If you had told me 20 years ago that I’d be interviewing a cannabis dispensary owner in my 70s—let alone publishing it in a wellness newsletter—I’d have raised a skeptical eyebrow (and likely asked for proof you weren’t high).
And yet, here we are.
Cannabis has evolved from back-alley paranoia to boutique wellness—but for many older adults, curiosity is still tangled up with stigma, fear, and misinformation. The change in perception has been seismic, yet our relationship to the plant—especially in Black and Brown communities—remains complicated.
So what’s really holding us back? And how did we even get here?
From “Reefer Madness” to Respected Medicine: A Cultural Pivot
For centuries, cannabis was considered medicine across cultures—from ancient China to Egypt to colonial America. But in the U.S., a sharp turn began in the early 20th century when racist political agendas framed marijuana as a threat to white society, demonizing it through films like Reefer Madness and campaigns linking it to jazz clubs and immigrants.
By the 1970s, cannabis was federally classified as a Schedule I drug, placing it on par with heroin—“no accepted medical use and a high potential for abuse.” That perception shaped an entire generation.
Then came the countercultural wave of the 1960s, followed by the harsh penalties of the War on Drugs in the ’80s and ’90s—penalties that disproportionately targeted Black and Brown communities. Cannabis went from casual taboo to criminal trigger.
But in the shadows of injustice, advocacy grew. The HIV/AIDS crisis in the ’90s reignited interest in cannabis as medicine. California passed the nation’s first medical marijuana law in 1996. The conversation had changed. And by the early 2000s, states across the country followed suit.
Today, 38 states and Washington, D.C. have legalized medical cannabis, and 24 states allow recreational use. The conversation around the plant is no longer about fear. It’s about access, education, and healing.
Why the Boom—and Why Now?
Several factors have contributed to cannabis’s rise:
- Shifting public opinion: More than two-thirds of Americans now support legalization. That number was just 12% in 1969.
- State revenue: Legal states are generating billions in tax revenue, reinvesting in public health and infrastructure.
- Innovation: The explosion of product options—edibles, tinctures, topicals, concentrates—has opened the door for new users, especially those who don’t want to smoke.
- Wellness and longevity: As aging populations demand better options for sleep, pain, and mental clarity, cannabis has stepped in as a viable, natural alternative.
Cannabis use among adults 65+ has nearly doubled in recent years. And it’s not about getting high. It’s about living well, with fewer pills and more control.
You Don’t Have to Smoke to Benefit
Let’s put this plainly: Cannabis today isn’t just joints and pre-rolls. You can reap its benefits without ever lighting a match.
- Edibles offer long-lasting relief for pain, anxiety, or sleep issues.
- Tinctures provide discreet, precise dosing—just a few drops under the tongue.
- Topicals like creams and balms are used for arthritis, muscle soreness, and even skin conditions.
- Concentrates are high-potency options for experienced users or those with chronic, unmanageable pain.
And for those who still prefer inhalation, vaporizers offer a cleaner alternative to smoking, with adjustable temperature controls and measured dosages.
Dispensary professionals are trained to guide you—many with a deep background in wellness or healthcare. Which brings us to…
Who’s Behind the Counter—and Why It Matters
One of the biggest misconceptions about cannabis is that dispensaries are just head shops with fancier shelves. Not even close.
Modern dispensaries are regulated, secure, and staffed by professionals who take their roles seriously.
- Budtenders are the frontline educators, helping customers select products, understand dosages, and navigate options. Think of them as part pharmacist, part wellness concierge.
- Patient Care Specialists (sometimes called Wellness Advisors) are common in medical dispensaries. They listen carefully to your symptoms and concerns, explaining therapeutic options with empathy and clarity.
- Dispensary Managers ensure compliance with state regulations, manage inventory, and supervise staff. Their job blends customer service with policy, retail, and community engagement.
- Support staff—from receptionists and inventory specialists to security guards and even couriers—round out a team built not for recreation, but for health and access.
Gone are the days of mystery and mistrust. These workers are trained, accountable, and mission-driven—especially in dispensaries that serve aging populations or those managing chronic illnesses.
Why Federal Legalization Still Matters
Despite state progress, cannabis remains federally illegal, classified as Schedule I. That designation:
- Blocks access to traditional banking services (no loans, no credit cards).
- Prevents normal business deductions under IRS code 280E.
- Makes research funding difficult or nonexistent.
- Risks federal interference—even in states where cannabis is legal.
There’s momentum to reschedule cannabis to Schedule III, which would ease tax burdens and allow more research, but until full federal legalization happens, the industry remains in a legal limbo.
This limbo affects everything: pricing, product consistency, equity, and access. It also discourages physicians from learning or recommending cannabis, leaving patients with fewer trusted voices to turn to.
So… What Are We Still Afraid Of?
