Special Guest Jess Jackson | Cannabis, Social Equity, & Mental Health

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 so