Sue Taylor, affectionately known as “Mama Sue,” is renowned as the co-founder of Pharmacy Berkeley, a pioneering cannabis dispensary (the first and only Black woman to own a dispensary in the city of Berkeley) recognized for its commitment to providing top-tier cannabis education, premium products, and compassionate customer service.
Born into a French Creole family in Jennings, Louisiana, Taylor grew up with eight brothers and four sisters. When she was 12, her parents relocated the entire family to California, journeying by car and bus, eventually settling in San Mateo.
Taylor eventually pursued a career in education, serving as principal at Sacred Heart and St. Patrick’s schools in Oakland for numerous years. Upon retiring from her educational endeavors in 2004, she relocated to Atlanta with no intentions of returning to California. However, her son Jamaal’s discussions about the perceived benefits of cannabis, fueled by his attendance at Oaksterdam University in Oakland, prompted a shift in her plans.
In 2009, Sue embarked on a
transformative journey by establishing iCann Health (the original name of her cannabis endeavor) alongside her son and daughter-in-law. Their shared vision was to create a community-focused dispensary dedicated to educating seniors about cannabis, enhancing their well-being, and combating the stigma associated with its use.Taylor recently spoke with BLACK ENTERPRISE about her cannabis advocacy for seniors, her transition from education, and her lasting impact as an African-American woman in the cannabis industry.
Cannabis Advocate “Mama Sue” Taylor Pioneers Plants Over Pills Movement
If you ask Taylor about her well-being, she often responds with a resounding affirmation: “I’m feeling excellent!” Initially hesitant due to the societal stigma surrounding cannabis, Taylor’s perspective shifted when her son highlighted the opportunity to create a spiritual wellness center.
Despite similar rates of usage, the ACLU reported Black individuals face a 3.73 times higher likelihood of marijuana-related arrests compared to their white counterparts.
Reflecting on her initial reluctance, she shared, “What changed my mind was when my son returned to me. He said, ‘Mom, you could build the spiritual Wellness Center you’ve always wanted!'”
Now a leading voice in the Plants Over Pills movement and partnering with Glass House Brands, Taylor’s mission is to educate individuals on the benefits of choosing cannabis over prescription pills for health and healing.
Overcoming Challenges: Plants, Persistence, and Passion
Taylor’s journey in the cannabis industry faced many obstacles as she recounted the challenges as an African American woman trying to navigate a predominantly white and male-dominated industry.
“It was an eight-year journey for us. We dedicated ourselves to activism, facing obstacles like securing a building, striving to integrate, experiencing discrimination as African Americans, and encountering rental space refusals. We endured numerous challenges throughout that period,” stated Taylor.
Despite representing approximately 13% of the population, Leafly’s Jobs Report 2021 found Black people accounted for only 1.2% to 1.7% of business owners in the cannabis industry.
Empowering Seniors: Making a Lasting Impact
For Taylor, the essence of her work lies in
empowering seniors to live fulfilling lives and reclaim their vitality. She aims to shift perceptions and promote holistic wellness among older adults through initiatives like Plants Over Pills.She emphasized, “We are wisdom keepers. The world needs us, and our life is just beginning.”
By empowering seniors with information about cannabis, Taylor aims to dismantle misconceptions and provide alternative solutions to traditional medical practices.
“It’s not about marijuana; it’s about medicine and healing,” she said.
Calling Seniors to Action
Taylor, 76, continues to trailblaze in the cannabis industry. Through her advocacy, education, and resilience, she challenges societal norms and advocates for a holistic approach to health and healing, with seniors as her focus.
“Make your mark; this doesn’t last forever!” she said.
Taylor continues to pave the way for a healthier, more inclusive future—one where cannabis is recognized not as a stigma but as a source of healing and empowerment.
“I want my age group to know that there’s another way,” Taylor said. “I ask them what you’ve always wanted to do. Please do it now! Create something, keep creating, have fun, and do whatever you want in this life!”
Recently celebrating its fourth anniversary, Pharmacy Berkeley and Taylor expanded endeavors beyond the dispensary to include her line of senior-focused products under the moniker “Mama Sue.”
Sue mentioned, “It took 12 years and the involvement of three external investors to reach this point. But we made it!”
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