Fab 5 Freddy: Cannabis Education is Key to Building an Equitable Industry in Florida
Hip-Hop legend and B NOBLE founder Fab 5 Freddy believes that education is the cornerstone of building a truly equitable cannabis industry. In an exclusive interview with Benzinga, he emphasized the importance of empowering marginalized communities, particularly in Florida, where adult-use cannabis legalization is on the horizon.
“We as leaders in the space have a duty to help reframe the narrative,” Freddy said, highlighting the crucial role of cannabis education. B NOBLE, a social equity brand launched in partnership with Curaleaf, is taking a proactive approach by offering 100 free job training grants through a collaboration with Greenbook Academy. These grants aim to equip minorities and aspiring professionals with the skills necessary to thrive in the cannabis industry, focusing on training in cannabis trimming and dispensary technician roles.
A Model for Boosting Inclusion Through Cannabis
Freddy passionately believes that education is the key to building a more just and equitable cannabis industry. “Cannabis is still a very new legal business, and there’s a huge gap in education,” he explained. From understanding dispensary operations to educating customers, the cannabis industry requires a specialized knowledge base comparable to established industries. As a Black-owned business, B NOBLE is dedicated to reclaiming space for communities historically impacted by the War on Drugs and the harsh penalties associated with cannabis possession.
B NOBLE, launched in partnership with Curaleaf, is the company’s first large-scale social equity brand. It tells the story of Bernard Noble, who served seven years of a 13-year sentence for minor cannabis possession. This partnership with Greenbook Academy, Freddy asserts, lays a foundation for equitable practices and supports individuals who have long been excluded from the cannabis industry.
Legalization’s Role in Social Transformation
Throughout his illustrious career, Fab 5 Freddy has witnessed firsthand the evolution of public attitudes toward cannabis. He acknowledges the lingering stigma and calls for continued transformation, particularly for communities disproportionately affected by the War on Drugs. His 2019 film, “Grass Is Greener,” explored the devastating toll cannabis prosecution had on Black and Brown communities, including loss of housing, custody challenges, and targeted arrests.
“Legalization efforts since have begun righting those wrongs,” he said. Freddy is particularly optimistic about Amendment 3 on Florida’s November ballot, which would legalize regulated adult-use cannabis. He believes that regulated adult-use cannabis could significantly improve public safety by discouraging illicit sales, allowing law enforcement to focus on violent crimes, and opening up economic opportunities.
Curaleaf and B NOBLE’s Social Equity Mission
Kate Smith, Curaleaf’s SVP for the Southeast, underscores her company’s alignment with B NOBLE’s goals and its long-standing commitment to social equity. Since 2021, Curaleaf and Fab 5 Freddy have launched the B NOBLE brand in nine states, with Florida serving as a key market. Smith emphasizes that this partnership reflects Curaleaf’s broader commitment to supporting diversity and social equity in cannabis through its “Rooted in Good” corporate social responsibility program.
“We’re prepared to expand our indoor cultivation capacity and expand our retail footprint significantly in preparation for adult-use in Florida, and B NOBLE is an important part of that,” Smith stated. She also explained that every sale of B NOBLE products in Florida contributes 10% of proceeds to Greenbook Academy, directly supporting educational initiatives that offer individuals from diverse backgrounds entry points into the cannabis industry. This approach, Smith clarifies, is a shared vision between B NOBLE and Curaleaf, aimed at driving economic opportunity and inclusion within the cannabis industry.
Cannabis Industry as a Tool for Social Justice
For Fab 5 Freddy, legalization is not merely about providing high-quality cannabis products; it’s about using the industry to address longstanding injustices. He points to the thousands whose lives have been damaged by unfair laws and emphasizes the importance of giving marginalized communities a chance to thrive. “Our brand allows people to reclaim what was taken from them,” he remarked.
With legalization on the horizon in Florida, the groundwork laid by Curaleaf, B NOBLE, and Greenbook Academy may soon open new pathways for a more inclusive and equitable cannabis industry in the state. Their collective efforts signify a powerful commitment to creating a future where everyone can benefit from the growing cannabis industry, regardless of their background or prior experiences.