Macias soaked up knowledge like a sponge, learning the ins and outs of cannabis cultivation, extraction methods, patient care, and compliance. She returned to D.C. armed with a newfound expertise and a clear vision: to create a safe, inclusive space for patients in need of cannabis medicine.
In 2013, Macias’s hard work paid off. She secured a license to open the National Holistic Healing Center, becoming the first Black woman to own and operate a medical cannabis dispensary on the East Coast. The center quickly became a beacon of hope for patients seeking relief from chronic pain, cancer, PTSD, and other conditions. Macias’s commitment to education and patient care set her dispensary apart, earning her a loyal following and national recognition.
But Macias’s journey didn’t end there. In 2018, she made history once again by becoming the first Black woman to chair the board of directors for Women Grow, a leading organization for women in the cannabis industry. Through her leadership, Macias has worked to empower women of color and create opportunities for underrepresented communities in the cannabis space.
Today, Dr. Chanda Macias continues to break barriers and advocate for equitable access to cannabis medicine. Her story is a testament to resilience, determination, and the power of believing in oneself against all odds. As she reflects on her journey, she remains grateful for the challenges that shaped her path. “I wouldn’t be where I am today if it wasn’t for those struggles,” she says. “They made me who I am.”
But not for Macias. She saw an opportunity to make a difference and accepted the challenge without hesitation.
Over the next few months, Macias worked tirelessly to secure the necessary funding, reaching out to investors and leveraging her network in the industry. It was a daunting task, but she knew the impact she could have on the community and the patients who were waiting for access to medical cannabis.
Finally, in 2019, Southern University’s medical cannabis program was back on track, thanks to Macias’s dedication and determination. The facility was up and running, providing much-needed relief to patients in Louisiana. For Macias, it was a moment of triumph—a validation of her unwavering belief in the healing power of the plant.
Looking back on her journey, Macias acknowledges the challenges she has faced and the sacrifices she has made along the way. But she is grateful for the opportunities that have come her way and the impact she has been able to make in the cannabis industry.
As she continues to advocate for access, equity, and education in the industry, Macias remains committed to her mission of moving the cannabis plant forward. She is a trailblazer, a visionary, and a beacon of hope for those who believe in the healing power of cannabis.
For Chanda Macias, the road to success has been paved with obstacles and setbacks. But through it all, she has remained steadfast in her belief that compassion and dedication can drive real change. And as she looks to the future, she is confident that her journey is far from over. With every challenge she faces, she grows stronger and more determined to make a difference in the world of cannabis advocacy.
Her commitment to the project was rooted in more than business. Louisiana’s communities, particularly those affected by the war on drugs, needed what this program could provide: jobs, education, and a pathway to economic empowerment. With the clock ticking, Macias reached out to every connection she had. Eventually, she secured the funding from an unexpected ally—a Pennsylvania-based cannabis company she had once helped pro bono. “They trusted me and that trust brought everything together,” she says.
Under Macias’ leadership, Southern University became the first HBCU to legally grow and manufacture medical cannabis. The program not only created opportunities for local students but also broke new ground in advocacy. Through her work, Macias pushed for statewide decriminalization measures and played a role in securing pardons for thousands of individuals with cannabis-related convictions in Louisiana.
Becoming Queen Zulu
Amid her groundbreaking work in Louisiana, Macias was unexpectedly thrust into the spotlight in a different arena: Mardi Gras. In 2020, she was chosen as Queen Zulu, a title steeped in cultural and historical significance. Founded in 1909, the Zulu Social Aid and Pleasure Club represents the heart of New Orleans’ Black Mardi Gras tradition. Louis Armstrong, the legendary jazz musician, had once served as King Zulu–in 1949. For Macias, stepping into this role was an honor; but it wasn’t without controversy.
The Zulu community, like much of Louisiana, had complex feelings about cannabis. Many of its members had been directly affected by the war on drugs and her association with the plant raised eyebrows. “I remember the King telling me, ‘My community doesn’t like cannabis,’” she recalls. Initially, some members resisted her selection, fearing it might tarnish the club’s legacy. Macias responded with the same determination that defined her career. “I didn’t want to use their platform to push my narrative, but I also wouldn’t hide who I was,” she explains.
