Our Story

The drug war has harmed communities of color since its inception. For decades and decades, communities of color have been nearly six times more likely to be arrested for drug use than white Americans despite similar rates of use.

The co-founders grew up in a poverty-stricken community and have witnessed firsthand how the war on drugs has destroyed communities of color and families.

The cannabis industry is one of the most inequitable and socially stratified industries to date. The ones who were targeted by the war on drugs and continue to be disproportionally affected by cannabis prohibition policies are being left out of the legalized cannabis industry on every level while others are making millions and even billions.

For the founders, it is personal. It was an opportunity for them to “walk the walk”. To use their talents, insights, knowledge, skills, experience to open, manage, and strategically grow a successful cannabis business in a highly competitive, complex industry.

They wanted to also show by leading by example what an equitable and inclusive company looks like. They wanted to provide opportunities for their families, friends, and people of color so that they have an opportunity to build generational wealth and leave a legacy. Hence the name Family 1^st. Again, they wanted to be the Voice for the Voiceless.

They also knew that the cannabis they grew could compete directly with any product currently in the licensed industry based on feedback received, their focus on Organic, Happy and Healthy Plants and Quality 1^st, and the Family 1^st OpEx Model they developed.