, other “non sexy” avenues to excel in the business, and his big plans for the future (hint hint Forbes cover)!

While growing up in Oakland during the war on drugs era, Tucky managed to stay out of trouble and maintain a 4.0 GPA and a full time job while in high school. He was also using and selling cannabis. Cannabis sales to him was another form of employment. In 1999 while on an errand with his grandmother, she had him go to a dispensary, from that day forward his mission was to own one for himself, so he could sale cannabis legally. He worked at and was a vendor for multiple bay area dispensaries from 1999-2004. In 2003 he attempted to become an owner of a dispensary, and was told blacks would never own in this business. In 2004 he was arrested for possession with the intent to sale, and given 10 years of felony probation with a 4 way search clause. Still determined to learn more on the legal side, he attended and graduated from Oaksterdam University in 2008. In true path formation, had he not been arrested, he would not have qualified for the equity program.

Now as the 1st person to open a dispensary under Oakland’s Equity program, he is finally continuing on that path of ownership. His goals and values are still spiritual and family driven. With the help of his partner Bri Moore, they look to change the face of the cannabis industry, one location at a time. Blunts + Moore opened its doors on November 29th, 2018. A native born son, selling cannabis legally in OAKLAND!!!