She made compromises, agreeing not to wear green or feature cannabis-related imagery in her Mardi Gras appearances. But she stayed true to her mission, using her role to foster dialogue and break down stigma. “The community at first actively tried to remove me,” she says, once again shedding tears. “But the men of Zulu stood up for me. They said, ‘This is our Queen.’”
Macias’ reign became a turning point, not just for her but for the Zulu community. By the end of Mardi Gras, many of her detractors had become advocates. Southern University publicly honored her work and the mayor of New Orleans highlighted her achievements as a cannabis entrepreneur. “In the middle of the parade, they congratulated me on stage for everything I’d done. It was one of the most powerful moments of my life,” she says.
Despite the accolades, the role wasn’t without its challenges. Macias faced threats to her safety and life, a stark reminder of the resistance she encountered as a woman of color leading change in the South. “My husband begged me to come home, but I refused to run away from everything I’d built. I got more security and carried on,” she says. Her commitment paid off, as her advocacy efforts gained traction and her impact on Louisiana’s cannabis landscape solidified.
Women Grow And Foster Hope
When Dr. Macias began her journey in the cannabis industry, she quickly realized that technical knowledge and scientific expertise alone wouldn’t be enough to succeed. Running a dispensary came with unique challenges, from navigating compliance to fostering meaningful community connections. In search of support, she attended a Women Grow event, where she found more than just guidance. “They welcomed me with open arms,” Macias recalls. “They helped me set up my education booths, showed me how to engage with patients and created a community of women helping women.”
Over time, Macias transitioned from attendee to leader. Recognizing her drive and impact, Women Grow entrusted her with managerial roles, first overseeing the D.C. and Maryland markets, and later expanding into Ohio, where she helped lay the groundwork for medical cannabis legalization. In 2018, she was named Chairwoman of the Board and later became CEO. Under her stewardship, Women Grow evolved into a national platform for empowerment, mentorship, and education. “It’s not just about cannabis: it’s about creating opportunities and lifting each other up,” she explains.
Finding Hope In Cannabis
One of the most impactful projects of Macias’ career emerged from a collaboration with autism advocate Erica Daniels in Pennsylvania. Together, they developed Hope, a cannabis product line tailored to children with autism. The initiative addressed symptoms like anxiety, aggression, and lack of focus, offering families a lifeline. “Erica’s insight and dedication to her child’s needs shaped everything about Hope,” Macias says. From avoiding allergens in the formula to tailoring dosages, every detail was carefully considered.
The success of Hope was immediate and profound, generating over $1 million in its first year in Pennsylvania alone. Beyond its financial impact, Hope provided something far more significant: relief for families who had exhausted other options. “Parents would come to us in tears, telling us how this product gave their children a better quality of life,” Macias shares. For her, Hope represents the heart of what cannabis advocacy should be: meeting unmet needs and changing lives.
Advocacy, Challenges And Leadership Reflections
Throughout her career, Macias has been a steadfast advocate for equity and progress in the cannabis industry. She is unflinching in her critique of the systemic barriers that disproportionately affect women and minority entrepreneurs. Her journey has been marked by challenges and triumphs, but through it all, she remains committed to creating a more inclusive and empowering industry for all. Dr. Macias’ story is a testament to the power of perseverance, passion, and purpose, and her impact on the cannabis landscape is nothing short of revolutionary.
“Small cannabis businesses face numerous hurdles in the industry, from excessive taxes to lack of banking services and the looming threat of corporate dominance. However, these challenges hit small operators the hardest,” says Dr. Macias, a prominent figure in the cannabis industry.
One of the major obstacles small cannabis businesses face is Section 280E of the Internal Revenue Code, which prohibits them from deducting normal business expenses, resulting in significantly higher tax bills. Additionally, the lack of access to banking services makes it difficult for these businesses to operate efficiently and securely. The fear of corporate dominance, especially if cannabis is rescheduled to Schedule III, is another concern as it could potentially push out the small businesses that have helped build the industry.