For many older adults, it’s not the plant that’s scary. It’s the unknown. The judgment. The weight of history. The fear of doing something “wrong,” even when it feels right.
But here’s the good news: You don’t have to become someone else to explore cannabis. You don’t have to smoke. You don’t have to get high. You don’t have to tell your children (unless you want to).
What you can do is ask questions. Try a topical. Start with CBD. Visit a dispensary that offers patient consultations. Read labels. Start low. Go slow. See what works for you.
Aging isn’t about limiting possibilities. It’s about expanding them. And if cannabis can help you sleep better, move more easily, or worry less—why let stigma decide for you?
Let’s Talk
- Have you tried cannabis or CBD? If not, what’s holding you back?
- Do you feel your doctor, church, or community would support your choice, or shame it?
- What would help you feel more confident exploring this option?
As one wise woman once said, “One must have purpose every day.”
If your purpose today is to feel better and live bolder, maybe it’s time to let the plant speak for itself.
Trailblazer in the District: A Conversation with Linda Mercado Greene
Interview by Lawson Brooks
Linda Mercado Greene is the Owner, Board Chair, and CEO of Anacostia Organics, the first medical cannabis dispensary East of the River in Washington, DC—located in historic Anacostia. As one of the few fully Black woman-owned cannabis licensees in the U.S., Linda is a trailblazer in the industry and a leading voice for equity and inclusion. It should also be mentioned that Linda and her daughter, Tamia Harper are one of the first three black mother-daughter dispensary licensed operators in the U.S.
She is also the Founder and CEO of The Linda Greene Group, a public relations and strategic communications firm. Widely regarded as a Washington insider, Linda has played a pivotal role in shaping cannabis policy both locally and nationally. She chaired the DC Medical Cannabis Trade Association, which became the DC Cannabis Trade Association, neither of which is in existence now and and was a member of the Board of the U.S. Cannabis Council, “chairing” its DEI Task Force. Linda is also currently a member of the USCR Government Relations Committee, the National Council of ATACHE, and a Director of the newly formed Regulated Cannabis Association of DC (RCADC). Force.
Linda hosts Cannabis Conversations with Linda Mercado Greene, the only government-funded cannabis podcast in the country. She has been featured in numerous articles, publications, and broadcast interviews, and was named to the Washington Business Journal’s Power 100 in 2022.
Beyond cannabis, Linda has a rich career as a political and strategic consultant, advising Members of Congress, African Heads of State, and high-profile entertainers and athletes. A two-term Mayoral appointee to DC’s Historic Preservation Review Board, she continues to serve on several influential local and national boards.
Lawson Brooks: What inspired you to open the first medical cannabis dispensary East of the Anacostia River in 2019? What hurdles did you face turning that vision into a reality?
Linda Greene: I’ve always been deeply embedded in the political and civic life of DC. So, imagine my surprise when I learned—years after the fact—that DC had launched a licensed medical cannabis program in 2010. That revelation sparked my curiosity. I joined a few close girlfriends in researching the program—who the licensees were, what types of licenses existed, and where the dispensaries and cultivators were located.
What we found was disheartening: only two dispensary licensees were people of color, and none were located in Wards 7 or 8. Our initial goal was to become the first Black women cultivators in the city, but after three years of searching for a location and hitting constant roadblocks, we pivoted toward opening a dispensary instead.
That shift wasn’t easy. We had to advocate for a change in DC law to even reopen the licensing process and allow for a dispensary East of the River. Once the window reopened, the challenges multiplied—landlords were wary of leasing to a federally illegal business, community skepticism required extensive education, and city regulations were stringent. On top of that, banking and financing were virtually nonexistent. Banks wouldn’t lend to cannabis businesses or even allow us to open accounts, and most investors didn’t understand the industry or the risks involved. Still, we persisted—and Anacostia Organics became a reality.
Brooks: You helped secure emergency legislation to support longtime DC residents and minority business owners. What was that advocacy process like?
Greene: I’ve lived in DC since 1973 and have been fortunate to build deep relationships across political and cultural lines—including with Marion Barry, who became my closest male friend. I was already politically engaged before I got here—I was actually the first Black teen mayor of my hometown, Newport News, Virginia.
When I decided to pursue a license, it was clear I was at a disadvantage. Most of the existing licensees weren’t DC residents, and there were only two minority license holders. Despite submitting what I believed was the strongest application, I knew I couldn’t compete against wealthy applicants from across the country. That’s when I approached Councilmember Robert White to advocate for additional points in the application process for Certified Business Enterprises (CBEs) through the Department of Small and Local Business Development. Thanks to his support, the city adopted that provision, and my team was the only applicant that qualified. That’s how we won the license.
Brooks: As a Black woman entrepreneur in cannabis, how have you seen DC’s approach to diversity, equity, and inclusion evolve since 2019?
