Hope Wiseman & NYC Small Business

On May 31st, I had the honor of speaking at Happy to Cannect 2025 for the “Cannabis Entrepreneurship: Stories from the Field” panel, and it felt so full circle to be in a room surrounded by folks who truly care about where this industry is headed. I got to share a bit of my journey as the youngest Black woman to open a dispensary in the U.S., and how that experience led me to create Legal & Licensed, a community where we’re breaking down the business of cannabis in a way that’s actually accessible. If you’ve ever felt like the doors to this industry weren’t built for you, I hope this conversation reminds you that your voice matters here. The more we share what’s actually happening in the field, the more we create room for honest growth and lasting change. Thanks again to Happy to Cannect for creating such a meaningful space.