WOMEN IN POWER
Hope Wiseman is an innovative, driving force in the Cannabis industry. As an advocate for medicinal cannabis and the diversification of the hemp industry, Hope is making her mark in a mostly male-dominated field. She is making great strides not only for her business, but also for the community she represents.
FWM: Good Morning, Hope. I am so excited about this interview! Introduce yourself and your business.
HW: At the age of 25, I became the youngest black woman dispensary owner in the country. In September 2018, my dispensary, Mary and Main, opened its doors to Prince George’s County with a purpose of serving and educating my clients about Cannabis. My mission is to continue to kill the stigma the country has created about Cannabis within the Black community and help African Americans realize the importance of their place in the cannabis industry.
FWM: Why did you start Mary and Main?
HW: I realized that with the support of my mother and business partner, Dr. Bryant, that I possessed the resources necessary to be a part of the fastest growing industry in the US. We wanted to ensure that all Marylanders, with a focus on minorities, have a safe place to explore and learn about cannabis.
FWM: What made you want to get involved in the Cannabis business?
HW: As an economics major and my experience in finance, I was first drawn to the economic growth potential of the industry. After that initial pull ignited my research, I realized how the medical properties of medical cannabis gave people a better quality of life while dealing with common ailments and diseases. I became passionate in the belief that all people deserve safe access to quality medicine as an alternative to prescribed drugs. Lastly, I became aware of social injustices that have become an issue since the war on drugs and the disparities in African American ownership in the industry.
Companies such as Industrial Hemp Processors, LLC (IHP) are breaking ground in assisting and ensuring that Black and Brown farmers are properly involved, educated, represented, protected, championed and cemented in the industrial hemp industry.
FWM: Why is diversifying into the hemp industry important to you?
HW: As the cannabis side of the industry is bombarded with red tape and restrictions, the hemp industry allows for a more regular business environment. Also, it was important to me that I was able provide opportunities to minorities through the many job opportunities that the hemp industry makes available.
Dr. Garth of Industrial Hemp Processors (IHP LLC) says of Hope Wiseman—“Hope sees the opportunities in diversifying into the hemp industry and that is the very definition of what formidable is all about. She’s not afraid to be a forerunner.”
FWM: What tools and/or strategic partnerships have you put in place to help women? And the community?
HW: Mary and Main offers free educational courses to our community which we live stream and archive for future use. We are so happy to partner with local organizations, some already in the industry, and others building their brands to host our classes to give more exposure to their efforts.
Also, we have implemented a brand ambassador program, in which we take local individuals and train them on all areas of the business in hopes to build their industry knowledge and feed a pipeline of employees for our companies.
FWM: How can people connect with you outside of this interview?
HW: You can find me on IG and Twitter at @iamhopesodope. Later this month, I will be launching my personal website, www.hopewiseman.com and, soon after, a course for those who are interested in the cannabis and hemp industries.
Read more about Hope in the April Women In Power print issue of FWM!
