Here’s What One Year in Business Looks Like For Black Women in Cannabis

Josephine and Billie’s celebrated their one year anniversary recently and are paving the way for cannabis equity in an industry where Black and other women of color continue to be

ByBlack L.A Staff

PublishedNovember 12, 2022

Josephine and Billie’s celebrated their one year anniversary recently and are paving the way for cannabis equity in an industry where Black and other women of color continue to be over shadowed.

The cannabis retail space located near the heart of Black Los Angeles, founded by Whitney Beatty.

“I am so overwhelmed at the amount of people who came out to support us for our one year anniversary here at Josephine and Billie’s. Our focus has always been community, so to see the community really come show so much, that’s what we are all about,” said Josephine and Billie’s founder Whitney Beatty.

The aesthetic of Josephine and Billie’s is reminiscent of the Harlem Renaissance and the jazz scene, with their namesake paying homage to Josephine Baker and Billie Holliday.

There are so many illegal and unlicensed marijuana dispensaries in L.A. Josephine and Billie’s offer legitimate access and insight to local residents. The central focus of the cannabis speakeasy is consumer education on cannabis.

The space is curated specifically for and by Black women, to explore the benefits of CBD and plant medicine. They also prioritize shelf space to women-led and POC cannabis brands.

Josephine and Billie’s one year anniversary was held during their ‘First Sunday’ celebrations, where local vendors are invited to promote and sell their products every first Sunday of the month.

The one year event was hosted by musician and plant medicine guru Lizzy Jeff. Several events and workshops were also held, including sound bath meditations hosted by Cared Vibras.

Crenshaw Yoga and Dance also held breath work exercises.