The Wu-Tang Clan rapper Method Man is known for being a pioneer of celebrating cannabis culture, and now he is bringing his marijuana brand, TICAL, to Michigan. With an initial launch of a prerolled joint called “Sweet Island Skunk,” the brand’s approach and message align with the diverse, working-class people of Michigan, particularly African American communities. In this article, we will explore TICAL’s mission and how it plans to address social equity issues in the cannabis industry in Michigan.
Partnering with Glorious Cannabis Co. in Rochester Hills, TICAL will be launching its initial product in five Black-owned dispensaries in Detroit, including House of Zen, House of Mary Jane, West Coast Meds, Viola, and Remedy. As Nathaniel Vereen, co-founder of TICAL, mentioned in an email, the brand’s approach and message resonate with the kind of people Method Man grew up with in Michigan. By launching in these dispensaries, TICAL aims to provide more opportunities for Black entrepreneurs to operate in the regulated Michigan market.
According to a survey by the Michigan Cannabis Regulatory Agency, only 3% of cannabis business owners in Michigan are Black. This is due to the disproportionate impact the war on drugs had on Black communities, which resulted in a lack of access and opportunity in the cannabis industry. TICAL aims to push its message of social equity and ensure Black entrepreneurs are given a fair opportunity to operate in this space.
TICAL also plans to partner with House of Dank dispensaries, which are committed to the community and social equity programs. By working with dispensaries that have similar values and goals, TICAL is creating a network of businesses that share the same mission of empowering communities that have been historically marginalized.
As TICAL launches its brand in Michigan, it is crucial to understand how it plans to address social equity issues in the cannabis industry. TICAL aims to be a brand that represents diversity and inclusion, particularly for Black entrepreneurs who have been denied opportunities in the past. By working with Black-owned dispensaries, TICAL is not only creating opportunities for entrepreneurs but also creating a more diverse and inclusive industry that can better serve its communities.
