June 19 marks Juneteenth, the federal holiday commemorating the day in 1865 when the last enslaved people in Galveston, Texas learned they were free—two‑and‑a‑half years after the Emancipation Proclamation. The celebration has long symbolized freedom, resilience, and Black innovation; Congress formally recognized it as a U.S. holiday in 2021.
Yet freedom is only the first step. True equity means economic inclusion—and that’s exactly what a new wave of Black‑owned cannabis beverage founders is fighting for in 2025.
Why Representation Matters in Cannabis
- Historic imbalance. Less than 2 percent of U.S. cannabis businesses are Black‑owned, despite Black Americans historically facing disproportionate cannabis‑related arrests.
- Economic ripple effect. Every purchase from a Black‑owned brand circulates dollars inside historically excluded communities, fueling local jobs and generational wealth.
- Flavor & formulation leadership. Some of the category’s most innovative flavor profiles and nano‑emulsion breakthroughs were pioneered by Black beverage founders.
5 Black‑Owned THC Companies to Watch
| Brand | Signature Product | Why We Love It | Where They Operate |
|---|---|---|---|
| The Best Dirty Lemonade | Lemon + demerara sugar + whisper of ginger | Black-owned brand founded by Omari Anderson and inspired by family lemonade recipes; delivers bold, alcohol-free refreshment. | Ship‑to‑consumer (select states) & wholesalers nationwide |
| Ahh Moments | Artisan Cannabis Chocolates | Black‑ and woman‑owned Massachusetts brand co‑founded by herbalist Haley Bain; focuses on small‑batch, superfood‑infused chocolates. | Massachusetts |
| LOWD | Strawberry Sparkling | Portland craft‑cultivated flower brand now bottling its terp‑forward flavor expertise. Small‑batch and culture‑driven. | Oregon |
| Melo’s by Carmelo Anthony | Citrus Splash (5 mg) | NBA legend Carmelo Anthony brings pro‑level finesse to low‑dose, sessionable sips. | Multi‑state (CA, IL, NJ) |
| Terp Bae | Craft Flower & Infused Pre‑Rolls | Boston‑born social‑equity label blending hip‑hop culture with terp‑rich premium flower. | Massachusetts |
Juneteenth Recipe: Red Velvet Freedom Fizz
Red foods—symbolizing perseverance—are a Juneteenth staple. Bring that tradition into the modern era with this THC‑infused riff.
Ingredients
- 1 bottle Best Dirty Lemonade – Original (10 mg THC)
- 2 oz chilled hibiscus tea
- 1 oz raspberry purée
- Squeeze of fresh lime
- Crushed ice & mint sprig
Directions
- Fill a tall glass halfway with crushed ice.
- Combine lemonade, hibiscus tea, and raspberry purée; stir gently.
- Top with a squeeze of lime and garnish with mint.
- Toast to freedom—responsibly and legally.
How to Support Black‑Owned Cannabis Brands Year‑Round
- Shop mindfully. Look for Black‑owned logos on dispensary shelves and online marketplaces.
- Ask retailers to stock them. Wholesale buyers respond to demand signals.
- Share on social. A single tagged post can introduce hundreds of friends to new brands.
- Invest or mentor. Capital and expertise accelerate equity.
- Vote with your wallet daily. Juneteenth is 24 hours; economic justice is a 365‑day project.
Juneteenth reminds us that liberation is the floor, not the ceiling. By choosing Black‑owned cannabis beverages like The Best Dirty Lemonade, Ahh, LOWD, Melo’s, and Terp Bae, you help build an industry as diverse and vibrant as the flavors in your glass.