BLACK ELEVATION: More than a Brand I n an industry that contin- ues to evolve, one organi- zation is working to ensure that the voices, businesses, and communities most impacted by prohibition are not left behind. Black Elevation is more than a name. It has become a move- ment centered on empower- ment, ownership, education, and economic opportunity. Founded in Detroit by cannabis en- trepreneurs Jay and Mark Snipes, Black Elevation was created with a clear mission: to elevate Black ex- cellence in cannabis while creating pathways for future generations. ONE OF THE LARGEST COLLABORATIONS IN CANNABIS: Black Elevation has emerged as one of the largest collaborations of Af- rican American owned and social equity cannabis businesses in the region. The or- ganization brings together entrepreneurs, cultivators, retailers, advocates, executives, and professionals under one unified plat- form. What sets Black Elevation apart is its fo- cus on collective advancement. Rather than operating as a single company, it serves as a business network designed to create partnerships, increase buying power, open doors, share opportunities, and strengthen Black ownership throughout the cannabis supply chain. At a time when many minority owned operators continue to face barriers to cap- ital, licensing, and scale, Black Elevation is demonstrating that collaboration can be just as powerful as competition. OUR MISSION: Black Elevation believes the people most affected by the War on Drugs and by outdated cannabis laws should also be positioned to benefit from legalization, licensing, employment, and wealth creation.
The organization exists to support en- trepreneurs, professionals, and communi- ties seeking a place in the rapidly growing cannabis marketplace through advocacy, education, networking, and economic em- powerment. WHAT WE DO: Real Industry Education - Through networking events, conferences, strategic collaborations, and hands on workshops, Black Elevation provides prac- tical insight into the realities of cannabis li- censing, operations, branding, compliance, and entrepreneurship. Experience From Seed to Sale - Its guid- ance comes from professionals who are actively operating in the industry and have firsthand experience across the full canna- bis supply chain, from cultivation and pro- cessing to retail, branding, and customer experience. Economic Power Through Collaboration - Black Elevation helps minorities and social equity businesses leverage collective buy- ing power, shared resources, strategic part- nerships, and stronger market positioning. Advocacy and Representation - The or- ganization believes diversity in cannabis leadership matters. It works to ensure Afri- can American entrepreneurs and underrep- resented operators have a meaningful seat at the table. OUR VISION: The long term vision is am- bitious and intentional: to build one of the most respected business networks in can- nabis while becoming a national force for equity, ownership, and economic mobility. Its leaders envision cities where Black- owned dispensaries thrive, Black cultivators scale, Black brands dominate shelves, and Black communities benefit directly from the industry’s success. WHY IT MATTERS NOW: The cannabis in- dustry continues to expand rapidly, but ownership opportunities are narrowing for many independent operators. Black Eleva- tion is working to close that gap by creating connections, visibility, resources, and mo- mentum for those who deserve access. This is about more than cannabis. It is about generational wealth, policy reform, and reshaping the narrative of who gets to win in emerging industries. JOIN THE MOVEMENT: Whether you are an entrepreneur, investor, advocate, or support- er, there is a place for you within Black Eleva- tion. Because when one rises, we all rise. 13 HIGHTIMES LOCAL ▶
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