Cutting the Ribbon: How a New Cannabis Dispensary is Planting Seeds of Equity in Sacramento

On December 16, a community of advocates and officials gathered to celebrate the grand opening of the STIIIZY Sacramento cannabis dispensary, co-founded by the influential Malaki Amen. Located at 4080 24th Street, this Black-owned dispensary isn’t just entering the market; it’s making a bold statement about equity in the cannabis industry. Amen, a longtime activist and policy leader, has fought tirelessly to ensure that the communities hardest hit by the war on drugs have a seat at the table.

The ribbon-cutting ceremony marked the beginning of a new journey for both Amen and the neighborhood, as it signals a commitment to dismantle the inequities that have plagued the cannabis market. With the backing of STIIIZY, the top cannabis brand in the U.S., this dispensary not only aims to provide high-quality products, but also works to empower the very communities that have faced legal and economic barriers.

Amen’s advocacy efforts led to the creation of Sacramento’s Cannabis Opportunity Reinvestment and Equity (CORE) ordinance, which aims to change the landscape for marginalized groups. By opening the STIIIZY Sacramento dispensary, he’s built a blueprint for success that promises to inspire future entrepreneurs facing similar challenges.

As the community looks ahead to the formal soft opening on December 20, there’s a tangible excitement in the air—this isn’t just about cannabis; it’s about healing, empowerment, and breathing life into business dreams that were once suppressed. In a world where the phrase “let’s grow together” often gets thrown around, this dispensary really illustrates what that means on a grassroots level.