Creating a Career in Cannabis and Hemp

Mary Teresa Pryor is a tenacious, dedicated, and inventive expert in the industries of marketing, journalism, technology, and entrepreneurship. Born in Detroit, MI, she focuses on helping people (and corporate entities) feel connected in the digital world, benefiting the social good of the general public, and creating safe spaces for African American minds in traditionally white spaces. Named the Innovator of the Year in 2014 at SXSW, her vast array of experience in conceptual and creative fields has led to her, over the duration of her career, being featured on global platforms such as NBC News, Vogue, Complex, Afropunk, Essence, AdAge, Blavity, and Bustle.

Amongst her colleagues, Mary is known for being a trendsetting, innovative, passionate and strategic problem solver. She is a bicoastal media expert with an impressive roster of employers and clients.

Mary is the co-founder and CEO of Cannaclusive, a collective focused on inclusion in the cannabis industry and Cannabis For Black Lives, a coalition of cannabis companies galvanizing the cannabis industry to support Black lives. Mary is also the Chief Marketing Officer at Tonic CBD, a company that provides sustainable hemp wellness solutions for consumers. She’s also the New York Chapter President of Minorities for Medical Marijuana, the current New York advocate for The People’s Dispensary, and serves as a Marketing and Advertising Committee Member for the National Cannabis Industry Association.

A sought after panelist and host, she’s spoken at panels at SXSW, Black Tech Week, Black Wall Street, Urban League of New York, Broccoli Mag Festival Portland, US Black Chamber of Commerce, SELF Magazine and other important platforms.