For this mother-daughter duo, cannabis isn’t just a commodity—it’s a carefully curated tool for healing.

Anacostia Organics opened in 2019, becoming the first medical dispensary east of the Anacostia River in Washington, DC. At a time when most dispensaries were planting roots in affluent neighborhoods or behind layers of security glass, Linda Mercado Greene chose to set up shop in Ward 8, one of DC’s most underserved communities. 

It’s not your typical dispensary. Granted, Linda isn’t your typical cannabis entrepreneur. With decades of experience navigating Capitol Hill, running PR firms, and advising the powerful (including Nelson Mandela and Michael Jackson), the 70-something cannabis trailblazer brings both clout and compassion to an industry still fighting for legitimacy. 

Family-owned and operated

Helmed alongside her daughter Tamia, who serves as Director and General Manager, Linda has created something rare in today’s legal weed landscape: a minority- and women-owned dispensary that isn’t just a place to buy cannabis, but a place to be seen, heard, and cared for.

For this mother-daughter duo, cannabis isn’t just a commodity—it’s a carefully curated tool for healing. The inventory reflects this intentional approach with attention to terpene profiles and cannabinoid content, even if most DC consumers still shop by THC percentage. “People are learning,” says Tamia. “For a long time, people would come in and ask for one brand only—like, ‘I only smoke District Cannabis,’” she recalls. “But lately, they’ve become more open. If we’re out of something, they trust our staff to recommend something new.”

On the menu: Hyper-local and medicinal

For Linda and her team, building trust is just as important as the products on offer. In a city where many patients—yes, patients, because DC is still a medical-only market—are seniors managing chronic conditions, Anacostia Organics caters to people with arthritis, cancer, and people on multiple medications. “A lot of people want the relief without having to smoke.” Linda adds.

Tourists, enabled to self-certify their need for cannabis, seek the store out, too, and the insular DC market means that the menu is dominated by only a handful of DC-licensed cultivators. District-grown flower, terpene-rich edibles, topicals, and infused honeys are all part of the mix—though keeping the shelves stocked isn’t always easy in a medical market that’s still playing catch-up.

It’s not easy being a DC dispensary

“There’s a shortage right now,” Linda explains. With DC’s recent push to transition legacy operators into the legal space, the demand for products has surged—without a matching supply. “Cultivators didn’t have enough time to prepare for all these new businesses entering the market,” she says.“My stock levels fluctuate a little bit more now than they did previously.”

Despite being one of the earliest jurisdictions on the East Coast to legalize medical cannabis in 1998, the District has faced unique challenges in regulating its cannabis industry.

Shortages aren’t the only uphill battle that DC dispensary owners face. The struggle for dispensary owners is further compounded by federal tax code 280E, which prevents cannabis businesses like Anacostia Organics from deducting standard business expenses. “Eighty-five cents of every dollar goes to the IRS,” Linda says. “That’s because of 280E. We can’t write off rent, salaries, utilities—nothing.” It’s an especially heavy burden in a jurisdiction barred from building the retail infrastructure to compete with the illicit market.

Despite being one of the earliest jurisdictions on the East Coast to legalize medical cannabis in 1998, the District has faced unique challenges in regulating its cannabis industry. Federal interference delayed implementation of its medical program for more than a decade, and although voters overwhelmingly approved adult-use legalization in 2015, Congressional control over the District’s budget has prevented the city from establishing a regulated market. 

Every year, a rider introduced by Maryland Congressman Andy Harris—commonly referred to as the “Harris Rider”—blocks the District from using local funds to enact the will of its residents. “Only one member of Congress can stop the whole thing,” says Linda. If not for that, “DC would have a flourishing adult-use market generating tens of millions in revenue.” 

A sanctuary, not just a store

Despite the challenges, Linda keeps pushing forward. From organizing job fairs and educational sessions to hosting the city’s first government-sponsored cannabis podcast, Cannabis Conversations, she’s building something bigger than a dispensary. “Our motto is that ‘we are family, not a factory,’” she says. “We hug, we celebrate birthdays, we educate. It’s about community, not just cannabis.”

