Achieving success in the cannabis industry is no easy feat. On top of the general barriers to entry, minorities face even more obstacles breaking into a competitive and highly regulated market. But that doesn’t stop the tenacious entrepreneurs in the Arizona industry who, despite stiff competition, have forged their own paths even with little representation in their field and have become the most influential minorities in the Arizona cannabis industry for 2024.
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We recently gathered more than a dozen of these influential minorities in cannabis for a photoshoot to celebrate their accomplishments in this challenging industry. Looking around Scottsdale’s Cattle Track Arts Compound, we saw so many incredible professionals, all from unique backgrounds and walks of life, sharing laughs and praising one another’s achievements. It was a powerful reminder of why we are all in this industry — to lift one another up.
“It is important to create support throughout the cannabis community. Minorities have a tremendous opportunity to create pathways for others. Wherever you are in your career, look around to others who can help,” says awardee Ann Torrez, executive director of Arizona Dispensaries Association.
Maxime Kot, president and co-owner of Cannabis Business Advisors agrees. “Make sure you are open to opportunities regardless of whether it is within your comfort zone. You never know where it will take you,” she says.
On this mild January day, 13 entrepreneurs took time out of their busy schedules to get some well-deserved recognition. The professionals selected for the Most Influential Minorities in Cannabis list come from a range of backgrounds and life experiences. Some have scaled their niche products from local sales to nationwide, several have launched their own dispensary or dispensary chains, while others have created or lead advisory groups and trade associations. They are all tied together by resilience, determined spirits and an ability to think quickly and pivot as needed.
“It’s beautiful to look around the room and see such shining examples of resilience and success in this challenging industry,” says Kim Prince, CEO and founder of Proven Media, a leading cannabis marketing communication and public relations firm. “Our Most Influential Minorities in Cannabis list and photoshoot provides us the opportunity to recognize and uplift the incredible things these professionals have done for our industry despite a general lack of representation. We’ve brought together a powerful collection of movers and shakers that are leading the way toward a better future.”
Minorities in cannabis
With many glaring disparities that will require continued conversations and significant regulatory changes to promote a diverse and equitable industry, we sometimes forget to celebrate the many incredible, powerful minorities who are already shaping a better future for cannabis — and the list is long.
Their advice to others looking to break into the industry?
“Have the courage to be strong and blaze your own trail. The road isn’t easy, but with determination, you can succeed,” offers Marie Saloum, owner of Greenpharms Dispensaries.
Clark Wu, partner at Bianchi & Brandt, adds, “Don’t be afraid of taking the first step. The opportunities are out there. Taking the first leap is often the greatest challenge.”
Finding success in this industry takes determination and grit, and the influential minorities highlighted in our list have an impressive supply to emerge successful in a field that is still overwhelmingly white and male. Though we’ve seen many initiatives to create a more diverse and inclusive industry, the playing field is still not level.
Awardee Lilach Power, founder and CEO of Giving Tree Dispensary and Mazor Collective, is most proud of being a profitable, debt-free, and woman-owned business in cannabis.
“Being different is our superpower,” she says. “We don’t always feel like we belong or get invited, so we work harder and we make it happen. Keep your chin up and keep up the hard work, that’s what separates the dreamers and the achievers. Also, reach out and ask for advice. Ask for people’s time. You’d be surprised how many people are willing to do it when you ask for help.”
Founder and CEO of Best Dispensary and Yuma Dispensary, Susan Hwang, shares a similar line of thinking. Her advice to other minorities in the field is to “embrace your uniqueness, culture, and history as a minority in the cannabis industry.”
A 2023 report found that women account for 39% of cannabis executives, while racial minorities made up 24%. The War on Drugs disproportionately targeted people of color and other minorities, with decades of anti-drug policies biased toward racial minorities. Its impacts are still vast today, despite a thriving cannabis industry. Many states have developed social equity programs to foster a more inclusive industry for those disproportionately impacted by the War on Drugs, but there is still a long way to go on the road to equity.
Still, many minority entrepreneurs have climbed the ranks and made a big impact on the cannabis industry.
“Minority or not, you gotta put in the work and do the research,” notes Rocky Huang, cofounder of Timeless Vapes. Timeless Vapes was launched in Arizona in 2013 and has since grown to multiple states in both medical and recreational markets. “The team you put together is important. If you do the right things and stay true to who you are, those people gravitate toward each other.”
Delano Phillips, equity owner, general counsel, and compliance for Hana Dispensaries and Dutchie brand pre-rolls, echoes Huang’s thoughts about building a strong team, noting how proud he is to have assembled an honest group of long-term employees.
“Find allies. Try to be innovative and don’t give up. There are going to be hurdles. Find your niche and stick to what works,” he advises.
For Raul Molina, COO of Mint Cannabis, moving fast is also a key component to success. “Time is of the essence! It was easier yesterday but tomorrow will be harder,” he says.
As for Ashlynn Miller, executive vice president of marketing at Lapé Farms, the advice is simple: “Keep going.”
The most influential minorities in cannabis for 2024
Ann Torrez, executive director, Arizona Dispensaries Association
Arvin Saloum, owner, Greenpharms Dispensaries (not shown)
Ashlynn Miller, executive vice president of marketing, Lapé Farms
Clark Wu, partner, Bianchi & Brandt
Demitri Downing, founder and CEO, Marijuana Industry Trade Association (MITA-AZ)
Lilach Power, founder and CEO, Giving Tree Dispensary and the Mazor Collective
Marie Saloum, owner, Greenpharms Dispensary
Maxime Kot, president and co-owner, the Cannabis Business Advisors
Moe Asnani, founding partner, ILava
Raul Molina, COO, Mint Cannabis
Rocky Huang, cofounder, Timeless Vapes
Susan Hwang, founder and CEO, Best Dispensary and Yuma Dispensary
Delano Phillips, equity owner/general counsel/compliance, Hana Dispensaries and Dutchie
