Jesce Horton’s story proves that setbacks can be the setup for something greater. He lost a scholarship and corporate job opportunities because of cannabis. But instead of being defeated, he accepted rejection as redirection and found a career working with the plant. Now, as the founder of LOWD, he’s a leading advocate for Black ownership, representation, and real equity in the cannabis industry.

Jesce shares how quitting his lucrative job to grow weed in his basement led to a thriving career in cannabis. His industrial engineering background gave him the tools to develop smart, sustainable systems, helping him scale LOWD into an award-winning cannabis production company. He also opens up about his partnership with NBA legend Carmelo Anthony to develop Stay Melo and launch Grand National Agency, a platform designed to uplift others in the space.

On this episode of For Good podcast, Joseph "JoJo" Simmons and Jesce dive into:

• The first time he smoked and how it changed his path forever.
• The book that shifted his mindset and set him on the road to success.
• Why it's important for celebs like Carmelo Anthony to form strategic, intentional partnerships when entering the cannabis business.

Links and Resources:

• Follow @jescehorton on Instagram
• Follow @thelowd on Instagram
• Follow @forgoodpodcast on Instagram

Subscribe to the For Good podcast on Spotify, Apple, or wherever you get your podcasts.

Timestamps:

• 00:00 Welcome to For Good
• 01:45 Why the Cannabis Industry Needs More Black Leaders
• 02:47 My First Smoke: A Life-Changing Connection
• 03:34 Sneaking Weed: My Parents Found Out
• 06:20 How Cannabis Helped Me Ace School
• 07:44 Failed the Drug Test and Lost It All
• 09:26 Amsterdam Changed Everything
• 11:47 From Engineer to Weed Grower: Taking the Leap
• 14:10 What If I Worked on Something I Loved?
• 16:31 How Engineering Made Me a Better Grower
• 20:26 The Biggest Misconception About The Business
• 19:54 Founding the Minority Cannabis Business Association
• 22:33 The Three Pillars of Equity in Cannabis
• 23:32 Using Cannabis to Create Real Change
• 27:27 Teaming up with Carmelo Anthony
• 31:36 Corporate Cannabis Doesn’t Get the Culture
• 31:54 The Industry’s Biggest Problem Today
• 35:04 Managing Mental Health as a Cannabis Entrepreneur