At Anacostia Organics, the mission goes beyond selling cannabis—it’s about restoring dignity, building trust, and creating space for healing. While the industry in DC is still grappling with restrictive laws and uncertain access, Linda has made her dispensary a sanctuary. The space itself is proof of that intention: warm, welcoming, filled with plants and original art. Patients are greeted with knowledge and kindness, not bulletproof glass. 

“Our motto is that ‘we are family, not a factory.’ We hug, we celebrate birthdays, we educate. It’s about community, not just cannabis.”

Linda Mercado Greene

The team takes time with each person who walks through the door, whether they’re seeking pain relief, guidance, or just someone who will listen without judgment.

As for the future? Linda is considering cultivation, “some sort of vertical integration.” She wants to expand into the South, bringing the Anacostia Organics experience to communities that need it. And, she wants to see federal legalization finally become a reality. No matter how the business grows, one thing won’t change: her commitment to compassion, community, and care.

“I think what sets us apart,” she says, “is that we see this plant not as a product, but as a tool for healing. And everyone who walks through our doors—no matter where they come from—deserves to feel that.”

Looking for cannabis and community in Washington DC? Shop the Anacostia Organics menu on Leafly for pickup, find daily deals, and stock up on all your favorites today.

In a cannabis market only beginning to recognize the potential of home delivery, Delivered Inc. is already setting the standard. Founded by Ruben Seyde, Eddy Twal, and Tut Liu, Delivered Inc.—based in Worcester, Massachusetts—launched in July 2023, becoming the fifth licensed home delivery operator in the state.

With backgrounds in both the legacy market and regulated industries, the Delivered Inc. leadership trio brings a passion for the plant that provides street-level cred along with business acumen.

The idea was born out of a pivot. Ruben originally planned to launch a 55-acre outdoor grow, but when COVID derailed funding, he shifted focus to the state’s new delivery license—a more accessible entry point into the legal market. Investor connections and shared values brought Eddy and Tut into the fold.

With backgrounds in both the legacy market and regulated industries, the trio brings a passion for the plant that provides street-level cred along with business acumen. That lived experience drives their mission: to fix what’s broken about cannabis delivery—whether it’s unreliable ETAs, poor communication, or bottom-shelf flower. 

Their solution: fast, reliable logistics and a thoughtfully curated menu, with service in English, Spanish, and Portuguese. Customers get real-time tracking, prompt drop-offs, and a streamlined experience that feels as convenient as Uber Eats. There’s no reason it should feel sketchy, inconsistent, or late, according to Eddy. “It’s our responsibility to make our customers feel safe and give them an easy and seamless transaction.”

The nose knows

On the menu: pre-rolls, edibles, vapes, tinctures, rolling papers, and lighters. “We carry just about everything a typical stoner would want,” says Eddy. “But we put a lot of thought into how we build our inventory.”

That thoughtfulness starts with choosing the right partners. “We love working with small, social equity, and minority-owned businesses,” says Ruben. “Our goal is to offer value beyond just the product—supporting local entrepreneurs who care about the plant and the people consuming it.” He points to brands like Bailey’s Buds, Haven, U-4-EA, and even local competitors—like local producer (and fellow home delivery trailblazer) Major Bloom. “They paved the way. We credit them with helping to build this market.”

“I go by the nose—the smell tells you everything. If it’s got those terpene-rich aromas, it’s going to hit well for the consumer.”

While Delivered Inc. aims to serve a wide range of consumers, the realities of running a delivery service introduce some limits. “We have a delivery minimum of $75, which unfortunately prices some folks out,” Ruben acknowledges. “But we work hard to offer real value at that price point—like full ounces for $75, including tax. That way, people on a budget still get quality and convenience.”