Greene: DC has always made space for Black entrepreneurship—some of the country’s first Black millionaires got their start here. But when I applied for my license, there were no social equity provisions in the cannabis program. It was a level playing field—on paper. Since then, we’ve seen real progress. The city has prioritized licensees from communities most affected by the War on Drugs and provided legal pathways for those previously operating in the illicit market.
Still, the financial challenges are steep. Cannabis businesses can’t access traditional banking, accept credit cards, or take standard tax deductions. Leasing property is another uphill battle—landlords risk federal asset forfeiture just by renting to us. It’s a heavy lift, and not everyone is equipped to take it on.
Brooks: You’re someone who’s always involved—clubs, organizations, civic life. Where does that drive come from?
Greene: I believe life is meant to be lived with intention. My dear friend, the late Dr. Dorothy Height, once told me, “Ms. Greene, one must have purpose every day.” That quote stuck with me. Staying active—mentally and socially—is part of my DNA. Whether it’s nonprofit work, civic engagement, or spending time with friends and family, I do my best to remain purposeful, even on the tough days.
Brooks: How did your podcast, Cannabis Conversations, come to be?
Greene: The grand opening of Anacostia Organics was a major event—Mayor Bowser, Congresswoman Norton, community leaders, and the media all showed up. The next day, the Office of Cable Television, Film, Music, and Entertainment invited me to appear on their show, The 202. After that appearance, they approached me about hosting a cannabis-themed TV show.
I was flattered, but opening a dispensary was already a massive commitment—and TV production takes time, not to mention hair and makeup! A few weeks later, they returned with a different idea: a podcast. I had never heard of podcasts back then—it was 2019—but I agreed. DC Radio handles production and distribution, and I develop the content and interview guests.
That’s how Cannabis Conversations with Linda Mercado Greene was born. I had no idea it would reach so many people—listeners from Africa even reached out. In an industry where marketing is difficult and advertising is restricted, the podcast has played a crucial role in raising awareness and building trust for Anacostia Organics.
Brooks: Historic Anacostia has a unique legacy. How did the community respond to a cannabis dispensary opening in the neighborhood?
Greene: I’ve lived in Anacostia since 2000, but my roots here go back to the early ’90s. People knew me—they knew I was close with the Barrys, that I cared deeply about the community.
But let’s be honest: Anacostia was a hotbed for drug activity when I began this journey. I knew that gaining community support meant education and engagement. I held “Conversations at Linda’s” twice a month, where longtime and new residents—Black, White, young, old—came together to talk. I met with churches, community organizations, ANC reps—you name it. I even talked with local drug dealers who respected what I was doing. They told me, “We have different clientele.” That meant a lot.
I promised to hire from Wards 7 and 8 and held DC’s first cannabis job fair at the Anacostia Arts Center. Over time, the community came to understand that medical cannabis isn’t a street drug—it’s healing. And they backed me completely.
Brooks: You’ve stepped back from chairing cannabis organizations, but what are the key policy priorities you’re still focused on?
Greene: I’m no longer serving in leadership roles with national or local cannabis organizations, but I remain active. The top priorities for the industry are:
- Full federal legalization—many countries have already moved forward, and it’s time we did, too.
- Descheduling cannabis from Schedule I to Schedule III—this would remove the burdens of IRS code 280E, which prevents us from deducting normal business expenses.
- Passage of the STATES Act—this would prevent federal interference in states that have legalized cannabis.
These are essential steps to level the playing field and legitimize this growing industry.
Brooks: The word “stoner” still lingers in pop culture. What’s your take?
Greene: Honestly, I haven’t heard “stoner” used seriously in a long time. That term belongs to the 1960s and ’70s. Today, people understand cannabis differently—it’s recognized for its medicinal benefits and healing power.
Brooks: Can you share a memorable story about a patient that captures the impact of Anacostia Organics?
Greene: One story that still gives me chills is about a veteran who’d been in a wheelchair for years. After using our medical cannabis products, his condition began to improve. One day, he walked into the dispensary—no wheelchair, no cane. I didn’t even recognize him. He was standing tall. That’s the power of this plant.
We’ve seen countless stories like that—people finding relief physically and emotionally. Anacostia Organics has made a real difference, not just in this neighborhood but for people across the city and beyond. We serve anyone over 21 with a valid ID—no doctor’s recommendation is required, and DC residents can get a medical card for free. We also offer reciprocity for patients from most states.
Brooks: Finally, what advice do you have for Black women aspiring to enter the cannabis industry?
Greene: Do your homework. Learn everything you can about the plant, the laws—state and federal—and how this industry truly operates. Go to conferences. Join trade associations. Find mentors. And understand that it takes serious capital—millions, not thousands—to sustain a cannabis business. But don’t be discouraged. Follow your dream and walk in your purpose.