Cannabis industry pioneer Wanda James runs for Congress.
James is the CEO of a Denver Cannabis Retail Store, the first Black woman in Colorado to own a licensed cannabis dispensary, and may also be the first entrepreneur in Washington’s $32 billion industry.
James, 61, currently on the board of the University of Colorado Regent Committee, will challenge longtime Democratic U.S. Rep. Diana Degette, who has represented Colorado’s first congressional district for nearly three decades.
Earlier this year, the CU board reviewed James prioritizing his own personal interests over college tasks.
However, James’ supporters believe she faces punishment for racist images of black babies and teenagers, a movement that emphasizes the risks of marijuana.
James told CU President Todd Saliman that the images are racially insensitive.
James joined four more contenders in the June 30 Democratic primary.
“Our country was broken, and it also broke Denver residents,” James said in a statement. “The future under this administration is bleak.”
“It’s time to make sure families, students and communities are no longer blocked by Republicans who will suppress their success in Denver and undermine our economic security.”
James is a U.S. Navy veteran, entrepreneur and activist who positioned himself as the fresh voice of Denver.
Degette, 68, is the longest-serving member of the Colorado current congressional delegation.
Cannabis advocates and business owners are running for Congress
Before entering the cannabis industry, James and her husband Scott Durrah co-founded the cannabis business in 2009, where he was involved in an effort to overturn a court-ordered cannabis charge.
Former Colorado Governor John Hickenlooper has appointed James to join the Amendment Task Force 64 task force task force after Colorado voters approved marijuana legalization in 2012, where she helped formulate rules for the legalization of recreational marijuana.
Later, she served in several other working groups for food, packaging, pharmacy operations and communications.
For James, the battle was personal. Her brother was sent to federal prison for 10 years at the age of 19.
Her real goodwill in the cannabis industry may not offer a great advantage in the incumbents’ cannabis-friendly elections, too.
The National Cannabis Reform Organization (Norml) provides A+ for efforts to support the cannabis industry.
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Wanda James’ political savvy
James manages Colorado Gov. Jared Polis’ first congressional movement and was appointed to the National Finance Committee by former President Barack Obama.
She is the former chairman of the National Women’s Political Caucus and has served as governor’s appointment to the Colorado Tourism Commission.
Former Denver Mayor Welling Webb praised Wanda James for her leadership and problem-solving skills, emphasizing her dedication to the community.
“In everyone’s mind, affordability caused by returning economic decisions is a problem, and Wanda James is a problem to solve the problem of Denver and the needs of the country,” Weber said in a statement.
“From electing strong Democrats, building businesses, serving in higher education, always putting the community at the head, we’ve seen her fight on every level.”
Margaret Jackson can be reached Margaret.jackson@mjbizdaily.com.
