Ones to Watch 2020: Brennan England
The inaugural Greenway Ones to Watch class were nominated by their peers as those will be some of the most responsible for setting the tone of Missouri’s newest industry. From activists to consultants to operators themselves, the following industry influencers are responsible for determining not only how the industry overcomes the obstacles of 2020, but how the industry will be better for it. The same questions were asked of all; submitted answers and related information edited for grammar and clarity.
NAME: Brennan England
COMPANY: St. Louis Cannabis Club & The Cola Lounge
OPERATING FROM: St. Louis
TITLE: Owner, Conjurer
BACKGROUND: Licensed Massage Therapist, Sales, Activism/Non Profit Work, Musician
Why cannabis?
Cannabis has the potential to change every thinkable industry and touch every life from textiles and fuel to entertainment, cosmetics and medicine. This plant will change the world for the better… if we let it. It bridges ancient shamanism and modern science in a way that could truly be a new era of tech, medicine and culture.
I’m a networker by nature, compassionate activist by spirit and rebel by attitude. The inclusivity, playfulness and adventure of cannabis culture drew me in during my late teens. Though I’m now an educated and grateful patient, my first love with cannabis was totally recreational. I loved the social aspect, heightened creativity it encouraged and the way it calmed me down.
Relief with severe gastrointestinal problems and hyperactivity issues are prominent benefits that I discovered unintentionally.
I got into cannabis legalization activism fueled primarily by the need for social justice and law reform. I studied more about the medical benefits learning about people, sometimes families with sick children, willing to risk their freedom to pursue a medicine that was changing their life.
A decade of countless testimonies have given me a deep respect for the plant as a medicine. This has solidified my confidence that empowering and propagating cannabis culture is part of my life path.
What is your vision of the industry in Missouri?
We sit at the confluence of this country figuratively and literally. Just like the waters of the great rivers collide here, attracting life from all over, our industry has the potential to do the same.
This means a realm where grass roots, local and diverse business ownership intersects with inevitable national corporate interest to co create an industry that meets the needs and wants of consumers while keeping it personal, creative and on the cutting edge. Missouri used to be the end of the “known world”. It’s in our culture here to adventure new horizons and set new trends.
This is why I created the St Louis Cannabis Club (non regional name coming soon)-a nexus for the cannabis industry, bridging consumers with education resources and brands via events and spaces for social consumption. The Cola Lounge is our first concept and we’re offering to network with others that are interested in having similar concepts in their state/city/neighborhood.
What opportunity/opportunities does the industry create in Missouri?
There are so many! I’ll list a few.
- At last, cannabis consumers have the opportunity to be free from persecution for using this plant. So many lives have been ruined due to unnecessary laws and punishments. Minorities (specifically blacks) are disproportionately targeted for non violent cannabis related offenses.
- Veterans have the opportunity to avoid suffering with medicines that numb but rarely heal mental/physical trauma.
- Patients, including parents of children with chronic illnesses no longer have to seek asylum and risk repercussions for seeking legitimate medical treatment.
- Local and state revenue are positively affected by product sales and tourism. Countless jobs are created, especially in areas that need them.
- We have an opportunity to curb our staggering levels of substance abuse, violence and suicide with cannabis as a safe and healthy alternative treatment.
- This industry has the opportunity to heal wounds in our social paradigm that are harming our ability to live healthy and prosper equally.
What is one thing you wish all Missourians knew about cannabis?
One thing? It was only made illegal to culturally divide us, tame us and create strongholds for other industries..not because it’s unsafe. If you don’t believe it, just research the history of the plant’s use in America before it’s prohibition and how much the country actually thrived on it. Most textiles including parachutes and rope in WW1 were made of hemp and the extracts from the female plant could be found in every doctor’s cabinet.