Other Roots: Wanda James, the first black dispensary owner in Colorado, talks marijuana motivation
Editors note: In our Other Roots series, we share the stories of the underrepresented individuals in and around the marijuana movement women, ethnic minorities and others whose voices arent as prevalent in the conversation surrounding legalization. If youd like to suggest an individual to the Other Roots team an activist, a budtender, a regulator, an executive give us a jingle.
Wanda James has built a rock-solid list of cannabis credentials in her divergent career.
Shes a former Navy lieutenant and political campaign manager who was appointed to work on President Barack Obamas National Finance Committee as well as Colorado Gov. John Hickenloopers Amendment 64 Task Force that laid the groundwork for regulating recreational marijuana. She was the first and for a long time only black cannabis dispensary owner in Colorado. She and her husband, Scott Durrah, a former Marine and certified chef, have owned restaurants in Los Angeles and Denver for nearly two decades; they recently sold the popular Jezebel in Denver to focus fully on their cannabis company, Simply Pure.
We said, Somethings gotta give. We had to make a conscious decision about what we want our focus to be. Scotts focus on cooking and catering and infused cannabis is really important to us. We look forward to being guests (at the restaurant). Its super positive.
James says what drew her into cannabis advocacy was the issue of mass incarceration. James then-17-year-old brother was arrested in 1996 on a possession charge of 4.5 ounces of cannabis. He did a total of 10 years in the criminal justice system, including more than three years as an inmate in a private prison in Texas where he worked for free, picking cotton. She, meanwhile, could carry at the University of Colorado with impunity. That incensed me, James says.
Her current priority for the industry:
Banking and being treated as a real business, with access to capital. That is one of the biggest barriers for people of color. We dont have family to give us a small gift of $100,000. Why does my graphic designer get to put my money in his bank and I cant? Why does the Marijuana Enforcement Division get to put money in the bank but we dont? It becomes absurd.
Her prediction about legalization:
With California going legal, its a $5 billion market overnight. Without banking, it just sets up California for a whole host of messes. California makes it an interesting quandary for government, (considering) the level of businesses that will want to have a part, all the auxiliary businesses. The industry will just be on fire at that point.
Does she fear backsliding around legalization?
No. Its no longer a mom-and-pop business youve got hedge funds invested in cannabis. Were so far past losing this industry.
How she describes herself:
Im definitively a pothead, a term Im extremely proud of. Im a social junkie, I really love being around lots of different people. Cannabis is a passing of the peace pipe.
What does her mother say about her career choice?
My mom is so proud of me. She says, Your dad would be so proud. Shes tickled.
Does she imbibe?
I consume a joint, at the end of the day. I dab more often now because its a more concentrated way to be elevated. Edibles I tend to do the least because the effect makes it harder to multitask.
A trait she dislikes in others?
I cant stand dishonesty in people. You get one shot at life. Its a deal breaker for me.
A trait she dislikes in herself?
I overthink everything. I think about every possible outcome it wakes me up very early in the morning.
Her favorite indulgence?
Probably traveling. I love hotels and eating out. Most recent trip was Jamaica. Best was probably Venice. I would like a yacht someday.
The greatest loves of her life?
Thats ...
