Through The Fire

From an honor student in high school, to a U of Iowa grad, to a biotech scientist then a paradigm shift to a cannabis pioneer and finally on to a multinational / MSO, Calvin has left a mark on the story of cannabis… and is still going.

Commitment To Education

Starting out working as a research assistant in college to pay for schooling. Calvin was committed to bettering himself and his community by being one of the first to leave home and travel to a Big 10 school to pursue his dreams and challenge the real world away from the comfort of home.

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Business and Entrepreneurship

Eager to get into the workforce to pursue his dreams of being a scientist and providing for his family Calvin soon saw the need for a more natural approach to medicine. He worked for major biotech companies like Amgen and Baxter Bioscience, as well as starting his own businesses and dabbing in real estate.

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Activism

After hearing the positive effects of cannabis on cancer patients from his neighbor who was fighting for his life, Calvin dedicated his life to making this plant legal again for everybody. He teamed up with pioneering activist like Richard Eastman and Dennis Peron, the author of California’s Compassionate Use Act, one of the first laws aimed at making cannabis legal again in the US. He has worked along with politicians, from the mayor to the governor to push for legal access to cannabis for all of its constituents regardless of State.

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Creating Brands and Popularizing the Industry

In order for this industry to take off, it needed acceptance. Calvin spent time and effort and took great risks by doing documentaries, reality TV, and bringing in high-profile celebrities to promote this industry. He started his genetic company Cloneville and his cannabis brand Hip Hop Legacy Brands.

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Increasing Social Equity within the Industry

Social Equity within this industry is a big deal to Calvin. It is one of his number one goals for the industry. As the first legally recognized black cannabis business in the country (circa 2005), he has worked with or influenced other black women and men to get into this industry and thrive. Like Wanda James, the first black licensed dispensary, cultivation, and edibles brands in the country (circa 2009). Cat Packer, the first black Director of Cannabis Regulations in any major city (LA). Faye Coleman, one of the first black women to earn a retail and consumption lounge in New Jersey. Dameon, Sheira, and Kila of Illinois, one of the first all-black-owned Microbusinesses in that state.

Speaking Circuit

In order for an industry to truly take off, pioneers have to reach out and spread true and real information to the public. Calvin started to speak, moderate, host, co-host, and keynote at major conferences around the country to advocate for sensible rules and regulations for the industry.

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Global / National Business and Brand Ownership

Calvin has worked long and hard to build up this industry for everyone. He has also made great strides in building his personal brand. He has equity in six stores throughout Thailand, and his Hip Hop Legacy branded stores are a hit there. He still has equity in other states throughout the US. He is in talks with one of the potentially biggest MSOs in the United States to become their Chief Business Development Officer, a major accomplishment for a black man in the cannabis space.