Introduction & Guest BackgroundHosts CannaDave, Groovee, and Summer Sky welcome their special guest, Jess Jackson, a leader in cannabis advocacy, social equity, and entrepreneurship. Jess has worked on DEI (Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion) initiatives for over 20 years and is the founder of Copper House, a cannabis-friendly Bed & Breakfast in Detroit. The discussion covers Jess’s journey into the cannabis industry, her social equity work, the Minnesota and Michigan markets, and mental health in entrepreneurship.
Jess Jackson’s Journey into Cannabis first became interested in cannabis through a sorority sister in LA who launched a luxury cannabis accessories brand. While working on her MBA, she realized that the cannabis industry had significant economic opportunities, yet those most affected by prohibition were often locked out of the legal market.This inspired her to advocate for equitable access to the industry, leading her to return to Michigan and start hosting cannabis-related education and community events. She quickly recognized barriers preventing marginalized communities from entering the industry, such as:
- Lack of business education
- Expensive licensing & compliance requirements
- Stigma against cannabis use
Creating Copper House & Community-Driven Cannabis Spaces Jess launched Copper House in 2019 as a Bud & Breakfast in Detroit. The goal was to create a safe space for cannabis consumption in a market where most hotels and rentals prohibited use. Key phases of Copper House:
- Initially, an Airbnb model, allowed visitors to consume in a judgment-free environment.
- Expanded to host infused dinners, community events, and education programs.
- Shifted during COVID-19 to outdoor gatherings and advocacy work.
- Now operates as a long-term rental space for individuals in need of affordable housing.
Jess also discusses the economic realities of running a cannabis-adjacent business, explaining that:
- 27% of cannabis businesses are profitable, with even lower success rates in Michigan due to price compression.
- The cost of licensing, real estate, and legal compliance is too high for many entrepreneurs.
- She chose community-driven business models to remain sustainable.
Mental Health, Self-Care & Publishing Her BookJess shares her journey with mental health, discussing how she:
- Wrote the book Sis, Your Copper: An Alchemy to Shine to help others navigate challenges.
- Struggled with depression and anxiety, especially after losing her job, gaining weight, and facing personal setbacks.
- Ended up in a psychiatric ward for 10 days after experiencing severe suicidal ideation.
Her book focuses on resilience, self-care rituals, and finding balance in an unpredictable world. She emphasizes the importance of:
- Daily habits like journaling, therapy, and mindfulness.
- Reconnecting with community and personal passions.
- Breaking the stigma around mental health in the cannabis industry.
Minnesota vs. Michigan Cannabis MarketJess breaks down the differences between the two states’ cannabis markets:✔ Minnesota’s “Craft Cannabis” Model:
- Limited large-scale cultivation (Max 15,000 plants per license) vs. Michigan’s high-volume licenses.
- Strict regulations prevent vertical integration, meaning growers can’t own retail stores.
- Low-dose THC beverages are widely available in bars, restaurants, and even salons.
✔ Michigan’s Oversaturated Market:
- Large-scale production has led to price crashes (pounds selling for $300).
- Heavy competition makes it difficult for small businesses to survive.
- Many Black entrepreneurs struggle to gain ownership (only 2% of businesses are Black-owned).
Social Equity, Tribal Cannabis Markets & The Future Jess discusses the impact of social equity programs and tribal sovereignty in cannabis:
- Tribal-owned cannabis businesses have a first-to-market advantage in Minnesota.
- The state is negotiating compacts to allow tribal growers to supply legal dispensaries.
- The importance of partnerships and coalitions to create a more inclusive industry.
She also highlights barriers to entry for social equity applicants, such as:
- Legal battles delaying program rollouts.
- Difficult compliance requirements that favor well-funded corporations.
Consumption Lounges, Cooperative Housing & The Future of Copper House shares her future business vision, which includes:
- Developing cannabis-friendly cooperative housing.
- Creating a farm-based Bud & Breakfast with event spaces for weddings and retreats.
- Advocating for consumption lounges and more public cannabis spaces.
Final Thoughts & The “Ganja Genie” Question If Jess could change one thing about the cannabis industry, she would:
- Increase Black ownership and equity in the market.
- Ensure the communities most harmed by prohibition benefit from legalization.
She ends by shouting out key mentors and partners who have supported her in the industry.
📍 [00:00 - 05:00] – Introduction & Guest Welcome
- Hosts introduce Jess Jackson and her work in cannabis advocacy and social equity.
- How she got involved in cannabis activism and business.
📍 [05:00 - 10:00] – Barriers to Entry in Cannabis
- Jess shares how she entered the industry and the challenges marginalized communities face.
- Discussion on licensing costs, regulations, and stigma.
📍 [10:00 - 15:00] – Founding Copper House
- The origin of Copper House, a cannabis-friendly Bud & Breakfast in Detroit.
- Transition from Airbnb to an event space and community hub.
📍 [15:00 - 20:00] – Shift to Affordable Housing & Community Support
- Copper House evolves into a long-term affordable housing solution.
- Challenges of shared living spaces and rental affordability.
📍 [20:00 - 25:00] – Mental Health & Self-Care
- Jess shares struggles with depression, anxiety, and major life transitions.
- Writing her book "Sis, Your Copper: An Alchemy to Shine" to help others navigate adversity.
📍 [25:00 - 30:00] – Minnesota vs. Michigan Cannabis Markets
- Minnesota’s small-business-focused market vs. Michigan’s oversaturation.
- Price drops, limited cultivation licenses, and industry struggles.
📍 [30:00 - 35:00] – Cannabis Beverages & Stigma Reduction
- Minnesota’s legal cannabis beverage market in bars and restaurants.
- Why beverages help normalize consumption for non-smokers.
📍 [35:00 - 40:00] – Social Equity & Tribal Cannabis Markets
- The impact of tribal cannabis businesses and their agreements with the state.
- Challenges for minority-owned cannabis businesses.
📍 [40:00 - 45:00] – Consumption Lounges & Future Business Plans
- Potential for cannabis consumption lounges in Minnesota.
- Jess’s vision for cooperative cannabis-friendly housing and farm-based retreats.
📍 [45:00 - 50:00] – The "Ganja Genie" Question – Industry Changes
- If Jess could change one thing, she would increase Black ownership in cannabis.
- Discussion on equity, representation, and industry barriers.
📍 [50:00 - 55:00] – Final Thoughts & Shoutouts
