As the legal cannabis sector continues to mature—marked by increased professionalization, consolidation, and global expansion—an essential question remains unresolved: who laid the groundwork for today’s industry, and what sacrifices were made along the way?
In honor of Black History Month, Minorities for Medical Marijuana (M4MM) has unveiled its first-ever Power 100 list, recognizing 100 Black leaders whose efforts shaped cannabis culture, policy reform, and community access long before legalization gained widespread acceptance.
Recognizing Impact Before Legalization Was Profitable
The Power 100 spotlights individuals whose influence spans advocacy, policymaking, entrepreneurship, scientific research, and grassroots organizing. Many of these leaders contributed at a time when cannabis work carried serious legal, social, and economic risks—with little recognition and no guarantee of financial reward.
Launched alongside M4MM’s 10th anniversary, the Power 100 is deliberately framed as more than an awards list. Instead, it serves as a living historical archive, designed to preserve the stories and contributions that predate corporate cannabis narratives and venture-backed success. Its goal is to prevent early leadership from being overshadowed or erased as the industry becomes more commercially driven.
A Record of History, Not a Marketing Moment
“This list is about impact, not optics,” said Roz McCarthy, Founder and CEO of Minorities for Medical Marijuana. “It documents who showed up early, stayed when it was difficult, and carried the weight of advocacy when there was no economic upside.”
That philosophy defines the Power 100’s purpose. Rather than emphasizing visibility, popularity, or current market power, the list prioritizes endurance, personal sacrifice, and tangible influence—qualities that are often undervalued as cannabis becomes increasingly commodified.
Why the Power 100 Is Important
Long before legalization entered the mainstream, Black communities bore the brunt of cannabis prohibition, experiencing disproportionate rates of arrest, incarceration, and long-term economic harm. While legalization has opened doors to new markets and investment, many of the people who fought hardest for reform remain excluded from ownership, leadership, and formal recognition.
The Power 100 was created to confront that reality. By formally documenting Black leadership in cannabis reform and culture, M4MM seeks to ensure that the industry’s roots are not rewritten, minimized, or sanitized as public perception shifts and profits grow.
Protecting Legacy as the Industry Grows
As cannabis evolves into a global industry, initiatives like the Power 100 underscore that equity isn’t only about future opportunity—it’s also about acknowledging history. Honoring those who built the foundation creates space for more honest discussions around inclusion, reparative justice, and long-term community investment.
Through the Power 100, M4MM affirms that cannabis history is inseparable from Black leadership—and that safeguarding this legacy is essential to building a more just and equitable industry moving forward.
Rather than measuring success by annual revenue or short-term performance, the list emphasizes sustained influence and long-term impact.
Learn more about upcoming M4MM events and how to be involved!
The M4MM Power 100
The List of Honorees includes:
Fab 5 Freddy
Al Harrington
Ricky Williams
Eugene Monroe
Brandon Wyatt ESQ
Belecia Royster
Cherron Perry Thomas
Chef Stacey Dugan
Michael “Coach” Harris
Hope Wiseman
Dr Octavia Wiseman DMD
Nadir Pearson
Tauhid Chappell
Cat Packer
Dasheeda Dawson
Leo Bridgewater
Gillie Da Kid
Gibran Washington
Gia Moron
Chelsea Wise Higgs
Martin Mitchell
Wanda James
Dr Roz McCarthy
Hazey Taughtme
Naomi Granger
Edie Moore
Jasmine Jackson
Whitney Beatty
Amber Senter
Virgil Grant
Antione Mordican
Scheril Murray Powell ESQ
Dr Terel Newton MD
Dr Rashan Hodges MD
Ruben Lindo
Christina Johnson
Jesse Horton
Linda Green
Alphonso Tucky Blunt
Corvain Cooper
Method Man
Snoop Dog
Ernest Toney
Tahir Johnson
Suzanne Nichols
Kristal Bush
Mike Tyson
Cassandra Frederique
Dr Chanda Macias
Arianna Kirkpatrick
Mehka King
Cimone Casson
Thunder Walker
Shanita Penny
Rodney “Hurricane” Carter
Toi Hutchinson
TaShonda Vincent Lee
Kevin Ford
Amber Littlejohn
Courtney Davis
Khadijah Tribble
Caroline Phillips
The Dank Duchess
Todd Hughes
Jason Marshall
Nicole Buffong
Shanetha Lewis
Erik Range
Eric Foster
Sirita Wright
Shanel Lindsey
Danielle Drummond
Jay Jackson
Nichelle Santos
Dr Lisa Pickney
Dr Bridgett Cole Williams MD
Dr Kelly King MD
Fredericka Easley
Mary Pryor
Aiesha Goins
Kristi Price
Sheena Roberson
Chris Jackson
Whiz Kalifa
Dr. Jean Talleyrand
Drs. Janice, Rachel & Jessica Knox MD
Rico Lamitte
Guy Rocourt
Lizzy Jeff
Chef Zarilla Bacon
Redman
Kebra Smith Bolden
Otha Smith
Sephida Artis- Mills
JR Fleming
Dr Herve Damas MD
Derrell Black
Devin Alexander
Brendan Robinson
Jay Mills
