At 76 years old, Sue Taylor is breaking barriers and paving the way for black entrepreneurship in Berkeley, California, with the opening of the city’s first and only black-woman-owned dispensary.
In an interview with ABC-7 News, Taylor expressed her pride in owning the establishment, emphasizing the significance of representation in the cannabis industry, particularly for African Americans who have been disproportionately affected by cannabis-related incarcerations.
“So many African Americans — it’s people of color who were incarcerated for cannabis from the get, right, from the beginning. It was us,” Taylor said. “And so to have an African-American family open up a dispensary such as this, it gave us a lot of pride.”
Taylor’s journey into the cannabis sector began after witnessing its benefits for seniors and grappling with the loss of a friend to cancer.
Overcoming her initial hesitation surrounding cannabis, Taylor co-founded Farmacy Berkeley, a venture that took 12 years to come to fruition.
Despite facing numerous challenges, including securing permits and finding a suitable location, Taylor remained determined to make her dream a reality.
With the support of three outside investors, Taylor opened Farmacy Berkeley on February 6, 2020, depleting her retirement savings in the process.
Now celebrating its fourth anniversary, the dispensary has become a staple in the community, offering a range of products sourced from local growers, including cannabis-infused beverages, strains, and joint and muscle creams.
Taylor plans to expand her offerings with the introduction of a wellness center in the future.
Farmacy Berkeley prides itself on being “more than just a store,” actively engaging with local governments, businesses, and social equity organizations to educate the community on cannabis use.
Products are available for purchase online or at the physical location at 3243 Sacramento St, Berkeley, CA 94702.