Dr. Macias is a staunch advocate for protecting diversity in the cannabis space and ensuring that it remains accessible to underrepresented communities. She believes that rescheduling cannabis could open the door for Big Pharma to monopolize the industry, which would be detrimental to small businesses. Her advocacy work focuses on mentoring new license holders, addressing operational challenges, and lobbying for policy changes to support small businesses.
Despite the challenges she faces, Dr. Macias finds inspiration in the personal stories of her patients. She recalls a mother of six who found hope through cannabis after being given a grim prognosis, as well as a professor with multiple sclerosis who experienced significant improvement after using cannabis. These stories remind her of the importance of her work and fuel her commitment to advocacy.
Balancing advocacy work with motherhood has not been easy for Dr. Macias, as her children have had to make sacrifices and endure stigma due to her involvement in the cannabis industry. However, she is proud that some of her children now work alongside her in the industry, and she sees her advocacy work as a legacy for her family and community.
Dr. Macias is currently organizing the Women Grow 2025 Leadership Summit in Washington, D.C., where she hopes to empower and inspire key figures in the cannabis industry. The event will feature WNBA star Brittney Griner, whose journey from adversity to resilience and leadership is a source of inspiration for many. Dr. Macias’s determination and advocacy skills played a crucial role in securing Griner’s participation in the summit.
Inclusivity is a core focus of the summit, as Dr. Macias believes that everyone should have access to information and opportunities in the cannabis industry, regardless of their background. She emphasizes the importance of creating spaces where all individuals feel represented and engaged.
Looking ahead, Dr. Macias sees both opportunities and challenges for the cannabis industry. She warns against the impact of high taxes, federal restrictions, and the potential dominance of Big Pharma in the industry. Despite these obstacles, she remains committed to advocacy and education, believing that they are essential for the industry’s future.
Dr. Macias’s advice to others in the cannabis industry is rooted in her own experiences of resilience, dedication, and a commitment to the greater good. She believes that by sharing her message and empowering others, she can help create a better future for all who come after her.” As I stood there, watching the scene unfold before me, I couldn’t shake the feeling of unease that settled in the pit of my stomach. The woman lying on the ground, surrounded by a group of onlookers, was someone’s mother, someone’s sister, someone’s spouse. It just didn’t feel right to stand idly by and do nothing.
The situation was tense, with raised voices and angry accusations flying back and forth. But amidst all the chaos, I couldn’t help but see the humanity in the woman who was at the center of it all. She was someone’s loved one, someone who was deserving of compassion and understanding.
I knew I had to step in, to try and diffuse the situation before it escalated any further. I approached the group slowly, my heart pounding in my chest. “Excuse me,” I said, my voice steady but filled with empathy. “I understand that there may be some misunderstandings here, but let’s try to resolve this peacefully.”
The tension in the air seemed to dissipate slightly as the group turned their attention to me. I could see the uncertainty in their eyes, the conflict between anger and a desire for resolution. I knew I had to tread carefully, to be a voice of reason in a moment of chaos.
As I listened to both sides of the story, I could see that there were valid points on both ends. Miscommunications and misunderstandings had led to this moment, but it didn’t have to end in anger and resentment. I urged the group to take a step back, to consider the feelings of the woman on the ground.
“She is someone’s mother, someone’s sister, someone’s spouse,” I said quietly but firmly. “We need to treat her with respect and dignity, no matter what may have led us to this point.”
Slowly but surely, the group began to calm down. Voices were lowered, tensions eased, and a sense of understanding started to take hold. It was a small victory, but an important one. In that moment, I knew that I had made a difference, that I had stood up for what was right.
As I walked away from the scene, my heart felt heavy but also hopeful. We may not always be able to change the world in an instant, but we can make a difference in small ways, one act of kindness at a time. And in that moment, I was grateful for the opportunity to be a voice for those who couldn’t speak for themselves.
