Written by Arian Roman

As 2022 marches on, we can observe tangible changes in the celebration of Black History Month, Pride Month, and (now) Juneteenth. 

What Does Juneteenth Represent?

On June 19, 1866, a year after the emancipation announcement, freedmen and women in Texas formed the first annual  "Jubilee Day". Early celebrations of this holiday were primarily used as political rallies to give voting information to newly freed African Americans. 

In 2016, at the age of 90, Opal Lee, the "grandmother of Juneteenth", walked from Fort Worth, Texas to Washington D.C. to petition for federal holiday status. Juneteenth finally became a federal holiday on June 17, 2021. Juneteenth is the first new federal holiday since Martin Luther King Jr. Day became one in 1986. Juneteenth is a day of celebration and remembrance that although slavery has ended, there is still so much work to be done in the United States.

Opal Lee, 94, and hundreds of others walk towards downtown Fort Worth from Evans Avenue Plaza during the first national Juneteenth holiday on June 19, 2021. (Photo by AMANDA McCOY via Star Telegram)

US Vice President Kamala Harris and Opal Lee (2nd L), the activist known as the grandmother of Juneteenth, with US President Joe Biden before signing the Juneteenth National Independence Day Act, in the East Room of the White House, June 17, 2021, in Washington. (Photo by Jim WATSON / AFP) (Photo by JIM WATSON/AFP via Getty Images)

Cannabis History and Black History Are Closely Tied Together 

“Black history is cannabis history. Black history is the United States history. The good, the bad, and the ugly are all permanently interlaced. So when we celebrate hemp legalization or pop fireworks on July 4th, we also need to acknowledge in the same breath that Black people’s literal blood, sweat, and tears are behind those celebrations.”

– DM Blunted

 

American cannabis is deeply intertwined with Black history and our nation’s troubled legacy of institutionalized racism. In fact, in the United States, cannabis was originally cultivated by enslaved people. Born in Kentucky, the American hemp industry flourished because of the forced labor of West Africans in which they grew the hemp seeds carried by their Virginian slave-masters. 

Today, we celebrate cannabis not just through the consumption of oils and concentrates but also with CBD gummies and THC gummies—products that have made cannabinoids more accessible and enjoyable. However, the road to enjoying these products freely has not been equal for all. The cannabis industry has a responsibility to acknowledge this legacy and actively work toward social equity.

Cannabis Businesses Have a Unique Role in the Celebration of this Holiday

We must not forget that black and brown folks sit behind bars in cities and states where recreational and medical cannabis prohibition continues. Even in Colorado, where adult use is legal and cannabis consumption is equal across racial demographics, Black people face much higher arrest rates than white people. Although cannabis arrests are down, there is a distinct and unsettling racial disparity. 

With legal cannabis programs in place, the public eye is finally addressing the cannabis-related inequalities and injustices in communities of color. These discussions range from equity programs that include business incubation, technical assistance, and distribution of new business licenses to no-charge expungements for cannabis-related arrests. 

(Image by SHAYANNE GAL/Business Insider)

Juneteenth is an example of a holiday that only Black businesses should rightfully commoditize. For some African Americans, Juneteenth is synonymous with financial liberation. The legalization of cannabis and the creation of social equity programs do not equal reparations for slavery by any means. But these equity programs can level out the playing field and start transforming the lives of descendants of enslaved people, ultimately helping them build generational wealth.  

Juneteenth in the 21st Century Faces Predatory Capitalists

From Walmart’s tone-deaf “Juneteenth” flavored ice cream to aisles filled with companies' cringe-worthy attempts to capitalize on historically-excluded populations, we have sadly reached a point in history where cultural movements are quickly manipulated for profit. 

(Photo by LAINE DOSS via MIAMI NEW TIMES)

Social media platforms, targeted ads, and fast-moving corporations seeking to capitalize on messaging that will give them a competitive advantage rather than serve the collective. Cannabis industry stakeholders, for example, should focus on ending the stigma and unfair targeting African Americans face daily concerning marijuana charges. 

How You Can Get Involved

Supporting Black cannabis brands is the bare minimum non-Black consumers can do, especially since this demographic is routinely imprisoned and arrested at 3x the rate for this plant. 

The fact that this industry was built on the backs of African Americans, much like the rest of the United States, and yet Black cannabis brands continue to struggle is unacceptable. As an industry and a community, we can do better. We need to support one another, especially during this grueling socio-economic time.

Check out Cannaclusive's "Accountability List" for more information on how cannabis brands are showing up, and the ones making a difference in the space. 

Quickly following the creation of our award-winning CBD bath bombs, the Kush Queen Soak & Toke was born thanks to some innovative team members at headquarters. 

