A notable addition to River Rouge’s marijuana scene, 1st Quality Medz is the first recreational marijuana dispensary to be introduced to Wayne County, Michigan. Vetra Stephens, a cannabis entrepreneur, is the brains behind this dispensary, and she runs the shop alongside two other owners. While 1st Quality Medz has an esteemed reputation in the Michigan cannabis industry, Stephens has aspirations of expanding its operations. In the coming weeks, Stephens is hoping to acquire a state license that will allow the company to process extracts.
With this growth will come a new line of gummies, vape carts, and Rick Simpson Oil. 1st Quality Medz has dubbed this brand “The V-Affect,” and it’s expected to hit the shelves at retail outlets in the area. While gummies, vape carts, and RSO will be The V-Affect’s flagship products, Stephens will be keeping an ear to the ground to see what customers want. Eventually, The V-Affect will add flower to its collection. Currently, 1st Quality Medz is cultivating 11 strains in their expansive grow facility, which bodes well for The V-Affect’s bud line.
Stephens is thrilled to see how the arrival of The V-Affect will impact business and hopes to show others the wonders of marijuana. When Stephens was diagnosed with lupus, she turned to cannabis to help alleviate the symptoms. It’s for this reason why she’s so passionate about broadening Wayne County’s marijuana market. When Stephens dipped her toes into these waters, she began on the medical side of the cannabis industry. Over the years, she’s immersed herself in local and state affairs, gleaning substantial knowledge as she continues to expand her reach.
Between 1st Quality Medz and The V-Affect, Stephens is providing significant employment opportunities. Presently, there are only 25 staff members working in these facilities, but this figure will increase once they start processing products. When they begin rolling out more inventory, Stephens will add packagers, brand ambassadors, marketers, and extractors to their workforce. In addition to these developments, Stephens is also making great strides on the racial equality front.
Despite the glaring disparities in the cannabis industry, Stephens is using her status as a Black woman to breathe inclusion into this trade. The Marijuana Regulatory Agency states that roughly four percent of Michigan’s recreational marijuana business owners are Black. Stephens is doing her part to diversify this industry, proving that grit and resilience can get you anywhere. Regarding the future of 1st Quality Medz and The V-Affect, Stephens will rely heavily on consumer feedback.
In other words, before adding more products to the collection, Stephens will ask for input. This tried-and-true approach is why 1st Quality Medz has seen such success. As Stephens remains a force to be reckoned with, her reputation as a Black cannabis entrepreneur is thriving. With The V-Affect well on the horizon, it’ll soon become obvious just how prominent Stephens is in the marijuana industry.
