We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Natacha Andrews, Esq. a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Natacha, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today Let’s kick things off with your mission – what is it and what’s the story behind why it’s your mission?

At the heart of my work in cannabis advocacy is a deeply rooted mission: to use my legal background and knowledge of cannabis policy to address certain systemic inequities that have long plagued African American communities, particularly in the realms of health and economic opportunity.

Strangely, my passion for cannabis advocacy started by accident, from my experiences as an immigration attorney. During my years of practice, I witnessed families who were torn apart by cannabis. For many, who came to be ensnared in our legal system as a result of low-level, non-violent cannabis convictions, they often faced incarceration, deportation and sometimes permanent family separation. Although immigrants from all parts of the world were subject to deportation for various offenses, a disproportionate number of those removed for simply possessing the plant were Black and Brown immigrants of African descent.

At the beginning of 2019, I had no knowledge that cannabis had been legalized for any reason in the United States. By 2020, being fully aware that several states had legalized cannabis medicinally and several more were poised to legalize for adult use, I immediately thought of the families I had seen devastated because of cannabis and I struggled to reconcile the inequities inherent to the two different realities that coexisted for users of cannabis around our nation.

These injustices ignited a fire in me to gain an understanding of how this could be possible and to explore the broader implications of cannabis prohibition and its disproportionate impact on communities of color. What I discovered was staggering. The War on Drugs had not only criminalized cannabis, but also entrenched cycles of poverty, denied access to healthcare, and even after states ended prohibition, excluded Black individuals in legalized states from participating in the burgeoning legal cannabis industry.

While many attorneys, began to flock to the nascent cannabis industry in 2020, the market continued to be plagued by a lack of diversity throughout. A quick look beneath the surface made the reason why painfully obvious. Much like the landscape of many other industries, the Black dollars of consumers were more than welcomed to help bring wealth into the ecosystem, but very little value was assigned to Black ownership, leadership or autonomy. Worst still, less that 2% of the thought leaders, legal experts and policy makers of the time were Black. This realization led me to found the National Association of Black Cannabis Lawyers (NABCL) as an initiative designed to dismantle barriers through advocacy, education, and business development.

My mission is meaningful because it’s about more than cannabis—it’s about justice, access, and empowerment. Cannabis is a tool for healing both physical ailments and the generational wounds caused by systemic oppression. It’s a pathway to wealth creation in an industry projected to generate hundreds of billions in tax revenue and where hundreds of thousands of (uncounted) jobs have already been created, yet one that remains overwhelmingly inaccessible to Black entrepreneurs.

Ironically, we are entering an era where the mere mention of equity send ripples of hate, anger and resentment from a very polarized nation, despite the fact that most people benefit from some aspect of equal access several times each day. Through my work, I aim to create a future where cannabis policies are equitable, inclusive, and reparative despite the dystopian reality that has somehow turned equality into an anti-American sentiment. A future where those harmed by prohibition are not only acknowledged but prioritized in the industry’s growth, is a healthy future that puts truth and responsibility at its forefront and seeks to do better because we know better.

This mission fuels everything I do because it’s not just about changing laws or building businesses; it’s about restoring dignity and opportunity to those who have been systemically marginalized. That’s why this work matters and why I’ll continue fighting until there’s no longer a need to force equity into the fiber of the industry.

Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.

Hi there. I’m Natacha Andrews, an attorney, author, cannabis law professor, and consultant with over 25 years of legal experience. As the Founder of the National Association of Black Cannabis Lawyers (NABCL) and CEO of The Evergreen Solutions Group, I’ve dedicated my work to correcting the false narratives surrounding cannabis plant medicine while educating other legal professionals and advancing equitable access for entrepreneurs..

My journey into cannabis law began during my time as an immigration attorney, where I became determined to understand how the nation could simultaneously move toward cannabis legalization for some, while continuing to criminalize its use for others, I immersed myself in learning about cannabis law and policy. What I discovered was a glaring lack of diversity in the legal and business aspects of the industry—an inequity I’ve been working tirelessly to address ever since.

Through NABCL, I’ve built a network of Black attorneys and advocacy allies who are committed to creating a cannabis industry that is accessible to everyone, especially those who were disproportionately harmed by losses of wages, freedom, education, housing, healthcare and countless other liberties as a direct result of inequitable law enforcement practices targeting Black communities and cannabis users deemed less desirable in the eyes of the law.

NABCL provides education, resources, and support to empower attorneys who want to help entrepreneurs and patients gain fair access to every aspect of the cannabis ecosystem. As CEO of The Evergreen Solutions Group, I consult with cannabis entrepreneurs and businesses to help them navigate complex legal landscapes while building sustainable and socially responsible enterprises.

What sets me apart is my holistic approach to advocacy. I don’t just focus on legal reform—I’m also passionate about educating communities on the health benefits of cannabis and reducing stigma around its use while maintaining a balanced perspective that recognizes that with any drug reform policy, harm reduction is paramount. As a law professor, I teach Cannabis Law & Policy, equipping future leaders with the knowledge they need to drive meaningful change. I am also an author sharing my journey in cannabis and my vision for a more equitable future.

I’m most proud of my ability to merge advocacy with action. Whether it’s helping clients establish their footing in the burgeoning cannabis market or pushing for policy changes that opens opportunities for all communities, my work is rooted in justice and empowerment. I believe that true progress comes when the source of unfair harm course corrects, ensuring that those who have been intentionally excluded from opportunity are made whole by creating pathways for them to thrive. I view cannabis not just as an industry but as a tool for healing—both physical ailments and the generational harm caused by systemic obstacles.

You can find more about me and my work at https://bio.site/natacha.andrews

Where do you think you get most of your clients from?

Without a doubt, my public speaking engagements have been the most fruitful source of new clients for my business. Whether it’s at conferences, industry events, corporate training sessions or university lectures, educating people allows me to directly connect with potential clients, showcase my expertise, and build trust. By sharing my insights and passion for equitable cannabis policy, I attract individuals and organizations who resonate with my values and are seeking a knowledgeable and dedicated partner in the cannabis industry.

How do you keep your team’s morale high?

The cannabis industry can be frustrating, unpredictable, and frightening. Each day the industry reinvents itself and under a new administration, many entrepreneurs will face even more uncertainty than ever. But if nothing else, the industry teaches us to be ready for just about anything at any time—just don’t get used to any of it!

For me, managing a team and maintaining high morale boils down to three key principles: transparency, empowerment, and recognition:

First, transparency is crucial. I believe in openly communicating our goals, challenges, and progress with the team. When everyone understands the ‘why’ behind our work, they feel more invested and motivated.

Second, I strive to empower each team member by giving them autonomy and ownership over their projects. Encouraging creativity and providing opportunities for professional growth not only boosts morale but also fosters a sense of purpose. This keeps me from becoming the bottleneck in my own organization.

Finally, recognition is vital. Acknowledging both individual and team achievements, no matter how small, reinforces positive behavior and creates a supportive and appreciative work environment. Celebrating successes together helps build camaraderie and keeps morale high, even during challenging times.

Ultimately, it’s about creating an environment where everyone feels valued, respected, and inspired to do their best work.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.nabcl.com www.theevergreensolutions.com
• Other: https://bit.ly/3X3HdIu

Image Credits

Nyree Anije