At Kush Queen, we don’t just spend our time perfecting our handmade cannabinoid products; we also perfect their use in our own daily lives. This dynamic relationship with our CBD and THC products allows our team to create wellness offerings that can extend a deeper connection between our consumers and this plant. You might call this R & D; we call it our favorite part of the job! You might also be asking yourself, what is "soaking and toking"? And is it even for you?

Take it from the experts, a relaxing combo of Kush Queen's ultra-premium, indoor-grown hemp flower, and infused bath bombs is an opulent example of self-care at its finest. But before we dive into the experience of a Soak & Toke, do you know where the term "toke" comes from? 

 

A Touch of 'Toke' History

Enter Alice B. Toklas. An American writer of the early 20th century, Toklas openly shared a recipe for hashish brownies in her memoir-style recipe book. That notorious recipe solidified Toklas in cannabis history and gave us the shorthand for toke. 

Learn more about Alice B.Toklas and other amazing women in cannabis history from Olivia Alexander’s new book, The Essential Guide To Cannabis for Women. 

 

To Soak & Toke? Or Not to Soak & Toke? It's Really Not Even a Question... 

There's a myriad of reasons to smoke cannabis in a cannabis bath, aside from being luxurious af. Ultimately, your skin is your biggest organ, and you want to tend to it accordingly. The cannabis bath bomb is a full-body topical experience that has you fully covered (literally). 

Kush Queen cannabinoid-infused bath bombs allow you to feel the entourage effect, a medley of healing properties from cannabinoids and terpenes working together. Plus, soaking in hot water allows your pores to open up and absorb the cannabis compounds and essential oils profoundly, creating a lush full-body experience.

But here's the thing, the cannabinoids in our bath bombs don't cross the blood-brain barrier because due to the molecule size - they are too big. Unlike our topical cannabinoid products labeled transdermal, which will cross the blood-brain barrier and have the possibility of delivering more mind than body effects. 

 

How to Bathe like Weed Royalty

Maybe you're looking to take your bath effects even higher. That's where another delivery system comes in. Sure, you could pop a gummy, but most edibles take longer to hit than your bath will take. By smoking a pre-roll while you soak, you get an instant delivery of cannabinoids, which is why smoking is often the most beloved and popular way of cannabis consumption. 

A soak and toke is an incredibly simple yet impactful ritual with cannabis. Let’s look into this deep mind and body practice that could elevate your next moment of self-care. 

The first step to a proper Kush Queen 'Soak & Toke' is choosing one of our handmade bath bombs to use. Our bath bombs include: Relax, Relive, Sleep, Love, Awaken, Black Magic, and Immunity. 

Draw your bath and add any additions you like, such as a bubble bath (make sure the scent pairs with the bath bomb), crystals, music, candlelight, or even a beverage. 

Start smoking once submerged in the tub. Our newly released Kush Queen hemp flower is the perfect pairing with your Kush Queen infused-bath bomb. Kush Queen's cultivar options include Lemon Octane, Pink Panther, Hawaiian Haze, and Sour Space Candy, for a range of complex tasting notes and effects.

Soak for 40 minutes and light up between 10 to 15 minutes in your bath. 

 

Extra Tips from the Experts at Kush Queen

The key to a successful soak and toke is preparation. 

1. Make sure you remove the bath bomb seal with scissors while your water runs. 
2. Always check the temperature while you're waiting for your bath to fill. No one likes a tub that's too hot or too cold. 
3. Prepare your cannabis beforehand. There's nothing worse than a soggy nug or wasted pre-roll. 
4. Keep a small hand towel nearby, a lighter, and an ashtray (no one wants to soak in ash).
5. If you're toking on a Kush Queen pre-roll, make sure to keep it in the glass container until you're ready. 
6. Combine other modalities like crystals, music, or starlight to finish off the perfect vibration.

Combining both a topical and oral delivery method is a way to take your bath deeper and your mind higher. We encourage you to experiment with the different infused-bath bomb and flower options available to create your own favorite pairings. 

Learn more about our bath bombs and how you can experience your own Kush Queen Soak & Toke! 

 

At Kush Queen, our hope for the cannabis industry is for those within it to be as diverse as the people who use this plant.

We started this company with infused bath bombs because we recognized how approachable this product is and how much a stigma breaker it could be. Destigmatizing cannabis, and the people who use it, has always been our mission as a brand.  That mission also extends to the innovative ways people enjoy cannabis today, like through our CBD gummies and THC gummies.

