The use of cannabidiol (CBD) oil in a variety of products has grown in popularity in recent years. A 2020 report released by Grand View Research, Inc said that the global legal marijuana market size is expected to reach $73.6 billion by 2027. A 2020 SingleCare survey showed that 33% of American adults have used CBD once or more.
There’s some controversy around cannabis products like CBD oil because of recreational marijuana use, but there’s also growing awareness about the health benefits of CBD oil. Some studies have shown that CBD oil helps with anxiety, insomnia, pain relief, and acne. In 2018, the U.S Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved Epidiolex, a purified CBD extract, to treat rare seizure disorders in patients 2 years or older, and it remains the only FDA approved CBD-derived drug.
Many states have particular guidelines that stand as barriers for Black people looking to get into the CBD business. CBD products derived from marijuana are not legal under federal law, even though several states have legalized and decriminalized marijuana. While many are continuing to advocate for the legality of CBD products in certain states, these five Black-owned CBD businesses are diversifying this mostly white wellness industry.
Simply Pure
In 2010, Wanda James and her husband Scott Durrah became the first African Americans legally licensed in America to own a dispensary, a cultivation facility, and an edible company. James is a leading advocate in the cannabis industry and was named one of the 100 Most Influential People in Cannabis by High Times magazine in 2018. Simply Pure is one of the highest-rated dispensaries in Colorado and is known for its protein drink infused with CBD.
Brown Girl Jane
Brown Girl Jane is owned by sisters Malaika and Nia Jones and beauty and wellness expert Tai Beauchamp. The brand was born after Malaika fell in love with the healing properties of plants and CBD, after suffering spinal nerve damage during childbirth. “Our collection is designed to address the same stress, anxiety, and physical discomfort that I’ve encountered in my busy life….naturally,” said Malaika. Brown Girl Jane sells daily drops, a facial serum, intimate oil, and body butter.
Budzy Box
Budzy Box is a monthly luxury CBD subscription box for women with products such as calming wearable patches, CBD-infused chocolates that provide anxiety relief, soothing balms, and facial masks. Founder, Shatoia Robinson, said she discovered the benefits of CBD when she was a Diabetes Care Medical Device Representative. “I noticed that almost every patient who introduced CBD into their treatment regimen did much better than patients on traditional therapy. The more I educated myself on the power of CBD, the more I wanted to share this knowledge,” said Robinson in an interview.
Buena Botanicals
Twin sisters Rah and Coral Hines started Buena Botanicals after Rah met a hemp farm owner who shared with her how CBD could ease symptoms of anxiety and depression. “Our mother was one of the biggest inspirations to explore CBD and to create this brand. She has arthritis, sciatica, and several other conditions. She loves our bath bar and organic coconut oil!” said the sisters. Their products range from bath bombs, bath bars to facial creams and body butters, all infused with full-spectrum CBD oil derived from organic, ethically grown hemp.
Frigg
CBD skincare company Frigg was launched by Kimberly K. Dillion who worked for many years as the Chief Marketing Officer for one of California’s leading cannabis wellness brands. Frigg is a brand that is focused on using the mood-supporting properties of CBD to combat the effects of burnout and stress. “We use many parts of the plant in our formulas and plan to use it in our packaging as well. We built a wellness brand, but with beauty tendencies: vibrant, playful, and bold,” said Dillion. Frigg not only has a face serum but a beauty rest herbal tea.
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Boitumelo Masihleho is a South African digital content creator. She graduated with a Bachelor of Arts from Rhodes University in Journalism and Media Studies and Politics and International Studies.
She’s an experienced multimedia journalist who is committed to writing balanced, informative and interesting stories on a number of topics. Boitumelo has her own YouTube channel where she shares her love for affordable beauty and lifestyle content.