At the same time, the team’s craft-first philosophy appeals to cannasseurs. Touring every grow facility themselves, Ruben and Eddy prioritize cultivators who put care into their practices. “I don’t really look at strain names or test results,” Ruben says. “I go by the nose—the smell tells you everything. If it’s got those terpene-rich aromas, it’s going to hit well for the consumer.”

Education also plays a role. “A lot of people still shop by THC percentage, but that’s not the whole story,” Eddy explains. “We try to help them understand the entourage effect, the role of terpenes, and that lower-THC flower can still deliver an incredible high.”

Tech-driven, human-led

With a menu populated by highly curated picks, Delivered Inc. sets itself apart further with a blend of cutting-edge tech. “We offer something unique—an AI budtender that gives personalized recommendations based on your tastes and mood,” explains Eddy. Powered by cannabis platform Jointly, the feature bridges the gap between digital ordering and a real dispensary consultation.

“We’re connecting with communities that previously only had access through the illicit market.”

“And every page on our menu includes AI suggestions based on your shopping history,” adds Ruben. “We want to make shopping as intuitive and frictionless as possible.”

But the tech doesn’t come at the cost of connection. With founders fluent in Spanish and Portuguese, Delivered Inc. is reaching customers who’ve historically been underserved by the legal market. “We’re connecting with communities that previously only had access through the illicit market,” Eddy says.

Speed bumps and roadblocks

For Delivered Inc., the road hasn’t just been uphill—it’s been underfunded and full of systemic barriers.  They weren’t selected as a recipient for Massachusetts’ Cannabis Social Equity Trust Fund, and the “lack of access to capital is the biggest challenge. It really hinders our ability to grow, ” says Ruben.

Marketing is also an uphill battle. As an online-only brand with no storefront, Delivered Inc. remains largely invisible to consumers unless they already know where to look. “We want to reach people compliantly,” says Eddy. “But building a social presence is hard.” From restrictive ad rules to being excluded from the state’s “Find a Retailer” locator, digital cannabis companies are often cut off from basic tools of modern marketing.

But limitations have also sparked creativity. One upside of not having capital, Ruben reflects, “is that we’ve developed a very personal approach with our customers.” With founders handling daily operations, “it really allows us to build strong relationships with our customers.” That kind of connection becomes a referral engine: “People love us, and they tell their friends.”

Looking ahead: Cannabis goes mainstream

When asked what’s next for Delivered Inc., Ruben doesn’t hesitate. “We’re going to be the best delivery operator in Massachusetts.”

After that? New England. Then the nation. “That’s our goal,” says Eddy. “We want to deliver an experience that’s easy, safe, and convenient for folks everywhere.”

Challenging the way Boston’s cannabis consumers think about their old plug, Green Flash Delivery is redefining convenience, quality, and community in the local weed scene. Operating out of a 2,000-square-foot warehouse in Roxbury, this fast-growing service offers a curated selection of products from over 30 top-tier brands and suppliers. 

At its core, Green Flash is the vision of Mario Signore and Duane Edward Osborn—a dynamic duo blending expertise in cultivation with a sharp eye for streamlined delivery. Together, they’re not just running a business; they’re building a brand rooted in authenticity, accessibility, and the culture of Boston cannabis.

Born in Roxbury, built for change

By launching a cannabis business in his own backyard, Osborn is not only taking advantage of Massachusetts’ social equity programs but also creating opportunities for those who have long been shut out of the legal economy.

For Mario and Duane, the opportunity for a weed delivery business in a city like Boston was a no-brainer. With a dense population, a thriving university scene, and limited retail storefronts, the demand for convenient cannabis access was clear.

The choice to establish Green Flash in Roxbury was more than a business decision—it was a commitment to the community. For Duane, Roxbury isn’t just where he grew up; it’s a historically Black neighborhood deeply affected by the war on drugs.

Generations of men in the area have faced incarceration, leaving them with criminal records that make finding employment nearly impossible. By launching a cannabis business in his own backyard, Osborn is not only taking advantage of Massachusetts’ social equity programs but also creating opportunities for those who have long been shut out of the legal economy.

