Jay-Z gets behind the first cannabis speakeasy launched by women

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The cannabis industry is breaking the mold on what is culturally acceptable

It has always been common to hear how the famous rapper Jay-Z continues to dabble in the world of cannabis. Soon, LA will be home to the country’s first black woman-owned cannabis speakeasy and Jay-Z is dabbling again. Josephine & Billie’s is the first investment of The Parent Company’s (TPCO) cannabis social equity program, where Jay-Z acts as CVO.

The idea of Josephine & Billie’s is to open its doors as soon as possible to offer a cannabis dispensary that echoes a Prohibition-era jazz lounge. This space will be unique and exclusive to women of color and BIPOC allies, which is an effort towards social equity that has seen women of color suffer greatly in this area. “Billie sent me” is the catchphrase for gaining access to this speakeasy. Executive Director Whitney Beatty and Ebony Andersen, Director of Operations, both founders of the speakeasy, decided to name it after legendary jazz singer Billie Holiday and Josephine Baker, dancer, actress, civil rights activist, and French Resistance revolutionary.

“Josephine Baker and Billie Holiday are our inspirations. Their lives and careers were negatively affected by the racially tinged prohibition of cannabis and the stigmatization of the plant, so in legalization, we were immediately drawn to honor them, their legacy, and what they fought resiliently for. They represent strength in the face of adversity and, more importantly, healing. That plant offers a way to relieve muscle tension, anxiety, insomnia, and it offers relaxation. It is healing. It is healing,” Whitney said.

This will be the first time both California and the US will have such a speakeasy. It has been said that cannabis products will be organized by ailment, making it easier for buyers to make their choice. Jay-Z, for his part, is providing all the support and knowledge necessary for this program to soon become a success.