COLUMBUS – Denisha and Amber Glenn envisioned a promising future for their cannabis business, Holistika, within the walls of an abandoned retail store. They aim to establish one of Mississippi’s first medical marijuana dispensaries.
The sisters, who previously founded a successful human resources company, embarked on this venture with thorough preparation. “We started the planning process back in 2020,” Amber Glenn stated. “Being Black women, we understood the challenges we would face, so we made sure to follow all regulations from day one.”
Research and Preparation
The sisters actively sought knowledge through attending out-of-state expos, touring established dispensaries, and carefully studying Mississippi’s Medical Cannabis Act. They engaged with a city inspector early on to ensure their architectural plans met all necessary plumbing and electrical codes.
As self-made businesswomen in an industry mostly dominated by white men, they faced significant hurdles. A survey from Marijuana Business Daily in 2017 highlighted that less than 20% of cannabis business owners are minorities. “When we met with companies, these white men would often disappear upon seeing us in person,” Denisha Glenn expressed.
Application Challenges
Despite their diligent planning, the sisters faced continuous setbacks. When unable to find a local land surveyor, they contacted one willing to travel two hours. They meticulously prepared their application, intending to submit it the moment the state’s online portal opened. Unfortunately, a competitor submitted their application sooner, emphasizing the importance of speed in Mississippi’s competitive licensing landscape.
The first round of licenses primarily went to well-connected applicants, including high-profile attorneys and individuals with substantial financial backing. The Glenn sisters noted that they were aware of only one other Black woman in Mississippi also pursuing a dispensary license.
Their disappointment upon receiving a rejection was compounded by protracted delays in obtaining a formal decision. The sisters waited months for feedback on Holistika’s application, which they believed hampered their ability to secure an alternative location quickly.
Regulatory Issues
Denisha Glenn pointed out the lack of efficient communication and personnel in the licensing process. “It seems there’s a shortage of staff and training,” she noted, which led to extended periods of uncertainty for applicants seeking clarity.
In response, the Mississippi Department of Revenue communicated that they aim to respond promptly to inquiries from applicants, typically within one business day. Since opening applications in July, the Department has issued 139 dispensary licenses, processing them in the order they were received.
Lessons Learned
The Glenn sisters noted the legal mandate that applicants should receive license confirmations or denials within 30 days. “Knowing the timeline is crucial,” said attorney Slates Veazey, stressing the importance of timely information for potential applicants.
As the sisters continued their search for a new location, an existing bakery owner, Nicole Huff, successfully completed her application in a matter of days and became one of the first dispensary license holders in the state. Huff expressed pride in the thoroughness of the State Department’s application process.
A New Opportunity
Determined to move forward, Denisha and Amber soon engaged in extensive research to find another suitable property. However, their challenges persisted as their initial application remained in limbo. A pivotal call to the media representative at the Department of Health allowed them to connect with officials who were ultimately supportive and informative.
Once the Glenn sisters received a refund of their application fees, they applied for a new license on October 14. This required them to forego their initial location. They ultimately found a new spot closer to their community in Columbus, citing it as a fortuitous development.
By late October, the sisters received confirmation that their new location was approved, marking a significant milestone in their journey to establish Holistika.