Beyond job creation, Green Flash is invested in supporting Roxbury’s broader social and economic well-being. The company prioritizes hiring locally, working with community organizations, and addressing issues like the opioid crisis, which has hit the neighborhood hard. While state regulations prevent hiring people in recovery to handle cannabis directly, Green Flash finds other ways to provide employment, from building renovations to neighborhood cleanups.

Osborn’s nonprofit, the Black Net Worth Development Association, works to close Boston’s staggering racial wealth gap by promoting Black homeownership. For Green Flash, success isn’t just about selling cannabis—it’s about creating lasting change in Roxbury.

The evolution of cannabis delivery in Boston

The Green Flash team also recognized a gap in the market: while dispensaries catered to walk-in customers, many consumers preferred the privacy and convenience of home delivery.

For Green Flash, success isn’t just about selling cannabis—it’s about creating lasting change in Roxbury.

For decades, the cannabis market in neighborhoods like Roxbury, Dorchester, and Southie operated in familiar, underground ways—buyers relied on personal connections, transactions happened behind closed doors, and paranoia was part of the process. But as legal cannabis delivery services take hold, the landscape is shifting.

Drawn in by competitive prices, reliability, and a level of professionalism the legacy market never offered, Green Flash is attracting new and longtime consumers alike. “People like buying from us because we’re dependable. We don’t make people wait for hours,” Mario explains. “No awkward exchanges, no pressure to smoke just to prove yourself. Just good service.”

Curating the perfect cannabis experience

The selection from your old plug probably pales in comparison to what’s on offer from Green Flash, where every strain, edible, and vape in their lineup is chosen with intention. They prioritize craft growers and independent brands, selecting products from those who have deep roots in the traditional market and a genuine respect for cannabis culture. 

They prioritize craft growers and independent brands, selecting products from those who have deep roots in the traditional market and a genuine respect for cannabis culture.

Customer favorites include wood-tip pre-rolled blunts from Blossom, premium flower from Trade Routes, and top-tier vapes from trusted cultivators. By curating a selection that balances quality, authenticity, and customer demand, Green Flash ensures that every product they offer meets the highest standards.

A key part of their approach is listening. “We talk to almost every customer,” says Mario. “A lot of them are first-timers or curious about THC. We take the time to explain things like the entourage effect and different cannabinoids like CBG, CBN, or CBD.” 

Whether it’s introducing a new customer to the right strain or helping a seasoned consumer explore the benefits of minor cannabinoids, their commitment to thoughtful curation is helping reshape Boston’s cannabis culture, one conversation at a time.

Looking forward: The future of Green Flash

Since opening for business on Super Bowl Sunday 2024, Green Flash Delivery has quickly built a loyal customer base. Now they’re ready to take the next big step. So far, they’ve grown the company with minimal resources, and now they’re finally securing a marketing budget—an investment that will help them transition from walking to running.

As the industry continues to evolve, Green Flash is committed to preserving the culture that Boston’s cannabis scene has worked hard to cultivate.

Their goal is clear: to become a household name for cannabis delivery in Boston while staying true to their roots. Unlike many other cannabis businesses, Green Flash is determined to remain locally owned, hiring from within the community and reinvesting revenue back into the neighborhoods they serve.

As the industry continues to evolve, Green Flash is committed to preserving the culture that Boston’s cannabis scene has worked hard to cultivate.

More than just a delivery service, they see themselves as an independent voice for local consumers, free from outside influence or agendas. Their independence means they can curate products based on what their customers love—not just what the industry pushes.

“When you want your green in a flash,” they say, “you call Green Flash.” And as they continue to grow, one thing is certain: they’ll do it on their own terms, as a true Boston brand.

Ready to have your green delivered in a flash? Shop the Green Flash menu on Leafly for delivery, find daily deals, and stock up on all your favorites today.