DEAR HIGH TIMES,
THE BAY AREA LATINO CANNABIS ALLIANCE, BALCA, IS AN ORGANIZATION curating bilingual cannabis community-centered publications. We focus on publishing the perspectives of budtenders, legacy operators, farmers, advocates, and entrepreneurs from all parts of the industry—cultivation, branding, retail, health care, psychology, equity, and history. BALCA has five key principles that hold our organization together and shape our work and vision: professional development, business ownership, civil rights, education, and culture. This platform grew organically from our experiences in the industry and the need to create a space for not only our voices but others with important perspectives on the ever-changing landscape of California cannabis.
In 2018 and 2019, Latinos/as within the cannabis industry met at potlucks, equity, and industry events at locations throughout the Bay Area to share stories…