Happy Black History Month from Bud & Rita’s! This month, we want to take a look at some amazing Black-owned cannabis brands in Illinois. The world of cannabis has a long history of racial injustice and disenfranchisement, making it important to center and elevate brands that are owned by Black Illinoisians. See below for our favorite Black-owned brands out of Illinois
🍄Community Chocolate Bars
Born out of a collaboration between NGW and OURS (Organic Urban Revitalization Solutions), Black-owned and Women-led Community Mushroom Chocolate Bars are a unique product that brings folks together on a mission of wellness. Founded in 2019 by a group of dedicated professionals and cannabis connoisseurs, OURS highlights BIPOC-owned agriculture and local farmers in Illinois. Based at Grow Greater Englewood, OURS grows functional mushrooms for their one-of-a-kind edibles. Community Chocolate Bars utilize the ‘Entourage Effect’, in which the effects of cannabis are impacted by features of an additional ingredient (in this case, mushrooms!) The Community Lions Mane + Vanilla Dark Chocolate Bar works to boost brain function, whereas the Community Reishi + Lemon Milk Chocolate Bar employs a 1:1:1 THC:CBD:CBG ratio to help regulate mood and banish fatigue. Shop Community at Bud & Rita’s today!
⛽93 BOYZ
Chicago native and KidsTheseDays rapper Vic Mensa shook the IL cannabis industry when he founded 93 Boyz, the first Black-owned brand in the state. In addition to delivering high-end products such as cartridges, pre-rolls, and whole flower, 93 Boyz focuses on the impacts of the war on drugs in the communities it serves. The brand has collaborated with various social equity campaigns, such as Books Before Bars, an organization that provides books to underserved IL prisons. To support the brand, shop 93 Boyz at Bud & Rita’s!
🌠GALAXY LABS
As the first Social Equity Craft Grower in Illinois, Galaxy Labs has been making strides in cannabis equity right out of the gate. The brand is committed to diversity, as 83% of the company is Black-owned (as well as 51% Veteran-owned and 33% Women-owned!) Founded by a husband and wife duo, Galaxy Labs is determined to uplift the communities they’re in through a variety of outreach. Galaxy is involved with several local community endeavors, such as Olive-Harvey College’s cannabis studies program. Beyond their commitments to their neighborhoods, Galaxy Labs produces high-quality flower that will take you into orbit. Shop Galaxy Labs at Bud & Rita’s today!
💜VIOLA BRANDS
Viola Brands was founded in 2011 when the CEO, Al Harrington, decided to help out his grandmother Viola with her medical problems. After learning about his grandmother’s issues with glaucoma, Al encouraged Viola to try out cannabis to alleviate her symptoms and pain. Upon seeing how cannabis benefitted his loved one, Al decided to start Viola Brands and is now in business across the country. Viola Brand’s mission to encourage equity in the cannabis world means they push for equal opportunity for Black and Brown people to be a part of an industry that has historically disenfranchised them. Check out Viola Brands HERE.