Photo Courtesy of Kush Queen

In honor of Black History Month, we at Kush Queen are celebrating the incredible individuals working towards and advocating for real change in cannabis - more specifically, for a socially equitable space. With skyrocketing taxes and very little support, the disenfranchised communities (whose backs this industry was built on) are sadly getting left behind. The truth is the cannabis industry as a whole has a long, long way to go before becoming the equal playing field it needs to be. Thankfully, these inspiring and selfless Black entrepreneurs are working incessantly towards making social equity in cannabis a reality. 

 

Successful Reality Television Executive turned Cannabis Industry CEO

Whitney Beatty - Founder, CEO Josephine & Billies and The Apothecarry

Whitney Beatty is a woman of many talents. After leaving her career in entertainment, she founded Apothecarry, a luxury accessories company for the modern-day smoker. Then, inspired by the golden days of Jazz and cannabis Teapads, Beatty opened Josephine & Billies, the first dispensary in the country designed by and for women of color. Beatty secured the first equity investment from The Parent Company (TPCO), California's largest vertically integrated omnichannel cannabis platform, where Jay Z is the Chief Visionary. 

Beatty currently sits on the board of Supernova Women, an organization working for equity in the legal cannabis space. 

On top of it all, she is an inspiring and hilarious mother sharing her life on social media. Beatty is a powerhouse in every sense of the word, and the cannabis industry is better with her in it. 

 

The #RapPriestess, also known as the West Coast Wave Goddess 

Lizzy Jeff - Founder, Zen and Kush

We have admired, followed, and enjoyed the work of Lizzy Jeff for years. 

A cannabis OG, rap priestess, medicine woman, and founder of Zen and Kush, Lizzy Jeff delivers plant medicine, spirituality, and community in one erotically delectable serving. Her unique events nationwide feature healing, sensuality, community-building, education, and wellness workshops. These events aren't called an after-dark experience for no reason; this is Ascension at its finest and most seductive. 

Our bath bombs are often made to her music as it's commonly on repeat at Kush Queen headquarters. We are constantly inspired by her passion for activism and her celebration of the divine feminine. 

Give Lizzy Jeff a follow for alternative ways to heal that embraces masculine and feminine energies while connecting you deeper to your spiritual roots. 

 

Startup Advisor, Accountability Keeper, and Co-Founder in Cannabis, Tech, and Wellness

Mary Pryor - Activist, Writer, Founder Cannaclusive

Mary Pryor is one of the most powerful women in the cannabis industry. Pryor is an activist, media expert, and the founder of Cannaclusive, a platform created to facilitate fair representation of minority cannabis consumers. 

If you haven’t heard of Pryor’s work with Cannaclusive, then this is your intro. Cannaclusive is currently working to solve the industry's biggest issues: diversity, equity, and part of its namesake - inclusion. Her work with the Accountability List, a living breathing document that holds cannabis companies accountable, is some of the most important work currently taking place in cannabis. 

Pryor has appeared in and contributed to countless publications like Refinery 29, New York Times, and Instyle; her piece on diversity in cannabis for SELF is one of our personal favorites. 

 

The Ivy Leaguer and Former Athlete turned Cannabis Maven 

Nadir Pearson, a graduate of Brown University and founder of Student Marijuana Alliance for Research and Transparency, is one to watch in cannabis. A leader, advocate, and entrepreneur, he has worn many impressive hats in his young career. 

Inspired by sneakerhead culture, Pearson founded Get Hybrid, the cannabis industry’s first release date calendar where you can find new cannabis drops and product launches in one place. Pearson’s accomplishments have been featured in Forbes and Huff Post; he’s also a very talented writer himself. 

One thing we love about Pearson is that he thrives on creating educational cannabis content. He is certainly the future of the industry and we cannot wait to see what big things he does in the future. 

 

Award-winning Business Coach, Strategist, and Serial Entrepreneur

Sabrina Peterson - CEO & Founder Pretty High Co and Glam University

Sabrina Peterson dedicated herself and her businesses to be a powerhouse for female empowerment- socially and financially. 

Peterson turned facing a 23-year indictment into Pretty High Co, making CBD and cannabis products. She is a mother and content creator who is always making us laugh while feeling inspired. Peterson is undoubtingly a champion for women and people of color in cannabis. 

Late last year, Peterson invited Kush Queen out to a weekend cannabis educational workshop for women and we left oozing with excitement for how she brings opportunities, shares education, and keeps things transparent about the industry. 

 

It takes great courage and tenacity to go against the cannabis corporate machine. Through the community these amazing advocates continue to build, these inspirational cannabis professionals are aiding in creating visibility, changing the stigma, and opening doors for more BIPOC individuals to come.