Jesce Horton's story proves that setbacks can be the setup for something greater. He lost a scholarship and corporate job opportunities because of cannabis. But instead of being defeated, he accepted rejection as redirection and found a career working with the plant. Now, as the founder of LOWD, he's a leading advocate for Black ownership, representation, and real equity in the cannabis industry.
Jesce shares how quitting his lucrative job to grow weed in his basement led to a thriving career in cannabis. His industrial engineering background gave him the tools to develop smart, sustainable systems, helping him scale LOWD into an award-winning cannabis production company. He also opens up about his partnership with NBA legend Carmelo Anthony to develop Stay Melo and launch Grand National Agency, a platform designed to uplift others in the space.
On this episode of For Good podcast, Joseph "JoJo" Simmons and Jesce dive into:
- The first time he smoked and how it changed his path forever.
- The book that shifted his mindset and set him on the road to success.
- Why it's important for celebs like Carmelo Anthony to form strategic, intentional partnerships when entering the cannabis business.
Links and Resources:
- Follow @jescehorton on Instagram
- Follow @thelowd on Instagram
- Follow @forgoodpodcast on Instagram
Subscribe to the For Good podcast on Spotify, Apple, or wherever you get your podcasts.
Timestamps:
- 00:00 Welcome to For Good
- 01:45 Why the Cannabis Industry Needs More Black Leaders
- 02:47 My First Smoke: A Life-Changing Connection
- 03:34 Sneaking Weed: My Parents Found Out
- 06:20 How Cannabis Helped Me Ace School
- 07:44 Failed the Drug Test and Lost It All
- 09:26 Amsterdam Changed Everything
- 11:47 From Engineer to Weed Grower: Taking the Leap
- 14:10 What If I Worked on Something I Loved?
- 16:31 How Engineering Made Me a Better Grower
- 20:26 The Biggest Misconception About The Business
- 19:54 Founding the Minority Cannabis Business Association
- 22:33 The Three Pillars of Equity in Cannabis
- 23:32 Using Cannabis to Create Real Change
- 27:27 Teaming up with Carmelo Anthony
- 31:36 Corporate Cannabis Doesn't Get the Culture
- 31:54 The Industry's Biggest Problem Today
- 35:04 Managing Mental Health as a Cannabis Entrepreneur
