About Wanda James
Wanda James is a trailblazing cannabis entrepreneur, social justice advocate, and U.S. Navy veteran. In 2009, she and her husband became the first African Americans legally licensed to own a cannabis dispensary in the United States.
In 2023, she was elected to the University of Colorado Board of Regents — the first Black woman elected to that body in over 40 years. She served on President Obama's National Finance Committee.
Notable Credentials
- First Black-owned dispensary in the U.S. (2009)
- MJBizDaily Awards Hall of Fame inductee (first inductee, 2019)
- Adweek 2021 Trailblazer Award (alongside VP Kamala Harris)
- High Times 100 Most Influential (2018)
- University of Colorado Board of Regents (elected 2023)
- U.S. Navy veteran
Speaking History
Has appeared at:
MJBizCon 2019 O'Cannabiz 2022 (Keynote) SXSW 2017 Black CannaCon 2021 (Keynote)
Quick Info
Role
CEO & Co-Founder, Simply Pure Dispensary
Topic Area
Social Equity
Location
CO, US
Type
Speaker