Forbes: Biggie’s Own C.J. Wallace And Willie Mack Fight To Legalize Cannabis, Celebrate Black Culture And Creativity With New Lifestyle Brand
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More than a year ago, I heard C.J. Wallace, son of Christopher “The Notorious BIG” Wallace, was getting into the cannabis industry. People told me his organization, Think BIG, was cool as hell. But after looking into it, I could not (for the life of me) figure out what it did. I think C.J. and his partner, creative genius Willie Mack, seemed to be still in the formative stages.
At the time, they had launched a limited edition line of cannabis with one of the leading companies in the space. However – they told me at the time, they knew Think BIG had to be about much more than just selling good weed. It needed to be about doing good.
Going BIG
Over a year has gone by, and C.J. and Willie’s lives have changed.
“A year ago, I didn’t really see what we’re doing now,” C.J. acknowledged during a recent conversation. “I understood the importance of reinvestment into all of the communities most harmed by the War on Drugs and an unfair criminal justice system. I knew the social equity piece and criminal justice reform aspect were going to be huge, key parts of our business. However, at the time, I think I really wanted to have a cannabis product out.”
As time went by, C.J. became increasingly aware of his privileged position as a black, cannabis entrepreneur with connections, a legacy, a name and a team. How many others could claim this? And so, he reckoned: this force had to be used for a greater good. “This past year has been a great learning experience… You have to evolve,” he explained.
And evolved they have. Think BIG is not just a cannabis company. In reality, Think BIG is a company focused on legalization and criminal/social justice reform.
“Our True North as people and business is global legalization of cannabis and hemp, because legalization forces hard conversations about the roots and enforcement of prohibition and numerous discussions on how to help the people most harmed by prohibition,” said Mack.
Essential Business
The COVID-19 pandemic has changed everyone’s realities and priorities, and Think BIG is no exception.
Right before COVID-19 shut down New York, Think BIG spent a week traveling across the state to meeting with representatives from Governor Cuomo’s office; Brooklyn Borough President Eric Adams; the Harlem Business Alliance; and other elected, religious and community leaders. Everyone was committed to cannabis reform and gave C.J., Willie and their coalition of legalization and advocacy partners Jason Ortiz, President of the Minority Business Cannabis Association and cannabis executive and Super Bowl champion Marvin Washington an opportunity to discuss their legalization policy platform…
Read at Forbes: https://www.forbes.com/sites/javierhasse/2020/05/20/think-big/#10b1ab89126b
